Dance Master by Willie Henderson

From the vocal version of this tune from '74, released on Playboy records. Willie H. was straight outta Chicago, and released fabulous dance-oriented tunes for Playboy and Brunswick records. For the real cool cats. . ..

Hustle Wit' Every Muscle by The Kay-Gees

From the same group who put out the "who's the man with the masterplan" bit comes the theme song for a TV dance show called Party. This is from '75 (Gang Records) and gets down and dirty. Grooves courtesy of Kool & the Gang's Ronald Bell, who produced and arranged this side for his lil' brothers in the group.

Get Off Your Seats & Jam (Disco Version) by South Side Coalition

This is a fun one released in '75 on Brown Dog records. Sort of a safe version of Funkadelic's "Get Off Your Ass & Jam." Arranged by Tommy Stewart, it sounds like a party where everyone's drunk. Someone must've invited Ned the Whino!

Bus Stop by Southside Movement

Here's another group from Southside Chi-town with their tribute to black america's great social event, the Bus Stop! Worth a listen for its mentions of Soul Train and the Alligator Discotheque. This A-side was released in '75 on 20th Century.

Dragon Fly by Pazant Brothers & Beaufort Express

While the concept of a tune dedicated to an insect doesn't make much sense, this is a good groover with funky horns, scratchy rhythm guitar and soulful vocals. Released in 1974 on Vigor records, and arranged/conducted by Gene Redd Jr. The B-side of this single is "Dixie Rock."

Let's Dance by Pleasure

Now here's a group you know. This was put out (1977, Fantasy) before they hit the charts with "Glide." It's well-known for it's chant that goes "let's dance, I know you got the feelin', let's dance, c'mon ...." Can you believe this was issued as a B-side! It's OK. The A-side, "Let Me Be the One," is an equally funky, though forgotten, hot number. Produced by Wayne Henderson too.

Keep On Gettin' Down (Pt. 2) by Le Frank O

Interesting rarity on MMM Gold records (Hollywood, CA) from '78. I much prefer part 2 without the male vocals, and have given you a section of the instrumental with the funky girl backup sounds. Features what sounds like trombone tailgating, which is kind of unique for a disco-funk tune.

Sexy Summer by Family Plann

One of my most favorite pieces from my record collection. Released in '75 on Drive records (a subsidiary of T.K.), this is as stereotypical as a 70s funky party-type song can get. Absolutely raucous! The B-side, "Can You Get Into the Music," is just as insane.

Keep On Dancin' by Bohannon

This is the title track from Hamilton Bohannon's second album on Dakar from '74. You know, the one with his wife Andrea shaking her tambourine and maracas on the cover. If the song sounds familiar to you, that's because it is. Mr. Bo later reworked the tune, renamed it "Let's Start the Dance," and had a big ole hit in '78 when it was released on Mercury records.

Casper's Groovy Ghost Show by Casper

This is one of the more interesting pieces I own. It's AVI Records' 1980 attempt to cash in on the early rap craze. It sounds Chic-ish, but Chic would never have disco-ing ghouls on its album cover. From what I know, "Casper" is Terry Marshall from Chicago. And look--Tom "Joiner" (sic)(WJPC Radio, Chicago) is thanked in the credits. I bet the "fly jock" is proud of this one!

Everybody Here Must Party by Direct Current

Philadelphia's own Clement sisters give us this dancefloor classic, which was later turned into a forgotten Sugarhill records gem, "To the Beat, Y'all" by Lady B. Released in the late 70s on TEC records, this is a real disco stomper.