Are you doing the Southern Freeez sir?
I'm going back in time again with this single. Yeap I was going through that record box again I'm afraid, and this time I picked up an album that I hadn't played in years which made me smile.
The single from the album in question was/is "Southern Freeez" by the group called Freeez which caused all that fuss back in the 1980s.
The single's release came about during January 1981.
The album was a debut release from the 5-piece, Jazz/Funk band based in London called Freeez, back in 1980. Via the release of the single into the national charts.
We saw an explosion of interest in the music that was Jazz/Funk which had been created by artists such as Herbie Hancock and others years before.
Along with Hi Tension, Light of the World, and Level 42 (Funk or Jazz/Funk bands) - England was within a jazz-funk musical bubble.
These groups hoped that their single releases put out as Jazz/Funk music would be taken as seriously as their American counterparts had done at least 10 years earlier.
The group consisted - Led by John Rocca (percussion/vocals), along with Peter Maas (bass), Paul Morgan (drums), Andy Stennett (keyboards) and Gordan Sullivan (Guitar)
The band fused traditional disco with jazz/funk and Latin rhythms with varying degrees of success.
However, on this track alone the vocalist that has made the song so special in clubland history is none other than - Ingrid Mansfield-Allman
At the time the single sounded so fresh, invigorating, and exciting; and then made within the UK top ten music charts. Made it even more special for us over in the UK.
And finally to see the group performing on the TOP OF THE POPS music chart show ( here in the UK) as well was the icing on the cake for us Soul/Funk and Jazz Funks fans at the time.
Freeez - "Southern Freez - TOP OF THE POPS appearance (Uk) - during 1981:
The Lyrics of the famous song are below.
Love saw it in your eyes
Sensed it in your smile
Boy I like your style
Oh yeah
When I saw you on the floor doing the southern freeez
Then I knew you were the one the only one for me
Love feel it in your touch
In the way you move
I like it very much yes I do
Time time is moving on
Guess it’s getting late
Soon you’ll take me home
People everywhere doing the southern freeez
Laughing all the time this is the life for me
Heartbeat whisper in my ears
Now it won’t be long no
Just you and me my dear yeah
Sweet darling making love so slow
Your so beautiful yes you are
You got me all a glow
When I saw you on the floor doing the southern freeez
Then I knew you were the one, the only one for me
Legend has it that the song title came about due to a dance craze that began in London called the "Freeze".
Dancers and clubbers alike that were dancing to the track that was/is by Rodney Franklyn called "The Groove - 1980" would stop still as the music stopped within the record.
And would only move until the record itself progressed.- (Source - "Robert Elms Show". October 4, 2013. Event occurs at 2:30:20. BBC London 94.9.)
The Single - Rodney Franklyn - The Groove - 1980:
Another firm favorite of mine from the album that is called "Southern Freeez" is the track called "Mariposa".
Another class track that should have been released in my opinion rather than the next and official 3rd release from the band was "Flying High"
The "Mariposa" track has the expected Jazz/funk element within its makeup. Also within the initial opening bars of the song - we are greeted by some great piano playing.
And finally some Brazillian-styled vocal arrangements by the band's members. The drumming throughout the song is also to be marveled at as well.
The Album version of Mariposa - Please Click on the YouTube video below
I remember seeing the band perform the song live on another legendary, BBC Music show here in England called The Old Grey Whistle Test.
(*I have included the Live performance) and vinyl release so you hear the differences yourself. I just love this single.
The group called Freeez appeared Live on The Old Grey Whistle Test performance below:
In fact, it reached number 8 on the National pop charts in 1981. One must not forget the fantastic vocal delivery of Ingrid Mansfield-Allman on this song.
Her voice is perfect for this track. I just think that this song could only have been sung by herself. She put her indelible mark on it.
If you ever get the chance to listen to the whole album. And even If you don't like the music of jazz as a musical concept. After reading this article you might well change your mind about this concept of Jazz - Jazz/Funk
One last thing. We have managed to get an Interview with Andy Stennett, one of the original members of the band.
Please click on the link below to hear the Interview.
Freezing it Up with Andy Stennett - the Interview - May 2020
Well, that's all folks for me now anyway.
Please CONTACT ME here if you want to discuss anything mentioned in this article.
Dj Mistri and the Electric Soul Show © www.electricsoulshow.com
