Burned Sugar

It's Monday, which for the record, is my least favorite day of the week for obvious reasons. Anyways, I'm going to step a bit further outside the conventional "box" on this blog and post another amazing track, titled "Burned Sugar", from an artist I just can't seem to get enough of lately, and that's Sabu Martinez. The sixteen-plus minute funky Latin jazz cut is the title track to Martinez's three song album Burned Sugar: The Swedish Radio Recordings 1973, released in 2008 by the Swedish label Mellotronen. Until the more recent release of Burned Sugar, this collection of recordings was pretty much unable to be obtained. The Mellotronen label released at least four albums worth of lost and rare material from Martinez, that I know of, which represents much of the music he recorded during the final years of his life while he was living in Sweden. The records three tracks, "Burned Sugar", "Bernt", and "Mambollo", are all outstanding Funky Latin gems that feature plenty of congas, bongos, and heavy percussion alongside tasty electric piano, sax, and flute grooves. Overall, if you find yourself enjoying Sabu's classic Afro Temple record, than I highly recommend picking up a copy of Burned Sugar. In my opinion, the album represents some of the best funky Latin jazz that was ever recorded.

Sabu Martinez - Burned Sugar

More Funk from Nassau

The Beginning of the End will, rightfully so, forever be associated with the 1971 classic track "Funky Nassau". As this group continues to be recognized and appreciated for this dancefloor classic, many have forgotten or somewhat ignored their solid self-titled follow-up album, which was released in 1976. Now, this record doesn't have a track that can probably even stand up next to "Funky Nassau", however it would almost be impossible to duplicate such a great track. The record does contain plenty of solid gems to get excited about like "Super Woman", "That's What I Get", and "Jump in the Water". The self-titled record starts where the group's debut album Funky Nassau left off, with an overall feel-good funky soulful groove that made tracks like "Funky Nassau" and "Come Down Baby" such classics. Like I mentioned before, the group's 1976 self-titled album might not feature the group's signature cut, however the follow-up record is still very solid and definitely deserves some attention and praise. Here is my personal favorite track off the record in "Jump in the Water". Enjoy your weekend!

Beginning of the End - Jump in the Water

Jungle Funk

I'm still trying to recover from last night's re-launching of Grow Up. To say the party went off well, is probably a huge understatement with the dancefloor and club packed wall-to-wall right up until they basically kicked us out. Anyways, if you missed out, I highly recommend checking out the party next month. Thanks to residents Sick Face, Hotthobo, and Fenstar for having me play, as well as Loose Shus for putting on a great set. I had a lot of fun, and hopefully everyone who made it out, had a great time as well.

Now on to the music...

Here is one of the many brilliant tracks in Nkengas' s funky 1973 cut "Jungle Funk" from the Strut records' released compilation Club Africa. Being one of my favorite compilations of all-time, this now hard-to-find double-vinyl record was released back in 2000 and features some of the best African funk, Afro-beat, and African jazz that was ever created with a tracklist that includes funky gems like The Gaytones' version of "Soul Makossa", Buari's "Karam Bani", Mombasa's "Kenia", Oneness of Juju's "River Luv Rite" and many many more. Even though this record was released only about ten years ago, good luck trying to hunt down a copy of the compilation, as the record is almost becoming as rare as some of the originals that are actually featured on the compilation. I've only been able to hunt down a digital version of the record. Regardless, it's an amazing record and one that I'm sure I will be seeking out for, for a long time to come. Enjoy!

Nkengas - Jungle Funk

Afro Beat Explosion

Over the past decade, there has been a number of newer "Afro-beat" groups popping up on the scene. Keeping the sound that Fela Kuti helped create alive, group's like Fanga, Akoya Afrobeat Ensemble, Koloko Afrobeat Orchestra, Antibalas, as well as this group The Daktaris. The Daktaris were probably one the first modern day Afro-beat groups to successfully recapture Fela's unique African groove. This group released it's only record back in 1998, titled Soul Explosion. The entire record has overall classic 70's Afro-beat feel to it with cuts like "Super Afro-Beat", "Daktari Walk", "Voodoo Soul Stew", and a cover of Fela's classic "Upside Down". From what I've been able to research, it looks as if this group has broken up and the Soul Explosion record is the only material they successfully left behind. That being said, it's safe to say that their Soul Explosion album will forever be cheerished by Afro-beat and African funk enthusiasts as a true gem. Enjoy!

The Daktaris - Upside Down

Grow Up - Tonight!

It's been a while since the last time I deejayed in the city, with most of my recent focus on my next Cabana Disco twelve that will be out this spring. However, this tonight I will be guest deejaying the opening of a new SF disco monthly called Grow Up hosted by resident deejays' Sick Face, Hotthobo, and Fenstar. This new monthly will be located at Madrone (500 Divisadero). The opening night is packed will all sorts of goodies as the night will also feature a live performance from Loose Shus. I will be spinning everything from rare disco gems to funky Latin and Afro grooves. This should be an amazing night, so there's no excuses. Hope to see everyone there!

GROW UP
Wednesday, February 3, 2010
Madrone (500 Divisadero, San Francisco)
w/ Residents Sick Face, Hotthobo, and Fenstar
+ Special Guests Pat Les Stache & Loose Shus
9pm No Cover

Stache Soul Music

As I mentioned yesterday, I've been spending the last couple of months working on the next Cabana Disco (vol.04) release. One of the re-edits I'm considering releasing on the upcoming record is a recent edit I completed of Black Soul's Black Soul Music. The original is taken from the group's amazing 1977 self-titled LP, which was mixed by Tom Moulton. I've found that I've always enjoyed this track right up until the keyboard break, therefore I tried to create an edit that really focused more on the overall repeatitive groove that really helps drive the funky track. I'm not %100 percent certain it's going to make it on the next record, however it's definitely under consideration. I would really love to know what people think about the edit. Enjoy!

Black Soul - Black Soul Music (Pat Les Stache Edit)

Uncover The Love

Fresh off of the recent reissues of his Disco Demands series, Al Kent and BBE records have put out another solid disco compilation titled Disco Love: Rare Disco & Soul Uncovered. Just in time for Valentines Day, this amazing compilation features many uplifting and feel good disco gems like Sweet Daddy Floyd's "I Just Can't Help Myself", Bob Williams' "I'm Alright", Patricia White's "Cosmic Disco", and many many more. Unlike some of Kent's other disco compilations, this collection of music is seeing a release on both CD and vinyl, so there is no excuses to pass on such a solid record. I have a feeling that this release will move fast, therefore I highly recommend snatching up a copy as soon as possible. Enjoy the love!

Sweet Daddy Floyd - I Just Can't Help Myself

On My Way

I've had a long and exhausting day, so I'm going to keep this short and very sweet with a funky Latin-flavoured gem in Candido's "I'm On My Way". This cut was released on Candido's solid 1971 Blue Note records released album Beautiful. "I'm On My Way" is just one of the many great tracks that is included on the record, and I highly recommend checking out the entire release. Enjoy!

Candido - I'm On My Way

Afro Beat Techniques

In a nice transition from yesterday's post, here is Jazz Techniques' "Afro Beat". I came across this funky heavy-weight, when I picked up a used copy of the Counterpoint Records released compilation Jazz Bizniz! which features rare and hard-to-find jazz-funk, cosmic soul, and boogie cuts. My favorite track on the record, "Afro Beat", was actually originally released on dance instructional record by dance teacher Lynda Gache. I haven't been able to find out when this actual dance instruction record was released or the artists' that actually contributed to the song. Regardless it's an amazing song that has an overall Afro-funk groove that will definitely get the dancefloor moving. Enjoy!

Jazz Techniques - Afro Beat

All Camels Hump

Lately, I have been really enjoying music by Latin jazz percussionist Sabu Martinez. One of my favorite "Sabu" releases is his 1973 funky LP "Afro Temple". On top of having one of my all-time favorite LP covers (artwork), the record consists of a steady diet of funky Afro-Cuban gems including "My Son Johnny & Me", "All Camels Hump", and "My Cristina" among many others. The record features a heavy dose of funky Latin conga grooves that will have you movin' from start to finish. As I continue to explore the many recordings and collaborations Sabu was involved with, the more I'm convinced that he is definitely one of the greatest Latin percussionists and artists of all-time. In the next few weeks, if not already, Mellotronen records out of Sweden will be releasing some hard-to-find material from this amazing artist. From the tracks I've already heard, I highly recommend snatching up these records when you get a chance. Until then, here is one of my personal Sabu favorites in "Hotel Alyssa - Soussie, Tunisia". Enjoy!

Sabu Martinez - Hotel Alyssa - Soussie, Tunisia

Kiss Me Again and Again

It's the beginning of a new week, therefore let's start it off with a disco classic and personal favorite track of all-time in Dinosaur's 1978 gem "Kiss Me Again". As many probably already know, Dinosaur is the short-lived tag team of Arthur Russell and Nicky Siano. As I continue to read Tim Lawrence's "Hold On to Your Dreams", I was intrigued by the section of the book that covered the recording process and background to this amazing track. According to the book, "Kiss Me Again" completely bombed in the charts and in the record shops. Arthur Russell blamed the record's bad showing to Jimmy Simpson's more dancefloor-friendly extended mix, which he never liked. He also blamed Sire records, who released the record, because of there lack of promotion. Regardless, all of that is history and as time has gone on, I believe the track has continued to receive more and more praise because in my opinion, the song was just a bit ahead of it's time as most of Arthur's songs truly were. Here is the original version of the track. Sit back and enjoy!

Dinosaur - Kiss Me Again (Original Version)

Panama! 3 Release Party Tonight

Over the last few years, Soundway Records has been releasing some the best compilations focusing on all different kinds of funky rare world grooves from Africa, the Caribbean, and Latin America. This is why I'm excited that tonight, San Francisco's Elbo Room will be hosting Soundway's DJ Beto alongside Groove Merchant's Vinnie Esparza, and DJ Guillermo for a Panama! 3 release party. The Panama! 3 compilation, which has been mentioned before of this site, was one of my personal favorites of the year comprised of rare and impossible-to-find Calypso Panameno, Guajira Jazz, and Cumbia Tipica grooves. According to the Soundway website, part 3 will make up the last of this increadible series. Therefore, I highly recommend everyone in the bay to head down to the Elbo Room for this very exciting one-time event.

Here are a few tracks off the compilation to get you excited about tonight.
Papi Brandao Y Sus Ejecutivos - Bilongo


Ralph Weeks with The Telecasters - Gua Jazz


Soundway Records and Groove Merchant present
Panama! 3: Record Release Party
@ Elbo Room, 647 Valencia Street, SF

Don't Take My Shadow

One of the best releases of 2009 that went a bit unnoticed was Kings Go Forth's seven-inch release titled Don't Take My Shadow. Kings Go Forth is a ten-piece combo from Milwaukee that made some headway this past year by releasing a number of solid seven-inch releases and more recently a twelve-inch release of featuring of a new Tom Moulton mix of "Don't Take My Shadow". The group has an overall funky soulful sound that is basically a throwback to the seventies. It's safe to say that new groups like this don't come around that much anymore, so it's nice to see a full band releasing new music of this calibur. It will be interesting to see how this group evolves over the next few years. Until then, sit back and enjoy this funky gem!

Kings Go Forth - Don't Take My Shadow

Proxy's "Pat Les Stache Re-Edit" Mix

Detroit deejay Proxy has made a incredible 80 minute mix of Pat Les Stache edits. The mix consists of re-edits found on all the Cabana Disco records, as well as some of the unreleased edits like Tony Rallo & the Midnite Band's "Burnin' Alive" and Arthur Russell's "Make 1, 2". I recommend everyone checking out the mix, as well as all of Proxy's mixes by visiting his Virb page.

American Athlete/ Pat Les Stache Now on Twitter

I've been on Twitter for awhile, however I'm finally taking an active role. I will be updating my twitter page with tweets discussing disco, new releases, re-edits, blog posts, life, sports, and of course politics. Anyways, you can follow me on twitter by clicking here.

Tropical Sounds of Lady Zu

A few months back, I picked up a rare used copy of a 70's era Brazilian compilation that featured all the usual Brazilian musical greats like Gal Costa, Jorge Ben, and Gilberto Gil. Now most of the time these artists I just mentioned would of been the reason why I decided to purchase the record, however on this occasion that wasn't the case. The track I was most interested in was by a female singer named Lady Zu, which I previously had never heard of, and the track was "A Noite Vai Chegar". With one listen I was pretty much hooked, as the song, originally released in 1978, has an overall feel-good tropical disco groove that reminds a bit of a Dr. Buzzard & The Savannah Band, with of course being sung in Brazilian. With that kind of combination of a groove, it was safe to say that I picked the compilation and the song has been a personal favorite ever since. From the little bit of research that I've done it looks to be that Lady Zu has released a few albums that tend to blend towards a Brazilian disco sound. If "A Noite Vai Chegar" is any indication as to the kind of music Lady Zu has released, hopefully at some point in the very near future, I will be able to hunt down some more of her music. Enjoy!

Lady Zu - A Noite Vai Chegar

Teddy Pendergrass, 1950-2010

I was sadden to hear that Philadelphia disco/soul legend Teddy Pendergrass died last Wednesday at the age of 59, due to cancer. In my opinion, Pendergrass had one of the most amazing and signature voices in the history of soul and disco music. Just about as big to the "Philly Sound" as Gamble & Huff, Pendergrass was the voice of Harold Melvin & the Blue Notes which released amazing classics like "Bad Luck", and "Don't Leave Me This Way". Pendergrass' also had a remarkable solo career, releasing gems like "Only You", "You Can't Hide From Yourself", "Life Is a Circle", and "The More I Get, The More I Want", among many others. I still remember when Nicky Siano dropped "You Can't Hide From Yourself" and "Bad Luck", when I saw him deejay last fall, and the songs absolutely had the dancefloor rockin'. On a more personal note, the beautifully sung "Don't Leave Me This Way" has consistently been one of my personal favorites to end a dance night with, and the song will now forever, in my opinion, serve as a tribute in many ways to Pendergrass. Overall, it's safe to say that we truly lost one of disco and soul music's greatest lead vocalists, therefore I challenge everyone who reads this blog to play at least one Teddy Pendergrass track at your upcoming dance nights this month, which given the material you have to work with, this assignment shouldn't be very difficult..

From me and this blog, Teddy you'll truly be missed!

Teddy Pendergrass - Only You
Teddy Pendergrass - You Can't Hide From Yourself
Harold Melvin & The Blue Notes - Bad Luck
Harold Melvin & The Blue Notes - Don't Leave Me This Way

Listen to Teddy Pendergrass's disco classic
"You Can't Hide From Yourself"

D-D-D-Dance

Boris Midney has written and produced many great disco tracks under a numerous of aliases including Beautiful Bend, Double Discovery, Pinocchio, and Companion to name just a few. He even produced his own musical interpretation of Star Wars' The Empire Strikes Back in 1980. With that being said, one of his finest efforts came in 1983 when he released the twelve-inch single D-D-D-Dance. My former deejay counterpart and good friend Terry (aka DJ H.M.A.) first brought this amazing single to my attention during our time putting on the Studio parties in Seattle. As we noted then, the song has a bit of an early Metro Area vibe, mixed with sporatic vocals throughout. Lee Douglas has recently released a re-edit of the track on one of the latest Editions Disco twelves. For all of the great disco and electronic based gems that Boris Midney has produced, D-D-D-Dance has to rank among one of his greatest productions.

Boris Midney - D-D-D-Dance