Continuing to shine a light on John Rocca & co’s pioneering early 80s music, Far Out proudly presents the first ever 12” release of Freeez’s monster brit-funk classic “Mariposa”, along with the equally heavy and hard to find 12” mix of “Alone”.
The limited Mariposa/Alone 12” release follows Far Out’s reissues of Freeez’s first two 12” single releases “Keep In Touch” and “Stay/ Hot Footing it”, which saw support from Kenny Dope, Greg Wilson, Gilles Peterson, Shuya Okino and Harvey Sutherland.
Slightly more refined, but no less groovy and mysterious, “Mariposa” and “Alone” are the pinnacle of the sound Rocca and Peter Maas began developing in an East London basement in the early 80s.
Released on Freeez’s debut album Southern Freeez in 1980, “Mariposa '' is fearsomely funky, high-tempo, melodic jazz-funk featuring Paul Morgan’s lighting drum fills, Peter Maas’s slapping and popping, Andy Stennett’s top-drawer keys and John Rocca’s percussion and otherworldly Spanish vocals. Pure dance-floor body music, “Mariposa” typified the group’s feel-good sound and has torn up club floors throughout the 80s and beyond.
With the same core line-up, with the exception of new drummer; Light Of The World’s Everton McCalla, and Allison Gordon’s silky smooth vocal, ”Alone”, originally released as the B-side to Freeez’s “One to One” single in 1982, is a cool, heady boogie stepper, and this elusive extended 12” mix is a no brainer for any discerning jazz/funk boogie jock.
In the mid-80s Rocca would go onto craft underground cult classics like ‘Melodies of Love’ and ‘India’ as Pink Rhythm, before foraying into the world of electro, collaborating with legendary US producer Arthur Baker.
Limited to 1000 units worldwide, Freeez’s Mariposa/Alone has been remastered and recut for 12” vinyl (it sounds PHAT) and will be released by Far Out Recordings on the 16th September 2022.
credits
released July 19, 2022
A:
Written By - Andy Stennett/Peter Maas
Bass - Peter Maas
Drums - Paul Morgan
Keyboards - Andy Stennett
Percussion, Vocals -John Rocca
Laurie Brown - Trumpets
Guitar - Gordon Sullivan
Sax, Flute - Geoff Warren
Trombone - David Allison
B:
Written By - Andy Stennett/Peter Maas/John Rocca
Bass – Peter Maas
Drums – Everton McCalla
Keyboards – Andy Stennett
Percussion, Vocals – John Rocca
Vocals - Allison Gordon
Formed by producer and percussionist John Rocca, Freeez were a pioneering Brit-Funk group who had international hits throughout the 1980s. Their DIY releases from their early years, however, have remained hidden gems amongst their discography...
supported by 8 fans who also own “Mariposa / Alone”
I've gone for the Joshua Jaswon Octet - Extinction as my fav track, as this is the one that made the biggest initial impression on me, but I'm pretty sure this is the kind of album where my choice will change over and over with time. Ed Bailey
supported by 7 fans who also own “Mariposa / Alone”
My god, what an absolutely incredible Suite. I'll admit, I've struggled to get into Pharoah Sanders due to diving headfirst into some of his most challenging catalogue and that never worked. This is the perfect place to restart. Floating Points is new for me and I can honestly say I've never heard synthesizer music this lush and organic before. the LSO is just perfect. This is one of those albums that any serious music fan needs in their life. The perfect swan song for the great Pharaoh! 5/5 ClassyMusicSnob
supported by 7 fans who also own “Mariposa / Alone”
I heard the catchy Lazy Days on the Radio for the first time and fell in love with this song. I rediscovered Brit Funk with this album and how good vibes it is. Richard