ROGER & THE GYPSIES - PASS THE HATCHET Parts 1 and 2

EDDIE BO 1930-2009
News in that the beloved R&B and funk king of New Orleans has passed away. Born Edwin Joseph Bocage, he was influenced by Professor Longhair and went on to pen and produce some of the best tunes the city had to offer, and that is a mighty tall order. He was so loved, one hip Mayor proclaimed May 22 in New Orleans, Eddie Bo day. Track down 'Check Your Bucket', 'Check Mr Popeye' and 'Hook and Sling'.

Here's a classic sung by Eddie with Roger & the Gypsies backing (not sure why EB didn't get a credit) called 'Pass the Hatchet Parts 1&2'. From his first declaration to 'pass out the hatchets, baby' to his insistence to 'let me chop it' to the final 'timber!' this tune is pure New Orleans funk, complete with rattlesnake maraccas, grunts, a pause, and some amazing playing.

Last year when I visited New Orleans, I missed one of his shows by a night, damn! With Snooks Eaglin and Ernie K-Doe's wife, Antoinette (and owner of Mother-in-Law Lounge) having passed away recently this is a sad time for New Orleans music. Buy Eddie's records here and more on Eddie here. Rest in peace Mr Bo.

Roger & the Gypsies - Pass the Hatchet Parts 1 & 2

EDDIE HINTON - DREAMER

Eddie Hinton was one of those crack behind-the-scenes players whose incredible talent largely went unrecognised. He wrote and played for Percy Sledge, Aretha, Wilson Pickett, Otis Redding and Elvis to name a few. Those in the know rated him, including Bob Dylan and Jerry Wexler who said in a letter to Eddie's mother, 'He remains unique, a white boy who truly sang and played in the spirit of the great black soul artists he venerated. With Eddie, it wasn't imitation; it was totally created, with a fire and fury that was as real as Otis Redding's and Wilson Pickett's.'

He finally got some recognition after his death (in 1995) with the release of the great Dear Y'all compilation on Zane Records in 2000. It's also worth tracking down a copy of the Coleman-Hinton Project recorded at Muscle Shoals, his mum found the unreleased masters under his bed after he died.

Though he mostly wrote and played for others and his own singles are hard to find, here's one cut from 1969 that not only shows what a great player he was but also, what a voice, he could well be the best blue-eyed soul singer ever, what do you think? Have a listen...

EDDIE HINTON - DREAMER