Adult Contemporary Music in Japan

NEW RELEASES

GREG GUIDRY / PRIVATE SESSION	<ACM Rating: >
Greg Guidry known for his songwriting works in early 80's including "Are You ready For Love" for Robbie Dupree released his own solo album in 1982 including US Top 20 hit single "Goin' Down" and self-cover versions of "Are You ready For Love". There were so many rumors about Greg Guidry's unreleased materials CD project for those years. And now, I would proudly let you inform that Greg Guidry's unreleased materials recorded in 80's including self-remake version of "You're Good For Me" originally performed by Exile in 1980 and several tracks from unreleased Gregg's 2nd solo album scheduled to be released under CBS are now actually put in front of us by the leading AOR/Westcoast Japanese label, COOL SOUND, Inc.!
Label : Cool Sound, Inc. Japan (COOL-049) Release Date: August 10, 2000 Producers: Rich Lang, Keith Thomas and himself Musicians: Guitars : Dann Huff, Jon Goin, Tom Hemby Drums : Mark Hammond Drum Programming : Mark Hammond, Keith Thomas Bass : Gary Lunn, Mike Brignardello, Keith Thomas Keyboards : Keith Thomas, Phil Naish Sax: Sam Levine, Mark Douthit Background Vocals: Cathy Guidry, Sandra Guidry, Denny Henson, Joe Hogue
International Order   Melody Blvd. Cruisin' Music at GEMM	Tracks: Today Feel The Sprit I Wish For You Run Don't Walk Watching The Time Life In Motion Sheltering Sky They're Only Words Without Her Like A Brother

SANFORD AND TOWNSEND / SMOKE FROM A DISTANT FIRE	<ACM Rating: >
SANFORD AND TOWNSEND / DUO GLIDE	<ACM Rating: >
Ed Sanford and John Townsend got known for their songwriting works around 1975 when "Just Another Lie" was recorded by Nigel Olsen on his 1st solo album. In 1976, Loggins and Messina performed "Peacemaker" on their 1976 album "Native Son". Those career gave them chance to release their own project's albums. At the first time, as "Sanford Townsend Band", they released their first album "Sanford Townsend Band" in 1976. Warner USA re-released the same album as "Smoke From A Distant Fire" in August 1977 because Warner wanted to promote them as the new duo Unit as "Sanford and Townsend" after the smash hit of their 3rd single "Smoke From A Distant Fire" in the summer of 1977. In late 1977, Sanford and Townsend completed their 2nd album "Duo Glide" supported by the top L.A. studio musicians including TOTO members, Jeff Porcaro, David Paich and David Hungate. I would like to express my gratitude to Warner Japan who has reissued those two fine albums on CD. For you ready references, Sanford and Townsend released one more album "Nail Me To The Wall" as Sanford and Townsend Band in 1979 under Warner USA. You can find Ed Sanford as the co-writer of "I Keep Forgettin'" on Michael McDonald's 1982 smash hit album "That's What It Takes" and as the co-writer of "No Lookin' Back" also performed by Michael McDonald and by Kenny Loggins.
SMOKE FROM A DISTANT FIRE
Label : Warner Music, Japan (WPCR-10755) (Original Label: Warner Bros., USA) Release Date: July 26, 2000 (Original Release: 1976) Producers: Jerry Wexler and Barry Beckett Sanford and Townsend are: Ed Sanford: Keyboards and Vocals John Townsend: Leac Vocals and Keyboards Musicians: Guitars: Otis Hale, Roger Johnson Bass: Jerry Rightmer Drums: Jim Varley Keyboards: Barry Beckett Percussion: Tom Roady Backing Vocals: Kenny Loggins, George Hawkins, Billy Townsend Basso Produndo: Tex Wex Woodwinds: Jon Clarke
International Order Cruisin' Music at GEMM	Tracklisting: Smoke From A Distant Fire Moolah Moo Mazuma (Sin City Wahh-oo) Oriental Gate ( No Chance Of Changin' My Mind) Shake It To The Right Squire James Does It Have To Be You Lou Sunshine In My Heart Again In For The Night Rainbows Colored In Blue
DUO-GLIDE
Label : Warner Music, Japan (WPCR-10756) (Original Label: Warner Bros., USA) Release Date: July 26, 2000 (Original Release: 1977) Producer: John Haeny Sanford and Townsend are: Ed Sanford: Keyboards and Vocals John Townsend: Vocals and Harmonica Musicians: Guitars: Fred Tackett, Otis Hale, Paul Barrére, Steve Cropper, Jerry McGee Keyboards: Bill Payne, Mike Utley, David Paich Drums: Jeff Porcaro, Mike Baird Bass: David Hungate Sax: Otis Hale Percussion: Milt Holland, Jeff Porcaro, Sam Clayton Additional Vocals: Richard Torrance, Herb Pedersen Strings Arrangement: Dick Halligan Woodwinds: Jon Clarke
International Order Cruisin' Music at GEMM	Tracklisting: Paradise Ain't It So, Love Cryin' Like A Child Livin's Easy Starbrite Voodoo Mississippi Sunshine Eights And Aces Sometimes When The Wind Blows Eye Of My Storm (Oh Woman)

ROGER VOUDOURIS / ROGER VOUDOURIS	<ACM Rating: >
ROGER VOUDOURIS / RADIO DREAM	<ACM Rating: >
Roger Voudouris, born in Sacramento, California, USA on December 29, 1954 got the first chance to release his musical materials with David Kahne as the duo unit "Voudouris / Kahne" in 1975 on their first album "There's A Secret Goin' On" and followed by the album "Street Player" in 1976, both of which could not sell well. In 1978, Roger restarted as a solo artist under Warner Bros with his first solo album "Roger Voudouris" shown below. I wonder if I should explain tunes on this album are said to be a kind of late 70's energetic California Rock'n' Roll with blue-eyed Soul flavors here and there. In 1979, his second solo album "Radio Dream" including his Billboard Top 30 hit "Get Used To It" followed. On this second album, Roger succeeded to establish his Westcoast-styled American Rock, which made listeners to feel clear and dry air in California, supported by Los Angeles top session musicians such as Jay Graydon. For you information, I should follow his paths after 1979 briefly. Roger released 2 more solo albums, "A Guy Like Me" (1980) and "On The Heels Of Love" (1981). In 1986, Roger came back as the executive music producer and the owner of the contemporary Jazz / New-Age music label named "Artful Balance", under which Randy Waldman and/or David Diggs released their leader albums in late 80's.
ROGER VOUDOURIS
Label : Warner Music, Japan (WPCR-10757) (Original Label: Warner Bros., USA) Release Date: July 26, 2000 (Original Release: 1978) Producer: Michael Omartian Musicians: Bass: Dwight Martenia Drums: Peter Pfiefer Keyboards, String Orchestrations, Background Vocals: Michael Omartian
International Order Cruisin' Music at GEMM	Tracklisting: Don't Turn My Music Down What Are You Doing After Class? Hold On Let The Singer Sing I'm There Will I Ever Feel Good Again Friends Forever The Finger Painter We're Out Of Time
RADIO DREAM
Label : Warner Music, Japan (WPCR-10758) (Original Label: Warner Bros., USA) Release Date: July 26, 2000 (Original Release: 1979) Producer: Michael Omartian Musicians: Guitars: Jay Graydon Bass: Leland Sklar Drums, Percussion: David Kemper Keyboards: Michael Omartian Sax: Michael Brecker Flugelhorn, Trumpet: Randy Brecker Background Vocals: Stormy Omartian, Myrna Matthews, Marti McCall
International Order Cruisin' Music at GEMM	Tracks: Get Used To It Just What It Takes Does Our Love ( Depend On The Night) We Can't Stay Like This Forever Radio Dream Anything From Anyone We Only Dance 'Cause We Have To The Next Time Around Reprise

MICHEL BERGER / DREAMS IN STONE	<ACM Rating: >
Michel Berger was a famous French producer born on November 28, 1947 in Neuilly-sur-Seine, France. The reason I regret to use "was" in the former sentence is that he was gone to the eternal world in 1992. In early 70's Michel became known as the producer of French singers, Véronique Sanson and France Gall, whom Michel got married in 1976. His tunes written for the opera rock musical "Starmania" (1978) are well-known all over the world. In 1980, Michel released his own pop-rock album "Beausejour" in 1980 in France, featuring many talents such as Jim Keltner, Simon Phillips, Neil Larsen, Tom Saviano and Gary Herbig. And, in 1982, this US release album "Dreams In Stone" followed. Michel had many awesome guest vocalists including Bill Withers, Jennifer Warnes and Bill Champlin. Just for your information, he released the album "Voyou" featuring his own French lead-vocal tunes in 1983 supported by Brecker Brothers and other talented musicians.
Label : EastWest, Japan (AMCY-6146) (Original Label: Atlantic Records, USA) Release Date: July 26, 2000 (Original Release: 1982) Producers: Philippe Rault and himself Musicians: Lead Vocals: David Palmer (Track 2), Bill Champlin (Track 3), Lynn Carey (Track 3), Jennifer Warnes (Track 5), Bill Withers (Track 6), Max Gronenthal (Track 8), Rosanne Cash (Track 9) Guitars: Buzz Feiten, Robben Ford, Steve Lukather, Richie Zito, Slim Pezin Keyboards: Michel Bernholc, Bill Payne, Georges Rodi, Jai Winding, Neil Larsen, Kevin Bassinson, Nicky Hopins Bass: David Hungate, Scott Chambers Drums: Jeff Porcaro, Carlos Vega, Rick Shlosser Sax: Patrick Bourgoin, Gary Hurbig, Tom Saviano Trumpet: Gary Grant, Chuck Findley Trombone: Slide Hyde, Bill Reichenbach Percussion: Paulinho Da Costa Strings: David Katz Background Vocals: Tom Kelly, Denise Maynelli De Caro, Marti McCall, Richard Page, Zedric Turnbough, Steve George, Debbie Hall, Stephanie Spruill, Bill Champlin, Rossane Cash
International Order Cruisin' Music at GEMM	Tracklisting: JFK American Island Walking Through The Big Apple Street Sonata Living Under The Gun Apple Pie Rooftops Anything Can Happen Here Innocent Eyes Parade

BERNIE TAUPIN / HE WHO RIDES THE TIGER	<ACM Rating: >
Bernie Taupin, born on May 22, 1950 in UK is well-known as an essential partner of the Elton John by his marvelous lyrics. Apart from his involvement with Elton John Bernie has also established a his own career not only as a songwriter / music producer but also as a singer. In 1971 Bernie released his first solo album entitled "Taupin". In 1980, Bernie released the pop-rock'n' roll album "He Who Rides The Tiger" with AOR/Westcoast flavors here and there produced by Humberto Gatica and supported by many top session musicians such as Steve Lukather, Jay Graydon, David Hungate, David Foster, Jeff Porcaro, Alan Gorrie, Hamish Stuart, Bill Champlin, Tommy Funderburk and Tom Kelly. You should also be aware that Bernie is playing as a member of his own band named "The Altar Boys Band" with Richie Zito, Joey Carbone, Carlos Vega and Dennis Tufano who wrote all nine songs on this album with Bernie. For your information, Bernie's next solo album "Tribe" released in 1987 may be an interesting album for you because it was produced by Richard Page who co-wrote all the tunes with Bernie. In 1996 Bernie formed the band "Farmdogs" and released the album "Last Stand In Open Country" and "Immigrant Sons" followed in 1998.
Label : EastWest, Japan (AMCY-6147) (Original Label: Asylum Records, USA) Release Date: July 26, 2000 (Original Release: 1980) Producer: Humberto Gatica Musicians: The Alter Boy Band is: Bernie Taupin: Lead Vocals Dennis Tufano: Rhythm Guitar and Vocals Kenny Passarelli: Bass Guitar and Vocals Richie Zito: Electric and Acoustic Guitars Joey Carbone: Keyboards Carlos Vega: Drums Guest Musicians: Guitars: Steve Lukather, Jay Graydon, Erik Bulling Bass: Dee Murray, David Hungate Keyboards: David Foster, Jai Winding, Marty Grebb, Michael Boddicker Drums: Jeff Porcaro Sax, Lyricon and Flute: Tom Scott Percussion: Paulinho Da Costa, Paul Lani Background Vocals: Elton John, Alan Gorrie, Hamish Stuart, Bill Champlin, Vennette Gloud, Paulette Brown, Tommy Funderburk, Tom Kelly
International Order Cruisin' Music at GEMM	Tracklisting: Monley On My Back (The Last Run) Born On The 4th Of July Venezuela Approaching Armageddon Lover's Cross Blitz Babies Valley Nights Love (The Barren Desert) The Whorses Of Paris

JAMES FELIX / WHITE AS SNOW	<ACM Rating: >
James Felix was born on July 14, 1951 in San Bernardino, California USA. He started his professional music career as the member of CCM group named "Psalm 150" which Bob Carlile had belonged in early 70s. During mid / late 70's , James Felix performed and participated as a bass player and/or a vocalist in the recording sessions of Andrae Crouch's several albums such as "This Is Another Day" (1976), "Live In London"(1978) and "I'll Be Thinking Of You" (1979) released under Light Records USA. These works brought James the chance to release his own solo album under the label. Thus, "White As Snow" was completed with excellent musicians in the CCM field of those days such as Hadey Hockensmith and Bill Maxwell and young Louis Pardini (aka Lou Pardini). Recently his name could be found as a songwriter on Bryan Duncan's albums. This James Felix's album is one of the very good early 80's CCM album as well as Roby Duke's albums.
Label : Cool Sound, Inc. Japan (COOL-050) (Original Label: Light Records, USA) Release Date: July 26, 2000 (Original Release Year: 1980) Producer: Bill Maxwell Musicians: Piano and Fender Rhodes: Louis Pardini Guitars / Bass: Hadley Hockensmith Drums: Bill Maxwell Percussion: Alex Acuna Organ: Michael Escalante Synth: Larry Williams Sax: Steve Tavaglione Trumpets: Allen Gregory, Fletch Wiley Background Vocals: Howard McCrary, Linda McCrary, Charity McCarary, Kristle Murden
International Order Cruisin' Music at GEMM	Tracks: I Really Love You That's What It Takes White As Snow Open Up He Is Coming Back Again The Light Of His Love I Don't Want Much I've Been Runnin' Too Long He's All That Let's Reach Out

BOB BAILEY / LOOKING FORWARD	<ACM Rating: >
BOB BAILEY / I'M WALKIN'	<ACM Rating: >
Bob Bailey is very good black contemporary singer in 80's CCM scene. His 1st solo album released in 1981 is now reissued. And at the same time, you are now able to have1984 Grammy Best Gospel Performance (Male) nominated album of Bob Baily released in 1983 on CD in your hands. Please note that those reissued CD may show really minor sound defects because this reissued CD masters are obliged to be made from analog discs due to lost original master tapes.
LOOKING FORWARD
Label : Cool Sound, Inc. Japan (COOL-052) (Original Label: Triangle Records, USA) Release Date: August 10, 2000 Producer: Paul Stilwell Musicians: Guitar : Paul Jackson,Jr., Grant Geissman, George Doering Keyboard : Bob Korgstad, David Diggs, Clark Glessman, Larry Williams Drums : Ed Greene, Paul Leim Bass : Kenny Wild, Leon Gaer Percussion: Fred Petty Trumpet : Terry Winch, Nelson Hatt Trombone: Val Johnson Sax: Dave Boruff,, Bob Shepard Background Vocals: Bobby Glenn, Sharon Ross, Rachel Cox, Reba, Judy Gossett, The McCrarys (Howard, Linda and Charity)
International Order Cruisin' Music at GEMM	Tracklisting: I Love You, Lord New Hope I Praise You Did You Know ? Take Me At My Word I'm Looking Forward The Devil Is A Liar Praise The Lord When They're Gone, They're Gone Simple Mind No One Ever Cared For Me Like Jesus
I'M WALKIN'
Label : Cool Sound, Inc. Japan (COOL-053) (Original Label: Light Records, USA) Release Date: August 10, 2000 Producer: David Diggs Musicians: Guitar : Paul Jackson,Jr. Keyboards : David Diggs, Larry Williams, Jai Winding Drums : Ed Greene Bass : Eddie Watkins, Dennis Belfield Percussion : Steve Forman Horns : Charlie Davis, Ron King, Terry Winch, Tom Saviano, Alan Kaplan, Jim Coile Strings: The Doug Cameron Strings Section Background Vocals : Bill Champlin, Tamara Champlin, Richard Page, Steve George, Marti McCall, Myrna Matthews, Edie Jehmann
International Order Cruisin' Music at GEMM	Tracks: I Want Jesus Use Me Rainy Day Christian Ebenezer I'm Walkin' I Can Do All Things Since I Met Jesus Stand Now I Have A Song To Sing Poem

ARCHIE JAMES CAVANAUGH / BLACK AND WHITE RAVEN	<ACM Rating: >
In recent years, This album has been one of the hidden treasure among AOR / Rare Groove / Blue-eyed Soul maniacs. Surprisingly, Vivid Sound succeeded to reissue this rare materials on CD format in the summer of 2000. Archie James Cavanaugh is a descendant of Tlingit , the native South Alaska Tribe. This album was released only in Alaska in 1980 and really acclaimed there locally. As you will see the musicians credit, you will not be able to find out familiar names listed on many other early 80's AOR / Westcoast albums. However, you will be satisfied with this CD once when you will start to play it. I feel that his voice and music style is a little bit alike mid 70's Boz Scaggs. Particularly, "It's Our Love" (Track 4) remind me Boz Scaggs' smash hit tune " Low Down". Why don't you try this album if you are now seeking for fine unfamiliar blue-eyed soul albums?
Label : Vivid Sound Corp. Japan (VSCD-077) (Original Label: A&M Cavanaugh, USA) Release Date: August 15, 2000 (Original Release Year: 1980) Executive Producer: himself Producer: Tony Bellamy Musicians: Guitars: Tony Bellamy, Dave Perry, John Morton Bass: Tag Henning Keyboards: Kenny Day, Dave Perry Drums: Pete Depoe, Charley Lee Percussion: Tony Bellamy, Pete Depoe, Michael Spiro, Dave Perry Sax: Jip Pepper, Grant Reeves, Mitchell Riley Flute: Jim Pepper Trombone: Mark Williams Trumpet: Don Smith Background Vocals: Carnie Emestim Sammi Baker, Kenny Day, Tony Bellamy, Pete Depoe, Bob Keller, Billy Reed
International Order Cruisin' Music at GEMM	Tracks: Take It Easy Make Me Believe Just Being Friends It's Our Love Light Unto The World Foolin' Living Without You Jail Cell Door High Rise Stay With Me

FULL MOON / FULL MOON	<ACM Rating: >
The real legendary group "Full Moon"'s album is now reissued on CD under Dreamsville Records, Japan now. Moreover, the unreleased track "Three Step Dance" newly mixed by Buzz Feiten is added! This album was said as one of the most hard-to-find vinyl for a long time. Now, you can easily find the musical roots of Larsen Feiten Band by listening to this reissued CD. This is not BOOTLEG, this is Official reissued CD!! What a surprising reissue is done actually!
Label: Dreamsville Records, Japan (YDCD-0033) Release Date: July 25, 2000 (Original Release Year: 1972) Producer: Alan Douglas Full Moon is: Bass: Freddie Beckmeier Drums: Phillip Wilson Piano & Keyboards: Neil Larsen Guitars: Buzz Feiten Sax & Flute: Brother Gene Dinwiddie
International Order Cruisin' Music at GEMM	Tracks The Heavy Scuffle's Now To Know Malibu Take This Winter Out Of My Mind Midnight Pass Need Your Love Selfish People Three Step Dance (Bonus Track)