Jackie & Tut – Hawaiian Punch b/w 10-2 Double Plus

Freddie Roulette

Listen/Download – Jackie & Tut – Hawaiian Punch MP3
Listen/Download – Jackie & Tut (feat. Herb Kent) – 10-2 Double Plus MP3
Greetings all.
I thought we’d start the week with a rather recent acquisition, one so groovy that I felt the need to bump it right up to the front of the line.
A while back someone posted Jackie and Tut’s ‘Hawaiian Punch’ on Facebook and I just about fell in love with it.
There’s a Latin phrase (which has popped up in this space before) ‘sui generis’, which is used to describe something that is unique, or in a class by itself.
‘Hawaiian Punch’ is mos def sui generis.
The first thing that grabbed me, aside from the steady groove, was the wobble-legged steel guitar lead, something I’m not accustomed to hearing on a funky record.
Sure, there are a handful of very groovy soul sides out there with pedal steel woven into the fabric, but this is the first one I’ve ever heard where it (though this is lap steel) used as a lead instrument.
The man behind the steel wasa Chitown cat named Freddie Roulette, who played locally (with Earl Hooker among others), eventually recording an album of his own – ‘Sweet Funky Steel’ – for Janus in 1973.
‘Hawaiian Punch’ was recorded in 1967 (you have to wonder if Robbie Krieger heard it before the Doors did ‘Moonlight Drive’) and released with a vocal, provided by none other than Chicago radio legend Herb Kent, on the flip called ’10-2 Double Plus’ (with Kent basically rapping over ‘Hawaiian Punch’). I tend to prefer the pure instrumental, but both sides are worth hearing.
The track is funky (thanks in large part to an absolutely titanic bass sound) and incredibly infectious. Put this one on at your next stein hoist and just try to keep the people from dancing.
Roulette continued to record in a wide variety of bands over the years, and is still active today.
I hope you dig the track, and I’ll see you on Wednesday.
Keep the faith
Larry
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Also, the brand new Funky16Corners ‘Keep Calm and Stay Funky’ stickers have arrived! The stickers are 4″ x 3″ and printed on high quality, glossy stock. They are $2.00 each, with free shipping in the US ($2.00 per order shipping outside of the US). Click here to go to the ordering page.
Also, make sure that you check out the links below to the Be The Match Foundation and POAC (click on the logos for more info).

























