Adult Contemporary Music in Japan

Monthly Recommended Discs Page

Many Adult Contemporary Music CDs are still being released every month. So, I would hereby show you Adult Contemporary Music CD New Releases ( also including Reissues) information as "Recommended Discs of The Month". I would highly recommend you to buy several albums by reading my personal reviews. In addition, I would also give you release information regarding other remarkable recent releases supported by one of the well-known on-line music stores "CD Now" and "Amazon.com" as "Noteworthy Discs of The Month".

 

Past CD review index
by Artist Name
 

Contents

 

 

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
       
 

 

RECOMMENDED DISCS OF JULY, 2002

NEW RELEASES

 

GRAND ILLUSION / VIEW FROM THE TOP

 <ACM Rating: >
 

Grand Illusion is said to be one of the top Euro AOR band with this brand-new album "View From The Top", which follows their major debut album "The Book Of How To Make It" (2001).They released 2 acclaimed albums under the name "Promotion because of not only strong melodies with awesome harmony vocals but also their different music style from other Euro melodic rock band with wonderful horns alike mid 80's Chicago. Due to the big criticism the band got feedback on, mostly from Euro melodic rock lovers, was that there were too much horns , which made the band decide to make the next record without the horn section and even more guitar-oriented, without making the strong melodies get suffered. "The Book Of How To Make It" was said to be successful but I dare to say that I was obliged to feel that Grand Illusion lost something important besides good horn section. To be honest, when I started to listening to this brand new CD "View From The Top", I could not help feeling something like anxiety. However, I am very pleased to say that Grand Illusion is now entering into the higher dimension. They are totally different from other boring Euro melodic rock bands. For example, you will be surprised to listen Bagpipes on "The Prophecy Of The Returning Son", or the keyboards sound of "Straight Face" reminds you of Chicago's "Will You Still Love Me". Further, keyboard sound on "Gotta Give Up" may remind you of TOTO. And I should add that the guitar solos by brilliant Roger Ljunggren of T'bell-fame made the album more melodic solo-wise and fresh than ever. As the album title shows, Grand Illusion is now viewing from the top. You should note that Japanese version is different from Euro version. A beautiful hard melodic ballad called "Don't Hurt Yourself" closes the Japanese version and Euro version is closed by a heavy guitar driven number "Itch My Brain". Oh my! I should have to buy both versions!!
 

 

    • Label: Escape Music Ltd., UK(ESM-076) (Japan: Marquee/Avalon<MICP-10305>)
    • Release Date: July 7, 2002 (Europe), June 21, 2002 (Japan)
    • Producer: Anders Rydholm
    • Grand Illusion is:
      • Peter Sundell: Lead and Background Vocals
      • Anders Rydholm: Bass, Guitar and Keyboards
      • Per Svensson: Lead and Background Vocals
      • Christian Sundell: Drums
      • Ola Karlsson: Lyrics
    • Guest Musicians:
      • Guitars: Roger Ljunggren, Steve Morris, Per Thuresson, Johan Glössner
      • Bagpipes: Pete Coleman

Grand Illusion/ View From The Top

International Order

  • Tracks:
    1. Refuse
    2. Battle For Your Heart
    3. Zeroes And Ones
    4. The Prophesy Of The Returning Son
    5. Between Dark And Dawn
    6. Straight Face
    7. Gotta Give It Up
    8. Who's It Gonna Be ?
    9. Positively Negative
    10. Blinded
    11. Don't Hurt Yourself (Japanese Version only)
    12. Itch My Brain (Euro Version only)
 

Melody Blvd.
 

 

 

 

 

GENAI / LET LOVE

<ACM Rating: >
 

Genai, the Oliver Wendell's project again would proudly present you cool adult contemporary album in the summer of 2002. The 4th album is called as "Let Love" featuring Robbie Danzie on vocals over the album. In addition to their original tunes, Genai covers well-known songs such as "He Loves You" originally performed by Seawind, "Never Givin' Up" of Al Jarreau, Beach Boy's "Kokomo", Janet Jackson's "Escapade" and Cindy Lauper's "Time After Time". It's highly recommendable for your CD player this summer.

 
    • Label: Videoarts Music, Japan <(VACM-1211>
    • Release Date: July 10, 2002
    • Producer: Oliver Wendell
    • Genai is
      • Oliver Wendell: Guitars, Keyboards, Percussion
      • Robbie Danzie: Lead Vocals, Background Vocals
    • Additional Musicians:
      • Keyboards: Brian Simpson
Genai / Let Love

 

International Order

 
  • Tracks:
    1. Let Love
    2. (Interlude)
    3. Where You Are
    4. He Loves You
    5. Time After Time
    6. You're So Vain
    7. It's Just You And Me
    8. Never Givin' Up
    9. Lies
    10. Kokomo
    11. Mommy
    12. Escapade
    13. (epilogue)

 

 

 

 

LANCE JYO / DREAMWALKING

<ACM Rating: >

In the summer of 2002, Cool Sound would proudly present you of fine Hawaiian AOR albums. In June, 2 albums related to one of the 2nd generation Hawaiian AOR key person, Lance Jyo. Let me introduce Lance Jyo here. Lance Jyo was born in Honolulu, Hawaii on March 19, 1964, which means he is the same generation for me. Lance started his professional music career in 1992 with limited cassette mini album release "The Light Project". In 1995, Lance formed the duo with Galen Takushi, known as At Second Glance and released the same title album for Kabuki Boy Music, Hawaiian local label, which is opened by Tim Feehan's Footloose hit song "Leaving For Maui". 2 Years later, Lance released his solo project album "Dreaming" which featured his past works already included in the before-mentioned albums plus new materials. Lance respects West Coast / AOR music and giant players and therefore his music are really sophisticated and comfortable.

"Dreamwalking" is a kind of revisit album to his 1997 solo album "Dreaming". This new album includes 7 tracks from the album "Dreaming", 1 re-recording tracks which original version was included in the mini album "Light Project" and 5 brand new materials. At the same time, "At Second Glance" is now reissued with 2 bonus tracks, one of which called "Dreams Are All Coming True" is not a kind of unreleased demos but brand new tunes specially recorded for this reissue. For your information, Lance will release brand-new solo album near future with awesome Los Angeles musicians including Michael Ruff, Jay Graydon, Bill Cantos. Keep your eyes open for Lance Jyo this summer!
 
    • Label: Cool Sound, Inc., Japan (COHI-1008)
    • Release Date: June 25, 2002
    • Producers: David Kauahikaua, Jon Basebase, Lester Gantean, himself
    • Lance Jyo: Lead Vocals (Tracks 3, 8, 9, 11)
    • Musicians:
      • Lead Vocals: Jon Basebase (Track 1,11,12), Tiffany Catalfano (Track 2), Darla Short (Track 4, 7), Adney Atabay (Track 5, 6), Dave Toma (Track 10, 13), Galen Takushi (Track 11)
      • Keyboards: Mark Santos, David Kauahikauam Lestar Ganton, Aaron Kimura, Jon Basebase
      • Guitars: Jon Basebase, Todd Adamski, Ben Taaca, Brian Aoyagi
      • Bass: Aaron Kimura
      • Percussion: Jon Porlas
      • Background Vocals: Adney Atabay, Joanne Miles, Jon Basenase, Galen Takushi, Darla Short
Lance Jyo / Dreamwalking

International Order
  • Tracks:
    1. Believe In Me
    2. Together As One
    3. Diamond
    4. Forever By Your Side
    5. If You Believe
    6. The Light
    7. Who's Fooling Who
    8. I'll Be There For You
    9. Finally Found A Home
    10. The Only One
    11. Christmas In Our Hearts
    12. I Believe In You
    13. In My Dreams - Midnight Mix


 

 

 

BUZZ FEITEN & THE NEW FULL MOON

<ACM Rating: >

It was really surprising news in the spring of 2002 that Buzz Feiten reunited the legendary band "Full Moon" and recorded this brand-new album. It was 1972 that we had the original Full Moon album produced by Alan Douglas. Among 5 original band members; Buzz Feiten (guitars), Brother Gene Dinwiddie (Sax), Neil Larsen (Keyboards), Phillip Wilson (Drums) and Freddie Beckmeier (Bass), Buzz and Freddie participates. Brandon Fields, with whom Buzz worked together in recent several years for Dave Wackel Band, replaces the late Gene Dinwiddie. Gary Mallabar replaces the late Phillip Wilson. Somebody would expect Neil Larsen on keyboards but Jai Winding plays this time. 4 vocal tracks are included and all lead vocals were done by Buzz this time. (On the original Full Moon album, the late Phillip Wilson and Gene Dinwiddie did.) This album deserves the legendary band name "Full Moon", therefore I believe this album will make another legend...

    • Label: Dreamsville Records, Japan (YDCD-0083)
    • Release Date: June 27, 2002
    • Buzz Feiten & The New Full Moon is:
      • Buzz Feiten: Guitars / Vocals / Percussion
      • Freddie Beckmeier: Bass / Guitars / Vocals
      • Jai Winding: Keyboards
      • Gary Mallaber: Drums
      • Brandon Fields: Sax
New Full Moon

International Order

 

Melody Blvd.

 
  • Tracks:
    1. Hey, Dinwiddie
    2. Zamba
    3. Little Sister
    4. Darling Aleksandra
    5. Sexual Chemistry
    6. Party Shoes
    7. Real Love
    8. A Little More Hope
    9. Virgin Birth

 

 

 

  

JONATHAN BUTLER / SURRENDER

 <ACM Rating: >
 

Here is the tenth album from Jonathan Butler. "Surrender" is his first for Warner Brothers Records. Butler's music style would be versatile in the sense of elements included; R&B, Jazz, Africano, and Pop. As regards "Surrender", Jonathan reveals his talent as a music creator, guitarist and vocalist. There is nothing to be missing for the good quality albums, I admit. Well-produced by Paul Brown and himself. However, comparing with his sensational 1987 vocal-oriented album "Jonathan Butler", I cannot help asking Jonathan something more also for this album. That's the only reason why I am rating 3.5 stars this time. Please do not misunderstand. I can recommend you "Surrender" which is really a good album and far over the average.

 

    • Label: Warner Bros, USA (9 48723-2)
    • Release Date: June 18, 2002
    • Producer: Paul Brown and himself
    • Jonathan Butler: Lead Vocals, Guitars, Keyboards
    • Musicians:
      • Drums: Lil' John Roberts
      • Bass: Alex Al
      • Keyboards: Ricky Peterson, Gregory Manning
      • Programming: Paul Brown, Gregory Manning, D.C.
      • Percussion: Paulinho Da Costa
      • Trumpet, Flugelhorn; Jerry Hey
      • Sax: Larry Williams, Boney James
      • Trombone; Bill Reichenbach
      • Oboe: Phillip Ayling
      • Cello: Stephen Erdody
      • Background Vocals: Kurt Lykes, Shawntae Lykes
Jonathan Butler / Surrender

 

International Order

 

Listen Before You Buy !

 

Listen Before You Buy !

 

  • Tracks:
    1. This Is Love
    2. Pata Pata
    3. Surrender
    4. Take Me Back
    5. Wake Up
    6. Thoughts Of You
    7. Back To Love
    8. River Of Life
    9. Many Faces
    10. African Moon

 

 

  

 

LITTLE RIVER BAND / ONE NIGHT IN MISSISSIPPI

 <ACM Rating: >
 

Little River Band is still active to perform and now they are pleased to share the latest live recording album "One Night In Mississippi" with you. As the album title shows, the live recording was done on just one magical Friday night; June 15, 2000 at River Palace Entertainment Canter, Sam's Town Casino, Tunica, Mississippi. New live versions of their classic hits including "Take It Easy On Me", "Reminiscing" and "The Night Owls" will give you relaxed moments and at the same time, you can feel the new power of the band by listening to their soon-to-be classics "Where We Started From", Who Made The Moon" and/or "I Think I Left My Heart With You".

 

    • Label: Scream Records, Inc., USA (SCR 12)
    • Release Date: July 2, 2002
    • Producer: themselves
    • Little River Band is:
      • Stephen Housden: Lead Guitar, Vocals
      • Wayne Nelson: Bass, Lead Vocals
      • Greg Hind: Guitar, Lead Vocals
      • Kevin Murphy: Drums, Lead Vocals
      • Glenn Reither: Keyboards, Sax, Vocals
Little River Band / One Night In Mississippi

 

International Order

 

Listen Before You Buy !

 

Listen Before You Buy !

 

  • Tracks:
    1. Man On Your Mind
    2. This Place
    3. Take It Easy On Me
    4. Lonesome Loser
    5. Where We Started From
    6. Reminiscing
    7. Happy Anniversary
    8. Who Made The Moon
    9. The Night Owls
    10. Help Is On Its Way
    11. It's Not A Wonder
    12. I Think I Left My Heart With You
    13. Cool Change
    14. Lady

 

 

 

 

VINCE DI COLA / RISE OF THE CHAMPION

 <ACM Rating: >
 

Vince Di Cola just released his new album "Rise Of The Champlin" including both familiar instrumental tunes from the movie soundtracks and marvelous vocal-oriented tunes. This album features "You're Not Alone Tonight" featuring Ellis Hall and Roger Voudouris, "Miracles" featuring Jason Scheff, those of which have already appeared on the various artists album "Wings Of Light - Songs Of Inspiration" CD and has a remake of the Golden Globe nominated tune "Far From Over" co-written with Frank Stallone. "Training Montage" from the movie Rocky IV, "Dawn Of A New Day", "Quite Time", "Dream House" with Rick Livingstone, "I'm Not In Love For Nothing" featuring Roger Voudouris, "Far From Over" featuring Dick Reincke also appears on Vince Di Cola's album "In-VINCE-ible" released through Damn Swell Garage Records in 2001. In that sense, the brand-new tunes never released before are " A Little Luck Will Bring You More" and "Rise Up" both featuring Denise Stewart.

 

    • Label: Rainfolower Music Company /Marino Soundwaves LLC, USA (CD Serial #: none)
    • Release Date: July 2, 2002
    • Producer: himself
    • Executive Producer: Marino and himself
    • Vince Di Cola: Keyboards, Programming, Lead Vocals (Track 8), Background Vocals
    • Musicians:
      • Lead Vocals: Ellis Hall (Track 2), Roger Voudouris (Track 2), Jason Scheff (Track 4), Dennis Stewart (Track 5, 9), Rick Livingstone (Track 7), Dick Reincke (Track 10)
      • Drums: George Perilli, Doane Perry
      • Guitars: Scott Shelly, Rocket Ritchotte, Ellis Hall
      • Programming: Casey Young, Kenny Meerideth
      • Percussion: Paulinho Da Costa
      • Background Vocals: Gary Falcone, Jason Scheff, Dennis Stewart
Vince Di Cola / Rise Of The Champion

 

International Order

 

  • Tracks:
    1. Traininf Montage - (Rocky IV)
    2. You're Not Alone Tonight
    3. Dawn Of A New Day
    4. Miracles
    5. A Little Luck Will Bring You More
    6. Quiet Time
    7. Dream House
    8. I'm Not In Love For Nothing
    9. Rise Up
    10. Far From Over
    11. Rise Of The Champion

 

 

  

 

VARIOUS ARTISTS / SINCERELY... Mariya Takeuchi Songbook

 <ACM Rating: >
 

Universal Music Japan has just released "Various Artists / Sincerely - Mariya Takeuchi Songbook". This album is a kind of compilation album gathering cover versions of Japanese artist done by US top singers. Mariya Takeuchi is very popular female singer songwriter, the wife of Tatsuro Yamashita also widely known pop singer songwriter among AOR/ Westcoast lovers over the world for same kind of cover versions album. Probably you will be excited to see who covers Mariya's tunes listed as below.

 

    • Label: Universal Music, Japan (UUCH-1053)
    • Release Date: July 10, 2002
    • Producer: Ken Shiguma
    • Executive Producer: Atsushi Kitamura
    • Musicians:
      • Lead Vocals: Lisa Loeb (Track 1), Tiffany (Track 2), Richard Marx (Track 3), Ann Wilson (Track 4), Roberta Flack (Track 5), Phobe Snow (Track 6), Marilyn Martin (Track 7), Bobby Caldwell (Track 8), Laura Branigan (Track 9), Rita Coolidge (Track 10), The Pointer Sisters (Track 11), Marilyn Martin & Joe Pizzulo (Track 12)
      • Keyboards: Hiroshi Shinkawa, Tatsuya Nishiwaki, Tom Keane, Tadashi Nanba, Makoto Matsushi
      • Guitars: Makoto Matsushita, Frank Simes
      • Sax: Andy Suzuki
      • Rap: Yogie Kuk Harreell
      • Background Vocals: Wendy Fraser, Angie Jaree, Kristina Hamilton, Chrisian Ebnerm Scott Reed, Dante, Tom Keane, Tadd Taylor, Kuk Harrell
Sincerely... Mariya Takeuchi Songbook

 

International Order

 

  • Tracks:
    1. Love Storm
    2. Manhattan Kiss (Just Another Dream
    3. At The Station
    4. My Sweet Home
    5. Confession
    6. Single Again
    7. Plastic Love
    8. Camouflage
    9. Time Strangers
    10. Everyday Is Special
    11. Hearty Party Tonight
    12. When Angels Cry

  

MISSING PIECES

 

BILL WOLFER/ THE BEST OF BILL WOLFER CALL ME

<ACM Rating: >

Bill Wolfer, born in 1956, raised in Cheyenne Wyoming, United States. Bill moved to Los Angeles in 1978 after graduation from Berklee College of Music and had a great opportunity to work with Stevie Wonder as a synthesizer programmer for the album "Secret Life". Thus Bill was also featured on "Hotter Than July". In 1981, Bill toured with the Jacksons and his live performance can be listened on the album "Jacksons Live" and this pushed him to play keyboards on the mega hit album of Michael Jackson "Thriller". After that tour, Bill started to make 24-track demos for what would become his own solo album "Wolf". Bill completed the album "Wolf" by adding the singer Jon Gibson, who is later called as "White Stevie Wonder" according to the recommendation by Dick Griffey, Solar Records executive producer. Further, Stevie Wonder, himself participated in this album on "Soaring". Michael Jackson was also there. Other guests were the Waters (Oren, Maxine, Luther and Julia" and Finis Henderson. Finis made a deal with Motown for his first solo album. Anyway, the album "Wolf" was released in late 1982 through Constellation label distributed by Elektra/Asylum Records, USA and spent 11 weeks on Billboards' Top 100 R&B chart and peaked at 50. Bill continued to work within Solar playing synthesizers and percussion for many familiar names including Shalamar. Based on the liner notes, Bill recorded 8 tracks for his never-released solo album "The Hard Way" in mid 80's, about which Bill said as follows;

"There's a good reason why you can't find it, and I certainly hope that no one other than me has a copy of it. It was not good, to say the least!..." As a result, "And It Rained All Through The Night" was released as his second solo album in 1989 through Nouveau / Headfirst, USA ,which was produced and performed by himself. The CD here reviewed is titled as "The Best Of Bill Wolfer" but the contents is totally same as his first solo album "Wolf" plus a bonus track Papa Was A Rollin' Stone (Edit). It means that you can get the album "Wolf" on CD!

    • Label: Castle Music/ Sanctuary Records Group Ltd., UK (CMRCD 501)
    • Release Date: April 29, 2002
    • Producer:
    • Bill Wolfer: Keyboards
    • Musicians:
      • Lead Vocals: Finis Henderson (Track 1), Jon Gibson (Track 2, 6, 7), Crystal Blake (Track 8)
      • Bass: Nathan Watts
      • Percussion: Wayne O Millstein
      • Harmonica: Stevie Wonder
      • Saucer Field Activity: Brenda Mekeel
      • Background Vocals: Michael Jackson
Bill Wolfer/ The Best Of...
International Order

 

Listen Before You Buy !

 

Listen Before You Buy !

  • Tracks:
    1. Call Me
    2. So Shy
    3. Window On A Dream
    4. Papa Was A Rollin' Stone
    5. Nobody Knows
    6. Why Do You Do Me?
    7. Wake Up
    8. Soaring
    9. Camouflage
    10. Pop Quiz
    11. Papa Was A Rollin' Stone (Edit) <Bonus Track>

 

 

 

 

REISSUES

 

LAURA ALLAN / LAURA ALLAN

<ACM Rating: >

Laura Allan was born in Los Angeles on February 1, 1952. In 1971, Laura got a chance to join the studio session for David Crosby who were recording his first solo album "If I Could Only Remember My Name". Laura once got a deal with ABC Records in 1975 but canceled without any result soon. It was 1978 when Laura released her first album under Elektra, which is reviewed here. Then her second album "Reflection" followed in 1980, which was a little bit spiritual. Almost 16 years later, we had suddenly her third solo album "Hold On To Your Dream" in 1996 through Skyline Entertainment. The album "Telegraph" followed in 1999. As regards this first album of Laura Allan, you found quite many familiar Westcoast musicians as you see. I beleive you do not need my comment about this. At last but not least, this reissued CD includes 10 bonus tracks. Those are pre-production materials for ABC records and so on recorded from March 1975 to September 1976.

    • Label: Céleste / Vivid Sound Corp., Japan (CMYK-6170) (Original Label: Elektra Records, USA)
    • Release Date: July 3, 2002 (Original Release Year: 1978)
    • Producers: Chuck Plotkin and Greg Prestopino
    • Laura Allan: Lead & Background Vocals, Percussion
    • Musicians:
      • Drums: Jim Keltner, Rick Marotta, Jeff Porcaro, Hal Blaine, David Kemper
      • Bass: Abraham Laboriel, Lee Sklar, Chuck Rainey, Bob Glaub
      • Guitars: Waddy Wachtel, Joel Bernstein, David Lindley , George Daly, Joe Riccio
      • Keyboards: Jai Winding, Bill Elliot, Bill Payne , Craing Doerge
      • Mandolin: David Grisman
      • Trumpet: Jerry Hey
      • Sax: Kim Hutchcroft, Ernie Watts, Charlie Kendel
      • Flute: Larry Williams, Earnie Watts
      • Percussion: Steve Foreman
      • Harmonica: Tommy Morgan
      • Background Vocals: Carmen Twillie, Kneddy Gloud, Bill Champlin, Brock Walsh, Varelie Carter, Arnold McCuller, David Lasley, Wendy Waldman, Penny Nichols, Debbie Gold
      • Handclaps: Doug Robinson, Mo Rogers, Beau Harwood, George Daly, Chuck Plotkin, Greg Prestopino
      • Strings Arrangement: David Campbell
Laura Allan / Laura Allan
International Order

 

Melody Blvd.

 

 

 

 
  • Tracks:
    1. Openin Up To You
    2. Slip And Slide
    3. Come As You Are
    4. Hole In My Bucket
    5. One Way Ticket
    6. So Fine
    7. Love Can Be
    8. Promises
    9. Yes I Do
    10. Sunny Day
    11. Stairway
    12. Looking For The Right One (Bonus Track)
    13. Looking At You (Bonus Track)
    14. Sweet Lovemaker (Bonus Track)
    15. Radio (Bonus Track)
    16. Back Door (Bonus Track)
    17. Gather Together (Bonus Track)
    18. Love Can Be (Bonus Track)
    19. Slip And Slide (Bonus Track)
    20. Looking For The Right One (Bonus Track)
    21. Stairway (Bonus Track)

 

 

 

 

AT SECOND GLANCE / AT SECOND GLANCE

<ACM Rating: >

In 1995, Lance formed the duo with Galen Takushi, known as At Second Glance and released the same title album for Kabuki Boy Music, Hawaiian local label, which is opened by Tim Feehan's Footloose hit song "Leaving For Maui". 2 Years later, Lance released his solo project album "Dreaming" which featured his past works already included in the before-mentioned albums plus new materials. Lance respects West Coast / AOR music and giant players and therefore his music are really sophisticated and comfortable.

    • Label: Cool Sound Inc.., Japan (COHI-1009) (Kabuki Boy Music, Hawaii, USA)
    • Release Date: June 25, 2002 (Original Release Year: 1995)
    • Producers: Mark Santos, Phil Galaura, David Kauahikaua
    • At Second Glance is:
      • Lance Jyo : Lead Vocals (Track 1, 2, 5, 8, 9 , 10, 11)
      • Galen Takushi: Lead Vocals (Track 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 9, 10, 11)
    • Additional Musicians:
      • Guest Vocalists: Melinda Caroll, Wili Moku, Cecilio Rodriguez, Kapono Beamer, Zanuck Lindsey, Tony Davitch, Nohe, Adney Atabay, Joanne Miles, Kamehameha Children's Choir
      • Keyboards: Mark Santos, David Kauahikauam, Phil Galaura
      • Guitars: Vernon Sakata
      • Slack Key Guitar: Kapono Beamer
      • Bass: Harry Ladera
      • Sax: David Choy
At Second Glance /At Second Glance +2
International Order

 

Melody Blvd.
GEMM is your best source for impossible-to-find music!
Cruisin' Music at GEMM

 
  • Tracks:
    1. Leaving For Maui
    2. Long Distance Love
    3. The Kiss
    4. Every Single Beat Of My Heart
    5. (I Will Be) True To You
    6. Maki
    7. Hawaiian Nights
    8. Lover's Vows
    9. Christmas In Our Hearts
    10. I Believe In You <bonus track>
    11. Dreams Are All Coming True <bonus track>

 

 

 

 

RE-REISSUES

 

DWAYNE FORD / NEEDLESS FREAKING
DANE DONAHUE / DANE DONAHUE
<ACM Rating: >
<ACM Rating: >

Dwayne Ford
Dane Donahue

  • Label :Epic Records Int'l, Japan (EICP-7052) (Original: Epic Records, Canada <NPEC-90688>)
  • Release Date: June 19, 2002 (Original Release Year: 1981)
  • Label: Sony Records Int'l, Japan (SICP 8049) (Original : Columbia Records, USA <JC-34728>)
  • Release Date: June 19, 2002 (Original Release Year: 1978)
Review, Credit, Tracks: Click Here! (See the review as AOR/Westcoast Masterpieces)
Review, Credit, Tracks: Click Here! (See the review as AOR/Westcoast Masterpieces)
 
NIGEL OLSSON / NIGEL <ACM Rating: >
 
Nigel Olsson / Nigel
Nigel Olsson's solo debut album "Nigel Olsson's Drum Orchestra And Chorus" was released in 1971, when Nigel joined Elton John's band. 2nd album "Nigel Olsson" (1975) followed but no success. In 1978, Nigel again released the self-titled album as his 3rd album under Bang Records but again no commercial success. The label and Paul Davis, the producer of the album, decided to add 3 more pop songs and delete 2 songs and re-released as "Nigel" in 1979. The single "A Little Bit Soap" ranked #18 a last.
 
    • Label: Sony Records Int'l, Japan (SICP 8050) (Original: Bang Records, USA 35792)
    • Release Date: June 19, 2002 (Original Release Year: 1979)
    • Producer: Paul Davis and himself
    • Nigel Olsson: Lead & Background Vocals, Drums, Percussion
    • Musicians:
      • Drums: Jimmy James Stroud, Mike Baird
      • Percussion: James Stroud, Ray Cooper
      • Keyboards: David Foster, Alan Feingold, Paul Schaffer, Paul Davis, Mike Boddicker
      • Bass: Ray Ransom, David Wintour, Don Barrett, Joe Chemay
      • Guitars: Thom Fowle, Richie Zito, Ronn Price, Jay Graydon, Eddie Patterson, Richie Rising
      • Background Vocals: Paul Davis, Marilyn Scott, Stephanie Spruill, Bruce Johnston, Curt Becher, Jimmy Hass, Jon Joyce, Rhonda Riveria, Brenda Russell
  • Tracks:
    1. A Little Bit Of Soap
    2. You Know I'll Always Love You
    3. Dancin' Shoes
    4. Part Of The Chosen Few
    5. Say Goodbye To Hollywood
    6. All It Takes
    7. Thinking Of You
    8. Living In A Fantasy
    9. Cassey Blue
    10. Au Revoir
 

KENNY LOGGINS / NIGHT WATCH
JIMMY MESSINA / OASIS
<ACM Rating: >
<ACM Rating: >
 
"Nightwatch" is Kenny Loggins 2nd solo effort produced by Bob James. Generally, "Whenever I Call You "Friend" is said to be the highlight of this album because of the duet with Stevie Nicks. Otherwise, why don't you enjoy to compare "What A Fool Believes" Kenny's version with the famous Doobie Brothers' version ?
Kenny Loggins took only one year to release his first solo album after stopping the duo Loggins & Messina. On the other hand, Jimmy Messina took almost 3 years to release this first solo album "Oasis" in 1979. However, I admit that it was worth for waiting in those days when I listen to this excellent album now in 2002. Masterpiece!!
 
Kenny Loggins / Night Watch
Jimmy Messina / Oasis
 
    • Label: Sony Records Int'l, Japan (SICP 8047) (Original: Columbia Records, USA <JC-35387>)
    • Release Date: June 19, 2002 (Original Release Year: 1979)
    • Producer: Bob James
    • Kenny Loggins: Lead Vocals
    • Band:
      • George Hwakins Jr.: Guitars, Background Vocals
      • Tris Imboden: Drums
      • Brian Mann: Keyboards
      • Mike Hamilton: Bass, Background Vocals
      • Vince Denham: Horns
      • John Clarke: Horns
    • Guest Musician:
      • Stevie Nicks: Duet Vocals (Track 5)
    • Tracks:
      1. Nightwatch
      2. Easy Driver
      3. Down'n Dirty
      4. Down In The Boondocks
      5. Whenever I Call You "Friend"
      6. Wait A Little While
      7. What A Fool Believes
      8. Somedody Knows
      9. Angeliaue
    • Label: Sony Records Int'l, Japan (SICP 8048) (Original: Columbia Records, USA <JC-36140>)
    • Release Date: June 19, 2002 (Original Release Year: 1979)
    • Producer: himself
    • Jimmy Messina: Lead Vocals, Guitars
    • Band:
      • Wayne Nelson: Bass, Background Vocals
      • James Studer: Keyboards, Background Vocals
      • Tony Moreno: Drums, Percussion
      • Jeff Elliot: Trumpet, Flugelhorn, Trombone
      • Craig Thomas: Sax, Flute, Background Vocals
    • Tracks:
      1. New And Different Day
      2. Do You Want To Dance
      3. Seeing You (For The First Time)
      4. Free To Be Me
      5. Talk To Me
      6. Love Is Here
      7. Waitin' On You
      8. (Is This) Lovin' You Lady
      9. The Magic Of Love

 

International Order

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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

 

 

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