Freeez

Formed in 1978 by record producer John Rocca, Freeez were a British jazz-funk outfit that enjoyed international success in the early 80s with their hit single “IOU.” Composed of Rocca (vocals), Peter Maas (bass), Andy Stennett (keyboards), and Paul Morgan (drums), the group made their official debut with Southern Freeez (1980), whose title track peaked at Number 8 on the UK Singles Chart. They were soon signed by Beggars Banquets Records and followed up with Gonna Get You (1983), recorded in New York with legendary producer and DJ Arthur Baker. The album’s lead single, “IOU,” turned out to be a smash success, reaching Number 2 on the UK Singles Chart and topping Billboard’s Club Play Singles chart in the US. Freeez managed to score yet another hit across the Atlantic with “Pop Goes My Love/Scratch Goes My Dub,” an electro-boogie that reached Number 5 on Billboard’s Dance Club Songs chart. Rocca left the band shortly after and, by the time Idle Vice (1985) came out, Peter Maas was the only remaining original member. In subsequent years, Rocca scored two Number 1 hits on Billboard’s Dance Club Songs chart under the pseudonym MIDI Rain, and Maas and Morgan tried to revive the band under the moniker Dazzling Urbanites in the mid 90s with little to no success.

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