CHOONS

It was 1976, and Disco was hot. While Donna Summer, Barry White, Gloria Gaynor, and the Salsoul Orchestra churned out the genre's early standards, there were also your usual oddities in the shelves, from the overtly sexy to the downright novelty. Dr. Buzzard's Original Savannah Band was neither, and in fact, they weren't even Disco. However, their carefree lyrics and tight danceable musicianship fit beautifully with the times.

Co-founded by brothers August Darnell (aka Kid Creole) and Stony Browder Jr., Dr. Buzzard's drew influences from the big-band and swing eras, as well as Soul, Latin, Jazz, and African sounds, and came up with a fresh and lush fusion that was ready for the funky feet.

At its very core was the sensual, silky and exuberant voice of Cory Daye, who was more than happy to stay in the background and let the men call the shots. That was, of course, until they buckled under pressure and Cory had no choice but to step out front, give life to August’s lyrics of the “tragic mulatto” and Stony’s dazzling arrangements, and in the process, create one of the most enchanting postcards of the early Disco years.

Note: In the episode we mention that Stony Browder Jr. passed on in 1991. He actually passed on in 2001. 

Show Tracklisting

• Hard Times (Dr. Buzzard's Original Savannah Band)
• Sara Smile (Daryl Hall and John Oats)
• She's Gone (Daryl Hall and John Oats)
• Sunshower (Dr. Buzzard's Original Savannah Band)
• I'll Play The Fool (Dr. Buzzard's Original Savannah Band)
• One of A Kind Love Affair (The Spinners)
• Could It Be I'm Falling In Love (The Spinners)
• Whispering/Cherchez La Femme (Dr. Buzzard's Original Savannah Band)
• Single Again (Cory Daye)

Dr. Buzzard's on Social Media:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drbuzzardsoriginalsavannahband/

Cory Daye on Social Media:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cory_daye1/

Host and Producer: Diego Martinez

Executive Producer: Nicholas "NickFresh" Puzo

Audio Engineer: Adam Fogel 

Follow us on social media: @choonspod

Subscribe to our PATREON: patreon.com/choonspod

Portland, Oregon is a place known for its access to the great outdoors, fine wineries and breweries, and a delightfully weird culture. It also cultivated a thriving music scene, supported by multiple clubs where you could see people playing any conceivable style, from classical and chamber music to R&B, Riot Grrrl and Punk.

Latin, Jazz, and Soul music enthusiasts Valerie Day and John Smith were a part of what they call the "golden age" of live music in Portland, and at a certain point, they were even one of the city's top bands, playing up to five days a week. When it seemed that they could be stuck in a rut, along came a funky beat born in their little apartment, one that had several iterations over the course of three years. 

A remix by Dutch DJ Peter Slauhuis, however, was the one that propelled the duo to international success and a Grammy nomination as Best New Artist. More than 36 years later, and after stepping away from the touring circuit, Valerie and John remain as creative and prolific as they ever were, while at the same time, enjoying the continued life and legacy of "I Can't Wait."

Show Tracklisting

• Taking Care of Business (Bachman Turner Overdrive)
• Birds of Fire (Mahavishnu Orchestra)
• I Can't Wait (American Mix) (Nu Shooz)
• Jungle Love (Morris Day and The Time)
• I Can't Wait (Dutch Mix) (Nu Shooz)

Nu Shooz on Social Media:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nushoozmusic/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/nushoozmusic/
• Twitter: https://twitter.com/NuShoozMusic
• Website: https://www.nushoozmusic.com

Host and Producer: Diego Martinez

Executive Producer: Nicholas "NickFresh" Puzo

Audio Engineer: Adam Fogel 

Follow us on social media: @choonspod

Subscribe to our PATREON: patreon.com/choonspod

Princess' appearance at a London fashion show caught the eye of a member of the team working for songwriting and production trio Mike Stock, Matt Aitken and Pete Waterman, who were eager to continue their streak of success in the charts following the release of songs like Hazell Dean's "Whatever I Do, Wherever I Go," Divine's "You Think You're A Man," and Dead or Alive's iconic "You Spin Me 'Round (Like A Record)".

Inspired by The BB&Q Band's "Genie," and the work Jimmy Jam & Terry Lewis did for The S.O.S. Band, Stock Aitken Waterman decided to take a stab at credible soul recordings, carefully curating sounds that would complement Princess' powerhouse vocals.

Although the collaboration between the parties ended abruptly at the end of 1986, "Say I’m Your Number One” is still very much considered as the jewel in the crown of Stock Aitken Waterman’s cavalcade of hits.

Show Tracklisting

• You Spin Me 'Round (Like A Record) (Dead Or Alive)
• I Wanted Your Love (Luther Vandross)
• Love Is War (Brilliant)
• Say I'm Your Number One - Demo Version (Princess)
• Say I'm Your Number One - 7" Mix (Princess)
• Respectable (Mel and Kim)

Princess on Social Media:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hrsprincess/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/611798185548155/
• Twitter: https://twitter.com/HRSPrincess

Phil Harding on Social Media:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/philhardingmusic/
• Twitter: https://twitter.com/phardingmusic

Host and Producer: Diego Martinez

Executive Producer: Nicholas "NickFresh" Puzo

Audio Engineer: Adam Fogel 

Follow us on social media: @choonspod

Subscribe to our PATREON: patreon.com/choonspod

As Princess (born Desiree Heslop) gets ready for her return to the stage, treating longtime fans with a first-ever performance of her debut album for Supreme Records, she looks back on the making of that LP and a journey through her extraordinary career, one propelled by the support of her brother and manager, Don Heslop.

Both Princess and Don talk about how music came into her life, and her role as a session singer for up-and-coming and established acts, which led her straight to the doorsteps of the ‘Hit Factory’ established by producers Mike Stock, Matt Aitken and Pete Waterman, known for their assembly-like work with artists like Bananarama, Rick Astley, and Kylie Minogue.

Show Tracklisting

• Just A Tease (Princess)
• Say I'm Your Number One (Princess)
• Keep On Smiling (James Lloyd)
• I Say A Little Prayer (Aretha Franklin)
• Let The Night Take The Blame (The 501's feat. Desiree)
• Black Woman (Peter Green)
• Celebration (Osibisa)

Princess on Social Media:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hrsprincess/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/611798185548155/
• Twitter: https://twitter.com/HRSPrincess

Phil Harding on Social Media:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/philhardingmusic/
• Twitter: https://twitter.com/phardingmusic

Host and Producer: Diego Martinez

Executive Producer: Nicholas "NickFresh" Puzo

Audio Engineer: Adam Fogel 

Follow us on social media: @choonspod

Subscribe to our PATREON: patreon.com/choonspod

It's been six months since CHOONS was unleashed to the world, and nothing has prepared us for the overwhelming response we've gotten from listeners around the world who share our love for these songs, and most importantly, their place and meaning in our lives.

This episode is dedicated to those of you who have shown your support for this show —think of this as our ‘greatest hits’ compilation, a collection of the best, entertaining and shocking moments from some of our most popular episodes.

Show Tracklisting

• Nights Over Egypt (The Jones Girls)
• Soul Steppin' (Shirley Jones)
• So Fine (Howard Johnson)
• Point Of No Return - Original 1984 Version (Exposé)
• Too Blind to See It (Kym Sims)
• Keep On Walking (CeCe Peniston)
• You're The One For Me (D-Train)
• Dubinated (Company B)
• Fascinated - Acapella (Company B)
• Fascinated (Company B)
• In The Evening - 12" Version (Sheryl Lee Ralph)
• Dreamgirls (Sheryl Lee Ralph, Loretta Devine, Jennifer Holiday)

Host and Producer: Diego Martinez

Executive Producer: Nicholas "NickFresh" Puzo

Audio Engineer: Adam Fogel 

Follow us on social media: @choonspod

Subscribe to our PATREON: patreon.com/choonspod

Regina Richards is a force to be reckoned with in the music biz. Inspired by the sounds of Motown, the Ronettes, and The Beatles, she began a prolific career as a composer at a tender age. Richards had enough songs in her portfolio that a band project (Regina Richards and Red Hot) was formed around her, becoming a fixture of the New Wave scene in New York.

By the early ‘80s, she dedicated to writing and publishing full time with the help of talented drummer and fellow writer Stephen Bray. Both would coincide with future stars, including Madonna  and members of The System at The Music Building, a now legendary rehearsal facility in Manhattan.

It was there where this “baby” of a record gave its first steps with aid from another Music Building regular, Mary Kessler, who along with Bray and Richards, crafted a playful and charming record that crossed over through the pop, dance and R&B charts. Though it sparked a multitude of comparisons to the almighty ‘queen of reinvention,’ Regina’s “Baby Love” stands on its own as an ‘80s marvel that’s still being played today.

Show Tracklisting

• Ton of Bricks (Regina Richards and Red Hot)
• Baby Love (Regina)
• Baby Love (The Supremes)
• Baby Love (The Star Sisters)

Host and Producer: Diego Martinez

Executive Producer: Nicholas "NickFresh" Puzo

Audio Engineer: Adam Fogel 

Follow us on social media: @choonspod

Subscribe to our PATREON: patreon.com/choonspod

Back in the early ‘80s, Brooklynite Alisha Ann Itkin was pretty much your average American teenager. Outgoing yet a bit timid onstage, she shined as a cheerleader, and scored roles in school plays and functions. Oh, and she was also an outstanding vocalist who began training at the age of 8 with the support of her parents, Lillian and Al.

As fate would have it, a demo of hers recorded with a rock band called The Babysitters landed in the lap of then Vanguard Records engineer and producer, Mark Berry, already established with his work on landmark records such as Carly Simon's “You’re So Vain,” and Man Parrish's “Hip Hop (Be Bop)”.

Berry chose Alisha to lay vocals on a track written by Rick Tarbox, featuring lyrics that seemed somewhat racy for a girl her age. Alisha’s performance, however, embodied feelings of desire to full effect, coupled by an extravagant reverb-filled production that signaled a new era in Dance music.

Recorded in the summer of 1983, and released in early 1984, “All Night Passion” was played in virtually every club in New York City, crossing the Atlantic with ease. Four decades later, it still withstands the test of time as one of the era’s best freestyle jams.

Show Tracklisting

• Cabaret (Alisha - Extract from "Alisha - The Rise of an '80s Icon" documentary)
• If You Read My Mind Demo (Alisha - Extract from "Alisha - The Rise of an '80s Icon" documentary)
• You're So Vain (Carly Simon)
• Hip Hop (Be Bop) (Man Parrish)
• All Night Passion - Album Version (Alisha)
• All Night Passion - Extended Remix (Alisha)
• (You Wanna Be A) Superstar (Alisha)

Host and Producer: Diego Martinez

Executive Producer: Nicholas "NickFresh" Puzo

Audio Engineer: Adam Fogel 

Follow us on social media: @choonspod

Subscribe to our PATREON: patreon.com/choonspod

One of the most vocally cohesive groups of its time, The Friends of Distinction—Harry Elston, Barbara Love, Jessica Cleaves, and Floyd Butler—enjoyed considerable success and influence due to their blend of California harmonies and crossover arrangements, qualities that set them apart from their contemporaries.

Aided by their manager, NFL legend Jim Brown, the San Diego foursome hit the big time with an irresistible rendition of an already popular song by South African instrumentalist Hugh Masekela, which earned a Grammy nomination one year earlier.

Certified gold by the RIAA, “Grazing In The Grass” proved to be somewhat of a challenge to follow for The Friends of Distinction, as their label struggled to promote them across the board. Years later, however, the track would carry a total vibe, a thunderous celebration of nature, love, and life.

Show Tracklisting

• Honest I Do (Cell Foster & The Audios)
• Double Crossing Blues (Johnny Otis Quintette)
• Grazing In The Grass - Instrumental (Hugh Masekela)
• Grazing In The Grass (The Friends of Distinction)
• Grazing In The Grass - Live at the Ed Sullivan Show (The Friends of Distinction)

Host and Producer: Diego Martinez

Executive Producer: Nicholas "NickFresh" Puzo

Audio Engineer: Adam Fogel 

Follow us on social media: @choonspod

Subscribe to our PATREON: patreon.com/choonspod

Born into a musical family, Brown found her calling as a little kid watching Sammy Davis Jr. and all the Motown greats at the world-famous Apollo Theater, in New York. With strong will and determination, she went on to become a prolific songwriter for CBS Records, penning lyrics for Blood, Sweat and Tears, and Ronnie Dyson. Brown also had a way of crafting funky tunes for her own with the highly influential “Family Tree,” a massive hit in England’s Northern Soul scene.

Her true shining moment, however, came unexpectedly in the form of a newspaper ad, looking for a “tall, black, willowy-voiced female” to cut a track in the recording studio. That track became “I Specialize In Love,” a slice of early 80s post-disco that perfectly blended R&B, electronics and the emerging sounds of Hip-Hop.

“Specialize” traveled far and wide throughout the European continent before it found its way back to the States, where it became a sizable hit in the dance charts and clubs. Yet, with all the glamour of sudden fame, she faced challenging and devastating situations that managed to virtually kill what was left of her music career.

More on Sharon Brown

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sharonbrownispecializeinlove8/
• Twitter: https://twitter.com/SHARONADABROWN

Show Tracklisting

• I Wish You Love (Gloria Lynne)
• Mr. Bojangles (Live Version - Sammy Davis Jr.)
• Love Looks Good On You (Blood, Sweat and Tears)
• Family Tree (Family Tree - Sharon Brown 1975 Recording)
• I Specialize In Love (Sharon Brown)

Host and Producer: Diego Martinez

Executive Producer: Nicholas "NickFresh" Puzo

Audio Engineer: Adam Fogel 

Follow us on social media: @choonspod

Subscribe to our PATREON: patreon.com/choonspod

Pajama Studios opened its doors on April 1st 1993. A typical April Fools day, although these folks are no fools. It started with the vision of two-time Grammy nominated composer, arranger, producer and engineer James Gardiner, and his business partner, producer and director Paula Telander.

Both greeted us on their world-class recording facility to talk in depth about the legendary performers that have walked their platinum and gold-disc hallway—from Beyoncé to En Vogue and 2pac—, how they help make a difference in what’s played on the radio and on streaming services, and how they’re developing the new faces of pop music.

More on Pajama Studios and Gardiner Music Mentoring:

• Website: http://www.gardinermusicmentoring.com/

Show Tracklisting:

• Eclipse (LifeLine - James Gardiner original composition featuring Kenny G on flute)
• Songbird (Kenny G)
• No, No, No Part 2 (Destiny's Child)
• Hold On (En Vogue)

Host and Producer: Diego Martinez

Executive Producer: Nicholas "NickFresh" Puzo

Audio Engineer: Adam Fogel 

Special Thanks to Marcel Caldera III

Follow us on social media: @choonspod

Subscribe to our PATREON: patreon.com/choonspod