The Mighty Show-Stoppers / Esperanto (9) - Hippy Skippy Moon Strut / Night Of The Wolf

Year Released: 2007
Label: Freestyle Records – FSR7028
Genre: Deep Funk / Cinematic Soul / Breakbeat Revival

Description:
This Freestyle Records 7″ pairs two standout slices of funk and cinematic soul — the Mighty Show-Stoppers’ “Hippy Skippy Moon Strut” and Esperanto’s “Night of the Wolf.”

The A-side, “Hippy Skippy Moon Strut,” is a faithful recreation of the 1968 Moon People / Moonstruck single (later retitled “Stretch Your Rubber Band”), but recorded by Lance Ferguson’s modern funk collective, The Mighty Show-Stoppers — a studio project connected to members of The Bamboos and other musicians from Melbourne’s vibrant soul-funk scene.

With its tight horn stabs, driving rhythm, and heavy dancefloor groove, the track captures the essence of the rare-groove era while delivering pristine modern production. It’s become a DJ favorite for its authentic breakbeat feel and timeless energy.

The flip, “Night of the Wolf” by Esperanto, complements it perfectly — a moody, cinematic soul instrumental rich with spy-funk flair, wah guitars, and bold brass, again recorded under Lance Ferguson’s creative direction.

Released in 2007, this single helped Freestyle Records cement its reputation as one of the key labels in the 21st-century funk and soul revival. The Mighty Show-Stoppers were a studio alias used by Lance Ferguson, featuring musicians from The Bamboos, Cookin’ On 3 Burners, and other top-tier players from Melbourne’s funk underground.

Both tracks are modern classics among DJs and collectors, often mistaken for obscure vintage rarities due to their authentic analog sound and minimalist label design.