CHAT POP DANCE DO DJ AMILTON PARCEIRO DO BLOG

sábado, 16 de maio de 2009

FALCON - OUT OF CONTROL 12 SINGLE



I fucken love this record. I saw this girl once at some teen club and man did she tear it up. Don't remember her real name, but I do remember she said she was the sister of Lazaro Mendez from Power 96, also known as the famous DJ Laz. She was so sexy with her white knee high boots, short shorts, and beautiful long hair. The girl had a lot of star quality, plus she also sounded great live.

"Out of control" was one of those songs that should have been a big hit. In my opinion it sounded a little different from the rest of the freestyle that was coming out of Miami during this time. It's such a great song with a lot of energy, and slammin' production. Although It only got a few spins on Power 96, I gave it tons of spins in my bedroom, and even sent Falcon a letter telling her how much I loved her song (I was such a nerd). She sent me back a long letter with an autograhed picture which I can't seem find for this post. Wonder what ever became of her, I don't think she ever released another record. The song was produced by Joe Bersellino and Marc Pomeroy, and mixed by Jimmy Starr. It released in 1989 on Southside Records.

UPDATE: I recently found out that Falcon whoes real name is Maria Mendez performed with Will To Power for some of their shows back in the day. Wow!

THE BEAT CLUB - SECURITY 12 SINGLE




The Beat Club started off in Miami as a studio project for producer Ony Rodriguez, with his girlfriend and future wife Mireya Valls. Ony had began his career as guitarist and producer for his Group The Voice in Fashion, who had the freestyle hits, "Only in the night", and "Give me your love". He soon decided to pursue his style music more and started The Beat Club. Their track "Security" was produced by Ony and another Miami legend Avy Gonzalez (Genuine parts,Merci-Mercy) and originally released on his Pizazz Record label in 1988. The track drew influences from the Miami Bass & Freestyle sound that was happening in Florida and was successful enough to gain them a major label deal with Atlantic Records.

After their run with Atlantic, The Beat Club was then offered the opportunity to become the first recording act to be signed to New Order manager and Manchester's Factory Record mogul, the late Rob Gretton's own personal label Robsrecord. The group went on to release several recordings in the UK, including the "Security" remix featuring New Order's Bernard Summer on vocals. "Security" was one of the biggest songs at Manchsters legendary club Hacienda.

Back in the states, "Security" was a huge hit all over South Florida. I Remember driving through Coconut Grove in Miami and blasting this track in my friend's lowrider car(then getting fined by the cops for blasting it too loud ). The bass in this track sounded sooo crisp. I also remember catching The Beat Club performing at Hot Wheels Skating Center. Good times....The song peaked at #30 on Billboards Dance Sales Charts, and number #14 on the Hot Dance Club Chart. The Beat Club went on to start Electrobeat Records out of Miami, Fl, and has released quite a few electronic recordings through the years, but has remained a faceless project. "Security" was also recently covered by The Freestylers on their album "Adventures in Freestyle."

P.S. A shout out to Vinyl Vault Rob for sending me the rest of the versions of this record.

SECURITY (INSTRUMENTS)

LOVE & LUST F AISHA - LOVE & LUST 12 SINGLE



Electro bass label Debonaire Records which was responsible for some of Florida's classic Miami Bass records from Dynamix II to Breezy Beat M.C., released this banger in 1990 with a very similiar sound to that of The Beat Club's "Security"(posted below). The record samples two of Dynamix II classic beats from "Bass Generator," and "Just Give The DJ a Break." The song "Love & Lust" rose to the top of the charts on power 96 when released in 1990. I must have seen these guy's perform at every teen club down in Miami. first got to see Love & Lust at the Hialeah Spring Festival show (Anyone remember those events?). The group came out wearing some crazy egyptian outfits with gold chains and put on a hot show. Check out their picture below which I Found on some site. The song was written, arranged, mixed, and produced by Claudio Barella, with co-production from Jimmy Star.

LOVE & LUST (CLUB OF CAIRO)

MERCI MERCY - IF THERE'S A CHANCE 12 SINGLE




Mercy-Merci was a hot little group out of Miami who had a few local hits. The group consisted of lead singer Marilyn "Mimi" Diaz, who also used to be part of the group Bi-Chance, the lovely Patricia mario, and Dawn Rix, plus Roly Garcia. This group always put on a great show. They would first come out on stage wearing these black spooky hooded capes for the shows intro, then take them off to reveal their sexy outfits with these tiny mini skirts and bustiers.

This song reminds me so much of this little stalker I had in Junior High who would call my house at all hours of the night. She would leave me these crazy "I love U" messages on my voicemail, and would follow me everywhere I hung out. Yamile this song is dedicated to you, wherever you are.
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"If I had a chance" was Mercy-Merci's first hit. it ended up snatching the top spot on Power 96 in 1989. The record was produced by Avy Gonzalez, with edits by the Whiz Kids and released on Runaway Records. The group would go on to release two more singles before splitting up. Some of the guys from Mercy-Merci would later form the group About Face, and would release their 1991 Power hit "I don't wanna sleep alone tonight".

P.S. A BIG SHOUT TO JEAN OVER AT FREESTYLE REBIRTH FOR THIS MERCY TRACK*

TEAZ 2 PLEAZ - I WANT U 12 SINGLE



As I continue with the Miami series, I bring you to a popular South Florida trio which had 9 different girls throughout the years. The ones I remember were the original Cuban girls who went by their stage name of bambi, Yasmin & Monique. Their real names were actually Mary, Betty & Nora, and they released this Ten-Lion Records classic jam in 1988, which was huge hit in Miami. Betty & Nora were actually twin sisters who had a prior underground Freestyle record titled "let me know" under the group name Precious.

Teaz-2-Pleaz went on to release many singles through the years, and a greatest hits compilation. "I Want U" was their biggest hit which peaked at #50 on Billboards Hot Dance Club Play in early 1989. The original Teaz-2 Pleaz was another act I saw perform at Hot Wheels (How many Hot Wheels heads are out there?). The track was produced by Power 96's DJ "Jammin" Johnny Caride & Vic Ten.

I WANT YOU (JAMMIN' IN THE NIGHT MIX)

R.A.H.N - GIVE YOUR LOVE TO ME 12 SINGLE



During the years of 1987 & 88 it seemed like Tolga ruled the airwaves in Miami. Any track he produced was quickly added to radio, and was a banger in the clubs.This record was no exception. Rahn's first, and only single, "Give your love to me" was a smash hit. Always on the top spot of Power's nightly countdown. Got to see Rahn perform, along with Stevie B, Trinere, and Stephanie at a Bayside "back to school" concert. Great show! I recently found Rahn on his myspace, and he is now living in Georgia, working on some R&B/Gospel music. Stop by and give him a shout at http://www.myspace.com/rahnanthoni. "Give your love to me" was released in 1988 on Beware Records.

RAY GUELL - JUST ANOTHER LOVER 12 SINGLE




Here is another Tolga Katas production I love. The Miami born Cubano, Ray Guell made his debut with this song in 1989. His second single, "You took my heart" was supposed to be his first release, but when Ray & Tolga got together to lay down the background vocals, Ray thought of an idea for another song. the guys started messing around the studio with it, and the song turned out to be "Just another lover."

The song was a smash hit down in Miami, taking Ray to the top of the charts. In Brazil where Freestyle music was referred to as "Funky Melody", the track hit the top 10 establishing Ray as a major dance artist through out Brazil, especially in Rio Janeiro, Brasilia and Sao Paolo. Ray Guell became one of Brazil's most recognized "Funky Melody" artist.

Ray recalls the first time he heard his song play on Miami's Power 96. "It was very surreal. I was alone in my car and I remember I started to cry like a baby. That particular experience I only shared with God." Ray is still touring and making new music, his recent release "In your eyes," with hot electro remixes by Jorge Ojeda is available now on www.beatport.com. Check it out!

RARE DESINGN - TOO LATE FOR LOVE 12 SINGLE




Miami's Rare Design were two cute girls whose names were Maggie Fernandez & Karen Washington. Their first single "Too late for love" on City Heat Productions was a big hit for them in the fall of 1988. They later signed to Wise Guy Records and released two more singles which I love. "Too late for love" was written, arranged, composed & produced by Omar Vasquez, with edits by Power 96 DJ Eddy Mix.

I believe I met Rare Design at BPM Records in Miami, any heads remember that local DJ spot? It was a 12-inch vinyl store only, and They had tons of local acts there on the weekends signing autographs. The store used to be located in the parking lot of Miami's International Mall. I met so many of these singers at this legendary place while my mom and her friend waited outside in her car (Hey I was only 12). Damn looking back I must looked like a little "Freestyle groupie" LOL. Funny to think, but these singers, popular or underground, were sort of like role models to me....Those were the days though man, how I miss them.

JILL - MATCH MADE UP IN HEAVEN 12 SINGLE




Here is a slammin' record I posted on the first Miami series, but since Zshare took everyones old links down, I got a request for it back. Jill's "Match made up in heaven" is an absolute favorite of mine, a true Miami classic which stands the test of time. The break in this record still drives me crazy.... Produced, composed, arranged, and mixed by Ray Martinez. Released in 1986 on Paris International.

STEPHANIE - GET AWAY 12 SINGLE



This record made a lot of noise in South Florida when it was released. One of the biggest Miami records for the year of 1988. My favorite part of this record is the intro on the radio version, with the pretty synths and her angelic vocals singing "La, La....La, La Laaaaaaa......Ahhhhh," or better yet, the Bass break in the club version where she starts Moaning, and having an orgasam. Classic Miami stuff right there LOL. "Get Away" was produced by Ronny Roman, and was released on Heart Breaker Records/Hot Productions.

PROMISE CIRCLE - BE MINE TONIGHT 12 SINGLE



Here's a special treat for you guys, sent to me from the Promise Circle team. Below is Miami's Raul Rodriguez & Alina Blanco from the Promise Circle getting ready to perform, and on stage at the Power 96, 4th of July bash in 1987. The last picture I believe was taken in New York. Happy Thanksgiving to you all!

BE MINE TONIGHT

FONTAINE - SEDUCED 12 SINGLE



Promise Circle's Alina Blanco released her solo project "Seduced" under the artist name of Fonatine in 1988. This record was produced by Rudy Gil from Miami's Secret Society. I always loved this song, only thing that annoyed me was that damn saxaphone in the beginning. Although it wasn't a big hit when released, Freestyle fans like myself made this an underground classic. Enjoy!

CYNTHIA ROUND - STOP SEARCHING FOR LOVE 12 SINGLE



Here is a hot Miami classic dedicated to my good friend Lexx from Bourgeoise Beatz Blog. I believe this was Cynthia Roundtree's first single, which featured the group Starquest. She released a few dance hit's through the years, but her 1986 single "Got To Be Next To You" would be her biggest. This record was produced by L.Green & Winston Cambell and released in, I'm guessing 1985?

SECRET SOCIETY - WE BELONG TOGETHER 12 SINGLE



Secret Society was one of Miami's most popular live bands. They had a string of local radio hits in South Florida. this one shot straight up to the #1 spot on Power 96. One of the highlights of watching this group perform was seeing group member Frank Lords go crazy on the percussions. Frank later went on form LatinXpress, and had chart success with the song "Discarga".His biggest hit would be in the form of the Darkbeat project he did with Oscar G and Ralph Falcon of Murk. They had a #1 hit with the House Dance classic, "Darkbeat" in 2002. Below is his classic Miami Freestyle track, "We belong together" which was released back in the day in 1988.

DEBBIE DEB - I'M SEARCHING 12 SINGLE




Another Miami classic produced by "Pretty" Tony Butler. Every record he released back then was an absolute banger. Although not the original Debbie Deb on vocals, the song was still a big hit. This was one of the Debbie Deb "imposters" who took over the mic, after the original was dropped for being overweight. I think this one's real name was Anne Williams. She would later recorded the freestyle song "Cries in the dark" under her own name. "I'm searching" hit the Billboard Dance Sales charts at #8, and it also manage to crack the the Hip Hop/R&B charts at #72. Lookout for the real Debbie Deb who's still out there performing her classic hits.

ROCK FORCE - I CAN'T HIDE 12 SINGLE



Here is a request for Mikey over at the Funky Brewster Blog. This is Another record I had on the first Miami series, but since links were taken down, i'm reposting it. By the way send me all your request for any old school song you want to hear before I end this volume of the Miami series. Send to Alvarezz3000@gmail.com. This 1987 jam was a big hit, and it came from Joey Boy Records which was located around the way from my grandma's crib. Enjoy!

I CAN'T HIDE (CLUB MIX)

WILL TO0 POWER - DREAMING 12 SINGLE



This is one of the greatest Miami Freestyle records ever released. Who can forget that memorable synth at the beginning of this song. reminds me of a time when my life had no worries. Will to Powers history goes a little something like this: in 1985 Bob Rosenberg used to DJ at Miami's Hot 105, when they played all dance music (this was before they became all R&B, and before Power 96 came and took over). He was the first on-air mixing DJ in South Florida, Producing remixes and medleys of different hits which became popular at the station. He was hired by groups like 2 Live Crew to provide bass cuts for their albums.

In 1987, Rosenberg along with Dr. J, and then girlfriend Suzi Carr, would form Will to Power. Maria Mendez, (sister of Lazaro "DJ Laz" Mendez ) who would later record the freestyle song "Out of Control" under the name Falcon, was also a member of Will to Power for a brief moment. Their first single "Dreaming" became the dance song of the summer. It was originally released on Thrust Records, but after the song made a lot of club noise, Epic records quickly signed it and released it with new remixes. It quickly climbed the charts on radio stations like New York's Hot 103, and Miami's Power 96 (where it became the #1 song of the year, staying in the top five for over thirty weeks). At the time, Power 96's program director Bill Tanner (Tanner in the morning), stated that "Dreaming" was the biggest pop song in South Florida history....Their first performance was at the old Club 1235/Decos spot in South Beach. Although many big time acts performed there, Will to power held the record for the most in attendance with 5200 people that saturday night of their first show.

Will to Power would go on to have a few more #1 dance hits on the charts, including their ballad, "Baby I love your way/Freebird" which became their most successful single to date. They released two popular albums under Epic Records, But after having some artistic differences, Bob Rosenberg walked away from Epic records and the Music industry for years. He went back into the studio in 2004 and released the Spirit Warrior 2005 album which featured songs with artist like DJ Laz, Oba Frank Lords from Secret Society, and Expose's Gioia on "Dreaming (again)." In March 2006, remixer/producer Giuseppe D. provided remixes for Will to Power's Spirit Warrior remixed EP. The Original vocalist Suzi Carr is still touring and doing big Freestyle events, performing all her Will to Power classics.

The current incarnation of Will to Power features Rosenberg along with two female vocalist. In 2009 the group is set to release a new CD, which is headed into the Electro Bass direction. Scratch D from Dynamix II and DJ Minus B were assisting Bob Rosenberg in all phases of production as well as mixing. Their last single, "Still fading away" (yet another remake) was actually pretty hot. Below is the classic "Dreaming," which also features background vocals from Ale and Laurie Miller (formely of the original Expose) and was mixed by Derrick Rahming of Afro-Rican, the group known for the Miami bass classic, "give it all you got" & "All of Puerto Rico". Enjoy! (LEAVE COMMENTS)


STEVIE B - DREAMIN' OF LOVE 12 SINGLE



The king of the Miami Freestyle sound returned with his second hit single "Dreamin' of Love" in 1988. Like Will to power's "Dreamin'" (below), this one also had another memorable keyboard intro that made you go wild and scream out "OHhhhh" everytime you heard that first key hit. Born in Ft. Lauderdale, Florida, Stevie B combined the both sounds of the Miami and New York Freestyle to his music, always leading to successful results. This single which was a huge hit when I was still in Junior high (Where's my Citrus Grove people at?) reached #8 on Billboards Dance music/Maxi-Singles Sales chart, But only #80 on Billboards Hot 100. With hit after hit, Stevie B became one of the most recognized and sought after performers in the Freestyle scene. You can still catch Stevie performing all his old school jams, including some new ones from his recent albums.

Please leave comments! Would love to hear stories.

PRETY PRETTY - NASTY HABITS 12 SINGLE



Pretty Pretty was two hot Cuban chicks from Miami named Lorraine & Roxi. One was a hairdresser and the other was...well a singer? They released this bass inspired song (Think L'trimm) "Nasty Habits" in the fall of 1988 on Bush Baby Records. The song was a hit on Power 96. (I think that was probably the only station that played them). They also released a second single, "Wait a minute" which had more of a Freestyle sound than this. The last time I saw this act perform was at Hot Wheels, but by then they had replaced these two hotties with three not-so-good looking females. That would be the last time I would hear of this group....You have to appreciate the cheeze factor in this song though, it's one of the reasons why I love it so much.

This track is dedicated to my childhood friend named Jennifer Belgard, who recently found me on Facebook after so many years. My Memories of Jennifer go back to the late 80's and early 90's. She and her family lived on a big boat in the backyard of my home (we have the Miami river running through the back). She was really young, but I used to drag her out with my cousin Marely to a lot of these freestyle events, like Hot Wheels Skating Center to catch Latin Rascals, Secret Society & Erotic Exotic perform. We would always stay past her curfew, then bring her home at 3am to have her dad yell and punish her. Haha, Good times! Also at BPM Records where we stood in line to meet acts like Teaz 2 Pleaz, and these girls right here Pretty Pretty. Thanks Jenny for digging out this picture. Mine was burned along with some of my records by a crazy Ex. Ouch! Jennifer now owns her own shop called Libertine in Atlanta, Georgia, and hangs with cool transvestite rockers like Jayne County. If in the area Stop by and say hello, and also buy one of her cool t-shirts! Love ya Jen!

UPDATE: Pretty Pretty member Roxi would later join the Merenbooty girls in the late 90's and score a #1 hit with the dance remake of "Ring my Bell". Thanks Rigo!

PRECIOUS - LET ME KNOW 12 SINGLE



Miami's Precious were two cute cuban twins named Betty and Nora Fabricio. They released their first single in 1987 titled "you and me baby." they returned the following year with this second single, "Let me know." Both tracks were underground hits in South Florida. Right after that second record they added a third girl to the group named Mara Pacheco, and the group name was changed to Teaz 2 Pleaz. Their names were also changed to stage nicknames like Bambi, Jasmin and Monique. They released their smash hit, "I want U" that same year(Check older post). Below is the Precious single, "Let me know" which was produced by Mikey C, and Michael S, with edits by Power 96 DJ Eddy Mix. Released on HHH Records in 1988.

TEAZ 2 PLEAZ - THAT'S WHAT I LIKE 12 SINGLE



After having a big hit with their 1988 Miami classic "I want U," the original girls of Teaz-2-Pleaz returned with this second single in 1989. Althought it wasn't the smash hit their prior single was, the song proved to be one of their best. Jasmin & Monique (real names: Betty & Nora) were the same twins who recorded under the group name Precious (posted below). In 1991 they were replaced by three entirely different girls, and my love for Teaz-2-Pleaz then soon ended....I guess It was a common thing in Miami to replace Freestyle artist. It used to always piss me off. Below is the original group picture sent to me by my friend Jennifer Belgard. I don't know what happend to mine, but This is from the BPM records in-store autograph party the group did. "That's what I like" was produced by Tom Weisser, and released on Ten-Lion Records.

THAT'S WHAT I LIKE (EXTEND-2-PLEAZ MIX)

4REAL - WHAT COMES AROUND GOES AROUND 12SINGLE



After scoring a big hit with their debut single, "Is it me the one", the girls of 4-REAL returned with this local track which topped the charts in Miami for weeks. These girls were fire, performing all over South Florida to thousands of fans. I must admit I almost became a member of their fan club (which never came to be). They later released one last single, but it didn't fare as well as their first two releases. One of the members (think her name was carol ann) was sister to Jill of "Match made up in heaven", the other member named Gina Lamarca became an actress in movie's like Wild Things with Kevin Bacon, and also became Penthouse pet of the month in May 1993, and later Penthouse Pet of the year of the year 1995. She was known for her vivacious style as well as for the shape of her pubic hair which was shaped in a distinctive flying "V" configuaration....HOT! . 4-real's "What comes around goes around" was produced by Tommy Costa & Erick Foster White, with edits by the legendary Whiz Kids out of Miami. It was released on Prestige Records in 1988.

A BIG SHOUT TO RIGO AT 305DISCO for the updated info on 4-Real!

VOU DOU DANCE - AM I THE ONE 12 SINGLE




As I close this volume of the Miami series, I wanted to give a big THANK YOU to everyone, including some of the artist who helped me out by sending me songs, pictures, and updated information on some of these act's that ruled the South Florida airwaves and clubs during the 80's and early 90's. we'll do it again sometime next year.

Here's a record that was one of the last Freestyle songs to come out of South Florida in the early 90's. Another big hit on power 96. It was during this time that I was growing tired of the freestyle sound, and getting more into the new underground Rave scene that was happening in Miami. It was all about Techno,Trance & House music for me after that. Music was changing and Radio and club's started playing more House tracks (Notice the House influence on this record). I used to run and DJ this hot lil' night called Sanctuary in South Beach and we played everything from Industral, Goth to Rave. To the kids freestyle wasn't the cool thing anymore. My passion for it obviously didn't die but just took a little break. It wasn't until a few years later when Joey Gardner released his Freestyle Greatest Beats compilations that I fell back in love with my music roots. I almost forgot about this track right here, but thanks to Rigo at 305 Disco for helping me refresh my memory.

Xery - Days Gone By (Days Gone By ) 12 single




Label: Viper 7 Records
Format: Vinyl, 12", 33RPM

Country: US
Released:

Genre: Electronic
Style: Freestyle

Credits: Produced By Xery And The Xmen
Keyboards And Drum Programming By Rob Federeci,
Xery & Chayse, Mixed & Edited By R. Federeci.
Recorded At The Polygon.

Tracklisting:
A1-Days Gone By (Days Gone By Club Mix)
A2-Days Gone By (Days Gone By Radio Mix)
B1-Days Gone By (Days Gone By Synthapella)
B2-Days Gone By (Days Gone By Beats)

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