Southern Freeez/Variations on a Theeem (2020)

Potentially confusing going by the cover, this is a two-album set: a reissue of Freeez's first album and a set of new recordings from founding leader John Rocca (helped by musicians including a couple of his nephews). The first LP, Southern Freeez -- released on Rocca's label in 1980 and picked up by Beggars Banquet early the next year -- became a touchstone of Brit-funk and the U.K. soul scene at large. It's highlighted by the number-eight hit title song, a wistful roller fronted by Ingrid Mansfield Allman (just before she ... Read More

Potentially confusing going by the cover, this is a two-album set: a reissue of Freeez's first album and a set of new recordings from founding leader John Rocca (helped by musicians including a couple of his nephews). The first LP, Southern Freeez -- released on Rocca's label in 1980 and picked up by Beggars Banquet early the next year -- became a touchstone of Brit-funk and the U.K. soul scene at large. It's highlighted by the number-eight hit title song, a wistful roller fronted by Ingrid Mansfield Allman (just before she released material written and most likely produced by Ian Dury and Chaz Jankel). There's another charting single with the Rocca-fronted "Flying High" (number 35), which isn't a Blackbyrds cover but is certainly in the same jazz-funk spirit. The similarly uplifting "Mariposa" and "Sunset," along with the flashier and more fusion-inspired "Easy on the Onions" (down to the fusion-y title), add depth to the singles, comparable to fellow U.K. bands like Incognito, Linx, and Level 42 as well as George Duke's Brazilian-flavored material of the same era. The second half of the package leads with a lively version of "Southern Freeez." Rocca's voice has deepened somewhat since it was last heard but still has a boyishly sweet quality. Like that update, the originals that follow integrate some organic house and sunny downtempo stylings with Freeez's roots. ("Simple Breeez" might even have an intentional nod to the Crusaders' "A Ballad for Joe.") It's gratifying to hear Rocca back at it, if only in a temporary fashion, 40 years after his debut and almost three decades since he left the biz for more lucrative work in telecommunications. ~ Andy Kellman, Rovi Read Less