Adult Contemporary Music in Japan

NEW RELEASES

KYLE VINCENT / SWEET 16	<ACM Rating: >
Kyle Vincent, ex the lead singer in a mid 80's California pop group called Candy debuted his first solo Self-Titled CD in 97 along with the hit single "Wake Me Up (When the World's Worth Waking Up For). You may recall the super hit of 1999 AOR/Melodic Rock release "Night Like This", his unreleased first solo album "Trust" recorded in early 90's for MCA. This is another Kyle Vincent's unreleased archives for you. I would quote Kyle's comment about this album; "This is a collection of songs that for one reason or another have slipped through the cracks over the past few years. Some were slated for the albums, but we simply ran out of space or time (or money!), while other were just personal demos never meant to be released."
Label : Air Mail Recordings, Japan (SongTree Records, USA) Release Date: March 28, 2000 Producer: himself Musicians: No Credit   US Version is available via CD NOW	Tracklisting: One Soul (94) I Can Still Love You (90) Back Off! (96) One Ticket Home (91) Same Old Heartache (86) I Only Know How To Love You (95) Any Other Girl (94) Man In The Moon (90) Just A Matter Of Time (86) If You Were My Love (88) When I Close My Eyes (92) When I Need A Miracle (88) Rockin' Radio (87) Rita (90) Running Away (93) Where Memories Go (88) On The Beach (98) <Bonus Track> If I Could Fly (87) <Super Bonus Track>

Kyle Vincent / Wow & Flutter (Listen Before You Buy ! ) <ACM Rating: > This is Kyle's brand-new solo album, following his super-hit album "Kyle Vincent" released under Hollywood Records in 1997. Although the album "Kyle Vincent" was ranked #63 on the US national annual album chart, Kyle lost the recording deal with Hollywood Records. It was really stupid thing which was caused by the fact that there is very few person at US Major labels who could understand what the good music is...... Under the circumstances, Kyle is now starting his own label "SongTree Records".   Label: SongTree Records, USA (STR-69001-2) / AirMail Recordings, Japan (AIRCD-017) Release Date: March 29, 2000 Producer: himself Musicians: Guitar, Keyboards, Background Vocals: Tommy Dunbar Bass: Colby Pollard Drums: Jamie Wollam, Ray Brinker, Nick D'Virgilio, Rick Menck Background Vocals: Gerry Beckley, Jon Rubin, Parthenon Huxley Remarks: Bonus CD single "Tell It Goodbye" c/w "The First Thing On My Mind" is available with Japanese version.

Tracks: The First Thing On My Mind Taking Over Me Somewhere Between Hello & Goodbye No Matter What Will Be She's Top 40 The Day The World Changed Before The Winter Comes Leave It Alone Jennifer Everyday Thing Van Gogh Sunset

 

CHRISTIAN TOLLE PROJECT / BETTER THAN DREAMS	<ACM Rating: >
Christian Tolle, the guitarist born 1970 in Leverkusen Germany is heavily inspired by Los Angeles big guitarists such as Steve Lukather, Tim Pierce and/or Michael Thompson., He decided to record his own CD in his own studio with all his friends and heroes he met over the years. Christian flew to L.A. and recorded with Steve Lukather, Tim Pierce, Michael Thompson, and Lauren Scheff. And, this CTP first album "Better Than Dreams" features a lot of his friends and former band mates like Mathias Dieth (Ex-UDO, Ex-Sinner). The 10 songs on this album are basically hard-edge melodic rock (Euro AOR) with a little westcoast and jazz influences.
Label : none (CTM-001) Release Date: March, 2000 Producer: himself Supporting Musicians: Lead Vocals: Stephen Scheuss Bass: Lauren Scheff, Dieter Heinshon Guitars: Steve Lukather, Markus Mengen, Klaus Spangenberg, Michael Thompson, Mathias Dieth, Tim Pierce Mandolin: Guido Lehmann Keyboards: Jens Hartmann, Eddy F. Mueller Background Vocals: Klaus Opree, Steve Barnes
International Order   http://www.aorheaven.com	Tracklisting: Changed She Doesn't Know Taking A Risk One Night Alone Angel Monkey Park Back To You I Know 87 99 Out In The Night

 

LARRY KLIMAS / RETRO-SPEC (T)	<ACM Rating: >
Larry Klimas, the sax player whose performances you have listened to on many David Garfield related works such as "Tribute To Jeff Porcaro", Luis Conte's solo albums and etc., released his first solo album "Retro-Spec(t)" last summer under Creatchy Records in the United States and also been distributed in Europe by Intercord Record Germany. This album is one of the best urban contemporary Jazz albums of 1999. And for the AOR-maniacs, "What's Goin' On" featuring Jason Scheff on the lead vocals with Bill Champlin and Joseph Williams on the background vocals. Cool Sound version includes bonus tracks, one is "Quiero Hablar Espanol" and the other is "Heavy Resin", which is the unreleased 1987 Japan live performance recording tracks of Karizma!
Label: Cool Sound, Japan (COOL-044) (Original Release: Creatchy Records, USA (CREATCHY012) <Germany: distributed by Intercord Records>) Release Date : March 25, 2000 (Original Release: August, 1999) Producer: David Garfield, Michael Landau, John Pena, Simon Phillips, Jason Scheff and himself Musicians: Keyboards: David Garfield, Glenn Charvat, Doug Lofstrom Keyboards, Drum Programming: Arthur Barrow Guitars: Michael Landau, Ricardo Silviera, Mike Miller, Steve Farris, Tim Pierce, Steve Lukather Drums: Vinnie Colaiuta, Simon Phillips, Gregg Bissonette, Steve Ferrone Drums and Cymbals: Carlos Vega Snare Drums: Dave Karasony Bass: John Pierce, Jimmy Johnson, John Pena, Jason Scheff, James Earl, Nathan East Lead & Backing Vocals (on track 4): Jason Scheff Backing Vocals (on track4): Bill Champlin, Joseph Williams Cameo Vocal "Latina": Mary Ann Cascella Percussion: Lenny Castro, Luis Conte, Pat Murphy, Lenny Castro, Greg Ellis Tenor Sax Solo (on track 8): Earnie Watts Alto Sax (on track 8): Brandon Fields Trumpet: Rick Braun, Walter Fowler, Jim Teister Trombone: Nick Lane Flugelhorn: Ralf Rickert, Walter Fowler
	Tracklisting: Bawls Off The Beaten Path Ganja What's Goin' On Desire Stranger Things Have Happened Under Your Spell That's The Beauty Of It Old For The Old Man Quiero Hablar Espanol (Bonus Track) Heavy Rain (Bonus Track)

DAVID GARFIELD and the CATS / I AM THE CAT, MAN	<ACM Rating: >
David Garfield, one of the best music creators released this album in February 1998 under his own label, Creatchy Records with talented musicians such as Michael Landau, John Pena, Jimmy Johnson, Nathan East, Carlos Vega, Phil Perry and Jason Scheff. This album would remember you of his 80's project "Karizma". Cool Sound Version includes a bonus track titled "Down On My Luck" featuring Steve Lukather on the lead vocal. This tune may be already very familiar in Germany because "Down On My Luck" is recorded in Feb. 1995 as "Los Lobotomys" and used for a theme music of TV program.
Label: Cool Sound, Japan (COOL-043) (Original Release :Creatchy Records (CR-010) <distributed by Intercord Record Service in Europe> ) Release Date: March 25, 2000 (Original Released: February, 1998) Producer: Himself Musicians: Vocals: Jason Scheff, Phil Perry, Paulette Browne Sax: Larry Williams, Larry Klimas, Brandon Fields, Ernie Watts Trumpet and Fluelhorns: Walt Fowler, Harry Kim, Ramon Flores Trombones: Arturo Velasco, Bob McChesney Guitars: Michael Landau, Mike Miller, Ricardo Silveria, Steve Lukather Bass: John Pena, Jimmy Johnson, Nathan East Drums: Gregg Bissonette, Vinnie Colaiuta, Carlos Vega, Simon Phillips Percussion: Michito Sanchez, Luis Conte, Lenny Castro
	Tracklisting: Saturday Fields Down On My Luck (Bonus Track) Memories of Rio Blues for Mr.J Deep Within Each Man Layla Night Of The Frothing Comas From Above Sexual Harassment All We Got To Do Is Try

JAYE P. MORGAN / JAYE P. MORGAN	<ACM Rating: >
Sometime, we come across the incredible unfamiliar past masterpiece, most of which are really hard to get and actually very difficult to be reissued because of copyright matters. Erik Tagg's 2nd solo album "Rendez-vous" was one of those albums. This Jaye P. Morgan album must be another one and/or much more rare and difficult to reissue because this album. To my surprise, Dreamsville Records succeeded to reissue this Jay P. Morgan's album on CD. Jaye P. Morgan is a 1950's well-known popular singer, actress and comedienne. Especially during the '50s, she made quite a name for herself as a vocalist, surprisingly she had 9 US Top20 hits during one year from November 1954 . And she hosted her own TV show, "The Jaye P. Morgan" in mid 50's. Jaye P. Morgan re-emerged in the '70s as a comedienne and/or entertainer rather than a singer. Jaye is probably best-known as a panelist on "The Gong Show". Although not as prevalent a personality as a singer, Jaye P. Morgan continued to be the singer in 70's. This album is the proof of this fact and at the same time one of the best late 70's session works done by Jay Graydon and David Foster. Other supporting musicians are also marvelous as listed below. I recommend this album as the stepping stone album toward the A.O.R / West Coast golden years around 1980.
Label: Dreamsville Records, Japan (YDCD-0023) (Original: Candor Records <C-1001>) Release Date: March 25, 2000 <Original Release Year:1976> Executive Producer: Joe Gottfried Producer: David Foster Musicians: Keyboards: David Foster, Bill Mays Guitars: Jay Graydon, Lee Ritenour, Ray Parker Jr. Bass: David Hungate, Chuck Domonico, Henry Davis Drums; Steve Schaeffer, Jeff Porcaro, Harvey Mason, Ed Green Percussion: Steve Forman Harmonica: Les Thompson Trumpet: Mic Gillette, Greg Adams, Chuck Findley Trombone: Mic Gilette, George Bohanan, Lew McCreary Sax: Ernie Watts, Steve "Doc" Kupka, Emilio Castillio, Lenny Pickett Backing Vocals: Bill Champlin, Kenny Loggins, Carmen Twillie, Nette Gloud, B.J.Cook Foster, Donny Gerard Strings: Jimmie Haskell(conductor), Jim Hugart, Raymond Kelley, Arman Kaproff, Murray Adler, Israel Baker, Harvey Bluestone, James Getzoff, Bernald Kundel, Joy Lyle, Nathan Ross, Sheldon Sanov. Paul Shure, Gareth Nuttycombe
	Tracklisting: I Fall In Love Everyday Keepin' It To Myself Here Is Where Your Love Belongs Closet Man It's Been So Long Let's Get Together Can't Hide Love You're All I Need To Get By It All Goes Around

BRUCE HIBBARD / NEVER TURNIN' BACK	<ACM Rating: >
BRUCE HIBBARD / A LIGHT WITHIN	<ACM Rating: >
One of the unforgettable CCM masterpieces is again reissued on CD under Cool Sound, the leading AOR/Westcoast reissue label here in Japan. It was 1980 when Bruce Hibbard's 2nd solo album "Never Turnin' Back" was originally released. 1980 might be the special year for AOR/westcoast lovers because many masterpieces were released in that year, such as "Airplay / Airplay", "Christopher Cross / Chritopher Cross", "Robbie Dupree / Robbie Dupree", "Ambrosia / One Eighty" and "Steely Dan / Gaucho". It may not be too much to say that 1980 was the year the music genre or music style called "AOR / Westcoast" among Japanese was perfectly established. Among those masterpieces, Bruce Hibbard's "Never Turnin' Back" should be one of candidates for the best "AOR/Westcoast" albums of the year 1980.   Bruce Hibbard,born in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma in 1953, started his professional music career as a songwriter first. Bruce wrote "Lord Bless This Day" for Sharman Andrus' album "Soon Coming" in 1976. And "Lord Bless This Day", "All I Want To Be" and "Hem Of His Garment" were recorded by Pam Thum for the album "Bless This Day", all of which are also included on Bruce's first solo album "A Light Within". This first solo album is soft and mellow comparing his second album "Never Turnin' Back". 3 years later from the released of "A Light Within", Bruce Hibbard completed the perfect album "Never Turnin' Back" with the almost same musicians who supported "A Light Within", i.e. Hadley Hockensmith, Bill Maxwell and Harlan Rogers. Later, as you ma know, they formed "Koinonia". And you should note that the guitarist named Dean Charts played on the album "Never Turnin' Back" is the well-known guitarist "Dean Parks".
NEVER TURNIN' BACK
Label: Cool Sound Inc. Japan (COOL-046) (Original: Myrrh, USA <MSB-6623>) Release Date: April 8, 2000 <Original Release Year:1980> Executive Producer: Michael Blanton Producer: Hadley Hockensmith Musicians: Guitar: Hadley Hockensmith, Dean Charts Keyboard :Harlan Rogers Drums : Keith Edwards, Bill Maxwell Bass : Hadley Hockensmith, Chuck Fiore Percussion : Alex MacDougall Sax : Glen Myerscough Background Vocals : Bryan Duncan, Randy Thomas, Kelly Willard, Judy Cotton, Hadley Hockensmith
	Tracklisting: Never Turnin' Back Calling You'll Never Let Me Go It's A Shame You're So Good To Me Forgiven Straight And Narrow All Of Me Love Will Always Make A Way We Are All His Children

A LIGHT WITHIN
Label: Cool Sound Inc. Japan (COOL-046) (Original: Seed, USA) Release Date: April 8, 2000 <Original Release Year:1977> Producer: Bobby Cotton and Paul Clark Musicians: Guitar: Hadley Hockensmith Keyboard :Harlan Rogers Drums : Steve Wright, Lanney Hanson,, Bill Maxwell Bass : Hadley Hockensmith, Chuck Fiore Percussion : Keith Edwards Alex MacDougall Sax : Glen Myerscough Horns: Fetch Wiley, Joe Davis French Horns: Mel Lieb Oboe: Sandra Hangendale Rhythm: Curt Bartlett Background Vocals : Terry Blackwood, Sherman Andrus, Kelly Willard, Rick Gordon Strings Arrangements: Fetch Wiley
	Tracklisting: Questions Rescue Me All That I Want To Be Given Myself Over Only God(Can Put A Song In Your Heart) Peace A Nation's Prayer Hem Of His Garment Lord Bless This Day Make Me A Blessing

 Noteworthy Discs (Reissues)

DIONNE WARWICK / LOVE AT FIRST SIGHT	NARADA MICHAEL WALDEN/ AWAKENING	NARADA MICHAEL WALDEN / THE DANCE OF LIFE
<ACM Rating: >	<ACM Rating: >	<ACM Rating: >
Label: Warner Music, Japan (WPCR-10659) Release Date: March 25, 2000 Original Release Year: 1977 Producers: Steve Barri & Michael Omartian Musicians: Drums: Ed Green Bass: Scott Edwards Guitar: Jay Graydon, Ray Parker Keyboards: Michael Omartian etc...	Label: Eastwest, Japan (AMCY-6092) Release Date: March 25, 2000 Original Release Year: 1979 Producers: Patrick Adams and himself Musicians: Guitars: Jay Graydon, Hiram Bullock, Ray Gomez Keyboards: Greg Phillinganes, Bobby Lyle	Label: Eastwest, Japan (AMCY-6093) Release Date: March 25, 2000 Original Release Year: 1979 Producers: Bob Clearmountain and himself Musicians: Guitars: Corrado Rustici Bass: T.M. Stevens Keyboards: Frank Martin Sax: Marc Russo

Many visitors asks me where these recommended CDs can be bought via internet. So, I would give you the the several retailers links from this page also as bellow. A.O.R. Specialized CD/LP Mailorder Retailers Page