Adult Contemporary Music in Japan

NEW RELEASES

BROCK WALSH / SONGS FROM THE MOON ROOM	<ACM Rating: >
Brock Walsh is very good songwriter and close relationship with Andrew Gold and Karla Bonoff. You may be aware that he is the member of the project "Brothertime" with Trevor Gordon and Michael Sembello. Brock released his solo album "Dateline: Tokyo" in 1983 only for Japanese market. We had to wait for the next Brock Walsh solo materials till the CD single only for Japanese market in 1989 "Little Shiba" c/w "My Lonely One" as the TV Commercial song for the beer "Coors". And now in 2001, I am pleased to let you know that this is the Brock Walsh's unreleased songs collection album recorded in recent years. The Opening tune "Blessed" is self-cover version of the tune known by Christina Aguilera on her debut album. Track 2 "Lullaby In Blue" is also self-cover version of the tune originally performed by Bette Midler on her 1998 album "Bathhouse Betty".
Label: Cool Sound, Inc. Japan (COOL-071) Release Date: May 10, 2001 Producer: himself All Instruments by himself except: Guitar & Backing Vocal on Track 2: Adam Cohen Piano on Track 3: Phil Galdston Piano and strings arranged on Track 5: Bill Elliott Drums on Track 11: Sticks Akimbo Accordion on Track 11: Reggie Hogwind Bass on Track11: Chaz Plazmatini
International Order   Melody Blvd. Cruisin' Music at GEMM	Tracks: Blessed Lullaby In Blue When I Was Rich Wishing Well Don't Forget My Name One World A Map Of Paris I Could Go On Forever Castaway Little Love Everyone Goes

 

PRISONER / PRISONER II	<ACM Rating: >
Prisoner is a Tommy Denander's related melodic rock project with his good musical partner Ricky B. Delin. As you may know, Tommy, the Swedish Guitar Dude, has many different projects including his solo activities; Sayit, Rainmaker, Prisoner and Radioactive. Each project would have different colors / characters. That is to say, Rainmaker is a little bit too heavy for Westcoast / AOR fans, Sayit is relatively soft AOR heavily influenced by Westcoast Music. Prisoner seems to be the TOTO vein hard-edge AOR placed between Rainmaker and Sayit. Therefore, I was guessing that Prisoner II would be a harder one as their 1st album. However, this new Prisoner album is much softer than expected and more TOTO-vein Westcoast sound with some European hard melodic rock touches. The music styleon this album is really more like Sayit. In this sense, I can recommend this album more than their 1st album for Westcoast / AOR fans who frequently visit my website. I dare to say the problem for this album would be Drum machine sounds and as I always say, Tommy should use real Drums instead in order to be this album more completed one. Tommy challenges one interesting track "You Drive Me Crazy" a cover of the Britney Spears tune. Nice try!
Label: Z Records, UK (ZR1997044) Release Date: May, 2001 Producers: Ricky B Delin and Tommy Denander Prisoner are: Tommy Denander: Guitars, Bass, Keyboards, Drums, Background Vocals Ricky B Delin: Keyboards, Background Vocals Pierre Wensberg: Lead Vocals Geir Ronning: Lead and Background Vocals Guest Musicians: Background Vocals: Kristoffer Lagerstorm, Bert Ek, Jessa Slatter
International Order Cruisin' Music at GEMM	Tracks: Dead-end Jasmine Hold On One Way Return My Heart Prisoners One Step Closer I Am Right Here Standing On The Outside You Drive Me Crazy Just To Think (Ltd.EdVersion Bonus) Woke Up Dead [Again] (Ltd.EdVersion Bonus) Susan (Ltd.EdVersion Bonus)

  

GENAI / REJOICE	<ACM Rating: >
"GENAI", the New Jazz 'n' Soul unit, was started as the duo unit comprising Ginai K. Johnston, a female singer, and Oliver Wendell, a Chicago-born multi-instrumetnal player in 1999 with their debut album "Heaven On Earth", Hawaii-flovered Jazzy Soul & AC album. And last summer they released the 2nd album "Heavens Not So Far Away" featuring Robbie Danzie, new female lead singer joins this project, which makes GENAI much more attractive. Robbie took a lead on 7 tracks out of 10. You should know that Robbie is known for not only her works with female R&B trio vocal group "Krystol" who had a smash hit "Passion From A Woman" ranked # 18 on Billboard R&B Chart in 1986, but also her own solo albums "So Special" (1995) and/or "Only You" (1997). And her featuring vocal works on Masters of Funk's "Gotta Work" was also acclaimed. On this album, we cannot find any vocal works by Ginai K. Johnson and instead Robbie Danzie takes all the lead. You can enjoy GENAI's New Jazz 'n' Soul world this summer!
Label: VideoArts Music, Japan (VACM-1174) Release Date: June 27, 2001 Producer: Oliver Wendell Executive Producer: Yukihiro Hattori Genai is: Oliver Wendell: Programming and All Musical Instruments Robbie Danzie: Vocals Guest Musicians: Keith Howard: Drum Kit Edward Beard: Piano
International Order	Tracks: Rejoice Breakout Living Inside Your Love Feel Like Makin' Love The Gift Always On My Mind Can't Take My Eyes Off of You Beauty I See I'm Loved I Want You

 

AOR / NEXT STOP: L.A.	<ACM Rating: >
Frederic Slama, French guy released the good old 80's Westcoast / AOR vein acclaimed album "L.A. Concession" under the project name of "AOR" last year In spite of the good quality of music, it was very regrettable that this album was only available on a not-good packaging CD-R. And now Frederic offers us another album "Next Stop: L.A." again under the name of AOR as a proper release with a 4 page booklet including lyrics and an official CD pressing. Frederic present you good-old 80's Westcoast sounds again. I feel that this album has several little bit hard-driven tunes than I expected. And it might be a little regrettable for me that "Leave Her To Heaven" and "Never Gonna Let Her Go" which are taken from "L.A. Concession" album as bonus tracks, are seemingly the best tracks on this CD....
Label: None (AOR1) Release Date: June, 2001 Producer: Frederic Slama Project members: Guitars, Keyboards: Frederic Slama, David Chamberlin, Peter Hume Lead and Background Vocals: Michael Kisur, John Fluker, David Chamberlin Drums, Bass: Peter Hume
International Order Cruisin' Music at GEMM	Tracks: You're My Obsession Just Like A Shadow Desperate Dreams Let Her Go It's Just Too Easy The Way You Love Me Teach Me How To Love You Again Can One Of Your Kiss Do All This? On A Distant Path The Only Thing I Ask Leave Her To Heaven (Bonus Track from "L.A. Concession") Never Gonna Let Her Go (Bonus Track from "L.A. Concession")

  

BROCK WALSH / DATELINE: TOKYO	<ACM Rating: >
This is one of the Japanese market only A.O.R / Westcoast album released in early 80's. Brock Walsh is very good songwriter and close relationship with Andrew Gold and Karla Bonoff. You may be aware that he is the member of the project "Brothertime" with Trevor Gordon and Michael Sembello. This album was released in 1983 under Warner Pioneer Japan. Remarkable supporting musicians on this album are Kenny Edwards, Faragher Bros, Steve Lukather and Jeff Porcaro. For your information, Brock Walsh also released CD single only for Japanese market in 1989 "Little Shiba" c/w "My Lonely One" under Canyon International Japan as the TV Commercial song for the beer "Coors".
Label: Cool Sound, Inc. Japan (COOL-070) (Original Label: Warner Music, Japan <P-13018>) Release Date: May 10, 2001 (Original Release Year: 1983) Producers: Andrew Gold and himself Musicians: Guitars: Andrew Gold, Steve Lukather, Dennis Herring, Ira Ingber Keyboards: Bill Elliott, Tommy Faragher, Paul Fox, John Van Tongeren, Andrew Gold, Ricky Lyon Drums: Jeff Porcaro, Michael Botts, Beau Segal Bass: Kenny Edwards, Davey Faragher, Scott Chambers, Andrew Gold, Veyler Hildebrand, Brad Palmer Percussion: Andrew Gold Sax: Bryan Cumming, Jay Leslie Background Vocals: Greg Prestopino, Matthew Wilder, Joy Walsh
International Order   Melody Blvd. Cruisin' Music at GEMM	Tracks Dateline:Tokyo After The Lights Go On Mystery Girl Mystified This Time Paper Doll Radical Moves Sweet Emotion Getting Over Losing You Our Special Love

RUSS TAFF
Russ Taff got a chance to join the big name of CCM "Imperials" when he performed with his band-fellow of "Sounds Of Joy" as the opening act for the Imperials. Thus, Russ Taff joined the Imperials and released 6 albums <from the album "Sail On" (1977) till "Priority" (1980)> as the lead singer. During the Imperials days, Russ Taff was awarded twice as the Best Male Vocalist of The Year at Dove Awards, the famous CCM Awards. After leaving the Imperials, Russ Taff started to record his own solo project with Bill Schnee, one of the great sound creator in Los Angeles. Thus Russ Taff completed the great masterpiece album "Walls Of Glass"(1983) featuring L.A. top session musicians including great vocalists alike Bill Champlin, David Lasley, Frank Previte (of Frankie and the Knockouts). Then another great album "Medals" (1985) was followed, which was opened by "Vision" also well-known for Chris Eaton's own performance version. Those two are really the essential albums for us. Russ Taff constantly continue release his solo albums since then ( "Russ Taff" <1987>, "The Way Home" <1989>, "Under Their Influence" <1991>, "A Christmas Song" <1992>, "We Will Stand" <1994>, "Winds Of Change" <1995> and "Right Here Right Now" <1999>), but the music style has been changed into more country one and/or earthy rock which you do not want to buy.
WALLS OF GLASS	<ACM Rating: >
Label: Cool Sound, Inc. Japan (COOL-072) (Original Label: Myrrh Records, USA <CD Serial#: 7-01-670661-3>) Release Date: June 25, 2001 (Original Release Year: 1983) Producer: Bill Schnee Musicians: Drums: Mike Baird, Jeff Porcaro, John Hammond Bass: Nathan East, Richard Hopkins, Abraham Laboriel Keyboards: Robbie Buchanan, James Newton Howard, Bill George, Michael Omartian Guitars: Marty Walsh, Michael Landau, James Hollihan Percussion: Lenny Castro Background Vocals: David Lasley, Arnold McCuller, Bill Champlin, Tamara Champlin, Carmen Twillie, Joann Harris, Chrlotte Crossley, Don Cason, Gary Whitelock, Cynthia Previte, Bobby Messano, Harry Browning, Laury Boone, Susan Heard, Tori Taff, Bonnie Bramlett, Frank Previte, Russell Taff, Reba Ranbo, Dony MC Guire, Laury Boone Horns: Jerry Hey, Gary Grant, Carlie Loper, Ernie Watts
	Tracks: Tell Them Walls Of Glass I Want To Change Pure In Heart We Will Stand Jeremiah Inside Look Just Believe Kathryn's Song Unto The Lamb
MEDALS	<ACM Rating: >
Label: COOL SOUND Inc., Japan (COOL-073) (Myrrh Records, USA <CD Serial#: 7-01-679227-7>) Release Date: June 25, 2001 (Original Release Year: 1985) Producer: Jack Joseph Puig and himself Musicians: Drums: Paul Leim Bass: Nathan East, Neil Stubenhaus Guitars: Dann Huff, Paul Jackson Jr., Michael Landau Keyboards: Robbie Buchanan, James Newton Howard, Rhett Lawrence Percussion: Lenny Castro Sax: Larry Williams Background Vocals: Bill Champlin, Tommy Funderburk, Tamara Champlin, Carmen Twillie, Tata Vega, Harry Browning, Lynn Nichols
International Order   Melody Blvd. Cruisin' Music at GEMM	Tracks: Vision I'm Not Alone Medals Not Gonna Bow Here I Am I've Come Too Far Silent Love How Much It Hurts Rock Solid God Only Knows

BYRNE & BARNES / AN EYE FOR AN EYE	<ACM Rating: >
As you may remember, we were very glad to have the great Robert Byrne's solo album "Blame It On The Night" on CD last late Autumn. And now another great Robert Byrne's missing masterpiece with Brandon Barnes "An Eye For An Eye" is now available on CD. The acclaimed Robert Byrne's 1st solo album "Blame It On The Night" original LP version was deleted from Mercury USA Catalogue within several months strangely. (In September 1980, this album was released in Japan.) In spite of the rapid deletion of his first album, Robert Byrne started to make his 2nd album around then. In December 1981, Tokuma Musical Industries released "An Eye For An Eye" under the name of the duo unit "Byrne & Barnes". All the tunes on this album are really fashionable and sophisticated pop tunes. This is the AOR (Adult Oriented Rock) we, Japanese defined around 1980, which is more sophisticated than the Westcoast pop music with a little Jazzy tastes and/or sometimes Fusion, Black Contemporary flavors. On this reissued CD, we are very surprised because two unreleased materials "That's The Way She Goes" and "Who's That Look In Your Eye" are included. Those two songs were originally prepared for this album and the master tape of those materials was lost due to the fire of the studio. After Byrnes & Barnes project, we could find Robert Byrne producing works like Pointer Sisters and/or Patti Austin and his songwriting works for Pop Country singers such as Ronnie Milsap. Brandon Barnes is also known for his producing and songwriting works with Brian McKnight.
Label: Dreamsville Records. Japan (YDCD-055) (Original Label: Climax Records -Tokuma Musical Industries, Japan <CMC-2502>) Release Date: May 25, 2001 (Original Release Year: 1981) Producers: Clayton Ivey and Terry Wishbone Byrne & Barnes are: Robert Barnes: Lead & Background Vocals, Guitars, Trumpets Brandon Barnes: Keyboards, Bass, Drums, Background Vocals Musicians: Guitars: Andrew Gold, Steve Lukather, Dennis Herring, Ira Ingber, John Wills, Jerry Wallace Keyboard: Clayton Ivey, Randy McCormick, Curtis Burttram Bass: Lenny LeBlanc, Clayton Ivey Drums: Milton Sledge, Roger Clark Sax: Jim Horn Percussion: Mickey Buckins Claps: Lee Daley Vibes: Clayton Ivey Accordion: Clayton Ivey Additional Back Up Vocals: Hershey Reeves
International Order   Melody Blvd. Cruisin' Music at GEMM     This is the original LP version jacket which could not be used for this reissue CD because the designer of the artwork could not be found and thus Dreamsville had to give up using this wonderful jacket....	Tracks An Eye For An Eye Standby Lover Crack The Whip Keep On Running One More Try For Love Never Gonna Stop Lovin' You Love You Out Of Your Mind I'll Try A Little Everyday For You Making Love For The First Time Be My Baby Right Through The Heart That's' The Way She Goes (Bonus Track) Who's That Lookin' Your Eye (Bonus Track)

ALAN GORRIE / SLEEPLESS NIGHTS	<ACM Rating: >
Alan Gorrie (Lead Vocals, Bass), known as a founding member of Average White Band, released his one and only solo album in 1985 after releasing Average White Band's album "Cupid's In Fashion" (1982) which was the last album of the band before they reunited in 1988. On this album, Alan aggressively challenged the latest digital instruments of those days and succeeded to harmonize the human-oriented basic tracks with good melodies.
Label : Universal Music, Japan (UICY-3116) (Original :A&M Records, USA <SP-5037>) Release Date: May 30, 2001 (Original Release Year: 1985) Producers: Jay Gruska and himself Musicians: Guitar: Dann Huff, Michael Landau, Dennis Herring, Michael Mugrage Keyboards: Larry Williams, Jay Gruska, Randy Kerber, Jeff Bova, Gary Chang, Michael Boddicker, David P. Bryant Acoustic Piano: Jai Winding Bass: Nathan East Drums: John Robinson Steiner Solo: Steve Tavaglione Sax: Larry Williams, Ernie Watts Trumpet: Jerry Hey, Gary Grant Percussion: Paulinho Da Costa Background Vocal: Alex Ligertwood, Joe Pizzulo, David Bryant, Marc Jordan, Joseph Williams , Michelle Gruska
International Order   Melody Blvd. Cruisin' Music at GEMM	Tracks Up Electric Between Us Dirty Of A Fool That Kinda Girl I Can Take It The Girl Upstairs Sleepless Night The Age Of Steam In The Jungle

PETER ALLEN / BI-COASTAL	<ACM Rating: >
Peter Allen, born and raised in Sydney, Australia, started his successful musical career with Chirs Bell as a duo "the Allen Brothers" on the television in early 60's. In 1964, Judy Garland was impressed by their performance and brought them to London as her opening act. Peter engaged her daughter Liza Minnelli and thus Peter moved to New York. After a lengthy engagement, Allen and Minnelli married on March 3, 1967. After the Allen Brothers broke up in the spring of 1970, Allen started as a solo act and wrote songs for the Off-Off-Broadway. In 1974, Peter wrote "I Honestly Love You", a sad ballad recorded by Olivia Newton-John and became a #1 hit. Thus, Allen was signed to A&M Records, releasing his third album "Continental American". In the fall of 1978, Melissa Manchester scored a Top 10 hit with another of Peter's ballads, "Don't Cry Out Loud". His self-peformance version of this song was featured on his 4th album "I Could Have Been a Sailor". His 5th album "Bi-Coastal" followed at the end of 1980. This album was exceptional masterpiece for us because of David Foster's marvelous producing works featuring great musicians including the genius Jay Graydon and perfect harmony vocal works done by Richard Page and Steve George. For your information, Peter died of complications from AIDS in 1992.
Label : Universal Music, Japan (UICY-3118) (Original : A&M Records, USA <SP-4825>) Release Date: May 30, 2001 (Original Release Year: 1980) Reissue CD 1 <Japanese 1st Reissue>: Sept. 5, 1987 (Pony Canyon, D32Y-3542) Reissue CD 2 <US Reissue>: August, 1989 ? (A&M Records, CD-3315) Producer: David Foster Musicians: Bass: Mike Porcaro, Dave McDaniel Guitars: Steve Lukather, David Williams, Richie Zito, Jay Graydon, Dann Huff, Michael Landau, Dennis Herring, Michael Mugrage Keyboards: David Foster , Tom Keane, Larry Williams Drums: Ed Greene, Ralph Humphries, Jeff Porcaro, Carlos Vega Percussion: Paulinho DaCosta, Jose Rossy Sax: Eugene Meros, Gary Herbig, Lon Price, Larry Williams, Louis Cortelezzi Trumpets: Jerry Hey, Gary Grant, Larry Hall Trombone: Lew McCreary, Bill Reichenbach Woodwinds: Gary Herbig Background Vocals: Richard Page, Steve George
International Order   Melody Blvd. Cruisin' Music at GEMM	Tracks One Step Over The Borderline Fly Away Bi-Coastal I Don't GO Shopping Hit In The Heart I Could Really Show You Around Somebody's Angel Simon Pass This Time When This Love Affair Is Over

DENNE AND GOLD / DENNE AND GOLD	<ACM Rating: >
It was 1976 that we could probably recognize Micky Denne's and Ken Gold's names on Clif Richard's album "I'm Nearly Famous" as the songwriters and/or background vocalists of "I Can't Ask For Anymore Than You". And their name became widely known around then as the writers of UK #1 hit "You To Me Are Everything" performed by Real Thing. And much more hit they wrote in mid 70's.Those made them possible to release their own album "Deene and Gold". This album's musical atmosphere should be criticized as UK White Philly Soul with Mellow pop of those days.
Label : Universal Music, Japan (UICY-3119) (Original : MCA Records, USA <MCA-2303>) Release Date: May 30, 2001 (Original Release Year: 1978) Executive Producer: George Lee Denne and Gold are: Micky Denne: Lead Vocals, Background Vocals, Guitars Ken Gold: Lead Vocals, Background Vocals, Guitars, Bass, Drums Musicians: Drums: Nigel Wilkinson Bass: Alan Tarney Keyboards: Lynton Naiff, Dave Lawson Guitars: Paul Keogh, Ray Russell Percussion: Ray Cooper
International Order   Melody Blvd. Cruisin' Music at GEMM	Tracks Let's Up Our Love Back Together It Hurts To Watch A Good Thing Die Midnite Creeper Don't Go Away (And Take Your Love Out Of Town) You've Got To Give Me All Your Lovin' We've Got It Jumpin' Now I Can't Ask For Anymore Than You Why Do We Hurt Each Other Uncertain If I Could Just Be With You Tonight

JIM PHOTOGLO
Jim Photoglo, growing up in Los Angeles, started his solo career when he was signed to 20th Century Fox Records in 1979 featuring Top 40 single hit "We Were Meant To Be Lovers". His 2nd album "Fool In Love With You" followed in 1981 including Top 40 single hit "Fool In Love With You". Photoglo hit the TV talk show circuit, toured over the world, and opened for the Beach Boys on a national tour. By the time his 3rd album "The Thin Man" was released, the financially- troubled Fox label was unable to properly launch the project. However Jim Photoglo managed to release this album under Casablanca Records, USA in 1983 but did not sell well. And once again Photoglo took to the road and we had to wait for Jim Photoglo's 4th album till 1993. We could also enjoy Photoglo's new-recording best "Passage" at the same time. In 1999, Photoglo released his 5th original album "Fly Straight Home" under Grifftone Records, his own label . Among all the Photoglo albums, I strongly recommend you to listen to his 1st and 2nd album reviewed here. Especially his 2nd album "Fool In Love With You" is one of the best early 80's Westcoast mellow pop albums.
PHOTOGLO	<ACM Rating: >
Label: Celeste, Japan (distributed by Vivid Sound, Japan <CMYK-6140>) (Original Label: 20th Century Records, USA <T-604>) Release Date: June 3, 2001 (Original Release Year: 1980) Producer: Brian Neary Musicians: Drums: Ed Green, Willy "Clausen" Ornellas Bass: Dennis "Bellis" Belfield Keyboards: Bill Cuomo, Bill Meyers, Brian Whitcomb, James Calire, Dark Dalton, Brian Neary Guitars: Fred Tackett, George Marinelli Jr., Joe Kelly, Johnny Staccato Percussion: Willy "Clausen" Ornellas, Dark Dalton Harp: Gayle Levant Background Vocals: Dennis "Bellis" Belfield, Tony Dance, Joe Kelly, Jack Carrone, Lisa Soble, Maxayne Lewis Strings Arrangement: David Campbell Orchestration: Gene Page
	Tracks: We Were Meant To Be Lovers The Best That I Can Be 20th Century Fool Steal Away Beg Borrow Or Steal When Love Is Gone I Don't Want To Be In This Movie Faded Blue Young Girl Don't Be Afraid To Love Somebody
FOOL IN LOVE WITH YOU	<ACM Rating: >
Label: Celeste, Japan (distributed by Vivid Sound, Japan <CMYK-6140>) (Original Label: 20th Century Records, USA <T-621>) Release Date: June 3, 2001 (Original Release Year: 1981) Producer: Brian Neary Musicians: Drums: Carlos Vega Bass: Dennis Belfield Keyboards: Bill Cuomo, Dirk Dalton, Bill Champlin, Brian Neary Guitars: Fred Tackett, George Marinelli Jr., George Doering Sax: Thom Mason Background Vocals: Castle Hubbard
International Order   Melody Blvd. Cruisin' Music at GEMM	Tracks: Fool In Love With You Tonight Will Last Forever More To Love Won't Let You Do It To Me Ruled By My Heart Angelina I Can't Let Go Of You Run To Me Try It Again There's Always Chance Left For Love

CHINA / CHINA	<ACM Rating: >
China was one of the not-famous but good Canadian AOR/Westcoast band with typical Jay Graydon's harmonized guitar sounds but not done by Jay himself. Let me allow to introduce the band members' career for your information based on Toshikazu Kanazawa's liner notes for this CD. (Thank you in advance for Toshikazu Kanazawa! Without your guidance, I cannot say any information about the background of the members.) Chris Kearney released 3 solo albums categorized as Canadian Swamp in early 70's under Capitol Records, Canada; "Christopher Kearney" (1972), "Pemmican Stash"(1973) and "Sweetwater" (1974). Danny McBride participated in the musical "Jesus Christ, Super Star" and released his solo album "Morningside" recorded in London. At last but least, Bill King, the only American nationality released 2 solo albums including "Goodbye Superdad" (1973) under Capitol Records, Canada. Bill also participated in the musical "Jesus Christ, Super Star" and met Danny there...
Label : Sony Music Entertainment, Japan (ESCA-7866) (Original : Epic Records, USA) Release Date: June 20, 2001 (Original Release: October 21, 1981) Producer: Bob Johnston Creative Arranger: Jay Graydon China are: Bill King: Keyboards, Lead Vocals, Background Vocals Danny McBride: Guitars, Lead Vocals, Background Vocals Chris Kearney: Lead Vocals, Background Vocals Musicians: Bass: Abraham Laboriel, Gene Falbo Drums: Mike Baird, Andy Newmark, Gord Neave Keyboards: Michael Boddicker Guitars: Lee Ritenour, Albert Lee, Bernie Labarge, Jeff Baxter Percussion: Paulinho Da Costa
International Order   Melody Blvd. Cruisin' Music at GEMM       This is the original US LP version jacket which is not used for this reissue CD because Sony Japan believe that Japanese LP version jacket is much better. How do you think?	Tracks You Can't Rent Love That Way Runnin' Around Fast Livin' There Was A Time Shootout In The Parking Lot Never Gonna Let You Go Roll Me Over Little Dancer Come And Take My Love Days And Nights

THE BLISS BAND / NEON SMILES	<ACM Rating: >
The Bliss Band appeared in fornt of us in 1978 with their debut album "Dinner With Raoul" produced by Jeff Baxtor.Paul Bliss, born and raised in the United Kingdom, started his professional musician's career as the bass player / vocalist with the British hard rock band "Dog Soldgier" which released an album in 1975. After leaving this band, Paul started his own band and made demos for the contract but in vein in the UK. Thus Paul sent out their demo tapes to the man working for ABC / Blue Thumb Records. When the Doobie Borthers came to UK and by accident had a chance to listen to the demo tape and touched it. Thus, the Bliss Band got a chance to perform as the opening act for Doobies and got a deal with Columbia Records, USA. Jeff Baxtor gave their first album a touch of Steely Dan. Compared with this acclaimed 1st album "Dinner With Raoul", this 2nd album "Neon Smiles" rocks. And you can enjoy the original version of "How Do I Survive",well-known by Amy Holland's version, on this album.For your information, Peter Bliss released his own solo album "The Edge Of Coincidence" in 1997. And Phil Palmer continues to play as a guitarist supporting Sheena Easton, Celine Dion and Eric Clapton. Alan Park also continues to perform with Clif Richard.
Label : Sony Music Entertainment, Japan (SRCS-9841) (Original : Columbia Records, USA) Release Date: June 20, 2001 (Original Release: August 14, 1979) Producer: Geoff Westley The Bliss Band are: Paul Bliss: Vocals, Keyboards Andy Brown: Bass, Vocals Phil Palmer: Guitars, Vocals Alan Park: Keyboards Nigel Elliott: Drums, Percussion Musicians: Keyboards, Flute: Geoff Westley Percussion: Frank Ricotti Sax: Raphael Ravenscroft
International Order   Melody Blvd. Cruisin' Music at GEMM	Tracks Stagefright How Do I Survive? Hollywood Someone Else's Eyes Doctor Chicago We Never Had It So Good If I Takes Until Forever Something About You

S.S. FOOLS / S.S. FOOLS	<ACM Rating: >
Let me allow to start by explaining the famous story of the band, i.e. where the group name of S.S. Fools was coming from. I believe that you should at least hear the name of the famous rock group "Three Dog Night". Three Dog Night released their 8th album "Seven Separate Fools" scored #6 on the Billboard Top 100 Album Chart in 1972. Joe Schermie, Floyd Sneed and Michael Allsup, three members of S.S. Fools was the member of Three Dog Night and the album "Seven Separate Fools" was the last album which all of those 3 members were involved. S.S. Fools was banded at the end of 1975, around when Floyd Sneed left Three Dog Night. Those 3 ex. Three Dog Night members started their new group album with the producer named Richard Podolor, who were also involved in Three Dog Nights albums before 1974. Bobby Kimball, known later as the original lead singer of TOTO came from Louisiana to Los Angeles and joined the group. (It might be interested that Bobby Kimball left the Louisiana band named "The Levee Band", which was the origin of "Louisiana Le Roux" because Fergie Frederiksen, the 2nd singer of TOTO, joined "Le Roux" much later.) Thus S.S. Fools completed their one and only album "S.S. Fools" in 1976. You can enjoy pre-TOTO Bobby Kimball's funky soulful rock vocals on this album.
Label : Sony Music Entertainment, Japan (SRCS-9842) (Original : Columbia Records, USA) Release Date: June 20, 2001 (Original Release: April 20, 1976) Producer: Richard Podolor S.S. Fools are: Bobby Kimball: Vocals, Keyboards Joe Schermie: Bass, Vocals Floyd Sneed: Drums, Vocals Michael Allsup: Guitars, Vocals Stan Seymore: Guitars, Vocals Wayne Devillier: Keyboards, Vocals
International Order   Melody Blvd. Cruisin' Music at GEMM	Tracks First Things First Desert Dancin' Tearbanks Baby's Callin' Me Home Fool Hard-E I Just Love The Feelin' SunnyRidge Whatever Happened To America Why Can't You Be Mine