I know from this overdeveloped vantage point, it’s hard for you to imagine a time when most of Phoenix looked like a stretch of unexplored highway. Equally inconceivable is that Phoenix could be an epicenter for much-sought-after doo-wop, R&B, soul and funk.
That’s where this new compilation culled by local music historian and archivist John P. Dixon comes in. “Sha-Boom Bang: Vintage Arizona Doo Wop, R&B, Soul, & Funk: 1956-71” brings together 30 largely unavailable sides on the Liberty Bell, Rev and Ramco labels , recorded at Phoenix’s famed Audio Recorders on Seventh Street. At 6 p.m. Saturday, May 31, Dixon will put on his “Johnny D” DJ hat and join DJ Smite at Zia Records (1850 W. Camelback Road) for a special all-vinyl DJ set featuring classic 45s from the new collection
Here’s just a mini-dance party of what you can expect to hear in short order this Saturday.