Southern Freeez (Rocca Stennett Maas) published by EMI MUSIC/JOBETE MUSIC, CARLIN MUSIC CORP
A Dual Label release by
Zee-univers.com /
Claremont56.com
All digital mixes of the above tracks released exclusively on
Zee-Univers.com
A special edition 12" vinyl of the radio edit and two new additional mixes available exclusively on
Claremont56.com
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Zee Erf touches down: the story so far..................
It’s 1981 and jazz-funk anthem 'Southern Freeez' is tearing up the UK’s clubs, discos and music charts. Along with fellow London bands like Incognito, Light of the World and Lynx, the song’s creators, Freeez, break the ground for generations of British dance-music artists to come.
Fast forward to the summer of 2015 and three of Freeez’s original line-up re-connect. Guitarist Gordon forsakes his life in Australia – beaches by day, sound studios by night – to combine with drummer Paul who’s stayed put in north London, running jazz clubs and developing his writing and production skills.
Completing the group is keyboard-player and arranger Andy, now living in a remote island off Orkney, where you’ll find him coaxing grooves from the local church’s pump organ.
Gordon says, “I missed my jazz-funk roots and wanted to get back together with the guys.” Paul agrees, “A couple of cold beers and many high fives later, and it was like we’d never been apart.” Andy nods: “We agreed we wanted to take hold of our original 1980s jazz-funk sound and completely rework it.”
Under new name, Zee Erf, the trio work on an album for release through the band’s own label, Zee Univers. Its departure point is a reimagining of Freeez’s best-known track, ‘Southern Freeez’, now a-sparkle with Spanish and Balaeric infusions.
Artists to have previously covered the song include Beverley Knight (for her 2011 album ‘Soul UK’), and the Gilles Peterson-assembled Brazilian group Sonzeira (for their 2014 collection ‘Brasil Bam Bam Bam’).
Guest vocalist on Zee Erf's 2016 cut is Francesca Mondi who took time away from her fast-developing solo career to get involved.
Also listen out for the 12-inch comprising the radio edit and exclusive remixes. It’s released in partnership with DJ and Balearic-remix specialist Paul ‘Mudd’ Murphy, and available only at
Claremont56.com.
released January 12, 2017
Zee Erf (featuring Francesca Mondi)
Zee Erf are:
· Andy Stennett: Keyboards and Arrangement
· Paul Morgan: Drums, Bass and Vibraphone
· Gordon Sullivan: Guitars
Produced by Zee Erf
Mixed by Doctor Mix (1), Zee Erf (2.3.4)
Sleeve:
Photography Jem Lintott
Art Director Antoinette Haselhorst
Design Howard Shaw
Dancer David Kallo
Video:
Art Director Antoinette Haselhorst
Director of Cinemaphotography Jem Lintott
Dancer and Choreographer David Kallo
Additional Footage: Dan at Light Engine Films
Mastering Simon Francis (1) Zee Erf (2.3.4)
copyright Z-Univers Limited
Images:
Banner: Dm_Cherry c/o Shutterstock
Dog: Javier Brosch c/o Shutterstock
Mix 3: Cafe: Ryani Kristina c/o Shutterstock
Mix 4: Woman DJ: dubassy c/o Shutterstock
Samples under Creative Commons 3 CC-BY Samples (Radio Edit and Mama Niro Mix only)
Attributions
Castanets: 165500; by chripei at
freesound.org (adaptations: timing of repeats)
Handclaps: 338182 by jimmygu3 at
freesound.org (adaptation: timing of repeats)
Seagulls: 144835 by Eelke at
freesound.org (adaptation: some cropping)