We've got a big week here locally, with Debo Band's record release party with Grupo Fantasma and DJ Bongohead at the Iron Horse on Thursday, our own monthly vinyl throwdown Sweet Exorcist at the People's Pint in Greenfield on Friday the 13th (10pm, free) and this year's Green River Festival, also in Greenfield on the weekend. The festival will showcase many funky bands, including the likes of Pimps of Joytime, Spanglish Fly, Rebirth Brass Band, Ozomatli, Rubblebucket, Lee Fields, Charles Bradley, The Alchemystics, as well as Richard Thompson, Los Lobos, the Guthrie Family, CJ Chenier and many others. Info on that festival can be had here.
On this program I presented music from many of the above artists. I consciously jumped around styles severly, just for the fun of it. I also played some stuff I hadn't gotten to the last few times.
The Funkees..."Akula Owu Onyeara"...Dancing Time...(Soundway)
From the highly recommended anthology from this 70s Nigerian band.
Wganda Kenya..."Fiebre de Lepra"...v/a-The Afrosound of Colombia...(Vampisoul)
One of the best comps to hit the streets in several years, no joke. DJ Bongohead and Vampisoul hit with total, absolute quality with this one, from the tunes to the package to the sound. Just totally killer. Volume two on the way! Catch DJ Bongohead opening for Grupo Fantasma & Debo Band this Thursday at the Iron Horse.
Sensación Shipibo..."Amakashin Amawe"...45...(Mass Trópicas)
Here's a fun review of this from DJ Juan Data on his excellent blog, The Hard Data.
Debo Band..."Akale Wube"...Debo Band...(Sub Pop/Next Ambience))
Debo Band are Boston's one and only Ethio-funk band and they have a killer new record out on Sub Pop.
Lee Perry presents Seke Molenga & Kalo Kawongolo..."Bad Food"...African Roots...(Trojan)
A couple of Congolese singers, recording at the Black Ark ca 77/78.
Jean Manix & Ted Osai..."Booma Woman"...45...(Soundway)
Fumaça Preta..."A Bruxa"...45...(Music With Soul)
A burning hot Portugese-language take on "The Witch" by Northwest 60s garage kings The Sonics. Highly recommended, I picked this extremely limited single up at Trópicalia In Furs, the NYC record shop manned by the band's singer Joel Oliveira. And while you are there check Eilon Paz's Dust & Grooves photo exhibit of record collectors from around the globe. I am a featured subject.
The Sonics..."The Witch" (alternate take)...Boom...(Norton)
An alternate take of the OG.
Jimi Hendrix Experience..."Fire"...Are You Experienced?...(Reprise)
Happy birthday to Mitch Mitchell, who Jimi called "my Elvin Jones".
Saravah Soul..."Fire"...Cultura Impura...(Tru Thoughts)
Mucca Pazza..."Boss Taurus"...Safety Fifth...(Electric Cowbell)
Rebirth Brass Band..."Leave That Pipe Alone"...Feel Like Funkin' It Up...(Rounder)
Best dollar record ever.
Charles Bradley..."Stay Away"...45...(Dunham)
I would love to see the crowd reaction this weekend if Bradley does this Nirvana cover at the Festival.
Fredrick Clarke..."Soul Chombo"...12"...(Soundway)
From the Panama Soul 12".
Ondatrópica..."I Ron Man"...45...(Soundway)
A fun cumbia take on the Black Sabbath classic, with a little bit of rum added.
Grupo Fantasma..."Vacilon"...Movimiento Popular...(AireSol)
Looking forward to another Grupo Fantasma show at the Iron Horse on Thursday, with Debo Band.
Orquesta El Macabeo..."El Sueño"...45...(Discos de Hoy/Electric Cowbell/Lucha Libre/CMR/Entes Anómicos)
Rubblebucket..."November"...Rubblebucket...(self released)
A Green River Festival favorite and a band with local ties.
Quincy Jones..."Summer in the City"...You've Got It Bad Girl...(A&M)
Lee Fields..."Love Comes And Goes"...My World...(Truth & Soul)
I am looking forward to soul legend Lee Fields performing in person in Greenfield this weekend. It will be my first time seeing him.
Sugarman 3..."Brother T"...What The World Needs Now...(Daptone)
What a great album cover! Reminds me of Blake's "Ah Sunflower" (or at least a Ginsburg interpretation).
Tim Maia..."Do Your Thing, Behave Yourself"...Tim Maia (73)...(Polydor Brasil)
Check this rare footage of Tim Maia on Brasilian TV. This tune is included in the medley. One of my favorite soul singers in the world.
Tex Soul & The Bayonets..."Uto Awa"...45...(Voodoo Funk/Academy)
Soulside..."Bass"...45...(Dischord)
A favorite record from the hardcore days.
Las Grecas..."Te Estoy Amando Locamente"...45...(CBS Spain)
A favorite of mine, and now I have the pic sleeve 45 that Bongohead brought back for me from his most recent trip to Spain.
Ozomatli..."Cumbia de los Muertos"...Ozomatli...(Almo Sounds)
The Alchemystics..."Dance Upon The Corner"...Spread Hope...(NorthFire)
Check out the video our local heros made for this tune just two blocks from my house.
Pimps of Joytime..."Funky Brooklyn"...Funk Fixes & Remixes...(Wonderwheel)
Spanglish Fly..."Let My People Bugalú"...45...(Electric Cowbell)
NYC boogaloo invades Greenfield this Saturday. Don't miss this fun and energetic band.
Yomo Toro..."Funky Jibaro"...Funky Jibaro...(Polygram)
RIP Yomo Toro, the king of the cuatro.
Promos to:
WMUA 91.1 FM
Attention: Andujar
105 Campus Center
UMass
Amherst, MA
01301
USA
bombasticos@yahoo.com
