LIBERATION MUSIC-THE SPIRITUAL JAZZ AND THE ART OF PROTEST ON FLYING DUTCHMAN RECORDS 1969-1974.
LIBERATION MUSIC-THE SPIRITUAL JAZZ AND THE ART OF PROTEST ON FLYING DUTCHMAN RECORDS 1969-1974.
Looking back at the roster of artists Flying Dutchman Records amassed during the first five years of its existence, can’t help but be impressed. After all, between 1969 and 1974, Flying Dutchman Records couldn’t just boast true jazz legends, but pioneers of jazz music. Obviously, Flying Dutchman Records is best known for Gil Scott-Heron and seminal releases like The Revolution Won’t Be Televised and The Bottle. However, as BGP Records’ recent release Liberation Music-The Spiritual Jazz and The Art of Protest On Flying Dutchman Records 1969-1974 demonstrates, there’s much more to Flying Dutchman Records that Gil Scott-Heron. Artists like Leon Thomas, Ornette Coleman, Chico Hamilton, Louis Armstrong and Lonnie Liston Smith and The Cosmic Echoes. As you’ll realize, the sixteen tracks on Liberation Music-The Spiritual Jazz and The Art of Protest On Flying Dutchman Records 1969-1974 are the perfect primer for newcomers to Flying Dutchman Records. To whet your appetite I’ll pick some of the many highlights of Liberation Music-The Spiritual Jazz and The Art of Protest On Flying Dutchman Records 1969-1974.
Flying Dutchman Records was founded by Bob Thiele in New York in 1969. Initially, Bob’s new label was known as Flying Dutchman Productions. Bob Thiele was a veteran of the music industry, who previously, had been a producer, songwriter and music industry executive. Given his experience, he was perfectly placed to run his own label, which he named Flying Dutchman Records. Initially, Flying Dutchman’s releases were distributed by Atco. However, withing two years, Mainstream Records, owned by Bob Shad took over distribution.
One of Bob’s biggest coup’s was signing the five album Flying Dutchman series in 1972. His other triumph was signing Gil Scott-Heron, whose best described as an author, poet, musician, soul singer and spoken word performer. Usually, when Flying Dutchman crops up in conversations, it’s Gil’s trio of albums 1970s Small Talk At 125th and Lenox, 1971s Pieces Of A Man and 1972s Free Will. Along with Leon Thomas, Ornette Coleman, Chico Hamilton, Lonnie Liston Smith and The Cosmic Echoes and Gato Barbieri, Bob Thiele built up Flying Dutchman’s roster to include an enviable roster of jazz pioneers and innovators before RCA Victor took over Flying Dutchman Records in 1976. However, Flying Dutchman Records’ critically acclaimed period was between 1969 and 1974. That’s the period Liberation Music-The Spiritual Jazz and The Art of Protest On Flying Dutchman Records 1969-1974 covers. For me, this is when Flying Dutchman were at the their zenith as pioneers and innovators. You’ll realize that when I tell you about the highlights of Liberation Music-The Spiritual Jazz and The Art of Protest On Flying Dutchman Records 1969-1974.
Seminal. That’s the only way to describe Gil Scott-Heron’s The Revolution Won’t Be Televised this three minute career defining classic. It features on Gil’s 1970 debut album Small Talk At 125th and Lenox. Produced by Bob Thiele, where Small Talk At 125th and Lenox was recorded is disputed. Some industry insiders claim it was recorded in the studio with a small “invited audience,” others claim it was recorded at a nightclub on the corner of Small Talk At 125th and Lenox. Regardless of where Small Talk At 125th and Lenox was recorded, it’s a classic album and one of the best albums Flying Dutchman ever released.
Sais (Egypt) is a track from Lonnie Liston Smith and The Cosmic Echoes’ 1974 album Cosmic Funk. This was the second of five albums Lonnie Liston Smith and The Cosmic Echoes released on Flying Dutchman between 1973 and 1976. His sixth and final album Renaissance was released on RCA Victor, who took-over Flying Dutchman. Each of these six albums, are introduction to one of jazz music’s true pioneers. Lonnie’s music seemed to be in a state of constant state of evolution and Cosmic Funk is best described as, a melting pot of jazz-funk and space-age jazz. Later albums, veers in the direction of free jazz. However, Lonnie’s 1973 debut Astral Traveling, 1974s Cosmic Funk and 1975s Expansions are the real high-points of his career.
I first came across Louis Armstrong’s 1970 album Louis Armstrong and His Friends over thirty years ago. I’d bought a bargain bundle of vinyl and sitting in the back of the box was a mint copy of Louis Armstrong and His Friends. Featuring a mixture of protest songs like We Shall Overcome and Give Peace A Chance, plus classics like Mood Indigo and What A Wonderful World. Good as the first four tracks on SIde One of Louis Armstrong and His Friends were, The Creator Has A Masterplan, which featured Louis Armstrong and Leon Thomas, proved to be a game-changer. Written by Pharaoh Sanders and Leon Thomas, who adds guest vocals, the result is spine-tingling, emotive and beautiful piece of music. For anyone whose yet to discover Louis Armstrong and His Friends, it’s an album well worth discovering. The Creator Has A Masterplan is proof of this.
Earlier, I mentioned how Bob Thiele signed numerous jazz legends and pioneers to Flying Dutchman Records, Ornette Coleman falls into both categories. Although best known as a jazz saxophonist, Ornette is a true multi-instrumentalist, equally at home on violin, trumpet and saxophone. He was an unmistakable and unique sound, one that can’t be replicated. Not only that, but Ornette Coleman was one of the inventors of free jazz. Friends and Neighbors is a track from Friends and Neighbors: Live At Prince Street, which was recorded on St. Valentine’s Day 1970. Despite not being released until 1972, the album still had and has a contemporary sound that looks to the future, not the past.
One of the earliest albums Flying Dutchman released was Leon Thomas’ 1969 debut album Spirits Known and Unknown. This was the first of seven albums Leon released for Flying Dutchman Records. Avant garde is a fitting description of Leon’s music. Granted his singing style was conventional, Leon through the rule book away when he veered towards a yodeling style that’s totally unique and inimitable. Spirits Known and Unknown features the original version of The Creator Has A Masterplan and another of Leon’s best known tracks, Echoes which features one of jazz music’s best kept secrets at his best.
Born in Rosario, Argentina, Gato Barbieri was at the height of his popularity during the free jazz era of the sixties and then Latin jazz era of the seventies. Between 1971 and 1973, he released four albums on Flying Dutchman Records. His Flying Dutchman debut was Fenix, which featured Tupac Amaru, which featured Joe Beck on electric guitar and Lonnie Liston Smith on piano and electric piano. For newcomers to one of jazz music’s pioneering tenor saxophonists, Fenix is the place to start.
Martin Was A Man, A Real Man was a track from Oliver Nelson’s 1970 album Black, Brown and Beautiful, an album crammed full of eloquent social comment. Black, Brown and Beautiful marked Oliver’s third decade in music and was his only solo album for Flying Dutchman. The other Flying Dutchman studio albums Oliver featured on was 1970s 3 Shades of Blue which featured Johnny Hodges with Leon Thomas and Oliver Nelson. Good as 3 Shades of Blue is, Black, Brown and Beautiful is a truly powerful and innovative album, from Oliver Nelson jazz saxophonist extraordinaire and a veteran of labels like Verve, Impulse and Prestige.
My final choice from Liberation Music-The Spiritual Jazz and The Art of Protest On Flying Dutchman Records 1969-1974 is Chico Hamilton’s Gonna Get Some Right Now. Just like Oliver Nelson, jazz drummer Chico Hamilton counted Impulse as one of his former labels. He only released one album for Flying Dutchman Records, 190w El Exigente-The Demanding One, which featured the flawless Gonna Get Some Right Now. Although Chico only released one album for Flying Dutchman Records, it was a minor classic. One listen demonstrates this.
The sixteen tracks on Liberation Music-The Spiritual Jazz and The Art of Protest On Flying Dutchman Records 1969-1974 are the perfect primer for newcomers to a pioneering jazz label with a social conscience. Flying Dutchman Records wasn’t shy about protesting about life’s injustices. While other labels would’ve flinched at releasing albums by Gil Scott-Heron and Oliver Nelson, Flying Dutchman felt duty-bound to help right the wrongs their music railed against. So, in many ways, it was the perfect home for artists like Gil Scott-Heron, Leon Thomas, Ornette Coleman, Chico Hamilton, Oliver Nelson and Lonnie Liston Smith and The Cosmic Echoes. With what’s an eclectic selection of the familiar and lesser known tracks, Liberation Music-The Spiritual Jazz and The Art of Protest On Flying Dutchman Records 1969-1974 veteran jazz fans will welcome this reminder of what was, one of jazz’s real innovative labels. During the first five years of its existence between 1969 and 1974, Flying Dutchman Records released the most important, critically acclaimed and pioneering jazz music of that time. This is music that can be found on Liberation Music-The Spiritual Jazz and The Art of Protest On Flying Dutchman Records 1969-1974 and has stood the test of time. To use Gil Scott-Heron as an example, his music is equally relevant and socially important over forty years after its original release. That proves how far-sighted Bob Thiele was, when choosing the artists he signed to Flying Dutchman Records. Mavericks, pioneers and innovators all called Flying Dutchman Records home, as BGP Records’ recent compilation Liberation Music-The Spiritual Jazz and The Art of Protest On Flying Dutchman Records 1969-1974 proves. What’s more, Liberation Music-The Spiritual Jazz and The Art of Protest On Flying Dutchman Records 1969-1974 is the perfect starting point for a long and enjoyable musical journey through Flying Dutchman Records illustrious back-catalogue. Standout Tracks: Gil Scott-Heron The Revolution Won’t Be Televised, Lonnie Liston Smith and The Cosmic Echoes Sais (Egypt), Louis Armstrong and Leon Thomas The Creator Has A Masterplan and Leon Thomas Echoes.
LIBERATION MUSIC-THE SPIRITUAL JAZZ AND THE ART OF PROTEST ON FLYING DUTCHMAN RECORDS 1969-1974.
SALSOUL PRESENTS: DISCO DIVAS AND SOULFUL SISTA FLAVAS.
SALSOUL PRESENTS: DISCO DIVAS AND SOULFUL SISTA FLAVAS.
when you look back at the history of Salsoul Records, you realize they weren’t short of some stunning female vocalists. Loleatta Holloway, First Choice, Charo, Carol Williams, Jocelyn Brown from Inner Life, The Sweethearts of Sigma, Brenda Gooch and Claudja Barry. Each of these divas feature on Salsoul Presents: Disco Divas and Soulful Sista Flavas, which was released in 2005 by Suss’d Records. This is one of the finest compilations of Salsoul divas you’ll find anywhere, so i’ll now tell you about Salsoul Presents: Disco Divas and Soulful Sista Flavas.
Opening Salsoul Presents: Disco Divas and Soulful Sista Flavas is Loleatta Holloway’s That’s What You Said. This was a track from Loleatta’s third Salsoul album Loleatta Holloway, which was released in 1979. That’s What You Said is is arranged by Jack Faith and written by Bunny Sigler and Rick Wigginton. Dancing strings, a pounding rhythm section and growling horns combine with Loleatta’s fiery vocal. Handclaps punctuate the arrangement, while a really catchy, dance-floor friendly arrangement unfolds. There’s a quite joyous sound to the arrangement, with hooks aplenty throughout the track. Playing a big part in the arrangement is the cascading strings, blazing horns and punchy rhythm section. Having said that, the rhythm section don’t have the same presence as Baker, Harris, Young. With them driving the song along, what is a great track, could’ve been even better. Mind you, it still has a joyous, hook-laden, uplifting sound.
Carol Williams’ More is a track from her 1976 album ‘Lectric Lady, which was produced by Vince Montana Jr. More iterally explodes into life. A pounding rhythm section, with drummer Earl Young at its helm, combines with blazing horns and cascading strings. Carol’s vocal is a mixture of power and joy, as she struts her way through the track. The Sweethearts of Sigma deliver punchy backing vocals, while swathes of strings dance with delight and horns bray. Ron Baker’s bass helps anchor the track, matching Earl beat for beat, while percussion, congas and Vince Montana Jr.’s vibes feature. Key to the track are the strings, backing vocalists and horns. One of the best saxophone solos you’ll hear on a Salsoul album can be heard here. Truly, Carol Williams and The Salsoul Orchestra transform this track, turning it into an anthemic disco track thirty-sex years later, is best described as a timeless. It’s a joyous, uplifting classic, featuring one of Carol’s best vocals.
Inner Life released their second album, but Salsoul debut in 1981. This was Inner Life I, which (Knock Out) Let’s Go Another Round which was written by Stan Lucas and arranged and produced by Stan and Greg Carmichael. It feature a diva-esque vocal from Jocelyn Brown. This is a boogie track, with Greg Carmichael’s influence all over it. The introduction sounds like a cousin of Ain’t No Mountain High Enough. That similarity is only brief, and quickly, the track takes on its own identity. Percussion, a funky rhythm section, swathes of synths and handclaps combine to create a catchy backdrop, even before Jocelyn’s powerful vocal enters. Her vocal struts in, sassy and full of confidence, with the banks of keyboards and synths accompanying the rhythm section that provide the track’s funky heartbeat. After two minutes, Inner Life tease you relentlessly when the vocal drops out. Synths and keyboards take centre-stage, before Jocelyn’s vocal returns. This pattern continues, so you sit back and enjoy the ride. Over seven minutes, an irresistible track unfolds, which Jocelyn Brown key to the track’s sound and success.
First Choice’s Can’t Take It With You is a track from their final Salsoul album Breakaway, which was released in 1980. It’s a hugely underrated album and one that too often, is overlooked. Can’t Take It With You was the second contribution from Melvin and Mervin Steals and McKinley Jackson. It has a more understated sound than other tracks when it opens. Just keyboards, guitar and rhythm section combine as First Choice add heartfelt harmonies. Bursts of rasping horns stabs of keyboards are joined by Rochelle’s powerful, impassioned vocal. Her power and passion is complimented by the tender harmonies. By now the arrangement has grown, with the rhythm section, bursts of rasping horns and elegant strings combining. It’s beautiful combination, especially given some poignant lyrics and a vocal that’s soulful and full of emotion from Rochelle.
Claudja Barry released two albums for Salsoul, 1976s Sweet Dynamite and 1978s The Girl Most Likely, which featured When Life Was Just A Game. It was written by Claudja and her husband Michael Hoffman. The producer was Jurgen Korduletsch and the remixer Tom Moulton. Adding to the Claudja’s diva-esque are The Sweethearts of Sigma, who help bring out the best in Claudja Barry.
Metropolis only released one album on Salsoul, 1978s The Greatest Show On Earth. Produced by Tom Moulton and Thor Baldursson, The Greatest Show On Earth featured unmistakable sound of The Sweethearts of Sigma. Billed as The Sweethearts, Barbara Ingram, Carla Benson and Evette Benton’s harmonies were the perfect foil for the Euro Disco arrangements and is one of the most underrated albums Salsoul released Proof of this is Every Time I See Him.
If You’re Gonna Love Me is a track from Inner Life’s third album Inner Life II, released in 1982. It was written by Stan Lucas and produced by Greg Carmichael. Percussion, crashing drums and a pounding bass combines before Jocelyn delivers the familiar lyrics to If You’re Gonna Love Me. Straight away, you’re hooked. It’s impossible not to succumb to the track’s charms. Jocelyn’s vocal is a mixture of sass and power. It’s as if this song was written with her in mind. For company, she has that unmistakable combination of the rhythm section, keyboards and percussion accompanying her. As Jocelyn’s vocal drops out, the guitar takes charge. It almost tees up Jocelyn’s vocal when it returns. She takes charge, delivering what is, a Magnus Opus of a vocal.
Delusions was First Choice’s first album for Norman Harris’ Gold Mind Records. It was released in 1977 and featured Chances Go Round, written by Norman Harris, Allan Felder and Ron Tyson. Ron “Have Mercy” Kersey arranged and produced a track where funk and disco are fused. The two genres immediately unite, with the Baker, Harris, Young rhythm section adding funk, as Ron Baker gives a funk masterclass, slapping his six-string bass. Sweeping, swirling strings, keyboards and braying horns are responsible for the disco influence. When Rochelle’s vocal enters, it’s fiery, full of frustration and anger, while tight, punchy harmonies accompany her. Flourishes of strings, the rhythm section and growling horns all add to the drama, in Rochelle’s vocal. It’s filled with emotion, regret and bravado as she brings the lyrics to life, sounding as if she’s lived and survived them. While funk and disco are fused, there’s a real Philly Soul sound in a track that’s laden with drama and hooks.
The first album Loleatta Holloway released for Gold Mind Records was 1976s Loleatta, which featured We’re Getting Stronger (The Longer We Stay Together). It was one of three tracks recorded in Chicago, with a different band. Bobby “Electronic” Eli was the only musician to play on both sessions. Even without The Salsoul Orchestra the quality of music doesn’t suffer. As the track opens, Loleatta scats while braying horns, cascading strings and a pounding rhythm section accompany her. Stabs of keyboards and Bobby “Electronic” Eli’s a searing guitar accompany Loleatta’s powerful, passionate vocal. Her vocal soars, displaying a wide vocal range and incredible control, while backing vocalists accompany her. Swathes of strings dance above her vocal, as she vamps her way through the track. It’s an inspirational, uplifting performance from Loleatta, on a track that for far too long, has been a hidden gem of Loleatta’s back-catalogue.
Trying to choose the best track on Carol Williams’ 1976 album ‘Lectric Lady isn’t easy. Indeed, it’s an album crammed full of quality music, including My Time Of Need. My Time Of Need is the first of three songs Carol cowrote, with this one of two she cowrote with Vince Montana Jr. This song is like a four minute soap-opera, filled with drama and emotion. Carol singing the song from the perspective of a young woman, pregnant, desperate and on her own. Strings cascade, while horns rasp, as percussion and vibes accompany the Baker, Harris, Young rhythm section. Together they provide track’s dramatic and moody heartbeat. Carol’s voice is tinged with sadness and hurt, while the Sweethearts of Sigma add judgmental backing vocalists, their vocals are full of shock and surprise. Their back vocals are the finishing touch, contrasting Carol’s desperation, sadness and loneliness. Here, also Carol shows how a talented songwriter and storyteller she, painting vivid pictures in just four minutes.
Probably Charo and The Salsoul Orchestra’s best known song is Dance A Little Bit Closer. This was a single from her 1976 album Cuchi-Cuchi which reached number 100 in the US Billboard 200. Dance A Little Bit Closer was released as a single, reaching number eighteen in the US Dance Charts and number forty-four in the UK. After Cuchi-Cuchi, Charo released two more albums, 1978s Ole Ole and 1981s Dancing With Charo. However, the track that Charo will forever be remembered for is Dance A Little Closer, a a true Salsoul classic.
Closing Salsoul Presents: Disco Divas and Soulful Sista Flavas is First Choice’s Let Me Down Easy, a track from her 1978 album Hold Your Horses. Let Me Down Easy was written by Andrew Smith and David Jordan and produced by Tom Moulton and Thor Baldursson. Pounding drums are placed at the heart of the arrangement, as percussion and John Davis’ rasping saxophone solo combine before Rochelle Fleming’s vocal enters. It’s heartfelt and impassioned soaring above the arrangement, while Annette Guest and Ursula Herring add tight, dramatic harmonies. The arrangement flows along, before thunderous drums are unleashed, replacing the lush strings from the Munich Philharmonics. When they drop out, the piano, rhythm section and strings combine, as John Davis unleashes a blazing saxophone solo. When all this is combined with First Choice’s vocals, it’s an impressive opening track from that’s both soulful and dance-floor friendly.
The thirteen tracks on Salsoul Presents: Disco Divas and Soulful Sista Flavas demonstrates that when it came to female vocalists, no other label could match Salsoul Records. After all, Salsoul could boast the true Queen of Disco Loleatta Holloway, Carol Williams. Rochelle Fleming of First Choice, Jocelyn Brown of Inner Life and Charo. Then there are The Sweethearts of Sigma, who not only featured on Metropolis’ Greatest Show On Earth, but feature on The Salsoul Orchestra’s albums. The Sweethearts of Sigma backing vocals also feature on numerous Salsoul recordings. Often, their harmonies transform a great track to an outstanding one.
The vocalists that feature on Salsoul Presents: Disco Divas and Soulful Sista Flavas played an important part in making Salsoul Records disco’s premier label. However, it’s not just disco these vocalists sung. Not at all. Instead, Loleatta Holloway, First Choice and Carol Williams were capable of producing moments of true soulfulness. So whether it’s disco divas or soulful sisters you’re looking for, then you’ll find plenty of both on Salsoul Presents: Disco Divas and Soulful Sista Flavas. Standout Tracks: Loleatta Holloway That’s What You Said, Carol Williams More, First Choice Can’t Take It With You and Charo and The Salsoul Orchestra Dance A Little Bit Closer.
SALSOUL PRESENTS: DISCO DIVAS AND SOULFUL SISTA FLAVAS.
GARY CRISS-RIO DE JANEIRO.
GARY CRISS-RIO DE JANEIRO.
Recently when I was reviewing a new Salsoul Records compilation, The Salsoul Records Story, which was recently released by Gold Legion, I was pleased to discover that the compilers had included Gary Criss’ Rio De Janeiro. This was the title-track to the only album Gary Criss released on Salsoul Records. Rio De Janeiro was released on Salsoul in 1978 and was produced by John Davis. The Latin-tinged title-track Rio De Janeiro gave Gary the biggest hit of his career. It was a huge commercial success and a smash hit in clubs. Since then, Rio De Janeiro has become a timeless classic. Sadly, his only solo album Rio De Janeiro is often overlooked by reissue labels. Hopefully, soon a reissue label will rerelease Gary Criss’ Rio De Janeiro, which represents Gary Criss solo career. Although Gary spent much of the eighties involved in the music industry, he decided to pursue another career. This you’ll realize was the music industry’s loss, when I tell you about Rio De Janeiro.
Before signing to Salsoul, New Brunswick born Gary Criss released several singles, including Sweet, Warm and Soft in 1963. It was released on Diamond Records in 1963. After that, he joined the seventies pop group The Glass Bottle. They released one album, I Ain’t Got Time Anymore in 1972, on AVCO Embassy. SIx years later, in 1978, Gary was signed to Salsoul.
at Salsoul, Gary would work with experienced producer John Davis, who contributed Brazilian Nights to Gary’s debut album Rio De Janeiro. Gary wrote Amazon Queen, while Rio De Janeiro featured Billy Terrell’s Rio De Janeiro and The Calm Before The Storm. Along with Ray Dahrouge’s The Lady Is Latin (The Girl Is Bad), Jimmy Druiett’s My Lady and a cover of The Girl From Ipanema, these seven tracks became Rio De Janeiro. Accompanying Gary for the recording of Rio De Janeiro, would be members of John Davis and The Monster Orchestra.
When recording of Rio De Janeiro began, the rhythm section included guitarist Craig Snyder, bassist Vince Fay and drummers Grant MacAvoy and Jimmy Young. They were joined by percussionists Larry Washington, Nick D’Amico and David Waker. Taking charge of strings and horns was Don Renaldo. John Davis played flute and keyboards. Adding vocals were Carolyn Mitchel and Vaneese Thomas-White, daughter of Rufus Thomas. Once Rio De Janeiro was recorded, it was released in 1978.
On the release of Rio De Janeiro in 1978 it wasn’t a commercial success, failing to chart. When the title-track Rio De Janeiro was released as a single, it reached number six in the Dance Music/Club Play Charts. Rio De Janeiro became a huge hit, commercially successful and on constant play in clubs. However, should the album Rio De Janeiro have matched the commercial success of the single Rio De Janeiro? That’s what I’ll now tell you?
Opening Rio De Janeiro is Rio De Janeiro. A pounding disco beat, chiming guitars and percussion joins blazing horns and sweeping, swirling strings. This signals the arrival of the sweetest harmonies who sweep elegantly across the arrangement. They’re joined by Gary’s tender, impassioned vocal. Strings float above the arrangement, while the rhythm section add its pulsating heartbeat. Horns and percussion add to the joyous, uplifting sound, while rocky guitars add a touch of drama. By now a delicious fusion of disco, soul, funk and Latin music have been seamlessly combined and transported you to Rio De Janeiro. Quite simply, this is a truly timeless track and real hidden gem in Salsoul’s back-catalogue.
A near nine-minute medley of The Girl From Ipanema and Brazilian Nights. Just a myriad of percussion creates a Latin backdrop before Gary’s sensually scats and the arrangement unfolds. Gradually, horns growl, while the rhythm section, percussion and keyboards provide the mainstay of the Latin arrangement. Gary lounge-style vocal is understated, but ensures the songs swings. He’s accompanied by gentle, cooing harmonies who prove a perfect foil for Gary. Behind him, strings dance, horns kick and the band kick loose as they head into Brazilian Nights. Again, Gary’s vocal is heartfelt, but grows in power and passion. He’s accompanied by swathes of lush strings, subtle harmonies and percussion. The longer the track progresses, the better it gets. Gary accompanied by John Davis and The Monster Orchestra drive each other to greater heights, as they fuse musical genres to create a beautiful, dramatic and dance-floor friendly track.
Amazon Queen closes Side One of Rio De Janeiro. It’s the only track on Rio De Janeiro written by Gary Criss. Synths, percussion and the rhythm section create a tougher, funkier sound. Soon, blazing horns have strode centre-stage and are adding to the drama. When Gary and his backing vocalists enter, they prove to be the perfect foil for each other. Gary’s vocal mixes drama and power, which is reflected by the harmonies. They’re joined by layers of strings which sweep and swirl. It’s as if they dance with joy and appreciation at this Latin-tinged track. Like the horns and percussion, the strings are key to the track’s success. Add in Gary’s vocal and the harmonies, and the result is one of the highlights of Rio De Janeiro.
Side Two of Rio De Janeiro opens with The Lady Is Latin (The Girl Is Bad), which was written by Ray Dahrouge. Although only four minutes long, it’s four highly memorable minutes where Gary Criss ably assisted by John Davis and The Monster Orchestra start Side Two where SIde One left off.
My Rio Lady is not unlike a slice of musical sunshine when it joyously bursts into life. It brightens your life from its opening bars. With swathes of the lushest strings, percussion and a pulsating rhythm section for company, Gary delivers his best vocal on Rio De Janeiro. His vocal is filled with emotion and sincerity. Making a great track even better are the growling horns and dancing horns. They provide the backdrop for Gary as he delivers a truly soul-baring vocal.
The Calm Before The Storm closes Rio De Janeiro. It was written by Billy Terrell and in the hands of Gary Criss and John Davis and The Monster Orchestra is transformed into something very special. With the trademark percussive sound joining the tightest of rhythm sections and strings and horns courtesy of Don Renaldo, it’s almost impossible that Gary doesn’t close Rio De Janeiro on a high. It’s as if he’s taking his lead from the band and unleashes an almost peerless vocal, closing Rio De Janeiro on a memorable high.
Although Gary Criss only released one solo album, Rio De Janeiro was an almost flawless album. It fused elements of disco, funk, jazz, soul and Latin music over six tracks. Gary proves to be a talented vocalist who producer John Davis gets the best out of. Salsoul couldn’t have picked a better mentor for Gary. Not only from a production point of view, but from the musicians John brought to the recording of Rio De Janeiro. Rather than use The Salsoul Orchestra, John decided to use John Davis and The Monster Orchestra. They provide the backdrop for John’s hugely soulful vocals, creating six arrangements where disco and Latin music are married with jazz and funk. The result album Rio De Janeiro, is an album that has stood the test of time. indeed, Rio De Janeiro is a truly timeless album, which is worthy of being reissued. Maybe sometime soon Gary Criss only solo album Rio De Janeiro will be reissued thirty-five years after its release. Let’s hope so. Standout Tracks: Rio De Janeiro, The Girl From Ipanema and Brazilian Nights, Amazon Queen and My Rio Lady.
GARY CRISS-RIO DE JANEIRO.
THE TEMPTATIONS-HEAR TO TEMPT YOU.
THE TEMPTATIONS-HEAR TO TEMPT YOU.
After The Temptations 1976 album The Temptations Do The Temptations, one of soul’s legendary groups found themselves at a musical crossroads. Their last three albums House Party, Wings of Love and The Temptations Do The Temptations hadn’t matched the commercial success that the albums released by The Temptations between 1965 and 1973. During that period, The Temptations had enjoyed fourteen number one albums in the US R&B Charts. However, with their lineup changing and members suffering personal problems, The Temptations’ had lost their Midas touch. To top it all, the unthinkable happened, when The Temptations decided to leave Motown. Their destination was Atlantic Records, where they’d undergo a Philly Soul makeover.
At Atlantic Records, one of the most successful production teams of the time were given the job of the reviving The Temptations’ career. Baker, Harris, Young had established a reputation as one of the hottest production team of the seventies. They’d built up a successful track record, as a one-stop shop for artists. Baker, Harris, Young could provide songs, musicians, arrangers and producers for The Temptations’ first album for Atlantic Records Hear To Tempt You. Would Hear To Tempt You rejuvenate The Temptations’ flagging career?
For Hear To Tempt You Baker, Harris, Young and their Philly friends provided eight of the nine tracks. Norman Harris, Alan Felder and Ron Tyson cowrote Think For Yourself, It’s Time For Love and I Could Never Stop Loving You. Alan Felder, Ron Tyson and T.G. Conway penned Snake In The Grass and Read Between The Lines, while Bruce Gray and T.G. Conway cowrote Can We Come In and Share The Love. Ron Baker and Ron Tyson wrote In A Lifetime and She’s All I’ve Got. The other tracks was Let’s Share The Love, written by The Temptations and Benjamin Wright. Once the material that became Hear To Tempt You was completed, recording got underway at Sigma Sound Studios, Philadelphia.
The lineup of The Temptations that headed to Sigma Sound Studios, Philadelphia to record Hear To Tempt You included lead singer Louis Price, Melvin Franklin, Richard Street, Otis Williams and Glenn Leonard. Accompanying The Temptations were many of The Salsoul Orchestra. This included the Baker, Harris, Young rhythm section, plus drummer Keith Benson and bassist Michael “Sugarbear” Foreman, who provided Hear To Tempt You’s heartbeat. They were joined by guitarists Bobby Eli and T.J. Tindall. Adding the percussive sound were Larry Washington on congas and Richard Adderley on vibes. Ron “Have Mercy” Kersey Carlton “Cotton” Kent, Bruce Gray and T.G. Conway all played keyboards, while Don Renaldo and His String and Horn Sound gave Hear To Tempt You its Philly Sound. Arrangers included Norman Harris, Ron Baker and Roland Chambers. Once Hear To Tempt You was recorded, it was released in 1976. Would it rejuvenate The Temptations’ career?
On the release of Hear To Tempt You in 1977, it only reached number 113 in the US Billboard 200 and number thirty-eight in the US R&B Charts. Hear To Tempt You hadn’t rejuvenated The Temptations’ career. Far from it. Instead, it was the least successful album of their career. Two singles were released from Hear To Tempt You in 1977. In A Lifetime which featured Glenn Leonard’s lead vocal reached number twenty-one in the US R&B Charts. Think For Yourself, which featured Louis Price on lead vocal, stalled at number fifty-eight in the US R&B Charts. Just like Hear To Tempt You, the singles failed to replicate the commercial success of previous Temptations’ albums. However, did Hear To Tempt You deserve to fare better than it did? That’s what I’ll now tell you.
Norman Harris, Alan Felder and Ron Tyson cowrote Think For Yourself, which opens Hear To Tempt You. It’s a song with a message, which Louis Price delivers with passion and sincerity. Baker, Harris, Young provide the arrangement’s funky heartbeat while stabs of growling horns, keyboards and swirling string provide the backdrop for Louis powerful, grizzled vocal. Cascading harmonies envelop the vocal, while Ron Baker’s bass drives the arrangement along and Earl Young’s drums add bursts of drama. As Louis scats and hollers, strings dance and horns blaze. After that, The Temptations demonstrate their harmonic prowess, as they show that for them, there was life after Motown.
In A Lifetime is the first of two tracks written by Ron Tyson and Ron Baker, who arranged and produced the track. It’s a slow ballad, filled with heartache and sadness. Earl Young’s drums build up the drama, before keyboards, lush strings, braying horns and harmonies give way to Glenn’s heartbroken vocal. Cooing harmonies sweep in, almost sympathizing with the love that’s been lost. Strings sweep in, and like the, harmonies reflect the hurt and heartache. It’s as if they share the sense of loss and emptiness in Glenn’s heartbroken vocal.
Can We Come In and Share The Love gives The Temptations another opportunity ti showcase their talent when it comes to balladry. Written by Bruce Gray and T.G. Conway and arranged by Roland Chambers, this is one of the most beautiful ballads on Hear To Tempt You. Louis tender, emotive vocal is accompanied by a piano, swathes of lush, quivering string, tight, heartfelt harmonies and drama and emotion courtesy of the Baker, Harris, Young rhythm section. The result is a gorgeous ballad from The Temptations, which is something of a hidden gem.
She’s All I’ve Got is the second track written by ex-Temptation Ron Tyson and Ron Baker of the Baker, Harris, Young rhythm section. Ron Baker arranged and produced this track. This is another example of how talented Ron Baker was as a songwriter, arranger and producer and is the perfect track to close Side One of Hear To Tempt You.
Snake In The Grass opens Side Two of Hear To Tempt You, and is one of the seven tracks produced Norman Harris. Earl Young’s drums and hissing hi-hats build the drama, before the arrangement bursts into life. From flourishes of piano, blazing horns, dancing strings, wah-wah guitars and a pounding Baker, Harris, Young rhythm section the band kick loose. Spurred on, so do The Temptations. Louis vocal is a mixture of power and passion, as he breathes life and meaning into the lyrics. The rest of The Temptations do their part, their harmonies every bit committed as Louis’ lead. Maybe this is why the track has a real Temptations’ sound, despite the Philly Soul makeover.
It doesn’t long before you realize that It’s Time For Love is one of the highlights of Hear To Tempt You. You wonder why it wasn’t released as a single. Not only does it feature The Temptations at their best, but Norman Harris’ all-star band. There’s a real uplifting Philly Soul sound, with Baker, Harris, Young providing the heartbeat and Don Renaldo’s strings and horns providing the trademark Philly sound. The Temptations can’t fail to be inspired and the arrangement allows to showcase their considerable harmonic and vocal talents. Louis’ heartfelt, impassioned lead is peerless, while the harmonies match Louis for passion and sincerity on this deliciously, uplifting slice of Philly Soul.
Let’s Live In Peace was the only track not written by Baker, Harris, Young’s Philly friends. Instead, The Temptations and Benjamin Wright cowrote it. Although it’s a decent track, it isn’t a great track. The lyrics have a somewhat twee and gushing quality. At least Louis delivers a vocal that’s filled with emotion. Similarly, The Temptations harmonies are tight and tender. The meandering arrangement has a dreamy sound, with occasional bursts of Earl Young’s drums reinforcing the emotion and sincerity in Louis’ vocal.
Read Between The Lines is a much more uptempo track, with a classy Philly Soul arrangement. Swirling strings, Norman Harris’ guitar and keyboards combine before a tender vocal is swept away atop the floaty string-laden arrangement. His vocal is filled with emotion and sincerity. It’s matched all the way by The Temptations’ cooing, sweeping and later, cascading harmonies. Earl Young’s drums add bursts of drama, while flourishes of strings match the sheer joy in the vocal and harmonies.
I Could Never Stop Loving You closes Hear To Tempt You. Here, Melvin Franklin takes charge of the lead vocal on this ballad. His rich vocal is laden in emotion, while harmonies envelop his lead. Meanwhile swathes of lush strings, rasping horns and vibes combine to create an understated and quite beautiful backdrop. Again, the interplay between Melvin’s lead and the harmonies is peerless and at the heart of this track’s success.
Hear To Tempt You was neither The Temptations’ most successful nor best album. Through no fault of Baker, Harris, Young who produced Hear To Tempt You, the album disappointed. It certainly wasn’t because of the material or the musicians who played on Hear To Tempt You. Not at all. The musicians who played on Hear To Tempt You included many of The Salsoul Orchestra were some of the most talented and successful of the seventies. What the problem was with The Temptations. They were racked with problems and had lost some of their key members. This meant they were unable to replicate the success they enjoyed between 1964 and 1973. It seemed that the change of label didn’t rejuvenate The Temptations career.
Despite the problems and loss of personnel, Hear To Tempt You wasn’t without its highlights. Think For Yourself, Can We Come In and Share The Love, It’s Time For Love and Read Between The Lines are the highlights of Hear To Tempt You, while In A Lifetime is bathed in emotion and heartache. It seemed that despite their track record of commercial success and critical acclaim, Baker, Harris, Young and their Philly friends couldn’t rejuvenate The Temptations’ flagging career.
Following the commercial failure of Hear To Tempt You, The Temptations only released one further album for Atlantic. This was 1978s Bare Back, which stalled at number forty-six in the US R&B Charts. It became The Temptations’ least successful album. After Bare Back, The Temptations returned to Motown, but never quite recaptured the success of they enjoyed between 1964 and 1973. The nearest they came was with 1982s Reunion, when David Ruffin and Eddie Kendricks rejoined The Temptations. However, by then music had changed and vocal groups like The Temptations were no longer as popular. The period between 1964 and 1973 remained the most successful period of The Temptations career, when they released some of the best music of their career. Having said that, Hear To Tempt You features some soulful moments and is an intriguing album, where Baker, Harris, Young give The Temptations a Philly Soul makeover. Standout Tracks: Think For Yourself, Can We Come In and Share The Love, It’s Time For Love and Read Between The Lines.
THE TEMPTATIONS-HEAR TO TEMPT YOU.
JOHN DAVIS AND THE MONSTER ORCHESTRA-THE MONSTER STRIKES AGAIN.
JOHN DAVIS AND THE MONSTER ORCHESTRA-THE MONSTER STRIKES AGAIN.
By 1979, John Davis and The Monster Orchestra had released three albums between 1976 and 1976. Their debut albums for SAM Records was 1976s Night and Day. 1977s Up Jumped The Devil and 1978s Ain’t That Enough For You followed. These three albums cemented John Davis and The Monster Orchestra’s reputation as one of the most successful disco orchestras of the disco era. For their fourth album, 1979s The Monster Strikes Again, two singles, Love Magic and a cover of Ashford and Simpson’s Bourgie Bourgie saw John Davis and The Monster Orchestra revisit the commercial success of their earlier albums. Considering The Monster Strikes Again proved to be John Davis and The Monster Orchestra’s final album, this seemed a fitting end to their recording career. However, what made The Monster Strikes Again such a successful album? That’s what I’ll now tell you.
For The Monster Strikes Again, John Davis wrote That’s What I Get, and penned Baby I’ve Got It, Holler and Love Magic with Vince Fay. Ron Netsky wrote When It’s Right For Love and the other tracks was a cover of Ashford and Simpson’s Bourgie Bourgie. When it came to recording The Monster Strikes Again, many of the same musicians that had played on previous John Davis and The Monster Orchestra albums were joined by some new faces.
When recording of The Monster Strikes Again began, a mixture of familiar and faces gathered. The rhythm section included guitarists Ronnie James and Craig Snyder, bassist Vince Fay and drummers Grant MacAvoy and Jimmy Young. They were joined by percussionists Larry Washington and David Waker, while Gerson Rosenbloom played synths. Taking charge of strings and horns was Don Renaldo. John Davis played flute, keyboards, synths, saxophone and took charge of vocals. Adding vocals were Billy Harner, Carolyn Mitchel and Vaneese Thomas-White, daughter of Rufus Thomas. Once The Monster Strikes Again was completed, it was released in 1979.
On the release of The Monster Strikes Again in 1979, it was more successful than its predecessor Ain’t That Enough.The two singles, Love Magic and Bourgie Bourgie surpassed this success. Not only were they commercially popular, but gave John Davis and The Monster Orchestra two massive club hits. Considering The Monster Strikes Again would prove to be John Davis and The Monster Orchestra’s final album, this seemed a fitting finale from one of disco’s greatest orchestras, which I’ll now tell you about.
Opening The Monster Strikes Again is Baby I’ve Got It, one of three songs penned by John and Vince Fay. A rocky rhythm section and percussion combine to drive the arrangement along. before synths and chiming guitars enter. When sassy, feisty harmonies enter, they prove to be a game-changer. They prove to be crucial to the track’s success. They’re soulful, but give the track a noticeable Euro Disco influence, joining the pounding rhythm section, synths and searing guitars. By now, elements of soul, disco, Euro Disco have been combined. Unlike earlier John Davis and The Monster Orchestra albums, synths play a bigger role in this track. However, they work well and their sound has aged well. What really makes the track are the choppy, confident and often sassy harmonies. Adding the finishing touch is a growling sax solo, which adds to the drama of this hook-laden slice of disco, where disparate musical genres and influences are seamlessly fused.
Bourgie Bourgie, which was written by Ashford and Simpson, was one of two singles released from The Monster Strikes Again. Not only is this one of John Davis and The Monster Orchestra’s best tracks, but a true disco classic. As the arrangement gradually unfolds, you realize something special is about to reveal its secrets. This is case from the entrance of the pounding drums and percussion. They’re joined by a pensive piano, elegant gliding strings and blazing horns. Everything adds to the sense of anticipation. Heartfelt, soaring harmonies add a sense of urgency, while the rhythm section add bursts of dramatic funk. What then follows is true disco perfection. Everything falls into place at the right time. Elements of soul, funk and drama combine, while drama, beauty and elegance are ever-present. For just over six-minutes, producer John Davis produces a soulful and funky disco Magnus Opus which is truly timeless and worthy of being called a disco classic.
That’s What I Get closes Side One of The Monster Strikes Again. Percussion and the rhythm section join urgent guitars and stabs of keyboards before horns blaze and strings dance. Here, the guitars have a real Chic sound. This is quite unlike previous albums, but works well. The choppy sensual vocals are needy and filled with emotion. The vocals are swept away atop the lushest of strings that quiver and shimmer. By now, the arrangement is combining elements of soul, funk, disco and Euro Disco. However, the Euro Disco influence is much stronger than on earlier albums. It’s really apparent in the strings, harmonies and thunderous drums. in many ways that brings out the emotion and sense of neediness in the lyrics, on what is one of the highlights of The Monster Strikes Again.
Side Two of The Monster Strikes Again opens with When It’s Right For Love. There’s a slight moody, dramatic sound as the arrangement begins reveals its secrets. You can hear this from the entrance of the rhythm section, chiming guitar and swathes of lush strings. When the harmonies enter, they’re veer between tender and impassioned to tight and urgent. One thing never changes, their soulfulness. They’re a perfect foil to the arrangement that takes as its reference points disco and Euro disco. Gradually the drama builds and builds, with horns growling, strings dancing, rocky guitars screaming and Larry Washington adding his trademark percussion. Like the other tracks, producer John Davis brings everything together seamlessly. The arrangement reaches a dramatic crescendo, one that’s melodic, soulful and dance-floor friendly. In short, it’s another classic slice of disco courtesy of John Davis and The Monster Orchestra.
Straight away, you realize Holler has a harder, funkier sound. This is very different to previous tracks. Key to this are the keyboards and rhythm section that drive the arrangement along. The soulful, cascading harmonies and braying horns provide a contrast. They’re the perfect foil to this tougher, funkier sound. Later, the arrangement heads in the direction of Euro Disco, which has been one of the themes of The Monster Strikes Again. Having said that, this was the direction disco was heading by 1979. Many producers had been influenced by the popularity of Euro Disco. Here, John Davis and The Monster Orchestra seamlessly switch from their trademark disco sound to incorporate this harder, funkier sound. In doing so, they demonstrate their versatility as musicians.
Closing The Monster Strikes Again is Love Magic, which sees John Davis and The Monster Orchestra determined to end their fourth album on a high. Chiming guitars and thunderous drums combine before percussion, an uber funky bass and swathes of cascading strings combine. When the harmonies enter, they’re choppy and urgent, and accompanied by dancing strings. Again, there’s a Euro Disco influence to parts of the arrangement, especially the drums, strings and harmonies. Apart from Euro Disco, funk and jazz have influenced other parts of the arrangement. The bass has been influenced by funk, while the keyboards have been influenced by jazz. Mostly, the arrangement has been influenced by Euro Disco, and it’s in that direction it heads. Nearly eight minutes it arrives at its destination, closing The Monster Strikes Again on a dance-floor friendly, funky high.
After just four albums, The Monster Strikes Again brought John Davis and The Monster Orchestra’s career to a close. Granted they released one more 12” single, Hanging Out in 1981, but The Monster Strikes Again was their final album. At least The Monster Strikes Again ended their career with a commercially successful album. Not only that, but The Monster Strikes Again featured two hit singles Love Magic and Bourgie Bourgie. This meant a return to the commercial success and critical acclaim that John Davis and The Monster Orchestra enjoyed earlier in their career. However, by then, their music had changed.
Indeed, what’s noticeable about The Monster Strikes Again is the shift towards Euro Disco. This was a common occurrence among disco producers. Whereas previously American disco producers stuck to the classic American disco sound, they started to move towards the sound favored by European producers. This sound had proved commercially successful for Boris Midney and Giorgio Moroder. While this changed of sound might have prolonged the career of many disco producers, nothing could save disco from what happened on 12th July 1979, Disco Demolition Night.
Disco Demolition Night was the day that the Disco Sucks movement almost destroyed disco. After Disco, disco artists, records and labels were hugely unpopular. So it’s no surprise that John Davis and The Monster Orchestra didn’t release any more albums. Instead they released just four albums of almost flawless disco. The Monster Strikes Again, with its fusion of disco, Euro Disco, funk and Philly Soul, brought John Davis and The Monster Orchestra’s career to a close, with one of their finest albums of their career. Standout Tracks: Bourgie Bourgie That’s What I Get, When It’s Right For Love and Love Magic.
JOHN DAVIS AND THE MONSTER ORCHESTRA-THE MONSTER STRIKES AGAIN.
DISCO RECHARGE-THP ORCHESTRA-EARLY RISER AND TOO HOT FOR LOVE.
DISCO RECHARGE-THP ORCHESTRA-EARLY RISER AND TOO HOT FOR LOVE.
One of the phenomenons of the disco era was the disco orchestra. Following the success of The Salsoul Orchestra, other record companies decided they too, wanted their own disco orchestra. Soon, disco orchestras were springing up throughout America. It seemed no American city was immune from the phenomena of the disco orchestra. Neither was Canada.
In Toronto, Ian Guenther and Willi Morrison founded the THP Orchestra, which was influenced by the Euro Disco sound. Between 1976 and 1979, the Toronto based THP Orchestra released four albums. The THP Orchestra’s 1976 debut album was Early Riser, with Too Hot For Love following in 1977. After that, 1978s Tender Is The Night and 1979s Good Too Me followed.
SSince their release, neither Early Riser nor Too Hot For Love have been released on CD. Thankfully, that will soon be rectified. On 15th April 2013, Disco Recharge will rerelease Early Riser and Too Hot For Love as a double album, complete with bonus tracks aplenty. For fans of the disco orchestra, Disco Recharge-THP Orchestra-Early Riser and Too Hot For Love is a very welcome rerelease, which I’ll tell you about.
EARLY RISER.
Although Willi Morrison was born and brought up in Glasgow, Scotland his desire to enjoy a career in the music industry saw him head to Toronto, Canada. Once settled in Toronto, he worked as pizza deliveryman, salesman and then pop journalist. Then he landed a job with a company that published music for EMI. It was during this time when Willi first met Ian Guenther, a classically trained violinist. This was the start of a fruitful musical partnership that would flourish during the disco era.
It was in early 1976 that the THP Orchestra would make its recording debut. Willi Morrison was called into a meeting by the president RCA Records, who Willi and Ian had a production deal with. Until then, RCA had distributed the commercially successful ABC-Dunhill label in Canada. However, this contract was about to expire. The only problem was that one of ABC-Dunhill’s tracks was one of the biggest hits on the chart. This was Rhythm Heritage’s Theme From SWAT. With the contract just about to expire, RCA were about to lose out on the financial success of a hit single. So, the company president wanted Willi and Ian to record a cover version. There was a problem though, the cover had to be completed in a weekend.
Between the Friday, when the meeting took place and the Monday, when the single was sent to the pressing plant, musicians had to be found, they’d to learn the track and the B-side, it had to be recorded, mixed and mastered. Somehow, Willi and Ian managed it. Within a week the THP Orchestra’s debut single Theme From SWAT was released. Delighted with the success, RCA Victor wanted an album to cash in on the success of the Theme From SWAT. This album would become Early Riser, which was one of the first ever Canadian Disco albums.
Early Riser was a combination of cover versions of familiar songs and new material. The cover versions included the bubblegum pop of The Archies’ Sugar, Sugar, The Shadow Of Your Smile and Sleepwalk, which gave Santo and Johnny Farina a hit in 1959. Then there were tracks from film soundtracks. This included Manha De Carnival, the the principal theme to the art-house movie Black Orpheus and More the title-theme to the 1962 Italian documentary Mondo Cane. Together with Eric Robertson’s Crazy and the Willi Morrison penned Easy Riser and Crazy, Crazy, this became THP Orchestra’s debut album Early Riser.
Recording of Early Riser took place at Toronto’s Phase One Studios. The THP Orchestra included bassist Paul Zaza, drummer Barry Keane and guitarists Bob Mann, Brian Russell and Terry Bush. Eric Robertson played keyboards, Bob Lucier steel guitar, Brian Leonard, Dan Reddick and Dave Brown percussion and Matt McCauley synths. The horn section included saxophonists Gary Morgan, Jack Zaza and Roy Smith, trombonists Russ Little and Ted Rodderman and trumpeters Russ Little and Arnie Chycoski. Billy Bumpp and Debbie Discoe took charge of the vocals for Early Riser, which was released later in 1976.
When the THP Orchestra released Early Riser, it was only released in Canada. There was no release of Early Riser in the US or UK, which in retrospect, you’d think was a missed opportunity, given disco was at the height of its success. However, that would prove to fortuitous given what was about to happen to the THP Orchestra.
Sadly, Early Riser didn’t match the commercial success of the Theme From SWAT. At least the singles proved popular. It wasn’t just in Canadian clubs the singles were popular. Further afield, DJs picked up on singles like Early Riser, Manha De Carnival and the non-album track Fightin’ On The Side Of Love, which featured vocalist Wayne St. John. Despite this, commercial success eluded the THP Orchestra.
Listening back to Early Riser, there’s a real Euro Disco influence running through the album. To that Euro Disco influence, you can add elements of classic US disco, funk and soul. Theme From S.W.A.T incorporates elements of dramatic funk and disco. Blazing horns join lush dancing strings as the funky rhythm section drive the arrangement along.
More is a much more urgent and soulful slice of disco, while there’s an almost experimental and sensual side to The Archies’ Sugar Sugar. It benefits from the disco makeover. Here, the THP Orchestra transformed the track into something that’s much more meaty and meaningful than the original. This is something that a disco orchestra in full flight are capable of.
Dawn Patrol has an exotic, mysterious sound as it begins to reveal its secrets. Layers of instruments play their part in this track, as a complex fusion of funk, jazz, disco and Latin music unfolds at breakneck speed. It’s very different to anything else on Early Riser. Having said that, it’s an innovative, genre-sprawling track.
The best way to describe Early Riser is a dramatic, funky slice of disco. There’s everything you could want in a great disco track. Whether it’s dancing strings, growling horns or a funk-laden rhythm section, the THP Orchestra have all that and much more. Crazy, Crazy picks up where Early Riser finished, and takes things further. The result is an uplifting, joyous and hook-laden slice of funky disco.
Thanks to the THP Orchestra, Shadow Of Your Smile takes on a moody, cinematic sound. Then all of a sudden, it bursts into life and a hustle sound unfolds. This is reminiscent of what you’d expect of The Salsoul Orchestra in their pomp. The THP Orchestra then repeat their magic on Manha De Carnival. It follows a similar template to Shadow Of Your Smile. It begins moodily and mysteriously, before taking on a hustle sound. Then swathes of lush strings and growling horns are introduced as the rhythm section drive the arrangement along, mixing elements of soul, funk and disco. This is a compelling combination, which sees a classic track transformed, and into something quite beautiful and melancholy.
Closing Early Riser is Sleepwalk, which has a real vintage sound. Bathed in steel guitar, with a slow, pensive rhythm section and piano providing the backdrop, it’s like being transported to another musical age. Even the strings and horns sound like they’re from a track from the late-fifties or early-sixties. Quite simply, it’s a miraculous transformation, which is timeless, enchanting and breathtakingly beautiful.
Listening to the THP Orchestra’s debut album Early Riser, it’s a compelling and captivating combination of cover versions and new material. With the cover versions, new life and meaning is breathed into them, transforming them into something the writer never imagined or envisaged. To do this, the THP Orchestra combine everything from Euro Disco, disco, funk, soul, jazz and Latin music. For several tracks, including Theme From SWAT, Early Riser and Crazy, Crazy funk and disco seamlessly become one. Then on Shadow Of Your Smile and Manha De Carnival, both tracks veer between moody and cinematic to pulsating, funky disco. Sleepwalk which closes Early Riser is like returning to an earlier musical era and as a result, has a totally timeless sound. Throughout Early Riser, there’s neither any filler nor faux pas. Instead, it’s just quality music all the way, from the creative partnership of Ian Guenther and Willi Morrison, who were responsible for Early Riser, Canada’s first ever disco album. As an added bonus, Disc One of Early Riser features eight bonus tracks. This includes 7” version of Theme From SWAT and Manha De Carnival. Then there’s 7” and 12” version of Early Riser and 7” 12” and instrumental versions of Fightin’ On The Side Of Love.
Sadly, Early Riser it didn’t match the commercial success of the single Theme From SWAT. However, despite this, commercial success wasn’t far away for the THP Orchestra. Indeed, once the dust had settled on Early Riser, the THP Orchestra set about recording their next single..Too Hot For Love.
TOO HOT FOR LOVE.
For the THP Orchestra’s next single, Ian Guenther and Willi Morrison were asked by Alfonso Juan Cervantes of Los Angeles-based Butterfly Records to record something specifically for the US Disco market. They got to work, and came up with fifteen minutes of sheer sensuality, entitled Too Hot For Love. Filled with moans and groans aplenty, and set against a Euro Disco backdrop, Too Hot For Love was a five-piece suite reminiscent of Donna Summer’s Love To Love. The five parts included Four-Play, Excitement Part 1, Excitement Part 2, Climax and Resolution. Too Hot For Love gave Alfonso Juan Cervantes the massive American club hit he wanted. Then with Too Hot For Love having given Alfonso the hit he wanted, he decided he wanted a new THP Orchestra album in the shops within 24 hours. That was doable though.
The reason it was possible to get the THP Orchestra’s new album in shops within 24 hours was due to the limited release of Early Riser. It had been only released in Canada. So the five-part suite Too Hot For Love became Side One of Too Hot For Love. Side Two of Too Hot For Love featured four tracks from Early Riser. They were Early Riser, Manha De Carnival, Dawn Patrol and Crazy Crazy. Essentially, the THP Orchestra’s new album Too Hot For Love was only half a new album, so Alfonso Juan Cervantes of Butterfly Records was able to have the new THP Orchestra in the shops within 24 hours. However, would it prove the huge hit he’d hoped?
On the release of Too Hot For Love in 1977, the THP Orchestra’s sophomore album gave Alfonso and Butterfly Records the hit he’d hoped for. Too Hot For Love reached number sixty-five in the US Billboard 200 and number fifty-seven in the US R&B Charts. Black Orpheus (Manha De Carnival) and the fifteen-minute Magnus Opus Too Hot For Love were released as singles. They gave the THP Orchestra club hits and made them a household name throughout America.
In many ways, it was fortunate that Early Riser hadn’t been released anywhere else apart from Canada. That meant that when the single Too Hot For Love became a huge commercial success, that the THP Orchestra could quickly release an album to cash-in on its popularity. What was their sophomore album Too Hot For Love, was in reality culled from Early Riser. So, within 24 hours Too Hot For Love was released and gave the THP Orchestra and Alfonso Juan Cervantes of Butterfly Records the hit album the all had been hoping for.
Now, the THP Orchestra were on their way to becoming one of the most successful disco orchestras of the disco era. Granted they weren’t going to surpass the commercial success and critical acclaim of The Salsoul Orchestra. They were by far the most successful disco orchestra of the disco era. However, the THP Orchestra were now chasing them down, providing some sort of opposition. Over the next few years, the number of disco orchestras would grow, including John Davis and The Monster Orchestra and The Charlie Capello Orchestra. Like The Salsoul Orchestra, the THP Orchestra were capable of producing innovative, groundbreaking music. Too Hot For Love, the THP Orchestra’s sophomore album, just like its predecessor Early Riser, was full of innovative, timeless music. This timeless and innovative music was a fusion of Euro Disco, disco, funk, soul, jazz and Latin music.
Since the THP Orchestra released Early Riser and Too Hot For Love, they’ve never been rereleased. Thankfully, that’s about to be rectified. On 15th April 2013, Disco Recharge-THP Orchestra-Early Riser and Too Hot For Love will be rereleased by Harmless Records’ Disco Recharge imprint. Disco Recharge-THP Orchestra-Early Riser and Too Hot For Love is a very welcome rerelease of some hugely innovative, groundbreaking and timeless music. Standout Tracks: Manha De Carnival, Shadow Of Your Smile, Sleepwalk and Too Hot For Love.
DISCO RECHARGE-THP ORCHESTRA-EARLY RISER AND TOO HOT FOR LOVE.
DISCO RECHARGE-BORIS MIDNEY-COMPANION AND DOUBLE DISCOVERY.
DISCO RECHARGE-BORIS MIDNEY-COMPANION AND DOUBLE DISCOVERY.
Looking back at the collateral damage caused by the events of Disco Demolition Night at Comiskey Park, Chicago on 12th July 1979, it’s hard to believe the effect the Disco Sucks movement had on disco. Record labels like T.K. Records folded, artists were dropped by labels and radio stations stopped playing disco music. Suddenly disco, which previously had been the most popular musical genre of the seventies was a musical pariah. No longer were record labels, record buyers or radio stations interested in disco. The anti-disco backlash that began earlier in 1979 came to a head that summer night in Chi-Town. Music was the loser in all of this. Whether you were an artist, session musician, DJ, songwriter or producer disco’s demise affected you.
For many people, disco’s demise was all about surviving the upheaval. For one of disco’s most innovative, influential and successful producers Boris Midney, he’d managed to survive the fall out until 1981. Then when his new album Companion was completed, it wasn’t released in his adoptive home country of America. Instead, Companion was only released on the French Barclay record label. Since then, Companion has been one of the rarest albums of Boris Midney’s career. Thankfully, Disco Recharge are rereleasing Companion and 1982s Double Discovery on 15th April 2013. Considering Companion is one of Boris Midney rarest albums, this is a welcome rerelease. Indeed, Companion and Double Discovery comprise the fourth of five rereleases of Boris Midney’s albums by Disco Recharge, which I’ll now tell you about.
COMPANION.
For Companion, Boris Midney wrote the five tracks on the album. These are This Is A Test, Living Up To Love, Step On Out, There’s A Way and I Feel Delight. Recording of Companion took place at Boris hand-built Eras Recording Studio in New York. This was the third studio Boris had designed and built. Eras was designed to achieve perfection when it came to sound. Boris had an idea of what music should sound like, and at Eras, could make this dream a reality, albeit with the help of some of the best session musicians of the time.
Recording of Companion got underway at Boris Midney’s legendary 48 track recording studio Eras, in New York. Boris had built the studio from scratch, to his own specification. He was accompanied by bassist Francisco Centeno and guitarists Brad Johnson, Bob Feldman and Ray Volpe. Johnny Santana played cowbell and percussion, Jerry Brown cymbal, Reinhardt Elster harp, while strings came courtesy of Bob DePasquale’s String Sections. Providing the horns were trombonist Harry De Augiar, trumpeters Marc Gollehon and Ray Maldonado and on saxophone, Boris Midney. Kevin Owens and Charmain delivered the vocals on Companion. Once Companion was completed, it was released in 1981, but not in America, where disco was no longer popular.
When Companion was released in 1981, it was only released on the French Barclay record label. Companion wasn’t a commercial success. Neither were the two singles Living Up To Love nor Step On It. However, Companion was a bold and innovative album from Boris Midney which marked the next chapter in his musical career.
Opening Companion is This Is A Test. Straight away, you hear an ominous, almost menacing warning sound. It’s Boris signaling that he’s taking you on another musical journey, one which is very different to anything that’s preceded it. Hissing hi-hats, pounding, thunderous drums, chiming guitars and growling horns join sci-fi sounds and dancing strings. They’re joined by urgent harmonies, which veer between sweet, ethereal and fragile, to needy and sensuous. Then there’s Johnny Santana’s percussion, which is central to the arrangement. From there, the arrangement is stop-start, building up and adding to the drama. Cooing harmonies provide a counterpoint to the drama of arrangement. It takes as its reference points disco, funk and Euro Disco. The result is a compelling and captivating track, as Boris Midney proves that there was life after disco.
Moody, broody and elegant describe Living Up To Love as it teases you with its secrets and subtleties. Cinematic strings, hissing-hats and dark synths are contrasted by flourishes of harp. Soon, it’s heading in the direction of sensual and urgent, as we hear two different sides to the one song. This is no ordinary song. Not at all. It’s a nine minute epic. Stabs of keyboards, breathy, whispery vocals and thunderous drums join quivering strings and a dramatic ethereal vocal. Sometimes, the tracks heads in the direction of experimental, as Boris continues to reinvent his post-disco sound. Progressive, bold and innovative describes this melodic and dramatic music, which like so much of Boris Midney’s music, is a fusion of influences and genres.
as Step On Out bursts into life, it reveals a variety of different influences. There’s Chic-style guitars, eighties synths, a funky rhythm section and strings and horns that are reminiscent of many a seventies disco album. Charmaine’s vocal veers between Euro Disco and Euro Pop. Her vocal combines drama, emotion and sadness at the loss she foresees. Meanwhile, strings dance, horns growl and the rhythm section and synths add a dance-floor friendly, funky sound that’s truly irresistible.
Of the five tracks on Companion, There’s A Way is easily the best. From the open bars you realize that. Here the arrangement and sensual vocal unite seamlessly to create a timeless Boris Midney classic. The arrangement and vocal become one. Indeed, they take turns to impress you. One minute, Charmaine’s needy vocal casts its spell over you. The next the choppy, urgent arrangement has you spellbound. This means a pounding, funky rhythm section, swathes of dancing strings and sultry horns join percussion, harp and choppy guitars. Whether together or separately, they play their part in a classy, sensual slice of Euro Disco, which thanks to Boris Midney, is laden in hooks.
Closing Companion is I Feel Delight, a track which gradually reveals its myriad of secrets. It’s as if everything on Companion has been building towards this track. Stabs of synths, hissing-hi-hats, quivering strings and percussion are joined by urgent, Euro Disco harmonies. Rocky guitars, cowbells and a pounding rhythm section are enveloped by ethereal, cascading harmonies. Charmaine gets the opportunity to unleash one of her best vocals on Companion. Her vocal soars high and elegantly above the Euro Disco arrangement, as Companion ends on an ethereal high.
In many ways, Companion was just like previous Boris Midney albums. It was innovative, progressive fusion of musical genres and influences. It built on Evita and The Empire Strikes Back, moving Boris’ music in a new direction. Disco was the past, so Boris had to focus on his musical future. To do this, Boris combined musical genres and influences. Elements of disco, Euro Disco, Philly Soul, classical music, funk and jazz were just a few of the influences he uses on Companion. One way Boris changes his musical identity on Companion, is by changing the tempo. Sometimes, he slows the tempo way down, other times he speeds it up. This adds to the drama and has you spellbound. It’s as if Boris Midney is teasing you, toying with you. With a crack band of session musicians and vocalists, Boris Midney proves that for him, there was life after disco. Companion marked the next chapter in Boris Midney’s career. He wasn’t going to become one of the Disco Sucks movement’s victims. Not at all. He still had so much more to offer music. It’s just a pity that a wider audience didn’t get the opportunity to discover the delights of Companion. Along with the 12” versions of Living Up To Love nor Step On It, plus the Rhythm Track to Step On It, now a much wider audience have the opportunity to discover Companion, Boris Midney’s first post disco album, which was one of the finest moments of his career.
ONE OFF PROJECTS.
Disc Two of this installment of the Disco Recharge series is entitled One Off Projects. It features three of Boris Midney’s projects .from 1982. The first three tracks are from his collaboration with Double Discovery. This was a collaboration with producer Jim Burgess, that lead to one album Double Discovery, which was released in 1982. Double Discovery fused funk, electronica, soul and disco. The three tracks that feature on Disc Two are Can He Find Another One? (East SIde), Can He Find Another One? (West SIde) and Can He Find Another One? (Instrumental West). Many of the same personnel that played on Companion feature on Double Discovery, including percussionist Johnny Santana, guitarist Bob Feldman, bassist Francisco Centeno and Bob DePasquale’s String Sections. Along with the vocal prowess of Double Discovery these three tracks are a tantalizing taster of what is a true hidden gem of an album from the post-disco era.
The second project that features on Disc Two, One Off Projects is Boris Midney’s D-D-D Dance, which was an E.P. Boris released in 1982 on the M.I. label. There are five versions of D-D-D Dance on Disc Two, while the original 12” single only featured four tracks. The original 12” version featured Vocal, Beats, Instrumental and Beats 2, while the Vocal, Beats, Instrumental, Beats 2 and Alternative Mix feature on Disc Two. For Boris Midney completists, this will make Disco Recharge-Boris Midney-Companion and Double Discovery a must-have, for this one track alone. Not only that, but this is a fascinating and compelling concept, which reinforces Boris Midney’s reputation as a true musical innovator.
Thanks For Loving Me is the third Boris Midney project from 1982 to feature on Disc Two of Disco Recharge-Boris Midney-Companion and Double Discovery. It’s a nine-minute Magnus Opus which encompasses everything that’s good about Boris Midney’s music. During these nine-minutes, you realize that when it comes to dance music, Boris Midney was a pioneer and innovator, who was never content to stand still. Instead, he was determined that his music would evolve and constantly reinvent itself.
Just like the three previous installments in the Disco Recharge series dedicated to the music of Boris Midney, Disco Recharge-Boris Midney-Companion and Double Discovery, which will be released by Disco Recharge on 15th April 2013, demonstrates that Boris Midney is worthy of the description visionary, innovator and pioneer. He was always striving to move his music forward. Music he believed should be constantly evolving. You had to keep moving forward or you were really standing still. As a musician and producer, Boris believed he had to challenge not just himself, but musical norms. After all, what was fashionable this year, could be unfashionable next year, if not sooner. So, it was all about reinventing his music and staying ahead of his competitors. To do this, Boris fused musical genres and influences. Everything from Euro Disco, disco, funk, soul, classical, Latin and rock influences his post-disco music. These influences were added to Boris Midney’s musical melting pot, and resulted in the next chapter of Boris Midney’s post-disco career. This proved that for Boris Midney there was life after disco. Not every disco artist or producer was as fortunate. Mind you, they weren’t blessed with the talent and determination of Boris Midney. Quite simply, Boris Midney was one of the founding fathers of Euro Disco and one of the most innovative and influential producers of the disco era, as the music on Disco Recharge-Boris Midney-Companion and Double Discovery demonstrates. Standout Tracks: Step On Out, There’s A Way, Can He Find Another One? (West SIde) and Thanks For Loving Me.
DISCO RECHARGE-BORIS MIDNEY-COMPANION AND DOUBLE DISCOVERY.
PROG ROCKS!
PROG ROCKS!
Although many musical genres divide opinion, some musical genres that tend to divide opinion way more than others. Everyone can think of their own example, but for me, three immediately spring to mind. These are disco, punk and prog rock. Of these three musical genres, when it comes to opinions, not many people tend to occupy the middle ground. You’re either for or against each of these musical genres. Prog rock, however, tends to divide the opinion the most. Even forty years after the genre’s birth, the merits or otherwise of prog rock are still debated. For prog rock’s accusers, they perceive the music as overblown, overindulgent and pompous. To them, prog rock is a musical genre that belongs in firmly in the past. That however, only tells one side of the story.
Proponents of prog rock point to a musical genre that’s inventive, innovative and complex. Influenced by art rock, jazz and classical music, prog rock drew inspiration from a many other influences.It eschews traditional time signatures, song structures, rhythms, instruments and influences. In many ways, prog rock was an innovative genre, one that railed against the blues’ influence in rock music. Groups like Pink Floyd, Soft Machine, Jethro Tull, Emerson, Lake and Palmer, Genesis, Yes and Gong were among prog rock’s pioneers. They lead the way, and now, four decades later, new generations of prog rock groups are following in their footsteps, during the latest resurgence in prog rock’s popularity. To mark this resurgence in prog rock’s popularity, a new five-disc compilation Prog Rocks has recently been released by EMI.
Each of the five discs that compromise Prog Rocks! celebrate five of the genre’s most important and influential labels. This includes Harvest, Charisma, Virgin and Liberty and United Artists. On the fifth disc, Inside Out Music, one of the labels promoting a new generation of prog rock bands is celebrated. Much of the music on Disc Five is from the last few years, and demonstrates that there’s no shortage of new and quality prog rock. Talking of quality, there’s no shortage of quality on Prog Rocks! There’s contributions from Deep Purple, Syd Barrett, Barclay James Harvest, The Nice, Van Der Graaf Generator, Steve Hackett, Gong, Faust and The Bonzo Dog Band. In total, there are seventy-two tracks over the five discs on Prog Rocks! which I’ll now tell you about.
DISC ONE-HARVEST.
Disc One of Prog Rocks! celebrates the Harvest label, which was setup by Malcolm Jones and Norman Smith, who produced Pink Floyd’s psychedelic debut album Piper At The Gates Of Dawn. Harvest was setup to compete with labels like Decca and Vertigo, which had two of the best rosters of progressive bands. Eventually, Harvest would’ve an unenviable roster of artists. Having said that, prog rock purists may dispute some of the artists on Disc One’s prog rock credentials. Among Harvest’s roster were Deep Purple, Kevin Ayers, Syd Barrett, Electric Light Orchestra, The Move, Babe Ruth, Barclay James Harvest and Be-Bop Deluxe. As I said, some of these artists don’t seem to fit comfortably into the prog rock category. However, there’s no disputing the quality of music on Disc One.
Among the highlights of the seventeen tracks from the Harvest label, are Deep Purple’s The Bird Has Flown, from their 1969 third album Deep Purple. To me, Deep Purple were always more of a heavy metal or hard rock band. Then there’s Kevin Ayers The Lady Rachel, from his 1969 debut album Joy Of A Toy and Syd Barrett’s Baby Lemonade, from his 1970 sophomore album Barrett. There are two bands on Disc One that feature Jeff Lynn in their lineup. The first is Electric Light Orchestra, whose Queen Of The Hours was taken from their 1971 album Electric Light Orchestra. Jeff Lynn penned that track and wrote The Move’s The Words Of Aaron, which is from their final studio album, 1971s Message From The Country. My final selection from Disc One is Babe Ruth’s The Mexican, which is a track from their 1972 album First Base.
While you can’t fault much of the music on Disc One, my only criticism is whether each of the seventeen tracks can be categorized as prog rock. I certainly wouldn’t refer to Deep Purple as a prog rock band. They’re more heavy rock. Similarly, Syd Barrett and Kevin Ayers I’d describe as psychedelic singers. Other people, I’m sure will dispute this. Despite this, Disc One is crammed full of quality music. The seventeen tracks are a combination of some of the biggest names on prog rock, rock and psychedelia of the late sixties and early seventies. As an added bonus, some lesser known are added, resulting in in an intriguing collection of some of the highlights of Harvest’s illustrious back-catalogue.
DISC TWO-CHARISMA.
On Disc Two of Prog Rocks, there are sixteen tracks which were released on the Charisma label. This includes contributions from The Nice, Lindisfarne, Jackson Heights, Van Der Graaf Generator, Peter Hammill and Steve Hackett. Unlike Disc One, there aren’t as many familiar faces on Disc Two. Having said that, given some of the artists I’ve mentioned, there’s no shortage in quality prog rock.
The Nice were one of the most innovative of the British prog rock bands. SInce their early days, they’d been experimenting musically, marrying fusion, classical music and art rock. Country Pie was a track from their 1970 album Five Bridges and features the considerable talents of keyboardist Keith Emerson. Jackson Heights released four albums on Charisma between 1970 and 1973. Doubting Thomas was a track from their 1970 debut album King Progress.
Describing Lindisfarne as a prog rock band is something that I’m not comfortable with. I’d describe their music as folk rock. January Song, which was written by Alan Hull, was a track from their 1971 sophomore album Fog On The Tyne, which was one of their finest albums.
Not only was Peter Hammill a cofounder of Van Der Graaf Generator, but enjoyed a prolific solo career. Red Shift is a track from Peter’s 1973 album The Silent Corner and The Empty Stage. While this provides an introduction to his solo career, Theme One, which was written by George Martin, was the title-track of Van Der Graaf Generator’s 1972 album. They were one of British prog rock’s most innovative and influential bands. Just like Peter Hammill Steve Hackett has enjoyed a career as part of a successful band and then as a successful solo career. He released eight albums with Genesis, then in 1977, decided to concentrate on his solo career. Whilst he was still a member of Genesis, he released his debut solo album Voyage Of The Acolyte in 1975, which featured Hands Of The Priestess (Part 1).
While many people won’t have heard of the majority of artists on Disc Two, one thing is unarguable, the quality of music. It’s as if the compilers have dug deep to find the best tracks possible, their mission being to change people’s perception of prog rock. To do this, they’ve come up with sixteen tracks where familiar faces and hidden gems sit site by side. Granted there are still a few tracks that I wouldn’t refer to as strictly prog rock, but that’s just a minor point. What matters is the quality of the music, which is peerless.
DISC THREE-VIRGIN RECORDS.
During the seventies, Virgin Records had an unenviable roster of prog rock artist. This included Gong, Faust, Kevin Coyne, Henry Cow, Egg, Tangerine Dream and Steve Hillage. On Disc Three, there are fifteen tracks from Virgin Records’ back-catalogue. These fifteen tracks epitomize the finest prog rock of the early to mid seventies.
Gong were formed in 1969, and by 1973, had released four albums. Their fourth album was Flying Teapot (Radio Gnome Invisible Part 1), which featured The Pothead Pixes. This was their Virgin debut and the first of five studio albums they’d release for Richard Branson’s Virgin Records.
German band Faust were another of Virgin Records’ biggest acts. Just A Second Starts Like That! was a track from their fourth album Faust IV, which was their second release for Virgin. It would prove to be their final album for Virgin.
My favorite track from Disc Three is Kevin Coyne’s Marlene. Not only was Kevin Coyne one of the most enigmatic artists of his generation, but he was hugely underrated. Marlene is a track from his 1973 album Marjory Razorblade was a career defining track, that sends shivers of emotion down your spine, thanks to Kevin’s otherworldly vocal. While he might not be a prog rock artist, Kevin Coyne was one of the most talented British artists of the past forty years.
Egg only released a trio of albums between 1970 and 1974. They kept their best album to last. This was 1974s The Civil Surface, which featured Wring Out The Ground (Loosely Now). Sadly, Egg should’ve enjoyed a longer and more successful career, given their abundance of talent.
By 1976, Tangerine Dream were one of prog rock’s elder statesmen. Their 1976 album Stratosfear, was their eighth album. It featured the title-track Stratosfear, which demonstrates just why Tangerine Dream were one of prog rock’s most successful bands. After Stratosfear, Tangerine Dream’s recording career would continue for another three decades, during which time they carried the torch for prog rock.
Earlier I said that Virgin Records had an unenviable roster of artists during the early to mid sixties. That’s no exaggeration. Their roster was comparable to Harvest’s during the late-sixties and early seventies. With Gong, Faust, Kevin Coyne, Henry Cow, Egg, Tangerine Dream and Steve Hillage no one would rival Virgin’s supremacy when it came to prog rock. Many of these artists have left behind some of the richest musical legacies of the prog rock era.
DISC FOUR-LIBERTY AND UNITED ARTISTS.
The fourth disc in the Prog Rocks! box set contains music released on the Liberty and United Artists labels. So, this includes Bonzo Dog Band, Idle Race, Hawkwind, Groundhogs, Brinsley Scharz and Flaming Groovies, Again, this is best described as an eclectic selection of artists. However, some of the artists don’t quite fit into the prog rock category, as you’ll realize.
There are many ways of categorizing the music of the Bonzo Dog Band, but whether prog rock would be one of them, is debatable. Their music has been influenced by art school rock, psychedelia, avant garde and music hall, but maybe not prog rock. Mr Apollo was the title-track from their 1969 album and was penned by Neil Innes and Vivian Stanshall. A similar argument could be made of Jeff Lynne’s Idle Race. They were more of a psychedelic group than prog rock. They released three albums between 1968 and 1971. Their second album was Idle Race, released in 1969 and which featured Come With Me.
Unlike the two previous groups, there’s no denying Hawkwind’s prog rock credentials. Master Of The Universe is a track from their 1970 sophomore album X In Search Of Space. Written by Dave Brock and Nik Turner, this epitomised the early Hawkwind sound, a sound that’s proved popular over several decades.
You wouldn’t expect a track that Nick Lowe cowrote to feature on a box set of prog rock music. There is though. It’s Brinsley Scharz’s Happy Doing What We’re Doing. He cowrote it with Robert Andrews, and it featured on their 1972 album Nervous On The Road. Quite simply, regardless of whether this is prog rock or not, it’s the best track on Disc Four or Prog Rocks.
The Flaming Groovies were a San Francisco band whose career had started in the sixties and lasted into the nineties. In 1976, they’d signed to Sire, where they’d released the first of two albums. This was their fifth album Shake Some Action, which featured the title-track. Shake Some Action is seen as the finest album of their career, and marked the next step in their career.
Eclectic is a good word to describe the music on Disc Four of Prog Rocks. There’s everything from the vaudevillian sound of Bonzo Dog Band, the space rock of Hawkwind, the pub rock of Brinsley Scharz and the garage rock of Flaming Groovies. Having said that, many of the fourteen tracks on Disc Four are prog rock through and through. Regardless of whether the fourteen tracks on Disc Four of Prog Rocks! are or aren’t strictly prog rock, none of the tracks disappoint and will change many people’s perception of prog rock.
DISC FIVE-INSIDE OUT.
While the four previous discs featured music from the seventies, the music on Disc Five of Prog Rocks! is much more recent. Indeed, the ten tracks on Disc Five range from 1994 right through until 2012. This includes Enchant’s Nighttime Sky, from their 1994 album A Blueprint For The World and Pain Of Salvation’s Undertow, from their 2002 album Remedy Lane. Among the other highlights are Beardfish’s Sunrise, from their 2007 album Sleeping In Traffic and It Bites’ The Last Escape from their 2011 album Map Of The Past. The most recent track is Arjen Anthony Lucassen’s Lost In The New Real, the title-track from his 2012 album. These ten tracks show that prog rock is a musical genre with a future ahead of it. It’s not content to stand still, and bask in its rich musical legacy. Instead, prog rock is a musical genre that’s constantly reinventing itself and looking to the future, rather than just the past.
Having spent some time immersed in the five discs that comprise Prog Rocks! I’ve come to the conclusion that it’s not just people who enjoy prog rock that’ll enjoy this box set. After all, not every track on Prog Rocks! can be categorised as prog rock. Indeed, many tracks could just as easily be categorized as rock, folk, psychedelia, garage or rock. However, I often think we spend too much time putting music into categories. That’s often an unhealthy obsession that gets in the way of what’s important, discovering new and old music. For many people, there’s so much great music awaiting discovery on Prog Rocks! Indeed, there are seventy-two tracks over five discs awaiting discovery on Prog Rocks!
What I do hope that Prog Rocks! does, is change people’s perception of prog rock. After all, prog rock far too often, gets a bad press. Sometimes, prog rock is the butt of cheap jibes and sarcastic comments. Hopefully once people have heard the music on Prog Rocks! they’ll change their opinion on prog rock. Maybe then they’ll realize that it’s an innovative and inventive musical genre, one that’s been Influenced by art rock, jazz and classical music. Prog rock drew inspiration from a many other influences. It eschews traditional time signatures, song structures, rhythms, instruments and influences. That’s what makes prog rock and the music on Prog Rocks! not just unique, innovative and groundbreaking, but captivating and intriguing. Standout Tracks: Kevin Ayers The Lady Rachel, Lindisfarne January Song, Kevin Coyne Marlene and Brinsley Scharz Happy Doing What We’re Doing.
PROG ROCKS!
GINA CAREY-MY SUNSHINE.
GINA CAREY-MY SUNSHINE.
Back on 31st January 2013, Gina Carey released the ninth album of her career. This was Gina Carey…The Songbird. To coincide with Gina Carey…The Songbird’s release, Hey Mr was released was the lead single. Now two months later, Gina Carey releases the second single from Gina Carey…The Songbird My Sunshine. My Sunshine is perfect for the long summer months ahead. Indeed, I’d describe it as a slice of musical sunshine, from California’s Queen of Nu Soul. While Gina Carey…The Songbird was critically acclaimed and commercially successful upon its release, attracting radio play in the US, UK and Europe, this bodes well for Gina’s new single My Sunshine.
My Sunshine. This is a fitting title, given it’s an uplifting, uptempo track where Nu-Soul, jazz, funk and dance music combine. As if determined to close Gina Carey…The Songbird on a real high, Gina unleashes a powerful, passionate and soulful vocal. Piano and the rhythm section join backing vocalists accompany Gina. Later, she unleashes a jazzy scat, demonstrating her talent and versatility, as only Gina Carey…The Songbird can.
Of the thirteen tracks from Gina Carey…The Songbird, My Sunshine was one the album’s real highlights. My Sunshine is one of the best singles Gina Carey has released during the past few years. It’s a slice of musical sunshine, designed to lift your spirits. With its sultry, feel-good sound, it’s impossible to resist the charms of My Sunshine. It showcases the talent and versatility of Gina Carey, at what is an important point in her career. With new management guiding her career, then Gina Carey…The Songbird this is the start of a new, exciting and successful chapter in the career of Gina Carey…The Songbird.
GINA CAREY-MY SUNSHINE.
J.J. CALE-CLASSIC ALBUM SELECTION.
J.J. CALE-CLASSIC ALBUM SELECTION.
One of the most underrated singer, songwriter and guitarists is J.J. Cale, whose career began back in the late fifties as Johnny Cale. However, it wasn’t until 1972 that J.J. Cale released his debut album Naturally. Naturally featured a track that would become synonymous with J.J. and would introduce his music to a much wider audience. This track was After Midnight, which Eric Clapton had covered in 1970. At the time Eric Clapton covered After Midnight, J.J. Cale was struggling to pay his bills working as a musician, so the royalties from After Midnight were like manna from heaven. Unknown to him, Eric had covered After Midnight. When it gave Eric one of the biggest hits of his career, J.J. Cale’s problems were suddenly solved. The royalties he received from After Midnight allowed J.J. Cale to pay his bills and somewhat belatedly, record his 1972 debut album Naturally. It’s one of five albums that feature in the recently released J.J. Cale-Classic Album Selection. Other albums include 1976s Troubadour, 1981s Shades, 1982s Grasshopper and 1983s Number 8. Are these five album sthe perfect introduction to one of the most enigmatic, languid and laid-back musicians of a generation… J.J. Cale? That’s what I’ll now tell you.
NATURALLY.
Following the success of Eric Clapton’s cover of After Midnight, J.J. Cale decided to use some of the royalties to record his debut album Naturally. It was released on Shelter Records and produced by Audie Ashworth. By that time, J.J. had been trying to make a living as a musician for fourteen years. He was a talented songwriter, who wrote eleven of the tracks on Naturally and cowrote Clyde with C.W. Beavers. Recording of Naturally took place in Nashville, with the musicians payed demo feels. This is quite fitting, as the drum machine that features on several tracks, including the classic Call Me The Breeze, gives the track a demo sound.
Two singles were released from Naturally. Crazy Mama gave J.J. the biggest hit of his career, reaching number twenty-two in the US Billboard 100. After Midnight then reached number forty-two in the US Billboard 100. When Naturally was released in 1972, it reached number fifty-one in the US Billboard 200. Featuring tracks like Call Me The Breeze, Don’t Go To Strangers, Crazy Mama and After Midnight J.J. Cale’s understated fusion of blues, boogie, Americana and J.J’s Tulsa sound proved immediately popular. Indeed, Naturally has since become seen as one of J.J. Cale’s classic albums. Why was that?
Well, the music on Naturally was understated, and crossed musical genres. J.J’s playing was very different from other guitar players, including Eric Clapton. They tended to me much more showy and impressive guitarists. However, J.J.’s playing were subtle and understated, leading to him gaining a reputation as a guitarist’s guitarist, whose debut album Naturally, was something of a classic.
NATURALLY.
TROUBADOUR.
When compiling a five-disc box set of any artist’s career, it makes sense to compile them in chronological order. Sadly, that isn’t the case with J.J. Cale-Classic Album Selection. From his 1972 debut album Naturally, we skip J.J’s 1973 sophomore album Really and 1974s Okie. So next stop is 1976s Troubadour. It was released on Shelter Records and produced by Audie Ashworth.
Troubadour was recorded on Nashville during 1976. J.J. wrote eleven of the twelve tracks. One of these tracks was Cocaine, which Eric Clapton covered on his 1977 album Slowhand, giving Eric another huge hit single. Along with tracks like Ride Me High, Travellin’ Light and Hold On, Troubadour was filled full of quality music.
On the release of Troubadour in 1976, it stalled at number eighty-four in the US Billboard 200. When Hey Baby was released as a single, it crept into the US Billboard 100 at number ninety-six. Despite Troubadour’s relative commercial failure, it remains one of J.J. Cale’s best albums of the mid to late seventies. The other three albums from J.J. Cale-Classic Album Selection are from the period between 1981 and 1983.
TROUBADOUR.
SHADES.
J.J. Cale’s sixth album was Shades, which was released on MCA Records in February 1981. It was released on Shelter Records and produced by Audie Ashworth. All the ten tracks on Shades were written by J.J. and recorded in Hollywood and Nashville. As was the musical fashion, the use of synths was creeping into the recording of albums by artists like J.J. Cale. Given his usual rootsy, bluesy sound this was something of a surprise. Some people would say, an unwelcome surprise. One thing stayed the same, J.J’s fusion of an eclectic selection of influences, including blues, Americana, rock, jazz and country. He was accompanied by a tight, talented band, who would try to help J.J. rejuvenate his career.
On the release of Shades, it was neither critically acclaimed nor commercially successful. Stalling at number 110 in the US Billboard 200, this proved a huge disappointment. So too was the critic’s reaction. They weren’t as enthusiastic as before. Usually, the critics were almost cheerleaders for J.J. Cale. Not this time. Although the band and J.J. got into a groove and remained there throughout Shades, the laid-back, languid sound of the album didn’t convince critics as to its merits. Their shortsighted approach meant tracks like Carry On, If You Leave Her and Cloudy Day didn’t receive the credit they deserved. If you revisit Shades, you’ll discover one of J.J. Cale’s most underrated albums of his six album career.
SHADES.
GRASSHOPPER.
Grasshopper marked the tenth anniversary of J.J. Cale’s debut album. SInce 1972s Naturally, success had been sporadic. His shuffling boogie sound won him friends among critics and record buyers. With record sales dwindling, he’d moved from Shelter Records to MCA for the release of Shades. It was his only release for MCA and was produced by Audie Ashworth.. Next stop was Mercury Records, where J.J. would release Grasshopper, an album that marked a change in style from J.J.
For Grasshopper, J.J. wrote eleven of the fourteen tracks and cowrote the other three tracks. Grasshopper has a more poppy sound as the opening track City Girls demonstrates. Having said that, Grasshopper doesn’t eschew the usual fusion of blues, country, Americana, boogie and rock. Still J.J. is usual languid and laid-back self, although the production has a sharper sound. Among the highlights are Devil In Disguise, Downtown L.A. and Can’t Live Here. Would Grasshopper replicate the success of J.J. Cale’s early albums.
When Grasshopper was released in 1982, neither critics nor record buyers took to the album. Critics were disappointed, and argued that despite a change in sound, J.J. Cale’s luck hadn’t changed. Worse still, was that Grasshopper only reached number 149 in the US Billboard 200. Sadly, Grasshopper didn’t mark a happy tenth anniversary for J.J. Cale’s recording career. Maybe the last album featured in J.J. Cale-Classic Album Selection, 1983s Number 8, will see a change in luck for J.J.?
GRASSHOPPER.
NUMBER 8.
Number 8 is the last album featured in J.J. Cale-Classic Album Selection. Released in 1983, eleven years after his debut album Naturally, J.J. Cale wasn’t going to radically change his way of working. His groove driven songs provided the backdrop for his complex and intricate guitar playing. The nearest he came to changing his sound, was the addition of female vocalist and sometime co-writer, Christine Lakeland. Christine and J.J. contributed the best tracks on Number 8, Money Talks and Losers. Many of the songs on Number 8 were laden with social comment, as if attempting to tap into America’s economic and social woes. For American people, J.J. would be their spokesman, with songs like Hard Times, Reality, Unemployment and Trouble In The City.
Sadly, Number 8 didn’t mark a change in fortune for J.J. Cale. Number 8 failed to chart. Critics didn’t enthuse about Number 8, and J.J’s music was seen as belonging in another musical era. Despite that, Number 8 remains something of a hidden gem in J.J. Cale’s back-catalogue. It seemed while music was constantly evolving, J.J. Cale’s music was almost standing still. While this appealed to long-term fans, it didn’t win him any new fans. That sadly, meant J.J’s career was at a crossroads.
NUMBER 8.
After seven albums that had charted, Number 8 marked the end of era for J.J. Cale. He was still one of the most underrated singer, songwriter and guitarists of his generation, and seen as the guitarists guitarist. However, his unwillingness to change his music meant he failed to attract the critical acclaim and commercial success his undeniable talent deserved. The five albums that comprise J.J. Cale-Classic Album Selection are proof, if any is needed of this. Quite simply, They’re also proof that the laid-back, languid and understated sound of J.J. Cale matches and often, surpasses many guitarists his era. During the five album in J.J. Cale-Classic Album Selection, J.J. demonstrates that he’s both one of the greatest and most underrated guitarists of a generation.
J.J. CALE-CLASSIC ALBUM SELECTION.
RODION G.A.-THE LOST TAPES.
RODION G.A.-THE LOST TAPES.
Rodion G.A’s The Lost Tapes is the most eagerly awaited albums of 2013. It’ll be released Strut Records on 27th May 2013. However, Rodion G.A. aren’t a new band. Quite the opposite. Instead, Rodion G.A. were formed by Rodion Rosca between 1975 and 1976. The ten tracks that comprise The Lost Tapes are experimental and innovative tracks which were recorded during the early eighties. Incredibly, this the first album Rodion G.A. have released during their long career, which stretches back to the seventies. Apart from two tracks released by the Romanian state-owned Electrecord label, no other material by Rodion G.A. has been released during the past four decades. That’s what makes this such an exciting project. Indeed, for those that haven’t heard of Rodion G.A, The Lost Tapes is an opportunity to discover one of music’s real innovators, which I’ll now tell you about.
Like so many other artists, the words enigmatic is the perfect way to describe Rodion Rosca. He was born in Romania and is half-Romanian and half-Hungarian. Rodion grew up in Romania during the open period between 1965 and 1972. During this time, Rodion was exposed to an eclectic selection of musical influences, he heard on the radio. This included everything from rock, pop and jazz music. While the music he heard on the radio was primarily English and American, the city of Cluj, on the border with Hungary, had a healthy musical scene.
Among Cluj’s lead bands were prog rock groups like Cromatic and Experimental Quintet. Soon, Rodion had immersed himself in the local music scene and had established a reputation as a prolific collector of vinyl, including the classic rock of Led Zeppelin, The Beatles, Jimi Hendrix and The Who. Rodion didn’t restrict himself to classic rock. He was also interested in the more progressive, electronic bands of the era, including groups from Eastern and Western Europe. This included Jethro Tull, Emerson, Lake and Palmer and Yes, plus West Germany’s Kraftwerk, East Germany’s Karat, Czechoslovakia’s Matador and Hungary’s Skorpio. These eclectic influences would influence Rodion Rosca’s musical career.
From the late sixties, it became apparent that Rodion was going to make a career out of music. To do this, he had to forge his own unique sound. Rock music dominated Romanian music during this period. However, the music Rodion would create was very different from rock music. Using reel-to-reel tape recorders and built around just vocals, guitars and drums. The result was music that was understated, sparse and simple. Sometimes, the music could be describes as improvisational, experimental and haunting. Having made his first step into the world of music, three years later, Rodion would form Rodion G.A.
In 1975, Rodion joined with Gicu Farcas and Adrian Caparu to complete the lineup of Rodion G.A. Gicu and Adrian provided the G.A. in Rodion G.A. For his part, Rodion contributed a myriad of studio equipment. By 1975, Rodion had amassed an eclectic selection of equipment and established a reputation as a D.I.Y. tech wizard. He created his own unique way of creating music on reel-to-reel tape recorders, using the various tape machines to multitrack. His nascent studio included several Tesia tape recorders, drum machines, phasers, flangers and fuzz pedals. Then there were a toy Casio VL Tone and a Soviet made Faemi organ. Like the music Rodion G.A. were making, the equipment they were using was leftfield and eclectic.
Although Rodion G.A. were producing music during music this period, they weren’t releasing music. After all, this was the communist era and the state dominated countries like Romania and there was only one Romanian record label. This was the state-owned Electrecord label. During their first session, two tracks which can be found on the Formatti Rock Volume 5 compilation were recorded. Then at a second session, five other tracks were recorded. Sadly, they were never released. However, the recording engineer allowed Rodion to record the five tracks onto his own tape machine from the studio’s main mixing desk. This allowed Rodion G.A. to use these tracks to build new tracks. Some of these new tracks were played on Romanian radio stations and reached the top of the Romanian charts. That was the extent of Rodion G.A’s recordings. Without further recordings and more publicity and exposure, they weren’t going to achieve a higher profile. Despite this, Rodion G.A. didn’t give up. Instead, they embarked upon a series of extensive tours during the eighties.
During Rodion G.A’s tours, the band played through a custom-made P.A. Amps and speaker cabinets proudly bore the Rodion G.A. logo. This resulted in Rodion G.A. having a totally unique sound, one that bore no similarities to other Romanian groups. Best described as dense, raw, complicated and complex, veering into the realms of classical and prog rock, Rodion G.A’s music was unique and inimitable. They became a favorite at festivals throughout Romania, which since 1972, had become a much harsher regime. Rodion G.A. toured Romania, playing everywhere from festivals to restaurants. Bands had to be on their guard. They never knew when the state censors would arrive at concerts. Luckily, Rodion G.A. became expert at avoiding the state censors, who were known to chastise a group for singing: “yeah, yeah, yeah.” It seemed that for a Romanian band, like Rodion G.A, trying to make a commercial breakthrough during the communist era was almost impossible. After all, they couldn’t release albums, and touring was the only way to lift their profile. However, by the early eighties, other opportunities were coming Rodion’s way.
Away from touring, Rodion contributed the soundtrack to the movie Delta Space Mission during the mid-eighties. Unfortunately, the music Rodion had provided was turned down, and Adrian Enescu was given the job. Then Rodion contributed the soundtracks to plays, ballet and gymnastics exhibitions. Despite being well received, none of these projects provided a lasting legacy for Rodion G.A. By now, the end was almost nigh for one of Romanian music’s great innovators.
What proved to be Rodion G.A’s final concert took place at Mangalia Festival in 1987. It was around this time that Rodion’s mother had died. This resulted in Rodion walking away from music for twenty-five years.
Nothing further was heard from Rodion for twenty-five years. Then Luca Sorin, a blogger and filmmaker became interested in the mythology that surrounds Rodion. After months of researching Luca discovered a handful of tracks by Rodion and footage of their 1980 New Year’s Eve concert. He posted this online. This came to the attention of Future Nuggets. They’re a collective of musicians and producers who are determined to preserve Romania’s musical heritage. They also are seeking to forge new alliances within the country’s musical community. Then in 2012, Rodion G.A. made their comeback, after twenty-five years away from music. Now a year later, Rodion G.A. who were formed nearly four decades ago, will release their debut album The Lost Tapes, on Strut Records, which I’ll tell you about.
the Lost Tapes is a real genre-sprawling album. During its ten tracks, musical influences and genres melt seamlessly into one. It’s full of musical surprises aplenty. Listen carefully and you’ll hear an eclectic selection of influences. Alpha Centauri which opens The Lost Tapes is a prime example. Its influences are eighties electronics, jazz, folk, rock, World Music and ambient influences.
Cântec Fulger is a much more intense experience. It’s broody, moody and dramatic, before heading in the direction of dense and discordant. Rock, jazz and prog rock are the influences for Caravane, where the guitars draw inspiration from Jimi Hendrix. Here, sixties rock and seventies prog rock inspire Rodion G.A. to even greater heights of musical genius. Citadela is reminiscent of Cântec Fulger. It has a darker and much more dramatic sound, before banks of prog rock keyboards drive the track along.
Diagonala has a much more spartan arrangement. This is reminiscent of Radion’s early music. While this track was recorded in the eighties, it has a much more seventies sound. That’s down to the synths, which are at the heart of the arrangement. Similarly, Salt 83 is dominated by synths. They’re at the heart of everything that’s good about this track. It has a real uplifting early eighties sound that has you captivated for three minutes. The same can be said of Disco Mania. It’s rich in influences. There’s everything from prog rock, eighties electronics, jazz, psychedelia and Afro Beat thrown into the musical melting pot by Rodion G.A. This results is a groove oriented track that’s an enthralling fusion of influences.
Zephyr draws its influences from electronic music. It has a quite lo-fi sound, with just synths and drum machines at the heart of the arrangement. Having said that, this multilayered, dramatic track has a hypnotic sound and isn’t short of surprises.
Probably the most intriguing track on The Lost Tapes is Imagini Din Vis. One minute it’s elegant and ethereal, the next it’s heading in the direction of searing seventies rock guitars. These rocky guitars are joined by rolls of drums and old school synths. When all this is combined, the result is a track that draws inspiration from a variety of musical genres and influences.
A quite beautiful and poignant way to close The Lost Tapes is În Liniștea Nopți. It’s a track that’s inspired by fuzzy guitars, pensive piano and washes of synths. Just two-and-a-half minutes long, it’s not unlike the soundtrack to a film that’s yet to be made. Melancholy, pensive and ponderous, it demonstrates a very different and eclectic side to Rodion G.A’s music. Here, elements of rock, classical and jazz all play their part in what’s quite simply the best track on The Lost Tapes.
If Rodion G.A. had been either a British or American band, they’d have enjoyed the critical acclaim and commercial success their talent deserved. Sadly, their most productive period was during communist rule in Romania. That meant that their music never found the wider audience it deserved. That’s what makes the story of Rodion G.A. almost tragic. Through no fault of their own, they were unable to enjoy the success their talent so obviously deserved.
Although innovative is an overused word, Rodion G.A. were a truly innovative group. They weren’t afraid to push musical boundaries. In doing so, they fused musical genres, throwing everything from rock, jazz, prog rock, electronic, ambient and classical music into their musical melting pot. Having given it a stir, the result was a unique, enthralling and captivating sound that was unlike anything else of its time. Indeed, Rodion G.A. were way ahead of their time.
Sadly, Rodion G.A’s career lasted just over ten years. In 1987, after the death of his mother, Rodion Rosca walked away from music. For the next twenty-five years, nothing was heard of this charismatic, enigmatic and mercurial musician. Then in 2012, blogger and filmmaker Luca Sorin tracked Rodion down. Thanks to Luca, Rodion G.A. played a comeback concert and on 27th May 2013, The Lost Tapes will be released by Strut Records. Amazingly, The Lost Tapes is Rodion G.A’s debut album and will give a new generation of music lovers the opportunity to discover the music of an innovative and visionary musical group, albeit nearly four decades after they made their debut. Standout Tracks: Alpha Centauri, Zephyr, Imagini Din Vis and În Liniștea Nopți.
RODION G.A.-THE LOST TAPES.
THE T.K. RECORDS STORY VOLUME 1.
THE T.K. RECORDS STORY VOLUME 1.
Throughout his life, Henry Stone has been immersed in music. Indeed, ever since he was discharged from the US army in 1947, Henry Stone’s life has revolved around music. His career started in sales and distribution, at Modern and Jewel Records in 1948. After that, he moved to Miami, where he ran his own distribution company, worked as a producer, run his own publishing company and founded record labels,. Undoubtably, Henry Stone’s most successful record company was Miami based T.K. Records. It was one of many labels Henry founded during the sixties and seventies. T.K. Records enjoyed commercial success with K.C. and The Sunshine Band, George McCrae. Through subsidiary companies like Glades and Alston, Henry Stone released hit singles by Timmy Thomas and Betty Wright. However, there’s much more to T.K. Records and its subsidiary companies than this quartet of artists, as The T.K. Records Story Volume 1 demonstrates. The T.K. Records Story Volume 1, which was released by Gold Legion Records on 26th February 2013, features twelve tracks from an eclectic selection of artists. This includes T-Connection, Funk Machine, Foxy, Dr. Lonnie Smith, Midnight Flite and Gregg Diamond. These twelve tracks are a combination of original album versions and 12” mixes. For anyone who thinks T.K. Records back-catalogue starts with K.C. and The Sunshine Band and finishes with George McCrae, then The T.K. Records Story Volume 1 will prove something of a musical eyeopener. You’ll understand what I mean when I tell you about The T.K. Records Story.
Opening The T.K. Records Story Volume 1 is T-Connection’s Do What You Wanna Do. T-Connection were from Nassau, in the Bahamas, who released four albums for T.K. Records and their associated imprints. Do What You Wanna Do was released as a single in 1977 on T.K. Records’ Dash imprint. This was a track from their sophomore album Magic and epitomizes T-Connection’s unique, trademark fusion of funky disco.
Funk Machine only released one single for Drive Records. This was Funk Machine, which was released in 1977. Like T-Connection’s Do What You Wanna Do, it was produced by Cory Wade and Alex Sadkin. The version included on The T.K. Records Story is the eight-minute 12” version. It’s a hook-laden, hidden gem where funk, disco and urgent soulful harmonies unite seamlessly and are a welcome reminder of disco’s glory days.
Rocky Mizell and Sugar Rock Band released their debut single Hey Sexy Dancer on Drive Records in 1976. A year later, in 1977, they released their debut album Rocky Mizell and Sugar Rock Band. Hey Sexy Dancer was produced by Willie Clarke, who cowrote the track with Rocky Mizell. From the opening bars, the track has the T.K. Records’ Miami sound. With its combination of funk and disco, it seems K.C. and The Sunshine Band and George McCrae have influenced Rocky Mizell and Sugar Rock Band. Although it would be easy to describe this track as derivative, given its obvious inspiration, it’s one of these tracks that’s hard to resist.
After K.C. and The Sunshine Band relinquished their position as house-band at T.K. Records, Foxy were chosen as their replacement. Their best known single is Get Off, which was released as a single in 1978. This was a track from their sophomore album Get Off. Get Off is a real fusion of musical genres and influences. Everything from funk, disco, soul and Latin influences is added to Foxy’s musical melting por. Unlike other tracks on The T.K. Records Story, Get Off hasn’t aged as well. With its synths, vocoders and nascent technology, it fails to match the previous tracks for quality and is something of a disappointment.
Herman Kelly and Life released Dance To The Drummer’s Beat in 1978, on Electric Cat. This is a track from Herman Kelly and Life’s 1978 album Percussion Explosion. Straight away, you realize something special is unfolding. Stabs of keyboards and a myriad of percussion combine before blazing horns enter. When urgent, punchy harmonies join the fray, Herman Kelly and Life have locked into the tightest of grooves, where jazz, funk, soul and Latin percussion play their part in one of the highlights of The T.K. Records Story. Quite simply, this is a delicious Percussion Explosion.
By the time Tony Middleton released Lady Fingers on T.K. Disco, he’d enjoyed a varied career. Although he’d released numerous singles and demos as a solo artist and been a member of The Five Willows during the early fifties. Success however, had eluded him. Then in 1976, twenty-five years after his career began, and at the height of disco’s popularity, Tony tried to reinvent himself as a disco star. While Tony’s reinvention as a disco artist failed to revive his career, it’s shows a different side to him and his music.
When Dr. Lonnie Smith released Funk Reaction on T.K. Records in 1977, he’d enjoyed a long and successful career as a pianist and Hammond organist. His recording career began in the mid-sixties, when he’d been signed to Columbia and then Blue Note Records. Then in 1977, Lonnie released Funk Reaction, an irresistible fusion of funk and soul that’s one of the compilation’s highlights. It also demonstrates just how eclectic the music on The T.K. Records Story is.
Wildflower released a trio of singles for T.K. Records and its various subsidiaries. Their second single was Harlem Nocturne, which released in 1977, on T.K. Disco. It’s a fusion of hypnotic funk and good time disco. From the opening bars, it doesn’t quite grab your attention. It takes time before the track reveals its secrets.Although it’s a good track, it doesn’t quite match the quality of the other tracks on The T.K. Records Story.
Midnite Flite are another group who only released one single for T.K. Disco. This was Don’t Turn Away, released in 1977. After something of a curveball, cooing harmonies, handclaps and the rhythm section get this funky slice of disco on track. There’s everything you could want from a disco track, including a a great vocal and harmonies, lush strings, blazing horns and a generous helping of funk. The result is a memorable and timeless slice of disco, that’s a true hidden gem.
Peter Brown’s Do You Wanna Get Funky With Me is a dramatic, sensual slice of funk that was released in 1978. It was a single released from Peter’s 1978 album A Fantasy Love Affair. Here, everything from funk, jazz, disco, P-funk and soul are woven together by Peter. The result is a sassy, feisty and sensual funky track, that thirty-five years later, has stood the test of time.
Joe Thomas released Plato’s Retreat as a single in 1978. It was a track from Joe’s 1978 album Get In The Wind, which was produced by Sonny Lester and released on the Lester Radio Corporation label. Straight away, you realise something really special is unfolding.What’s unfolding is a track that epitomizes everything that’s good about disco. This includes everything from the vocal, the strings, horns and Sonny Lester’s production. Seamlessly, they play their part in this peerless slice of seventies disco.
Closing The T.K Records Story Volume 1 is Gregg Diamond’s Star Cruiser, which was released as a single in 1978. Star Cruiser was also the title of his 1978 album, which was released on Marlin Records. By 1978, Gregg had established a reputation as an innovative and influential artist and producer. He’d enjoyed commercial success with Bionic Boogie, and Star Cruiser demonstrates just how talented an artist he was. Quite simply, this track surpasses anything else on The T.K. Records Story. It’s best described as a soulful, funky and irresistible slice of disco.
What I like about The T.K Records Story Volume 1, is that the compiler has eschewed the well known tracks T.K. Records and their various subsidiary companies released. So, this means no George McCrae, K.C. and The Sunshine Band, Timmy Thomas or Betty Wright. That’s no bad thing. Most people will already be familiar with these tracks. It also shows that there’s much more to T.K. Records than a handful of artists. This allows people to discover the delights of Midnite Flite, Peter Brown and Joe Thomas. Then there’s tracks by veteran jazzer Dr. Lonnie Smith and Gregg Diamond, the innovative disco artist and producer. Of the twelve tracks on The T.K Records Story Volume 1, only two tracks disappoint. These are Foxy’s Get Off and Wildflower’s Harlem Nocturne. The remainder of the tracks on The T.K Records Story Volume 1 are quality all the way. My only criticism is that the twelve tracks on The T.K Records Story Volume 1 just scratch the surface of T.K. Records’ back-catalogue. Like The Salsoul Records Story and The West End Records Story, The T.K Records Story Volume 1 could’ve been a double or triple album. That would’ve done justice to T.K. Records’ illustrious and eclectic back-catalogue. However, The T.K Records Story, which was released by Gold Legion Records on 26th February 2013, is the perfecting starting point in a voyage of discover through T.K. Records eclectic and illustrious back-catalogue. Standout Tracks: Funk Machine Funk Machine,Dr. Lonnie SmithFunk Reaction, Midnite Flite Don’t Turn Away and Gregg Diamond Star Cruiser.
THE T.K. RECORDS STORY VOLUME 1.
THE WEST END RECORDS STORY.
THE WEST END RECORDS STORY.
When Ed Kushins and Mel Cherin founded West End Records in 1976, they had no idea that their newly founded label would become one of the most important, influential and innovative labels of the disco era. Now nearly four decades later, West End Records is held in the same esteem as Salsoul, Prelude, Casablanca and SAM Records. West End Records built up an inevitable roster of artists, including Loose Joints, Taana Gardner, Raw Silk, Barbara Mason, Karen Young and the N.Y.C. Peech Boys. Soon, West End Records was providing the soundtrack to disco and post-disco era. Critically acclaimed and commercially successful, West End Records’ releases were favorites of DJs like Larry Levan, who helped Ed and Mel forge their unique. This sound that came to define the sound of New York during the late seventies and early eighties. Since then, West End Records’ popularity has never waned. New generations of DJs and music lovers are rediscovering the label and its timeless music. However, like many of disco’s legendary labels, West End Records’ back-catalogue is one of the most underexploited labels.
Just like SAM Records, Casablanca and to some extent Salsoul Records, there’s a lack of compilations and reissues of West End Records’ back-catalogue. So, for anyone looking to discover the delights of West End Records they’re hardly spoiled for choice. Sadly, no record label has decided to give West End Records’ back-catalogue an extensive reissue program. Granted a few compilations have been released, but they vary in quality. Thankfully, Gold Legion Records have decided to release a new West End Records’ compilation, The West End Records Story in April 2013. The West End Records Story features ten tracks, including Tanna Gardner, Loose Joints, Barbara Mason, Raw Silk, Phase II and Billy Nichols. This is similar to Gold Legion Records’ recently released The Salsoul Records Story. Like Salsoul, West End Records were one of disco’s premier labels and The West End Records Story features some of the label’s best releases, which I’ll now tell you about.
Opening The West End Records Story is Taana Gardner’s When You Touch Me. Released in 1979 and produced by Kenton Nix, Larry Levan mixed this ten and a half minute epic. An understated combination of rhythm section, percussion and pensive strings usher in Taana’s vocal. It’s gentle and subtle vocal, before soaring high above the arrangement. Crunchy beats accompany keyboards, sweeping strings and percussion, as this epic track reveals its hidden charms and subtleties. Suddenly, with the beats pounding, the tempo increases, and the arrangement kicks loose. When the bass and keyboards enter, they give the arrangement a jazzy feel that’s a contrast to the pounding beats. Then spurred on, Taana unleashes an impassioned, heartfelt diva-sque vocal. Her powerful delivery is peerless, while the rhythm section and keyboards drive the arrangement along, magically mixing funk and disco during this epic track.
Another West End Records classic is Loose Joint’s Is It All Over My Face. It was released in 1980 and demonstrates how dance music was changing. Written and produced by producer Arthur Russell and DJ Steve D’Aquisto, this marked the start of the post-disco era. The track incorporates an early house sound thanks to the drums and has a hypnotic bass line. Add to this a sassy, feisty female vocal that struts across the arrangement, and it’s remarkable how dance music had changed within a year. However, like Taana Gardner’s When You Touch Me, this is a timeless dance track, that thirty-three years later, has a contemporary sound.
Although Barbara Mason’s career started back in the sixties, she released the best music of her career between 1972 and 1975, when she was signed to Buddah Records. Albums like Give Me Your Love and Lady Love contain Barbara’s best music. Then in 1983, she reinvented herself as a dance-floor diva, releasing Another Man on West End Records. Written and produced by Butch Ingram, Another Man saw Barbara’s music head in a very different direction. The arrangement married elements of eighties electronics and boogie. This meant drum machines and synths, which was very different to her work with Norman Harris. One thing didn’t change, her vocal. It was sassy, sultry and filled with emotion and frustration, as she brought meaning and life to the lyrics.
Mahogany’s Ride On the Rhythm was released in 1982 and features a vocal from Bernice Watkins. Squelchy synths, cascading strings and rasping horns combine with the rhythm section before Bernice’s vocal enters. Her voice suits the arrangement, fusing emotion, passion and controlled power. Behind her, the arrangement magically marries funk and soul, providing the perfect backdrop for her vocal. When you listen to the track, you realise how sophisticated a track this is, one that’s quite unlike much of the music of the time. It’s very different to much of the music of the time. Maybe that’s why it’s aged well and remains one of the gems of the West End Records back-catalogue.
Let’s Go Dancin’ by Sparque is an uplifting and joyous track that was released in 1981. It was arranged and produced by Larry Joseph, while Larry Levan and Francois K mixed the track. Like so many West End Records releases, this track benefits from a great vocal, almost diva-like in its quality. It’s sung against an arrangement that combines electronic music with disco and funk. With plenty of percussion, keyboards, synths and a rhythm section that injects some funk in to the track, it’s a track with a real joyful, feel-good sound and of course that diva-esque vocal.
Another track that demonstrates how dance music changed during the early eighties is Shirley Lites Heat You Up. It was released in 1983 and produced by Nick Martinelli and David Todd. Gone are the lush orchestral arrangements of the disco era. They’re replaced by drum machines and synths which take the track in the direction of boogie and Hi-NRG sound. Unlike many similar tracks, this one has stood the test of time. No wonder, given a stunning, sensual vocal, which is accompanied by dramatic, soaring and sassy harmonies. Like so many West End Records’ releases, it’s the vocal that’s key to the track’s success. That’s definitely the case here.
Raw Silk were a studio group assembled by producers Bert Reid and Ron Dean Miller. They released two of West End Records best known tracks 1982s Do It To The Music and 1983s Just In Time. Do It To The Music which was written, arranged and produced by Ron Dean Miller, features on The West End Records Story. This is Raw Silk’s finest moment. Quite simply, it’s seven minutes where a boogie arrangement, tender, heartfelt and impassioned vocal and cooing harmonies unite. Add to this a sultry jazz-tinged saxophone and the result is one of the highlights of The West End Records Story play their part in a track where soul, boogie and jazz become one.
Recently, I reviewed Michelle’s debut album Magic Love, which was released on West End Records in 1977. Quite simply, Magic Love is a true hidden gem of the disco era. So too is the single Can’t You Feel It, where a funky bass line, wah-wah guitars, stabs of blazing horns and a pulsating disco beat sets the scene for Michelle’s tender breathy vocal. The Sweethearts of Sigma add cooing, sweeping harmonies as Michelle’s vocal grows in power, passion and sensuality. Meanwhile, the rhythm section create the pounding disco beat. Bursts of growling horns, percussion and the sweetest of harmonies envelop her vocal. Thunderous drums and a strident bass provide the heartbeat as Michelle takes on the roll of disco diva. Confidently and with just the right mix of sass and sensuality, she struts her way through this delicious slice of American disco.
Forrce are another group who only released one single for West End Records. This was 1982s Keep On Dancin’ (Phase II). It was mixed by Francois K, who was responsible for the overdubs. Thanks to the banks of keyboards, the arrangement has a tougher, funkier sound. Percussion and chanted vocals are added, giving the track a hypnotic sound. Then when the vocal enters, it’s a feisty rap that takes its inspiration from hip hop. By now, you realise that this is very different from anything else on The West End Records Story. Indeed, it’s an innovative fusion of musical genres and influences, and one that deserves to bare the West End Records’ logo.
Closing The West End Records Story is Billy Nichols Give Your Body Up, which was released in 1979. Mixed by Larry Levan, this track has a much more classic disco sound. That’s thanks to the blazing horns, swirling strings and the arrangement’s percussive delights. It’s a track laden with drama and energy. Quite simply, from the get-go you’re hooked. Keyboards, rhythm section and stabs of horns drive the arrangement along while strings dance. Billy’s vocal veers between urgent and vampish, while backing vocalists join the horns in adding to the drama. The arrangement and Billy’s vocal compliment each other. They drive each other to greater heights, becoming a musical ying and yang, who play their part in this irresistible, hook-laden slice of disco.
While The West End Records Story only features ten 12” versions, they’re ten great tracks. Indeed, some of the tracks on The West End Records Story are the real highlights of the label’s history. There’s neither filler nor flops, just one great track after another. The ten tracks just fly by, bringing back memories from the late seventies and early eighties. These tracks are a mixture of disco and post-disco tracks. The compiler has chosen well, digging deep into West End Records’ back-catalogue. There’s a combination of familiar faces like Loose Joints, Taana Gardner, Raw Silk, Barbara Mason and Karen Young. Then there’s hidden gems from Michelle and Sparque and the innovative sound of Forrce. These ten tracks will give a newcomer to West End Records’ back-catalogue a tantalizing taste of what delights are in-store for them on the voyage of discovery that they’ll surely head upon. It’s just a pity that The West End Records Story wasn’t a double or triple album, as there’s so much more great music within West End Records’ back-catalogue. Maybe they’re saving that for volumes 2 and 3? Until then, The West End Records Story which will be released in April 2013, will give newcomers to West End Records a tantalizing taste of one of disco’s premier labels. For veterans of West End Records, then The West End Records Story will bring back musical memories of the disco and post-disco eras. Standout Tracks: Taana Gardner When You Touch Me, Barbara Mason Another Man, Michelle Can’t You Feel It and Billy Nichols Give Your Body Up.
THE WEST END RECORDS STORY.
THE SALSOUL RECORDS STORY.
THE SALSOUL RECORDS STORY.
Given Salsoul Records is disco’s premier label and was responsible for some of the most innovative and influential music of the disco era, you’d expect there to be many more compilations available than there are. Granted there have been a number of compilations released over the past few years, but recently, things have quietened down. What I’ve discovered is that when Salsoul compilations are released, it’s often the same tracks that appear on the compilations. That’s quite disappointing, given how extensive Salsoul’s back-catalogue is. Indeed, there’s more than enough for a box set, ideally one similar to Harmless Records lovingly compiled Philadelphia International Records 40th Anniversary Collection. That would be a fitting homage to what is the most important, innovative and influential back-catalogues not just in the history of disco, but modern dance music. The best Salsoul compilation I’ve encountered was Harmless Records’ The Definitive Salsoul Mixes, a three-disc box set. For me, that set the standard against all future Salsoul compilations should be compared. Essentially, The Definitive Salsoul Mixes is the King of Salsoul compilations, with every new Salsoul compilation a contender for their crown. The latest contender is The Salsoul Records Story, which was released by Gold Legion Records on 26th February 2013.
The Salsoul Records Story is a ten-track compilation featuring some of the biggest names in the history of Salsoul Records. This includes the undisputed Queen of Disco Loleatta Holloway, First Choice and the greatest disco orchestra, The Salsoul Orchestra. There’s also contributions from Candido, Carol Williams, Charo and The Salsoul Orchestra, Metropolis, Gary Criss and Bunny Sigler. Included in the eight-page sleeve-notes is a forward written by Bobby “Electronic” Eli, who was guitarist in both M.F.S.B. and The Salsoul Orchestra. Will The Salsoul Records Story come close to wrestling The Definitive Salsoul Mixes’ crown as the definitive Salsoul compilation.
Opening The Salsoul Records Story is Runaway, by The Salsoul Orchestra featuring Loleatta Holloway. Released as a single in June 1977, this version can be found on The Salsoul Orchestra’s 1977 album Magic Journey. It provides the perfect showcase for a true disco diva Loleatta Holloway. A combination of some of the most talented musicians of the era, Vince Montana’s production skills and a true diva are at the heart of the track’s success. Opening with that unmistakable introduction, where the Baker, Harris, Young rhythm section combine, the introduction blossoms. Rasping horns, swirling strings and percussion accompany Loleatta. Her vocal is confident, defiant and powerful, while drums punctate the arrangement and lush strings cascade. The arrangement sweeps along. A potent combination of dramatic horns and drums, is contrasted by percussion, Vince Montana Jr’s vibes and strings. What makes the track is Loleatta’s vocal, as the confidently and defiantly vamps her way through a genuine and timeless disco classic.
By the time First Choice signed to Norman Harris’ Gold Mind Records, they’d already released three albums. They’d release three more albums on Gold Mind, including 1977s Delusions, which features Dr. Love, which was arranged and produced by Norman Harris. The version included on The Salsoul Records Story is a previously unreleased eight minute epic. With a combination of a pounding Baker, Harris, Young rhythm section combining with blazing horns, cascading strings and a sizzling guitar the track bursts into life. A flourish of keyboards gives way to Rochelle’s vocal. It’s perfect for the arrangement, with its mixture of power, passion and confidence. Behind Rochelle, the rest of the group contribute soulful, soaring harmonies. All the time, Ron Baker’s bass and Earl Young’s drums anchor the track, each matching the other note for note. By now, Rochelle is overflowing with confidence. Her vocal is a powerful sassy, vamp with Annette and Joyce responding to her call. Strings quiver and shiver, horns growl, Norman Harris adds a jazzy guitar solo and The Salsoul Orchestra are in full flight. Together with First Choice and Rochelle’s vocal tour de force which is a mixture of power, passion and emotion. Add in Norman Harris’ stunning arrangement and the result is a hook-laden disco classic.
Gary Criss’ Rio De Janeiro is one of the more leftfield choices on The Salsoul Records Story. It’s the title-track from Gary’s only album for Salsoul, released in 1978. Arranged and produced by John Davis, the standout track on this Latin-tinged disco album was Rio De Janeiro. Along with tracks like Amazon Queen and My Rio Lady, Rio De Janeiro was one of the most compelling and intriguing albums Salsoul released during 1978. It’s something of a hidden gem and Rio De Janeiro’s inclusion here can only be welcomed.
Like Gary Criss, Metropolis only released one album on Salsoul, 1978s The Greatest Show On Earth. Produced by Tom Moulton and Thor Baldursson, The Greatest Show On Earth featured unmistakable sound of The Sweethearts of Sigma. Billed as The Sweethearts, Barbara Ingram, Carla Benson and Evette Benton’s harmonies were the perfect foil for the Euro Disco arrangements and like Rio De Janeiro, is one of the most underrated albums Salsoul released. The best track on The Greatest Show On Earth was the uplifting, joyful and irresistible single, I Love New York.
In 1978, Charo released her debut album Cuchi Cuchi on Salsoul. Billed as Charo and The Salsoul Orchestra, it featured what became her best known track Dance A Little Bit Closer, which became a sensuous Salsoul classic. A pounding Baker, Harris, Young rhythm section, keyboards, lush strings and growling horns signal the arrival of Charo’s breathy vocal. She’s accompanied by blazing horns, vibes and swathes of lush strings that glide elegantly into the arrangement. Earl Young’s drums provide the track’s heartbeat, while backing vocalists accompany Charo. Later, her vocal becomes much more flamboyant, as disco and Latin music are fused seamlessly. By the end of this irresistible track, you realize a little Charo will brighten up your life.
Carol Williams is another artist who only released one album on Salsoul. However, if you’re only going to release one album for disco’s greatest labels, make it one as good as 1977s ‘Lectric Lady. One of the singles was Love Is You, released in March 1977. For far too long, it was an underrated and overlooked track. Thankfully, Carol’s track has come back into “fashion,” and is one of the hidden gems in the Salsoul back-catalogue. Produced and co-written by Vince Montana Jr., who fuses the sweetest, joyful vocal with a stunning arrangement. This results in five minutes of majestic, magical music. When the track opens, it’s just Earl Young’s drums that you hear, before literally, the track explodes into life. Suddenly, you’re greeted by sweet, cascading strings, blazing horns, percussion and the rhythm section. They give way to Carol’s sweet, beautiful vocal. She’s accompanied by a backdrop of quivering strings, flourishes of guitars and bursts of horns as the track reveals its irresistible sound. Later, Vince adds just the finishing touch to the track with his vibes, playing a lengthy and glorious solo. This is just the perfect way to close this gorgeous track, one with a hook-laden, feel-good sound.
Before signing to Salsoul, Bunny Sigler released a trio of albums for Gamble and Huff’s Philadelphia International Records. Sadly, they weren’t commercially successful. Next stop for Bunny was Norman Harris’ Gold Mild Records, which was a subsidiary of Salsoul. Bunny was a member of The Salsoul Orchestra and worked as a songwriter, arranger and producer. Between 1977 and 1980, he released three albums, Let me Party With You in 1977 and 1979s I’ve Always Wanted To Sing…Not Just Write Songs. His third album Let It Snow, released in 1980, was released on Salsoul, after Gold Mind’s demise. One of his best singles was By The Way I Dance (I Knew It Was You) from 1979s I’ve Always Wanted To Sing…Not Just Write Songs. With a myriad of percussion, synths and soaring, dramatic harmonies from The Sweethearts of Sigma disco, boogie, funk and Philly Soul unite. The result is a nine-minute dramatic epic which showed the direction disco was heading after disco’s untimely demise.
There aren’t many artists who released albums on Blue Note and Salsoul. One man did… the Cuban percussive maestro Candido. Twenty-three years after releasing his debut album Candido released two albums for Salsoul in 1979, These were Candi’s Funk and Dancin’ and Prancin.’ Of the two albums, Dancin’ and Prancin’ is the highlight of Candido’s short time at Salsoul. One of his most memorable moments was Jingo, an enthralling eleven-minute percussive masterclass from the Cuban maestro. After listening to Dancin’ and Prancin,’ you’ll want to know much more about one of the finest percussionists of his generation.
Chicago Bus Stop (Ooh I Love It) was a track from The Salsoul Orchestra’s 1976 debut album The Salsoul Orchestra. It has an irresistibly, joyous and uplifting sound. This track features the Sweethearts of Sigma adding breathy, sassy vocals. The Baker, Harris, Young rhythm section lock into a funky groove, while keyboards, guitars and percussion are joined by sassy, sensual vocals from the Sweethearts of Sigma. A sultry alto saxophone enters, as strings, sweep and swirl as the breathy vocal drifts in and out. Dramatic stabs of growling horns accompany the saxophone, and the rhythm section never miss a beat. They’re responsible for the mesmeric, almost hypnotic backdrop, while flourishes of woodwind and a myriad of percussion give the arrangement a Latin flavor. Here, funk meets disco with a twist of Latin flavor and Philly Soul added for good measure, as only The Salsoul Orchestra could, that is with style, flair and a flourish.
Closing The Salsoul Records Story is Loleatta Holloway’s Dreamin.’ This was a track from her 1976 album Loleatta, which was released on Gold Mind Records. It’ one of four tracks Norman Harris cowrote with Ron Tyson and Allan Felder. Norman arranged and produced the track, while Loleatta gives one of the best performances of her career. Larry Washington’s congas give way to grand strings that sweep and swirl, before the Baker, Harris, Young rhythm section, guitars and blazing horns. Loleatta struts centre-stage, her vocal sassy and fiery. She combines controlled power and confidence, while the Sweethearts of Sigma add sweet, soaring backing vocals. With the pounding rhythm section, punchy blazing horns and dancing strings accompanying Loleatta she gives one of sassiest, feistiest performances, settling into the role of disco diva as if born for the roll. Little did she’d given “The Greatest Performance Of My Life.”
For anyone looking for an introduction to Salsoul Records, then The Salsoul Records Story provides a starting point. It features familiar tracks, leftfield choices and unreleased tracks. Familiar tracks include The Salsoul Orchestra featuring Loleatta Holloway’s Runaway, Carol Williams’ Love Is You, Charo’s Dance A Little Closer and Loleatta Holloway’s Dreamin.’ Leftfield choices includes Gary Criss Rio De Janeiro and Metropolis’ I Love New York. To me, they’re welcome additions to any Salsoul compilation. So too is the previously unreleased version of First Choice’s Dr. Love and Candido’s eleven-minute percussive epic Jingo. Overall, The Salsoul Records Story is a good Salsoul compilation. It’s not however, a definitive Salsoul compilation. However, it would’ve worked even better if it had been a double or triple album. This would’ve allowed the compiler to dig deeper and include a much wider variety of tracks. As it is, The Salsoul Records Story comes across as a tantalizing taste of what might have been. While it’s a good compilation, it’s not as good as Harmless Records’ The Definitive Salsoul Mixes. The Definitive Salsoul Mixes set the standard for other Salsoul compilations. Sadly, The Salsoul Records Story doesn’t come close to stealing its crown. If The Salsoul Records Story had been a much more comprehensive and in-depth compilation, then maybe The Definitive Salsoul Mixes might have lost its crown. As it is, The Salsoul Records Story is still the King of Salsoul compilations and The Salsoul Records Story just another contender. Standout Tracks: The Salsoul Orchestra featuring Loleatta Holloway’s Runaway, Carol Williams’ Love Is You, Charo and The Salsoul Orchestra Dance A Little Closer and Loleatta Holloway’s Dreamin.’
THE SALSOUL RECORDS STORY.
BACKBEATS-METROPOLIS STOMP TIME-NORTHERN SOUL FROM THE BIG CITY.
BACKBEATS-METROPOLIS STOMP TIME-NORTHERN SOUL FROM THE BIG CITY.
When it comes to compiling a Northern Soul compilation, Harmless Records couldn’t have selected a better compiler than Kev Roberts for their latest Backbeats’ compilation Metropolis Stomp Time. After all, Kev Roberts life has been Northern Soul since Northern Soul’s heyday. Kev Roberts started off as a DJ at the legendary Wigan Casino, and in the intervening forty years, has been a promoter, owned record labels, been a radio presenter and a songwriter and producer. Then there’s the small matter of Kev compiling over 300 albums. To that number he can add one more, Metropolis Stomp Time which was one of the latest batch of Backbeats’ compilations released on 25th March 2013.
Metropolis Stomp Time features thirty-one tracks from a truly eclectic selection of artists. There’s everyone from Little Richard, Paul Anka, Chuck Jackson, Inez and Charlie Foxx, The Just Brothers, Melba Moore, Maxine Brown and The Shirelles. These tracks were released on labels like RCA, Wand, Columbia, Date, Scepter, King, Dynamo, Garrison and Musicor. It seems Kev Roberts who came up with the idea for Metropolis Stomp Time has looked through every corner of his extensive and unrivaled collection of Northern Soul records. The result is a peerless collection of Northern Soul that’ll appeal to Northern Soul veterans and newcomers alike. That’s what you’d expect from a man whose life has revolved around Northern Soul
Indeed, if you’ve never bought a Northern Soul compilation, this is a good place to start. Every one a winner, without any filler describes Kev’s selection. This should give you a flavor of one of Kev’s DJ sets, forty years ago at the Wigan Casino. Back then Northern Soul was a true musical phenomena. In the intervening forty years, Northern Soul’s popularity has never faltered, and its followers appetite for compilations like Metropolis Stomp Time has never waned. However, unlike many compilations, Metropolis Stomp Time has thirty-one quality tracks. Picking just a few of Metropolis Stomp Time’s highlights won’t be easy, but hear goes.
Opening Metropolis Stomp Time is Dean Courtney’s I’ll Always Need You, which was released on RCA Records in 1966. Written by Leon Huff and Len Barry, who had been a member of The Dovells and then enjoyed a solo career. I’ll Always Need You became a Wigan Casino anthem around 1974. It only takes one listen to realize why. It’s one of these tracks that’s truly irresistible and totally anthemic.
Many people might think Paul Anka is a strange choice for a Northern Soul compilation. Not one bit. I Can’t Help Loving You has Northern Soul written all over. Written by Artie Schroeck and Jet Loring and released in 1966 on RCA Records, this track has everything you could want in a Northern Soul track. Lush strings, stabs of horns, stomping beat and a heartfelt, emotive vocal from Paul Anka. In many ways, this track helps define what Northern Soul sounds like.
Way before Gamble and Huff founded Philadelphia International Records, they cowrote and produced The Vibrations’ Cause You’re Mine. It was released in 1968, on Epic. By then, The Vibrations recording career was eight years old. They’d released singles for Checker, Atlantic and Okeh plus two albums for Okeh 1965s Shout and 1966s Misty. Their biggest singles were 1964s My Girl Sloopy and 1968s Love In Them Thar Hills. Although Cause Your Mine didn’t replicate the success of these singles, it lead to The Vibrations releasing singles on Gamble and Huff’s Neptune Records.
Of all the tracks on Metropolis Stomp Time, there was one I just couldn’t overlook. It’s Maxine Brown’s seminal One In A Million, which she recorded during her time at Wand Records. For Maxine, her time at Wand was where she released the best music of her career. The best of all was One In A Million, released in 1966. Truly, it was a career defining track and one that despite Maxine’s best efforts, wouldn’t better. It became a Wigan Casino classic and indeed, is worthy of being referred to as a soul classic.
One of the rarest tracks on Metropolis Stomp Time The Gentlemen Four’s You Can’t Keep A Good Man Down. If you could find a copy, it would set you back around £600 or $900. So considering Metropolis Stomp Time costs only £5, this must be the bargain of 2013. Released in 1966 on Wand, and produced by Dionne Warwick and arranged by George Andrews, this is a case where rarity equates to quality. With its cascading blazing horns, tight harmonies and a vocal laden with emotion, you’ll soon realize why this track is so in-demand.
Chuck Jackson’s career started in the early sixties, with his first hit I Don’t Wanna Cry released in 1961. Since then, he’s enjoyed a long and successful career. By 1966, when he released one of his best known tracks These Chains of Love (Are Breaking Me Down) on Pye, he’d released five albums on Wand and Pye. He’d also released an album with Maxine Brown, Saying Something in 1965. These Chains of Love (Are Breaking Me Down) is one of Chuck’s most compelling, potent and powerful performances. He unleashes an impassioned vocal that’s accompanied by a stomping backbeat that drives the arrangement along. The result is a classic slice of Northern Soul.
Marie Knight was originally a gospel singer before she crossed-over. Her career started back in 1946, with Marie duetting with Sister Rosetta Sharpe on Old Landmark in 1952. Five years later, in 1957, she released debut album Songs Of The Gospel. Ten years later, in 1967, Marie had established a career as a soul singer and released That’s No Way To Treat A Girl on Musicor Records. From the opening bars, the song is bristling with raw emotion. Marie’s is the focus of your attention, while soaring harmonies, vibes and stabs of rasping horns compliment her impassioned and soulful pleas. Sadly, Marie Knight never enjoyed the commercial success her talent deserved. However, this track is a poignant reminder of her talent and ability to breath meaning into lyrics.
Way before Melba Moore found fame and fortune, with singles like Pick Me Up, I’ll Dance, You Stepped Into My Life and Standing Right Here, she recorded a demo for Musicor Records. This was The Magic Touch, written by Ted Daryll and produced by Stan Kahan. During three magical minutes, you get a tantalizing glimpse of Melba Moore’s nascent talent. It’s obvious even then that Melba would enjoy a critically acclaimed and commercially successful career in music. It seems that even then, she had The Magic Touch.
The Shirelles were something of a pioneering group. They were the first female group to have a number one single in the US Billboard 100. Although they released I Met Him On A Sunday on Decca, most of their success came when they signed to Scepter Records, where they released six albums. Their final album for Scepter was Spontaneous Combustion, which featured Last Minute Miracle. Again, this is a quintessentially Northern Soul track. From the opening bars, The Shirelles roll back the years. They combine a wistful, but heartfelt lead vocal with urgent and sometimes melancholy harmonies. This would later become a Wigan Casino classic, one that evokes fond memories of veterans of the legendary all-nighters.
My final choice is Freddie Williams’ I’ve Got To Live While I Can, which closes Metropolis Stomp Time. This track was released in 1967 on Hollywood Records. Although just two minutes long, you’re swept along atop soaring harmonies, thunderous drums and a grizzled vocal which proffers the words of wisdom “I’ve Got To Live While I Can.” The result is a memorable, stomping and anthemic slice of Northern Soul.
Having constantly listened to Metropolis Stomp Time since I received it, I can honestly say that if you’re going to buy one Northern Soul compilation, make it this one. Metropolis Stomp Time features thirty-one delicious slices of Northern Soul compiled by Kev Roberts, a man whose life has revolved around Northern Soul. He’s a forty-year veteran of Northern Soul, who was a DJ at the legendary Wigan Casino. SInce then, he’s been immersed in Northern Soul and has compiled more compilations that most people will have in their collection. Kev is a man who knows his floaters from his stompers. For Metropolis Stomp Time he’s surpassed himself, compiling thirty-one tracks that are a perfect introduction to Northern Soul. If you weren’t around when the Wigan Casino was in its heyday, Metropolis Stomp Time will give you a musical flavor of what it was like. In its day, the Wigan Casino held the title of the most famous nightclub in the world. People came from far and wide to hear DJs like Kev Roberts spin Northern Soul. Now thanks to the good people at Harmless Records, you don’t even have to leave your home to experience the Wigan Casino experience. All you need to do, is buy a copy of Metropolis Stomp Time, which is one of the latest batch of Backbeats compilations released on 25th March 2013. Regardless of whether you’re a veteran of Northern Soul compilations, or a relative newcomer, Metropolis Stomp Time belongs in your record collection. In fact, I’m sure you won’t come across a better Northern Soul compilation than Metropolis Stomp Time this year. That’s how good Metropolis Stomp Time is. Standout Tracks: Dean Courtney I’ll Always Need You, The Vibrations Cause You’re Mine, Maxine Brown One In A Million and Freddie Williams’I’ve Got To Live While I Can.
BACKBEATS-METROPOLIS STOMP TIME-NORTHERN SOUL FROM THE BIG CITY.
BACKBEATS-UNEXPLOITED AND UNDERRATED-MORE CONTEMPORARY MODERN SOUL GEMS.
BACKBEATS-UNEXPLOITED AND UNDERRATED-MORE CONTEMPORARY MODERN SOUL GEMS.
Ever since the heady days of the Northern Soul scene, British DJs and record buyers have been on a mission to unearth rare records. These are either underrated tracks that previously, have been released to apathy, and since then, have remained unloved and unheard. Often, these are some seminal soulful gems just awaiting discovery. Many of these tracks are extremely rare and can change hands for hundreds, if not thousands of pounds. To find these hidden gems, requires patience, persistence and sometimes, luck. Crate diggers head to backstreet record shops, dusty basements, warehouses, car-boot sales and junk shops, all in the hope of finding that elusive rare record. Often, rare records can be found in the unlikeliest of places. Everyone has their own story of finding that elusive record in the unlikeliest of places, often for a bargain price. Next stop is to head home and discover your hidden gem’s soulful delights.
Having discovered that elusive hidden gem, you take it home, and with some trepidation play it. After a few bars, you realise not only are you listening something very special, but hugely underrated. When you let friends hear it, they too fall in love with this hugely underrated, soulful gem.You begin to find out more about the artist. Sadly, you discover that they neither enjoyed the commercial success nor critical acclaim their talent deserved. Often, that was their only recording. Now their dream is over, they’re working in a factory or pumping gas. All too often, you hear this story of hugely talented and underrated artists who should’ve enjoyed commercial success and critical acclaim. Sad as this is, there’s nothing most people can do to rectify this, unless of course, your name is Ian Levine.
In 1987, Ian Levine began recording artists who’d recorded for various American labels, including Motown. Recording of tracks took place in Los Angeles, London and Detroit between 1989 and 2009. Eventually, he’d recorded sixty former Motown artists. Ian produced and cowrote many of these tracks, including sixteen of the eighteen tracks on Unexploited and Underrated, which was one of the Backbeats’ compilations released on 25th March 2013. Among the artists that feature on Unexploited and Underrated are The Elgins, Billy Preston, The Contours, The Originals, Gina Foster and Betty Lavette. With so many well known names on Unexploited and Underrated, choosing the highlights isn’t going to be easy, but hear goes.
The track that opens Unexploited and Underrated, compiled by Simon White, is an example of how Ian Levine rejuvenated a group’s career. Back in the mid-sixties, The Elgins released like Darling Baby, Heaven Must Have Sent You and I Understand My Man on V.I.P. Records, plus their debut album Darling Baby in 1966. Then in 1990 The Elgins signed to Ian’s Motorcity Records, where they released 1990s Take The Train and 1991s Sensational. Then in 2004, Don’t Wait Around was released. It featured Yvonne Vernee on lead vocal, who took over lead vocal duties from the late Saundra Edwards. Don’t Wait Around became a Modern Soul classic, and the 2004 7” Remix brings new life and meaning to a track Ian Levine cowrote.
Billy Preston was one of the few musicians to play with both The Beatles and The Rolling Stones. Indeed, Billy worked with most of music’s big names. He also enjoyed a long and successful solo career, releasing albums for Vee Jay, Apple, Capitol, Buddah and A&M. In 1990, Billy hooked up with Ian Levine and recorded You Are The Rhythm In My Life. The result is a glorious mid-tempo track, where Billy’s heartfelt, emotive vocal shows that he’d not lost any of his talent. Ian’s remix with stabs of horns and swathes of lush string compliments Billy’s vocal Magnus Opus. Instead of the original, the version on Unexploited and Underrated is the 2006 Remix, which somehow surpasses the original. Quite simply, this is one of Unexploited and Underrated highlights.
J.J. Barnes’ career began in 1964, when he released Poor Unfortunate Me (I Ain’t Got Nobody) on Ring Records. He then released a series of singles on Ric Tic, including Please let Me In, Day Tripper and Say It. After that, J.J. released singles on Volt, Motown and Perception. Then in 1991, J.J. recorded the Edwin Starr and Ian Levine penned I’ve Seen The Light. It was produced by Ian Levine and released on Motorcity Records. This dance-floor friendly slice of Modern Soul introduced a new generation of music lovers into J.J. Barnes.
One of the most welcome additions on Unexploited and Underrated is David Ruffin’s Hurt The One You Love. The reason for this, is it’s the last track David recorded. Written by Ronnie McNeir, Ian Levine, Ronaldo Benson and Mike Crump, it’s a fitting, poignant and classy reminder of one of the great names in soul music. David’s rasping and impassioned vocal becomes a heartfelt, pleading vamp. He’s accompanied by one of the best arrangements on the compilation. With its blazing horns, soaring harmonies and sultry saxophone solo, Ian and Ronnie’s production is a fitting accompaniment to David’s vocal and a fitting memory of the ex-Temptation.
Before embarking on a solo career, James Epps was lead singer of the Fantastic Four. James is known as one of the finest voices in soul music. The Fantastic Four’s career started at Ric Tic, during the mid-sixties and they enjoyed their biggest hit with 1965s The Whole World Is A Stage. Later, they released five albums for Westbound, after releasing The Best Of The Fantastic Four on Soul in 1969. Then in 1992, they released Back In Circulation on Motorcity Records. The title-track Back In Circulation was penned by James and Ian Levine. On Unexploited and Underrated, the Metropolitan Soul Mix of Back In Circulation by Sweet James Epps allows newcomers to the Fantastic Four to experience one of the greatest and most underrated vocalists in soul music.
By the time The Originals joined forces with Ian Levine, they’d enjoyed a long and successful career. Their recording career had started in the mid-sixties and had released eleven albums, including 1975s California Sunset on Motown. Their final album was 1981s Yesterday and Today. Nine years later, The Originals recorded Love Still Lives In My Heart. It featured on Motorcity Records’ 1990 compilation Motorcity Love Songs and is one of the most beautiful songs on Unexploited and Underrated and features the same lineup that recorded the classic track, Baby I’m For Real.
Blthough Bettye Lavette’s career began back in the sixties, she only released her debut album Tell Me A Lie in 1982 on Motown. It would be another nine years before she released her sophomore album Not Gonna Happen Twice for Ian Levine’s Motorcity Records. One of the tracks on Not Gonna Happen Twice is Too Great A Price To Pay written by Ian Levine and Jake Jackas. From the opening bars, you realize something special is unfolding. When Bettye scats, her world weary voice sounds as if it has lived a thousand lives. Cooing harmonies and rasping horns provide a perfect accompaniment as Bettye lays bare her soul, hurt and heartache for all to hear.
My final choice from Unexploited and Underrated, is Barbara Randolph’s Soul Searching. It’s a case of from one great female vocalist to another. Amazingly, while Barbara’s career began in the mid-sixties, she’d never released an album until she met Ian Levine. Her discography featured a handful of singles, including I Got A Feeling and Can I Get A Witness. Realizing the raw talent and potential of Barbara Randolph, Ian Levine got Barbara into a studio. The result was Breaking Into My Heart, which featured the deliciously soulful, and emotive musical journey that is Soul Searching. What a way to close Unexploited and Underrated, with a truly underrated, hidden soulful gem, one that you must hear.
When Ian Levine decided to head off on his voyage to discovery, to find some of soul music’s forgotten and underrated artists he’d no idea he’d where his journey would take him. It was a journey that lasted five years and during this period, he rediscovered 108 artists and released 800 tracks and brought their music to a new generation of music lovers. During this period, he was on the front page of every Detroit newspaper. His love of Motown, turned into an incredible story, one that’s reminiscent of a Hollywood script. One minute previously forgotten artists are pumping gas or working in diners, the next, Ian Levine takes them into a recording studio to record new material. Much of that music was music he cowrote and produced. Indeed, Ian Levine is a successful songwriter and producer, whose enjoyed success over three decades. What started off as a passion, when he first heard soul music, became his career. Underrated and Unexploited, which is one the latest batch of Harmless Records’ long-running and commercially successful Backbeats’ compilation that was released on 25th March 2013, and is an introduction to Ian Levine, songwriter and producer. Not only is Ian Levine a successful songwriter and producer, but he’s a passionate and legendary record collector, who loves discovering Underrated and Unexploited music, just like the eighteen tracks that feature on the Backbeats’ compilation Underrated and Unexploited. Standout Tracks: The Elgins Don’t Wait Around, David Ruffin Hurt The One You Love, Bettye Lavette Too Great A Price To Pay and Barbara Randolph Soul Searching.
BACKBEATS-UNEXPLOITED AND UNDERRATED-MORE CONTEMPORARY MODERN SOUL GEMS.
BACKBEATS-DETROIT GOLD-70S SOUL GROOVES FROM MOTOR CITY.
BACKBEATS-DETROIT GOLD-70S SOUL GROOVES FROM MOTOR CITY.
After becoming embroiled in a dispute with Motown Records during 1967, the songwriting and production team of Lamont Dozier and brothers Eddie and Brian Brian Holland left the label in 1968. Motown sued Holland, Dozier, Holland, who countersued Motown. Like all litigation, things were getting messy and expensive. Motown played hardball. This is no wonder, after all, they were losing one of their most successful songwriting and production teams, who provided hits for The Four Tops and Supremes. However, during this dispute, Holland, Dozier, Holland were unable to write their own material for the best part of a year. With one eye to the future, Holland, Dozier, Holland decided to set up two new labels, Invictus and Hot Wax.
While Holland, Dozier, Holland set up Invictus and Hot Wax, there was one problem looming on the horizon. Due to the legal dispute with Motown, they were unable to write their own material for the best part of a year. Despite being legally unable to write new songs, they found a way around this. They used pseudonyms. Nowadays, this wouldn’t wash. They’d have found themselves back in court on a charge of contempt of court. Things, however, were very different back then. So legally, all Holland, Dozier, Holland could do was production. Now given they were one of the best production teams of that time, this wasn’t exactly a hardship. Despite their indisputable track record of critical acclaim and commercial success, the naysayers wondered whether Holland, Dozier, Holland could replicate their earlier success at Motown.
Critics wondered whether Holland, Dozier, Holland could make it on their own? Their doubters and critics wondered whether Holland, Dozier, Holland could only prosper within the rarified confines of Motown. Soon, Holland, Dozier, Holland had defied their critics, and were producing and later, writing scores of hits for artists. Freda Payne, Chairman of The Board, Eloise Laws, The 8th Day and 100 Proof (Aged In Soul) all gave Holland, Dozier, Holland the critical acclaim and commercial success they’d enjoyed at Motown. They’d proved their critics wrong and were back, where they’d been before the bitter litigation began, at the top.
Now, as part of Harmless Records’ long running and commercially successful Backbeats’ series, Detroit Gold, which will be released on 25th March 2013, looks back at Holland, Dozier, Holland’s invictus and Hot Wax labels. There’s all the big names, plus a few lesser known names, including the hugely talented Barrino Brothers. Detroit Gold is a fitting reminder of one of the most innovative, talented and respected songwriting and production teams in the history of soul music…Holland, Dozier, Holland. Indeed, Detroit Gold, which features sleeve-notes by Dean Rudland demonstrates that for Holland, Dozier, Holland, there was life after Motown, which I’ll now tell you about.
Of all the artists on Detroit Gold, one artist features more than any other..Freda Payne. That’s understandable, given the success she brought to Invictus. There are four tracks from Freda on Detroit Gold. This includes her 1970 single Deeper and Deeper, which like Happy Heart featured on Freda’s most successful album Band Of Gold. It reached number sixty in the US Billboard 200 and number seventeen in the US R&B Charts. The other two tracks are her 1973 single Two Wrongs Don’t Make A Right and the B-side We’ve Got To Find A Way Back To Love. Both tracks featured on her 1973 album Reaching Out. Of the four tracks, my favorite is the sultry Holland, Dozier, Holland penned Two Wrongs Don’t Make A Right.
Another of Holland, Dozier, Holland’s most successful signings to Invictus were Chairmen of The Board. They released four albums between 1970 and 1974. Their most successful single was the million-selling Give Me A Little More Time. Let Me Down Easy was a single they released in 1972, failed to replicate this success. It has Chairmen of The Board’s unmistakable sound and features an impassioned, pleading vocal from General Norman Johnson. Truly, it’s a deliciously soulful hidden gem from the Invictus back-catalogue.
General Johnson, the lead singer of Chairmen of The Board also released one solo album on Invictus in 1972. Entitled, General Johnson, it this marked the start of his solo career. On Detroit Gold are two tracks from the album, I’m In Love Darling and the 1973 single Only Time Will Tell, which marked a soulful start to the Grammy Award winning songwriter’s solo career.
100 Proof Aged In Soul have a trio of tracks on Detroit Gold. They released two albums for Hot Wax between 1971 and 1972. Their first contribution is their 1971 single 90 Day Freeze (On Her Love). Then there are two tracks from their 1972 sophomore album 100 Proof. This includes Nothing Sweeter Than Love and Everything Good (Is Bad), which were both released as a single. So good are the three tracks, that choosing the best isn’t easy. If pushed, I’d have to chose Nothing Sweeter Than Love where Steve Pancha’s vocal veers between testifying and tenderness, but is always laden with emotion and satisfyingly soulful.
Honey Cone were a female soul trio discovered by Eddie Holland. Their breakthrough singles was Want Ads. After that, they released four albums for Hot Wax between 1970 and 1972, before disbanding in 1973. Four of their tracks feature on Detroit Gold. You’ve Made Me So Very Happy features on their 1970 debut album Take Me With You. The Day I Found Myself was released as a single in 1971, and features on their 1971 sophomore album Sweet Replies. A Woman’s Prayer is the best of the quartet and is from their 1972 album Love, Peace and Soul. It features a truly impassioned, sincere vocal, complete with cooing harmonies, lush strings and sultry saxophone. Their other contribution to Detroit Gold is The Truth Will Come Out, which was the B-side to 1976s Somebody Is Aways Messing Up A good Thing.
Eloise Laws came from a family with a rich musical pedigree. Her brothers were flautist Hubert and saxophonist Ronnie. Tighten Up, which was released as a single in 1972 on the Music Merchant imprint, demonstrated that Eloise shared their musical genes. Then when Music Merchant folded, Eloise signed to Invictus, where she released her 1977 debut album, Ain’t It Good Feeling Good. By now disco was at the height of its popularity, and music had changed since Tighten Up was released. Which of the two tracks you prefer, will be up to your musical preferences.
Satisfaction Unlimited only ever released one album Hot Wax, 1972s Think Of The Children. Two of their tracks feature on Detroit Gold, including their debut single Bright City Lights. It has a lovely laid-back, Latin tinged sound as soul and funk unite. Quite simply, compiler Dean Rudland deserves credit for sharing such a beautiful track with us. As an added bonus, Let’s Change The Subject is also included. Once you’ve heard these two tracks, you wonder why they Satisfaction Unlimited didn’t enjoy the commercial success their music deserved.
The same could be said of The Barrino Brothers, from North Carolina. Two of their tracks feature on Detroit Gold, but as is often the case, quality music didn’t equate to commercial success and critical acclaim for The Barrino Brothers. They only released three singles, including the defiant I Shall Not Be Moved, released in 1971 and Trapped In Your Love and one album, 1973s Livin’ Off The Goodness Of Your Love. While commercial success and critical acclaim eluded The Barrino Brothers, their legacy is some timeless, soulful music.
Of the three other tracks on Detroit Gold, Silent Majority’s 1971 single Something New About You is the best of the trio. Produced by Ronald Dunbar, this was Silent Majority’s second single for Hot Wax. They may not have been Holland, Dozier, Holland’s most successful signing, but they certainly weren’t lacking in talent. Danny Woods was taken under Holland, Dozier, Holland’s wing. For Aries, his 1972 release for invictus, Holland, Dozier, Holland produced the album, and cowrote several tracks, including the emotive and heartbreaking Two Can Be As Lonely As One. The final track from Detroit Gold is The 8th Day’s Just As Long. This was a track from their 1971 debut album 8th Day, which was the first of two albums they released for invictus. Although their lineup is best described as fluid and in a state of constant evolution, The 8th Day didn’t disappoint on their two Invictus albums.
While many compilers would’ve trodden a familiar path when compiling Detroit Gold, and chosen the label’s biggest hits, that’s not the case here. They’ve been bold not just in his choices, but his omissions. Dealing with the omissions first, Dean’s chosen neither to include Freda Payne’s Band Of Gold nor Chairmen Of The Boards’s Give Me A Little More Time. To me, this makes sense. After all, look through you record collection and you’ll discover it’s a favorite of compilers during the past thirty years. By eschewing two obvious tracks, he’s made way for two lesser known tracks, including Freda Payne’s Chairmen Of The Board’s Let Me Down Easy.
As for the inclusions, all the artists who played their part in making Invictus and Hot Wax successful labels are there. This means Freda Payne, Chairmen of The Board, Eloise Laws, The 8th Day, Honey Cone and 100 Proof Aged In Soul. So too, are less obvious choices like Danny Wood and Silent Majority. Again, the compiler has managed to strike a balance between tracks by well known artists and adding a sprinkling of lesser known names. Striking such a balance isn’t easy. Managing to do so is the difference between alienating record buyers. After all, if you stick to the lesser names, you risk losing people who are only familiar with the bigger names. Likewise, people who are familiar with Invictus and Hot Wax’s back-catalogue are always looking for rarities and hidden gems. What will really sell Detroit Gold, on its release on the 25th March 2013, is the music. Like so many other Backbeats’ compilations, it’s quality from the get-go. Through twenty-three tracks, the quality coming. Not once does his judgement lapse. Quite the opposite. Always, the quality is consistent. That’s not easy on a compilation that contains twenty-three tracks.
Holland, Dozier, Holland’s critics wondered whether they could replicate the success they enjoyed at Motown with their new labels Hot Wax and Invictus. Having started again, they reached the top of the musical mountain. They managed to reach the same heights they reached at Motown. In many ways, Holland, Dozier, Holland and the music in Detroit Gold is proof that form may be temporary, but class is permanent. Standout Tracks: 100 Proof Aged In Soul Sweeter Than Love, Chairmen Of The Board’s Let Me Down Easy, Danny Woods Two Can Be As Lonely As One andHoney Cone A Woman’s Prayer.
BACKBEATS-DETROIT GOLD-70S SOUL GROOVES FROM MOTOR CITY.
BACKBEATS-CROSSOVER TO SOUL-MORE CROSSOVER SOUL FROM THE 60S AND 70S.
BACKBEATS-CROSSOVER TO SOUL-MORE CROSSOVER SOUL FROM THE 60S AND 70S.
Two of my favorite compilations from Harmless Records’ Backbeats series have been the two crossover compilations. The first of these was I Get My Groove, released in 2010. Then in 2011, came They Call It Crossover, which somehow, surpassed the quality of its predecessor. Now, two years after the release of They Call It Crossover, comes the next installment of crossover soul, Crossover To Soul on 25th March 2013. Compiled by Sean Hampsey, Crossover To Soul features twenty-three tracks from the vaults of Hi, Wand, Invictus, Kudu and Okeh. This includes tracks some of the giants of soul music. Aretha Franklin, The O’Jays, Esther Phillips, Major Lance, The Soul Children and Maxime Brown. So without any further ado, I’ll pick my ten highlights of Crossover To Soul.
Opening Crossover To Soul, is Lou Courtney’s stepper The Common Broken Heart. This was a track from Lou’s classic 1974 sophomore album I’m In Need Of Love, which was released on Epic. It was the followup to his 1967 debut album Skate Now/Shing-A-Ling. Of the three solo albums the former member of The Fifth Dimension released, I’m In Need Of Love Is Lou’s greatest album. Quite simply, it’s an album that belongs in every record collection. After listening to Lou’s tender, pleading vocal you’ll realize why.
One of my favorite tracks on Crossover To Soul, is The O’Jays’ People Keep Telling Me. This was the B-side to their 1973 single For The Love Of Money, which reached number nine in the US Billboard 100 and number three in the US R&B Charts.Written by McFadden and Whitehead with Victor Carstarphen, it was the track that closed Ship Ahoy, The O’Jays 1973 platinum album. Here, The O’Jays and Philadelphia International Records’ house-band M.F.S.B. combine to create a track that’s way too good to be a B-side. Not only is it soulful and funky, but is upbeat, joyous and features a harmonic masterclass by The O’Jays.
Of all the artists to record for Hi Records, Syl Johnson was one of the most underrated. Between 1973 and 1979, Syl released a quartet of albums for Hi. 1973s Back For A Taste Of Your Love, was followed by 1974s Diamond In The Rough, 1975s Total Explosion and 1979s Uptown Shakedown. Main Squeeze was released as a single in 1975. It epitomizes the Hi sound, and Syl pays homage to Al Green as his hurt-filled vocal, unleashes waves of sadness and regret. Adding to the sheer emotion of the track are Rhodes, Chalmers and Rhodes, Hi’s legendary backing vocals. For anyone whose yet to discover Syl Johnson, wait no longer.
It would almost be remiss of me not to mention Aretha Franklin contribution, Cry Like A Baby, which was released as a single in 1966. This was a track from her album Soul Sister. Produced by Clyde Otis, Cry Like A Baby was released towards the end of Aretha’s time at Columbia. Indeed, after leaving Columbia, she signed to Atlantic, where she was crowned Queen of Soul. Cry Like A Baby is a glimpse of what was to come from Aretha.
While most people will have heard Gil Scott Heron’s Home Is Where The Hatred Is, fewer will have heard Esther Phillips’ version. It’s spine-tingling, captivating and mesmeric. It breaths new life, meaning and hitherto unrealised emotion into the song. This was a track from Esther’s debut album for Kudu, where she’d release the best music of her career. Compiler Sean Hampsey’s inclusion of this track is is to be applauded. Hopefully, it’ll introduce more people to the music of the unmistakable and evocative voice of Esther Phillips.
Ike Lovely released Fool’s Hall Of Fame is one of the real hidden gems of More Crossover Soul. It was released as a single in 1973, on New York’s Wand label. Arranged by Horace Ott and Robert Banks, it doesn’t take more than a few bars to realize something special is unfolding. It’s the combination of Ike’s pleading, heartfelt vocal and an arrangement where horns blaze, strings swirl and harmonies sweep in. They sooth the hurt and heartache Ike sings about, as he lays bare his soul and delivers a vocal that’s raw, emotive and enthralling.
Crossover To Soul is proving to be something of a musical treasure trove of music, thanks to compiler Sean Hampsey. His inclusion of Major Lance’s Think Nothing About It which was written by Curtis Mayfield, is a real treat for anyone who loves crossover soul. This was the B-side of a 1964 single on Okeh. It’s one of his rarest son and most obscure cuts. With so many tracks to choose from, Sean must be applauded for digging deep. Most compilers would’ve plumped for a familiar track, Not Sean, he’s come up with this delicious and rare slice of crossover soul, which after one listen, you’ll cherish forever.
Back in 1968, California born Freddie Hughes released his debut album Send My Baby Back on New York’s Wand label. One of the singles released from Send My Baby Back, was I Got To Keep My Bluff In, which was produced by Lonnie Hewitt. It’s an irresistible introduction to one of soul’s best kept secrets. Dramatic, filled with emotion and joy, Freddie unleashes a heartfelt, soaring vocal. Stabs of horns and sweeping harmonies drive Freddie on, as he unleashes a vocal that’s peerless in its sheer soulfulness.
Given the quality of the music is so consistently high throughout More Crossover Soul, choosing the ten best tracks isn’t easy. However, one track I had to mention was The Soul Children’s Midnight Sunshine. This was a track from their first album after Stax’s demise. They’d signed to Epic, where they released their fifth album Finders Keepers in 1976. The title-track Finders Keepers was released as a single. On the B-side was the soulful delight that is Midnight Sunshine. Sensual, needy and laden with emotion, it’s an impassioned plea that truly, you’ll be unable to resist.
My final choice from More Crossover Soul picked itself. Indeed, I couldn’t overlook Maxine Brown’s It’s Gonna Be Alright. Written by Gerry Goffin and Carole King, it was released as a single in 1964 on Wand Records. It then featured on her 1965 album Spotlight On Maxine Brown, which featured the seminal Oh No Not My Baby. From the opening bars of It’s Gonna Be Alright, Maxine’s vocal is reassuring and soothing. You believe her when she sings with sincerity and soulfulness, “It’s Gonna Be Alright.” Once you’ve heard Maxine sing these four words, you too, will believe her every word.
More Crossover Soul is a worth successor to I Get My Groove and They Call It Crossover. So good is More Crossover Soul, that it somehow, manages to surpass the two previous compilations. From the first track right through to the last, there’s no drop in quality. Quite the opposite. Compiler Sean Hampsey ensures standard of music is consistently high. Unlike many other compilations, you’re never tempted to skip a track. Indeed, you’re more likely to press repeat, and revel in some soulful gems. Whether it’s the bigger names like Aretha Franklin, The O’Jays, Esther Phillips, Major Lance, The Soul Children and Maxine Brown, or lesser lights like Ike Lovely or Winfield Parker, the quality just keeps on coming, like a Soul Train, driven along by compiler Sean Hampsey. He takes you on a captivating, emotive and soulful musical journey. After this musical journey is over, you’ll find yourself further investigating the artists and labels featured on More Crossover Soul. The starting point of this journey is when you press play and let the twenty-three tracks on More Crossover Soul wash over you. Thankfully, you haven’t long to wait until this journey begins, as More Crossover Soul, which is part of Harmless Records’ long-running Backbeats series will be released on 25th March 2013. Standout Tracks: Esther Phillips Home Is Where The Hatred Is, Major Lance Think Nothing About It, The Soul Children Midnight Sunshine and Maxine Brown It’s Gonna Be Alright.
BACKBEATS-CROSSOVER TO SOUL-MORE CROSSOVER SOUL FROM THE 60S AND 70S.
BACKBEATS-DANCE FLOOR REVOLUTION-70S MODERN SOUL STUNNERS.
BACKBEATS-DANCE FLOOR REVOLUTION-70S MODERN SOUL STUNNERS.
Over forty years ago, in the North of England a musical revolution was taking place in venues like the Wigan Casino, Cleethorpes Pier, Leeds Central, Stoke-On-Trent’s Torch and Samantha’s in Sheffield. Soon, Northern Soul became one of the biggest musical scenes. Not only was it thriving, but people from all over Britain, and further afield, wanted to experience this new musical movement. People came from far and wide to hear the music, dance, trade records and often, forged lifelong friendships. Mostly, the soundtrack was obscure soul records with a 4/4 beat. Often, these records had been released to indifference and the artists faded into obscurity. Now, these records were being revitalized, with these unknown recording artists becoming stars again. Suddenly, people wanted to know these artists and even better, were buying their music. Often, these singles were released in small quantities. So with demand outstripping supply, singles changed hands for huge amounts of money. Then between 1972 and 1974, two DJs decided to start changing the Northern Soul sound.
By 1972, musical battle-lines were being drawn at the Blackpool Mecca. There, DJs Ian Levine and Colin Curtis, decided to start introducing songs with a more modern soul sound, which can be heard on the new Backbeats compilation Dance Floor Revolution, which will be released by Harmless Records on 25th March 2013. Many DJs and dancers welcomed this change of style. However, for many traditionalists, this was seen as an act of treason, the equivalent of a musical coup d’tat.
With the benefit of hindsight, Ian and Colin’s introduction of Modern Soul was far from an act of treason. Instead, it was an attempt to ensure Northern Soul didn’t stagnate. Ian and Colin were passionate about music and were being realistic. Change had to happen. After all, if the same songs were constantly played, then eventually, Northern Soul might have stagnated and died. Ian and Colin had their supporters. There were also a legion of people opposed to their changes. Battle-lines were drawn. For their opponents, this was an act of sedition, revolution, not evolution.
While Ian and Colin had their supporters, they had their opponents. People on both sides, voiced their opinions, often strongly. Northern Soul was split. Similarly, the introduction of early disco tracks divided opinion between Northern Soul diehards. Infighting gave way to collectively seeking a future vision for Northern Soul. The result was, friendships were fractured, and sadly, forty years later, many friendships have never recovered. This meant Northern Soul was weaker. Infighting rather than unity meant that other musical genres would overtake Northern Soul in popularity. All this infighting left the door ajar for disco, to create the UK’s next important dance-floor revolution. It could be argued that all this infighting weakened Northern Soul.
Remarkably, the rivalry between Northern Soul traditionalists and those favoring Modern Soul has never recovered. The sad, and ironic thing about this is, that everyone involved had one thing in common…they loved Northern Soul. Where they differed, was in what the future held for Northern Soul. Now, forty-one years after the introduction of Modern Soul into the Northern Soul scene, the latest Backbeats compilation Dance Floor Revolution celebrates the Modern Soul sound, from 1972 onwards. Compiled by Harmless Records label manager Ian Dewhirst Dance Floor Revolution is crammed full of twenty-three musical gems. Whether you were for or against the introduction of the Modern Soul sound into the Northern Soul scene, you’ll realize that Dance Floor Revolution is laden with Modern Soul gems, when I tell you about the compilation’s highlights.
Proving the importance of sequencing in a compilation, is the decision to place Earth, Wind and Fire’s Happy Feelin’ as the first track on Dance Floor Revolution. This was a track from their 1975 album That’s The Way of The World. It reached number one in the US Billboard 200 and US R&B Charts, resulting in the album being certified triple-platinum. After a few bars, you realize why. Straight away, this percussive driven track grabs your attention. Stabs of growling horns signal the arrival of Maurice White’s falsetto, while guitars and vibes drive the arrangement along. You’re enthralled by this stunning fusion of soul and funk. Having said that, you can’t help wonder what dancers at Northern Soul nights thought when this track dropped?
The Brothers oft-sampled Are You Ready For This has a sound that would fit perfectly into a Northern Soul set. Released in 1974, on RCA Victor, this was a track from The Brothers’ Disco Soul album. Driven along by rasping horns and with swathes of the lushest dancing Philly strings, it’s a track that could’ve marked the future for Northern Soul. It’s not too modern, and would still appeal to traditionalists.
David Ruffin and Eddie Kendricks’ I Couldn’t Believe This is the newest track on Dance Floor Revolution. It was released in 1987, on RCA Victor. Accompanied by blazing horns and crispy drums, which have a real eighties sound, the two Temptations spur on to greater heights. Quite simply, the interplay between David’s tenor and Eddie’s soaring falsetto is peerless. Soulful, emotive and this track swings along, leaving you wanting to hear much more of the two ex-Temptations.
Bill Harris’ Am I Cold, Am I Hot was written, arranged and produced by Van McCoy. Released in 1975 on RCA, this was Bill’s sophomore single, and the followup to 1974s Uptown Saturday Night. Although this track benefits from Van’s assured production sound, it’s Bill’s heartfelt, impassioned delivery that steals the show. Sadly, Bill didn’t release any further music, and this track is tantalizing taste of an artist laden with talent. You can help but wonder why Bill didn’t enjoy a longer or more successful career?
During his career, Lou Courtney was a member of Fifth Dimension and released three solo albums between 1967 and 1976. I’m In Need Of Love was his 1974 sophomore album. For anyone who hasn’t heard it, this must have album for anyone who loves their music soulful. The title-track, I’m In Need Of Love has a tough funky sound, with swathes of strings ushering in Lou’s powerful, needy and sassy vocal. He pleads and struts his way through this four minute epic.
Gwen McCrae’s debut single was Lead Me On. It was released in 1970, on Columbia Records and was the start of a recording career lasting three decades. However, her career could’ve been very different, if she’d made the recording session for Rock Your Baby, which she was scheduled to record. When she was late, her husband George filled in, and the result was a career defining hit single. Despite this, Gwen enjoyed a long and successful career. This is apparent on Lead Me On, where Gwen unleashes a vocal tour de force. Emotion and power are combined as Gwen pleas, while cooing harmonies, piano and crystalline guitars accompany her. The result is one of the real highlights of Dancefloor Revolution.
Sharon McMahan only released one single during her career. That was 1973s Get Out Of My Life, on Columbia Records. Produced by Toxey French and arranged by the legendary Bobby Martin, it doesn’t take long before you realize something special is unfolding. The orchestral arrangement, complete with swathes of lush strings is proof of this. Then when Sharon’s vocal enters, it stops you in your tracks. It’s tinged with frustration and regret, bringing the lyrics to life. Cooing harmonies sympathize with her plight, as her vocal grows in power and passion, delivering them with feeling and meaning. Given the talent Sharon displays on this standout track, you can’t help but wonder why we never heard much more her?
The difference between a good compiler and a great compiler, is how deep they’re willing to dig. To find Betty LaVette’s You Made A Believer Out Of Me, compiler and Harmless Records label manager Ian Dewhirst has dug deep. Really deep. You Made A Believer Out Of Me was the B-side to Betty’s 1975 single Thank You For Loving Me. It has a jaunty, floaty string drenched, dramatic arrangement before Betty’s impassioned pleas enter. Harmonies sweep in, drums add drama and strings sweep and swirl. For her part, Betty delivers one of her trademark vocals, where emotion, sincerity and soulfulness become one.
Ronnie Dyson released Lady In Red as a single in 1975, on Columbia Records. Like his 1973 album One Man Band, Lady In Red saw Ronnie undergo a Philly Soul makeover. Written by Vinnie Barrett and Norman Harris who arranged and produced the track for Baker, Harris, Young Productions. Accompanying Ronnie, were the classic lineup of M.F.S.B. It’s an uptempo dancer, with a real Philly Soul influence. Straight away, you can hear Norman Harris’ influence in the arrangement. Spurred on, Ronnie delivers a tender, hopeful vocal, against a backdrop cascading strings, cooing harmonies and confident rhythm section. While the result is a track that has Modern Soul written all over, it’s dance-floor friendly and laden with delicious hooks.
My final choice is Bobby Womack Home Is Where Heart Is, which closes Dance Floor Revolution. This was the title-track from Bobby’s 1976 album, released on Columbia Records. Again, it’s an uptempo, dance-track. Here Bobby’s sassy vamp is accompanied by a driving rhythm section, gospel-tinged harmonies, piano and dancing strings. Later, the addition of rasping horns really lifts the track, as Bobby unleashes a grizzled vocal. The result is a vintage slice of soul, from a legend and survivor of soul music, that closes Dance Floor Revolution on a high.
For Dance Floor Revolution, compiler Ian Dewhirst has selected twenty-three tracks that represent the perfect introduction to Modern Soul. This includes several tracks that Ian Levine and Colin Curtis played at the Blackpool Mecca. While Ian could’ve selected tracks “played at the Blackpool Mecca,” that’s been done before. So, he’s cast his net wider, and come up with a captivating compilation of some familiar tracks and hidden Modern Soul gems. He’s even chosen three quite recent tracks, including Damaris’ What About About My Life, David Ruffin and Eddie Kendricks’ I Couldn’t Believe. These tracks were released in 1983 and 1987 respectively. Many other compilers would’ve eschewed these of tracks, arguing that they’re “too modern.” To dispense with two quality slices of soul because they’re too modern, would’ve made Dance Floor Revolution a poorer compilation. Thankfully, Ian has stuck by the courage of his convictions. Add to these two tracks, contributions from Earth, Wind and Fire, Johnnie Taylor, David Ruffin and Eddie Kendricks, Lou Courtney, Patti Austin, Gwen McCrae, Betty Lavette, Ronnie Dyson and Bobby Womack and you’ll realize that from start to finish, Dance Floor Revolution is quality all the way. As an added bonus, there are hidden gems from Bill Harris and Sharon McMahan. When all this is combined, then Dance Floor Revolution, which will be released by Harmless on 25th March 2013 is the perfect introduction to Modern Soul. Forget the politics behind Modern Soul and enjoy the music on Dance Floor Revolution. After just one listen and you’ll realize why this music resulted in a Dance Floor Revolution. Standout Tracks: The Brothers Are You Ready, Lou Courtney I’m In Need Of Love, Sharon McMahan Get Out Of My Life and Ronnie Dyson Lady in Red.
BACKBEATS-DANCE FLOOR REVOLUTION-70S MODERN SOUL STUNNERS.
BACKBEATS-LAY BACK AND CHILL-MORE SUPERIOR AND SENSUOUS SOUL
BACKBEATS-LAY BACK AND CHILL-MORE SUPERIOR AND SENSUOUS SOUL.
It was back in 2010 that Harmless Records released the first of the Backbeats’ series. Since then, Backbeats had grown to become the world’s most popular budget series. Now there are forty-two compilations in the series,plus ten artists specific compilations. They’ve come a long way. However, several things have been crucial to the seemingly never-ending rise in popularity of the Backbeats’ series. This includes compilations complied by some of the most knowledgeable and enthusiastic crate-diggers in music. They’ve delved into archives of legendary labels, including Philadelphia International Records, Kudu, CTi, Hi, Scepter, Wand, Epic, Hot Wax, Invictus and Columbia. The result has been compilations of every genre of soul, including Philly Soul, Northern Soul, Modern Soul or Southern Soul. There’s also been compilations of disco, US Garage, house, jazz-funk and funk. Every musical taste has been catered for, and this continues to be the case. So too has every budget. Priced at just £5, $7.50 or €8, the Backbeats series represents quality at a bargain price. Soon, the next six installments of the Backbeats series will be released.
On 25th March 2013, Backbeats’ fans head on a soulful journey through Modern, Contemporary, Detroit, Crossover and Northern Soul. The final stop on this journey is Lay Back and Chill, More Superior Sensuous Soul, compiled by Ralph Tee. Lay Back and Chill features nineteen sensual slices of smooth soulfulness, from some of the biggest names in soul music. This includes Luther Vandross, Dionne Warwick, Lou Courtney, Esther Phillips, Lou Rawls, Earth, Wind and Fire, Gladys Knight and The Pips and The Isley Brothers. There’s also welcome contributions from Glenn Jones, Linda Williams, The Dynamics and Phyllis Hyman. For anyone who likes their soul music laid-back, romantic and more than a little sensual, then this is for you, as you’ll realize when I tell you about some of the many highlights of Lay Back and Chill.
Lay Back and Chill is certainly not short of big names. Quite the opposite. Proof of this is Luther Vandross’ Once You Know How, which opens Lay Back and Chill. This is a track from Luther’s 1982 sophomore album Forever, For Always, For Love. Written and produced by Luther, this beautiful, understated track features a heartfelt, needy vocal. It demonstrated the direction his music would take. Soon, he’d become one of the most successful and influential artists of the eighties. This track is a tantalizing taste of one of the eighties great soul singers as his solo career unfolds.
Although Dionne Warwick’s 1980 album No Night So Long failed to replicate the success of the platinum Dionne, it was album that contained several hidden gems. We Never Said Goodbye is one of these. Produced by Steve Buckingham, it features one of Dionne’s best vocals. She sings call and response with her backing vocalists. They drive each other to greater heights of emotion, as sadness and regret are ever-present.
I’ve always felt that Patti Austin was one of the most underrated vocalists of her generation. She should’ve enjoyed much more commercial success than she did. Say You Love Me opened Patti’s 1976 debut album End Of A Rainbow, which was released on CTi Records features Patti at her best. Accompanied by an all-star band and produced by Creed Taylor, Say You Love Me features Patti delivering a vocal Magnus Opus. One minute it’s tender and deliberate, the next tinged with heartache, hurt and feeling. Quite simply, this is the perfect introduction to one of music’s most underrated artists.
Put simply, Esther Phillips is one of music’s best kept secrets. Having started her career as Little Esther Phillips, Esther released several critically acclaimed albums for CTi Records. Among her best albums are 1971s From A Whisper To A Scream, 1972s Alone Again, Naturally and 1973s Black-Eyed Blues. Like so many artists, she didn’t enjoy the commercial success her talent deserved. That talent is apparent from the opening bars of the Carole King penned Brother, Brother. It’s best described as an atmospheric and emotive, fusion of jazz, soul and gospel tinged harmonies. Absolutely spine-tingling, describes Esther’s performance.
during his career, Lou Rawls recorded over seventy-five albums and won three Grammy Awards. Ain’t That Love Baby. By 1982, Lou was signed to Epic and released Now Is The Time. Thom Bell produced four tracks, including Ain’t That Love, Baby. Smooth, soulful and assured describes Lou’s performance. So does sensual, needy and pleading. With a typical Thom Bell arrangement accompanying him, Lou rolls back the years. The result is soul that’s smooth, sensual and peerless.
Earth, Wind and Fire were a group who enjoyed success during two decades. Between 1973 and 1987, they released eleven albums. Three were certified gold, three platinum, two double-platinum and two triple-platinum. Their third album Last Days and Time, released in 1972, was the precursor to this critical acclaim and commercial success. It featured They Don’t See, which was written by Maurice White and Earth, Wind and Fire. Soulful, jazzy and tinged in drama describes the arrangement, while Maurice’s vocal is tender, impassioned and delivered with emotion. Add in some of their trademark harmonies, the lushest of strings and cascading guitars and you realize just why huge commercial success was just round the corner for Earth, Wind and Fire.
Philly born Phyllis Hyman released just ten albums during her twenty-one year recording career. Her 1978 sophomore album Sing A Song,was released on Buddah Records. It was her only album that failed to chart. One of the album’s highlights was Gonna Make Changes, which Phyllis wrote. Not only does Phyllis deliver one of her best vocals on the album, mixing power, passion and emotion, but demonstrates just how talented a songwriter she was.
Looking back, it’s remarkable that Gladys Knight and The Pips were allowed to leave Motown to sign to Buddah Records. After all, Gladys was the only rival and heir to Diana Ross’ crown as Motown’s leading Lady. It was lucky for Gladys she did leave Motown. She enjoyed commercial success and critical acclaim at Buddah. This included three gold discs and two number one US R&B albums, including Claudine-The Original Motion Picture Soundtrack. It was produced by Curtis Mayfield, reached number one in the US R&B Charts and was certified gold. One of the best tracks was The Makings Of You. With an understated arrangement where swathes of lush strings, keyboards and chiming guitars are at its hear, Gladys delivers a soul-baring vocal. It’s laden with sheer emotion as she brings life, meaning and beauty into the lyrics.
Most people will remember Chapter 8 as the band that helped launch Anita Baker’s career. Anita joined the band in 1975, who also included Michael J. Powell. He’d become Anita’s producer, when she embarked upon her solo career. They released their debut albumChapter 8 in 1979, on Ariola. Two R&B singles were released from Chapter 8, I Wanna Be Your Girl and Ready For Your Love. Why We Need Love wasn’t released as a single seems a real missed opportunity, given how powerful, moving and beautiful a track it is.
My final choice from Lay Back and Chill is The Isley Brothers’ I Once Had Your Love (and Can’t Let Go). This is a track from 1981s Grand Slam, which was certified gold. This was their ninth consecutive album to certified gold, platinum or double-platinum. Like Earth, Wind and Fire, The Isley Brothers enjoyed success over two decades. This is a much more understated, romantic sounding track. The arrangement and harmonies provide a complimentary backdrop for the tender, impassioned lead vocal. While very different to much of The Isley Brothers’ music during this period, it demonstrates their versatility. It also demonstrates why three of their albums were certified gold, four platinum and two double-platinum.
Earlier I said that Lay Back and Chill wasn’t short of big name artists. That’s very true. You don’t get much bigger than Luther Vandross, Dionne Warwick, Lou Rawls, Earth, Wind and Fire, Gladys Knight and The Pips and The Isley Brothers. As if that’s not enough, there’s welcome appearances by Esther Phillips, Patti Austin, Phyllis Hyman and Tower of Power. Hidden gems include Chapter 8’s We Need Love and a previously unreleased version of Angela Bofil’s Love Light. Then there’s contributions from Lou Courtney and Linda Williams. Truly, there isn’t a bad track on Lay Back and Chill. So, compiler Ralph Tee deserves credit for putting together such a complete collection. He’s dug deep into his record collection, resulting in a compelling and beautiful selection of smooth, sensuous and soulful songs. This sets the bar high for the other five Backbeats compilations.
Lay Back and Chill is a perfect description of what this compilation is all about. You just put on Lay Back and Chill, then let this beautiful, emotive, romantic selection of tracks take you on a journey that’s soulful and jazz-tinged. It’s a journey I’d recommend to anyone who likes their soul music laid-back, seductive and sensuous. You too, will be able to embark on this journey on 25th March 2013, when Harmless Records release their next batch of the Backbeats’ series, including Lay Back and Chill. With music as good as is on Lay Back and Chill, it’s no wonder Backbeats has become the world’s most popular budget series. Standout Tracks: Esther Phillips Brother, Brother, Patti Austin Say You Love Me, Lou Rawls Ain’t That Love Baby and Gladys Knight and The Pips The Makings Of You.
BACKBEATS-LAY BACK AND CHILL-MORE SUPERIOR AND SENSUOUS SOUL
dereksmusicblog
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