Adult Contemporary Music in Japan

Monthly Recommended Discs Page

Many Adult Contemporary Music CD are releasing every month. SO, I would hereby show you Adult Contemporary Music CD New Release ( also including Reissue) information. As "Recommended Discs of The Month" , I would highly recommend to buy several albums with my personal review. In addition, I would also give you release information regarding other remarkable recent titles supported by one of the well-known on-line music stores "CD Now" and "Amazon.com" as "Noteworthy Discs of The Month" .

Contents

Recommended Discs of This Month (Back to latest monthly recommendation)

Recommended Discs of May, 2000

New Releases
Reissues
1. Crackin' / Crackin'
2. Outrider / No Way Out

Noteworthy Discs of May, 2000

C.C.M. (Contemporary Christian Music)

Aaron Benward / Imagine <ACM Rating: >

Aaron Benward is already well-known for 4 albums with his father Jeoffrey Benward as "Aaron Jeoffrey". And at the still young age of 26, Aaron embarks on his solo journey with this album "Imagine".

Label: Sparrow Records, USA (SPD1715 <G2-7243-8-51715-2-9>)

Release Date: April 13, 2000

Producers: Matt Bronleewe, Darrell Brown and Dennis Matkosky

Musicians:

Keyboards: Dennis Matkosky

Acoustic Guitars: Bruce Gaitsch

Michael English / Heaven To Earth <ACM Rating: >

Michael English is embarking on comeback in Christian music after 1994 scandal, i.e. an extramarital affair with singer Marabeth Jordan. This album "Heaven To Earth" is marked by the Curb Records as his returning album to gospel music after seven-year absence. However, his music is still pop. You will agree with me if you would see who supported to complete this album shown as below.

Label: Curb Records, USA (SPD1715 <G2-7243-8-51715-2-9>)

Release Date: March 28, 2000

Producer: Brown Bannister

Musicians:

Keyboards: Alan Pasqua

Guitars: Tom Hemby, Jerry McPherson

Drums: Chris Mchugh

Background Vocals: Richard Page, Bill Champlin, Chris Willis, Chris Rodriguez, Wendy Moten, Carmen Twille, Julia Tillman Waters, Maxine Waters, Oren Waters, Yvonne Williams, Gene Miller, Michael Mellett

Danny Gans / Brand New Dream <ACM Rating: >

Danny Gans is well-known as the "Entertainer of the year" in Las Vegas, the bes singer-comedian-impressionist-actor in the United States rather than CCM singer. Actually Gans has just signed a multi-year agreement with Mirage Resorts and now performing in his own 1,250-seat theater at The Mirage, the best hotel/casino in Las Vegas.

He is also good singer and you will enjoy Danny Gans - "The Man of Many Voices" on his first album "Brand New Dream" featuring many excellent musicians.

Label: Myrrh Records, USA (Word/Epic) (EK63608)

Release Date: February 29, 2000

Producer: Michael Omartian

Musicians:

Acoustic Guitar: Bruce Gaitsch, Tom Hemby

Keyboards: Michael Omartian

Guitars: Tom Hemby, Jerry McPherson, Chris Rodriguez

Drums: Chris Mchugh

Duet Vocals: Bob Carlisle

Background Vocals: Michael Mellett, Lisa Bevill, Chris Rodriguez

Clay Crosse / A Different Man <ACM Rating: >

It was 1994 that Clay Crosse with light pop vocal talent released his first album. Generally speaking, his tunes are said to be very pop and light ones. And on this 4th album "A Different Man", you can enjoy Clay Crosse's pop world. In addition, he is now showing that he can sing more soulful on this album. Crosse co-wrote 8 tunes out of 10 for this album. The one of the rest 2 tunes is "What Would You Do For A King?"written and originally performed by Bill Cantos, which I believe gives this album something.

Label: Reunion Records, USA (02341 0064 2)

Release Date: March 7, 2000

Producer: Regie Hamm

NAC / Adult Contemporary

The John Tesh Project / Pure Movies 2 <ACM Rating: >

This is the second collection of most popular songs from movies elegantly arranged and performed on Grand Piano by the award-winning musician John Tesh. If you would love to listen to David Foster's instrumental piano albums, this is the CD for you. However, this is not the true reason why I picked up this CD here.

You can listen to Richard Page's (ex Pages / Mr. Mister) lead vocal on "When She Loved Me", cover version originally from the Disney animation movie "TOY STORY 2" . And you can also enjoy Cindy Morgan's beautiful vocal.

Label: Garden City Music, USA (481434580-2)

Release Date: April 18, 2000

Producers: Tim Heintz, Ross Pallone and himself

Musicians:

Lead Vocals: Richard Page, Cindy Morgan

RECOMMENDED DISCS OF MAY, 2000

NEW RELEASES

TOM KEANE / I Love A Gershwin Tune

<ACM Rating: >

Tom Keane, the elder brother of KEANE brothers has released his first solo album "I Love a Gershwin Tune" for Japanese new label "Aosis". You may be surprised that this is the very first solo album, although Tom has worked over the two decade in the music business society.

As you know, as "The Keane Brothers", the single record "Sherry" with his younger brother John Keane was released in 1976 when he was only 12 years old . In 1979, This genius brothers released their album titled "Taking Off"(ABC Records AA-1122) which was produced by Lamont Dozier, David Foster and David Paich. Tom and John made a group named "Keane" and released their 1st album "Keane" in 1981 and 2nd album "Today, Tomorrow and Tonight". Since then, Tom has been actively working for big names as a songwriter and/or a producer and sometimes show his excellent talent as a singer for several project albums only for Japan.

And now, I am very pleased to let you know this CD as his own first solo album. As the album title shows, Tom sings 6 tunes of famous composer Gershwin's listed as below. Do not worry, not so jazzy. Tom would arrange those into stylish westcoast smooth jazz vocal tunes.

Label: aosis records, Japan distributed by Victor Entertainment (VICL-69012)

Release Date: April 21, 2000

Producer: Kaz Masumoto

Musicians:

Keyboards & Vocals : Tom Keane

Guitars : Michael Landau

Drums : John Keane

Bass : Ted Landau

Bass & Electric upright Bass : Jason Scheff

Tenor Sax : Larry Williams

Hand Percussion : Luis Conte

International Order

Cruisin' Music at GEMM

Tracklisting:

Embraceable You

'S Wonderful

Someone to watch over m

Summer Time

Love is here to stay

They can't take that away from me

JIM PHOTOGLO / Fly Straight Home

<ACM Rating: >

Jim Photoglo is well-known for his early 80's solo albums "Photoglo"(80), "Fool In Love With You"(81) and "Thin Man"(83), which is one of the best acoustic westcoast albums of 80's. In 1984, Photoglo moved to Nashville and concentrated on songwriting. Thus, we had to wait for his 4th album "Pure Love" by 1993. In the same year, he released the album "Passage" also. Since then, he continues to creatively write songs and perform in Nashville. "You Give Me Love" was recorded by Faith Hill on her Faith CD, "The Meaning of Love" is co-written and performed by Michael McDonald, which is featured in the Mike Nichols' film "What Planet Are You From?", starring Gary Shandling and Annette Benning. And now Photoglo has just released his own solo album "Fly Straight Home".

Label : Grifftone Records, USA (Serial #: none)

Release Date: April, 2000

Producers: Herb Tassin III and himself

Musicians:

Bass: Dennis Belfield

Keyboards: Mark T. Jordan, Vince Melamed

Electric Guitars: George Marinelli Jr.

Mandolin: George Marinelli Jr., Tammy Rogers

Drums: Greg Morrow, Jeff King

Acoustic Guitar: Michael Spriggs

Dobro: Robbie Turner

Background Vocals: Gary Burr, Liana Manis

International Order

PRISONER / Blind

<ACM Rating: >

PRISONER is the new project of Swedish guitarist, Tommy Denander with his dude, Ricky Delin. They released another project album "SAY IT " last summer, which was done with Andy Eklund, the lead singer of HOUSE OF SHAKIRA and Geir Rönning whose vocal tunes sung by Geir Ronning reminded you of mid-80's TOTO. I reviewed "Sayit" album that this album had been much better.,should the real Drummer have played on that album. Yes, the drummer plays on this album. The hard-driven melodic rock tunes with Tommy's guitar are really good. "Italian Girl" has the TOTO-vein groovin', and special guest Bruce Gaitsch's guitar solo add the sophisticated flavor.

Label: Z Records, UK (ZR1997026) (Japan: Avalon, Marquee Inc. MICP-10204)

Release Date : April, 2000 (Japan: September 20, 2000)

Producers: Ricky Delin and Tommy Denander

Prisoner is:

Tommy Denander: Guitars, Bass, Keyboards, Programming

Ricky Delin: Keyboards, Backong Vocals

Geir Rönning: Lead Vocals

Piere Wensberg: Lead Vocals

Musicians:

Drums: Johan Koleberg

Backing Vocals: Thomas Vikström, Mikael "Zifa" Eriksson, Bernt Ek, Andy Eklund

Guitar solo on "Hear Me Heaven": Bruce Gaitsch

International Order

http://www.aorheaven.com

Tracklisting:

Blind

Don't Wanna Waste Another Minute

Starry Eyes

Liar (I'd Never Think The Thought)

Italian Girl (Rome Is Still There)

Hear Me Heaven

Stop Playing Games

Give My Heart A Home

Where Is The Fire

End Of The Millennium

Return My Heart (Bonus Track for Japanese Version)

Susan (Bonus Track for Japanese Version)

BUZZ FEITEN WHIRLIES / Buzz Feiten Whirlies

<ACM Rating: >

It was the end of 1999 when I listened to one of the best guitarist, Buzz Feiten's earthy rock project "Whirlies" CD. I have received the CD through Thoughtscape Sounds, the best Westcoast/ AOR mail order retailer which has regrettably closed their business very recently. I was very surprised very first time to listen to this album because I have expected Buzzy more contemporary jazz oriented style or more sophisticated rock. However, Buzzy shows me bluesy side of his guitar. Buzzy Feiten explains the sound of Whirlies as "Greasy Pop". Even though it seems difficult to get the original Indies release in the states, you can get Japanese version with a bonus track.

Label: Dreamsville Records, Japan (YDCD-0028) (Original Release : no label )

Release Date: April 25, 2000 (Original Release: Autumn, 1999)

Producer: Buzz Feiten

Whirlies is:

Dave Beyers: Drums/Percussion

Buzz Feiten: Guitars, Bass, Mandolin, Percussion

Jerry Watts: Bass

Todd Taylor: Vocals

Supporting Musicians:

Drums, Synths, Percussion: John Keane

Acoustic Slide Guitar: Richard Peikoff

Bass: Alec Milstein

Lap Steel Guitar: Bobby Carlos

International Order

Cruisin' Music at GEMM

Tracklisting:

Break Down These Walls

Love Ain't Nothin' Like This

This Ain't The World I Know

Wait

More

Fire In The House Of Love

False Hope

Since I Met You

Down Real Slow

Highway To Love (bonus track for Japanese Version)

GREGG BISSONETTE / Submarine

<ACM Rating: >

Gregg Bissonette, one of the super drummers has done his 2nd leader album with his brother Matt Bissonette. Greg takes lead vocals and plays trumpet on this album. Needless to say, Greg plays all drums / percussion on all tracks. And you will enjoy guitar sound done by great guest guitarists listed as below.

Label: Favored Nations Entertainment, USA (FN2010-2), Victor Entertainment, Japan (VICP-61033)

Release Date: April 25, 2000

Producer: Matt Bissonette

Musicians:

Bass, Background Vocals, Piano, trombone: Matt Bissonette

Guitars: Doug Bossi, Roben Ford, Frank Gambale, Gary Hoey, Richie Kotzen, Michael Landau, Tim Pierce, Joe Satriani, Steve Stevens, Steve Vai

Tracklisting:

Marbles

Submarine

No hay Parqueo

Lum Lum

Train To Willoughby

Noah's Ark

Cloudy Day

The Son Man

Sasquatch

12 To 3

So Many Notes & So Little Time

REISSUES

CRACKIN' / Crackin'

<ACM Rating: >

In 1998 and 1999, Warner Music Japan reissued two albums of Crackin', a legendary group of Peter Bunetta and Rick Chudacoff featuring Leslie Smith. One was 2nd album "Makings Of A Dream" and the other was 4th and last album "Special Touch" produced by Michael Omartian. And now in 2000, Warner Japan again reissued their 3rd album "Crackin'" also produced by Michael Omartian.

Label: Warner Music, Japan (WPCR-10697) (Original Label: Warner Bros, USA)

Release Date: April 19, 2000 <Original Release: November,1977>

Producer: Michael Omartian

Crackin' is:

Rick Chudacoff: Bass

Arno Lucas: Vocals & Percussion

Leslie O. Smith: Vocals & Percussion

Lester Abrams: Vocals, Acoustic & Electric Pianos, Clavinet

Peter Bunetta: Drums

Braian Ray: Guitars

Bob Bordy: Guitars

G.T. Clinton: Organ, Moog, Fender Rhodes

Musicians:

Sax: Brother Gene Dinwiddie, Stemsey Hunter

Trumpet: Steve Madaio, Chuck Findley

Flute & Sax: Jackie Kelso, Fred Selden

Acoustic Piano: Michael Omartian

International Order

Cruisin' Music at GEMM

Tracklisting:

It Just Takes Awhile

The Force Is Watching You

Fallen Dancer

Do You Need More Time

Don't You Wish You Could Be There

You Know Where I Am

The World's A Fool For You

You'll Feel Better

OUTRIDER / No Way Out

<ACM Rating: >

Early 90's Melodic rock releases is now back. Outrider's "No Way Out" is a great works full of both melody and harmony with West Coast Rock influences such as Joseph Williams' days TOTO. Enjoy this great CD!

Label: Prestige Records, USA (CDSGP001)

Release Date: April, 2000 <Original Release Year:1991>

Producer: Larry A. Hagopian

Outrider is:

Rick Thinodeau: Bass

David Flynn: Lead Vocals

Steve Grove: Sax

Bobby Hall: Percussion

Billy Diblasi: Drummer

Bruce Davidsons: Guitar

International Order

http://www.aorheaven.com

Tracklisting:

Mourning Rain

Turn Away

Life's Ballad

Love Is Killing Me

Baby Get Back

I've Been Gifted By Your Love

My Love Will Never Die

Theres No Way Out

Bigger Than Blue

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

Waiting for your Email to: takeito@cap.bekkoame.ne.jp

: Back to My Adult Contemporary Music Home Page.

Aaron Benward / Imagine *<ACM Rating: >* Aaron Benward is already well-known for 4 albums with his father Jeoffrey Benward as "Aaron Jeoffrey". And at the still young age of 26, Aaron embarks on his solo journey with this album "Imagine". Label: Sparrow Records, USA (SPD1715 <G2-7243-8-51715-2-9>) Release Date: April 13, 2000 Producers: Matt Bronleewe, Darrell Brown and Dennis Matkosky Musicians: Keyboards: Dennis Matkosky Acoustic Guitars: Bruce Gaitsch

Michael English / Heaven To Earth *<ACM Rating: >* Michael English is embarking on comeback in Christian music after 1994 scandal, i.e. an extramarital affair with singer Marabeth Jordan. This album "Heaven To Earth" is marked by the Curb Records as his returning album to gospel music after seven-year absence. However, his music is still pop. You will agree with me if you would see who supported to complete this album shown as below. Label: Curb Records, USA (SPD1715 <G2-7243-8-51715-2-9>) Release Date: March 28, 2000 Producer: Brown Bannister Musicians: Keyboards: Alan Pasqua Guitars: Tom Hemby, Jerry McPherson Drums: Chris Mchugh Background Vocals: Richard Page, Bill Champlin, Chris Willis, Chris Rodriguez, Wendy Moten, Carmen Twille, Julia Tillman Waters, Maxine Waters, Oren Waters, Yvonne Williams, Gene Miller, Michael Mellett

Danny Gans / Brand New Dream *<ACM Rating: >* Danny Gans is well-known as the "Entertainer of the year" in Las Vegas, the bes singer-comedian-impressionist-actor in the United States rather than CCM singer. Actually Gans has just signed a multi-year agreement with Mirage Resorts and now performing in his own 1,250-seat theater at The Mirage, the best hotel/casino in Las Vegas. He is also good singer and you will enjoy Danny Gans - "The Man of Many Voices" on his first album "Brand New Dream" featuring many excellent musicians. Label: Myrrh Records, USA (Word/Epic) (EK63608) Release Date: February 29, 2000 Producer: Michael Omartian Musicians: Acoustic Guitar: Bruce Gaitsch, Tom Hemby Keyboards: Michael Omartian Guitars: Tom Hemby, Jerry McPherson, Chris Rodriguez Drums: Chris Mchugh Duet Vocals: Bob Carlisle Background Vocals: Michael Mellett, Lisa Bevill, Chris Rodriguez

Clay Crosse / A Different Man *<ACM Rating: >* It was 1994 that Clay Crosse with light pop vocal talent released his first album. Generally speaking, his tunes are said to be very pop and light ones. And on this 4th album "A Different Man", you can enjoy Clay Crosse's pop world. In addition, he is now showing that he can sing more soulful on this album. Crosse co-wrote 8 tunes out of 10 for this album. The one of the rest 2 tunes is "What Would You Do For A King?"written and originally performed by Bill Cantos, which I believe gives this album something. Label: Reunion Records, USA (02341 0064 2) Release Date: March 7, 2000 Producer: Regie Hamm

TOM KEANE / I Love A Gershwin Tune	*<ACM Rating: >*

Tom Keane, the elder brother of KEANE brothers has released his first solo album "I Love a Gershwin Tune" for Japanese new label "Aosis". You may be surprised that this is the very first solo album, although Tom has worked over the two decade in the music business society. As you know, as "The Keane Brothers", the single record "Sherry" with his younger brother John Keane was released in 1976 when he was only 12 years old . In 1979, This genius brothers released their album titled "Taking Off"(ABC Records AA-1122) which was produced by Lamont Dozier, David Foster and David Paich. Tom and John made a group named "Keane" and released their 1st album "Keane" in 1981 and 2nd album "Today, Tomorrow and Tonight". Since then, Tom has been actively working for big names as a songwriter and/or a producer and sometimes show his excellent talent as a singer for several project albums only for Japan. And now, I am very pleased to let you know this CD as his own first solo album. As the album title shows, Tom sings 6 tunes of famous composer Gershwin's listed as below. Do not worry, not so jazzy. Tom would arrange those into stylish westcoast smooth jazz vocal tunes.

Label: aosis records, Japan distributed by Victor Entertainment (VICL-69012) Release Date: April 21, 2000 Producer: Kaz Masumoto Musicians: Keyboards & Vocals : Tom Keane Guitars : Michael Landau Drums : John Keane Bass : Ted Landau Bass & Electric upright Bass : Jason Scheff Tenor Sax : Larry Williams Hand Percussion : Luis Conte
*International Order* *Cruisin' Music* at *GEMM*	Tracklisting: Embraceable You 'S Wonderful Someone to watch over m Summer Time Love is here to stay They can't take that away from me

BUZZ FEITEN WHIRLIES / Buzz Feiten Whirlies	*<ACM Rating: >*

It was the end of 1999 when I listened to one of the best guitarist, Buzz Feiten's earthy rock project "Whirlies" CD. I have received the CD through Thoughtscape Sounds, the best Westcoast/ AOR mail order retailer which has regrettably closed their business very recently. I was very surprised very first time to listen to this album because I have expected Buzzy more contemporary jazz oriented style or more sophisticated rock. However, Buzzy shows me bluesy side of his guitar. Buzzy Feiten explains the sound of Whirlies as "Greasy Pop". Even though it seems difficult to get the original Indies release in the states, you can get Japanese version with a bonus track.

Label: Dreamsville Records, Japan (YDCD-0028) (Original Release : no label ) Release Date: April 25, 2000 (Original Release: Autumn, 1999) Producer: Buzz Feiten Whirlies is: Dave Beyers: Drums/Percussion Buzz Feiten: Guitars, Bass, Mandolin, Percussion Jerry Watts: Bass Todd Taylor: Vocals Supporting Musicians: Drums, Synths, Percussion: John Keane Acoustic Slide Guitar: Richard Peikoff Bass: Alec Milstein Lap Steel Guitar: Bobby Carlos
*International Order* *Cruisin' Music* at *GEMM*	Tracklisting: Break Down These Walls Love Ain't Nothin' Like This This Ain't The World I Know Wait More Fire In The House Of Love False Hope Since I Met You Down Real Slow Highway To Love (bonus track for Japanese Version)