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 "Music Boulevard"/ "CD Now" and "Amazon.com" as "Noteworthy Discs of The Month" .

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

•   Recommended Discs of June, 1999
  • New Releases
    1. Visionary / Highest Calling
    2. King Of Hearts / 1989
    3. Bruce Gaitsch / Aphasia (Japanese Version)
    4. Samuel Purdey / Musically Adrift
  • Reissues
    1. Michael Johnson / Dialogue + Michael Johnson Album
    2. Michael Johnson / You Can Call Me Blue + Home Free

   

•  Noteworthy Discs of June, 1999

• Adult Contemporary / Pop

  Vonda Shepard / By 7:30 (Listen Before You Buy ! ) <ACM Rating: >

• VISIONARY / HIGHEST CALLING <ACM Rating: >

Awesome album has just been delivered to me. "Visionary / Highest Calling" is it! "Visionary" is, the writing, composing and production team of Mark Moulin (ex. Keane's guitarist) and Chelly Auriano with special guest performances from Bill Champlin, Steve Porcaro, Tommy Funderburk, Warren Wiebe and many many more talented musicians. The stariting track "Strat Right Now" is a hard-driven rock'n roll featuring Tommy Funderburk whose high-tone vocal reminds his works with BOSTON. George Hawkins shows his excellent ballad type vocal and tight bass play on "If Only I Could Cry" mixed by Andrew Gold. "Greatest Healer" which is leaded by Carmen Grillo's funky vocals with blue-eyed soul feeling is one of the best tracks on this album. Moreover, The killer duet song "Anything For You" by the late Warren Wiebe and Bill Champlin does not need any words to explain how this tune is excellent. "Wherever You Lead" is again knocking me out, what a beautiful tune it is.... Hey Tommy, You are the best of the best vocalists!

Supported musicians, wow the super bassist, Marco Mendoza, Barleigh Drummond from Ambrosia on drums! Songwriters are also remarkable. John Keane, Brock Walsh, Steve Porcaro co-wrote with Mark Moulin. The 15 tunes on this album seems to be recorded from 1991 to 1999, wow almost all through the 90's, which resulted this album full of variety from Jazzy vocal tune to Hard-driven Rock'n Roll! You must have this album right now, do not hesitate!!

 

• Label: Mt. Tamalpais Records (00-00010)
• Release Date : May, 1999
• Producer: Mark Moulin, John Keane, Vince DiCola and Stan Bush
• Executive Producer: Chellie Auriano
• Musicians except lead vocalists:
  • Guitars: Mark Moulin, Rocket Richotte
  • Bass: Charles Frichtel, Kirk Moulin, George Hawkins, Marco Mendoza, Vince DiCola
  • Synth Bass & Drum Programming: David Dial
  • Pedal Steel, Dobro and Mandolin: Dave Pearlman
  • Drums: Willie Ornelas, Cary Stratton, Barleigh Drummond, Ronnie Ciago, Doane Perry
  • Piano: David Garfield
  • Keyboards: Mark Moulin, Craig Garfinkel, Eric Moon, Vince DiCola, John Keane, Steve Porcaro
  • B3 Organ: Jim Tauber
  • Sax: Dave Drucker
  • Background vocals: Tommy Fundeburk, Matt Yelton, David Tayler Martin, John Batdorf, Gary Falcone, Stan Bush
• Tracklisting:
  1. Start Right Now (Lead Vocal: Tommy Funderburk)
  2. Creature Of The Night (Lead Vocal: Matt Yelton)
  3. If Only I Could Cry (Lead Vocal: George Hawkins)
  4. Fences Of Steel (Lead Vocal: Matt Yeton)
  5. Lady Blue (Lead Vocal: Carmine Twille)
  6. Lost 'N Found (Lead Vocal: David Morgan)
  7. Pretty Baby (Lead Vocal: Patty Mattson)
  8. Forgeotten One (Lead Vocal: Mark Moulin)
  9. Light Of The World (Lead Vocal: Shea Chambers)
  10. Highest Calling (Lead Vocal: Stan Bush)
  11. This Human Heart (Wants Heaven) (Lead Vocal: Shea Chambers)
  12. Greatest Healer (Lead Vocal: Carmen Grillo)
  13. Anything For You (Lead Vocals: Bill Champlin and Warren Wiebe)
  14. Wherever You Lead (Lead Vocal: Tommy Funderburk)
  15. Rainbow Lightning (instrumental)

• KING OF HEARTS / 1989 <ACM Rating:>

   

  King Of Hearts is known for the duo unit of Bruce Gaitsch and Tommy Funderburk. However, otiginal King Of Hearts is the band of Bruce, Tommy plus George Hawkins Jr. and Kelly Keagy and their 1st album "1989" has been unreleased till today. Now we can listen to it! Here is Bruce's comment for the release:

  " This is record was recorded in 1989/90 by David Cole and myself. It was so much fun to do and the comraderie of the band was incredible. Some of my fondest memories of making music stem from this time. Tommy, Kelly and George's vocal blend is still one of the most powerful I've ever heard. Tracking in the famous Capital studio B was awesome. We had way to much fun and I think we captured a great moment in our lives with this record. A transition period..a spurt of growth captured on tape. It never came out due to politics, now thanks to Toshi we all have the chance to hear it in it's original state...very powerful. Enjoy..

• Label: COOL SOUND, Japan (COOL-029)
• Release Date: May 25, 1999
• Producer: David Cole
• Co-producer: Bruce Gaitsch
• King Of Hearts:
  • Tommy Funderburk: Vocals
  • Kelly Keagy: Vocals and Drums
  • George Hawkins: Vocals and Bass
  • Brue Gaitsch: Guitars
• Additional Musicians:
  • CJ Vanston: Keys
  • Bill Champlin: B3
  • Timothy Schmit and Rand Meisner: Backing Vocals
• Tracklisting
  1. Working Man
  2. In So Many Words
  3. Don't Call My Name
  4. Smack Dab
  5. Remember When
  6. Hold On To Love
  7. Under The Gun
  8. Lovin' Arms
  9. Was It Good 4 U
  10. Everyday
  11. King Of Hearts

• BRUCE GAITSCH / APHASIA <Japanese Version> <ACM Rating: >

  Bruce Gaitsch's 2nd solo album "Aphasia" is now released here in Japan at last with one bonus track! Here is Bruce's comment for the Cool Sound release:

  "This album represents one week in my life as a guitarist, writer, and producer..All of this music's common denominator is me. I love the diversity of the music and the trip that it takes you on as you listen. So sit back relax and listen to a lucky man's life in music."

• Label: COOL SOUND, Japan (COOL-030)
• Release Date: May 25, 1999
• Producer: Bruce Gaitsch
• Musicians:
  • Lead Vocals: Karla Bonoff, Bill Champlin, Tamara Champlin, Janey Clewer, Cy Curnin (lead vocalist of The Fixx), Donna Delory, Marc Jordan, Jason Scheff
  • Background Vocals: Richard Marx, Timothy B. Schmit, Bill Champlin, Tamara Champlin, Janey Clewer
  • Bass: John Patitucci, Jason Scheff
  • Drums: Billy Ward
  • Piano & Keyboards: Randy Waldman, Janey Clewer, Jim Beard, Richard Marx, Cy Curnin
  • Sax & Keyboards: Marc Russo
  • Percussion: Paulinho Da Costa
  • Harmonica: Howard Levy
  • Strings: Vaughns Gap Strings
• Tracks:
  1. Ten Below Zero (written by Randy Waldman & Bruce Gaitsch)
  2. She Loves You (written by Jay Graydon & Bruce Gaitsch)
  3. Aphasia (written by Bill Champlin, Tamara Champlin & Bruce Gaitsch) (Lead Vocal: Bill Champlin )
  4. If I Could Only (written by Karla Bonoff & Richard Marx) (Lead Vocal: Karla Bonoff )
  5. Saint Forgiveness (written by Bill Champlin, Tamara Champlin & Bruce Gaitsch) (Lead Vocal: Tamara Champlin )
  6. Crucifix In Dreamland (written by Mark Jordan & Bruce Gaitsch) (Lead Vocal: Mark Jordan)
  7. The African Prince (written by Marc Russo & Bruce Gaitsch) (Lead Vocal: Janey Clewer)
  8. Diane (written by Donna Delory & Bruce Gaitsch) (Lead Vocal: Donna Delory)
  9. In My Piano (written by Mark Jordan & Bruce Gaitsch) (Lead Vocal: Mark Jordan)
  10. Nova (written by Bruce Gaitsch)
  11. Letting Go (written by Jason Scheff , Janey Clewer & Bruce Gaitsch) (Lead Vocal: Jason Scheff)
  12. Auburey (written by David Gates)
  13. Their Finest Hour (written by Cy Curnin & Bruce Gaitsch) (Lead Vocal: Cy Curnin)
  14. The Longing (written by Janey Clewer)
  15. Strangely Familiar [Bonus Track for Japanese Version ] [vocal: Bruce Gaitsch]

• SAMUEL PURDEY / MUSICALLY ADRIFT <ACM Rating: >

 Samuel Purdey has suddenly appeared in fornt of me. They are said to be the true succesor of Steely Dan and on this album we can confirm that their music is heavily influenced by that of Steely Dan. You can find the musicians name closely related to Steely Dan's recording works on this album. One man is Elliot Randall on guitar and the other is Frank Floyd on backing vocals. And 5 tunes of this recording works are mixed by Elliot Scheiner also known for his mixing works with Steely Dan. Their sounds is a kind of the alternative approach of Steely Dan if Donald Fagen and Walter Becker were young in late 90's. So, their music has Acid-Jazz taste too. If you like Steely Dan's early days works, it might be worth listening.

 

• Label: Good Soundrecords (Quatro by Parco Co., Ltd. Japan QTCY-73009)
• Release Date : May 21, 1999
• Producers: Sameul Purdey
• Samuel Purdey:
  • Gavin Dodds: Vocals, Guitar
  • Barney Hurley: Drums
• Supported Musicians:
  • Duet Vocal on track 4: Donna Gardier
  • Drums: Iam Thomas
  • Bass: Pete Trotman, Robbie Gordon, Andrew Levy, Ernie McKone, Paul Kirkham, Stuart Zender
  • Guitars; Elliot Randall, Mike Casswell
  • Piano and Keyboards: Paul Hirsch, Jessica Lauren
  • Piano, Keyboards, Wurltizer & Clavinet: Neil Cowley
  • Percussion: Luis Jardim
  • Vocoder: Yak Bondy
  • Sax: Michael Smith, Simon Clarke, Tim Saunders, Adrian Revell
  • Flute: Simon Clarke, Mike Mower
  • Trumpet: John Thirkell, Roddy Lorimer, Paul Spong, Martin Shaw, Mark Cumberland, Neil Sidwell, Winston Rollins, Dominic Glover
  • Fluegel Horn: Roddy Lorimer, Domic Glover
  • Trombone: Dennis Rollins, Winston Rollins, Fayaz Virji
  • Violins: Clare Hayes, Martin Burgess
  • Viola: Fiona Bonds, Jonathan Barratt
  • Cello: William Schofield
  • Percussion: Geoff Dugmore, Paul Gunter
  • Background Vocals: Jan Kincaid, Ben Anderson, Scott Addison, Frank Floyd, Pete Howarth, Keith Murrell, Mick Mullins, Andy Mitchell
• Tracklisting:
  1. Whatever I Do
  2. Valerie
  3. Lucky Radio
  4. Only When I'm With You
  5. I Can't Move No Mountains
  6. Late For The Day
  7. One Of A Kind
  8. Santa Rosa
  9. Soon Comes Another (Bonus Track for Japanese Version)
  10. Bitter With The Sweet

 

 

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Michael Johnson's 4th, 5th , 6th and 7th album are now reissued on CD <2 albums on 1 CD>. His acoustic westcoast sounds are really beautiful and those albums are really worth listening. Michael Johnson released his 1st album "There Is A Breeze" under Atco Records in 1973 but first 3 albums did not sell well. "The Michael Johnson Album" released in 1978 under EMI America changed his status in the U.S. music scene. "Bluer Than Blue" ranked #12 on U.S. Pop Chart. In 1979, Michael released 5th album "Dialogue" which included "This Night Won't Last Forever" also known for Bill LaBounty's vocal version. This song also ranked #19 on the U.S. pop chart. His 6th album "You Can Call Me Blue" were released in 1980 including a pop tune "You, You, You" written by Tom Snow. These 4 albums are really good 80's westcoast pop album worth being reissued. Now, we can enjoy these on CD format at last.

• MICHAEL JOHNSON / DIALOGUE+THE MICHAEL JOHNSON ALBUM
  • Label: Vivid Sound, JAPAN (VSCD-576) (Original Label: EMI America SW-17002)
  • Release Date : May 15, 1999
  • Producers: Brent Maher and Steve Gibson

  "Dialogue" (original release: 1979) <ACM Rating: >

  • Musicians:
    • Piano: Shane Keister, Bobby Ogdin, Randy Goodrum, Tom Snow
    • Wurlizer: Randy Goodrum
    • Rhodes: Bobby Keister, Shane Keister, Randy Goodrum
    • Bass: Jack Williams, Mike Leech
    • Drums: Kenny Malone
    • Percussion: Farrell Morris
    • Guitars: Steve Gibson, Jon Goin
    • Sax: Billy Puett, Norm Ray, Buddy Skipper, David Sanborn, Michael Brecker
    • Trombone: Dennis Good, Tom Malone
    • Trumpet: Don Sheffield, John Gatchell, Danny Cahn
    • Oboe: Bob Taylor
    • Background Vocals: Sheri Kramer, Diane Tidwell, Greg Gordon, Bergen White, Randy Goodrum
  • Tracklisting:
    1. This Night Won't Last Forever
    2. Let This Be A Lesson To You
    3. The Very First Time
    4. Drops Of Water
    5. I'll Always Love You
    6. Doors
    7. Blackmail
    8. She Put The Sad In All His Songs
    9. I Just Can't Say No To You
    10. Dialogue

  "The Michael Johnson Album" (original release: 1978) <ACM Rating: >

  • Musicians:
    • Keyboards: Shane Keister, Bobby Ogdin
    • Piano: Bill LaBounty
    • Bass: Jack Williams, Mike Leech, Norbert Putnam
    • Drums: Kenny Malone
    • Percussion: Farrell Morris
    • Guitars: Jon Goin, Steve Gibson
    • Violin: Shelly Kurland
    • Horns: Buddy Skipper, Don Scheffeild, Roger Bissell, Roger Williams
    • Background Vocals: Sheri Kramer, Diane Tidwell, Daine Tidwell
  • Tracklisting:
    11. Sailing Without A Sail
    12. Foolish
    13. Dancin' Tonight
    14. Two In Love
    15. Ridin' In The Sky
    16. Bluer Than Blue
    17. Almost Like Being In Love
    18. 25Words Or Less
    19. Gypsy Woman
    20. When You Come Home

• MICHAEL JOHONSON / YOU CAN CALL ME BLUE +HOME FREE

    

  Label: Vivid Sound, JAPAN (VSCD-577) (Original Label: EMI America)

  Release Date : May 15, 1999

  "You Can Call Me Blue" (original release: 1980) <ACM Rating: >

  • Producers: Brent Maher and Steve Gibson
  • Musicians:
    • Keyboards: Shane Keister, Bobby Ogdin
    • Wurlitzer: Bill LaBounty
    • Piano: Tom Snow
    • Bass: Bob Wray, Jack Williams
    • Drums: Roger Clark, Kenny Malone
    • Percussion: Farrell Morris, Terry McMillan
    • Guitars: Jon Goin, Steve Gibson
    • Sax: Blue Jay Patton
    • Background Vocals: Marie Clark, Greg Gordon, Mark Phillips, Todd Cerney
    • Background Vocals: Sheri Kramer, Diane Tidwell, Greg Gordon, Bergen White, Randy Goodrum
  • Tracklisting:
    1. You Can Call Me Blue
    2. After You
    3. Savin' It Up
    4. You, You, You
    5. Blame It On The Rain
    6. Right Through The Heart
    7. Don't Ask Why
    8. Staying With It
    9. You Sure Fooled Me
    10. Empty Hearts

  "Home Free" (original release: 1981) <ACM Rating: >

  • Musicians:
    • Drums: James Stroud
    • Bass: Tom Robb
    • Keyboards: Randy McCormick
    • Guitar: Larry Byrom
    • Percussion: Mickey Buckins
    • Sax: Jay Scott
    • Steel Guitar: Jay Dee Maness
    • Harmonica: Terry McMillan
    • English Horn: Earl Dumler
    • Background Vocals: Maxine Waters, Julia Waters, Oren Waters, Luther Waters, Marty McCall, Sheri Huffman, Richard Mainegra, Dennis Williman Wilson, Diane Tidwell, Lisa Silver
  • Tracklisting:
    11. You're Not Easy To Forget
    12. The Love She Found In Me
    13. Rosalee
    14. The Power (This Love Has Over Me)
    15. I Can't Get To You From Here
    16. Home Free
    17. Just One Look
    18. Love Me Like The Last Time
    19. Leave It Alone
    20. Let Me Go Back Home

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