CHOONS – Details, episodes & analysis

Back in December 1977, a young actor named John Travolta (by then only known for his role as Vinnie Barbarino on the TV comedy "Welcome Back Kotter) strutted across the streets of New York to the funky beat of an English trio that reinvented themselves from Soft Rock gentlemen to the purveyors of the global Disco explosion. 

While The Bee Gees' music was the centerpiece of "Saturday Night Fever," the film's soundtrack gave a spotlight to notable pop performers like Yvonne Elliman, masterful musicians and arrangers like David Shire, Ralph McDonald, and R&B veterans like The Trammps and Tavares that were also heavily instrumental in creating the blueprint of Disco in the early 70s.

Show Tracklisting:

• Jive Talkin' (Bee Gees)
• You Should Be Dancing (Bee Gees)
• I Don't Know How To Love Him (Yvonne Elliman)
• Love Me (Yvonne Elliman)
• How Deep Is Your Love (Bee Gees)
• If I Can't Have You (Yvonne Elliman)
• More Than A Woman (Bee Gees)
• More Than A Woman (Tavares)
• It Only Takes A Minute (Tavares)
• Boogie Shoes (KC & The Sunshine Band)
• Open Sesame (Kook & The Gang)
• K-Jee (MFSB)
• A Fifth Of Beethoven (Walter Murphy)
• Calypso Breakdown (Ralph McDonald)
• Night on Disco Mountain (David Shire)
• Zing! Went The Strings Of My Heart (The Trammps)
• Disco Inferno (The Trammps)

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

Before he graced the covers of Right On! and Black Beat, O’Bryan was a church kid with a stunning tenor tone informed by years of listening to Stevie Wonder, Donny Hattaway, Phyllis Hyman, and the Delphonics, among others.

His vocal abilities impressed a string of influential people that guided him through his musical journey, from Philly Soul legend Ron Kersey to the mighty "Soul Train" creator Don Cornelius, who later became co-writer of his songs and executive producer for most of his output with Capitol Records

For his first single release with Capitol, O’Bryan choose a masterful blend of sounds that signaled a shift in musical trends in the early 1980s. It was the first in a series of tunes that elevated him as one of the top Rhythm and Blues heartthrobs of his generation, creating an unbroken relationship with his devoted audience.

Show Tracklisting:

• I Want You Back (Jackson 5)
• Ben (Michael Jackson)
• Right From The Start (O’Bryan)
• Still Waters (Love) (O’Bryan)
• The Gigolo (O’Bryan)
• Soul Train’s A Comin’ (O’Bryan)
• Lovelite (O’Bryan)

O’Bryan on social media

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/obryanmusic/
• Twitter: https://twitter.com/IAMOBRYAN

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 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