Wednesday MidDay Medley
TEN to NOON Wednesdays – Streaming at KKFI.org
90.1 FM KKFI – Kansas City Community Radio
Produced and Hosted by Mark Manning

Wednesday, August 20, 2025

New & MidCoastal Releases + joel vs. joel + Guest Producer Jim Hubbell with “Sacred Samples: Tracing Back to the Roots”.

1. “Main Title Instrumental – It’s Showtime Folks”
   from: Orig. Motion Picture Soundtrack All That Jazz / Casablanca / December 20, 1979
   [WMM’s Adopted Theme Song]

2. Waxahatchee & Kevin Morby – “You Found Me (From the Netflix Series ‘Too Much’)”
   from: “You Found Me” – Single / Anti & Dead Oceans Records / July 10, 2025
   [Waxahatchee & Kevin Morby cover the song originally written and released by the Denver Colorado band The Fray from their January 30, 2009 release The Fray. // Waxahatchee’s March 22m 2024 release Tiger’s Blood was in the Top 10 of WMM’s 120 Best Recordings of 2024. // Kansas City based Katie Crutchfield’s southern roots are undeniable. The name of her solo musical project Waxahatchee comes from a creek not far from her childhood home in Alabama and seems to represent both where she came from and where she’s going. // Tiger’s Blood was produced by Brad Cook. Engineered & mixed by Gerardo “Jerry” Ordonez. Assistant engineering by Natalia Chernitsky. Mastered by Emily Lazar. Recorded and Mixed at Sonic Ranch Recording Studios. // On March 27, 2020 Waxahatchee released SAINT CLOUD which was in the TOP 20 of WMM’s 120 Best recordings of 2020. On Saint Cloud all songs were written by Katie Crutchfield. Recorded & mixed at Sonic Ranch in Tornillo, TX & Long Pond in Stuyvesant, NY. Produced by Brad Cook. Engineered by Jerry Ordonez. Additional engineering by Jon Low. Mixed by Jon Low. Mastered by Brent Lambert at The Kitchen. KATIE CRUTCHFIELD on vocals, acoustic guitar, piano, keys; BRAD COOK on bass, acoustic guitar, piano, keys, synth; BOBBY COLOMBO on electric guitar, acoustic guitar, keys; BILL LENNOX on electric guitar, acoustic guitar, keys, percussion; NICK KINSEY on drums, percussion; JOSH KAUFMAN on electric guitars, piano, organ, percussion. More info at: http://www.waxahatchee.com.] [Waxahatchee played the Uptown Theatre on April 18, 2024] // [MJ Lenderman released from: Manning Fireworks through Anti records on September 6, 2024 // Mark Jacob Lenderman (born 1999), also known as Jake Lenderman and MJ Lenderman, is an American singer-songwriter and multi-instrumentalist. He has released three solo albums, and also plays with the alternative rock band Wednesday. He also has played drums for Indigo De Souza. Lenderman’s style has been described as alt-country, classic rock, and indie rock music. // Lenderman was born in Asheville, North Carolina. His great-grandfather was saxophonist Charlie Ventura. He was raised Catholic and was an altar boy. He played basketball and obsessively watched tapes of Michael Jordan. He grew up listening to Mark Linkous and Jason Molina. In his junior and senior years of high school, he began posting his music to Bandcamp. Lenderman studied at UNC Asheville for three semesters.[ // In 2018, Lenderman played the drums for fellow Asheville artist Indigo De Souza on her albums I Love My Mom and Any Shape You Take. Lenderman met Karly Hartzman, lead singer for the group Wednesday, and he joined the band for an EP called How Do You Let Love Into the Heart That Isn’t Split Wide Open (2018). // In July 2019, he released a self-titled album, his first solo album. At that time, he was working in an ice cream shop to support himself financially. // Lenderman toured with Wednesday in early February 2020, until the COVID-19 pandemic ended the tour. During the COVID-19 pandemic, while collecting unemployment insurance, Lenderman wrote the songs that became the album Ghost of Your Guitar Solo, released in 2021. // His third album Boat Songs was released in 2022 on Dear Life Records. It was listed as one of the best albums of 2022 by Pitchfork, The A.V. Club, and The Ringer. After the success of the album, Lenderman signed a recording contract with Anti-. In 2023, he released the singles “Rudolph” and “Knockin'”. // Lenderman contributed guitar and vocals to the album Tiger’s Blood by Waxahatchee, released in March 2024, and was listed as featured guest artist on the album’s lead single, “Right Back To It”. In March 2024, Lenderman performed “Right Back To It” with Waxahatchee on The Late Show with Stephen Colbert. Lenderman’s next album, Manning Fireworks, released in September 2024. // from: Kevin Morby’s May 13, 2022 released THIS IS A PHOTOGRAPH was part of WMM’s 120 Best Recordings of 2024. THIS IS A PHOTOGRAPH was Kevin Morby’s 7th album as a solo artist. From http://www.rollingstone.com: “In January 2020, songwriter Kevin Morby witnessed his father collapse from a medical event while visiting his childhood home in Kansas. In a state of shock, the singer spent the evening looking at old family photos and fixated on an image of his father as a young man, looking, as Morby states, ‘full of confidence.’ The experience forced Morby to confront both the idea of mortality and the passage of time — and, after an extended sojourn in Tennessee, these reflections came together in the form of his upcoming album, This Is a Photograph. To mark the announcement, the singer released the record’s eponymous single, accompanied by a music video directed by Chantal Anderson. Produced by frequent Morby collaborator Sam Cohen, This Is a Photograph was primarily written in Memphis’ historic Peabody Hotel, where the singer-songwriter holed up in search of inspiration and self-realization amongst the city’s dark past.” Morby will also embark on a 65 City tour of Europe and North America through the majority of 2022, which starts May 20 in Madrid, Spain and wraps Nov. 12 in Vancouver, BC. On October 16, 2020 Kevin Morby released SUNDOWNER, ranked #20 on WMM’s 120 Best recordings of 2020 and was the 6th release from Kevin Robert Morby born April 2, 1988. SUNDOWNER was the follow up to his 2019 release OH MY GOD. Kevin Morby released CITY MUSIC in 2017. Kevin learned to play guitar when he was 10. In his teens he formed the band Creepy Aliens. 17-year-old Morby dropped out of Blue Valley Northwest High School, got his GED, and moved from his native Kansas City to Brooklyn in the mid-2000s, supporting himself by working bike delivery and café jobs. He later joined the noise-folk group Woods on bass. While living in Brooklyn, he became close friends and roommates with Cassie Ramone of the punk trio Vivian Girls, and the two formed a side project together called The Babies, who released albums in 2011 and 2012. He began a solo career in 2013 releasing his debut album HARLEM RIVER. His 2nd album STILL LIFE was released in 2014. His album SINGING SAW was in WMM’s The 116 Best Recordings of 2016. His album CITY MUSIC was in WMM’s The 118 Best Recordings of 2018.]

3. Pool Culture – “Birds Like These”
   from: “Birds Like These” – Single / Les Bonbons Electriques / July 25, 2025
   [Les Bonbons Electriques, an imprint of The Record Machine. “Birds Like These is the first of three new songs that Pool Culture, is putting out over the next three months leading up to Their first EP, PURE LEMON. The second single “Mathletes”, will be released on August 22, 2025 and the band’s third single “Finish Line”, will be released on September 19, 2025. // Pool Culture released their single “brighter lighter” on April 20, 2018, with music and lyrics and production by Mark Ronning. all instruments and vocals by Mark Ronning. mixed by Reid Kruger at Waterbury recording. // Mark Ronning is a musician who specializes in the synthesizer, playing Rhodes and synth in the electrofolk band Mr. Golden Sun and synth in the electronic dreampop four-piece Pool Culture. Mr. Golden Sun is wrapping up their first full length record, and Pool Culture is going into the studio this October and November to work on their first full band releases. Additionally, Mark plays the modular synthesizer and participates in KC Synth Collective, coordinates electronic performance events for his pop-up show Les Bonbons Electriques, and helps out with Outer Reaches. In collaboration with Nathan Reusch, Mark is also starting a record label called Les Bonbons Electriques, which is an imprint of The Record Machine, which will focus on artistry, experimentation, and electronic music. ]

[Pool Culture plays Arts On Broadway, 3550 Broadway Blvd., KCMO, on Saturday, August 23 at 7:00pm with Rude Cousin, Near Me Open Now, and Jocelyn Nixon]

[Mark Ronning of Pool Culture will be our guest on WMM on September 17, 2025]

4. The Matchsellers – “What Am I Gonna Do Now”
   from: Psychobiography / The Matchsellers / August 2, 2025
   [Julie Bates is a classically trained violinist from Kansas City. Andrew Morris is a Chicago blues guitarist from Warsaw, Indiana. They met in Leipzig, Germany. During their year of living in the former East Germany, the pair began reanalyzing the songs of their homeland, and developed a tight yet gritty bluegrass style. In the summer of 2013 they left their jobs to hit the road and haven’t looked back. // In the band’s most recent iteration, mandolinist Brian McCarty brings an invaluable lifetime of experience in the Bluegrass tradition, while Brandon Day thrills audiences with his intricate bass solos. // On February 14, 2025 The Matchsellers reeased the single, “I Can’t Believe We’re Still In Love.” // On May 3, 2024 The Matchsellers released LIVE AT THE WAREHOUSE. // On October 28, 2022 The Matchsellers released The Wishful Thinker’s Hall of Game // On February 12, 2016 they released their album, SONGS WE MADE UP, one of Wednesday MidDay Medley’s 116 Best Recordings of 2016.. In late 2014 they released their debut full length recording, “Kosciusko County,” one of Wednesday MidDay Medley’s 115 Best Recordings of 2015. The Matchsellers have toured 3 European countries and 25 US States, performing 180 shows a year, including last year for the KC Fringe Festival, Bluegrass Bazaar in Flint, Michigan, Norman Music Festival in Norman, OK, and a 1st place win at the Eddie Owen Presents songwriting competition in Atlanta, GA.]

[The Matchsellers play a two-act musical at Hammer’s 3901 Main Street, KCMO for LoKey Wednesday, TONIGHT August 20, 2025 at 7:00pm]

5. Teri Quinn – “Full of Glitter (Radio edit)”
   from: Full of Glitter – Single / Teri Quinn / July 11, 2025
   [Teri Quinn on vocals, guitar, and songwriting; Landon Hambright on guitar and vocals, Carly Atwood on bass, Jon Goss on drums. Producer: Chase Horseman. Mastering: Mystery Room Mastering. // Teri Quinn writes: “Full Of Glitter is about the duality of Nihilism and Imposter Syndrome that rips through me like sudden lightning bolts. It’s a song that flowed out of me fast like blood from a fresh, deep cut. // I struggle with Imposter Syndrome, and feel like I am either too much or not enough. I was feeling it heavily the day I wrote this tune. When I write, I have a tendency to get in my head thinking I need to be deep, profound and poetic. Sometimes I feel like I talk a big game as an artist with little to show. Writing this tune was an exercise in getting out of my head and saying what was on my heart and mind in a way that was direct and straight-forward. // Hence the line ‘I’m full of shit, I’m full of glitter.’ // I struggle deeply with depression that manifests in numbness and nihilism. I go through long droughts feeling like nothing matters and there is no point so why bother. And at the same time, everything means the world to me and I am constantly on a search for beauty and meaning. // Hence the line ‘Nothing really matters, and everything means the world to me.’ // My struggles with depression and imposter syndrome also manifests in deep jealousy. I cannot stop comparing myself to others. And that constant comparison as an artist keeps me feeling artistically constipated. I know I have a team around me ready to help me grow and succeed yet I still find myself walking around with a bitter taste in my mouth. // Hence the line, ‘I’m filled with love and I’m feeling bitter.’ // I wanted the approach and production of this song to be a departure from my usual indie folk sensibilities. I worked with my bandmates and my producer, Chase Horseman, to make this song sound post rock and massive. This again was an exercise in releasing the reserves and letting go. I am afraid of being ‘too much’. So I leaned into that fear and wrote something that feels more intense than I’ve ever written.”]

[Teri Quinn plays Farewell 6515 Stadium Drive, KCMO, TONIGHT, August 20, 2025 with 2W33DY, Shady Cove, and True Lions.]

6. Alabama Shakes – “Sound & Color”
   from: Sound & Color / Alabama Shakes – ATO Records / April 21, 2015
   [Formed in Athens, Alabama in 2009. The band currently consists of lead singer and guitarist Brittany Howard, guitarist Heath Fogg, bassist Zac Cockrell, keyboard player Ben Tanner, and drummer Steve Johnson. The group rose to prominence from virtual obscurity in the early 2010s with their distinctive and soulful roots rock sound. The band began their career touring and performing at bars and clubs around the Southeast for two years while honing their sound and writing music. They recorded their debut album, Boys & Girls, themselves in Nashville while still unsigned. Online acclaim led ATO Records to sign the band, which released Boys & Girls in 2012 to acclaim. The album had a hit single, “Hold On,” and was nominated for three Grammy Awards. After a long touring cycle, the band recorded their sophomore record, Sound & Color, which was released in 2015 and debuted at #1 on the Billboard 200. Brittany Howard’s solo releases are fabulous.]

[Alabama Shakes play Starlight on Sunday, August 24, at 8:00pm]

7. Logan Richardson – “Red Light, Go”
   from: “Red Light, Go” Single / WAX Industry / August 8, 2025
   [“Red Light, Go” is part of an upcoming new EP called, Coloring Book. Logan writes: “It is more than music — it’s physiological. Each track is a different body state, a different way the mind and nervous system react to life. The first single, ‘Body’, was the inhale — stillness, weight, the moment of awareness before motion. ‘Red Light, Go’ is the exhale — that flash when decision overtakes hesitation, when stillness breaks into velocity. It’s 1 minute 45 seconds of ambient drum and bass that feels like a heartbeat about to sprint. I’m telling this story one release at a time, until the full EP drops. Stay with me — the next piece of the body is coming soon.” // Logan Richardson was born July 29, 1980, in Kansas City, Missouri) is an alto saxophonist, composer, bandleader, and producer. // Richardson debuted as a bandleader with his 2007 album Cerebral Flow. He is also a member of the band NEXT Collective. In 2015, Richardson released his label recording debut entitled SHIFT on Blue Note Records featuring Pat Metheny, Jason Moran, Harish Raghavan, and Nasheet Waits. // Richardson grew up surrounded by the numerous LPs and 45s of his parents. He was constantly immersed in R&B, pop, rock, funk, soul, Motown, and gospel from an early age. His first musical memories include artists such as The Temptations, Stevie Wonder, Prince (musician), Mahalia Jackson, Phil Collins, James Ingram, Hall & Oates, and Michael Jackson. // While attending Paseo Academy of Fine and Performing Arts, Richardson was exposed to jazz personalities who would have a profound impact on his future. Max Roach was the first jazz musician Richardson can remember seeing live. The American Jazz Museum brought Roach to Kansas City frequently in the mid 1990s as a clinician. Richardson also had the opportunity to perform with legendary Kansas City bandleader Jay McShann in the 1990s, in addition to studying with Kansas City Saxophone great, and educator Ahmad Alaadeen. In 1996 Richardson began leading his own groups in Kansas City while in high school. // Richardson performed with the Kansas City Symphony in concert February 27, 1997 at the age of 16, when he was invited by then conductor of the Kansas City Symphony Orchestra Bill McGlaughlin, a performance that changed his life. // Moving to New York City in August 2001, Richardson witnessed the September 11th attacks first hand. He was enrolled at the New School University where he met, befriended, and performed with young musicians Frank Locrasto, Tommy Crane, Jamire Williams, Joe Sanders, Burniss Earl Travis, Dekel Bor, and teachers Greg Tardy, Carl Allen, Joe Chambers, Billy Hart, and many others including Stefon Harris, JD Allen, Butch Morris, Mulgrew Miller, and more….. // Since 2005, Richardson has led his own group, SHIFT. Featuring Richardson’s soloing & compositions, as well as the creative and genre-bending playing of his compatriots, SHIFT attempts to answer the question, “Can there be new music in jazz?” // Richardson has also been a member of drummer Nasheet Waits (son of jazz drummer Freddie Waits) group Equality, a band that has played many top international festivals such as “North Sea Jazz Festival”, and “Jazz Baltica” with pianists Jason Moran, Stanley Cowell, and bassist Tarus Mateen. // On February 27, 2009, Richardson was a member of the much-lauded Monk at Town Hall performance with Jason Moran & Big Bandwagon, culminating in the historic performance at Town Hall celebrating a reshaping of Monk’s music by Moran.]

[Logan Richardson is part of a new documentary film called, BIRD Not Out of Nowhere that looks back at the years Bird spent in Kansas City and his lasting legacy on the Kansas City jazz scene. The film is directed and produced by Emmy Award-winner Brad Austin and features rarely seen archival footage of Parker, and interviews with musicians and historians, and live performances from some of Kansas City’s most talented jazz musicians including Bobby Watson and Lonnie McFadden and also featuring our friend Chuck Haddix. // There will be a special screening of the film at the Museum of Kansas City on Thurs, August 21, 2025 at 6:00pm with Chuck Haddix.]

8. Stephonne – “Worship at the Chappell”
   from: “Worship at the Chappell” – Single / Glory Blue Music / August 15, 2025
   [Co-written with Shawn M. Stewart and produced with Patrick Meagher, the song is a declaration of power, pleasure, and pride—a sonic celebration of being fully and freely oneself. “Worship at the Chappell” is a bold, genre-bending anthem from Kansas City artist Stephonne—an electrifying fusion of disco, pop, and gospel spirit. Inspired by fellow Missouri native Chappell Roan, the track transforms the dance floor into a sanctuary for queer joy, spiritual liberation, and unapologetic self-love. With soaring vocals, provocative lyrics, and infectious grooves, Stephonne delivers a soulful sermon for the marginalized. // Stephonne describes himself as the lovechild of Prince & Billie Holiday. He grew up in KCK and received a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Music from Benedictine College, and Masters in Entertainment Business from Full Sail University. Stephonne is a 2023 winner of the Charlotte Street Generative Performing Arts Fellows. // Stephonne is an Alternative/Genrequeer singer-songwriter, cultural producer, and generative performing artist from Kansas City, MO. They synthesize music, written/spoken word, performance and visual art/media into an inimitable art. They share their struggles, triumphs, and journey to self-love through multidisciplinary performance and have sent audiences on visceral and experiential journeys through a multitude of music and video releases since 2015. Bold new 2025 singles and videos continue to push boundaries! New experiences, both sonic and visual, await us from the upcoming sophomore LP, STEPHONNE. // Singer, songwriter, actor, model, artist, activist – Stephonne Singleton keeps very busy, serving as a board member of KC Folk Fest, organizing tribute shows, playing: music festivals, Charlotte Street Foundation, Lemonade Park, Lawrence Pride, Manor Records, Midwest Music Foundation, The AIDS Service Foundation of KC, InterUrban ArtHouse, Crossroads Music Fest, The Black Box, The Folly Theatre, and West 18th Street Fashion Show. Stephonne released his EP SIS: Side B on June 24, 2022. Stephonne released the single “I” on August 21, 2024. Stephonne released the single “I think its Gonna Be Alright” I April 2025. Stephonne released the single, Forgive Me, Father (Sinead O’Connor) on May 21, 2025. // More info at: http://www.stephonne.com]

[Stephonne will be a guest on WMM on September 10, 2025.]

10:31 – Underwriting

9. joel vs. joel – “ad hominem”
   from: Smile in the Mirror / Enigmatic Brunch Records / August 19, 2025
   [all songs written by joel stratton. mixed by daniel gum. mastered by mike nolte @ eureka mastering. performances by: isaiah petrie (vibraphone 2,3,10); micah ritchie (drums); jon self (lead guitar L channel track 10); doug bybee (synth 4,6); joanna metsker (violin on 7,8,11); drums, vibes, strings recorded by mike crawford; bass, aco guitars, recorded by daniel gum. // oel vs joel is the moniker of Kansas City-based multi-instrumentalist, Joel Stratton. With classical training, but also an instinctive and emotive musicality that can’t be taught, joel vs joel sculpts with complex chord structures, time signatures, deftly fingerpicked guitar, well-plotted bass, vibraphones, percussion, and other eclectic musical arrangements. This is all interconnected with vulnerably delivered lyrics that convey the manifold feelings of one’s humanity. // Some craftsmen work in wood, stone, or metal. Others sculpt with more intangible and ethereal materials: notes, chords, rhythms, riffs, melodies, and human emotion. Both toil over their medium until it outwardly takes the shape of their inner being. The outcome of joel vs joel’s labor is the beautifully crafted debut album, Smile in the Mirror. // Smile in the Mirror is a protestation of struggles with identity, paranoia, suffering, anarchy, catharsis, and love. These innate human feelings are combined with instrumentation that is at times comfortably familiar and at others strikingly and pleasingly surprising.]

[joel vs. joel plays a Smile in the Mirror – Album Release Show at Greenwood Social Hall, 1750 Belleview Ave., KCMO on Friday, September 5, 2025 at 7:00pm with Fritz and Sons.]

11:35 – Interview with joel vs. joel

Joel Stratton performs as joel vs joel. Joel is a Kansas City-based multi-instrumentalist, with classical training from UMKC Conservatory of Music. Joel Stratton trained as a “serious” jazz musician and gigged his way through many Kansas City venues with an upright bass in tow. Curiously this gave way to repeated toe-dips in the singer-songwriter circle, starting as a sideman with Alyssa Murray’s AM Trio. There followed a head-first plunge into a self-stirred mixture of 60’s baroque pop, 70’s folk rock, and the indie rock mainstays of his youth. Joel has released several EP’s of original music under the moniker Tropic of Leo. Joel has also played and collaborated with the bands Supermoto, Eggs on Mars and Daniel Gum. joel vs. joel is getting ready to release his debut album, SMILE IN THE MIRROR on Tuesday, August 19, 2025 through Enigmatic Brunch Records a “small batch” local record label with this being their very first album release. Info at: http://www.enigmaticbrunchrecords.bandcamp.com

joel vs. joel plays a Smile in the Mirror – Album Release Show at Greenwood Social Hall, 1750 Belleview Ave., KCMO on Friday, September 5, 2025 at 7:00pm with Fritz and Sons.

Joel Stratton thanks for being with us on WMM.

joel vs joel’s new album Smile in the Mirror was just released by Enigmatic Brunch Records on August 19, 2025

Smile in the Mirror is a protestation of struggles with identity, paranoia, suffering, anarchy, catharsis, and love. These innate human feelings are combined with instrumentation that is comfortably familiar and strikingly and pleasingly surprising.

joel vs joel is the moniker of Kansas City-based multi-instrumentalist, Joel Stratton.

With classical training, but also an instinctive and emotive musicality that can’t be taught, joel vs joel sculpts with complex chord structures, time signatures, deftly fingerpicked guitar, well-plotted bass, vibraphones, percussion, and other eclectic musical arrangements. This is all interconnected with vulnerably delivered lyrics that convey the manifold feelings of one’s humanity.

All songs written by joel stratton. mixed by daniel gum. mastered by mike nolte @ eureka mastering. performances by: isaiah petrie (vibraphone 2,3,10); micah ritchie (drums); jon self (lead guitar L channel track 10); doug bybee (synth 4,6); joanna metsker (violin on 7,8,11); drums, vibes, strings recorded by mike crawford; bass, aco guitars, recorded by daniel gum.

Joel Stratton trained as a “serious” jazz musician and gigged his way through many Kansas City venues with an upright bass in tow. Curiously this gave way to repeated toe-dips in the singer-songwriter circle, starting as a sideman with Alyssa Murray’s AM Trio. There followed a head-first plunge into a self-stirred mixture of 60’s baroque pop, 70’s folk rock, and the indie rock mainstays of his youth. Joel has released two EP’s of original music under the moniker Tropic of Leo with a third due in the spring of 2019.

Some craftsmen work in wood, stone, or metal. Others sculpt with more intangible and ethereal materials: notes, chords, rhythms, riffs, melodies, and human emotion. Both toil over their medium until it outwardly takes the shape of their inner being. The outcome of joel vs joel’s labor is the beautifully crafted debut album, Smile in the Mirror.

10:44

10. joel vs. joel – “gotta b in love”
    from: Smile in the Mirror / Enigmatic Brunch Records / August 19, 2025
    [all songs written by joel stratton. mixed by daniel gum. mastered by mike nolte @ eureka mastering. performances by: isaiah petrie (vibraphone 2,3,10); micah ritchie (drums); jon self (lead guitar L channel track 10); doug bybee (synth 4,6); joanna metsker (violin on 7,8,11); drums, vibes, strings recorded by mike crawford; bass, aco guitars, recorded by daniel gum. // oel vs joel is the moniker of Kansas City-based multi-instrumentalist, Joel Stratton. With classical training, but also an instinctive and emotive musicality that can’t be taught, joel vs joel sculpts with complex chord structures, time signatures, deftly fingerpicked guitar, well-plotted bass, vibraphones, percussion, and other eclectic musical arrangements. This is all interconnected with vulnerably delivered lyrics that convey the manifold feelings of one’s humanity. // Some craftsmen work in wood, stone, or metal. Others sculpt with more intangible and ethereal materials: notes, chords, rhythms, riffs, melodies, and human emotion. Both toil over their medium until it outwardly takes the shape of their inner being. The outcome of joel vs joel’s labor is the beautifully crafted debut album, Smile in the Mirror. // Smile in the Mirror is a protestation of struggles with identity, paranoia, suffering, anarchy, catharsis, and love. These innate human feelings are combined with instrumentation that is at times comfortably familiar and at others strikingly and pleasingly surprising.]

[joel vs. joel plays a Smile in the Mirror – Album Release Show at Greenwood Social Hall, 1750 Belleview Ave., KCMO on Friday, September 5, 2025 at 7:00pm with Fritz and Sons.]

10:46 – More Interview with joel vs. joel

Joel Stratton performs as joel vs joel. Joel is a Kansas City-based multi-instrumentalist, with classical training, who has played and collaborated with the bands Supermoto, Eggs on Mars and Daniel Gum. Joel vs joel is getting ready to release his debut album, SMILE IN THE MIRROR on Tuesday, August 19, 2025 through Enigmatic Brunch Records a “small batch” local record label with this being their very first album release. SMILE IN THE MIRROR is a protestation of struggles with identity, paranoia, suffering, anarchy, catharsis, and love. These innate human feelings are combined with instrumentation that is at times comfortably familiar and at others strikingly and pleasingly surprising. Info at: http://www.enigmaticbrunchrecords.bandcamp.com

Joel Stratton thanks for being with us on WMM.

joel vs joel’s new album Smile in the Mirror was just released by Enigmatic Brunch Records on August 19, 2025

joel vs joel is the moniker of Kansas City-based multi-instrumentalist, Joel Stratton. With classical training, but also an instinctive and emotive musicality that can’t be taught, joel vs joel sculpts with complex chord structures, time signatures, deftly fingerpicked guitar, well-plotted bass, vibraphones, percussion, and other eclectic musical arrangements.

All songs written by joel stratton. mixed by daniel gum. mastered by mike nolte @ eureka mastering. performances by: isaiah petrie (vibraphone 2,3,10); micah ritchie (drums); jon self (lead guitar L channel track 10); doug bybee (synth 4,6); joanna metsker (violin on 7,8,11); drums, vibes, strings recorded by mike crawford; bass, aco guitars, recorded by daniel gum.

joel vs. joel plays with True Lion at Farewell 6515 Stadium Drive, KCMO, TONIGHT, August 20, 2025 with 2W33DY, Tweri Quinn, and Shady Cove.

joel vs. joel plays a Smile in the Mirror – Album Release Show at Greenwood Social Hall, 1750 Belleview Ave., KCMO on Friday, September 5, 2025 at 7:00pm with Fritz and Sons.

On Saturday June 28, 2025 Joel performed some of his favorite Dylan songs at Lemonade Park with a band included Colby Bales, Seyko BG, Nathan Corsi, Tom Hudson, Fritz Hutchison, and Cody Calhoun.

Joel Stratton grew up in Topeka Kansas and went to Washburn Rutal High School wheere he graduated in 2011.

“Love on the Line” is the album’s third single, an unconventional love song with a joyous lilt. As with the rest of his upcoming 11-track album, Stratton takes emotive turns that equally invoke ‘70s folk-rock songwriters, ‘90s alt crooners and timeless power pop, with deep sincerity in his sonorous vocals. Clocking in just over three minutes, the track feels exploratory while being completely accessible to any listener.

Joel Stratton thanks for being with us on WMM.

joel vs. joel plays a Smile in the Mirror – Album Release Show at Greenwood Social Hall, 1750 Belleview Ave., KCMO on Friday, September 5, 2025 at 7:00pm with Fritz and Sons.

Info at: http://www.enigmaticbrunchrecords.bandcamp.com

10:54

11. joel vs. joel – “Love on The Line”
    from: Smile in the Mirror / Enigmatic Brunch Records / August 19, 2025
    [all songs written by joel stratton. mixed by daniel gum. mastered by mike nolte @ eureka mastering. performances by: isaiah petrie (vibraphone 2,3,10); micah ritchie (drums); jon self (lead guitar L channel track 10); doug bybee (synth 4,6); joanna metsker (violin on 7,8,11); drums, vibes, strings recorded by mike crawford; bass, aco guitars, recorded by daniel gum. // oel vs joel is the moniker of Kansas City-based multi-instrumentalist, Joel Stratton. With classical training, but also an instinctive and emotive musicality that can’t be taught, joel vs joel sculpts with complex chord structures, time signatures, deftly fingerpicked guitar, well-plotted bass, vibraphones, percussion, and other eclectic musical arrangements. This is all interconnected with vulnerably delivered lyrics that convey the manifold feelings of one’s humanity. // Some craftsmen work in wood, stone, or metal. Others sculpt with more intangible and ethereal materials: notes, chords, rhythms, riffs, melodies, and human emotion. Both toil over their medium until it outwardly takes the shape of their inner being. The outcome of joel vs joel’s labor is the beautifully crafted debut album, Smile in the Mirror. // Smile in the Mirror is a protestation of struggles with identity, paranoia, suffering, anarchy, catharsis, and love. These innate human feelings are combined with instrumentation that is at times comfortably familiar and at others strikingly and pleasingly surprising.]

[joel vs. joel plays a Smile in the Mirror – Album Release Show at Greenwood Social Hall, 1750 Belleview Ave., KCMO on Friday, September 5, 2025 at 7:00pm with Fritz and Sons.]

12. Queen Anne – “Let’s Dance”
    from: “Let’d Dance” – Single // Landing Music / August 12, 2025
    [Queen Anne is the American indie-pop duo of singer-songwriter Katie Silverman and writer/producer Sandy Chila. Their music blends the lush melodicism of ’80s pop with a sharp post-modern edge, resulting in darkly ethereal and insidiously catchy songs. // Known for her roles on New Girl, PEN15, and the film The Exorcists, Silverman brings her creative force into the musical realm with Queen Anne. With a knack for transforming everyday frustrations into emotionally resonant narratives, the band’s debut release offers more than just a cover, it’s a statement of intent. “Let’s Dance” invites listeners into Queen Anne’s cinematic soundscape, setting the tone for what’s to come. // Queen Anne’s Katie Silverman says: “When I was younger, Bowie was a huge influence, not just his music but in his persona, and his visuals, and just the whole vibe. I really wanted to cover one of his songs, both to pay homage and as an excuse to listen to them over and over. I picked ‘Let’s Dance’ because there’s something so fervent, so this-is-our-last-chance about that song, and because I already owned a pair of red shoes.”]

11:00 – Station ID

11:00 – Guest Producer Jim Hubbell – “Sacred Samples: Tracing Back to the Roots”

Welcome back to WMM. In our second hour, we welcome Guest Producer – Jim Hubbell with a show he is calling, “Sacred Samples: Tracing Back to the Roots”. Jim Hubbell is a proud resident of Kansas City, Missouri, a place he’s called home since the mid-1990s when he moved here after graduating from the University of Kansas. Jim Hubbell lives in the Crossroads neighborhood with his husband, Sean Kelley. By day, Jim works as the Director of Solutions Engineering for the software company StreetLight Data, whose mission is to help public agencies plan and design better transportation systems so we don’t end up with blunders like the intersection of Westport Rd. & Southwest Trafficway.

Jim Hubbell’s passions include: food (both creating and consuming), travel to exotic places, protecting the natural environment, advocating for the rights of disenfranchised and disadvantaged populations, appreciating visual and performing arts, and spending quality time with friends and family including his 14 nieces and nephews.

Of course, Jim’s number one passion is discovering, listening to, playing, and generally “nerding out” over music. You can catch Jim, aka DJ Santi, playing at various bars and clubs around Kansas City including Bear Bust at Woody’s the first Saturday of the month. Jim’s musical journey began at a very young age when he was tall enough to start playing records on the Zenith stereo console in his home. His interests have twisted and turned through just about every musical genre imaginable, but it was his discovery of house, trance, and techno while in high school that kindled a deep love of electronic music that has persisted through the present. Jim is a proud member of Kansas City’s Queer House Collective—find them on Instagram—a tight-knit group of queer DJs that love, support, and challenge one another.

11:02 – Special Guest Producer Jim Hubbell – “Love Sensation”

Jim (Intro): Hello everybody, and thanks so much to Mark Manning and KKFI for having me on Wednesday MidDay Medley today as a guest producer! // Mark already introduce me, so I’m going to jump right into the show since we’ve only got an hour and I have a lot of great music and music history to share.

Today we’ll be having a little house music party, so get ready to dance, or bop around in your seat depending on where you’re at. // Now today’s theme is centered on house music. More specifically, we’re going to pick a few songs that have been sampled extensively throughout the history of house music, essentially tracing these well-known samples back to their original sources. Some of these original songs are quite well known, while others are a bit more obscure. As I said, we’ve got a lot of ground (and history) to cover, so let’s get going.

First up is “Love Sensation!” // “Love Sensation” is a 1980 song performed by American singer Loleatta Holloway, taken from her album of the same name. It was released on Gold Mind Records, a disco label from Philadelphia.

Loleatta Holloway: Born in Chicago // Gospel, R&B, Soul, Disco // Sang lead vocals for 30 singles; featured vocalist on many more. // According to the (British online news outlet) Independent, Holloway is the most sampled female singer in popular music. // Did not always receive proper credit (ex. Ride on Time – Black Box) and often had to take legal action to receive the proper royalties. // The song was produced and written by Dan Hartman, arranged by Norman Harris, and mixed by Tom Moulton.

Dan Hartman was a prolific musician, songwriter, and producer probably best known for disco hits such as (this song) “Love Sensation,” “Relight My Fire” (also featuring vocals by Loleatta Holoway), and “Instant Replay.” // He worked with several high-profile musicians including James Brown, Steve Winwood, Tina Turner, Dusty Springfield, and Bonnie Tyler.

Originally, Hartman envisioned either Bette Midler or Patti LaBelle as singing “Love Sensation”. After seeing Holloway perform at a nightclub, he approached her instead to sing the vocals. // Sampled by 300 songs, per whosampled.com. Most likely even more.

11:05

13. Loleatta Holloway – “Love Sensation”
    from: Love Sensation / Gold Mind Records / 1980
    [Love Sensation is the sixth and final studio album recorded by American singer Loleatta Holloway, released in 1980 on the Gold Mind label. Recorded at Sigma Sond Studios, written by Dan Hartman. // Loleatta Holloway was born November 5, 1946 and died on March 21, 2011. She was an American singer known for disco songs such as “Hit and Run” and “Love Sensation”. In December 2016, Billboard named her the 95th-most successful dance artist of all time. According to the Independent, Holloway is the most sampled female singer in popular music, used in house and dance tracks such as the 1989 Black Box single “Ride on Time”. // Holloway began singing gospel with her mother in the Holloway Community Singers in Chicago and recorded with Albertina Walker in the Caravans gospel group between 1967 and 1971. Holloway was also a cast member of the Chicago troupe of Don’t Bother Me, I Can’t Cope. Around this time, she met her future producer, manager, and husband Floyd Smith, and recorded “Rainbow ’71” in 1971, a Curtis Mayfield song that Gene Chandler had recorded in 1963. It was initially released on the Apache label, but was picked up for national distribution by Galaxy Records. // In the early 1970s, Holloway signed a recording contract with the Atlanta-based soul music label Aware, part of the General Recording Corporation (GRC), owned by Michael Thevis. Holloway recorded two albums for the label, both of them produced by Floyd Smith — Loleatta (1973) and Cry to Me (1975). Her first single from the second album, the ballad, “Cry to Me” rose to No. 10 Billboard R&B and No. 68 on the Hot 100, but before the label could really establish Holloway, it went out of business. // Top Philadelphia arranger and producer Norman Harris signed Holloway in 1976 for his new label, Gold Mind, a subsidiary of New York’s Salsoul Records. The first release from the album Loleatta was another Sam Dees ballad, “Worn Out Broken Heart,” which reached No. 25 R&B, but the B-side, “Dreaming,” climbed to No. 72 on the pop chart and launched her as a disco act. // She contributed vocals to “Relight My Fire” for Dan Hartman, who then wrote and produced the title track of her fourth and final album for Gold Mind, Love Sensation (1980). 18 of her songs charted on the Hot Dance Music/Club Play chart, including four #1s. However, it was a ballad that proved to be another big R&B hit for her. “Only You” was written and produced by Bunny Sigler, who also sang with Holloway on the track, and it reached No. 11 in 1978. // In the early 1980s, Holloway had another dance hit with “Crash Goes Love” (#5 on the U.S. Dance chart, No. 86 on the US R&B Chart). She also recorded one single, “So Sweet,” for the fledgling house-music label DJ International Records. // According to the Independent, Holloway is the most sampled female singer in popular music. The Italian house music group Black Box sampled Holloway’s “Love Sensation” vocals for their 1989 single “Ride on Time”. In the UK, it topped the singles chart for six weeks and became the year’s bestselling single. The sample was used without permission; according to several sources, Holloway reached a settlement and was paid damages. However, one of the “Ride on Time” producers said in 2018 that Holloway “never saw a penny” and that only Salsoul, the owner of the master, had received payment. // Holloway resented the “Ride on Time” episode, and said: “I’ve been around for years trying to get this one hit record. It annoyed me knowing that Black Box were number one and I was not getting any credit for it.” She also expressed frustration that Black Box was paid more for performances than her, even after she was billed as “the voice of Black Box”. Davoli said he regretted not meeting Holloway before her death in 2011, and would have liked to apologize “for how messy things got”. // Holloway’s fortunes dramatically improved, however, when she had her first US No. 1 hit when Marky Mark and the Funky Bunch featured her vocals in the chart-topping “Good Vibrations” (1991). Holloway performed with Marky Mark and the Funky Bunch to promote the single and she received full vocal credit as well as a share of the royalties. This was shortly after the backlash against various acts such as Milli Vanilli and the groups that used the vocals of Martha Wash, but refused to give her credit until she sued. // In 1992, Holloway had a hit with the dance band Cappella. There, she appeared billed alongside Cappella on the single “Take Me Away” (UK #25). // More recent dance chart entries included “Share My Joy” (Credited to “GTS Featuring Loleatta Holloway”), “What Goes Around Comes Around” (credited to “GTS Featuring Loleatta Holloway”) in 2000, and “Relight My Fire” (credited to “Martin featuring Holloway”), which hit No. 5 in 2003. While not a single, “Like a Prayer”, a Madonna cover, was a track on the Madonna tribute album Virgin Voices. The song “Love Sensation ’06” reached No. 37 on the UK Singles Chart. // Holloway died aged 64 on March 21, 2011, from heart failure. She had four children. // The song was produced and written by Dan Hartman, arranged by Norman Harris, and mixed by Tom Moulton. It was a hit on the U.S. Hot Dance Club Play chart, where the song spent a week at No. 1 in September 1980.[1] Vocals from the song have been widely sampled, particularly in electronic dance music, such as in the 1989 Black Box song “Ride on Time”. // Originally, Hartman envisioned either Bette Midler or Patti LaBelle as singing “Love Sensation”. However, after seeing Holloway perform at a nightclub, he approached her instead to sing the vocals. In various interviews, Holloway recalled that Hartman had her perform the song 29 times over a two-day recording session. She lost her voice as a result, and only recovered by putting Vicks VapoRub in her coffee. // Since the rise of the remix culture during the 1980s, “Love Sensation” has been heavily sampled with large portions of the song incorporated into other works.[5] The original 1989 release of “Ride on Time” by Black Box sampled Holloway’s “Thank you baby, ’cause you’re right (sic) on time” lyric before a rerecording as well as instrumental portions by the Salsoul Orchestra, and Hartman received a writing credit. // In 1991, “Good Vibrations” by Marky Mark and the Funky Bunch lifted a sample of Holloway’s singing. She received a singing credit on the No. 1 song, giving Holloway her highest U.S. pop chart hit. Holloway even made an appearance performing the chorus in the music video. “Good Vibrations” itself has been frequently sampled with the inclusion of Holloway’s contribution.

Parts of “Love Sensation” have been sampled and reused in songs such as:

“I Wanna Have Some Fun” (1988) by Samantha Fox
“Ride on Time” (1989) by Black Box[7][8][9][10]
“I Don’t Know Anybody Else” (1989) by Black Box/Martha Wash
“Grand Piano” (1989) by Mixmaster
“Just Like a Queen” (1989) by Ellis-D
“Dance 2 Trance” (1990) by Dance 2 Trance
“We All Feel Better in the Dark” (1990) by the Pet Shop Boys
“Take Me Away” (1990) by 2 in a Room
“Take Me Away” (1991) by Cappella (using the same sample as 2 in a Room)
“Good Vibrations” (1991) by Marky Mark and the Funky Bunch[11]
“Move” (1993) by Moby
“(You Got Me) Burnin’ Up” (1998) by Cevin Fisher feat. Loleatta Holloway
“Yappie Feet” (2000) by Deavid Soul
“Semisation” (2004) by Technical Itch
“Love Sensation” (2006) by Eddie Thoneick & Kurd Maverick
“Take Me Away” (2008) by Chase & Status
“Burning Up” (2009) by Skream
“Sweep the Floor” (2009) by Joris Voorn
“Still Speedin'” (2011) by Sway
“Blind Faith” (2011) by Chase & Status
“Bootleg Fireworks (Burning Up)” (2012) by Dillon Francis
“Soul Train” (2012) by Geck-e
“Devil in Me” (2012) by Alexandra Burke
“Thank You” by Third Party feat. Loleatta Holloway
“Semisation 2013” (2013) by Technical Itch vs. The Panacea
“Overtime” (2013) by Cash Cash
“Day and Night” feat. Will Miller & Carter Lang (2014) by A Billion Young
“Good Vibration” (2015) by Majk Spirit & DJ Mad Skill
“Good Vibes” (2015) by Kryder & the Wulf
“Temptation” (2015) by Still Young, Simon de Jano & Madwill
“Gud Vibrations” (2015) by Nghtmre & SLANDER
“Natural Power” (2015) by Ruiz Cunha
“So Nice!” (2016) by Diserpier
“World of Our Love” (2016) by Client Liaison
“Disco Sensation” (2016) by Funkatron
“Let Me Tell You” (2017) by ANOTR
“Ketamine Dreams” (2017) by Partiboi69
“Sensational” (2017) by Sam Feldt
“Sweet Sensation” (2018) by Flo-Rida
“Summer Love” (2018) by Liam Berkeley
“You Get Down” (2019) by Todd Terry
“Seat Belt” (2019) by ROBPM
“You Little Beauty” (2019) by Fisher
“This Is Oh!” (2019) by Elio Riso and Muter & Muter
“Camba” (2019) by Fer BR
“Feeling Good” (2019) by Brokenears

11:07 – Guest Producer Jim Hubbell – “Love Sensation” – “Move (You Make Me Feel So Good)”

Jim: Moby is Richard Melville Hall // American musician, songwriter, record producer, DJ, and animal rights activist. // I always believed he chose the stage name, Moby, because he was a descendant of Herman Melville, author of Moby Dick. However, while doing my research for this show, I learned, at least according to his Wikipedia page, that story is not actually true. His father gave him the nickname Moby three days after his birth as his parents considered the name Richard too large for a newborn baby.

This song is a fantastic release that combines elements of several genres as they existed in the early nineties. The Wikipedia page describes it as techno, but it arguably includes elements of house, trance, breakbeat, and hardcore. Whatever the pedigree, it’s a wonderful release that holds a special place in my heart. It also employs creative use of the Loleatta Holloway sample.

11:08:30

14. Moby – “Move (You Make Me Feel So Good)”
    from: extended play / Mute / ugust 31, 1993
    [“Move (You Make Me Feel So Good)” is a song by American electronic musician Moby, with a chorus sampling from Loleatta Holloway’s 1980 song “Love Sensation”. It was first released as the title track on Moby’s extended play Move, which was issued on August 31, 1993, as his first release on Mute Records in the United Kingdom and on Elektra Records in the United States. It hit number one on the US Billboard Hot Dance Music/Club Play chart and number 21 on the UK Singles Chart. // “Move” was released as a two-track single from the EP in certain territories, featuring the EP version of the song and a “Disco Threat” mix of the same song. The song “All That I Need Is to Be Loved” from the Move EP was also issued as a single and later included in a different version on Moby’s third studio album Everything Is Wrong (1995). Remixes of “Move” were also featured on the Everything Is Wrong remix album (1996). // Everett True from Melody Maker wrote, “Yes, yes, yes! Finest record of its kind since ‘Ride on Time’.”Andy Beevers from Music Week gave it five out of five and named it Pick of the Week in the category of Dance. He added, “This EP is Moby’s first release on Mute and is shaping up to be a big hit. Already massive on the nation’s dancefloors, the title track is a charging anthemic house track, identified by its “You make me feel so good” female vocal. The various mixes, including MK’s excellent Blades remix, are ensuring widespread appeal.” Stuart Bailie from NME said, “Moby gives Jesus Christ a sleeve credit, but the spirit’s flagging on “Move”. Screaming velocity and Black Box shoutey vocals may signify some big holy show, but maybe they disguise a lack of new tricks.” Sam Wood from Philadelphia Inquirer declared it as “a fiercely energetic dance-floor anthem”. Charles Aaron from Spin commented, “The only card-carrying human in the techno scene takes a generically transcendent house-diva vocal and plunges it into a sampled torment of biblical proportions, a war between flesh, spirit, and technology that exudes skepticism and ecstasy in equal spurts. I think I love this guy.”]

11:11 – Guest Producer Jim Hubbell – “Love Sensation” – “You Got Me Burnin’ Up”

Jim: Cevin Fisher (Tommy Boy Silver Label, 1998)

Cevin Fisher: Real name Kevin Fisher, but professional name spelled with a “c” (but pronounced the same way). For years, I mispronounced his name as “Sevin.” // Originally from New Jersey, Cevin is a prominent figure in the New York house music scene, working as a DJ, remixer, and producer since the age of 17. // Also known for producing house music classics like “Freaks Come Out” and “Women Beat Their Men.”

This release is a house music anthem that’s appeared in countless mixes and compilations. Quoting from the bio on his website, “explosive beats, captivating vocals, deep house vibes, and tribal rhythms are his notable strengths.” That description certainly holds true for this groovy track, so let’s listen.

11:12

15. Cevin Fisher – “You Got Me Burnin’ Up”
    from: “(You Got Me) Burnin’ Up” (w/ Loleatta Holloway) – Single / Tommy Boy Silver Label / 1998
    [Cevin Fisher (born Kevin Fisher, October 26, 1963) is an American house music DJ and record producer. He is best known for songs such as “The Freaks Come Out” (billed as Cevin Fisher’s Big Freak) and “(You Got Me) Burning Up”, the latter of which featured vocals by Loleatta Holloway. He achieved five entries in the UK top 75 between October 1998 and February 2001.]

11:14 – Guest Producer Jim Hubbell – “Love Sensation” – “Won’t Stop Rocking”

Renato Cohen & Daddy Squad (2025)

Jim: Daddy Squad – According to his profile on Resident Advisor, Daddy Squad is the new project of Andrew Armstrong where he explores all things Italo Disco, but bringing in elements of rave, breaks, house, disco.

Prior to this project, Andrew was part of the electronic music duo Monarchy with Ra Black. They were active from 2009-2021and released 4 studio albums. They also created remixes for artists such as Lady Gaga, Jamiroquai, Kylie Minogue, and Orchestral Manoeuvres in the Dark (OMD). // Originally from Australia, currently based in Madrid, Spain.

This song was just released back in March of this year. “Won’t Stop Rocking” is a clever mix of electro, house and pop. It surgically slices and blends Loleatta Holloway vocals with another sample that I’ve yet to track down and ID, but the result is pure dancefloor fun and always gets people moving. Let’s check it out.

11:15

16. Renato Cohen & Daddy Squad – “Won’t Stop Rocking”
    from: Always On My Mind / Melopée Records / March 21, 2025
    [When the organic and percussive italotechno of Renato Cohen meets the retrofuturistic electrodisco of Daddy Squad, the result is inevitably a music with raw and innovative energy, inspired and inspiring ! // “Always On My Mind” is a track with formidable effectiveness which could be the trailer for a frantic chase. A pure dancefloor product with a wild rhythm ! // The second track “Chupito” clearly appeals to the roots of both artists. And although the song remains electro, we clearly discover Italo and Disco inspiration ! // To close this supercharged release, “Won’t Stop Rocking” is a clever mix of electro, house and pop, still dancefloor but more suited to warmup. // produced by Renato Cohen & Daddy Squad, mastering by Lopazz]

11:17 – Special Guest Producer Jim Hubbell – “Life is Something Special”

Jim: The second “original” track I’ve chosen to feature today is “Life Is Something Special” by the N.Y.C. Peech Boys (Island Records, 1983). // This song is a real groover, and has elements of disco, boogie, funk and soul. // The NYC Peech Boys, obviously rooted in New York City, were a band that comprised several important disco-era musicians including Bernard Fowler, Steven Brown, Robert Kasper, Darryl Short, Larry Levan and Michael de Benedictus. // Of those members, probably the 2 most well known in the disco and house music worlds are Larry Levan and Bernard Fowler.

Larry Levan was an American DJ best known for his decade-long residency at the New York City night club Paradise Garage, which has been described as the prototype of the modern dance club. He had a huge influence on modern dance music, ushering in an electronic, post-disco sound that presaged the ascendence of what would come to be known as house music.

Bernard Fowler is probably not as well known in the world of dance music but was and is an important and accomplished musician and vocalist. He’s worked with a wide range of artists including Herbie Hancock, Public Image Limited, Phillip Glass and most notably, the Rolling Stones, for whom he performs as a backup vocalist.

Although perhaps not sampled as much as Loleatta Holloway’s Love Sensation featured in the first series, this song has had an undeniable influence on an astounding range of electronic dance music tracks spanning various genres. So let’s listen to about the first 3 minutes of Life is Something Special, by the NYC Peech Boys.

11:19

17. N.Y.C. Peech Boys – “Life is Something Special”
    from: “Life is Something Special” – 12” Single / Island Records / 1982
    [The Peech Boys, also known as the New York Citi Peech Boys or NYC Peech Boys, were a band that comprised Bernard Fowler, Steven Brown, Robert Kasper, Darryl Short, Larry Levan and Michael de Benedictus. The group formed at the Paradise Garage, being influenced by Larry Levan. They only released four 12″ discs with “On a Journey” peaking at #56 in the 1983 US Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs chart. However, they are most known for their 1982 song “Don’t Make Me Wait”, which was one of the early hits in the New York house/garage scene, due to Levan’s playing it at the Paradise Garage. “Don’t Make Me Wait” was their only UK Singles Chart entry, peaking at #49 in November 1982. They were signed to the West End Records label, but in 1984 they split up.]

11:22 – Guest Producer Jim Hubbell – “Life is Something Special” – “Feel It”

Jim: Such a great track, right? OK, so now let’s hear some songs that were influenced by the NYC Peech Boys’ “Life is Something Special.”

First up is “Feel It” by Coco, Steel and Lovebomb (Instant Records, 1991) // Now, this song probably falls under the house/deep house umbrella, although I think you’ll hear traces of ambient and electronica in there, too. I absolutely love this song, and even though it’s almost 35 years old I think it has a real timeless quality. /// The song was produced by a British electronic music group made up of Chris Mellor (Coco), Lene Stokes (Steel), and Craig Woodrow (Lovebomb).

It was originally released on a small label called Instant Records, but was then picked up and re-released a year later on Warp Records, a more widely-known and still very active independent record label currently based in London, England. Warp is also known for working with artists such as Aphex Twin, Nightmares on Wax, and Stereolab, just to name a few.

The first time I remember hearing this song was on DJ Ray Velazquez’s radio show, Nocturnal Transmissions, which aired Sunday nights back when I was in college on the defunct Lawrence, KS radio station, KLZR, The Lazer. DJ Ray was hugely influential to my journey discovering and understanding electronic music. I’d like to give him a shout-out for introducing me and so many others to an incredible array of artists and producers.

So let’s check out a clip of Feel It, by Coco, Steel, and Lovebomb.

11:23

18. Coco, Steel and Lovebomb – “Feel It”
    from: “Feel It” – 12” Single / Warp Records / 1991
    [Also included on the bands’s first album “It” released by Warp Records in 1994. // Coco Steel & Lovebomb is a concept group created by Chris Coco in the early 90s. Their first single, Feel It, was a reflection of, and a big hit in, his resident DJ slots at the Coco Club at the Zap in Brighton that ran from 89-94. They made an album for Warp Records called It and later two albums of experimental sampled electronica for A Man Called Adam’s Other Records. Now back with new music.]

11:26 – Guest Producer Jim Hubbell – “Life is Something Special” – “Freak It!”

Jim: Ahhh, that song really takes me to a happy place, and I hope it did for everyone listening, too. Let’s continue down the path of exploring songs that were influenced by “Life is Something Special” by the NYC Peech Boys.

The next one we’ll hear is “Freak It!” by Studio 45 (Azuli Records, 1999). This one takes us back squarely into the realm of “true” house music, and stays close to the original disco and funk vibe of the original Peech Boys track. It’s a real classic house track that’s been remixed several times.

Studio 45, perhaps a play on Studio 54, is a German house duo made up of Jens Brachvogel & Tilo Ciesla. According to Discogs they’ve released about 17 songs under this particular moniker, the most recent of which just came out in 2023. // Freak It! Is a fun, swinging house track that really captures the sound of the late 90s/early 2000s. In addition to sampling vocals from “Life is Something Special,” it also heavily samples a song called “Phoenix” by the Aquarian Dream.

Let’s hear a clip that captures its essence.

11:27

19. Studio 45 – “Freak It!”
    from: “Freak It” – 12” Single / Azuli Records / 1999
    [German House act by Jens Brachvogel & Tilo Ciesla. // Their biggest hit, ‘Freak It!’ (1999), contained music samples of ‘Phoenix’ by Aquarian Dream (2) and vocal samples from ‘Life Is Something Special (Acapella)’ by the Peech Boys.]

11:30 – Guest Producer Jim Hubbell – “Life is Something Special” – “Something Special E”

Jim: Oh yeah, was that freaky enough for you? That song never gets old for me, and I hope everyone listening enjoyed the clip we just heard. As a reminder, we’re listening to house and electronic music tracks that sampled and were otherwise influenced by the 1983 song “Life is Something Special” by the NYC Peech Boys.

Next up, we’re going to jump from 1983 to the year 2015 and check out a release called “Something Special E” by Eddie Fowlkes on British house music label Defected. // Now the record label may be from across the pond, but Eddie Fowlkes is from Detroit, MI here in the United States. He’s a techno and house DJ/producer also known as Eddie “Flashin” Fowlkes, who’s also released under various other monikers.

Eddie was born on Christmas Eve 1962. He started DJing in the late 1970s, and was known for performing with three turntables, a mixer, a wah-wah pedal, and the TR-808 & 909 drum machines. He was part of Juan Atkins’s Deep Space DJ collective which included Art Payne, Keith Martin, and Derrick May, who was also Fowlkes’s roommate.

So let’s enjoy Something Special E, by Eddie “Flashin” Fowlkes.

11:31

20. Eddie Fowlkes – “Something Special E”
    from: “That’s What I Think About – Single / Defected / November 11, 2013
    [Also available on Unfinished Business, Vol. 3 Compiled & Mixed by Luke Soloman released April 17, 2015. // Eddie Fowlkes is an American techno and house DJ. He was influential to the early Detroit techno scene. Eddie Fowlkes was born on December 24, 1962, in Detroit, Michigan. After attending a 1978 Charivari party with his older sisters where he saw DJ Darryl Shannon mixing records, Fowlkes requested a mixer for Christmas and later made his DJ debut in the late 70s. He was part of Juan Atkins’s Deep Space DJ collective which included Art Payne, Keith Martin, and Derrick May, who was also Fowlkes’s roommate. In the 1980s, Fowlkes performed with three turntables, a mixer, a wah-wah pedal, and the TR-808 & 909 drum machines. // Kevin Saunderson said that seeing Fowlkes DJ at a fraternity party inspired him to get involved in the Deep Space Crew and become a better DJ. // After hearing a Cybotron performance, Fowlkes moved from being interested solely in DJing to creating his own records. Borrowing equipment from Atkins, he trained his ear and taught himself to play the keyboard over a couple of months. While Fowlkes and May were roommates, Fowlkes built his studio in his bedroom and started working on his first record. His first release under his own name was issued in 1986. That release on Metroplex Records, “Goodbye Kiss”, helped establish what would come to be known as Detroit techno. // With the 1991 M.I.D. (Made In Detroit) release of Detroit Techno Soul, Fowlkes introduced the concept of techno soul because “Detroit … is both house heads and techno heads.”[6] This was followed by the 1993 Tresor release The Birth of Technosoul, featuring 3MB (Moritz von Oswald and Thomas Fehlmann). // Fowlkes started releasing on his own label, City Boy Records, in 1993. Fowlkes also owns the Detroit Wax imprint on City Boy. // Eddie Fowlkes’s handprints are cemented on the Detroit Historical Museum’s Legends Plaza as a techno-music pioneer.]

11:33 – Guest Producer Jim Hubbell – “Life is Something Special” – “Joey’s Love Bomb”

Jim: We just finished listening to a clip of “Something Special E” by Eddie Fowlkes, which makes use of a well-known sample from “Life is Something Special” by the NYC Peech Boys. Defected is known for releasing a countless number of classic, popular house music tracks that stay true to hallmark characteristics of that genre, and that last song was no exception.

Next, we’re going to take a bit of a detour from the house music highway, journeying into territory that’s a little less known and probably more niche in its audience type. // This next clip comes from a London-based production duo comprising Gerardo Delgado and Quinn Whalley, aka Paranoid London. Now, I have to admit I only discovered Paranoid London a few years ago, even though they’ve been active since 2008 according to their profile on Resident Advisor. And while I may be late to the game, I’m definitely a super fan of them now. I regularly incorporate their songs into my DJ sets, and I would LOVE to catch them performing live someday.

They don’t have a huge internet footprint, but they’re on social media platforms and I encourage anyone that likes this next song to give them a follow.

This next clip is taken from a song they released on their own, eponymous record label in 2020. It comes from the third of a series of EPs called PLEDITS. While a majority of their releases fall under the Acid House subgenre, I’d say this particular track demonstrates influences by techno and even industrial music, too. Let’s check it out, and be sure to turn up your speakers for this one!

11:34

21. Paranoid London – “Joey’s Love Bomb”
    from: PLEDITS#3 / Paranoid London Records / 2020
    [London-based production duo: Gerardo Delgado and Quinn Whalley. // PLEDITS 3 = Couple of edits for that imaginary dancefloor we’re all dreaming of where it’s going balls to the wall & you can play anything you like. These are brutal but funky. As usual a few familiar elements redone to soften the blow. Also, we forgot to put an ending on one them before we sent it off for mastering. “Joey’s Lovebomb” and “Pulsewidth”.]

11:37 – Underwriting

11:39 – Special Guest Producer Jim Hubbell – “Let No Man Put Asunder”

Jim: How about that?? If anybody out there listening felt a primal urge to destroy property in your immediate vicinity, or perhaps anyone driving suddenly found themselves driving at double the posted speed limit, that’s totally understandable. This seems like a good time to take a deep breath, exhale, and slow things back down a little as we move into our third and final series of today’s show, where we’re tracing house and other types of dance music tracks back to the original songs that have been extensively sampled throughout the years.

For this last series, we’re going back to a classic, classic song named “Let No Man Put Asunder” by First Choice. // Some songs get sampled once and fade away. But Let No Man Put Asunder by First Choice? It’s a 1977 disco classic from an album titled Delusions originally released on Gold Mind Records. This song gave us a hook that became part of the DNA of house music.

Before listening to the song, though, who was First Choice? First Choice was (and is) an American girl group and vocal music trio from Philadelphia. Their R&B and disco hits included “Armed and Extremely Dangerous”, “Smarty Pants”, “The Player (Part 1)”, “Guilty”, “Love Thang”, and “Doctor Love”. They were signed to soul label Philly Groove and to disco label Gold Mind, and later to Warner Bros. and Salsoul.

Though some of the members of First Choice have changed over the years, the lineup has always included founding members Rochelle Fleming and Annette Guest. The 3rd member providing vocals was Ursula Herring when they recorded “Let No Man Put Asunder” in 1977. It’s worth noting that this song didn’t receive a lot of heavy play or attention outside the disco clubs of Philadelphia when it was first released. However, after it was re-released on Salsoul in 1983, it shot up to number 13 on dance music charts in the United States.

Now put on your bellbottoms and sequins, and let’s give a listen to this song that’s left an indelible mark on house music.

11:41

22. First Choice – “Let No Man Put Asunder”
    from: “Let No Man Put Asunder” – Single / Salsoul Records / 1983
    [Originally released on their 1977 album Delusions on Gold Mind Records. // First Choice is an American girl group and vocal music trio from Philadelphia. Their R&B and disco hits included “Armed and Extremely Dangerous”, “Smarty Pants”, “The Player (Part 1)”, “Guilty”, “Love Thang”, and “Doctor Love”. They were signed to soul label Philly Groove and to disco label Gold Mind, and later to Warner Bros. and Salsoul. // First Choice began singing in high school as the Debonettes. The group consisted of lead singer Rochelle Fleming, Annette Guest, Wardell Piper and Malanie McSears. They performed in clubs after school in and around Philadelphia. They were introduced to record man Norman Harris by radio DJ Georgie Woods.[2] Harris produced their first single “This Is the House Where Love Died”. The single failed to chart nationally but was played in Philadelphia and dance club across the U.S. Their next release was “Armed and Extremely Dangerous”. The single quickly became an R&B top 11 hit in early 1973 and making the UK top 20. // Wardell Piper quit the group to go solo before their first album was released, and is not pictured on the sleeve although she did sing on the album. She was replaced by singer Joyce Jones. Their new hit enabled the group to get national exposure on TV shows such as Dinah, Soul Train, and American Bandstand. Other R&B hits followed. “Smarty Pants” went to number 25 R&B and became the group’s biggest UK single reaching number 9 in the UK Singles Chart, “Newsy Neighbors” and “The Player” which became their biggest R&B hit peaking at number 7. // The band switched labels in 1976 to Warner Bros. Records. Jones left the group and was replaced by Ursula Herring. At Warner’s they recorded dance floor hits including “Gotta Get Away From You Baby”, “Ain’t He Bad” and the album title song, “So Let Us Entertain You”. In 1977, the trio switched labels again this time recording for their producer Norman Harris’ label, Gold Mind Records, where they got their biggest dance single, the infectious “Doctor Love”. The single was from their album, Delusions, that AllMusic critic Ed Hogan regarded as the trio’s best LP. The next release came in March 1979 called Hold Your Horses. Ursula Herring left and was replaced by Debbie Martin. The LP contained the dance hits “Love Thang”, “Double Cross” and the title track “Hold Your Horses”. // The trio officially disbanded in 1980 however, in 1983, Salsoul Records released “Let No Man Put Asunder” from their 1977 album, Delusions. That single rose to number 13 on the Billboard dance chart and has become the group’s signature song and still a current favorite on the house music scene. // Rochelle Fleming continued to record and perform internationally as a solo artist. Annette Guest became a successful songwriter writing for artists such as Stephanie Mills. // The group was influential to early house and techno music, because of sampling by many artists, including Todd Terry and the Jungle Brothers, mostly from First Choice’s 1977 track, “Let No Man Put Asunder”. The track was also covered by Mary J. Blige on her 1999 album, Mary. // On August 6, 2014, First Choice performed a reunion concert at East River Bandshell, New York City, with original members Rochelle Fleming, Annette Guest, Wardell Piper and Ursula Herring. The concert featured many of the group’s ex-label mates from Salsoul Records. The group is still performing, but without Rochelle Fleming. Annette Guest and Ursula Herring, along with Andre Jackson, are currently performing as The First Choice. // In 2019, rapper J. Cole sampled their song “Wake Up to Me” in his song “Middle Child”. ]

11:45 – Guest Producer Jim Hubbell – “Let No Man Put Asunder” – “Let’s Go”

Jim: Oh, so good, so good! This could take up a whole show on its own but today let’s trace it through a few pioneers who flipped it into early house classics that still stand the test of time. // First up for tracks sampling First Choice: “Let’s Go” by Edwin Smith aka Fast Eddie // Fast Eddie began as a DJ of the early Chicago house movement, including playing spots on WGCI-FM and WBMX. Produced extensively from the late 1980s to the early 1990s. // One of the architects of Hip House. // Fast Eddie is well known for fusing rap lyrics with house beats, making him a bridge between two worlds. // The track we’ll listen to, “Let’s Go,” was released on D.J. International Records, 1988. // Listen to how the Asunder vocal interjects with that ‘Oh yeah!’ over bright piano chords and a driving beat.

11:46

23. Fast Eddie – “Let’s Go”
    from: “Let’s Go” – 12” Single / D.J. International Records / 1988
    [Edwin A. Smith, known as Fast Eddie, is an American house producer and hip hop musician from Chicago, Illinois. // Fast Eddie began as a DJ of the early Chicago house movement, including playing spots on WGCI-FM and WBMX. During that period, he produced one of his first singles in collaboration with Kenny “Jammin'” Jason entitled “Can You Dance”, circa 1986. In 1987, Eddie came out with other house tracks such as “The Whop”, based on the dance of the same name. // Eddie left WGCI for WBMX for a short time and then quit his radio DJ gigs to concentrate on producing. In 1988, he scored one of his biggest hits with “Acid Thunder” on DJ International Records. However, it was the track “Hip House” that established his career as a producer. Eddie popularized the genre of hip house. He scored several hits on the US Billboard Hot Dance Music/Club Play chart in the late 1980s and early 1990s, including “Git On Up” (featuring Sundance), which spent a week at number one in 1989, but only reached number 49 in the UK Singles Chart. // Eddie tried his hand at gangsta rap in 1990 by forming the group America’s Most Wanted. Later that year, he released “Make Some Noise”. At some time during 1995, Eddie made two ghetto house collaborations. The first of these is titled “Booty Call” with DJ Sneak and the other is titled “Pump It” with DJ Funk.]

11:48:30 – Guest Producer Jim Hubbell – “Let No Man Put Asunder” – “Do It Properly”

Jim: Next up, we’ll listen to a track called “Do It Properly” released by 2 Puerto Ricans, a Blackman and a Dominican (Grooveline, 1987). // This group, with a decidedly vague and long name, was a short-lived house music project. And why you may have never heard of 2 Puerto Ricans, a Blackman and a Dominican, you’re likely familiar with at least 2 of its members: Robert Clivillés (one of the Puerto Ricans) and David Cole (the black man). Clivillés and Cole formed C+C Music Factory, known for several dance and pop hits, most notably Gonna Make You Sweat (Everybody Dance Now). They also produced and wrote various hits for artists such as Mariah Carey, Whitney Houston, Aretha Franklin, Donna Summer, James Brown, Lisa Lisa and Cult Jam, Deborah Cooper, Scarlett Santana, and many others. // Rounding out the group are David Morales (the other Puerto Rican) and Chep Nunez (the Dominican). Chep Nunez sadly died way too early in 1990, as did David Cole in 1995. // David Morales is a true superstar DJ and producer who has remixed and produced over 500 releases for artists including Mariah Carey, Aretha Franklin, Michael Jackson, Janet Jackson, and many, many more. David currently continues to produce and tour as a DJ. // Listen for how the Asunder vocal is chopped and dropped over the bassline from Adonis’s No Way Back—a Chicago classic in its own right—creating a fierce late-80s New York house hybrid.// This collision of two iconic tracks turned ‘Do It Properly’ into a peak-time weapon for DJs on both sides of the Chicago–New York axis.

11:49:30

24. 2 Puerto Ricans, a Blackman and a Dominican – “Do It Properly”
    from: “Do It Properly” – 12” Single / Grooveline / 1987
    [Produced, Written, and Arranged by David Cole and Robert Clivilles who would later become C + C Music Factory // 2 Puerto Ricans, a Blackman and a Dominican was a short-lived house music group featuring David Morales and Robert Clivillés (Puerto Ricans), David Cole (Black), and Chep Nuñez (Dominican). In 1987, they scored a hit in dance clubs with their debut song, “Do It Properly,” the only release on Grooveline Records. The track was inspired by Cole and Bruce Forest’s DJ sets at New York club Better Days, where they would mix Adonis’ “No Way Back” with scratching, other songs, and samples. Cole, Clivillés, and Morales all performed at Better Days (Clivillés and Morales as DJ and Cole as keyboardist) in the late 1980s. The single was released in the UK on the London Records label; it entered the UK singles chart on June 13, 1987, and reached a peak of number 47, remaining in the chart for four weeks. In 1988, Clivillés and Cole recorded a sequel called “So Many Ways (Do It Properly Part II)” with the Brat Pack on Vendetta/A&M Records. “Do It Properly” was covered again by vocalist Deborah Cooper, who later worked with C+C Music Factory in 1999 for the Collaboration. // In 1989, 2 Puerto Ricans, a Blackman and a Dominican released a single called “Scandalous” on Capitol Records in the United States and on Syncopate (a label of EMI)) in the UK. // Later in 1989, Clivillés and Cole started C+C Music Factory. David Morales had a successful solo career in the 1990s and Chep Nuñez died in 1990. David Cole died in 1995.]

11:52 – Guest Producer Jim Hubbell – “Let No Man Put Asunder” – “We Gotta Love”

Jim: And for our final song influenced by “Let No Man Put Asunder” by First Choice, we have “We Gotta Love” by DJ Funk (Street Traxx III, 1995) // DJ Funk. A pioneer of Ghetto House in Chicago. He strips Asunder down to its rawest loop and rides it over another house-history gem—the Street Player horn riff made famous by the Bucketheads—creating a collision of two of dance music’s most iconic samples.

By blending both, he bridges disco’s deep roots with the stripped, party-focused energy of Ghetto House. // From Frankie Knuckles sets at the Warehouse, to Steve ‘Silk’ Hurley’s club edits, to the bedroom studios of today—“Let No Man Put Asunder” has been scratched in, reimagined, remixed, and rebuilt for decades. And it’s still packing dance floors. But first… Back to the host of Wednesday Midday Medley, Mark Manning!

25. DJ Funk – “We Gotta Love”
    from: Street Traxx III 12” (6-track Vinyl) / Dance Mania / 1995
    [Charles Chambers was born Jan 25, 1971 and was better known by his stage name DJ Funk. He was an American DJ who pioneered the ghetto house subgenre of house music. Through the 1990s, he built a regional reputation in the Chicago-Detroit region and in the Midwest rave scene. His 1999 album Booty House Anthems was distributed nationally and sold over one million copies. He founded the Funk Records label in 2006. He is included in Modulations, a 1998 film documentary of electronic music. DJ Funk died from cancer on March 4, 2025, at the age of 54.]

26. Noel Coward – “The Party’s Over Now”
    from: Noel Coward in New York / drg / 2003 [orig. 1957]

NEXT WEEK, on August 27 – we welcome special guests: Don Simon & High School Radio Broadcasters + Mitzi McKee + The Babe Gabe and Ty Faison

A really big THANK YOU to every one of you who donated during Wednesday MidDay Medley and our Summer Fund Drive for KKFI 90.1 FM. We had 47 individuals donate a total of $3529.00 in support of Community Radio. Special thanks go to my co-hosts and guests: Betse Ellis, Mikal Shapiro, Sandra Draper and Steve Tulipana and Lincoln Dreher!!!

THANK YOU to our incredible KKFI Staff; Executive Director – Bess Wallerstein-Huff, Director of Development & Communications – J Kelly Dougherty, Chief Operator – Chad Brothers, Volunteer Coordinator – Darryl Oliver, and Office Manager Book Keeper – Shaina Littler.

This radio station is more than the individual hosts of each individual radio show. Instead it is about a collective spirit of hundreds of hardworking people, unselfishly setting aside ego, to work for the greater good of community building and the gigantic goal of keeping our airwaves free, non-commercial, and open to all! Congratulations and thank you to all programmers & volunteers who went the extra effort to keep our station alive.

Our Script/Playlist is a “cut and paste” of information.
Sources for notes: artist’s websites, bios, wikipedia.org

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http://www.WednesdayMidDayMedley.org,
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Show #1109