Noviembre 17, 2009 a 8:17 pm (Modern Funk)
By Way Of The Drum (2007)
To a certain degree, you can say that Funkadelic’s By Way of the Drum is a kin to Prince’s The Black Album — it’s a completed album that was shelved, and it seemed like it would never see the light of day. The story goes something like this: in the mid-’80s, Funkadelic completed the album for MCA Records, who then rejected the release, before (supposedly) misplacing the master tapes. Almost two decades later, the tapes were found, and By Way of the Drum finally saw its belated release in 2007. Those expecting another classic like Maggot Brain or Standing on the Verge of Getting It On will be disappointed, as the album reflects the clean-sounding robotic funk style that was commonplace in the ’80s. And as evidenced by such tunes as “Nose Bleed” and especially the title track, the album doesn’t exactly spotlight the group’s strongest songwriting hour (a pointless cover of Cream’s “Sunshine of Your Love” helps pad the track listing). By Way of the Drum will only be of interest for diehards interested in hearing this curious relic from the vaults. The rest of us can stick with the aforementioned classics. (Greg Prato, AMG)
Tracks:
01. Nose Bleed
02. Sunshine of Your Love
03. Freaks Bearing Gifts
04. Yadadada
05. By Way of the Drum
06. Jugular
07. Some Fresh Delic
08. Primal Instinct
09. By Way of the Drum (Extended Version)
10. By Way of the Drum (*)(Dub)
11. By Way of the Drum (Basstrumental)
12. By Way of the Drum (Acappella)
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*Gracias Leshafunk
1 comentario
Noviembre 17, 2009 a 7:34 pm (Acid Jazz)
Made In Sweden (1995)
The Blacknuss collective was born amid the heyday of Acid Jazz in 1990. The musicians and Djs behind the club later went on to form the band that now realeased two albums of the very best dance music ever made in Sweden. Which, coincidentally, was the name of their first album in 1995, an improvisational debut built around the Sly & Robbie-style playing of drummer Martin Jonsson and bass man Christian Falk. It included the hit “it should have been you”.
It has now been 10 years since Blacknuss’ debut album “Made in Sweden” was relaesed. In the fall of 2005, the album Gold hit the stores. This album consists of all of their hit songs throughout the years! (www.myspace.com/blacknnuss)
Tracks:
01. Rising the Top
02. Freaky
03. Looking Up to You
04. Let’s Go Through the Motion
05. It Should Have Been You
06. I’m So into You
07. Superbad
08. Love No Limit
09. Organisk 2
10. Organisk 1
11. Daddy
12. It Should Have Been You (Cutfather & Joe Radio Edit)
See the comments
*Gracias Kamal
2 comentarios
Noviembre 16, 2009 a 5:50 pm (Disco, Disco Funk)
Let’s All Chant: The Michael Zager Dance Collection (1997)
Let’s All Chant: The Michael Zager Dance Collection contains 11 of Zager’s late-’70s disco singles, including both songs he performed — such as “Let’s All Chant” — and songs he produced, like Cissy Houston’s “Think It Over,” the Andrea True Connection’s “What’s Your Name, What’s Your Number,” Johnny “Guitar” Watson’s “Planet Funk,” and “Life’s a Party,” which features Whitney Houston on her recording debut. It’s a fine overview of his disco work and is worthwhile for hardcore disco fetishists. (Stephen Thomas Erlewine, AMG)
Tracks:
01. Let’s All Chant – Michael Zager Band
02. Think It Over – Cissy Houston
03. Traffic Jam – Michael Zager Band
04. Do It With Feeling – Michael Zager Band Feat: Peabo Bryson
05. The Planet Funk – Johnny “Guitar” Watson
06. Love Express – Michael Zager Band
07. Doctor Rhythm – M-Zee Band
08. Time Heals Every Wound - Michael Zager Band
09. Life’s a Party – Michael Zager Band
10. What’s Your Name, What’s Your Number – Andrea True Connection
11. Don’t Sneak on Me [Disco Version] – Michael Zager Band
See the comments
*Gracias Adrian
4 comentarios
Noviembre 16, 2009 a 4:01 pm (Disco)
La Flavour – Mandolay (1980)
La Flavour began humbly in Massillon, Ohio in 1967. Twin brothers Pete and Steve Nervo (guitar and drums) joined with schoolmates Craig DeBock (guitar and sax) and Gino Milchak (bass guitar) to form the core of what would actually become several bands. Instead of following the path set by the British Invasion, the boys began playing soul tunes and early Motown, eventually getting gigs at local dances and sockhops. This early version of the band first called themselves “The Noblemen”, then “The Blues Soul”.
By the mid-1970s, the boys had progressed into one of the hottest dance bands in the area, and eventually began traveling as the show band “Ragweed”. Eventually, they came to the attention of top entertainment booking agent John Sansone from Buffalo, NY, who took over the booking for the band and decided to re-name them “Flavour”. The boys became “LaFlavour” with the release of the album “Mandolay” in 1980, which was mostly written and produced by Mark Avsec (of Donnie Iris and Wild Cherry fame). Two singles from the album made the Billboard charts, with Mandolay reaching #7. With a certified success under their belts, La Flavour was signed to MCA records, who thought it wise to separate their “show” image from their “recording” image.
MCA changed the band’s name to “Fair Warning”, and the boys and Mark Avsec recorded a second album, this time of catchy pop/rock tunes. “Fair Warning” included a sure-fire hit single written by Avsec titled “She Don’t Know Me”. However, an upcoming band from Jersey called Bon Jovi were recording their first album at this time, and the song was selected for them. This move more or less ruined the chances of the song being pushed as a single for Fair Warning, and since the success of “Mandolay” had come on the heels of the disco/dance craze, Fair Warning was not as well received, and MCA eventually shelved the album and the project.
Meanwhile, the show group LaFlavour was taking the country by storm in the big showrooms – the nightclubs and hotels across the country using live entertainment to do big business in the ’80s. Since dance music was essential to the atmosphere in these rooms, La Flavour proved to be the perfect act to insure a full house. Since they were now internationally famous for their hit Mandolay, having LaFlavour on the bill was even a bigger draw. Plus, by this time the boys had developed to perfection a novelty in their act which proved to be their crowning jewel: the comedy-oriented floor shows featuring two simple muppet-style puppets, Franklin and Nick. (Extract, www.laflavour.com)
Tracks:
01. Mandolay
02. Only The Lonely (Have A Reason To Be Sad)
03. Can You Dance
04. Can’t Kill The Beat
05. Roller Shake
06. When The Whistle Blows (Anything Goes)
07. To The Boys In The Band
08. Mandolay (Remix)
09. Mandolay (Remix Instrumental)
10. Mandloay (Remix Radio Edition)
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2 comentarios
Noviembre 13, 2009 a 11:49 pm (Disco, Pop, Post Disco)
Shake It Up (Do The Boog-a-loo) (1992)
Roch Niangandoumou, aka Rod, was born in Brazzaville (Congo), African traditional music which was much heard in the western world, his big hit was “Shake It Up (Do The Boogaloo) released in 1980. Rod sings in the Languages English, French, Wolof, and Mounoukoutouba Lingane.
This compilation was released in 1992 by the label Unidisc Productions. This album includes two extras versions of great hit “Shake It Up”.
Tracks:
01. Shake It Up (Do the Boogaloo)
02. Start It All over Again
03. Being Someone Else
04. So Real
05. Angel of the Night
06. Just Keep on Walking
07. Lovely World, Sad World
08. Gonna Be a Winner
09. Written in My Mind
10. Tenderness
11. We Want More
12. Shake It Up (Do the Boogaloo) (U.S Razor House 88 Mix)
13. Shake It Up (Do the Boogaloo) (Acappella)
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5 comentarios
Noviembre 13, 2009 a 10:01 pm (Disco)
Freddie James – Get Up And Boogie (1994)
Freddie James has been dazzling the world over with his smooth singing style, boundless energy, and his ability to virtually hold a crowd in the palm of his hands. At a young age, Freddie, who comes from a musical family, learned the value of showmanship and professionalism. In fact, before he even finished high school, his debut album was certified gold and platinum all over the world. He enjoyed success with his hits, “Hollywood”, “Dance Little Boy Blue” and especially with “Get Up And Boogie”, which made him the first artist to reach gold status with dance music in Canada. Born in Chicago, Illinois, Freddie learned about singing from the soul while listening to his family singing in church choirs until he and his family moved to Montreal Quebec Canada in 1975. Disco was all the rage, and Freddie was in the right place at the right time. He recorded his first album in 1977 with Warner Bros. and continued to be a part of several other recordings in 1979 for Arista Records.
Amazingly, Freddie’s talents are not limited to his vocal and dancing abilities, but he also co-wrote and co-produced his sister’s smash hit “Murphy’s Law”. In the 80’s Freddie starred in two major American films, and was in the Broadway play “Hair”. Using his ever versatile personality and charm, Freddie also regularly performs stand up comedy to sold-out crowds. The journey for Freddie has had ever-changing venues. Not only does he tour throughout Canada and the United States, but he has accepted invitations to perform in Japan, Africa,Hong Kong, the Philippines, Singapore, Indonesia, and China. (www.freddiejames.com)
Tracks:
01. Everybody Get up and Boogie
02. Crazy Disco Music
03. Hollywood
04. Dance Little Boy Blue
05. Medley: Everybody Get up and Boogie/Hollywood/Crazy Disco …
06. Everybody Get up and Boogie (Radio Edit)
07. Hollywood (Radio Edit)
08. Everybody Get up and Boogie (Instrumental)
See the comments
1 comentario
Noviembre 13, 2009 a 1:19 am (Funk)
Share Your Dreams (1980) (In memory of Hiram Bullock (Died July 2008).
Notes.
The 24th Street Band is:
Hiram Bullock, Cliffor Carter, Steve Jordan, Will Lee and Sammy Figueroa on percusion on tracks 2, 6 and 8.
Recorded in 1980, Columbia Entertainment Inc.
Rock, Soul and fusion music.
Tracks:
1. New York City Strut
2. Not Too Much to Give
3. Tall Handsome Man
4. Share Your Dreams
5. Back in Your Arms Again
6. Tryin’ to Make Up for Lost Time
7. Ricky and the Radio
8. Lovers Again
9. Black Hole Strut
See the comments.
2 comentarios
Noviembre 13, 2009 a 1:04 am (Funk, Fusion, Jazz, R&B, Soul)
Collector’s Edition.
Review by Thom Jurek. (All Music Guide).
Simply put, this box includes eight studio albums by War, the stellar Southern California unit that had been together in one form or another — and with different names and personnel — since 1962, though they didn’t begin recording until 1970 as Eric Burdon’s backing band. While Burdon moved on, predictably, the unit, enhanced by the Danish born harmonica player Lee Oskar, embarked on a string of recordings beginning with their self-titled album in 1971, followed by a most impressive run throughout most of the ’70s, when the band dropped only the self-titled offering, but also revealed the genius that became All Day Music, The World Is a Ghetto, Deliver the Word, Why Can’t We Be Friends?, and Platinum Jazz. Along with Mandrill, War ushered in a near perfect meld of funk, jazz, Latin rhythms, soul, gospel, and rock, played with virtuosity and requisite passion.
This Rhino set — first released in 1994 — collects the aforementioned albums plus 1982’s big-selling Outlaw that featured the title track and “Cinco de Mayo,” and 1994’s reunion album Peace Sign, that included the singles “I’m the One (Who Understands),” and “East L.A.,” in addition to the title cut. Rhino has remastered all of the original albums, though there is no extra material on any of the discs; however, they don’t need any. As self-contained albums go, most of these were perfect. While the live album is also missing here, it is basically superfluous and should be heard on its own. The box is handsome, yet is has no liner notes and all of these albums are available individually, so it’s difficult to know who this set will appeal to — better a box set of LPs should have been issued. The music, however, remains the focus and for that reason alone this can’t be beat.
Tracks:
I. War (1971):
1. Sun Oh Son
2. Lonely Feelin’
3. Back Home
4. War Drums
5. Vibeka
6. Fidel’s Fantasy
II. All Day Music (1971):
1. All Day Music
2. Get Down
3. That’s What Love Will Do
4. There Must Be A Reason
5. Nappy Head (Theme from Ghetto Man)
6. Slippin’ Into Darkness
7. Baby Brother
III. The World Is A Getho (1972):
1. The Cisco Kid
2. Where Was You At
3. City, Country, City
4. Four Cornered Room
5. The World Is A Ghetto
6. Beetles In The Bog
IV. Deliver The Worls (1973):
1. H2 Overture
2. In Your Eyes
3. Gypsy Man
4. Me And Baby Brother
5. Deliver The Word
6. Southern Part Of Texas
7. Blisters
V. Why Can’t We Be Friends? (1975):
1. Don’t Let No One Get You Down
2. Lotus Blossom
3. Heartbeat
4. Leroy’s Latin Lament
5. Smile Happy
6. So
7. Low Rider
8. In Mazatlan
9. Why Can’t We Be Friends?
VI. Platinum Jazz (1977):
01. War Is Coming! War Is Coming!
02. Slowly We Walk Together
03. Platinum Jazz
04. I Got You
05. L.A. Sunshine
06. River Niger
07. H2 Overture
08. City, Country, City
09. Smile Happy
10. Deliver The Word
11. Nappy Head (Theme from Ghetto Man)
12. Four Cornered Room
VII. Outlaw:
1. Cinco De Mayo
2. Outlaw
3. The Jungle (Medley)
a. Beware It’s Jungle Out There
b. The Street Of Walls
c. The Street Of Lights
d. The Street Of Now
4. Just Because
5. Baby It’s Cold Outside
6. I’m About Somebody
7. You Got The Power
8. Cinco De Mayo (Extended Version)
VIII. Peace Sing (1994):
01. Peace Sign
02. East L.A.
03. Wild Rodriguez
04. I’m the One (Who Understands)
05. Da Roof
06. The Smuggler (The Light in the Window)
07. U B O.K.
08. Let Me Tell You
09. Smile for Me
10. What If
11. Angel
12. Homeless Hero
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17 comentarios
Noviembre 11, 2009 a 1:51 am (R&B, Soul, Soul Funk)
A Golden Hour Of : Compilation (1976-77)
The Real Thing appeared on Opportunity Knocks and Top of the Pops, were managed by British showbiz legend Tony Hall, and were critical favourites on both sides of the Atlantic – even so they went through a succession of record companies and flop singles before they finally made it. When they did, it was because of a variety of factors. Firstly, David Essex used them as backing vocalists on his 1975 album All The Fun of the Fair, and on his subsequent tour, for which they were also the support act in their own right. Then the rise of disco made the idea of black British bands more acceptable to the broadcast media and the record industry. And finally they were given a perfect pop song by writer Ken Gold: ‘You To Me Are Everything’. The combination took The Real Thing to #1 in Britain in 1976 and Eddie Amoo – who had finally wound up The Chants and joined his brother’s band at the end of the previous year – got his first decent break. The fact that ‘You To Me’ and some of the subsequent releases were more pop than soul may have typecast the group somewhat unfairly, but there were some heavier records as well; Eddie would particularly like to draw your attention to Four From Eight, their 1977 album that comes close to the socio-soul of their hero Curtis Mayfield. (The ‘Eight’ in the title refers to Liverpool Eight, the district where the band lived.) It also contains their greatest recorded moment, ‘Children of the Ghetto’. The Real Thing are still working on the live circuit and still feature Chris and Eddie Amoo. Go see them, partly because you need to pay respect to Britain’s disco pioneers, and partly because they’re damn good. (www.alwynwturner.com)
Tracks:
01. Can’t Get By Without You
02. Why, Oh Why (Oh Why)
03. Keep An Eye (On Your Best Friend)
04. Lovin’ You Is Like A Dream
05. Flash
06. Young And Foolish
07. Topsy Turvy
08. You’ll Never Know What You’re Missing
09. You To Me Are Everything
10. Love’s Such A Wonderful Thing
11. Plastic Man
12. Lightning Strikes Again
13. I Wish You Well
14. Liverpool 8 Medley: Liverpool 8\ Children Of The Ghetto\Stanhope Street
15. Hallelujah Man
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3 comentarios
Noviembre 11, 2009 a 12:39 am (Funk Jazz, Jazz)
Feels So Good (1975)
The aptly titled and much-sampled Feels So Good represents the creative apex of Grover Washington, Jr.’s sublime electric funk sound. Its shimmering, soulful grooves refute the argument that smooth jazz is little more than mere ambience, combining expert playing and intricate songwriting to create music that is both compelling and comforting. Arranger Bob James is in top form here, creating the spacious, rich milieus that are his trademark, but regardless of the name above the title, bassist Louis Johnson is the real star of the show. His supple rhythms percolate like coffee, adding oomph to the bottom of highlights “Hydra” and “Knucklehead” while Washington’s cream-and-sugar soprano sax solos soar over the top. (Jason Ankeny, AMG)
Tracks:
01. The Sea Lion
02. Moonstreams
03. Knucklehead
04. It Feels So Good
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1 comentario
Noviembre 8, 2009 a 9:38 pm (Funk Jazz, Fusion)
Browne Sugar (1979)
1.- Tom Browne…”Mr. Jamaica Funk”. Kickin’ Trumpet and rich jazz melodies. Tom Browne’s success was inevitable as he began to carve a path for his musical future early on as a student of New York’s High School of Music and Art. During this period, Browne became a regular on the New York jazz scene.
In 1978 after Browne played an NY uptown club affiliated with George Benson, he was offered several solo recording contracts and ultimately signed with GRP Records (then distributed by Arista). On GRP, he recorded four solo albums. His debut release, “Browne Sugar” (1979) dominated the jazz charts for numerous weeks while his next two releases “Love Approach” (1980) and “Magic” (1981) each sold 500,000 units earning gold records. “Love Approach” also spawned the hit song “Funkin’ for Jamaica,” which earned him a gold single and today, is still a favorite among dance DJ’s around the world. (discogs)
2.- Straight fusion set by trumpeter Tom Browne, replete with double-tracked vocals and songs heavy on backbeats and light on solos. Everything is nicely played, and the album did do moderately well on charts and with Adult Contemporary audiences. (Ron Wynn, AMG)
Featuring:
Dave Grusin
Michael Brecker
Patti Austin
Buddy Williams
Marcus Miller
Francisco Centeno
Bernard Wright
Tracks:
01. Throw Down
02. I Never Was A Cowboy
03. Herbal Scent
04. Brother, Brother
07. Promises For Spring
08. Antoinette Like
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5 comentarios
Noviembre 8, 2009 a 7:59 pm (R&B)
Inspiration (1979)
Arguably Maze’s best album, hands down, Inspiration lives up to its grandiose title. Frankie Beverly’s compositions are executed to perfection by the seven-piece Maze ensemble: Atigunta Sun (drums), Wuane Thomas (lead guitar), Sam Porter (keyboards), McKinley Williams (vocals and percussion), Roame Lowry (vocals and congas), Robin Duhe (bass), and Frankie Beverly (rhythm guitar and lead vocals) — the originals. If you’re still down after listening to “Lovely Inspiration”’s positive, glowing, shimmering praise to the Supreme One, you have some serious issues. The fusion of R&B and reggae on “Feel That You’re Feelin’” fueled its way up the R&B chart rungs; it remains a staple of Maze’s live show. It’s hard to get any better than “Call Me,” on which Beverly outdoes himself during a sensitive, tear-jerking confession of a man whose woman left him for another; the parting is handled with maturity, and the lamenting lover extends an invitation for his ex to call him if it doesn’t work out, or if she has a change of heart. Just as inspiring is the spirited “Timin’,” a rollicking number about keeping your spirits up because, if it doesn’t work out, it’s not solely your fault, it’s just a matter of timin’; why Capitol held back on this track is mystifying, since it has all the elements of a monster. That kick-happy beat is extended to “Welcome Home,” a tune about a lover returning after discovering the grass wasn’t greener on the other side of the fence. “Women Is a Wonder” is a slow tribute to women featuring some tantalizing guitar notes from Thomas; very nice, but a better bet if the supplementary vocals hadn’t been buried so deep in the mix. Captivating, tinkling chimes introduce the laid-back “Ain’t It Strange”; the vocal interaction between Beverly, Duhe, Williams, and Lowry are reminiscent of the Frankie Beverly & the Butlers years. An instrumental version of “Lovely Inspiration” ends the masterpiece. (Andrew Hamilton, AMG)
Tracks:
01. Lovely Inspiration
02. Feel That You’re Feelin’
03. Call on Me
04. Timin’
05. Welcome Home
06. Woman Is a Wonder
07. Ain’t It Strange
08. Lovely Inspiration (Instrumental Version)
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4 comentarios
Noviembre 8, 2009 a 2:01 am (Funk, Soul Jazz)
Live (1973)
War Live — also sometimes known simply as Live — was recorded just as the group was achieving a peak of popularity and virtuosity, and released 16 months later, amid a string of highly successful studio LPs. It was underappreciated at the time, and only on CD has it found its proper audience. Recorded at one late November show at the High Chaparral in Chicago, the group had been engaged earlier the same year in a national tour as the opening act for Isaac Hayes and was reportedly so good that Hayes kept cutting back the length of their opening set. The tapes from this show have held up extremely well across the decades, with rich fidelity and a close sound. The live renditions of “The Cisco Kid” and other such songs may not supplant the studio originals, but the 20-minute “Get Down” is worth hearing. (Bruce Eder, AMG)
Tracks:
Cd1
01. Introduction By E. Rodney Jones Of Radio Station Wvon, Chicago, Ill.
02. Sun Oh Son
03. The Cisco Kid
04. Slippin’ into Darkness
05. Slippin’, Pt. 2
Cd2
01. All Day Music
02. Ballero
03. Lonely Feelin’
04. Get Down
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2 comentarios
Noviembre 7, 2009 a 11:15 pm (Funk)
Just A Touch Of Love (1979) (Vinyl “remastered” by SFJ).
Review:
In 1977, Slave’s self-titled debut album (which boasted the number one R&B smash “Slide”) earned the Dayton outfit a reputation for playing sweaty, aggressive, in-your-face funk. But when Slave provided its fourth album, Just a Touch of Love, in 1979, it was clear that the Midwesterners were determined to soften their approach. “Funky Lady Foxy Lady),” “Roots,” and the hit title song (all of which boast Steve Arrington on lead vocals) are definitely the work of a smoother, sleeker Slave — and yet, the band still had plenty of grit. This excellent album left no doubt that Slave was still a funk band, although it wasn’t as in-your-face as the Slave that gave listeners “Slide” and “Screw Your Wig on Tite” in 1977. Arrington, who first recorded with Slave on 1978’s The Concept, played a major role in its evolution — and two other lead vocalists who make important contributions to this LP are Starleana Young and Curt Jones (both of who went on to form Aurra, the group that hit big with “Are You Single” in 1981). Arrington, Young, and Jones weren’t original members of Slave, but all of them proved valuable when Slave opted to embrace a smoother style of funk. And all of them do their part to make Just a Touch of Love one of Slave’s finest albums. (Alex Henderson – All Music Guide).
Credits.
Arranged By [Horns] – Slave
Arranged By [Horns], Copyist – Charles Carter , John Tropea
Arranged By, Other [Contractor] – Steve Washington*
Drums, Vocals – Steve Arrington
Horns – Air-O-Fourse Power Play
Other [Contractor] – Mark Hicks
Other [Copyist] – Raye Turner
Vocals – Curt Jones , Starlena Young.
Tracks:
1. Just A Touch Of Love
2. Are You Ready For Love?
3. Funky Lady (Foxy Lady)
4. Roots
5. Painted Pictures
6. Thank You
7. Shine
8. Warning
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20 comentarios
Noviembre 7, 2009 a 9:44 pm (R&B, Soul)
Imagination (1980).
Review:
The Whispers scored big with the number two billboard R&B hit “It’s a Love Thing.” The rapidly paced single, seasoned with all the intangibles of a dance anthem, found a welcome mat on the pop charts as well, peaking at number 28. The second and only other single to chart was “I Can Make It Better.” Co-written by two members from Lakeside, this dance cut showcases Walt and Scotty urgently delivering sympathetic lyrics supported by a funky groove. It only managed to hold on at number 40 after ten weeks. This album retains three splendid ballads (“Say You,” “Girl I Need You,” and “Fantasy”) that never showed themselves on the charts. Imagination,” like the rest of this album, presses on in that uptempo vein with one appealing groove after another.[Craig Lytle - All Music Guide].
Credits.
Arranged By [Horns, Strings], Other [Horns Contracted By], Trumpet -
John Parrish
Arranged By [Vocals] – Nicholas Caldwell
Bass – Melvin Coleman
Drums – Kirk Perkins
Flute – Melecio Megdaluyo
French Horn – Barbara Korn , David Duke , Sidney Muldrew
Guitar – Larry White
Keyboards – Grady Wilkins , Kossi Gardner
Mastered By – Wally Traugott
Mixed By, Recorded By – Steve Hodge
Other [Contracted By] – Janice Gower
Percussion – Karl Dickens
Producer – Dick Griffey , Whispers, The
Recorded By – Bob Brown
Saxophone – Fred Jackson , Sonny Lewis
Trombone – Kraig Kilbey
Trumpet – Bobby Bryant , Joe Ramano , Oscar Brashear
Notes.
Recorded at Studio Masters, Los Angeles, CA.
Mixed at Larrabee Sound, Los Angeles, CA.
Mastered at Capitol Records, Los Angeles, CA.
SACEM
Tracks:
1. It’s A Love Thing
2. I Can Make It Better
3. Imagination
4. Say You (Would Love For Me Too)
5. Continental Shuffle
6. Girl I Need You
7. Up On Soul Train
8. Fantasy
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6 comentarios
Noviembre 7, 2009 a 5:13 pm (R&B)
Boule Noir (1975)
George Thurston was a Quebec singer, author and composer and radio show host. He was known as Boule Noire since 1975 and worked in the music industry as a solo artist for nearly 30 years and as part of musical groups for 5 years. Born in Bedford, Quebec,[1] Thurston later moved to Saint-Jerome, Quebec, where he formed his first band in 1965 called les Zinconnus and produced R&B music, his favorite musical genre. In 1969, he moved on to join the 25th Regiment band and remained with the group until the early 1970s.In the 1970s, he worked with several other Quebec artists including Robert Charlebois, Claude Dubois, Tony Roman, Nanette Workman and Michel Pagliaro. He played the piano, bass and guitar. He would later be a composer for the group Toulouse.
Thurston’s solo career started in 1975 when he released his first solo album titled Boule Noire. It included his first hit Aimes-tu la vie?. During his 30-year solo career, he produced at least 14 albums in both English and French. His first English album, entitled Premiere, was recorded in 1980. Thurston was one of the prominent figures in dance and R&B music in Quebec during the 1970s and 1980s and covered songs by other artists including the Beatles hit Let it be in 1995. He also represented Canada at several international music festivals including Marseille in 1976 and UCLA in 1988. Thurston’s 1978 album Aimer d’Amour was certified triple platinum. The title song would later gain success in the early 1990s when 800,000 copies were sold in Europe. Thurston became a radio show host for Montreal’s Rythme FM radio station in 2000. (Wikepedia)
Tracks:
01. Aimes-Tu la Vie Comme Moi?
02. Miss Lanny
03. Dis-Le Moi
04. Je Suis en Amour
05. Loin, Loin de la Ville
06. La Balance Qui Balance
07. Le Boum Boum du Bonheur
08. Kiki d’Hollywood
09. Comme on Est Bien
10. C’Est Ma Vie
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2 comentarios
Noviembre 7, 2009 a 3:01 pm (Funk, Soul Funk)
The Best Of B.T. Express (1997)
Although B.T. Express didn’t have that many major radio hits, the New Yorkers’ extremely danceable funk reigned supreme in the clubs (especially Black clubs). “Do It (Til You’re Satisfied),” “Peace Pipe,” “Shout It Out” and “Express” are among the handful of jams on this engaging 15-song CD that were actually sizable hits on Black radio; most of the other songs, however, don’t fit that description. But play this collection for anyone who deejayed in a Black club in the 1970s, and chances are they’ll know most of the material. Express, a major influence on East Coast units like the Brass Construction and Mass Production, was very much a party band, and addictive album tracks like “This House Is Smokin’” and “Once You Get It” found their way to club turntables without ever coming out as singles. Although pleasant enough, a cover of Burt Bacharach & Hal David’s “Close To You” shows that ballads were never the Express’ strong point (which is truly ironic, given that one of its members, Kashif, would become known as a top R&B love man in the 1980s). And the 1980 recordings “Stretch” and “Does It Feel Good” are pretty generic, but on the whole, this disc is something funksters should savor. (Alex Henderson, AMG)
Tracks:
1. Do It (‘Til You’re Satisfied)
2. This House Is Smokin’
3. Express
4. If It Don’t Turn You on (You Oughta’ Leave It Alone)
5. Once You Get It
6. Mental Telepathy
7. Give It What You Got
8. Peace Pipe
9. (They Long to Be) Close to You
10. Can’t Stop Groovin’ Now, Wanna Do It Some More
11. Energy to Burn
12. Shout It Out
13. Give up the Funk (Let’s Dance)
14. Does It Feel Good
15. Stretch
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Noviembre 4, 2009 a 1:04 am (Funk)
In the original CD had a lot of noise, so that it applied a noise reduction and removed the vinyl noise.
Redd Hott #1 (1982).
Notes:
Original release: – Original label: – CD release: 1991 CD label: P-
Vine (Blues Interactions) CD No.: PCD-2316 Country of CD release:
Japan Country of CD manufacturing: Japan.
Credits
Producer – George Kerr
Notes
“Super Fine Soul Collection” Series.
1982 Venture VL-1010
2006 Blues Interactions, Inc. Licensed From George Kerr.
Tracks:
1. Ecstasy
2. You for Me
3. Coming Out to Get You
4. Love Is for Keeps
5. Flashin’ at You
6. Big Fat Bottom
7. Remember
8. We Come to Funk
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25 comentarios
Octubre 31, 2009 a 9:03 pm (Dance, Electronic, Synthesizer rhythm)
Introducing Glass (1983).
Review:
The groove here is a lot less fragile than glass — a hard, sharp set of rhythms that’s pretty darn heavy on 80s keyboards too! The group have a sound that’s almost a distillation of mainstream soul of the Kleeer generation — taken into more stripped-down indie modes that come off with plenty of charm — lots of sweet beats and bassline bits — and a few cool moogy parts too! The group’s fronted by John Williams, who wrote, produced, and handles all the lead vocals — but on most tracks he’s kind of buried amidst all the electronics and flanged-out production — which we like a lot. Includes the single “Bedrok”, plus “Stomp”, “You Are The One”, “Strung Out By Your Love”, and “Pretty Little Thing”(DGA Inc.).
Tracks:
1. Bedrock
2. What’s Your Name?
3. Stomp
4. You Are The One
5. Interlude
6. Strung Out By Your Love
7. Sexy
8. Getty-Up
9. Pretty Little Thing
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5 comentarios
Octubre 31, 2009 a 9:00 pm (Post Disco, R&B)
Never Looking Back (Again) (1982)
Sweet 80s groove from La Voyage — a group with a nice, lean sound — upbeat, but never too over the top! There’s a bit more depth here than usual for an indie group of this nature — not just tracks aimed at the clubs, but some mellower soul numbers that almost feel like they’re aspiring towards mainstream R&B — but without any of the too-commercial touches that would imply. Vocals are often quite professional, especially on the mellower tracks — and singers include Ronald Broomfield and Dianne Williams. (DGA; Inc)
Tracks:
01. Make It Last
02. You
03. All Nite Affair
04. Never Looking Back
05. Some One To Watch Your Heart
06. R.B. Girl
07. Broken Hearted
08. I Found You
09. Signal
10. Surrender Your Body
11. Baby Don’t Go
12. I Miss You
13. Come To Me
14. Do Anything
15. All Nite Affair (Long Version)
Bonus
16. I’m Gonna Miss Ya (Long Version) by Aaron Broomfield
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By Way Of The Drum (2007)
