On the third Saturday of every month, Kobrakyle, Andrew Monson and Eric "EZ" Ziegler bring Benson Soul Society, their non-stop, all vinyl soul dance party to The Sydney. From gritty, deep grooves to northern soul stompers, it's the perfect opportunity to get out on the floor or break open a tall boy.
Benson Soul Society will host their next event on March 15 at The Syndey. RSVP here.
Below, they’ve compiled a sampling of their favorite funk and soul gems from Nebraska artists. Listen up.
Vernon Garrett — "Shine it On" (1967)
Omaha-born R&B singer Vernon Garrett released this killer 45 on the Kent label in 1967. As a child, Garrett said he used to practice harmonizing on the steps of Omaha Tech High School. He later joined a local gospel group (and opened up for Sam Cooke’s legendary Soul Stirrers) before starting his own group, The Mixers. Later, he went solo and produced a smattering of blues and funk tunes under his own name. My personal favorite, “Shine it On,” is a raw, funky, blues dancer that is quickly becoming a regular floor filler and BSS fan favorite.
Buddy Miles — "Take it Off Him and Put it On Me" (Live 1971)
Omaha’s Buddy Miles is best known as the drummer for Jimi Hendrix’s post-Experience band the Electric Gypsies. He’d later go on to record under his own name, releasing the seminal album Them Changes in 1970. Throughout his career he’d record with Wilson Pickett, Carlos Santana, the Delfonics and countless others, including lending his vocals to the California Raisins.
Here he crushes his hit “Take It Off Him and Put it On Me” before a crowd of too-cool-for-school Helsinki hipsters in 1971.
Eugene McDaniels — "Supermarket Blues" (1971)
Born in Kansas City and raised in Omaha (studying at the University of Omaha Conservatory of Music), Eugene McDaniels hit #3 on the Billboard charts with his 1961 hit “A Hundred Pounds of Clay.” His later work would take on a jazz/soul feel, including the iconic 1969 protest song “Compared to What” (made famous by Les McCann and Eddie Harris) and this cut from his 1971 LP Headless Heroes of the Apocalypse.
Calvin Keys — "Aunt Lovey" (1974)
Omaha born jazz guitarist Calvin Keys recorded some funky stuff, including this nugget from his 1974 album Proceed With Caution. Through the years, Keys has played with legends such as Ray Charles, Donald Byrd, Bobby Hutcherson, Pharoah Sanders and Sonny Stitt. But on records such as Shawn-Neeq (1971) and Proceed With Caution, he proves that he can shine as a leader as well.
Preston Love — "Kool Ade" (1969)
Taken from his 1969 album, Preston Love’s Omaha Bar-B-Q, “Kool Aid” features legendary musicians Johnny and Shuggie Otis (who was only 14 at the time) and is much in the same vein as the classic Johnny Otis Show album Cold Shot, which features the single “Country Girl,” another BSS favorite.
Born in Omaha, Love played with countless legends throughout his career, including Count Basie, Ray Charles and Johnny Otis. Later in his career he became the West Coast band leader for Motown Records.
L.A. Carnival — "Blind Man" (1969)
Founded by Lester Abrams, L.A. Carnival was born from the ashes of the Omaha’s Les Smith Soul Band. The band’s sole single, “Blind Man” (b/w “Color’) is an ethereal, organ driven number that has been sampled by the likes of MF Doom and remixed by Cut Chemist. Fun Fact: Abrams would later join the Doobie Brothers and is credited with writing their hit “What a Fool Believes.”
Reach the gentlemen of Benson Soul Society via chancesp@hearnebraska.org.