CHOONS

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 MartinezExecutive Producer: Nicholas "NickFresh" PuzoAudio Engineer: Adam FogelFollow us on social media: @choonspodSubscribe 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 RecordsFor 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 mediaInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/obryanmusic/Twitter: https://twitter.com/IAMOBRYANHost and Producer: Diego MartinezExecutive Producer: Nicholas "NickFresh" PuzoAudio Engineer: Adam FogelFollow us on social media: @choonspodSubscribe to our PATREON: patreon.com/choonspod

Multiple tributes flooded social media channels and websites when Joyce Sims made her peaceful transition on October 13th, 2022, all noting the tangible influence she had on music and people's lives. This Rochester, NY native found her way from perfecting her craft to soaring the international charts with a heavenly mix of Hip-Hop, electronic beats, and R&B vocal stylings, thanks to her collaboration with Sleeping Bag Records producer Mantronix. That mix led to some remarkable singles in the mid-to-late 80s, including "(You Are My) All And All," and "Come Into My Life," the latter becoming her most-known tune.Taking cues from one of her final interviews, we take a look back at Joyce's beginnings in music, her efforts to learn the process behind the engineering desk, her surprise rise to fame, and her last recordings before her passing.Show Tracklisting:Come Into My Life (Joyce Sims)(You Are My) All And All (Joyce Sims)What You Won't Do For Love (Joyce Sims) Interview with Joyce Sims (Courtesy of Halftime Chat)https://youtu.be/_fIXHpFvGtUhttps://youtu.be/QUqlpyo0NS0https://youtu.be/V6H2ZlaZ0_Uhttps://youtu.be/r4Wv1jnSWAwhttps://youtu.be/Mj2aJi49s4sDonate or support the production of Halftime ChatCASHAPP: £halftimechatPAYPAL: nesoul Host and Producer: Diego MartinezExecutive Producer: Nicholas "NickFresh" PuzoAudio Engineer: Adam FogelFollow us on social media: @choonspodSubscribe to our PATREON: patreon.com/choonspod

As the glamour of New Wave made its way through the UK music scene with acts like Visage, Duran Duran, and Spandau Ballet, a band made out of three black men was making the most, sashaying into TV studios with an extravagant image and hypnotic tunes to match. Vocalist Leee John, bassist Ashley Ingram, and drummer Errol Kennedy ruled both the charts and the dancefloors with their own silky and soulful "Imagination" sound, created in collaboration with innovative production team Steve Jolley and Tony Swain, later architects of pop classics recorded by Spandau, Alison Moyet, and Bananarama. In this special CHOONS episode, Leee takes a trip back to his days working the pub circuit and learning from the greats, his pre-Imagination recordings, the inspiration behind his first hit singles with the band, and the treacherous session that led to one of the most unforgettable floor-fillers of the 1980s.Show Tracklisting:Just An Illusion - Nightdubbing Version (Imagination)Haven't Stopped Dancing Yet (Gonzalez)Walk On The Wild Side (Lou Reed)Body Talk (Imagination)Burnin' Up (Imagination)I'll Always Love You (But Don't Look Back) (Imagination)Flashback (Imagination)True (Spandau Ballet)Just An Illusion - Instrumental (Imagination)Just An Illusion (Imagination)In The Heat of The Night (Imagination)Pre-order Imagination featuring Leee John "40 Years" Limited Edition Box Set Out February 2023: https://leeejohn.lnk.to/imagination40Leee John on Social Media:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/leeejohnofficial/Twitter: https://twitter.com/leeejohnFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/LeeeJohnWebsite: https://www.leeejohn.com/Host and Producer: Diego MartinezExecutive Producer: Nicholas "NickFresh" PuzoAudio Engineer: Adam FogelFollow us on social media: @choonspodSubscribe to our PATREON: patreon.com/choonspod

On January 3rd, 1990, days after a unified East and West Berlin welcomed the new decade with a memorable New Years celebration a few feet away from Brandenburg Gate, German producers Luca Anzilotti and Michael Münzing unleashed "The Power," a song that blended soul, dance, and rap sounds. Though they weren't the first to come up with this fusion, the result was one of the most recognizable songs of all time and a symbol of the often problematic practices found in relationships between artists and production teams.Penny Ford, a vocalist, multi-instrumentalist, and composer with years working alongside greats like Chaka Khan, Joni Mitchell, Zapp, and the Gap Band, was caught in the whirlwind of it all, and saw her life completely turned upside down by the unexpected opportunity of fronting the Snap! project, and securing its afterlife for the next three decades.Show TracklistingIn The Name Of Love (Sharon Redd)Tell Me Something Good (Rufus feat. Chaka Khan)Change Your Wicked Ways (Penny Ford)Our Day Will Come (Chaka Khan and Edwin Starr)Where Are You? (16 Bit)Oops Up (Snap!)Mary Had a Little Boy (Snap!)The Power (Chill Rob G)Love's Gonna Get You (Jocelyn Brown)The Power (Snap!)Rhythm Is A Dancer (Snap!)Snap! on Social Media:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/officialpennyford/Twitter: https://twitter.com/pennypal101Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/people/Penny-Ford/100063719559672/Host and Producer: Diego MartinezExecutive Producer: Nicholas "NickFresh" PuzoAudio Engineer: Adam FogelFollow us on social media: @choonspodSubscribe to our PATREON: patreon.com/choonspod

Back in 1980, Zimbabwe (formerly Southern Rhodesia) had finally gained independence from the British, marking the end of racial segregation after a protracted war of liberation that claimed many lives. A year later, a young Alton Edwards became a prodigal son when his debut single climbed the UK top 20, one of the very first instances of a 12" single achieving success in the pop charts.It was the culmination of a journey that took Alton from being a member of several bands to leading his own solo project in collaboration with innovative record producer Chris Cameron. Though his journey also included obstacles that ultimately curtailed his momentum, Alton continues to express his creativity with impactful projects. He's also immensely grateful for the dancey tune that put him on the map and that makes bodies shake to this very day.Show TracklistingSanibonani (Dianne Chandler)Boogie Nights (Heatwave)I Just Wanna (Spend Some Time With You) (Alton Edwards)I Just Wanna (Spend Some Time With You) Michael Gray Remix (Alton Edwards)Alton Edwards on Social Media:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/altonedwards/Twitter: https://twitter.com/altonedwardsHost and Producer: Diego MartinezExecutive Producer: Nicholas "NickFresh" PuzoAudio Engineer: Adam FogelFollow us on social media: @choonspodSubscribe to our PATREON: patreon.com/choonspod

Different Fur has been a landmark of the music scene in the Bay Area and at the cutting edge of studio technology since it was founded in 1968 by synth wiz Patrick Gleeson, who went on to play on albums by Herbie Hancock, and in soundtrack albums for the films "Apocalypse Now" and "The Plague Dogs." Nestled between taquerias and cocktail bars, it has hosted an array of legendary musicians, up-and-coming artists, and music lovers who have attended community-based events that are now the stuff of legend in the Mission. After navigating the shakeup of the COVID-19 pandemic, Different Fur looks to the future with its new co-managers, Lien Do and Grace Coleman. Both talk to us about their musical beginnings, their relationship with artists, and their goals for the future of this recording studio. More on Different FurWebsite: https://differentfurstudios.com/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/differentfur/Twitter: https://twitter.com/differentfurFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/differentfur/Show Tracklisting:Come Back Jonee (Devo)America Is Waiting (David Byrne & Brian Eno)Host and Producer: Diego MartinezExecutive Producer: Nicholas "NickFresh" PuzoAudio Engineer: Adam Fogel Special Thanks to Marcel Caldera IIIFollow us on social media: @choonspodSubscribe to our PATREON: patreon.com/choonspod

Born Norman Washington Giscombe on June 6, 1957, Junior had been making the rounds of the London music scene, just as the Britfunk movement was bridging the gap of a racially-divided England with its friendly and inviting sound, one inspired by American R&B, soul and funk.After dabbling in rock and even Disco, Junior found his groove with producer Bob Carter and tapped into the words of wisdom of his Jamaican mother to create a song that touched a nerve with audiences in the UK and the US.With its universal message of love, knowledge, and self-acceptance, “Mama Used To Say” helped Junior make history as one of the first British soul singers to cross over to America, and served as inspiration and praise for a number of equally iconic performers.Show TracklistingGet Up and Dance (Norman Giscombe Jr.)Love Dies (Junior)Let Me Know (Junior)Mama Used To Say (Junior)Mama Used To Say - American Instrumental Mix (Junior)I Specialize in Love (Sharon Brown)Mama Used To Say - American Remix (Junior)Too Late (Junior)Oh Louise (Junior)Junior on Social Media:Website: https://www.juniorgiscombe.co.ukInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/juniorgiscombe_/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/juniorgiscombeTwitter: https://twitter.com/JuniorGiscombeHost and Producer: Diego MartinezExecutive Producer: Nicholas "NickFresh" PuzoAudio Engineer: Adam Fogel Follow us on social media: @choonspodSubscribe to our PATREON: patreon.com/choonspod

In the mid-1980s, a new batch of artists emerged on the UK music scene, blending pop sensibilities, refined arrangements, and an understated sense of fashion. Among the likes of Sade, Prefab Sprout, and Simply Red, there was the unique style of Swing Out Sister, originally comprised of jazz-tinged vocalist and songwriter Corinne Drewery, keyboardist Andy Connell, and drummer Martin Jackson.Influenced by an array of performers, from Dionne Warwick to Ennio Morricone, Swing Out Sister broke through in 1985 but failed to make a dent on the charts with their first single. However, a series of isolated (and almost tragic) circumstances propelled the group to throw everything but the kitchen sink on the next effort, an exuberant and positive song that shot to the top 10 in both sides of the Atlantic.As they celebrate 35 years of their debut album with a retrospective box set, Corinne and Andy are not afraid to look back at their legacy, and discuss how a sincere song born from a record label's ultimatum came to define an entire era, and influence millions of listeners to change their lives around.Show TracklistingI'd Like To See You Again (A Certain Ratio)Real Time (Retrospective Dub) (Zer-O)Venceremos (Working Week)Blue Mood (Swing Out Sister)Breakout (Swing Out Sister)You Don't Have To Say You Love Me (Dusty Springsteen)Ain't No Mountain High Enough (Diana Ross)Diamonds Are Forever (Shirley Bassey)Breakout (Maisie Goulsbra)Am I The Same Girl? (Swing Out Sister)Don't Give The Game Away - Instrumental (Swing Out Sister)Swing Out Sister on Social Media:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sosister/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/swingoutsisterTwitter: https://twitter.com/swingoutsisterHost and Producer: Diego MartinezExecutive Producer: Nicholas "NickFresh" PuzoAudio Engineer: Adam Fogel Follow us on social media: @choonspodSubscribe to our PATREON: patreon.com/choonspod

In June of 1987, 24 year-old Carrie McDowell—the second white female artist signed to Motown Records—walked the stage of the legendary music show "Soul Train," and rocked the house with a performance of her first and only single, the controversial "Uh Uh No No Casual Sex." For McDowell, it was no daunting task, as she was already a seasoned entertainer by then.Born and raised in Des Moines, Iowa, Carrie was a musical child prodigy destined to sing. At age 3, she could carry a note and embody the feelings of classic melodies from Stevie Wonder, Marvin Gaye and Tammi Terrell. By the time she was 10, Carrie went from showcasing her talent at local venues to dazzling the Vegas crowds alongside Liberace, George Burns, and comedy duo Rowan & Martin, and drawing standing ovations at the Tonight Show with Johnny Carson.After her parents' divorce and poor management curtailed her early career, Carrie got her second wind by experimenting with musical styles, and embracing new opportunities with legendary Motown producer Willie Hutch, who introduced her to a song that, despite its lyrics, was part of a serious conversation society was having in the late 80s.Show TracklistingStella by Starlight - From the movie "The Uninvited" (Liberace)Over The Rainbow (Carrie McDowell)Top of The World - Carpenters Cover Live at the Tonight Show (Carrie McDowell)I'll Be There (Jackson 5)Uh Uh, No No Casual Sex (Carrie McDowell)Let's Wait Awhile (Janet Jackson)Can't Love You Tonight (Gwen Guthrie)Carrie McDowell on Social Media:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/carriemcdowellmusic/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CarrieMcDowellMusicTwitter: https://twitter.com/carriemcmusicHost and Producer: Diego MartinezExecutive Producer: Nicholas "NickFresh" PuzoAudio Engineer: Adam Fogel Follow us on social media: @choonspodSubscribe 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 TracklistingHard 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 MartinezExecutive Producer: Nicholas "NickFresh" PuzoAudio Engineer: Adam Fogel Follow us on social media: @choonspodSubscribe 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 TracklistingTaking 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/NuShoozMusicWebsite: https://www.nushoozmusic.comHost and Producer: Diego MartinezExecutive Producer: Nicholas "NickFresh" PuzoAudio Engineer: Adam Fogel Follow us on social media: @choonspodSubscribe 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 TracklistingYou 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/HRSPrincessPhil Harding on Social Media:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/philhardingmusic/Twitter: https://twitter.com/phardingmusicHost and Producer: Diego MartinezExecutive Producer: Nicholas "NickFresh" PuzoAudio Engineer: Adam Fogel Follow us on social media: @choonspodSubscribe 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 TracklistingJust 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/HRSPrincessPhil Harding on Social Media:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/philhardingmusic/Twitter: https://twitter.com/phardingmusicHost and Producer: Diego MartinezExecutive Producer: Nicholas "NickFresh" PuzoAudio Engineer: Adam Fogel Follow us on social media: @choonspodSubscribe 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 TracklistingNights 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 MartinezExecutive Producer: Nicholas "NickFresh" PuzoAudio Engineer: Adam Fogel Follow us on social media: @choonspodSubscribe 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 TracklistingTon of Bricks (Regina Richards and Red Hot)Baby Love (Regina)Baby Love (The Supremes)Baby Love (The Star Sisters)Host and Producer: Diego MartinezExecutive Producer: Nicholas "NickFresh" PuzoAudio Engineer: Adam Fogel Follow us on social media: @choonspodSubscribe 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 TracklistingCabaret (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 MartinezExecutive Producer: Nicholas "NickFresh" PuzoAudio Engineer: Adam Fogel Follow us on social media: @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 TracklistingHonest 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 MartinezExecutive Producer: Nicholas "NickFresh" PuzoAudio Engineer: Adam Fogel Follow us on social media: @choonspod

Born into a musical family, Brown found her calling as a little kid watching Sammy Davis Jr. and all the Motown greats at the world-famous Apollo Theater, in New York. With strong will and determination, she went on to become a prolific songwriter for CBS Records, penning lyrics for Blood, Sweat and Tears, and Ronnie Dyson. Brown also had a way of crafting funky tunes for her own with the highly influential “Family Tree,” a massive hit in England's Northern Soul scene.Her true shining moment, however, came unexpectedly in the form of a newspaper ad, looking for a “tall, black, willowy-voiced female” to cut a track in the recording studio. That track became “I Specialize In Love,” a slice of early 80s post-disco that perfectly blended R&B, electronics and the emerging sounds of Hip-Hop.“Specialize” traveled far and wide throughout the European continent before it found its way back to the States, where it became a sizable hit in the dance charts and clubs. Yet, with all the glamour of sudden fame, she faced challenging and devastating situations that managed to virtually kill what was left of her music career.More on Sharon BrownInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/sharonbrownispecializeinlove8/Twitter: https://twitter.com/SHARONADABROWNShow TracklistingI Wish You Love (Gloria Lynne)Mr. Bojangles (Live Version - Sammy Davis Jr.)Love Looks Good On You (Blood, Sweat and Tears)Family Tree (Family Tree - Sharon Brown 1975 Recording)I Specialize In Love (Sharon Brown)Host and Producer: Diego MartinezExecutive Producer: Nicholas "NickFresh" PuzoAudio Engineer: Adam Fogel Follow us on social media: @choonspod

Pajama Studios opened its doors on April 1st 1993. A typical April Fools day, although these folks are no fools. It started with the vision of two-time Grammy nominated composer, arranger, producer and engineer James Gardiner, and his business partner, producer and director Paula Telander.Both greeted us on their world-class recording facility to talk in depth about the legendary performers that have walked their platinum and gold-disc hallway—from Beyoncé to En Vogue and 2pac—, how they help make a difference in what's played on the radio and on streaming services, and how they're developing the new faces of pop music.More on Pajama Studios and Gardiner Music Mentoring:Website: http://www.gardinermusicmentoring.com/Show Tracklisting:Eclipse (LifeLine - James Gardiner original composition featuring Kenny G on flute)Songbird (Kenny G)No, No, No Part 2 (Destiny's Child)Hold On (En Vogue)Host and Producer: Diego MartinezExecutive Producer: Nicholas "NickFresh" PuzoAudio Engineer: Adam Fogel Special Thanks to Marcel Caldera IIIFollow us on social media: @choonspod

Pretty Poison was no flash in the pan. Although “Catch Me” is their biggest commercial success to date, they have a whole history as part of Philly's underground rock scene back in the early 80s.When singer Jade Starling joined the band at age 17, she shared songwriting duties with Whey Cooler and began exploring musical terrains that were more akin to Darkwave and New Wave than the Dance Pop of their later years. Influenced by early freestyle hits, they incorporated urban percussion to their sound, which was perfected by the time they started work on “Catch Me,” a No. 1 Dance hit, top 10 on pop, and top 15 on R&B.Though Starling and Cooler paused Pretty Poison momentarily to return to their rock roots, Dance soon came calling, with their catalog securing a place in popular culture through its inclusion in major movies and television series.More on Pretty PoisonWebsite: https://www.prettypoisonmusic.comJade Starling Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jadestarling/Jade Starling Twitter: https://twitter.com/JadeStarlingParty2Life website: https://www.party2life.orgShow TracklistingJust What I Needed (The Cars)Pretty Poison (Ram Jam)Excerpt from "Pretty Poison" TrailerGimme Gimme Your Autograph (Pretty Poison)No Tears (Pretty Poison)Nightime (Pretty Poison)Catch Me (I'm Falling) Original Version (Pretty Poison)Catch Me (I'm Falling) Album Version (Pretty Poison)Let Freedom Ring (Pretty Poison)Excerpt from "AJ & The Queen" (Netflix)Host and Producer: Diego MartinezExecutive Producer: Nicholas "NickFresh" PuzoAudio Engineer: Adam Fogel Follow us on social media: @choonspod

Ever heard the saying "be careful what you wish for"? Better ask House music vocalist Kym Sims.Destined to sing from a young age, Kym developed her talent as the voice behind jingles for major US brands before she ran into Hurley, a neighborhood friend who was impressed by her vocal talent at a local party. He promptly convinced her to collaborate with him and cut what became her signature record, a top 5 Dance hit in the US and an even bigger success in Europe.Having learned from past decisions that almost curtailed her career, she's now finally able to make the music she wants—on her own terms.More on Kym SimsTwitter: https://twitter.com/SimsKymInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/kym_sims.behind_the.diva_door/More on Steve "Silk" HurleyInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/stevesilkhurley/S+S Chicago: https://snschicago.comShow TracklistingAin't No Mountain High Enough (Diana Ross)Jack Your Body (Steve "Silk" Hurley)Too Blind To See It - Soul Mix (Kym Sims)Too Blind To See It - Hurley's House Mix (Kym Sims)Keep On Walkin' (CeCe Peniston)Turn It Up - Scott Featherstone House Remix (Kym Sims)Host and Producer: Diego MartinezExecutive Producer: Nicholas "NickFresh" PuzoAudio Engineer: Adam FogelSpecial Thanks to Thomas Arambula for making this interview possibleFollow us on social media: @choonspod

Exposed to a sea of different influences, from Andy Williams and Frank Sinatra, to The Jackson 5 and Earth Wind and Fire, Howard Johnson started his career with a series of bands that included Niteflyte, whose single “If You Want It” cracked the US top 40 in 1979. After Niteflyte split, his life took an unexpected turn when he got the exciting opportunity to cut records with the legendary producers Kashif, Paul Laurence and Morrie Brown, already riding high with the megahit “I'm In Love” by Evelyn Champagne King.Out of those sessions came a song that almost landed on Evelyn's lap but that, ultimately, fit like a glove with Howard's suave approach, mixed in with Kashif's revolutionary studio techniques and multilayered vocal arrangements. Almost four decades after its release, “So Fine” is still regarded as one of the best boogie funk songs of all time and a testament to Kashif's long lasting influence.More on Howard JohnsonWebsiteInstagramMore on Paul LaurencePoplar Music Group WebsiteInstagramMore on XL MiddletonMofunk Records LabelInstagramShow TracklistingIf You Want It (Niteflyte)Betcha By Golly Wow (Phyllis Hyman)I'm In Love (Evelyn Champagne King)Almighty Fire (Aretha Franklin)So Fine (Howard Johnson)Can't Get Away From Your Love (Howard Johnson and XL Middleton)Host and Producer: Diego MartinezExecutive Producer: Nicholas "NickFresh" PuzoAudio Engineer: Adam Fogel Follow us on social media: @choonspod

Raised in Detroit, Michigan and vocally trained by their mom, gospel singer Mary Frazier Jones, Shirley, Brenda, and Valorie Jones were a musical wonder from the very start. Their misty harmonies caught the ears of some of the greatest performers of all time—from Norman Connors to Aretha Franklin and Diana Ross— who hired them as their backing vocalists.They became so damn good that Kenneth Gamble and Leon Huff signed them to Philadelphia International Records and gave them all the attention they deserved with beautifully-crafted songs like “You're Gonna Make Me Love Somebody Else,” “At Peace With Woman,” and “I Just Love The Man.”Their ride on the ‘love train' reached its ultimate destination with a mysterious jazz-infused track written by Dexter Wensel and Cynthia Biggs El, inspired by a failed college trip to Egypt. It almost never made it to the PIR catalogue, but after the girls laid their vocals, “Nights Over Egypt” grew to become a Quiet Storm standard and source of inspiration for Hip-Hop and Rap artists, musicians, and music lovers everywhere, cementing the singers' place in the industry.More on Shirley JonesWebsiteInstagramShow TracklistingWho Can I Run To (Xscape)Put A Little Love In Your Heart (Mary Frazier Jones)Oh I Feel Good (Mary Frazier Jones and the Jones Sisters)Almighty Fire (Aretha Franklin)Love Hangover (Diana Ross and the Jones Sisters Live at Midnight Special)You're Gonna Make Me Love Somebody Else (The Jones Girls)I Just Love The Man (The Jones Girls)At Peace With Woman (The Jones Girls)Nights Over Egypt (The Jones Girls)I Won't Tell (Shirley Jones)Host and Producer: Diego MartinezExecutive Producer: NickFreshAudio Engineer: Adam Fogel Follow us on social media: @choonspod

In an ever-changing music industry, where songs are produced and consumed at an insatiable pace, the creative role of musicians and songwriters often remains overlooked. According to Trevor Lawrence, a legendary producer and saxophonist who's worked with the likes of Marvin Gaye, Etta James, and the Pointer Sisters, the art of creating a song might appear as simple as learning your ABCs, but in close inspection, it entails an entire process of understanding scales and structures, storytelling and originality in musicianship.In this bonus episode, Lawrence shares his experiences learning from his mentor Sol Moore (Dizzy Gillespie, Les Hite and His Orchestra) and his thoughts on how memorable music gets made.More on Trevor Lawrence:"Crater On The Moon" Vol 1, Vol 2, Vol 3 (TLQ Plus with Masumi Yamamoto Piano)Show TracklistingSuperstition (Stevie Wonder)It's Your Thing (Isley Brothers)I'm So Excited (Pointer Sisters)Fingertips Pt.2 (Stevie Wonder)Host and Producer: Diego MartinezExecutive Producer: NickFreshAudio Engineer: Adam Fogel Follow us on social media: @choonspod

All aboard the D-Train! Joining us on this trip are vocalist James "D-Train" Williams and producer/songwriter Hubert Eaves III, who will look back on their groundbreaking 1981 debut single "You're The One For Me."When Williams and Eaves III met, it was a match made in club heaven: a singer rooted in Gospel, gifted with the ability of conveying his spirit through his vocal performance, and a prolific musician that fused funk with jazz and electronic music. Together, they created an influential sound that has been covered or sampled by the greatest musicians of all time, and it all began with a song that took just 45 minutes to write.More On D-TrainFacebook | InstagramSpotify Artist PageMore On Hubert Eaves IIIArtist WebsiteShow TracklistingMusic (D-Train)Can't Turn Around Now (Bishop R. T. Jones & Christian Tabernacle C.O.G.I.C.)You're The One For Me Original 1981 12" Vocal (D-Train)You're The One For Me 12" Instrumental - Mixed by François Kevorkian (D-Train)You're The One For Me 1985 "Labour Of Love" Paul Hardcastle Remix (D-Train)Host and Producer: Diego MartinezExecutive Producer: NickFreshAudio Engineer: Adam Fogel Follow us on social media: @choonspod

Walk the warm streets of Miami Beach with Lewis Martinee and Laurie Miller, as they discuss the making and legacy of "Point Of No Return," originally released by Exposé as a 12" single in 1985, and rereleased for the pop audience two years later.Though Martinee started work as a rock musician, his claim to fame was developing the Latin Freestyle sound that would dominate the mid-to-late 80s in various parts of the United States. Laurie Miller, Sandra "Sandee" Casañas, and Alejandra "Ale" Lorenzo brought his concept to life with flashy outfits, fierce choreo, and strong tracks like "Point Of No Return" that skyrocketed to the top of the Dance charts. But just as the group was on the cusp of superstardom, things came to a screeching halt for the first generation of Exposé.More on Laurie Miller:Personal WebsiteXposed To The Original Exposé Facebook GroupInstagramShow TracklistingWoman (Tecno Lust)Point Of No Return - Original 12'' Version (Exposé)Exposed To Love (Exposé)Come Go With Me (Exposé)Point Of No Return - Rereleased 1987 Version (Exposé)December - Demo (Exposé)Host and Producer: Diego MartinezExecutive Producer: NickFreshAudio Engineer: Adam Fogel Follow us on social media: @choonspod

Producer and musician Ismael "Ish" Ledesma, and Progressive House artist Noel Sanger talk about the making and legacy of "Fascinated," originally recorded by Latin Freestyle trio Company B in 1986.Born out of the ashes of "Disco Sucks" and a series of musical projects that included the bands Foxy and OXO, Ish created Company B as a vehicle for his wife Lori. A happy accident with "silly" lyrics, "Fascinated" is now a monster track that still fills the floors of clubs everywhere with versions that range from Latin to Hip-Hop and R&B.More on Ish Ledesma:Ish Ledesma's Medical Emergency FundMore on Noel Sanger:Spotify Artist PageFascinated - Noel Sanger's En Vivo Desde Miami RemixInstagram | FacebookShow TracklistingRockin' Chair (Gwen McCrae)Get Off (Roxy)Whirly Girl (OXO)Fascinated (Company B)Fascinated - Noel Sanger's En Vivo Desde Miami Remix (Company B)Host and Producer: Diego MartinezExecutive Producer: NickFreshAudio Engineer: Adam Fogel Follow us on social media: @choonspod

In 1984, Sheryl Lee Ralph went from playing a "Dreamgirl" on Broadway to singing about the hustle and grind of New York City, and a desire for liberation that resonated with many dance goers then and now. Ms. Ralph and legendary musician Trevor Lawrence talk in-depth about how the song took shape, its classic status with the LGBTQ+ community, and how far we've come in terms of living our truth in the light.More on Sheryl Lee Ralph:In the Evening Music VideoThe Diva FoundationDivas Simply SingingMotherland: Fort SalemRedefining Diva 2.0: Lessons From The Original Dreamgirl AudiobookInstagram | TwitterMore on Trevor Lawrence:"Crater On The Moon" Vol 1, Vol 2, Vol 3 (TLQ Plus with Masumi Yamamoto Piano)Show TracklistingDreamgirls (Sheryl Lee Ralph, Loretta Devine, Jennifer Holiday)One Night Only (Sheryl Lee Ralph, Loretta Devine, Jennifer Holiday, Deborah Burrell)I Just Wanna Be Your Friend (Jeffrey Osborne)All The Way Down (Etta James)In The Evening (Sheryl Lee Ralph)I'm So Excited (Pointer Sisters)In The Evening 'Beat Box' 12" Remix (Sheryl Lee Ralph)Host and Producer: Diego MartinezExecutive Producer: NickFreshAudio Engineer: Adam Fogel Follow us on social media: @choonspod

Have you ever heard songs that spur memories in your mind or get you going real hard?If you have, here are some good news: 1) you're probably not alone in this, 2) those songs that get you going are often known as ‘CHOONS', and 3) there is a new podcast that explores why those tracks remain memorable to this very day and have become the soundtrack to our lives.This is CHOONSHost and Producer: Diego MartinezExecutive Producer: NickfreshAudio Engineer: Adam FogelFollow us on social media: @choonspod