Adult Contemporary Music in Japan

NEW RELEASES

LARRY CARLTON - STEVE LUKATHER / NO SUBSTITUTION - Live in Osaka	<ACM Rating: >
Larry Carlton, top of the top contemporary jazz guitarists and Steve Lukather, top of the top rock guitarists have finally perform together almost 25 years after first crossing paths on the burgeoning Los Angeles scene. These two great guitarists deliver a live album that highlights their soulful interplay and astounding musicianship now. Listening to this album, you can enjoy their astonishing live performance covering Jeff Beck’s "The Pump" with deep moods, the legendary Miles Davis' tune "All Blues", Larry’s "Don't Give It Up", "(It Was) Only Yesterday" and Larry's signature piece “Room 335”. I believe that everybody would recognize how Steve Lukather respects Larry Carlton by listening to this live album recorded in Osaka Japan in November 1998.
Label: Favored Nations Entertainment, USA (F2060-2) < Japan: Victor Entertainment VICP-61240> Release Date: March 20, 2001 (Japan: February 21, 2001) Producers: Steve Vai and Steve Lukather Band: Guitars : Larry Carlton, Steve Lukather Drums: Gregg Bissonette Bass: Chris Kent Keyboards: Rick Jackson
International Order	Tracks: The Pump Don't Give Up (It Was) Only Yesterday All Blues Room 335

 

MARINO / THE UNEXPECTED ALLIANCE	<ACM Rating: >
Marino, UK guitarist now emerges in front of us with his stunning US debut release "The Unexpected Alliance" with many guest including Bill Champlin and Alex Ligertwood. According to his biography, Marino released several Jeff Beck and Carlos Santana vein albums "Northern Sky" and "Blues For Lovers" which went Top 10 in South Africa and Malaysia, bringing him a broader international fan base. His follow-up album "The Endless Enigma - A Musical Tribute to Salvador Dali" featured for the first time Marino's exquisite Spanish guitar playing. Marino moved to Los Angels and now present you this album "The Unexpected Alliance".
Label: Rainflower Music, USA (Marino Sounwave LLC., USA 00000) Release Date: February, 2001 Producers: Alan Abrahams, Tommy Eyre and himself Guest Musicians: Lead Vocals: Mike Finnegan (Track 1), Carol Dennis Dylan (Track 2), Jim Gilstrap (Track 2, 3), Maxayn Lewis (Track 3), Alex Lighterwood (Track 4), Margaret Fowler (Track 5), Bill Champlin (Track 6), Margaret Fowler (Track 8), Geal MacGregor (Track 9) Guitars: Paul Jackson Jr. Drums: J.R. Robinson, Vinnie Colaiuta, Xavier Marshall Bass: Abraham Laboriel, Mark Noryeko Keyboards: Bobby Lyle, Les McCann, Greg Phillinganes, Margaret Fowler, Tommy Eyre, Xavier Marshall Sax: Keith Anderson Percussion: Alan Abrahams Background Vocals: Maxine Waters, Julia Waters, Oren Waters, Jim Gilstrap, Maxayn Lewis, Carol Dennis Dylan, Margaret Fowler, Lani Groves, Alvin Chia, Bill Champlin, Tamara Champlin, Alex Lighterwood, Geal MacGregor
International Order Cruisin' Music at GEMM   Melody Blvd.	Tracks: Eastcoast (Get Back To You) Baby When I Want You Everything's Comin' Our Way - It's All About Love Pray Angelique Who Said Meano Marino Day Of Redemption At A Racing Standstill Vanilla Light

  

CAROLE BAYER SAGER / SOMETIMES LATE AT NIGHT	<ACM Rating: >
Carole Bayer Sager's 3rd album "Sometimes Late At Night" (1981) is now reissued in the States. Many music lovers regarded hopeless for the reissue of this album because this album was released with Boardwalk USA, which had been bankrupted. However, Boardwalk label was reestablished in 2000 and started to reissue their unforgettable albums. At last, we are now having "Carole Bayer Sager / Sometimes Late At Night" on CD at last! The original street date was set on January 30, 2001 and several retailers started to sell this reissued CD and actually I have just got this reissued CD in my hand, while many major retailers stated the street date was postponed till March 27, 2001. However, please be advised that you should note the following defects on this reissue CD at least for 1st pressing edition, I do not know whether the RKO Records will solve those problems on their second pressing edition; Sound defect on track 12 "You Don't Know Me": lacking several tones 2 times (around 3 min 10 sec and 3 min 12 sec). Musicians credit is not accurate: Jay Graydon and some other names are deleted. Tracklisting on the jacket is not accurate: Track 5 "On The Way To The Sky" is missing.
Label: Boardwalk Music,USA (RKO Records BOA1048) (Original Label: Boardwalk Music, USA) Release Date: January 30, 2001 or March 27, 2001 (Original Release: 1981) Producers: Burt Bacharach, Brooks Arthur Musicians: Drums: Jeff Porcaro, Jim Keltner, Dennis St. John Bass: Lee Sklar, Reinie Press Guitars: Lee Ritenour, Paul Jackson Jr., Neil Diamond, Richard Bennett, Doug Rhone, Steve Lukather, Tim May, Fred Tackett, Jay Graydon Keyboards: David Foster, Michael Lang, Burt Bacharach, Tom Hensley, Ed Walsh, Ian Underwood, Alan Lindren Horn Arrangement: Jerry Hey Sax: George Young Flugel Horn: Warren Luening Percussion: Paulinho Da Costa Background Vocals: Michael Jackson, Franne Golde, Joann Harris, Melissa Manchester, Bruce Roberts, Richard Page, Steve George, Vennette Gloud
International Order	Tracks: Prologue I Won't Break Just Friends Tell Her Somebody's Been Lying On The Way To The Sky You And Me (We Wanted It All) Sometimes Late At Night Wild Again Easy To Love Again Stronger Than Before You Don't Know Me Reprise

 

  

LE ROUX / SO FIRED UP	<ACM Rating: >
Le Roux appeared from Louisiana as the Cajun flavored pop-rock group in late 70's. After releasing two albums under Capital Records, they changed their music style on their third album "Up" more Journey-esque, mainstream production. In 1981, Le Roux moved to RCA and succeeded with the top-20 hit "Nobody Said It Was Easy (Looking For The Lights)" on their 4th album "Last Safe Place". However, the lead singer left the group and as the result Dennis "Fergie" Frederiksen joined for this 5th and final album "So Fired Up" released in 1983. Yes, as you know, Dennis "Fergie" Frederiksen joined TOTO as the lead singer replacing Bobby Kimball. On this "So Fired Up" album, Fergie reveals his genious talent as a vocalist with excellent high-tone voice. You may remember that this album was reissued in the fall of 1999 with the different artworks and different order of the tracks with one bonus track "Back In America" (lead vocal by Terry Brock, not Fergie!). At last you are be able to get K2 Mastering CD "So Fired Up" with the original artworks!
Label: RCA - BMG Funhouse, Japan (BVCM-37197) (Original Label: RCA Records, USA <AFL-4510>) Release Date: February 21, 2001 (Original Release: March, 1983) Producer: Leon Medica Le Roux is: Leon Medica : Bass Rod Roddy : Keyboards / Background Vocals Tony Haselden : Guitar / Lead & Background Vocals Fergie Frederiksen : Lead & Background Vocals David Peters : Drums Jim Odom : Guitars / Background Vocals
International Order   Melody Blvd. Cruisin' Music at GEMM	Tracks So Fired Up Lifeline Let Me In Yours Tonight Carrie's Gone Wait One Minute Turning Point Don't Take It Away Look Out

FRANK WEBER / AS THE TIME FLIES	<ACM Rating: >
Frank Weber is one of the best New York based Adult Contemporary music creators. Frank Weber delivers us his jazz-flavoured vocals with piano-oriented melodies. His music style should be said to be more jazzy Billy Joel with Marc Jordan sensitivity. You can easily how Frank Weber performs by seeing who backed up, that is to say, John Tropea, David Spinozza, Will Lee, Richard Tee and Steve Gadd. On this album, it might be noted that Frank covered "Straight Up And Fly Right" written in 1944 by Nat King Cole and Irving Mills. After releasing this album, Frank released another nice album "Frank Weber" in 1981 also produced by Ed Newman.
Label: RCA- BMG Funhouse, Japan (BVCM-37198) (Original Label: RCA Records, USA <AFL1-2963>) Release Date: February 21, 2001 (Original Release: August, 1978) Producer: Ed Newman Musicians: Guitars: John Tropea, David Spinozza Bass: Will Lee, Anthony Jackson Keyboards: Richard Tee Drums: Steve Gadd Vibes, Percussion: Mike Mainieri Percussion: Freddy Diaz, Armen Halbburian Sax: George Young, Ron Janelli, Leonard Hambro, Lou Marini Trumpets: Burt Collins, Richard Perry Trombones: Wayne Andre, Jimmy Knepper, George Flynn Background Vocals: David Lasley, Luther Vandross, Arnold McCuller, Ula Hedwig Violins: David Nadien, Barry Finclair, Diana Halprin, Richard Sortmme, Tony Posk, Louis Eley, Robert Rosek, Herbert Sorkin, Cellos: Charles McCracken, Richard Locker, Jonathan Abramowitz
International Order Cruisin' Music at GEMM   Melody Blvd.	Tracks: '71 Regina So Many Sides As The Time Flies Complicated Times I Know, You Know Straighten Up And Fly Right Parents Shining In You

GINO CUNICO / GINO CUNICO	<ACM Rating: >
Gino Cunico was born in Sydney on February 26, 1949, whose parents you can easily guess from his family name are both Italian. To our surprise, Gino started his professional job in the Australian entertainment industry at the age of 11. In 1967, Gino participated in the band "Executives" with three #1 hits in 1967 and embarked to invade the United States in 1969, but did not succeed very much. In 1972, Gino released the album "Strive, Seek , Find" with Ray Burton, the ex-guitart of Executives. In 1974, Gino started his solo artist career by releasing the album "Gino Cunico" under Kama Sutra. In those days, Gino came across famous Clive Davis, the founder of Arista Records. Therefore, Gino Cunico got a deal with Columbia Records which Clive Davis had been working for at that time. However, when Clive Davis left Columbia Records, Gino also left Columbia Records without releasing any albums there. Once Clive Davis established Arista Records, you can easily understand that Gino signed the contract with Arista Records. Thus, Gino Cunico released this excellent pop album in 1976. Needless to say, Arista Records of late 70's was well-known for their pop albums alike those by Barry Manillow and/or Eric Carmen. This album has almost same atmosphere as those artists' albums.
Label: Arista- BMG Funhouse, Japan (BVCM-37199) (Original Label: Arista Records, USA <AL-4117>) Release Date: February 21, 2001 (Original Release: August, 1978) Producer: Vini Poncia Musicians: Keyboards: Stanley Schwartz, Jim Mandell, James Newton Howard, Kevin Crossly Guitars: David Wolfert, Johnny Vastano, Caleb Quaye Bass: Cooker Lo Presti, Gene Kurtz Drums: Kirk Bruner, Gerry Reba, Jim Keltner Percussion: Lenny Castro Sax: Tom Saviano Trumpets: Rich Felts Trombone: Doug Wintz Flute: Stanly Schwartz Backing Vocals: Vini Poncia, Melissa Manchester, The Faragher Bros, Brie Howard, Wendy Haas, Joe Bean, Paul Nauman
International Order Cruisin' Music at GEMM   Melody Blvd.	Tracks: DayDreamer She's Sweet, She's Somebody Can't Hold On Any Longer When I Wanted You Fanny (Be Tender With My Love) Can't Smile Without You Don't Throw It All Away Don't Get Around Much Anymore Emptiness Can't Hold On Any Longer

  

RANDY EDELMAN / YOU'RE THE ONE	<ACM Rating: >
Randy Edelman is recently known as one of big Hollywood movie score composers. This is his 6th solo album released in 1979 produced by Matthew McCauley and Fred Mollin known for their works with Dan Hill and Jimmy Webb. Comparing with his 5th solo album "If Love Is Real" also reissued, the total atmosphere became more sophisticated L.A. one because of the backing musicians listed as below.
Label: Arista- BMG Funhouse, Japan (BVCM-37199) (Original Label: Arista Records, USA) Release Date: February 21, 2001 (Original Release: August, 1979) Producer: Matthew McCauley and Fred Mollin Musicians: Bass: Mike Porcaro, Lee Sklar, Lyle Ritz Guitars: Dean Parks, Jay Graydon, Ben Benay, Steve Lukather, Al Kooper Drums: Mike Baird, Rick Marotta Keyboards: Matthew McCauley, David Paich Percussion: Fred Mollin Harp: Erica Goodman Autoharp: Ben Benay Sax: Doug Masek Victim: Tim McCauley Background Vocals: Jackie DeShannon, Jimmy Faragher, Tommy Faragher, Danny Faragher, Leah Kunkel, Fred Mollin, Matthew McCauley, Michael McDonald, Bobby Kimball, Tom Kelley
International Order Cruisin' Music at GEMM   Melody Blvd.	Tracks: Don't Let Go Of Me You Can Always Buy Her Pearls If This Is Love Thirty Years Old (Mom) Night Music You're The One Time Changes People A Potato In The Rain My Heart Got In The Way All Along The Rhine

PETE CARLSON
It was 1974 that Pete Carlson's first effort "Jesus, Your Name" was released under a semiprivate label named "Pinebrook". Then, Pete got a deal with Tempo, Kansas City based midsize CCM label and released 3 albums "You Were There"(1976), "Hideaway"(1977) and "Off The Beaten Path" (1979). To be honest, I did not listen to those 70's works because those are said to be too folky and acoustic for AOR/Westcoast lovers. Pete Carlson sought for the change, and Pete decided to work with Keith Thomas, who became well-known later for his producing works with big names including Amy Grant, James Ingram, Whitney Houston, Michael Bolton. Keith Thomas well-arranged keyboard-oriented production brought Pete into the different dimension. Thus, Pete released 2 Keith Thomas produced albums "Dreamer's Dream"(1982) and "Child Of The Heavenly"(1984) with Day Spring, one of the major CCM labels, which are now reissued on CD by COOL SOUND. I believe that Dunn Huff's guitar solo on the track " The Love Of God" from "Dreamer's Dream" is one of his best sessions in early 80's. On the other hand, Please note that the album "Dreamer's Dream" includes a typical not-well-arranged Christian Music tune "Thanksong" and on several tunes, Pete's vocal style had not been well-sophistcated as yet. That's the reason why I cannot rate the album "Dreamer's Dream" as 4 stars. It might be generally said that "Dreamer's Dream" is better than "Child Of The Heavenly" but personally I prefer the later one. Therefore I dare to recommend you to buy "Child Of The Hevaenly" rather than "Dreamer's Dream" if I have to choose one of which. And please be advised that Pete released one more album "Living In The Names Of Love"(1988) in 80's with Diadem, USA.
DREAMER'S DREAM	<ACM Rating: >
Label: Cool Sound, Inc. Japan (COOL-064) (Original Label: Day Spring, USA <DST-4101>) Release Date: February 10, 2001 (Original Release Year: 1982) Producer: Keith Thomas Executive Producer: Neal Joseph Musicians: Guitars: Dun Huff, Jon Goin, Brent Rowan Bass: Bob Wray Drums: Mark Hammond Percussion: Mark Hammond, Terry McMillan, Farrell Marris Sax: Dennis Solee Background Vocals: Melodie Tunney, Brown Bannister and Jack Joseph Puig
	Tracks: Let Him Hold Your Heart Run Inside Dreamer's Dream The Love Of God Warm Fire In A Cold World Take Me Away Lead Me In Your Love What A Friend Lord Of The Universe Thanksong
CHILD OF THE HEAVENLY	<ACM Rating: >
Label: Cool Sound, Inc. Japan (COOL-065) (Original Label: Day Spring, USA) Release Date: February 10, 2001 (Original Release Year: 1984) Producer: Keith Thomas Executive Producer: Neal Joseph Musicians: Keyboards: Keith Thomas, Mike Brignardello Guitars: Greg Jennings, Jon Goin Bass: Mike Brignardello, Bob Wray, Gary Lunn Drums: Mark Hammond Percussion: Terry McMillan Horns: Terry Townsend Strings Arrangement: John Darnall Background Vocals: Meldoy Tunney, Bonnie Keen, Neal Joseph, Keith Thomas, Denny Henson, Randy Guidry
International Order   Melody Blvd. Cruisin' Music at GEMM	Tracks: One Last Goodbye Child Of The Heavenly Show Me See Me Through Your Eyes Look To The Lord Let The Love Flow Time To Begin Again Can Someone Hear My Heart ? All The World Should Know My Lord