- 12inch
- Recommended
The Freex Machine
Freex Funkatized / Freex Party
Backatcha Records
- Cat No: BK101
- updated:2025-11-09
From London's Backatcha Records — a label with a solid reputation for deep-digging reissues of rare disco, lovers rock and more — comes an excavation series devoted to Starbase Sounds, the independent label that released groups like Aura and The Freex Machine, made up of semi-professional New York musicians with ties to Sigma Sound and the Salsoul Orchestra. Miraculous material pulled from the deepest reaches of an unrelenting dig into music history.
Track List
Official 12" reissue of Freex Machine's sought-after discoid-funk burner. Two underground groove-led gems recorded and released in 1979 on the New York indie-label Starbase Sounds. The Freex Machine hailed from Corona, Queens and had emerged as an extension of the group Hooker, a teenage band of musicians that started performing together in the early 70s, earning a respected reputation locally. Whilst a handful of singles were released under various monikers, including Aura and Stars, the band's distinct New York-centric live funk sound remained consistent. At the helm of Starbase Sounds was multi-instrumentalist Steven Young and the Cadle Brothers trio: guitarist, lead vocalist and producer Ray Cadle, bassist Jules Cadle, and an older brother Karim as executive producer.
Musicians from the Corona neighborhood of Queens, New York, home to a large community of Hispanic and Black immigrants. A band formed by keyboardist Steven Young — who commanded local respect playing in live funk bands in the pre-DJ era of New York — alongside singer Ray Cadle and the Cadle Brothers. Funky slap bass, Afro-Latin percussion, four-on-the-floor grooves, guitar, synths, keys and rich vocal harmonies. An astonishing sound that never made it beyond an independent release. Officially reissued by Backatcha Records. (Original Japanese text by Saito)