Adult Contemporary Music in Japan

NEW RELEASES

MICHAEL RUFF / SHOW THE WORLD	<ACM Rating: >
Michael Ruff now completed his solo album "Show The World" which follows "Lovesongs + Lullabies" released in 1999. Compared to "Lovesongs + Lullabies", Michael plays more aggressive and funky. "Show The World" , the title track opens this album with a little bit heavy distorted guitar sound. Bluesy tune "When You Come Home" would follow. "Bring You To Jesus" is very beautiful ballads featuring Olivia Ruff on harmony vocal, whose vocal is very impressive. "Listen To Your Woman" is a Latin-touch one."Standing On The Rock" must remind you of Stevie Wonder. "Testimony" is the killer track for AOR / Blue-eyed soul lovers. Really recommendable one for this summer!
Label: RuffMix Music (Cd-002) Release Date: July 1, 2001 Producer: himself Musicians: Guitars: Marty Walsh, James Harrah, Tim Pierce Slide Guitar: Kenny Emerson Bass: Randy Carnivali, Jimmy Johnson Drums: Joey Heredia, Garin Poliahu (extra hi hat), Tony Rodarte (extra hi hat) Background Vocals: Maxayn, Olivia Ruff, Patti Rich, Mark Lennon, Michael Lennon, Leslie Smith
International Order	Tracks: Show The World When You Come Home Bring You To Jesus Just A Moment Alone Listen To Your Woman Hanalei Savannah Testimony Standing On The Rock Heaven Bound

 

ROBBIE DUPREE / VINTAGE V0L.2	<ACM Rating: >
Robbie Dupree, the one of the most popular early 80's Westcoast / AOR singers has just released his 2nd rare materials collection album "Vintage Vol.2". This collection CD contains great stuff including the songs from the first album recorded in Spanish (Track 3,4,5,6), which never came out. Also, a live track (Track7) recorded on June 18, 1991 in Tokyo, Japan and demo's from the early and mid-80's (Track 1,2,8) are included Everybody must think it is really cool! Please note that Only 1000 copies have been made and featuring 4 never-released songs and a video clip. Don't miss it!!
Label: n/a (CD serial #: n/a) Release Date: July 12, 2001 Producer: himself Musicians: Bass: Tony Levin, Rick Chudacoff, Carl Adami Guitars: Larry Hoppen, Robert Palmer, Kal David, Brian Ray, Dennis Herring, Andrew Essex Keyboards: Larry Hoppen, Bill Elliot, Michael Boddicker, Debbie Lan. Harvey Jones, Tom Nicholson, Kenny Nemiroff Drums: Jerry Marotta, Peter Bunetta, David Beebe Percussion: Miguel Rivera Sax: Josh Shneider Background Vocals: Larry Hoppen, Kal David, Leslie Smith, Arno Lucas, Ann Lang
International Order RobbieDupree.com	Tracks: Lucky Day All Your Love Naveguemos (Steal Away) Tu eres solitaria (Lonely Runner) Autos de Amor (Hot Rod Hearts) Siento que he Fallado (It's A Feeling) Carried Away Why This Is Life (Bonus Video Clip)

PATTI AUSTIN / ON THE WAY TO LOVE	<ACM Rating: >
Patti returns to Warner Bros, for which she released her early 80's excellent works with Quincy Jones under Qwest label. Needless to say, music included on this brand-new album would be not the same as early 80's one. She performed strictly-selected Smooth Jazz tunes produced by Paul Brown, the one of the top-level producers under the current Smooth Jazz field.
Label: Warner Bros, USA (47911) (Japan: Warner Music Japan <WPCR 11075>) Release Date: June 26, 2001 (Japan: August 8, 2001) Producers: Paul Brown Musicians: Keyboards: Bill Meyers, Allen Hinds, Tim Heinz, Robert Vally, Jerry Hey, Larry Williams, David Woods, Greg Phillinganes, Ricky Peterson, Carl Burnett Bass: Bill Meyers, Allen Hinds, Tim Heinz, Robert Vally, David Woods, Carl Burnett Guitars: Carl Bunett, Allen Hinds, Mike Sims, Paul Jackson Jr., Tony Maiden, Carl Burnett Percussion: Lenny Castro, Luis Conte, Paulinho Da Costa Drum Programming: Paul Brown, Steve Dubin, David Woods, Carl Burnett Vibes: Greg Phillinganes Sax: Boney James Flugelhorn: Jerry Hey Flute: Larry Williams Background Vocals: Siedah Garrett, Tony Maiden, Sue Ann Carwell
International Order   Listen Before You Buy !   Listen Before You Buy !	Tracks: Girlfriend What Can I Say? On The Way To Love Love's Been Kind To Me Lately Make It Right If You Really Need Me Now Playin' Around Let Me Be Me Southern Rain Tell Me Why Love's Been Kind To Me Lately (Unplugged)

  

NIGEL OLSSON - Nigel Olsson's Drum Orchestra & Chorus - / MOVE THE UNIVERSE	<ACM Rating: >
Nigel Olsson, known not only for his drumming with Elton John but also for his own albums just released his solo album "Move The Universe" in Japan under Sony Music Entertainment on July 3. In addtion to Nigel Olsson's own lead vocal tracks, we can listen to Kiki Dee and Gigi Worth's lead vocal tracks. This is the really good mellow Westcoast pop album.Welcome back, Nigel!!
Label: 81 Records / Sony Music Entertainment Japan Inc., Japan (SRCS 352) Release Date: July 4, 2001 Producers: Davey Johnstone and Guy Babylon Executive Producer: himself Nigel Olsson's Drum Orchestra & Chorus is: Lead Vocals: Nigel Olsson, I Miyakawa, Kiki Dee, Ken Stacey, Windy Wagner, Gigi Worth, Christina Vierra, Kai Olsson Drums: Nigel Olsson, Curt Bisquera Bass: Guy Babylon Guitars: Davey Johnstone Keyboards: Guy Babylon Piano: Fred Mandel Cellos: Martin Tillman Violin: Craig Eastman Harmonica: Jimmy Z. Percussion: John Mahon Strings Arrangement: Guy Babylon, Davey Johnstone Background Vocals; Gigi Worth, Billy Trudel, Davey Johnston, Nigel Olsson, Kathy Brown Babylon, Joanna Pennock, Reggie Burrell Additional Muscians: Bass: Bob Birch
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

 

RADIOACTIVE / CEREMONY OF INNOCENCE	<ACM Rating: >
Radioactive, the Swedish guitarist Tommy Denander's main project for the last 10 years is now finally taking shape with the album release "Ceremony of Innocence" for March -01. European leading melodic rock label, MTM will proudly present you one of the long long awaited melodic rock album very soon. As a matter of fact, the first song "On My Own" featuring Fergie Frederiksen from Toto on lead vocal has been released on the new MTM compilation Volume 5 CD. It is reported that this version is just a PREVIEW one and the final version will have real drums plus David Hungate (Toto) on bass. And another TOTO vocalist, Bobby Kimball is also on lead vocals for "Crime Of Passion" and "When You're In Love" written by him with Tommy. Fee Waybill, Jason Scheff and an amazing set of guest musicians are participating in this project. Don't miss the amazing RADIOACTIVE album. Japanese version includes a bonus track "Remember My Conscious". One more thing I would like to say here..... I dare to point out that there is one error on Japanese version liner-notes caused by the writer's lack of knowledge. On the liner notes, the writer says " 'Haunt Me Tonight' is the ballads penned by Richard Marx, Bruce Gaitsch and Fee Waybill, which seems to be an unreleased tune for Fee Waybill's solo album 'Don't Be Scared By These Hands'. " This is clearly wrong! This beautiful ballads is recorded by Bruce Gaitsch featuring Richard Marx on the lead vocal for Bruce's first solo album "A Lyle In A Windstorm" (1995). Moreover, probably the basic track of Radioactive is the common one. Tommy added his electric guitars and solo and Geir Ronning sings instead of Richard Marx lead vocals.
Label: MTM, Germany (Japan: Marquee/Avalon Records <MICP-10244>) Release Date: July 30, 2001 (Japan: July 25, 2001) Muscians: Lead Vocals: Bobby Kimball, Fergie Frederiksen, Jason Scheff, Geir Rönning, Andy Eklund Drums: Jeff Porcaro, Marcus Liliequist Percussion: Jeff Porcaro Bass: Mike Porcaro, Jason Scheff, David Hungate, Neil Stubenhaus, Abe Laboriel Guitars: Tommy Denander, Michael Thompson, Bruce Gaitsch, Dean Parks Keyboards: David Paich, Steve Porcaro, David Foster, Randy Goodrum, Greg Phillinganes, Vince DiCola, Mats Olausson, Tommy Denander Sax: Dave Boruff Background Vocals: Joseph Williams, Jason Scheff, Alex Ligertwood, Janey Clewer, Geir Rönning, Kristoffer Lagerström, Pierre Wensberg, Andy Eklund, Bernt Ek
International Order   Melody Blvd.	Tracks: The Story Of Love Crimes Of Passion On My Own Grace Waiting For A Miracle LA Movies Ceremony Of Innocence Liquid Haunt Me Tonight A Case Of Right Or Wrong Silent Cries When You're In Love Remember My Conscious <Japanese Version Bonus Track>

SHEM / SON OF ARTHUR	<ACM Rating: >
First of all, you should know that Shem is the current Ambrosia member and his high tone clear voice is really awesome and never inferior to David Pack, the lead singer of Ambrosia. Actually I could see Ambrosia live performance without David Pack who was sick and Shem did replace David perfectly. Really perfect. It was the Autumn 1997 when Ambrosia participated in the legendary West Coast Festival in Disneyland Paris. Around the very beginning of 1996, I had a chance to listen to his several demo tracks cassette copy fortunately, which was really excellent and could not wait for the day his solo album would be released. It tool almost 6 years to have got this "Son Of Arthur". To be honest, Shem performs more acoustic than I expected when I listened to his past demos. However, his melodies are really good and this CD is one of the highly recommended albums for you.
Label: Ancient Games Records, USA (34479 65082) Release Date: June, 2001 Producers: Shem plays: Guitars, Bass, Drums, Diembe, Darbuka, Bodhran, Niquara, Percussion, Vocals Muscians: Guitars: Doug Jackson Dime Cymbal: Kim Edmundson Violin: Joelle Dunn, Hurbert Pralitz, Roberto Cani Sax: Jim Wheeler Viola: Mario Miragliotta Cello: Waldemar De Almeida Blues Harp: Tollak Ollestad Harmonica: Tollak Ollestad Jaw Harp: Snoopy Orchestra: The Von Schroeck Orchestra
International Order	Tracks: Feel It Trapped Inside Myself What She Doesn't Say The Happy Song Serious Someone I've Never Been Until She Comes Home Useful Place On This Earth Reality / Fantasy Born To Take The Fall Tiffany

KEVYN LETTAU / LITTLE THINGS	<ACM Rating: >
Kevyn Lettau was born in Boston in 1960, and raised in Germany where her mother came from. When she was 15, she moved to San Diego and started to support herself by house-keeping and singing on the street corners of Del Mar, California while in high school. In 1984, Brazilian music became the next dominant force in her life. Kevyn started touring and recording with Sergio Mendes. At last in 1991, Kevyn established her own solo career with the album "Kevyn Lettau" on Nova Records, which shoud be discribed as Contemporary Jazz with Brazilian pop flavor. She also released another album "BrazilJazz" recorded with Michael Shapiro and Peter Sprague.Since then, Kevyn costantly released her solo album for JVC; "Simple Life" (1992), "Another Season" (1994), "Universal Language" (1995). Kevyn is especially in Asian coutries including Japan, which makes her possible to release the pop album "The Language Of Flowers" only for Asia in 1998. In 1999, JVC Music released a greatest hits collection entitled "Miracle Voice - The Best Of Kevyn Lettau" also only for Asiain market. In 2000, Kevyn released "The Police" which included her "Police" covers in 2000 under VideoArts Music Japan and later under Metronome Records - Universal Music, Germany. And now Kevyn present you fine varsatile-style vocal album "Little Things" a little apart from her Brazilian music oriented style.
Label: Metronome - Universal Music, Germany (Japan: Universal Music Japan <UCCM-1022>) Release Date: June 11, 2001 (Japan: July 25, 2001) Producer: Mike Shapiro Muscians: Keyboards: Russell Ferrante, Darrell Smith, Jeff Babko Guitars: Jimmy Mahlis, Mike Miller, Dwight Sills Bass: Jerry Watts Jr. Drums: Mike Shapiro Percussion: Luis Conte Sax: Gary Meek Violins: Gina Kronstadt, Peter Kent, John Wittenberg, Norm Hughes, Eddie Stein, Kristen Fife Violas: Darrin McCann, Novi Novog Cellos: Stefanie Fife, Rudy Stein Bass Strings: Dave Carpenter Background Vocals: Arnold McCuller, Valerie Pinkston, Mindy Stein, Fred White, Scott Mayo
International Order	Tracks: Heroes Of The Day You Turn Me On, I'm A Radio Little Things Far Away Your Own Sweet Way The Language Of Flowers Thin Skin What My Eyes Have Seen Fathers

BOBBY CALDWELL / TIME & AGAIN -The Anthology Part II -	<ACM Rating: >
Bobby Caldwell, the one of the AOR / Adult Contemporary Music giants has just released his 2nd anthology best album "Time & Again" in the States, which is not released in Japan.Needless to say, this album includes 14 hit AOR tunes from Bobby Caldwell's great works; "What You Won't Do Love For Love", "Heart Of Mine", "Stay With Me" and Next Time (I Fall)". It should be much remarked that we can listen to 2 brand-new AOR/Westcoast type tunes (not Jazz tunes!) "Rain" and "Every Time You Say My Name". To be honest, we were a little wondering whether Bobby would not publish AOR / Westcoast type tunes anymore because Bobby recently released the Jazz Vocal oriented albums. Yes, our Bobby is back with those 2 great tunes!! Please note that another Bobby Caldwell's compilation album "Songmaster" will be released in Japan on August 22, but this Japanese version does not include one of the new tune "Rain". Therefore, I recommend you to buy this US version "Time & Again" instead of Japanese version.
Label: Sin-Drome Records, USA (SD8956) Release Date: June 19, 2001 Producer: himself Executive Producer: Henly Marx
International Order   Listen Before You Buy !   Listen Before You Buy !	Tracks: What You Won't Do For Love Open Your Eyes In The Name Of Love Next Time (I Fall) All Or Nothing At All Heart Of Mine Stay With Me Saying It's Over Janet Without Your Love Cry Where Is Love Love Lite Shape I'm In Rain Every Time You Say My Name

 

COOL TREASURES - THE UNRELEASED TRACKS	<ACM Rating: >
Cool Sound now proudly presents you the unreleased rare tracks as "COOL TREASURES - THE UNRELEASED TRACKS" this summer. The opener is the Sneaker 's early years unreleased material "Head Jazz". Tony Sciuto's 1993 ballad tune follows. And David Lasley shows you his hidden talent by 80's unreleased materials. And Bruce Gaitsch offers you many unreleased treasures with the great guests alike Michael Sembello, Jim Photoglo, Jason Scheff and Bill Champlin ! Please note that some materials are very raw, thus you may feel that something would be missing when you listen to such kind of tracks. Typically, real drum sound should replace the tentative drum-machine track. However, you can enjoy artists' original concept with their high potential energy for new tunes. For example, "Falling In Love" performed by Bruce Gaitsch featuring Bill Champlin is the very original version of "Show Must Go On" which was recorded for the famous unreleased Chicago 22 album " Stone Of Sisyphus".
Label: Cool Sound, Inc. Japan (COOL-075) Release Date: July 25, 2001 Performers (with support musicians): Sneaker (Michael Carey Schneider, Mitch Crane, Michael Cottage, Mike Hughes) Tony Sciuto David Lasley (with Willie Wilcox <prog> and Carmen Grillo <back vo>) Bruce Gaitsch featuring Michael Sembello (with Danny Sembello <key>) Robbie Buchanan Bruce Gaitsch featuring Jason Scheff Brock Walsh (with Kevin Clark <all instruments>) Bruce Gaitsch featuring Jim Photoglo Mark Winkler (with Johnny Baltimore <g, b,key, programming>, Rob Simpson <key, programming> and Ken Kritzberg <sax>) Bruce Gaitsch featuring Amy Sky (with Marc Jordan <back vo>) Greg Guidry (with Sandra Guidry, Cathy Guidry <back vo> and Shannon Wallace <g>) Bruce Gaitsch featuring Bill Champlin (with Tamara Champlin and Jason Scheff <back vo>)
International Order   Melody Blvd. Cruisin' Music at GEMM	Tracks: Head Jazz Diamond In The Rough If I Can Dream Just A Girl I Used To Know One Chance Second To No One Alcatraz That's What I Get One By One The Wings Of Desire Just That Simple Falling In Love

ISLAND MELLOW - HAWAIIAN AOR NOW & THEN	<ACM Rating: >
Cool Sound also proudly presents you another compilation album "Island Mellow - Hawaiian AOR Now & Then" this summer. This collection album includes 5 best tracks from the Cool Hawaii series CDs and 8 good late 90's Hawaiian AOR tunes plus 2 brand-new Hawaiian AOR tunes!
Label: Cool Sound, Inc. Japan (COOL-075) Release Date: July 25, 2001 Performers: Jon Basebase Island Band Ben Vegas Mackey Feary Johnson Enos Lance Jyo Project Ray Gooliak Tender Leaf Jon Basebase and Tiffany Catalfano Zanuck Lindsey Joanne Miles Ben Vegas and Darla Short Johnson Enos Lance Jyo Mackey Feary
International Order   Melody Blvd. Cruisin' Music at GEMM	Tracks: Tropical Breeze How Can I Make You See ? Whenever I Love Is On My Mind Or Girl Who's Fooling Who All Alone Countryside Beauty What Your Love Has Done Every Minute Every Hour I Can't Stop My Heart You're The Love Now That You're Gone Diamond I'm Not Worth The Hurt

  

RICK BOWLES / NO MAN'S LAND	<ACM Rating: >
Rick Bowles, born and raised in North Carolina released his acclaimed debut album "Free For The Evening" under Polydor Records USA in 1982 featuring a beautiful ballads tune "(Tonight I'll Be Your) Fool Again". And this album became well-known as one of Robert Byrne and Brandon Barnes related works among AOR / Westcoast freaks. It has been believed that "Free For The Evening" is the only one album Rick Bowles released because he lost his deal with Polydor before releasing his next album. Rick had not succeeded so much as a solo singer but does well as a songwriter. His materials are recorded by many big names in Pop Country field such as Alabama and/or Terry Clark through 1990's. To our surprise, Rick had released his 2nd solo album "No Man's Land" in 1984 under Applause Records, US minor label, otherwise custom label for private releases. According to Rick's comment appeared on the liner notes of this reissued CD, "No Man's Land" was recorded in Muscle Shoals, Alabama in the summer of 1984. Robert Byrne produced the album and he also played guitar and keyboards, sang background vocals, and co-wrote six songs on the record. And the recording session was done originally for Polydor Records, by which the quality of the recording sessions were never the cheap alike self-released demo materials. Therefore, you can enjoy this album as one of the fine mid 80's AOR/ Westcoast works.
Label: Dreamsville Records. Japan (YDCD-058) (Original Label: Applause Records, USA) Release Date: July 25, 2001 (Original Release Year: 1984) Producer: Robert Byrne Musicians: Drums: Owen Hale, Milton Sledge Bass: Gary Baker, Mike Chapman Keyboards: Steve Nathan, Richard Putnam, Brandon Barnes, Clayton Ivey, Robert Byrne Guitars: John Willis, Mac McAnally, Robert Byrne Background Vocals: Hershey Reeves, Cindy Richardson, Robert Byrne
International Order   Melody Blvd. Cruisin' Music at GEMM	Tracks Shame On Me No Man's Land In The Meantime Who's That Look In Your Eye Baby Lied I Have The Way I Love You Night Blind One Life Stand

PIECES / PIECES	<ACM Rating: >
Can you identify who Geoffrey Leib is? Geoffrey Leib is known as one of good keyboard session player of early 80's. You can find his name on many albums' songwriters & musicians credits such as "Leon Ware / S.T.." (1982) and other Urban Contemporary R&B artists albums including Geoffrey Osbone. And Geoffrey performs White Soul Music also on his own group "Pieces" only one album. If you like Blue-eyed Soul alike Average White Band and Night Flyte, this album is highly recommendable. On this album, I love "Where Did Our Love Go" best because this tune is a little bit hard-edge arrangement with impressive keyboards riff. Meanwhile, Geoffrey Leib is now known for his melodious hard rock works with the different artist's name. His name is Jeff Paris!! What do you say?
Label: Toshiba EMI, Japan (TOCP-53193) (Original Label: Liberty / United Records, USA) Release Date: August 8, 2001 (Original Release Year: 1979) Producers: Barry Bregman and themselves Pieces are: Geoffrey Leib: Keyboards, Synthesizers, Vocals Mike Linge: Drums, Vocals Larry Lingle: Guitars, Vocals Kenny Lee Lewis: Bass, Vocals Additional Musicians: Percussion: Steve Forman, Lenny Castro Synthesizer Programming: Robbie Robinson Strings: Sid Sharp Background Vocals: Diane Steinberg
International Order   Melody Blvd. Cruisin' Music at GEMM	Tracks Dances So Good Magazine Lover That's Way Of Love Love's Winning Me Over Heaven Must Have Made You Who You Been Doin' You Made Me Believe Can't Turn Down Love Where Did Our Love Go

 

PAGES / PAGES	<ACM Rating: >
The most wanted CD, which was once reissued and has been out of print for a quite a long time, has just been reissued at last. Needless to say, the re-reissued CD is the digitally remastered version. Therefore, even if you already have got the hard-to-find 1st reissued CD (1989 version), you should replace the CD with this excellent sound version. The CD is the "Pages / Pages" (1981), the masterpiece of the AOR/West Coast masterpieces. Everybody admit that Pages completed their own marvelous music style with Jay Graydon, the producer of this album but not sold well before Richard Page and Steve George would release "Welcome To The Real World" in 1986 as Mr. Mister. Never hesitate to get this historically important album now!
Label: Toshiba EMI, Japan (TOCP-53189) (Original Label: Capitol Records, USA 12123 ) Release Date: August 8, 2001 (Original Release Year: 1981) Producers: Jay Graydon and Bobby Colomby Pages is: Richard Page: Lead Vocals, Back Vocals Steve George: Fender Rhodes, Mini-moog, Yamaha CS-80, Oberheim, Clavinet Piano, Back Vocals John Lang Guest Musicians: Guitars: Steve Khan, Charles Johnson, Jay Graydon Bass: Neil Stubenhaus, Abraham Laboriel Drums: Jeff Porcaro, Ralph Humphrey, Vince Colaiuta, Mike Baird Percussion: Paulinho Da Costa Sax: Tom Scott Vocal Effect: Al Jarreau
International Order   Melody Blvd. Cruisin' Music at GEMM	Tracks You Need A Hero Tell Me O.C.O.E. (Official Cat Of The Eighties) Come On Home Sesatia Only A Dreamer Automatic Fearless Midnight Angel

AMY HOLLAND / ON YOUR EVERY WORD	<ACM Rating: >
Amy Holland, known as the partner of Michael McDonald released 2 solo albums in early 80's, both of which were reissued in France by Magic Records in June 1999. And now in the summer of 2001, Japanese version is also reissued by Toshiba EMI. Both reissued CD (French version and Japanese Version) are digitally remastered, but I feel that Japanese version has much clearer when I listen to the drum attack tone on the opening track ""Anytime You Want Me" carefully. Michael McDonald fully supported Amy all through the album not only as the producer/ keyboard player but also as a songwriter on her 1st album. Again, Michael fully supported her 2nd album "On Your Every Word". The second track "I Hang On Your Every Word" may be more widely familiar by Michael McDonald's version but personally I love Amy's version better. The highlight of this album must be the beautiful ballads "I Still Run To You" written by Michael McDonald and David Pack who duets with Amy on this tune.
Label: Toshiba EMI, Japan (TOCP-53190) (Original Label: Capital Records, USA) Release Date: August 8, 2001 (Original Release: 1983) Producers: Michael McDonald and Patrick Henderson Musicians: Drums: Jeff Porcaro, Michael Baird Bass: Mark Leonard, Bob Glaub, Louis Johnson, Nathan East, Willie Weeks Guitars: Robben Ford, John McFee, Steve Lukather, Robert Akers Terry Sax Solo: Tom Scott, Vince Denham Lyricon: Tom Scott Horns: Jim Horn, Larry Williams, Chuck Finley, Dick Hyde, Jerry Hey, Ernie Watts Simmons Drums: Chet McCracken Keyboards, Synthesizers, Pianos: Brian Mann, Michael McDonald, Peter Henderson, James Newton Howard, Kathy Walker Handclapping: Paul Medeiros Background Vocals: Maureen McDonald, Michael McDonald, Denny Henson, Jeff Day, David Pack, Richard Page, Steve George, Ed Sanford
International Order   Melody Blvd. Cruisin' Music at GEMM	Tracks: Anytime You Want Me I Hang On Your Every Word I'll Never Give Up Shake Me, Wake Me (When It's Over) Hurt A Little Bit You & I So Sentimental I Still Run To You Rollin' By

 

TAVARES / SUPERCHARGED	<ACM Rating: >
The five-brother R&B singing group Tavares are Arthur Tavares, Ralph Vierra Tavares, Perry Lee Tavares, Antone Tavares, and Feliciano Tavares who are nicknamed "Pooch," "Tiny," "Chubby," and "Butch" may be much more familiar. In 1974, their debut album "Check It Out" was issued with Capitol Records. In the summer of 1974, their 2nd album "Hard Core Poetry" followed with the first hit version (number one R&B) of "She's Gone" written by the then relative unknown duo of Darryl Hall and John Oates. In 1975, 3rd album "In the City" produced by Dennis Lambert and Brian Potter scored # 26 on pop chart in addition to # 8 on R&B chart. After they released acclaimed R&B album "Sky High" in 1976 and "Love Storm" in 1977, "More Than A Woman" specifically written for them by Bee Gees was issued as a single from the soundtrack album "Saturday Night Fever". "More Than a Woman" was also on their 6th album "Future Bound" in 1978, and was followed by the 1979 album "Madame Butterfly" produced by well-known Philly Soul arranger/producer Bobby Martin. By reading the above biography, you may wonder why I recommend "Supercharged" album here so much... On this album "Supercharged", Tavares embarked new voyage with our musicians including David Foster, Jay Graydon and Bill Champlin. The opener "Bad Times" scored #47 on pop chart and "We Both Tried" followed, which written by David Foster and Bill Champlin and well-known for Bill Champlin's version on his album "Single" (1978). Another cover of the song from Bill Champlin 's album "Single" is "I Don't Want You Anymore", also written by David Foster and Bill Champlin. You must be touched when you listened to this album, if you unfortunately did not have a chance to listen until now.
Label: Toshiba EMI, Japan (TOCP-53198) (Original Label: Capitol Records, USA) Release Date: August 8, 2001 (Original Release Year: 1980) Producers: Bobby Colomby, David Foster, Benjamin F. Wright Jr. Tavares are: Chubby Tavares: Vocals Ralph Tavares: Vocals Pooch Tavares: Vocals Butch Tavares: Vocals Tiny Tavares: Vocals Musicians: Guitars: Timothy James May, Paul Jackson Jr., Steve Lukather, Jay Graydon, David Williams Keyboards: Greg Phillinganes, Dale Oehler, Steve George, David Foster, John Barnes, Bill Champlin, Patrick Henderson Bass: David Shields, David Hungate, James Jamerson Jr. Drums: Ed Greene, Harvey Mason Percussion: Ed Mann, Bobby Colomby, Paul Lani Sax: Peter Christleib French Horns: Brian D.A. O'Connor, Arthur N. Maebe, Henry Sigismonti Horns: Jerry Hey, Kim S. Hutchcroft, Gary Grant, Lawrence Lowell Williams, Larry G. Hall, William Frank Reichenbach, Lew McCreary Benjamin Wright Orchestra: Reeds: Fred Jackson, Jeff Clayton Trumpets: Bobby Bryant, Oscar Brashear, Nolan Smith Trombones: George Bohanon, Garnett Brown, Maurice Spears, Don Cook Synthesizer: Jim Hirsen Percussion: Eddie Brown, Frederick Walker Strings: Joseph Goodman, Gina Kronstadt, Mark Cargill, Robert Lipsett, Pavel Farkasm Ronald Clark, Harris Goldman, Rollice E. Dale, Marilyn Hanthorn Baker, James V. Ross, Brenton B. Banks, Roberleigh Barnhart, Miguel Matinez
International Order   Melody Blvd. Cruisin' Music at GEMM	Tracks Bad Times We Both Tried Can't Get Enough Why Can't We Fall In Love I Can't Go On Living Without You I Don't Want You Anymore Paradise Got To Have Your Love

PERRY & SANLIN / FOR THOSE WHO LOVE	<ACM Rating: >
I believe you are familiar with Phil Perry, who performs good many smooth jazz vocal session works with David Foster, David Garfield and many others on various albums and releases his own solo albums "The Heart Of A Man" (1991), "Pure Pleasure" (1994), "One Heart, One Woman" (1998) and "My Book Of Love" (2000). Phil Perry started his musical journey with Kevin Sanlin in late 60's as Montclairs, who released several singles; "Hey You" (1969), "All I Really Care About Is You" (1971) and "Dreaming Out Of The Season" (1972) and also released an album in 1973. In late 70's, Phill and Richard moved to Los Angeles and did many background vocal sessions while seeking for the deal. In 1980, they got a chance to release an album "For Those Who Love" under Capitol as a duo, Perry & Sanlin. Their first single "Just To Make You Happy" stalled at #81. In 1981, 2nd album "We're The Winner" followed, but they became "the winner" commercially.
Label: Toshiba EMI, Japan (TOCP-53197) (Original Label: Capitol Records, USA) Release Date: August 8, 2001 (Original Release Year: 1980) Producers: Charles Jackson, Dr. Cecil Hale Perry & Sanlin are: Phil Perry: Vocals, Keyboards Kevin Sanlin: Vocals, Bass Musicians: Drums: Leon Nduqu Chancelor Guitars: Charles Fearing, Michael McGlory Bass: Scott Edwards, Nathan East Keyboards: Patrice Rushen, Michael Lang, John Barnes, Tony Coleman Percussion: Paulinho Da Costa Background Vocals: Maxine Waters Willard, Julia Waters Tillman, Marty McCall, Edy Lehman, Myrna Matthews, Sherrie Perry
International Order   Melody Blvd. Cruisin' Music at GEMM	Tracks Off On Your Love It's Alright Since You (Came Into My Life) Just To Make You Happy Keep Dancing You Can't Hide Love We Belong Together With You I'm So Glad There's You

 

SONS OF CHAMPLIN / WELCOME TO THE DANCE	<ACM Rating: >
"Welcome To The Dance" is the fourth album of the Sons Of Champlin came out of legendary Psychedelic San Francisco rock movement. This album is sometimes said to be the restart album of the group because the original rhythm section were replaced by David Schallock (bass) and James Preston (drums and percussion). On this album, Sons apparently established their own soul-funk boogie rock style based on their roots in blues, R&B and Jazz.
Label: Acadia, Evangeline Recorded Works Ltd.UK (ACA 8007) (Original : Columbia Records, USA) Release Date: June, 2001 (Original Release: April, 1973) Producer: Themselves Sons Of Champlin are: Bill Champlin: Lead Vocals, Guitars, Keyboards, Baritone Sax Terry Haggerty: Guitars, Vocals Geoffrey Palmer: Keyboards, Sax, Tablas, Vibes, Bass, Vocals James Preston: Percussion David Schallock: Bass, Guitars, Vocals
International Order	Tracks: Lightin' For Joy Who / Heaven Only Knows Right On No Mo' The Swim Welcome To The Dance Silence Sound/Turn Aorund Healthy Woman Welcome To The Dance