Freedom Bremner/Houseofreedom performing Cuddly Toy

This performance by Freedom Bremner and Houseofreedom was part of a Soul 3.0 concert flimed live at the 25th St. Lab in NYC on March 15th, 2007.
It featured performances by Project Orange, Houseofreedom and Toni Menage.
This is Freedom's take on a song called "Cuddly Toy", that was originally a hit recorded by the UK band Roachford in 1989. If you're wondering how this remake came about, this song was presented to Freedom by Ron Fair , then president of A&M records when Freedom was a finalist on Star Search. Mr. Fair was a big fan of the song and he gave Freedom, considerable creative input and allowed him to put his spin on it. Freedom says that ultimately his hands were tied somewhat being that it was a TV talent show and there was some resistance to his vision. Nonetheless with the assistance of producer Tal Herzberg ( Beth Hart) and co producers Greg Curtis (Tony,Toni , Tone) and John Nettlesby ( Quincy Jones), Freedom did his thing. Freedom has gone on record saying that working with that team headed, by Ron Fair, was one of the most enlightening experiences in his musical career.

Ultimately, Freedom made a very different "Cuddly Toy" from the original. The song debuted on the season finale of Star Search in 2004. It was supposed to be released on I-tunes that same night, but apparently to the dismay of Ron Fair, the CBS brass did not see the history making opportunity. It would have been the first simultaneous TV debut and release of a song online through a television show. The song ultimately was released two days later.

This live performance is true to the record, but in a very" kickin' it old school " kind of way. The concert was filmed in High Definition by Ritchie Westlian for Jupiter Video. The audio was mixed and mastered by Thomas Foyer.

The band is Trevor Allen-bass, Dean James-drums, Eddy Zak-guitar, Brocket Parsons-keyboards, James Spears-keyboards, David Deej-percussion, Rahiah Alexander-backing vocals, Jessica Wagner backing vocals, and Cole Williams, backing vocals. The concert was filmed in High Definition by Ritchie Westlian for Jupiter Video. The audio was mixed and mastered by Thomas Foyer.

Category:

Music

Tags:

• Freedom
• Bremner
• Star
• Search
• Soul
• ScreamingHeadlessTorsos
• Indie
• Houseofreedom
• R&B
• Alternative
• Unsigned
• Roachford

[jayscripps]

nice job Freedom.  Where can i get a pair of white trousers like the rest of the band?

j

[freediddz]

Thanks, Jay. I can get you the wholsale price, I've got a crate of em in my house. talk to you later

[sueysa]

Ridiciously Fabulous. And i thought Roachford did a good job at singing this song. Gimme more gimme more!!

[freediddz]

Thanks so much. I really appreciate it. Peace

[gordn04]

Roachford would like this version for sure!!

[penypenny1]

I literally just had goose bumps.

[spakey1983]

Great cover fellas Kept it rock n roll :)

[nanalovejms]

i love youuuu!!!! you rock

[SilentAsian77]

this dude sang the theme song of that kid show clifford

[jimmytube717]

I would pay to listen to you guys any time !!

[jimmytube717]

Amazing !!

[martlix]

hi Freedom from Lugo, Spain! i was talked with Andrew Roachford last year at jazz cafe about your version.

I have recommended to Andy your version.

I like your version very very much, it´s awesome.

i would like to see you and Andy singing it together....wow...

Regards from Spain, by a roachford´s fan from the begining

[chaoskade379]

I remember this guy from Star Search!! He was so good but didnt win!! Does anyone know where I can buy a DVD of Star Search? (the 2002 version). I LOVED that show. but i guess it didnt get enough viewers?

[RodStewartFanGal]

Ah Freedom you are quickly becoming one of my favorite singers... This is my fave of your songs so far. I love hearing you sing really upbeat kicky songs like this!