Guitar Player Ain't Had Some Since Last Night

Little Hooks - Give the Drummer Some More. Little Hooks is actually Ray Nato and the Kings, which is actually an alias of the Kings. The Kings were a vocal R&B outfit from Maryland in the 1950s. They laid down 20 records on 15 labels, in 19 years, with no hits in all that time. Ray Nato is brother of longtime member Adolphus Holcomb.

This is one of those instructional songs, sort of in the same family as King Curtis' "Soul Stew" -- calling out all the parts of the band and letting them have their moment in the spotlight. Very simple beat, riff and organ plinks, but the hook is undeniable. This truly was one of those dollar bin miracles for me, yanking it for 50 cents at the local flea market a few years back.

Guy Pedersen - Indian Pop Bass. Guy Pedersen, a French double-bass player, was a club player back in the 50s. He played in a bunch of bands and worked pretty hard as a session musician. Turns out he also wrote music, and Indian Pop Bass, which was released orignally as a single in 1970, is proof of that. The track was reissued with a different b-side by Blow Up in 2000 on 45. You can also find it on blow up presents exclusive blend vol.3, which is available for purchase at the Blow Up site for 11 pounds. I think the 45 is still available in a few places in the states as well.

The track is a funky blend of jazz bass and sitar-- a crazy Indian-influenced trip. At just barely three minutes long, the players still have a chance to stretch out, bringing an intricate melody and beat right through to the end. Lovely stuff here.