Peter Stampfel, monster of New York folk, co-led the mighty Holy Modal Rounders and was a member of the Fugs. Even if they do not know it, most artists currently pursuing bent folk music—whether dubbed anti or freak—play in his shadow. Yet Stampfel has steadfastly refused to dine out on his legacy, making the rounds of small New York clubs with his latest awesome outfit: Peter Stampfel and the Ether Frolic Mob. The singer remains a captivating performer; few artists can convey joie de vivre like Peter Stampfel. When I interviewed the musician in 2007, he enthusiastically played a CD of Sheriff and the Ravels’ “Shombalor,” a berserk 1959 doo-wop obscurity. Last week, Stampfel did TONY one better: Accompanied by guitarist Hubby Jenkins, he performed his own version of “Shombalor” outside of his Soho apartment. Stampfel, Jenkins and other members of the amorphous Ether Frolic Mob play Jalopy Theatre on Friday (July 10). After the jump, Stampfel discusses the song and Soho.
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