In the 90s, before the big internet hype, being a DJ meant relying heavily on your surroundings when it came to discovering new music. Together with my DJ friends, we organized regular meetups where we would play each other our latest vinyl digs – many of which ended up straight on our personal wantlists. Sometimes, these sessions turned into record-swapping events, and I still vividly remember the tough negotiations over that one Georgie Fame record.

In the end, I managed to make my vinyl buddy an offer he couldn’t refuse – because that record simply had to be part of my collection! I was completely blown away by Georgie Fame’s take on James Brown’s Papa’s Got a Brand New Bag. To this day, this swinging, jazz-infused big band version remains one of my all-time favorite covers of a James Brown classic.

The album was recorded in 1965/66 over three sessions with the brilliantly assembled Harry South Big Band, which gave the song a unique, swinging yet powerful big band character. The horns groove with razor-sharp precision, while Georgie Fame’s charismatic vocals bring a distinct coolness to the track. It’s James Brown’s funk colliding with big band magic – full of energy, groove, and timeless class!

Get yourself this album (it’s surprisingly affordable!), invite a few good friends over, push the furniture aside, put on the final track on side B, and turn the volume up.

It won’t take long before the groove grabs hold, the party is in full swing – and the neighbors show up at the door to join in!