Name: Southern Freeez / Variations on a Theme
Brand: Freeez and John Rocca

Bonus disc

Bonus disc: No

Catalogue number

BBQ2166LP

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Colour

Blue

Colour details

Blue Marbled / Transparent 

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Discogs ID

Format multiplier

Download code

Download code: No

Rough Trade Exclusive

Rough Trade Exclusive: No

Extended format

Extended format: No

Format detail

Format Music GB

Limited edition

Release date

2020-08-21

Signed copies

Signed copies: No

Supplier GB

PIAS

Tax rate GB

Standard:20

UPC / Barcode

607618216610

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Total Cap

2 / Extended format: No / LP / Rough Trade Exclusive: No / Signed copies: No / blue

Artist

Freeez and John Rocca 

Genre GB

House / UK Garage

Label GB

Beggars Banquet

Founded in 1977 by Martin Mills and Nick Austin, Beggars Banquet is a renowned UK indie label that has made its mark on the music industry. It all began with the release of two 7" singles by punk band The Lurkers. Since then, Beggars Banquet has evolved to encompass a diverse range of genres including punk, goth, synth-pop, folk-rock, and indie. With an impressive portfolio of spin-off labels such as 4AD, Situation Two, City Beat, and XL Recordings under its belt, Beggars Banquet has become part of the esteemed Beggars Group – one of the largest networks of indie record labels worldwide.

In April 2008, Beggars Group made the decision to retire the iconic Beggars Banquet imprint. However, key artists were seamlessly transitioned to another notable label within their roster – 4AD. This strategic move ensured that these talented musicians continued to receive the support and recognition they deserved.

Beyond their musical endeavors, it's worth noting that Beggars Banquet operates with utmost professionalism. Their business registration number is 1414047 and VAT number is 340 1066 10. These details further exemplify their commitment to transparency and excellence in all aspects of their operations.

Beggars Arkive reissue the classic Freeez debut album Southern Freeez. The second LP contains seven brand new tracks from the band’s leader John Rocca. Freeez were a legendary group from London, known as one of the UK’s main jazz-funk bands of the early 1980s…aka Brit funk. Led by John Rocca, Freeez consisted of various musicians, originally with Rocca and others including Andy Stennet (keyboards), Peter Maas (bass guitar) and Paul Morgan. Their debut album Southern Freeez was released in 1981 and contains the hit song Southern Freeez which included guest vocals by Ingrid Mansfield Allman. John Rocca initially released the album it on his own Pink Rythm label before being signed to Beggars Banquet.

A few years later, they had even more hits. Their biggest, IOU, was a #1 club single and was written and produced by renowned producer Arthur Baker with lyric contributions and lead vocals by John Rocca and remixed by Jellybean Benitez and Baker. It was a hit in the US in addition to the UK and was used in the legendary breakdancing movie Beat Street. Pop Goes My Love was another hit. Rocca also had a hit as a solo artist in 1984 with I Want It To Be Real. While they may not be a household name, if you know, you know. They have been sampled many times, by artists including Jamie xx, Coolio, Brandy, Madlib and more.

Nearly 40 years after the original release of Southern Freeez, after being contacted by Beggars Arkive about a reissue, John was inspired to go back to his roots. He pulled together some of the work that he had been experimenting with over the years and enlisted some musicians (including his nephews) to play on the tracks, saying that doing so “was a nice reflection of the past meeting the present”. 

Southern Freeez / Variations on a Theme

Music GB