Check out these audio clips of various rare grooves and deep funky soul that I love. And I think you'll dig on 'em too. Just scroll down the page for the links to the sound clips.

Some of the samples may be the type of music I play on the Soul Power show, while others are tunes that I would never play on WWOZ (because they aren't non-commercial).

However, all of the selections are great, sought-after obscure funkies that are the essence of rare groove. They come from a cross section of both LP cuts and rare 45s. I hope you like them and hear something you haven't heard before.

You'll need to have Real Audio to enjoy these songs. Download a free copy at www.real.com.

Note: All of these come from my personal collection and not all of them are in completely mint condition. I hope you don't mind the snaps, crackles and pops.

So bring on da audio clips. . .

9th Creation : Bubble Gum

1975, Rite Track records.

All Points Bulletin Band : Sexy Ways, Pretty Legs

Bumpin' bus stop jam out of D.C. recorded for Little City records in '75.

Roy Ayers : He's Coming

From one of Roy's earlier ('72), lesser-known works comes the title track to this rare gem on Polydor. Very soulful. Either Roy is playing organ on this or Harry Whitaker.

The Blackbyrds : Life Styles

From Donald Byrd, we move to his proteges, some cool students from Howard University collectively known as the Blackbyrds. This is from their first classic album, released in '74 on Fantasy.

Eddie Bo : Stepper's Step

From New Orleans' own piano-pounding funkateer, this one was released on his own Bo-Sound label in '77 and features the Explosions Singers. It's album, The Other Side of Eddie Bo is long out of print.

Bohannon : Happy Feeling

From Insides Out, 1974, Brunswick.

Bohannon : Keep On Dancin'

This is the title track from Hamilton Bohannon's second album on Dakar from '74. You know, the one with his wife Andrea shaking her tambourine and maracas on the cover. If the song sounds familiar to you, that's because it is. Mr. Bo later reworked the tune, renamed it "Let's Start the Dance," and had a big ole hit in '78 when it was released on Mercury records.

Chuck Brown & the Soul Searchers : Bustin' Loose Pt. 2

This song is in no way rare, but this particular version is! Here are a few seconds from the extended disco 12" mix which features extra vocals and a complete instrumental on the flip side. And this is the one that put go go on the map! 1978, Source records.

Donald Byrd : The Emperor

No rare groove fan is a stranger to the music of trumpeter-extraordinaire Donald Byrd, but some of his pre-Mizell Bros. albums have been overlooked. One of the best is The Emperor on Blue Note from '71. It was hard to pick a highlight from this massive 15-minute jam, but I managed to get a good spot feat. vibraphonist Bobby Hutcherson.

Calender : Comin' On Strong

From It's a Monster, 1976, Pi Kappa. (dancefloor)

Casper : Casper's Groovy Ghost Show

This is one of the more interesting pieces I own. It's AVI Records' 1980 attempt to cash in on the early rap craze. It sounds Chic-ish, but Chic would never have disco-ing ghouls on its album cover. From what I know, "Casper" is Terry Marshall from Chicago. And look--Tom "Joiner" (sic)(WJPC Radio, Chicago) is thanked in the credits. I bet the "fly jock" is proud of this one!

City News : Bustin' Up

Here's a New Orleans funk 45 from a group that I have absolutely no biographical info on. But that's OK. This jam swings hard enough that you won't mind the lack of details. I can tell you that this was released as a single on Brother Records, Inc. in '75. And the B-side is the kung-fu inspired "Chan the Man," also nice.

Willie Cole : Where Are You

You'll dig this mellow stepper from the late 70s, released on Willie's own Coleblooded records (which was located at 1224 N. Johnson St.). This one has a unique quality -- steel drums! Plus a very pretty melody, reminiscent of classic Maze. I enjoy this more than the uptempo "Got to Get Up (Got to Get Down)" on the flip side.

Lyn Collins, the Female Preacher : Mama Feelgood

From Black Caesar (by James Brown), Polydor, 1973. This song gets on the good foot with a hot-stepper produced by Soul Brother #1 himself, Mr. James Brown. But even though it's a JB production, make no mistake--it's all Lyn.

Lyn Collins (aka "The Female Preacher") holds the distinction of being the most successful of James Brown's female vocalists. She also has the unique honor (in the hip hop community) of being the most sampled female artist of all time. Trust me, you've heard her voice singing "it takes two to make a thing go right" in hundreds of rap songs.

Miss Collins, a native of Abilene, Texas, jump-started her career when she sent a demo tape to Mr. Brown while he was at King Records in the 60s. He was so impressed with her tough and funky voice, he soon called her to replace another JB "funky diva" Marva Whitney in 1970. However, she wouldn't join the James Brown revue until she got the call to replace Vicki Anderson a year later. In late '71, she finally officially took her place in the JB band and released two albums under his supervision: Think (About It) in '72 and Check Me Out if You Don't Know Me By Now in '74.

This funky groove, "Mama Feelgood," was co-written by Lyn and James and, as part of his soundtrack to Black Caesar, reached #37 on the R&B charts in 1973. It is sure to make you feel good, or at least get you on the good foot.

Coffey, Dennis & the Lyman Woodard Trio : It's Your Thing

Maverick, MA 1007. Cover of Isley Bros. tune

Cold Blood : Shop Talk

1970, San Francisco rec., from LP Sisyphus.

Consumer Rapport : Go On With Your Bad Self

1975, Wing and a Prayer Record Co., HS-101.

Chuck Conway & the Amars : Get On Up Pt. 1

Here's some down-home funkiness from a group not from New Orleans, but from Baker, Louisiana (wherever that is). While this song is not the most lyrically profound (as you'll hear), it has an irresistible space-bass sounding bottom. Released in 1978 on Amar records.

Crescent City Lights : You Got What It Takes

This is one of a few things that this group released for Power Funksion records. From '78, this is really on the dancefloor side of things. I admit to loving the slinky synth on this. The clip is at the tail-end of Part I, though the single has an all-instrumental Part II, for those who need it.

Demon Fuzz : Hymn to Mother Earth

Very groovy bridge for the 7 minute tune. I bought this album for this part alone. As for the group Demon Fuzz, I don't know anything about this "English coloured group" except that they released the Afreaka! LP for Janus in 1971. What a crazy album cover too!

Direct Current : Everybody Here Must Party

Philadelphia's own Clement sisters give us this dancefloor classic, which was later turned into a forgotten Sugarhill records gem, "To the Beat, Y'all" by Lady B. Released in the late 70s on TEC records, this is a real disco stomper.

Lou Donaldson : Say it Loud

This cool cover of JB's classic is from the legendary jazz sax man. Title track for his '68 Blue Note release.

El Dorados : Loose Booty

Released in '72 for Paula records. This is not the same song of the same name from Funkadelic. Very groovy.

Dynamic Corvettes : Funky Music is the Thing Pt. 2

Much sampled funkiness issued on Abet records out of Tennessee in '75. Lots of chugging organ, happy horns, and tamborine.

Charlie Earland : Sing a Simple Song

Lord, you could do an entire series featuring all of the Sly Stone covers ever recorded. Well, this is a great one by the man with the funky fingers, Charles Earland. This is the B side of Prestige single #736. And the A side? "Raindrops Keep Falling on My Head." Aarrgh!! :)

Skip Easterling : I'm Your Hoochie Koochie Man

Instant, 3309. Nice groove with choppy horns and funky flute from a Caucasian soul brother. This actually was a minor hit and was penned by bluesman Willie Dixon, as well as produced by local legend Huey "Piano" Smith. Released on Instant records either in the late 60s or early 70s. B-side is an uptempo remake of Jessie Hill's classic "Ooh Poo Pah Do" (it's a New Orleans thang).

the Eliminators : Get Satisfied

Mellow and hard-hitting. From their only album, Loving Explosion, released on Brunswick in '74. This 11-piece group from North Carolina knows how to jam.

the Eliminators : Loose Hips

1974, from Loving Explosion LP on BRC/Brunswick.

E.U. : Rock Yuh Butt

Here's a later one from Experience Unlimited. From the album of the same name, released in '88 by T.T.E.D. Ahh, make it mellow!

the Explosions : Hip Drop

This is from "maharajah of New Orleans funk" Eddie Bo's own girl group. Was released as a 2-parter on Gold Cup records in the early 70s, single number 0005 to be exact. Features production from Eddie and that good old second-line beat.

Family Plann : Sexy Summer

One of my most favorite pieces from my record collection. Released in '75 on Drive records (a subsidiary of T.K.), this is as stereotypical as a 70s funky party-type song can get. Absolutely raucous! The B-side, "Can You Get Into the Music," is just as insane.

Family Players Band : Funky Showdown

In the early 80s, this group almost reached the national success of the Meters and Chocolate Milk with a tune called "I Love Funk 'N Roll," which I think was issued by RCA. Well, here's one of their "early" ones from 1979, released on Players Records and published by (get this) Freakie Deekie Publishing. Side 1 of this single features (you guessed it) "Disco New Orleans!"

Fania All Stars : Smoke

From Latin-Soul-Rock, 1973, Fania. (Latin)

Fatback Band : Mr. Bass Man

Bass-thumping party grooves from their best Event-label album, Keep on Steppin' from '74. This is an album you need now!!

Willie Henderson : Dance Master

From the vocal version of this tune from '74, released on Playboy records. Willie H. was straight outta Chicago, and released fabulous dance-oriented tunes for Playboy and Brunswick records. For the real cool cats. . ..

Monk Higgins : Up on the Hill

Rare groove collectors scramble for this album (Heavyweight, 1972, United Artists) quickly. It's very mellow and smooth, yet features rhythms that don't let up. Sort of a novelty too with Monk being a 250+ lb. sax player!

Holmes, Richard Groove & Ernie Watts : Wedding Bell Blues

From Come Together, 1972 on World Pacific Jazz; cover of Laura Nyro original. (groove jazz)

Hot, Cold Sweat : Meet Me at the Go Go

This is the first go go I ever remembered hearing as a child (who happened to listen to the long defunct WAIL FM in New Orleans). Still sounds good. Again, released on D.E.T.T. and produced by Trouble Funk in the early 80s.

Freddie Hubbard : Liquid Love

Title track from '75 release on Columbia. (jazz)

James Ironhead : In It

All I can tell you about this is that it was released on I.T. Productions records and features Phil Westmoreland on bass, Sam Harris on drums, and Omar on congos. The plain orange label doesn't even mention what poor James plays (Probably piano.). But this is a good one to check out for its raw soul.

Weldon Irvine : Walk that Walk, Talk that Talk

Very funky track that struts hard. Plus many of you have probably heard this at some point (they used to play it on TV's Fresh Prince of Bel Air). Originally released on Irvine's '74 RCA release Cosmic Vortex, but this sample is coming straight off the promo single.

Al Jarreau : Raggedy Ann (and here's even more)

Yes, this slice of funky insanity is from jazz vocalist Jarreau. The whole album, We Got By on Reprise '75, has great mellow grooves throughout. But this track is so nice, I had to give it to you twice. (2 different sections, of course.)

Larry Jones : Funky Jaws

New Orleans funk produced by Senator Jones for JB's Records. Probably released in 1975 or '76 to cash in on the Jaws craze. This is from the instrumental version, 45 B-side.

The Kay-Gees : Hustle Wit' Every Muscle

From the same group who put out the "who's the man with the masterplan" bit comes the theme song for a TV dance show called Party. This is from '75 (Gang Records) and gets down and dirty. Grooves courtesy of Kool & the Gang's Ronald Bell, who produced and arranged this side for his lil' brothers in the group.

Earl King : Street Parade

To the locals, this tune is definitely a groove, but far from being rare. Why? It's one of several anthems played every year here during Mardi Gras season. Almost like a Christmas carol for Carnival time. Released by blues-stormer Earl King and produced by Allen Toussaint & Marshal Sehorn for Kansu records in the late 60s. This song is easily available on the Mardi Gras in New Orleans Vol. 1 compilation that's been in print for over 20 years. But the original single, with an instrumental version on the flip side, isn't so easy to find, even around these parts.

King Curtis & the Kingpins : Changes Pt. II

Late 60s/early 70s, Atco. Cover of Buddy Miles' "Them Changes."

Labelle : Moonshadow

More massive than "Lady Marmalade." This gem is the title track of the group's Warner Bros. '72 release. Listen as Patti summons Marlo Henderson (from Maxayn and Mandre) to go mad on the wah-wah.

Le Frank O : Keep On Gettin' Down (Pt. 2)

Interesting rarity on MMM Gold records (Hollywood, CA) from '78. I much prefer part 2 without the male vocals, and have given you a section of the instrumental with the funky girl backup sounds. Features what sounds like trombone tailgating, which is kind of unique for a disco-funk tune.

Dennis Lee & Notables : Funky Penguin

Here's the one everyone loves at first listen. A rare A-side (Jenmark records) produced by the locally renowned Senator Jones. I hipped Aaron Fuchs to this and he included it on his Senator Jones' Funky Funky New Orleans rare groove compilaton for Tuff City records. It doesn't get groovier than this.

Mad Dog Fire Department : Cosmic Funk

1979, Shield, 6313.

Made In USA : Shake Your Body

1977, from self-titled LP on De-lite. (dancefloor)

Mass Extension : Happy Feet

This is a bright, funky tune from '85. It was issued on T.T.E.D. after the label was distributed by Island records. I swear this was sampled for Salt 'n Pepa's "Shake that Thing."

Les McCann : Shamading

To describe this song, all I have to do is quote the liner notes: "Oh Lord, is it humping!!" A slower version of the tune is on the flip side and retitled "North Carolina," a 9-minute jam session. Both produced by Joel Dorn and issued on McCann's '72 Atlantic release, Talk to the People.

Jimmy McGriff : Overweight Shark Bait

1976, The Mean Machine, Groove Merchant. (jazz)

Jimmy McGriff : The Now Thing

From Soul Sugar, 1970, Capitol. (groove jazz)

Jimmy McGriff : Tight Times

If you've ever seen the album cover of this great piece, you should know that the music is as serious as the model pictured on the front. And from the looks of her, she is not one to be played with. This album (Electric Funk, 1969, Blue Note) has some serious soul-jazz grooves and is highly recommended by me. McGriff is all over his organ like a maniac!

the Meters : Chug Chug Chug-A-Lug (Push 'N Shove)

Here is a very rare one by the Crescent City's best-known funkers, the Meters. It was never released on any album, only as a single. An updated version (titled "Chug A Lug") was redone and included on the band's '76 Trick Bag. But this, the original version from '72, is much grittier. This is a portion from the "Part II' instrumental side of the two-part Reprise single.

Bill Moss : Sock It To 'Em Soul Brother

Bell 771. (soul)

Mother Freedom Band : Touch Me

From self-titled debut on All-Platinum, 1977.

Muchos Plus : Nassaus Discos

New Orleans goes Disco! This is one of the strangest pieces I've ever heard, brought to my attention by DJ Dave Soul (who you can hear every Sunday night on Fly FM). But how can you resist a disco version of Beginning of the End's "Funky Nassau," complete with a debonair DJ and Star Wars sound effects. Released in 1979. I've given you an extra long portion, for all those syncopation fiends out there.

Ohio Players : Introducing the Players

1975, from Rattlesnake on Westbound.

Kellee Patterson : I'm Gonna Love You Just a Little More, Baby

From Kellee, Shadybrook, 1976. It's a coincidence that I got the idea to include this song while watching VH1's Behind the Music on Barry White. I'd been wanting to spotlight 70s R&B vocalist Kellee Patterson on these pages for a while, but when I saw the T.V. show, I was instantly reminded of Kellee's fabulous cover the Barry White tune "I'm Gonna Love You Just a Little More, Baby."

Barry first released his original on his 1974 debut album. Kellee put out her version in 1976 on an album, which she associate-produced, entitled Kellee for Shadybrook records. Though the album was really her second, Kellee was her first real soul/R&B release. (Her first album was Maiden Voyage, a jazz record released in 1974 for the Black Jazz label.)

The thing that makes this cover version unique is the way Kellee sultrily interjects her own tongue-in-cheek (I think) personal touches ("If you lose your job, I'll support you."). The thing that makes this cover great is the band's transformation of Barry White's smooth original into a danceable lounge-y jazz groover. And it's no wonder since the band included some of the best session musicians: Phil Upchurch on bass, Johnny Kirkwood on drums, Marlo Henderson on guitar, and Gene Russell on piano. Of course, there's Kellee's emphatic voice, which borders on being over-the-top, without being unpleasant. In fact, Kellee's voice has such a pleasantness that kept this fan interested even when material on her later albums was less than groovy (or at least not as swingin' as this tune).

And about Kellee? I don't know much except that she was a native of Gary, Indiana, a former beauty contestant queen who did finally achieve chart success with a minor funky hit, "If It Don't Fit, Don't Force It" in 1977. Her discography consists of only four albums that I know of -- 1979's All the Things You Are, '77's Turn On the Lights -- Be Happy, her 1974 debut Maiden Voyage, and 1976's Kellee, the album that "I'm Gonna Love You . . ." comes from.

Kellee's version of "I'm Gonna Love You Just a Little More, Baby" was not a hit like Barry White's. I don't even know if it was released as a single. But it remains a rare groove classic which pleases with plenty of jazz-funk flair. Enjoy!

Pazant Brothers & Beaufort Express : Dragon Fly

While the concept of a tune dedicated to an insect doesn't make much sense, this is a good groover with funky horns, scratchy rhythm guitar and soulful vocals. Released in 1974 on Vigor records, and arranged/conducted by Gene Redd Jr. The B-side of this single is "Dixie Rock."

Philadelphia : Inner City Blues

1974, from Philadelphia on RCA.

Pleasure : Let's Dance

Now here's a group you know. This was put out (1977, Fantasy) before they hit the charts with "Glide." It's well-known for it's chant that goes "let's dance, I know you got the feelin', let's dance, c'mon ...." Can you believe this was issued as a B-side! It's OK. The A-side, "Let Me Be the One," is an equally funky, though forgotten, hot number. Produced by Wayne Henderson too.

Rare Gems Odyssey : What Is Funk

1979, Casablanca. (dancefloor)

Redds and the Boys : Movin' & Groovin'

Does anyone else remember when they used to show this video on BET in '83 and the part when that huge dude is dancin' during the percussion break! Another D.E.T.T./T.T.E.D. gem.

Rhythm : Slow Funk (Part II)

From self-titled release, 1976, RCA.

DJ Rogers : Celebration

1973, from self-titled debut on Shelter; feat. Marlo Henderson & Andre Lewis.

Harvey Scales : I Wanna Do It

1972, Stax, STA-0126.

Señor Soul : Pata Pata

Here are some flute-happy boogaloo sounds released on Double Shot records, probably in the late 60s. I can't play this 45 on my show because the vinyl is chipped at the beginning!

Bunny Sigler : Shake Your Booty

1974, Philadelphia Intl., ZS8 3560. (hard funk)

Slim : It's In the Mix

Most folks who remember this great song refer to it as "Don't Touch that Stereo." Released on D.E.T.T. records, the premiere go go label, and produced by the boys in Trouble Funk. From either '81 or '82. This one is crankin'!

Dawson Smith : I Don't Know If I Can Make It (Part 2)

1974, Scepter, SCE 12400. (instrumental)

Jimmy Smith : St. Thomas Calypso

From Jimmy Smith '75 on Smith's own Mojo Records. (jazz)

Lonnie Smith : Mama Wailer

Title track for Smith's Kudu records release has a cool 60s mod sound, even though this was done in '75. Produced by Creed Taylor. A lost gem that I get calls for all the time.

Sons of Slum : What Goes Around (Must Come Around)

1972, Stax, STA-0138

South Side Coalition : Get Off Your Seats & Jam (Disco Version)

This is a fun one released in '75 on Brown Dog records. Sort of a safe version of Funkadelic's "Get Off Your Ass & Jam." Arranged by Tommy Stewart, it sounds like a party where everyone's drunk. Someone must've invited Ned the Whino!

Southside Movement : Bus Stop

Here's another group from Southside Chi-town with their tribute to black america's great social event, the Bus Stop! Worth a listen for its mentions of Soul Train and the Alligator Discotheque. This A-side was released in '75 on 20th Century.

The Sylvers : Only One Can Win

1972, from The Sylvers on MGM.

Jamo Thomas : Bahama Mama Pt. 2

Groovy boogaloo from the same cat who told you to "Shake What You Brought With You" a few years earlier. There's no year listed on this Sound Stage 7 single, but it's definitely early 70s-ish.

Trouble Funk : Trouble Funk Express

Club classic from '80 or '81 that influenced (or is influenced by) Afrika Bambaataa & the Soulsonic Force's "Planet Rock." Of course, this is on D.E.T.T.

Trouble Funk : Untitled

This is from the classic live 2-record set they put out in '81 on Jamtu records. It's called Trouble Funk Live--Straight Up Funk Go Go Style and it also features "Drop the Bomb." The whole thing is one long jam session with no breaks and, as you see, no song titles.

T.S.U. Toronadoes : Cutting the Corners

Late 60s, Atlantic Records. (soul)

Ike & Tina Turner : Bold Soul Sister

Here's my theme song! This down-home "interpolation" of Sly & the Family Stone's "Sing a Simple Song" was released on The Hunter for Blue Thumb in '70. Bold Soul Sisters exudes the kind of funk power that we've forgotten Tina has in her modern "Simply the Best"/"Private Dancer" era.

The band takes Sly's groove groundwork and makes it their own, adding a bit of Southern soul flavor on top. But what really makes this song more than great are Tina and the Ikettes. Tina comes off with so much grit and soul, she sounds like a female James Brown. And the Ikettes' background vocals are subdued, yet simmering, following Tina's sharp and sassy lead.

I don't have to tell you any bio details about Tina Turner--she's legendary and I'd only be writing facts you already know. All you need to know here is that "Bold Soul Sisters" is probably her funkiest song. It doesn't take itself too seriously. But, at the same time, it's serious as a heart attack. And it's the theme song to my radio show, Soul Power. I play it at the start of each show, each week, and I never get tired of it. You won't either.

Whole Darn Family : 7 Minutes of Funk

From Whole Darn Family Has Arrived, 1976, Soul International.

Charles Wright : Run Jody Run

From Rhythm & Poetry, 1972, Warner Bros.

Yesterday, Today, & Tommorow : D Minor Vamp

These first few seconds of Pt.1 are soooo funky. Label is out of Philly.