WHFR News

In part one of WHFR PRESENTS' special on the music of the legendary STRATA EAST record label, we made it through the first 14 recordings that were issued from 1971-1973. On Sunday, May 11 from 4:00-7:00pm EDT, we will pick up where we left off with the music of Charles Brackeen's "Rhythm X."

Strata East, a record label and coalition formed by the trumpeter Charles Tolliver and pianist Stanley Cowell in 1970, proved to be a major force for many creative jazz artists who found their work ignored by the major record labels. The independent Strata East label issued most of their recordings In small quantities and they soon disappeared from the shelves and became collectors' items.

This was a time when a plethora of creative musicians were moving to Paris and other European cities where their music was loved and respected far beyond what was happening in the U.S. Here in the States, independent record labels and small venues were struggling to provide for these very talented and forward-thinking musicians. In Detroit, the Strata Gallery and Strata Records came to the forefront in our area. Picking up upon a good thing, New York City artists Charles Tolliver and Stanley Cowell formed the independent STRATA EAST RECORDS in 1970. Their output of over 50 records in the 1970's and into the 80's provided a much needed outlet for the creative work of many musicians. Records were produced in limited quantities and eventually became hard to find.

Along comes Detroit's MACK AVENUE RECORDS who have reissued much of the STRATA EAST catalog, with over 30 recordings and more to come. MACK AVENUE AND GROOV MARKETING have provided WHFR with the recordings that have been reissued in the catalog thus far. The music of Pharoah Sanders, Stanley Cowell, Charles Tolliver, Clifford Jordan and many others can be heard on these airwaves via Mack Avenue and Strata East recordings.

Tune in on Sunday, May 11 from 4:00 - 7:00pm EDT as we continue to explore the music from Strata East Records artists on the weekly spotlight program WHFR PRESENTS. This will be part two of the feature on Strata East with more to come in the month of June. WHFR radio can be heard locally (Dearborn/Detroit) on 89.3fm and worldwide via the internet at whfr.fm.
––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––
WHFR PRESENTS airs every Sunday beginning (usually) at 4:00 pm with a rotating cast of WHFR DJs, taking in-depth looks into the many genres of music that WHFR has to offer. Tune in at 89.3 on the FM dial in Dearborn/Detroit and surrounding communities, or listen anywhere via our online streamer.
––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––

“Happiness is a warm puppy.” – Charles M. Schulz

Attention: all dog lovers! Hotwax Radio is broadcasting a special show for “Man’s Best Friend” titled “Walking The Dog.” Come join the White Rabbit as he takes a stroll into canine country, bringing you sounds, music and pure dog waggishness. Remember, “Be Kind To Animals Week” takes place the first full week of May starting this Sunday and hopefully practiced all year - and every year.

Hotwax Radio — Every Sunday from 7:00pm – 9:00pm on WHFR, 89.3 FM.

This Sunday, May 4th, from 1:00-4:00 PM, get ready for a soul-stirring experience as the legendary Detroit Emeralds bring their smooth R&B and Classic Soul magic live on WHFR 89.3 FM during The Rhythmic Ride Radio Show with Ms. Marjon!

Don’t miss a special live interview at 2:00 PM, where Ms. Marjon will sit down with the Detroit Emeralds to dive into their incredible musical journey and the inspiration behind their timeless sound.

About the Detroit Emeralds:

The Detroit Emeralds are an American R&B and soul vocal group that rose to fame in the early 1970s. Originally formed as The Emeralds in Little Rock, Arkansas, by brothers Abrim, Ivory, Cleophus, and Raymond Tilmon, they later relocated to Detroit, Michigan, where they became known as The Detroit Emeralds. After lineup changes, Abrim and Ivory were joined by childhood friend James Mitchell to form the classic trio.

They first charted in 1968 with “Show Time,” but gained widespread acclaim with hits like “Do Me Right,” “You Want It, You Got It,” “Baby Let Me Take You (In My Arms),” and their signature song “Feel the Need in Me,” which hit number 4 on the UK Singles Chart in 1973.

Abrim Tilmon, the group’s primary songwriter and arranger, crafted their distinctive soul sound. Today, the Detroit Emeralds continue to celebrate their rich musical legacy, blending classic soul with fresh new material under the leadership of founding member James Mitchell Jr.

More on the band at https://instagram.com/detroit_emeralds_official

Let’s celebrate Detroit’s rich musical legacy together... Tune in, turn it up, and let the soul vibes flow!

Episode 43 of This Just In, WHFR's pre-recorded new music showcase airing Mondays from 8-9p, airs April 28th, 2025.

This week's playlist:

Tara Chugh - Rising [Metal]
Mäsqueräde - Crawl Out [Metal]
BIG BRAVE - innominate No vi [Experimental / Noise]
Crossword Smiles - Falling All Over Myself [Local / Indie Rock]

Ultraviolet Ray - Ain't Just For Tonight [Electronic / Dance]
Steve Gregory - After School [Jazz / Americana]
Hiromi ft. Sonic Wonder & Michelle Willis - Pendulum [Jazz]

54 Ultra - Upside Down [Soul / R&B]

Sabeth Pérez - Dream Boat [Jazz / World]
DJ Soulstar ft. Miss vio-LINE - Istanbul Mi Amor [Electronic / World]
Shallou - Overture [Electronic]

Tune in to This Just In each week as we feature a unique playlist of music recently received at the station, in a variety of musical formats.
To submit your music for airplay consideration, please visit the Contact Us tab on our website: https://whfr.fm.

On Sunday May 11, FROM 1:00-4:00PM EDT WHFR PRESENTS will feature three hours of the music of Frank Zappa and the Mothers of Invention for your listening and dancing pleasure.

Frank Zappa (1940-1993) was known to some as an eclectic rock musician but his work spanned across rock, jazz, modern classical and synth music. Going beyond his provocative lyrics and social commentary, Zappa's music incorporated the work of modern composers, jazz and the avant-garde.

WHFR Presents will feature the works of Frank Zappa concentrating, in large part, on his early work with the Mothers of Invention and his many instrumental works. Join me, Pat Frisco, for a three hour ride into the world of FRANK ZAPPA AND THE MOTHERS OF INVENTION, Sunday May 11 from 1-4pm EDT here on WHFR 89.3fm locally (Detroit) and streaming on whfr.fm

(photo from the LP We're Only In it For the Money c/o The Zappa Family Trust)
––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––
WHFR PRESENTS airs every Sunday beginning (usually) at 4:00 pm with a rotating cast of WHFR DJs, taking in-depth looks into the many genres of music that WHFR has to offer. Tune in at 89.3 on the FM dial in Dearborn/Detroit and surrounding communities, or listen anywhere via our online streamer.
––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––

Join us for this week's high energy and creative WHFR Journal tomorrow, 4/25/25 at 1pm as we chat with legendary former NASCAR driver and current racing analyst Kyle Petty regarding the 29th Anniversary Kyle Petty Charity Ride Across America… and it’s making a stop in Dearborn, Michigan! Kyle will share the cause behind this important event and ways you can get involved. Also, this year marks the 50th anniversary of HFC's Creative Writing Competition, the Francis G.

Episode 42 of This Just In, WHFR's pre-recorded new music showcase airing Mondays from 8-9p, airs April 21st, 2025.

This week's playlist:

Vince Guaraldi Trio - Fly Me To The Moon (Remastered 2025) [Jazz / Soundtrack]
Bardo ft. Combo Chimbita - Renacer [World / Indie]

Matt Berninger - Bonnet Of Pins [Indie Rock]
Marina Yozora - Daffodils [Indie / Dream Pop]
The Finesse - Soul On Fire (Scott Yoshimura Remix) [R&B / Soul]

dissociate - Faceless Ones [Dark Electronic / Soundtrack]
The Faux Paws - Night [Americana / Folk]
Madeline Rosene - Fish Astronaut [Indie Pop]
Taj Mahal & Mindy Canter - I'm Too Young To Be This Old [Blues]

Franco Campanino - Avere vent'anni (Disco) [Soundtrack / World]
Samir Boehringer Sazzerac - Clickbait [Jazz]
Japanese Breakfast - Honey Water [Indie Rock / Pop]

The Seldom Scene - Last of the Steam-Powered Trains [Bluegrass / Cover]

Tune in to This Just In each week as we feature a unique playlist of music recently received at the station, in a variety of musical formats.
To submit your music for airplay consideration, please visit the Contact Us tab on our website: https://whfr.fm.