Influences: Ge-Ology

Being that I’m playing in London this weekend, I’d like to begin with one of my favorite early releases from singer/guitarist John Rocca’s London-based band, Freeez…which also consisted of members Peter Maas (bassist), Andy Stennett (keyboardist) and Paul Morgan (drummer). This one is a bit more difficult to come across, but if you do, you will not be disappointed. Although the official A side of the record is a jazz-funk tune named “Stay”, in my opinion, the addition of “Hot Footing It” on the flip makes this a double A-sider for sure because both sides are equally dope! Further reason why this is one of those 12″s that continues to stay in my record bag while out touring and playing gigs…no pun intended.

Chain Reaction (once known as Hott Ice) is a band created by Harold Sargent, formally of Wood, Brass and Steel (which prior to becoming a group…was also a studio band for Sylvia Robinson’s roster of artists). Harold is also the producer behind the group Sparkle and numerous other sought-after New York based releases of the time. This particular record is one that I would also consider to be a double A-sider because both songs are fire! Side 2 of this killer 7″ thankfully includes the hugely in demand “Search For Tomorrow”, so at least with the hefty going price for this record nowadays, you get 2 quality jams included in it’s value. Definitely one of the most heavily-guarded and dearest 45s in my arsenal.

The Ashanti people have a very rich history, whose empire and kingdom once covered much of what is known as modern day Ghana, stretching all the way to the Ivory Coast. There’s no doubt that they inspired many to use the name, but these days when you hear someone mention a music artist named Ashanti, generally the Long Island, NY born singer from Irv Gotti’s ‘Murder Inc’ record label comes to mind. But the group Ashanti’ from the early 80s, produced by guitarist/saxophonist/arranger Johnny A. Jordan, Jr is something different altogether. There’s not much info on the origin of the band, but the record does state that it was recorded in a studio in Warren, Michigan. And so far, all I’ve been able to find is this one release from them…but it’s a beautiful one! I especially enjoy when the incredible synth breakdown comes in at about the half-way through the song. It’s the highlight I just want to hear over and over again on this rare 7″ release.

This screams out very fond memories of the real New York City to me…the days of mayor Ed Koch, graffiti covered subway trains with top to bottom burners going all-city (before the mayor’s policies buffed them clean of course), peep-shows in crime-infested Time Square, legendary night-life disco parties and the overall seductively unique flavor, energy and attitude that only NYC had at that time. This was 1980s New York City in all of it’s beautiful griminess and glory, a far cry from the once unimaginable “squeaky-clean-ultra-hygienic” shell of itself that NYC has painfully become today. This tune was part of a WNBC Radio compilation showcasing local NY area talent at the time…right down to the cover art (which was chosen through a competition of submissions). The winning art that graces the cover of this LP was a photo composite of graffiti covered 7 trains above ground in Long Island City, Queens…taken by a former student at my Alma mater, School Of Visual Arts. So I get nostalgic every time I play this record!

Believe it or not, this is actually a Gospel tune on a privately-pressed LP from New Zealand of all places. The Pink Family is actually a Christian family band that used to tour and perform together. I was first introduced to this record by my brother Darryn Jones in Chicago…who showed me this LP the night I was invited to spin some “(holy) grails” with him and Solson at their “Soul Time in Chicago” party. Ever since that night, I had been on the hunt for it until I was finally able to source it from another one of my Chicago brothers, Tone B Nimble. Definitely some nice gospel-disco-soul for a sunshiny day!