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Adult Contemporary Music
Quaterly Recommended Discs Page

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(LAST UPDATE: March 3, 2007)

Many Adult Contemporary Music CD's are continuously being released every month. So, I would hereby show you Adult Contemporary Music new releases ( also including Reissues) information as "Bi-Monthly Recommended Discs" (Sorry, sometimes Quaterly...) . I would highly recommend you to buy several albums by reading my personal reviews. Recently, there are not so many Adult Contemporary releases comparing with before. Thus, sometime this page might not be so much updated as before. Instead, please check my blog for the most updated infromation.
Reviews

 

Patrick Simmons/ Arcade

The debut solo album from the Doobie Brothers guitarist and songwriter, now available first time ever on CD at last. The album reached #52 on the Billboard Pop Album charts and features many big names including Jeff ‘Skunk’ Baxter, Huey Lewis & The News, Jude Cole, John Elefante, Victor Feldman, Andy Fraser, Nicky Hopkins, Tom Johnston, Michael McDonald, David Pack, John McFee, Leland Sklar, Willie Weeks, the Tower Of Power Horns.

  • Label: Wounded Bird, USA (WOU-225)
  • Release Date: February 27, 2006

Patrick Simmons / Arcade


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Boz Scaggs / Silk Degrees

(extended edition)

Boz Scaggs' masterpiece "Silk Degrees" are now re-released as remastered extended edition with 3 bonus tracks, celebrating its 30th anniversary Bonus tracks are live performance tracks recorded at the Greek Theater, Los Angeles, August 15, 1976: "What Can I Say", "Jump Street" and "It's Over".

  • Label:Columbia Legacy, USA (82876867152)
  • Release Date: February 27, 2007

　

Boz Scaggs /

　
　
   
Past Reviews


NEW RELEASES

George & G / So Much To Say

<ACM Rating: >

"Although this album is one of the MUST-HAVE" albums for all AOR/West Coast music lovers, it has been difficult to get because of South-East Asian release only. I would proudly recommend this album again on my website now because long-awaited Japanese version is now available. So, now is the time to grab this gemm! Jerzy George Grunwald was born in Poland and raised in Sweden. George performed duo with Jan Hilton in early 80's and as Gruwald & Hilton they released an album "Try" in 1984 in Sweden. He released several albums including "Gwiazdka z nieba"(1992 Sonic, Poland). He had a chance to live in San Diego and New York for 6 years and there worked as studio musician playing with many great artists. He teamed up with the Danish producer Oli Poulsen and started to work on the album "So Much To Say", recording sessions for which has been done in Copenhagen, Stockholm and Los Angeles, featuring Bill Champlin, Joseph Williams, Jason Scheff, Lou Pardini, Alex Ligertwood, Eric Marienthal, David Garfield, and the late Warren Wiebe. Last not but least, Japanese version includes 2 bonus tracks!

    • Label: Vivid Sound Corp, Japan (VSCD3351) (South-East Asia: Icicle Music, Singapore <IMI-41142>)
    • Release Date: February 21, 2007 (South East Asia: June, 2006)
    • Producer: Oil Poulsen
    • George Grunwald: Lead & Background Vocals, Guitars, Keyboards
    • Musicians:
      • Bass: Oil Poulsen
      • Keyboards: Oil Poulsen, Hakan Mjornheim, David Garfield
      • Guitars: Haken Mjornheim, Hans Poulsen, Finn Verwohlt. Allen Hinds
      • Drums: Jan Lysdhal
      • Percussions: Jacob Andersen
      • Sax: Eric Marienthal, Jens Hack
      • Additional Lead Vocals: Lou Pardini (Track 10), Alex Ligterwoord (Track 7)
      • Background Vocals: Bill Champlin, Joseph Williams, Jason Scheff, Lou Pardini, Warren Wiebe, Tamara Champlin, Trille Palsgaard, Stine Findsen. Mark Leadford, David Blamires. Alex Ligterwoord. Daniel Zimerman

George & G / So Much To Say

International Order

  • Tracks
    1. So Much To Say
    2. With Every Breath
    3. You Know
    4. Have I Lost My Girl
    5. I'm Emotional
    6. Save My Love
    7. Tocuh The Sun
    8. A Love So Right
    9. Don't Give It Up
    10. Mystery Girl
    11. Why Don't You Stay (bonus track)
    12. Save My Love (instrumental version) (bonus track)

Larry Klimas / The Ledge -special 6 song EP -

<ACM Rating: >

Larry Klimas, a talented sax player from Los Angeles, known for his a long time working relationship with Lee Oskar and also with David Garfield, including those of his group, Karizma. Larry's debut CD titled "Retro-spec[t]" was released in 1999 in the USA, later in Japan and Germany. Larry brings the best of all these experiences to his own music on "The Ledge", his special 6 songs EP. Somebody might know Larry as the substitue member of the band "Chicago" when Walt Parazaider is occasionally filled in for by him in recent years.

    • Label : n/a
    • Release Date: January 1, 2007
    • Producer: Arthur Barrow and himself
    • Larry Klimas: Sax, Flute
    • Musicians:
      • Drums: Vince Colaiuta, Tris Imboden
      • Bass: Jason Scheff
      • Guitars: Arthur Barrow
      • Keyboards: Arthur Barrow, David Garfield, Tommy Mars
      • Bass Clarinet: Don Markese
      • Trombone: Nick Lane
      • Percussion: Lus Conte, Michito Sanchez
Larry Klimas / The Ledge

 

International Order

Buy the CD
album cover
click to order

 
  • Tracks:
    1. Follow Me
    2. The Ledge
    3. Ain't Nothin' But A Thing
    4. Whatever You Say
    5. Don't Look Down
    6. Mr. Bryce

　

Code / The Enemy Within

<ACM Rating: >

Sherwood Ball, best-known for his contribution to Jay Graydon's project "Airplay For The Planet" has compeleted the new band "CODE" project with Anders Rydholm and Ola af Trampe from Swedish rock band "Grand Illusion". Among almost 40 songs ready for CODE project, they had narrowed it down to 12 which they recorded both in Sweden and the United States: "Alive", "Home Away From Home", "Change The World", "In The Shadows", "Lucky Town", "Beautiful Distraction", "My Time", "Sign Up For Love", "Sworn To Silence", "The Enemy Within", "Twice As Fast", "Uninvited Guest" for possible candidates.. At the final moment, "How Do We Say In Love" and "Flying High" would replace "Lucky Town" and "Twice As Fast". They have 2 guest backgrand vocalists, Per Svensson and Rob Meister on the record, and in addition, Gregg Bissonette played drums as a GUEST performer on all the songs on this debut CD in the middle of February 2006. ( The press release from Escape Music needs to be clarified because of the translation. Gregg Bissonette is NOT a band member. )

    • Label: Escape Music, UK <ESM144> (Japan: Marquee/Avalon <MICP10632>
    • Release Date: January 21, 2007 (Japan: January 24, 2007)
    • Producers: Anders Rydholm, Sherwood Ball
    • Code is:
      • Ola af Trampe: Guitar
      • Anders Rydholm: Bass, Keyboards, Guitar
      • Sherwood Ball: Lead & Background Vocals
    • Guest Musicians:
      • Drums: Gregg Bissonette
      • Background Vocals: Per Svensson, Tiaro' Ball
Code / The Enemy Within

 

International Order
  • Tracks:
    1. The Enemy Within
    2. Sign Up For Love
    3. Home Away From Home
    4. In The Shadows
    5. How Do We Stay In Love ?
    6. My Time
    7. Alive
    8. Uninvited Guest
    9. How Can I Change The World?
    10. Flying High
    11. Sworn To Silence
    12. Beautiful Distraction (Bonus Track for Japan)

　

Gary Portnoy / Destiny

<ACM Rating: >

Gary Portnoy, best-known for his tune "Where Everybody Knows Your Name", the theme from the US nationwide TV series "Cheers", has just released his brand-new CD entitled "Destiny". The CD contains 11 brand new songs (as well as a never released long version of the Theme to Mr. Belvedere.) You can listen to sound clips and also get this CD at Gary Portnoy's official website.
    • Label: Argentum Records, USA (7606)
    • Release Date: January 7, 2007
    • Producer: himself
    • Gary Portnoy: Vocals, Acoustic Guitar, Keyboards
    • Musicians
      • Guitars: Sheryl Bailey
      • Bass: Leslie Bloome
      • Drums, Percussion: matt Norris
      • Harmonica: Carlos Colina
      • Violin: Michelle Stewart
      • Viola: Ryan Hall
      • Cello: Aaron Minsky
      • Trombone: Walter Barrett
      • Clarinet: Ed Herko
      • Keyboards: Chris Burke, Benjy King, Mark Pender

Gary Portnoy / Destiny

 

International Order
  • Tracks
    1. I Wanna Sing Again
    2. Destiny
    3. A Younger Time
    4. Big Brother
    5. Talk Of Jesus
    6. Life On The Outside
    7. Mr. Belvedere
    8. Oh, Jessie
    9. I Know Something
    10. Manhattan Heartache
    11. The Only One
    12. Jeanne
    13. Talk Of Jesus (instrumental) <hidden track>

 

　

Various Artists / Noriyuki Makihara Songs From L.A.

<ACM Rating: >

We have just got an album "Noriyuki Makihara Songs From L.A" featuring 11 covers by acclaimed Westcoast/AOR singers. As you can easily guess, those songs are all originally performed by top Japanese male pop artist named Noriyuki Makihara. Robbie Dupree, Bobby Caldwell, Tommy Funderburk (Airplay), Bobby Kimball(Toto), Joseph Williams(Toto), Jason Scheff(Chicago), Bill Champlin(Chicago) and other 4 first-class vocalists made a good job. And we should also note supporting musicians such as Tom Keane, Michael Landau. Honestly speaking, Makihara's melodies are a little bit diffrent from Westcoast/AOR ones, even though those songs are very light and mellow. All of the tracks are really well-arranged for the singers, and all the singers do show their professionalities, so I believe that you can enjoy this albums satisfactory, only if you admit that this is a kind of tribute album.
    • Label: Avex Marketing Communications, Japan (AVCF-26085)
    • Release Date: February 21, 2007
    • Producers: Nobuhito Ikehata, Kaz Masumoto
    • Co-Producers: Takaki Kitagawa, Tom Keane
    • Musicians:
      • Lead Vocals: Bobby Caldwell (track 1), Tommy Funderburk (track 2), George Duke (track 3), Jason Scheff (track 4), Robbie Dupree (track 5), Kim Carnes (track 6), Joseph Williams (track 7), Justin Andres (track 8), Bill Champlin (track 9) , Timothy Durly (track 10), Bobby Kimball (track 11)
      • Keyboards: Tom Keane, Michael Binikos, Ted Namba, Henry Stewart,Timothy Drury
      • Guitars: Michael Landau, Tim Pierce, Michael Konan, Justin Andres
      • Bass: Lee Sklar, Noel Freeman, Justin Andres
      • Drums: Stephen Litrownik, Larry Williams
      • Sax: Andy Suzuki, Dan Higgins
      • Flute: Andy Suzuki
      • Trumpet: Steve Huffsteter, John Fumo, Jerry Hey, Gary Grant
      • Trombone: Alex Iles, Bill Reichenbach
      • Tuba: Alex Iles
      • Background Vocals: Terry Wood, Wendy Fraser, Justine Andres, Bill Champlin, Kim Karnes, Joseph Williams
      • String Programming: David Conner
    • Remarks: This CD is released with Bonus DVD.
Noriyuki Makihara Songs From L.A.

International Order
  • Tracks:
    1. Answer
    2. Darling
    3. Un (Yes <noncommital tranlated title> )
    4. Love Letter
    5. Hanamizuki (Under the doogwood tree <noncommital translated title>)
    6. Honjitsu-ha Seiten-nari (It's Clear Sky Again Today <noncommital tranlated title>)
    7. Doshiyomonai Boku-ni Tenshi-ga Oritekita (You're My Angel Falling Hopelss For Me <noncommital tranlated title>)
    8. Kimi-ha Boku-no Takaramono ('Cause You're My Treasure <noncommital tranlated title>)
    9. KitaKaze (North Wind <noncommital tranlated title>)
    10. Home Sweet Home
    11. Red Nose Reindeer

Stephen Bishop / Saudade

<ACM Rating: >

Stephen Bishop's new studio-recording album "Saudade" is easy to buy in the States, but quite hard to get in other territories because this album is created exclusively for Target, US nationwide retail store chain. With legendary Brazilian Oscar Castro-Neves and Peter Bunetta, Stephen Bishop created this brand-new album featuring 6 new songs and 6 classics from his catalog. "Saudade (pronounced "SOW-DODGE-EE") means to have an earnest, heartfelt longing, especially for something or someone beyond reach," Bishop explains of the album's title. It's a longing; it's much more than nostalgia."
    • Label: 180 Music LLC, USA (OEM-00035-5)
    • Release Date: February 27, 2007
    • Executive Producer: Jim Brandmeier
    • Producers: Oscar Castro-Neves, Peter Bunetta
    • Stephen Bishop: Lead Vocals
    • Musicians:
      • Guitars: Oscar Castro-Neves, Eric Clapton, Earl Klugh
      • Keyboards: Oscar Castro-Neves, Don Grusin
      • Drums: Alex Acuna
      • Bass: Brian Bromberg
      • Percussion: Kevin Ricard
      • Woodwinds, Sax: Gary Meek
      • Duet Vocals (Track 4): Luciana Souza
      • Background Vocals: Kenny Rankin. Charlotte Gibson
Stephen Bishop / Saudade

 

Order (US Domestic Address Only)

 
  • Tracks
    1. Under The Jamaican Moon
    2. On And On
    3. Hello
    4. Un Baile Del Corazon
    5. Save It For A Rainy Day
    6. Never Letting Go
    7. Bish’s Hideaway
    8. Annalia
    9. Take This Empty Heart
    10. One More Night
    11. Separate Lives
    12. New York In The Fifties

Bobby Caldwell / Live At The Blue Note Tokyo

<ACM Rating: >

This is the first live CD of Bobby Caldwell, which captured his Big Band style jazz live performances at the Blue Note Tokyo. Bobby had performed at the club on December 18, 19, 21-25 and he sang not only standard jazz but also his penned original AOR/Westcoast hits such as "What You Won't Do For Love" "Heart Of Mine" and/or "All Or Nothing At All" at that time. However, this live CD does not include those great songs and gathers only jazz tunes from several live performances. So, you should note that this CD is purely focusing on Bobby Caldwell's jazz-side before you buy.

    • Label: Starmine Records, USA
    • Release Date: February 17, 2007
    • Producers: Richard Mcintosh and himself
    • Bobby Caldwell: Lead Vocals
    • Band:
      • Keyboards: Mark McMillen
      • Guitars: George Evans
      • Bass: Jon Murray
      • Drums: Land Richards
      • Background Vocals: Jean McClean, Christian Ebner
      • Trumpet: Russell Capri, Scott Englebright, Christopher Maurer
      • Trombone: Michael Bravin, Doug Robinson, Rob Kaufman
      • Sax: Rory Mazzela, Brandon Fields, George Shelby, Lee Secard
Bobby Caldwell / Liv at the Blue Note Tokyo

 

International Order
  • Tracks
    1. I’ve Got a Right to Sing the Blues
    2. Beyond the Sea
    3. Don’t Worry ‘Bout Me
    4. Day In Day Out
    5. I’ll Be Around
    6. Come Rain or Come Shine
    7. Indian Summer
    8. (I’ve Got You) Under My Skin
    9. Street of Dreams
    10. At Last

 

REISSUES

Marilyn Martin / This Is Serious

<ACM Rating: >

Marilyn Martin, best known for "Separate Lives," a 1985 duet with Phil Collins for the movie "White Nights", released her debut album for Atlantic Records in January 1986, but commercially, Martin's solo career didn't go nearly as far as it should have. In 1988, Atlantic released Martin's 2nd album "This Is Serious", which is musically very good one but didn't sell well as predicted. Thus she was dropped by the label unfortunately. The singer never signed with another label and never recorded a 3rd album, although she provided some background vocals for various artists in the '90s. This album is known for a song called "Possessive Love" written and produced by Madonna and Patrick Leonard which was released as a single in 1989. The original demo remains one of many Unreleased Madonna Songs. In September of 2005, Wounded Bird Records reissued Martin's self-titled 1986 debut album and now her 2nd "This is Serious" is also reissued by the label.

    • Label : Wounded Bird Records, USA (WOU 1814) (Original: Atlantic Records, USA )
    • Release Date: January 30, 2007 (Original Release Year: March, 1988)
    • Producers: Jon Astley, Patrick Leonard, Michael Verdick, Terry Brown
    • Mariyln Martin: Lead & Background Vocals
    • Musicians:
      • Guitars: James David Harrah, David Williams, Danny McBride, Phil Palmer
      • Drums: Anton Fig, Jimmy Brolower, Jonathan Moffet, John Robinson
      • Bass: Will Lee, Tony Levin, Nathan East
      • Keyboards: Jai Winding, Jeff Bova, Kerry E. Hatch, Richie Close, Jay Gruska
      • Percussion: Paulinho Da Costa, Michael Tempo
      • Sax: Scotty Page
      • Background Vocals: Gina Haire, Donna Delory, Sharon Celani, Bobby King, Arnold McCuller, Donny Gerard
Marilyn Martin / This Is Serious

 

International Order

  • Tracks:
    1. Possessive Love
    2. This Is Serious
    3. The Best Is Yet To Come
    4. Quiet Desperation
    5. Lay Me Down
    6. Love Takes No Prisoners
    7. Try Me
    8. The Wait Is Over
    9. Homeless
    10. Pretender

 

David Pomeranz

It was 1971 when David appeared in front of us with his debut album "New Blues". "Time To Fly" (Decca) and "It's In Every One Of Us" (Arista) followed. As you know, David succeeded in the States and also in Japan with his 4th album "The Truth Of Us" (Pacific/ WEA) in 1981. Breaking his long absence as a singer, David Pomeranz returned with an album entiled " Born For You - His Best & More", self-remake collection of his good melodies from his former albums and 6 brand new songs for MCA Universal, Philippine in 1999. Thus David Pomeranz restarted to release his beautiful music since 1999 in South East Asian region. In 2002, David released an album, being accompanied by not only Philippine musicians but also by US musicians including Jim Peterik for this album. David Pomeranz's romantic and mellow, easy-on-the-ears music remains the same as before. David revisted his masterpiece tune "The Truth of Us" for this album. Last but not least, as regards the album "Born For You", Singapore version followed in 2000 with a bonus track "Singapore Girl". Now Japanese version has just been released with a bonus track "Tokyo Girl" which is the same tune with differentlyrics as "Singapore Girl". Those 2 reissue titles of David Pomeranz are available with LP-style Paper Sleeve jacket.

Born For You - His Best & More

<ACM Rating: >

David Pomeranz / Born For You
  • Label : Vivid Sound Corp., Japan (VSCD3348) (Original: MCA Universal, Philippine <7314 547 907-2>)
  • Release Date: February 14, 2007 (Original Release Year: 1999)
  • Producers: Lorrie Ilustre and himself
  • David Pomeranz: Lead & Background Vocals, Keyboards, Acoustic Guitar, Percussion
  • Musicians:
    • Guitar: Cezar Aguas
    • Keyboards: Lorrie Ilustre, Bond Samson
    • Drums: Nino Regalado, Roy Mercado
    • Bass: Sonny Azurin
    • Sax: Tots Tolentino
    • Background Vocals: Rene Martinez, Arnie Mendaros, Yogee De JesusKeyboards: Joe Sample, Jerry Peters, Billy Preston, Clarence McDonald
  • Tracks:
    1. Got To Believe In Magic
    2. Born For You
    3. If You Walked Away (duet with Sharon Cuneta)
    4. Undying Admiration
    5. A Personal Touch
    6. The Old Songs
    7. This Is What I Dreamed
    8. I Still Believe In You
    9. Tryin' To Get The Feeling Again
    10. I Learned It All From You
    11. King And Queen Of Hearts
    12. Over And Over Again
    13. In Our Hands (duet with Ima Castro)
    14. Tell Me
    15. Tokyo Girl (special bonus track for Japan)

On This Day

<ACM Rating: >

David Pomeranz / On This Day
  • Label : Vivid Sound Corp., Japan (VSCD3349) (Original: MCA Universal, Philippine <00440 016 536-2>)
  • Release Date: (Original: November, 2001)
  • Producers: Jim Peterik, Lorrie Ilustre , Ted Perlmanand himself
  • David Pomeranz:
  • Musicians:
    • Guitars:Jim Peterik, Mike Aquino,Cezar Aguas, Danny Jacob
    • Keyboards: Lorrie Ilustre, Dave Loeb, Ed Tossing
    • Bass: Jim Peterik, Sonny Azurin, Rick Shaw
    • Drums: Ed Breckenfeld, Nino Regalado, Sammy K.
    • Drum Programming: Ted Perlman
    • Percussion: Lorrie Ilustre
    • Sax: Brian Scanlon
    • Background Vocals: Heidi Thompson, Terry Bradford
  • Tracks:
    1. New York City Is Waiting
    2. Sweet Soul Sister
    3. Right Where We Left Off
    4. Trapped In A Moonlight
    5. Fixing A Broken Heart
    6. To Love And Be Loved
    7. Don't Stay It's Over
    8. I Can't Stand The Rain
    9. Nature Plan
    10. Stright Back To You
    11. Brief
    12. What's The Beig Deal
    13. Like It Was Nothing At All

International Order

 

 

Bruce Roberts / Bruce Roberts

<ACM Rating: >

Bruce Roberts self-titled debut album on Elektra Records in 1977 was reissued on CD first time in 1991 here in Japan. Due to long out-of-print period, many music lovers would hope the re-reissue. Now, the album is available again with LP vinyl style paper sleeve jacket. Bruce was much successful as a songwriter than an artist, penning many tunes for other artists, including "You're Movin' Out Today" co-written with Carole Bayer Sager and Bette Midler, became a chart single for Midler. "No More Tears (Enough Is Enough)", duet song for Barbara Streisand and Donna Summer, is his most successful tune, which climbed to the top of US pop chart in 1979. In 1980, Bruce released his own second solo album "Cool Fool". By the mid-'80s, Bruce Roberts was writing with Andy Goldmark, the parter of "Cool Fool" album, they wrote hit tunes for Jermaine Jackson, Jeffrey Osborne and Jennifer Rush. In 1995, Bruce's third solo album" Intimacy"was released , which was joined by John, Luther Vandross, K.D. Lang, Ashford & Simpson, and All-4-One.
    • Label : Vivid Sound Corp., Japan <VSCD-3350> (Origial Release: Elektra Records, USA)
    • Release Date: February 21, 2007 (Original Release Year: 1977)
    • Producer: Tom Dowd
    • Bruce Roberts: Lead & Background Vocals, Keyboards
    • Musicians:
      • Keyboards: David Foster, John Jarvis, Ian Underwood
      • Guitars: Steve Cropper, Fred Tackett, Jim Cregan, Ray Parker Jr.
      • Bass: Mike Porcaro, Ron Carter, Donald Dunn, Bob Gloub
      • Drums: Jeff Porcaro, Grady Tate
      • Percussion: Bobby Hall, Tom Vig
      • Background Vocals: Brooks Hubbicutt
John Valenti / Anything You Want

 

International Order
  • Tracks:
    1. I Don't Break Easily
    2. Our Night
    3. I Don't Wanna Go
    4. I'd Rather Be Alone
    5. Starmaker
    6. This Boy
    7. Me And My Love
    8. The Car Song
    9. Steel Away Again
    10. I'm Comin' Home Again

 

 

　

 

 

　

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