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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4 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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3 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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14 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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5 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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1 comentario
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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21 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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3 comentarios
Octubre 31, 2009 a 6:03 pm (R&B)
Love Is Where You Find It (1981).
Review:
Released after This Kind of Lovin’, Love Is Where You Find It finds the group continuing its hitmaking style and boasts the production work of Leon F. Sylvers III and the Solar sound. While the group’s albums were never necessities, like the Temptations or to a lesser extent the Dramatics, the worth of the ballads and dance tracks often made the Whispers worth seeking out. Love Is Where You Find It is no exception. The album’s biggest hits — the polished and kinetic “In the Raw” and “Emergency” — quickly joined the pantheon of Whispers dance classics. The near-brilliant “Turn Me Out” arguably beats them both for sheer sonic value and the witty lyrics. Unlike many of the Whispers’ albums of the time, the ballads here diminish the set. The radio staple “Say Yes” may be too smooth and cloying even for Whispers devotees. Love Is Where You Find It isn’t an especially strong album,but “Turns Me Out” makes it worth looking for. (Jason Elias – All Music Guide).
Tracks:
1. In the Raw
2. Turn Me Out
3. Cruisin’ In
4. Emergency
5. Say Yes
6. Love Is Where You Find It
7. Only You
8. Small Talkin’
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3 comentarios
Octubre 31, 2009 a 2:51 pm (R&B, Soul)
Finders Keepers/Mighty Body (Hosty Totsy) (1997)
Reviews
1.- Though he got an early start, Leon Bryant enjoyed more success early on than later in his career. He started classical training at five and was a choral musical director at 12. His composition “You Are My Latin Lover” was a hit for Joe Bataan in 1980. Bryant’s 1981 self-titled debut blended gospel and soul, as did the second Finders Keepers in 1984. Both were for De-Lite, the label that was the first home for Kool And The Gang. Bryant also wrote the material and produced The Intruders’ LP Who Do You Love in 1984. A talented vocalist and keyboardist, Bryant has never been able to break through commercially, despite his gifts. (Ron Wynn, AMG)
2.- Ten long years separated the original releases of Finders Keepers and Mighty Body, leading to a rather jarring juxtaposition between the two on this joint reissue — they don’t necessarily flow well into one another, although they’re both fine albums in their own right. (Jason Ankeny, AMG)
Tracks:
01. Finders Keepers
02. Your Kind Of Loving [12" Mix]
03. I’m Gonna Put A Spell On You
04. Are You Ready (Until Tonight) [12" Mix]
05. You’re My Everything
06. Honey
07. I Can See My Loving You Never [12" Mix]
08. Never [12" Mix]
09. Mighty Body (Hotsy Totsy) [12" Mix]
10. Come And Get It
11. Just the Way You Like It
12. Something More
13. You Can Depend On Me
14. Can I
15. I Promise
16. In the Heat Of The Night
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*Gracias Funkystar
5 comentarios
Octubre 31, 2009 a 2:46 pm (R&B, Soul, Synthesizer rhythm)
Everybody Loves A Winner/Finesse (2000)
For any fans of male soul from the ’80s, Glenn Jones should be included in the list of underrated vocalists. His pure, gospel-rooted approach is remarkable for its juxtaposition of sensitivity and grit. Whether he’s delivering widely octave-spanning ballads such as “Show Me” or electronic dance grooves like “Finesse,” he gives his all to each song and makes it a successful story. This CD release of his first two solo albums for RCA may surprise fans primarily familiar with later slow-jam hits like “We’ve Only Just Begun (The Romance Is Not Over)” and “Here I Go Again,” as the bulk of the content here lies in R&B-driven club workouts. Certainly, some of the cuts get a bit repetitive and aren’t melodically or lyrically challenging enough for Jones’ able pipes, but there are some worthy moments, too. Highlights of the up-tempo selections include “Love Intensity”; the sprightly “Meet Me Half Way There”; and “Keep on Doin’,” a duet with wife Genobia Jeter. Concerning the ballads, all four here exemplify the singer’s genuine vocal power, from the simplicity of “Thank You for the Love” to the sultriness of “Everlasting Love.” Though non-fans of dance-driven R&B may be unimpressed by much of the production and material here, this reissue deserves a spot in the collection of any serious fan of top-notch soul vocalists. (Justin M. Kantor, AMG)
Tracks:
01. I Am Somebody
02. Keep on Doin’
03. Everbody Loves a Winner
04. Love Intensity
05. Thank You for the Love
06. Finesse
07. You’re the Only One I Love
08. Show Me
09. It Hurts Too Much
10. Meet Me Half Way There
11. I Am Somebody
12. Everlasting Love
13. On the Floor
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3 comentarios
Octubre 30, 2009 a 4:45 pm (R&B)
Get Loose (1982)
Hot off the heels of her successful comeback album, I’m in Love, Evelyn “Champagne” King was in her commercial prime when Get Loose hit stores in 1982. One of the earliest R&B/funk female vocalists to use the music video medium (for 1981’s “I’m in Love”), she was frequently on airwaves in the early ’80s with songs found here like “Love Come Down” and “Betcha She Don’t Love You.” The romantic lyrics and celestial keyboard layerings against a steady funk beat on “Love Come Down” were expertly layed down by Kashif, who would become a prominent R&B producer and artist in his own right. His stamp is also on many of the album’s other cuts, though Morrie Brown is the album’s actual producer. “Betcha” is another unique number — a down-paced dancefloor ditty with a rock-friendly chorus and vocal arrangement. Meanwhile the title track is a colorful up-tempo number that hearkens back slightly to 1977’s “Shame.” Equally appealing are the refined “Back to Love” and “I’m Just Warmin’ Up,” the album’s soothing closer. King sounds fresh and stylish throughout, making Get Loose one of her strongest efforts. [Originally released in 1982, the album was released on an import-only CD in 1999.] (Justin M. Kantor, AMG)
Tracks:
01. Love Come Down
02. I Cant Stand It
03. Betcha She Don’t Love You
04. Get Loose
05. Back to Love
06. Stop That
07. Get Up off Your Love
08. I’m Just Warmin Up
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*Gracias Adrian
2 comentarios
Octubre 30, 2009 a 3:05 pm (Post Disco, Reggae)
I’ll Do Anything For You (1981)
Denroy Morgan is known for his legendary chartbusting single, I’ll Do Anything For You, and later more hits such as Sweet Tender Love, Happy Feelings and Africa Is Calling, Denroy broke records in 1984 when he signed with RCA Records. That deal led to the release of the album Make My Day and marked him as the first reggae artiste to be signed to RCA Records. (DGA, Inc)
Denroy Morgan has been recording since 1965. He has recorded many different styles of music with many different producers and many different songwriters. Cool Runnings is proof of Denroy’s versatility as a musical artist. Cool Runnings is a highway to take you on one of Denroy’s musical journeys. It contains lyrics that some people may find funny, controversial, enlightening, uplifting, inspiring and giving a sense of hope (it’s true, “Time Is Longer Than Rope”).This album contains some songs that both have been previously released and some that have never seen the light of day. Listen to the lyrics, feel the beat and enjoy yourself.* Cool Runnings by Denroy Morgan is an album of classic reggae hits, re-mixed and re-mastered.* Denroy is the founder and leader of the group Morgan Heritage, who appear on the song, “She Does.”* Denroy tours the world with Morgan Heritage twice each year.* Denroy and Morgan Heritage completed the entire Warped Tour in 2001 gathering a new fan base.* Toots & the Maytals duet with Denroy Morgan on the song, “Walk With Love.” (mog.com)
Tracks:
01. I’ll Do Anything for You
02. Sweet Tender Love
03. Rastaman Rising
04. Never Give Up
05. No Secret
06. Come Together
07. Who Knows What
08. Africa Is Calling
09. Happy Feeling
10. Too Much Too Soon
11. Give It to Me
12. High on Your Love
13. I’ll Do Anything for You
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*Gracias Adrian
2 comentarios
Octubre 28, 2009 a 8:59 pm (Funk Jazz, R&B)
Let Me know You (1982)
The exceptionally talented Pop artist Stanley Clarke has released him CD entitled Let Me Know You. I am very confident and happy to announce that I believe Stanley Clarke fans, and Pop fans alike will be pleased with this one. With the release of Let Me Know You Stanley Clarke’s artistic excellence is on full display as Clarke has once again delivered a brilliant collection of tracks that could very well be him best work to date.
Stanley Clarke has been a super star in the Pop genre for quite some time now and Let Me Know You is an excellent illustration as to why. Let Me Know You is a pleasantly varied, mix of 8 tracks that are very well written songs by this clearly talented artist. With many of the songs displaying a lot of the kind emotion that makes for a really great listen. Seemingly drawing from what I can only imagine are him own personal experiences. At different points touching on the most real emotions like love, heartbreak, pain, failed relationships and unattainable romance. They’re all here. Overall Let Me Know You is an outstanding release. Quite possibly Stanley Clarke’s best to date. Really sensational from beginning to end. (ezinearticles.com)
Tracks:
01. Straight to the Top
02. Let Me Know You
03. You Are the One for Me
04. I Just Want to Be Your Brother
05. The Force of Love
06. Play the Bass
07. Secret to My Heart
08. New York City
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4 comentarios
Octubre 28, 2009 a 8:01 pm (Funk Jazz, Fusion)
Love Satellite [1978]
Ronnie Foster’s Columbia debut, Love Satellite, is for all intents and purposes an R&B record swaddled in the trappings of jazz — the aptly titled “Happy Song” even features drums from no less than Stevie Wonder, whose groundbreaking mid-’70s Motown LPs profoundly shaped the sound and scope of Foster’s concurrent efforts. Ably supported by a cast of fusion giants including vibist Roy Ayers, bassist Alphonso Johnson, and drummer Harvey Mason, Foster creates music that is smart and focused yet unapologetically commercial in orientation and presentation — though played with the expertise and dynamism of jazz, the songs speak to the body at the exclusion of the mind. (Jason Ankeny, AMG)
Tracks:
01. Why Don’t You Look Inside
02. A Soft Heart
03. Happy Song
04. Shooting Star
05. Midnight Plane
06. I Want to Bring My Love Home
07. Easier Said Than Done
08. Nassau Day
09. Love Satellite
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6 comentarios
Octubre 28, 2009 a 7:09 pm (Funk Jazz)
Donald Byrd and 125th Street, N.Y.C. (1979)
Smoking work from Donald Byrd — post-Blue Note, post-Larry Mizell, and with a modern funk groove that’s still pretty darn tasty! Not one to rest on his laurels — which he could have easily done with endless Mizell-based recordings — Donald shifts his groove here towards more of a boogie-styled 80s approach — one that’s got the same sort of loping funk that was showing up in the work of Tom Browne and some of the younger players on the scene at the time. There’s a fuller, richer, more soul-based approach to the set — but still some strands of the Mizell years — especially in the album’s great keyboard work by Clare Fischer, and its use of chorus vocals on a number of tracks. Wade Marcus and George Bohannon helped with arrangements. (DGA, Inc)
Credits
Bass – Ronnie Garrett
Drums, Percussion – Butch Azevedo
Flute – Ernie Watts
Guitar [Electric] – William Duckett
Guitar [Steel] – Marcus Carlisle
Organ [Yamaha Ex-42], Electric Piano [Fender Rhodes], Piano [Acoustic], Saxophone [Alto] – Clare Fischer
Saxophone – Peter Christlieb
Trumpet, Flugelhorn, Producer – Donald Byrd
Vocals – Jim Gilstrap, John Lehman, Joyce Michael, Michael Campbell, Mitch Gordon, Zedric Turnbough
Tracks:
01. Pretty Baby
02. Gold the Moon, White the Sun
03. Giving It Up
04. Marilyn
05. People Suppose to Be Free
06. Veronica
07. Morning
08. I Love You
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21 comentarios
Octubre 28, 2009 a 1:57 am (Funk)
The Definitive Groove Collection (2006).
Review:
The Definitive Groove Collection amounts, roughly, to a combination of two older Rhino compilations: 1994’s Stellar Fungk: The Best of Slave and 2003’s Party Lights: More of the Best. With a couple minor exceptions, it contains all of Slave’s charting singles (such as “Slide,” “Just a Touch of Love,” and “Watching You”) as well as several spectacular tracks that never hit the charts (“Party Lites,” “Steal Your Heart,” and “I’ll Be Gone,” just to name a handful). As with its predecessors, this two-disc set also contains some — but not all — of the notable material released by Steve Arrington and his Hall of Fame (“Feel So Real,” “Dancin’ in the Key of Life,” “Way Out”). Covering all the bases with Slave and its various spinoffs (Steve Arrington’s Hall of Fame, Aurra, Young & Company, Starleana) within two discs would be impossible, but this is the most comprehensive and helpfully annotated Slave anthology released to date. (Andy Kellman – All Music Guide).
Tracks:
CD One:
01. Slide
02. The party song
03. Baby sinister
04. Stellar fungk
05. Just a touch of love
06. Are you ready for love?
07. Foxy Lady (Funky Lady)
08. Thank you
09. Everybody slide
10. Sizzlin’ hot
11. Watching you
12. Stone Jam
13. Starting over
14. Son of slide
15. Just a touch of love (Jazzy Instrumental Version)
CD Two:
01. Snap Shot (Single Edit)
02. Feel My Love
03. Wait For Me (Single Edit)
04. Steal Your Heart
05. Party Lites
06. Spice of Life (Oh Yes, You’re the Best)
07. For the Love of U
08. Way Out
09. I’ll Be Gone
10. Nobody Can Be You
11. Weak At The Knees
12. You Meet My Approval
13. Feel So Real
14. Dancin’ In The Key Of Life
15. Homeboy
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3 comentarios
Octubre 28, 2009 a 1:12 am (Funk, Post Disco, R&B)
Switch V (1981) [Vinyl rip & processed by SFJ]
With two Billboard R&B Top Ten singles under their belts, it was thought that Switch was on its way to becoming an urban mainstay. However, a personnel shuffle brought about the exit of Bobby DeBarge and brother Tommy and introduced Terrance Gaines and Attala Zane Giles. Bobby was the group’s marquee attraction with his naturally high tenor, in addition to being a superb songwriter and producer. Before his exit, he did sing lead on and produce the track “I Luv It,” not his best work. Unlike their previous albums, this one does not revel in those tender, heart-moving melodies. The two featured singles were the uptempo “I Do Love You” and the laid-back “Call on Me.” Both are credible tracks, but they don’t retain that Switch aura. The singles peaked on the Billboard R&B charts at #73 and #70, respectively. The group was obviously trying to redefine its sound and image, but it was too little too late, as this would be their last album for the Motown family. (Craig Lytle, AMG)
Credits
Artwork By [Art Direction] – Johnny Lee
Artwork By [Design] – Terry Taylor
Artwork By [Illustration] – Mike Manoogian
Drums, Percussion, Backing Vocals – Jody Sims
Engineer – Bob Robitaille , Bobby Brooks , Mark Wolfson , Michael Schuman , Norm Graichen , Reggie Dozier
Guitar [Bass, Lead], Backing Vocals – Attala Zane Giles
Keyboards, Trombone, Backing Vocals – Eddie Fluellen
Percussion, Keyboards, Vocals – Phillip Ingram
Producer – Gregory Williams , Jermaine Jackson
Trumpet, Keyboards, Synthesizer, Vocals – Gregory Williams
Vocals – Bobby DeBarge, Terrance Gaines
Written-By – Attala Zane Giles, Eddie Fluellen, Gregory Williams, Hazel Jackson, Jermaine Jackson, L. Chancler, Maureen Bailey, Paul M. Jackson Jr. , Phillip Ingram, R. Andrews , Wayne Arnold
Tracks:
01. I Do Love You
02. Call On Me
03. You Keep Me High
04. I’ll Always Keep
05. This Is Just For You
06. The Best Of Love
07. I Luv It
08. Two Wrongs Don’t Make A Right
09. Push The Switch (High Energy Switch)
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Browne Sugar (1979)
