Adult Contemporary Music in Japan

Past Recommended Discs of The Month

February, 1996	March, 1996	April, 1996	May, 1996	June, 1996	July, 1996
August, 1996	September, 1996	October, 1996	November, 1996	December, 1996	January, 1997
February, 1997	March, 1997	April, 1997	May, 1997	June, 1997	July, 1997
August, 1997	September, 1997	October, 1997	November, 1997	December, 1997	January, 1998
February, 1998	March, 1998	April, 1998	May, 1998	June, 1998	July, 1998
August, 1998	September, 1998	October, 1998	November, 1998	December, 1998	January, 1999
February, 1999	March, 1999	April, 1999	May, 1999	June, 1999	July, 1999
August, 1999	September, 1999	October, 1999	November, 1999	December, 1999	Jan/Feb., 2000
March, 2000	April, 2000	May, 2000	June, 2000	July, 2000	August, 2000
September, 2000	October, 2000	November, 2000	December, 2000	January, 2001	February, 2001
Apr/May, 2001	May/June, 2001	July/August, 2001	September, 2001	Oct/Nov., 2001	Dec 01 /Jan, 02
Feb. - Apr. 2002

 

NEW RELEASES

AMBROSIA / LIVE AT THE GALAXY	<ACM Rating: >
Ambrosia, they keep on rolling almost over 30 years when the group started to perform on the stage. This would be the first Ambrosia "Live" CD recorded September 1, 2001 in Santa Ana, CA at the Galaxy Theater and be the first new release since their best collection CD with three new tracks "Anthology" in 1997. You can listen to 9 tunes live versions appeared on their "Anthology" CD; "Nice, Nice , Very Nice", "You're The Only Woman", "How Much I Feel", "Biggest Part Of Me" and so on. In addition to those, a famous Beatles song "Magical Mystery Tour" is covered by Ambrosia. Please note that "In My Life" on this "Live" CD is not another Beatles tunes but the original song done by Tollak Ollestad which has been already included in Tollak's solo CD "Northern Lights" (2000). You may worry about David Pack's absence. I can give full guarantee about this, Shem Schneck fully fill this gap and sometimes sings rather better than David. Actually I saw their live performance without David Pack due to sickness at Disneyland Paris in the fall of 1997 and I was very much surprised to see how wonderful Shem sings "Biggest Part Of Me". And I am convinced again that Shem is really great by listening to this "Live" CD.
Label: Coach House Records, Inc., USA (CHCD1004) Release Date: May 18, 2002 Producers:Ryan Hafer and themselves Ambrosia is: Joe Puerta: Vocals, Bass, Acoustic Guitar Burleigh Drummond: Drums, Vocals Christopher North: Hammond B-3 Organ, Keyboards Shem Schneck: Vocals, Acoustic Guitar, Bass Tollak Ollestad: Vocals, Keyboards, Harmonica Doug Jackson: Lead Guitar
International Order	Tracks: Nice, Nice, Very Nice Livin' On My Own You're The Only Woman Mama Don't Understand Somewhere I've Never Traveled In My Life Time Waits For No One How Much I Feel Magical Mystery Tour Drink Of Water Holdin' On To Yesterday Biggest Part Of Me
Listen Before You Buy !

MECCA / MECCA	<ACM Rating: >
What is "Mecca"? " Mecca" is the new project featuring Two ex-TOTO members. Who involves? The answer is Fergie Frederiksen on lead vocals and David Hungate on bass. Please note that the Mecca recording session has been already done in Nashville and other places. You can get more detailed information at Mecca Official Homepage and also Mecca on Now &Then Productions website which you should check out now! At last but not least, please note that Japanese version of this awaited CD also includes a bonus track "Mischievous". Probably you will agree with my opinion that Mecca is the best project for Fergie before/after Toto days. Moreover, it is easily imaginable that many of you will keep the name of Joe Vana in your mind for waiting his future activity.
Label: Frontiers Records, Italy/ Now & Then Productions, UK<FRCD-110> (Japan: Marquee/Avalon<(MICP-10297>) Release Date: April 22, 2002 (Europe), April 24, 2002 (Japan) Producers: Jim Peterik, Larry Millars Musicians: Joe "JV" Vana: Lead Vocals Fergie Frederiksen: Lead Vocals Mike Aquino: Guitars David Hungate: Bass Shannon Forrest: Drums and Percussion Jimmy Nichols: Keyboards Additional Musicians: Keyboards: Jim Peterik, Barb Unger Background Vocals: Thom Griffin, John Melnick, Jim Peterik
International Order   Melody Blvd.	Tracks: Velocitized Without You Can't Stop Love Silence Of The Heart You Still Shock Me Mecca Wishing Well Close That Gap Blinded By Emotion Falling Down Mischievous <Japanese version bonus>

MICHAEL SEMBELLO / ANCIENT FUTURE (The Lost Years, Part 1)	<ACM Rating: >
Michael Sembello re-embarks now with his selected collection CD from his 90's solo projects "Caravan Of Dreams"(1992), "Backwards In Time" (1997) and "Bridge" project (1997) plus his biggest hit "Maniac" jazz version included in Randy Waldman's 3rd solo album "UnReel" (2001). In those era, Michael Sembello tried to be more multi-cultual and succeeded to merge such influences into his hyperacid Latin music style. Now, Michael Sembello has returned to his roots on the East Coast where it all began and we will see what he does there. Probably, the next project will be another different cornerstone of his musical journey. Based on my observation, most of the tracks on this CD are basically same as those original version, but some tracks must be differently edited for this CD; sometimes shorter, other times longer as shown below. Song Title Original Version This CD Version Heavy Weather 06:35 06:12 Too Much Bizarre 04:53 05:25 One Planet, One People 05:49 06:11(Jap), 06:04 (US) Maniac 05:49 05:34 The Life Of My Broken Heart 05:12 05:51 You Can Never Go Home 05:06 05:56
Label: Legend Records, USA (LGD-0002) Release Date: May, 2002 Michael Sembello: Producing, Vocals, Guitars, Bass, Drums Additional Musicians: Guitar: Edu Falcao, Michael O'Neil Drums: Vinnie Colaiuta, Greg Bisonette, Raymond Pounds Percussion: Humberto Hernandez Keyboards: Greg Phillinganes Piano: Randy Waldman Bass: Nathan Watts, Alfred Rubalcava, John Patitucci Sax: David Boruff Trumpet: Gary Grant Background Vocals: Edu Falcao, Gina Haley
International Order   Michael Sembello's official website	Tracks: Rub The Stone * Heavy Weather + Too Much Bizarre * One Planet, One People # Maniac ## Rocking Chair * Dangerous Questions * The Road To Lonely * The Life Of My Broken Heart * I Believe In You * You Can Never Go Home * Where Are We Now? +   + : taken from the album "Caravan Of Dreams" * : taken from the album "Backwards In Time" # : taken from "The Bridge" ##:taken from Randy Waldman's album "UnReel"

THE ARNOLD McCULLER BAND / LIVE	<ACM Rating: >
Arnold McCuller is often described to be "a singer's singer", because of his rich distinctive tones enhancing the recordings and gigs of many top performers such as Aretha Franklin, Diana Ross, Luther Vandross, Linda Ronstadt, Phil Collins, Lionel Ritchie, Michael McDonald and James Taylor. However, you should note that Arnold also has released 4 studio recording solo albums; "A Part Of Me That's You"(1984), "Exception To The Rule"(1994),"You Can't Go Back" (1999) and "Back To Front" (2001). Arnold McCuller and his band recorded a Live 2 CD Set called “Live at The Baked Potato" on Feb 15, 2002.
Label: What's Good Records, USA (WGR-85003-2) Release Date: May 28, 2002 The Arnold McCuller Band is: Arnold McCuller: Lead Vocals Brad Cole: Keyboards Corky James: Guitar Mel Brown: Bass Toss Panos: Drums Lamont VanHook: Backing Vocals Fred White: Backing Vocals
International Order   Listen Before You Buy !   Listen Before You Buy !	Tracks: Disc 1 You Can't Go Back Baby King Love Is Healing First Of May When Did You Leave Heaven Close To Heaven Song For Silas Ought To Know By Now Lazy Nina The Goodbye Look Disc 2 Nick Of Time Paper Walls I Can't Make Your Love Me When Your Life Was Low Look Up From Your Life Give Me Something Real I Am A Camera I Thought About You Ain't That Peculiar You Can't Go Back My Funny Valentine Emily

BERNIE CHIARAVALLE / LIFE AS WE KNOW IT	<ACM Rating: >
Bernie Chiaravalle was born in San Francisco and grew up in San Rafael, CA. In 1985, Bernie moved to Los Angeles with the band called "Page One". Right after disbanding "Page One" in 1987, Chiaravalle sent his demos to David Pack of Ambrosia and this made big influence to his musical career. David Pack was telling Michael McDonald about him and started to work with Michael McDonald over the years. Thus, Bernie Chiaravalle got the opportunity to co-write 4 songs with Michael McDonald for the album "Blue Obsession" (2000). Following Michael McDonald, Bernie Chiaravalle moved to Nashville in 1998 and started to work with many talents living in the Music City including Larry Carlton for co-writting a beautiful ballad song called "Til I Hurt You" <featuring Michael McDonald> on Carton's album "Fingertips" (2000). You can also find him again as a co-writer of a song called "On The Night" when you listen to Michael McDonald's wonderful Christmas album "In The Spirit" (2001). Alongside those works as a songwriter and/or a session guitarist, Bernie released his own first solo album "Driven By Desire" in 1997, which revealed his hidden talent as a vocalist. His music reminds me of Julian Lennon, probably because of his voice. Now, Bernie would proudly present you his 2nd solo effort "Life As We Know It" featuring Michael McDonald and Amy Holland on harmony vocals. Worth listening to it.
Label: Bernoit Music, USA (CD Serial #: none) Release Date: May, 2002 Producer: himself Bernie Chiaravalle: Lead Vocals, Electric and Acoustic Guitars, Bass, Keyboards, Drums, Percussion Additional Musicians: Michael McDonald: Harmony Vocals on (Track 4, 6) Amy Holland: Harmony Vocals (Track 2) Charles "Chaz" Frichtel: Background Vocals (Track 10) Jon Goodwin: Background Vocals (Track 9) Harry McCarthy: Drums (Track 2) Tim Lorsch: Violins (Track 10)
International Order   Bernie Chiaravalle 's official website	Tracks: The Love You Want The Way To My Heart Two Good-byes Away You Alone Life As We Know It Where' You Runnin' Someday You Will The Way It Looks From Here Then Again, Maybe Not Only So Much My Only Chance

MISSING PIECES

LIONEL'S DAD / ONE MORE LIFETIME	<ACM Rating: >
Mark T. Williams has been touring over the years with well-known artists such as Don Henley, Cher, Air Supply, Eddie Money, Crosby Stills & Nash, Tina Tuner, Paul Rogers etc. In 1995, Mark started to release his own solo effort as Lionel's Dad, which shows not only his songwriting ability but also his vocal talent. His voice is very similar to his young brother, Joseph Williams. Since then, Mark managed to find out his time to record his materials and released 2 more solo albums; "Driving Music" (1998) and "In A Dream" (1999). Now, we have another one "One More Lifetime" here. Mark already started his next solo effort which will probably be released as the album "Break The Normal" near future.
Label: Andromeda Discs, USA (AND044) Release Date: March, 2002 Producer: Mark T. Williams Lionel's Dad = Mark T. Williams: Drums, Vocals, Bass, Guitars, Keyboards, Cornet/Trumpet, Charrango/Mandolin, Alto Recorder Additional Musicians: Bass: Larry Antonino Backing Vocals: Lionel Williams, Jesse Compagna, Larry Antonino, Jed Moss, Rex Wheeler, Diane Adams, Clifford Rehrig
International Order Andromeda Discs	Tracks: Creepy Little Meeting So You Say One More Lifetime Hold On We Had It All Used Up All My Chances Three Days What's Left Of Me There's Something About You Two Lonely Souls Stay The Same Sun It The Sky One Moment

REISSUES

THE JOE CHEMAY BAND / THE RIPPER THE FINER	<ACM Rating: >
Joe Chemay is one of well-known bass player / background singer for his versatile recording session works with big names including Elton John, Beach Boys and Pink Floyd (for the famous album "The Wall") in late 70's and early 80's. More recently, we can still find his name on many albums such as Shania Twain's smash hit album "Come On Over" (1999) and so on. Alongside busy studio session works, Joe formed his own band and recorded their own album in 1980. As the Joe Chemay Band, they got a deal with Unicorn Records, minor label distributed by MCA. Thus "The Ripper The Finer" was released early 1981 in the States, from which 1st single "Proud" was running up the pop chart and ranked #68 at the highest in March 1981.
Label: Victor Entertainment, Inc., Japan (VICP^61842) (Original Label: Unicorn Records, USA) Release Date: April 24, 2002 (Original Release Year: 1981) Producers: Joe Chemay, John Guess The Joe Chemay Band are: Joe Chemay: Bass, Acoustic Guitar, Lead Vocals, Background Vocals John Hobbs: Acoustic Piano, Fender Rhodes, Synthesizer Billy Walker: Electric and Acoustic Guitar Mike Meros: Organ, Clavinet Paul Leim: Drums, Percussion Louis Conte: Percussion Maxine Waters: Background Vocals Julia Waters: Background Vocals
International Order   Melody Blvd. Cruisin' Music at GEMM     This is the original US version LP jacket, which might be more familiar to you. When this album was originally released here in Japan, the jacket was replaced with the same artworks used for the reissued CD version of this time. Please note that you can find the original LP version artworks on the backside of the reissued CD booklet.	Tracks: Bad Enough Proud Once In A Life A Fine Line You Saw Me Coming Love Is A Crazy Feeling Holy Thunder One Needs Another Never Gonna Let You Go

FRANKIE BLEU / WHO'S FOOLIN' WHO?	<ACM Rating: >
It was 1975 that Frank Butoraci started his professional music career with the band Gabriel in Seattle. Gabriel released 2 albums for ABC Records; "This Star On Every Heel" (1975) / "Sweet Release" (1976) and then "Gabriel" (1978) for Epic Records followed. The band broke up without success except "Martha" from their 3rd album appeared #73 on the US chart. Thus, Frank sought for next step and contacted with his old fellow Joe Chemay. And as a result, the album "Who's Foolin' Who" was recorded with all the members of The Joe Chemay Band. And this album was released in 1982 as Frankie Bleu not Frank Butoraci. You will be satisfied with this album featuring excellent West Coast / AOR tracks such as "Who's Foolin' Who" and "Just For You". Enjoy the good 80's West Coast / AOR album now!
Label: Victor Entertainment, Inc., Japan (VICP-61841) (Original Label: Unicorn Records, USA) Release Date: April 24, 2002 (Original Release Year: 1982) Producers: Joe Chemay, Daphna Edwards Musicians: Guitars: Billy Walker Bass: Joe Chemay Keyboards: John Hobbs, Mike Meros Drums: Paul Leim Percussion: Luis & Wooody Conte Sax: Joel Peskin Background Vocals: Joe Chemay, The Waters
International Order   Melody Blvd. Cruisin' Music at GEMM     This is the original US version LP jacket, which might be more familiar to you. When this album was originally released here in Japan, the jacket was replaced with the same artworks used for the reissued CD version of this time. Please note that you can find the original LP version artworks on the backside of the reissued CD booklet.	Tracks: Baby Don't Stop Who's Foolin' Who? Just For You (Suzanne's Song) Where Would I Be Now? Get Away I'm Waiting For Your Love Take Your Time (Vanessa's Song) You Never Ever Call Me Baby Baby We're Alive