Adult Contemporary Music in Japan

NEW RELEASES

DOOBIE BROTHERS / SIBLING RIVALRY	<ACM Rating: >
It was 1989 when Doobie Brothers reunited with the new studio recording album "Recycles". I remember we were so excited because Tom Johnston, the original lead vocalist / guitar player could be found as the member of reunited Doobies. To be honest, I am obliged to admit that "Recycles" and following album "Brotherhood" (1991) surely reminded us of the good-old early 70's Doobie years, but nothing more than that. In 1996, we could confirm that Doobie Brothers were still alive by their live double CDs "Rockin' Down The Highway" featuring Michael McDonald too. And now in 2000, we are now meeting the new and refreshing Doobie Brothers with this brand-new studio recording album "Sibling Rivalry". All the songs on this album are never the nostalgic and imitated Doobie tunes. For example "Leave My Heartache Behind" written by Pat Simmons reminds a little of "Black Water" but totally different tunes. Keith Knunden adds the different Doobie atmosphere by his lead vocals on "On Every Corner" and "Gates Of Eden". John McFee lead vocals on "Angeles Of Madness" adds soulful and sophisticated mellow flavor to this album. Furthermore, the different kind of Westcoast feeling are brought to this album by our familiar Westcoast / AOR songwriters such as Michael Ruff , Bill Champlin and Tamara Champlin. Actually "45th Floor" written by Bill Champlin and Tom Johnston is very good Rock'n' Roll which reminds me a little "China Groove" by its guitar riff. Really recommendable new album of this year!
Label : Pyramid Records, USA <Eagle Rock Entertainment PLC> (Japan: Victor Entertainment, Inc. VICP-60732) Release Date: September 20, 2000 (Japan) October 3, 2000 (USA) Producers: Guy Allison, Terry Nelson and themselves Doobie Brothers are: Michael Hossack: Drums, Percussion Tom Johnston: Guitars, Vocals Keith Knudsen: Drums, Percussion, Vocals John McFee: Guitars, Dobro, Pedal Steel, Harmonica, Violin, Mandolin, Vocals Patrick Simmons: Guitars, Banjo, Vocals Touring Members: Guy Allison: Keyboards, Vocals Marc Russo: Sax Skylark: Bass, Vocals Guest Musicians: Guitars: Bob Bangerter Bass: George Hawkins Jr., Mano Cippolina Background Vocals: Yvonne Williams, Maxayne Lewis, Chris Thompson, Bill Champlin, Lil' Patrick Harley Simmons, Cris Sommer Simmons
International Order	Tracks: People Gotta Love Again Leave Me Heartache Behind Ordinary Man Jericho On Every Corner Angels Of Madness 45th Floor Can't Stand To Loose Higher Ground Gates Of Eden Don't Be Afraid Rocking Horse Five Corners Little Bitty Pretty One (Bonus Track only for Japanese Version)

SHIRLEE / MORE THAN A MIRACLE	<ACM Rating: >
Shirlee Cavallaro (aka Shirlee) created a contemporary, Christian, inspirational album "More Than A Miracle" produced by Mark Moulin (known as ex. guitarist of "KEANE") under Mt. Tamalpais Records, Mark Moulin's label. This album is started by the title track mid-tempo pop tune "More Than A Miracle" written by Mark Moulin and Stan Bush. The beautiful ballads "Through Love" (duet with Daniel Barrera) written by Mark Moulin and Molly Pastutti follows. The best track on this album must be "Walk In Faith" written by Mark Moulin, David Kopatz and Maxi Anderson and backed up by great Maxi Anderson harmony vocal. "Child Of The Light" written by Mark Moulin and Guy Thomas is also good. In addition to those materials, Shirlee covers "Greatest Healer", "Anything For You", "This Human Heart", "If Only I Could Cry", "Lights Of The World" and "Start Right Now", all of which are familiar among us by Mark Moulin's own project, VISIONARY's album "Highest Calling" (1999). To be honest, I cannot help saying the original Visionary's versions are much better than Shirlee's versions. She did actually very well by using almost same basic instrumental part tracks as the original recordings. It is too tough for her to be compared with the original versions performed by the awesome vocalists like Warren Wiebe, George Hawkins, Carmen Grillo and Tommy Funderburk. However, Shirlee has succeeded to give us the new impression to those materials.
Label : Mt. Tamalpais Records, USA (00-00011) Release Date: August, 2000 Producer: Mark Moulin Musicians: Guitars: Mark Moulin Keyboards, Programming: John Keane, Mark Moulin, Che Che, Guy Thomas, Craig Garfinkel, David Dial, Cary Stratton, Eric Moon Bass: Ron DiBuccio, David Kopatz, George Hawkins, Charles Frichtel Drums: John Keane, Burleigh Drummond, Willie Ornelas Duet Vocals on track 2: Daniel Barrera Background Vocals: Stan Bush, Carmen Grillo, Maxi Anderson, Shea Chambers
International Order Cruisin' Music at GEMM	Tracks: More Than A Miracle Through Love Greatest Healer Walk In Faith Anything For You This Human Heart Child Of The Light If Only I Could Cry Light Og The World Start Right Now

RALPH MACDONALD / TRIPPIN'	<ACM Rating: >
Ralph McDonald, a percussionist / music producer / composer known for his masterpiece "Just A Two Of Us" performed by Glover Washington Jr. is now about to release his brand-new leader album "Trippin'" this summer. This album has been exclusively released in Japan under VideoArts Music. The Sound of this new album is full of Caribbean relaxing flavor with soulful groove. 7 vocal tunes and 4 instrumental tunes will satisfy you.
Label: VideoArts Music, Japan (VACM-1165) Release Date: August 23, 2000 Producers: William Salter, William Eaton and himself Musicians: Lead Vocals: Dennis Collins, David Rudder, Nadirah Shakoor Drums: Steve Gadd, Chris Parker Bass: Abraham Laboriel, Anthony Jackson Keyboards: Robert Mounsey Guitar: Jeffery Mironov Steel Drums: Robert Greenidge Timbales fills: Nicky Marrero Whistles: Atiba McDonald Sax: Tom Scott African Voice: Fly Kamonkie Back Vocals: Dennis Collins, Sharon Bryant, Sharon Gerry-Collins, Frank Floyd
International Order http://www.cdjapan.co.jp	Tracks: Mango Island Trippin' Good To Go Remember Kitchener Sea, Sand And Sunshine Pots And Pans San Souci Bay You Need Love I Could Love You More A Song Of Love When The Well Runs Dry

WATERS / WATERS	<ACM Rating: >
I believe that you see the name of Waters as the background singers on not a few albums you have in your collection. As written below, Waters is the family (brothers and sisters) group of Luther, Maxine (Willard), Oren and Julia (Tillman). In 1975, they released their own first album "Waters" under Blue Note, the well-known Jazz label. It was 1977 that their 2nd album, i.e. this album was released under Warner Bros. Records. This album is one of mid 70's producing works by Michael Omartian and Steve Barri, other works done by whom are, for example, Dionne Warwick "Love At First Sight"(1977). You can find common names of musicians, the core members of Rhythm Heritage, i.e. Michael Omartian (Key), Jay Graydon (g), Ray Parker Jr. (g), Scott Edwards (b), Jeff Porcaro (ds), Ed Greene (ds) and Victor Feldman (perc). I believe you can enjoy this great Philly Soul Music with Westcoast spices. "If There's A Way" written and full of guitar riff by Jay Graydon is awesome!
Label : Warner Music, Japan (WPCR-10772) (Original Label: Warner Bros. Records, USA) Release Date: August 23, 2000 (Original Release: 1977) Producers: Steve Barri and Michael Omartian Waters is: Luther Waters : Vocals Maxine Willard Waters: Vocals Oren Waters: Vocals Julia Tillman Waters: Vocals Musicians: Drums: Jeff Porcaro, Ed Greene Bass: Scott Edwards Guitars: Jay Graydon, Ray Parker Jr. Keyboards, Arp: Michael Omartian Percussion: Victor Feldman Trumpets: Chuck Findley, Steve Madaio Woodwinds: Nino Tempo, Fred Seldon Strings Section Concert Master: Sid Sharp
International Order Cruisin' Music at GEMM	Tracks: The Other Side Of Midnight I Just Wanna Be The One (In Your Love) What Am I Doing Wrong One Good Reason If There's Away Could It Be The Magic Party, Party We Can Change It Peace At Last

KERRY CHATER / LOVE ON A SHOESTRING	<ACM Rating: >
Kerry Chater (born in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada 1944) is widely known for his songwriting works such as "Even A Fool Would Let Go" recorded by several artists including BJ Thomas, and "I Know A Heartache When I See One", the US 1979 top 20 hit performed by Jennifer Warnes. Kerry's professional career seems to be as the bass player of "The Union Gap featuring Gary Puckett" in 1967, who had several US top 10 smash hits in late 60's. After The Union Gap days, Kerry had a deal with Warner Bros. as a solo artist in 1976 and released his own first solo album "Part Time Love" produced by Steve Barri and Michael Omartian in 1977. In 1978, this 2nd solo album "Love On A Shoestring" produced again by Steve Barri was released.
Label : Warner Music, Japan (WPCR-10773) (Original Label: Warner Bros. Records, USA) Release Date: August 23, 2000 (Original Release: 1978) Producer: Steve Barri The Band : Drums: Mike Botts Bass, Steel Guitar: Peter Freiberger Guitars: Tim Weston Keyboards: Michael Omartian Background Vocals: Sally Stevens, Susan Stevens, Jim Haas, Jon Joyce Additional Musicians: Percussion: Victor Feldman Woodwinds: Jim Horn, Ernie Watts, Jon Clarke Trumpets: Chuck Findley, Dalton Smith Sax, Flute: Jim Horn Strings Section Concertmaster: Assa Drori
International Order Cruisin' Music at GEMM	Tracks: Well On My Way To Loving You Quicksilver No Room In My Life (Foe Anyone Else But You) Once Is Enough Leave Well Enough Alone Ain't Nothin' For A Heartache Easy Love Say Your Mama Won't Mind Little Girls Love On A Shoestring

PATTY WEAVER / PATTY WEAVER	<ACM Rating: >
This is another Steve Barri's excellent producing works in late 70's or early 80's. As you easily guess, Robbie Buchanan's arrangement made this album's atmosphere into the same one as that of "Maxus / Maxus". According to Toshi Nakada's liner notes review of this reissued CD, this is not the only album of her. Before this album. Patty released two other albums at least. The album "Feeling" released in 1976 under RE/SE Records, USA includes pops masterpiece tunes such as "I Honestly Love You" performed by Olivia Newton John, which were arranged more Jazzy. In 1978, Patty released another album titled "No One's Ever Seen This Side Of Me" under the same label, on which Patty covered Eagles' "Take It To The Limit",Joni Mitchell's "Both Sides Now" and so on. On this album Patty sings emotionally and energetic being supported by awesome Westcoast studo musicians.
Label : Warner Music, Japan (WPCR-10774) (Original Label: Warner Bros. Records, USA) Release Date: August 23, 2000 (Original Release: 1982) Producer: Steve Barri Arrangers: Michael Omartian, Robbie Buchanan The Band: Keyboards: Michael Omartian Bass: Abraham Laboriel, Mark Leonard Drums: Jeff Porcaro, Mike Baird Guitars: Martin Walsh, Hadley Hockensmith Percussion: Paulinho Da Costa, Steve Barri Additional Musicians: Synth Programming: Ian Underwood Piano: Robbie Buchanan Steel Guitars: Red Rhodes Sax: Fred Selden, Kim Hutchcroft Trumpets: Steve Madaio, Jerry Hey Trombone: Dick "Slyde" Hyde Background Vocals: Maxine Willard Waters, Julia Tillman Waters Stephanie Spruill, Crydene Jackson, Jim Haas, Joe Chemay, Stan Farber, Bruce Hornsby String Concert Master: Assa Drori
International Order Cruisin' Music at GEMM	Tracks: One Love Too Late Somebody's Gonna Get Hurt Shot In The Dark I Wanna It All Part Time Man It's Your Move Don't Want A Heartache Line Of Fire The Band Is Yet To Come

GALDSTON & THOM / AMERICAN GYPSIES	<ACM Rating: >
Galdston & Thom is widely known for their later band "Far Cry" who released "The More Things Change" (1980). It was July 1973 when Phil Galdston, a songwriter born in New York, met Peter Thom coming from Montreal, Canada. Then, they started songwriting collaboration and made demos. "Why Don't We Live Together" performed by Barry Manillow in 1975 was successful enough to get a deal as a recording artist. John Simon, the producer of this album, recommended Warner Bros. Records to made a deal with them and thus, this album was done under Warner Bros. This is one of the best mellow sophisticated American pop album released in late 70's.
Label : Warner Music, Japan (WPCR-10775) (Original Label: Warner Bros. Records, USA) Release Date: August 23, 2000 (Original Release: 1977) Producers: John Simon, Phil Galdston and Peter Thom Galdston & Thom is: Phil Galdston: Vocals, Synthesizers, Tom tom, Organa Peter Thom: Vocals, Drums, Keyboards, Harmonica, Mandolin Musicians: Guitars: Arlen Roth, Jeff Mironov Bass: John Siegler Keyboards, ARP, Horn and Strings Arrangement: John Simon Drums: Richard Crooks Sax: Timmy Capello, Michael Brecker, George Marge, Howard Johnson, Lou Marini Trumpet: Caludio Roditi, John Simon Trombone: Dave Bargeron Violins: Harry Lookofsky (concertmaster), Peter Dimitriades, David Nadien, Joseph Malin, Max Pollikoff, Guy Lumia, Charles Libove, Genen Orloff, Harry Cykman, Harold Kohon, Sanford Allen, Matthew Raimondi Viola: Alfred Brown, Harold Colletta, Peter Dimitirades Cello: Charles NcCracken, Jesse Levy Percussion: Sue Evans, Jimmy Maelen, Crusher Bennett Special Guest Vocals: Jim Dawson (Track 2) Background Vocals: Kasey Cisyk, Chuck Magruder, Arlen Roth, Timmy Capello, Joey Ward, Ellen Bernfeld, Lani Hall, Hilda Harris, Yolanda McCullough,
International Order Cruisin' Music at GEMM	Tracklisting: When The Silence Stops American Gypsies Savannah Sunny Sunday One More Time Around The Block No One Gave Me Love Why Don't We Live Together Sweepin' It Under Everybody's Goin' Hollywood It Won't Work A Life Of Time

PARKER McGEE / PARKER McGEE	<ACM Rating: >
Generally speaking, the only acceptable explanation who Parker McGee coming from Mississippi is that he is the songwriter who wrote US #2 single hit "I'd Really Love To See You Tonight"(1976) performed by England Dan & John Ford Coley. Before England Dan & John Ford Coley became a big star by this smash hit, Parker McGee released his own solo album "Parker McGee" produced by Kyle Lehning under Big Tree Records. Parker McGee produced the below-reviewed good album "Marcus Joseph / Things I Meant To Say". In 1996, we could see his name as co-producer of Randy Vanwarmer's album "Sun, Moon and Stars".
Label : EastWest, Japan (AMCY-6146) (Original Label: Big Tree Records, USA) Release Date: August 23, 2000 (Original Release: 1976) Producer: Kyle Lehning Musicians: Drums: Larry Londin Bass: Joe Osborn, Ted Reynolds, Kyle Lehning Piano, Keyboards: Shane Keisterm Kyle Lehning Guitars: Steve Gibson Steel Guitar & Dobro: Doyle Grisham Sax, Flute: Billy Puett, Skip Lane Fiddle: Lisa Silver Banjo: Bobby Thompson Background Vocals: Sheri Kramer, Diane Tidwell, Lisa Silver Strings: Shelly Kurland, George Binkley III, Carl Gorodetzky, Steven Smith, Marvin Chanty, Roy Christensen, Gary Vanosdale
International Order Cruisin' Music at GEMM	Tracks: Goodbye Old Buddies You Got Me Runnin' This Magic Night Talkin' 'Bout Loving You Angel Dancing Got That Feeling I Just Can't Say No To You Boy Meets Girl Feather Lite And Honey Smooth Rock-A-Bye Baby Damily Reunion

MARCUS JOSEPH / THINGS I MEANT TO SAY	<ACM Rating: >
Marcus Joseph became known for "DearDorff and Joseph / DearDorff and Joseph", his duo works with Danny Deardorff released in 1976 under Arista Records. Then, Marcus decided to embark solo singer carrer and succeded to get a deal with Big Tree Records and released this album "Things I Meant To Say" produced by Parker McGee in 1978. In addition to musicians involved in this recording sessions as listed below, you should pay attention to the songwriters. You can listen to "I Don't Want To Get Over You" written by Rupert Holmes and "Trapeze" written by Tony Scuito and Sam Egorin. If you like gentle and mellow melodies in late 70's, this is one of the good albums for you.
Label : EastWest, Japan (AMCY-6158) (Original Label: Big Tree Records, USA) Release Date: August 23, 2000 (Original Release: 1978) Producer: Parker McGee Musicians: Guitars: Steve Gibson, Marty Walsh Keyboards: Shane Keister, Steve Porcaro, Charile Harwood, Richard Haxton Bass: Jack Williams, Mike Porcaro Drums: Larry Londin, Ralph Humphrey Sax: Jimmy Roberts Harp: Gaylr Levant Background Vocals: Sherry Kramer, Lisa Silver, Diane Tidwell, Parker McGee, Dan Seals, Leslie & Kelly Blukin, Laurie Hart Strings Arrangement: Jack Williams Strings: Shelly Kurland Strings
International Order Cruisin' Music at GEMM	Tracks: Before The Night Is Over Nice Guys Finish Last / Runaway I Don't Want To Get Over You One Of These Days Things I Meant To Say I've Got You Where I Want You Rock Me Baby Take Me There Trapeze Israel

ROBY DUKE / COME LET US THE REASON	<ACM Rating: >
ROBY DUKE / BLUE EYED SOUL	<ACM Rating: >
ROBY DUKE / DOWN TO BUSINESS	<ACM Rating: >
Roby Duke, one of the best CCM singer in 80's, was born in Mississippi on December 6, 1956. Roby moved to Nashville for seeking the possibility as professional singer / songwriter around 1976, but not successful. In 1978, Roby moved to Los Angeles for another possibility, and as the result he could get a deal with Songbird, MCA Christian division. Thus, his 1st album "Not The Same" was released in 1982. However, due to the close of business of Songbird label (MCA), Roby had to find out other label in spite of a little success of his 1st album. The new label was Good News Records, established by Freddy Piro, known as the producer of Ambrosia and distributed by Word/Epic, which released Roby's followed 4 albums "Come Let Us The Reason" (1984), "Blue Eyed Soul" (1986), "Down To Business" (1989) and "Bridge Divine" (1994). "Come Let Us The Reason" is of the highest quality, not less than "Not The Same". Personally, I believe "Come Let Us The Reason" is much better ! When you listen to Dann Huff's exciting guitar performance and Richard Page & Steve George's backing up vocals, you will agree with me. "Come Let Us The Reason" is one of the long-awaited to be reissued albums on CD and would like to send my sincere gratitude to Toshi Nakada, Cool Sound Inc. You may also have a chance to get hard-to-find CD releases, i.e. "Blue Eyed Soul" (1986), "Down To Business" (1989) now. If you listen to "Blue Eyed Soul" first time, you may be a little surprised because this album is a little too electric alike Go West in those days. Comparing with "Blue Eyed Soul", Roby sings naturally on "Down To Business" (1989). For your information, Roby is now living in Seattle and producing CCM and do business related to Musical Computer Software "Spectrasonic" which is used for vocal production of the famous movies such as "Titanic" and "Matrix".
COME LET US THE REASON Label : Cool Sound, Inc. Japan (COOL-054) (Original Label: Good News Records, USA) Release Date: September 10, 2000 (Original Release: 1984) Producer: Win Kutz Musicians: Drums: Bob Wilson Keyboards: Harlan Rogers, John Schreiner, Larry Williams Guitar: Dann Huff, Wayne Brasel Bass: Nathan East, John Patitucci Sax: Larry Williams Percussion: Alex MacDougall Background Vocals: Richard Page, Steve George, Kelly Willard
International Order Cruisin' Music at GEMM	Tracks Come Let Us Reason All Lost I'm Persuaded Watching For You Fight The Fight Win Or Lose Here I Am Closer To You Lay It Down There Is Just One Way
BLUE EYED SOUL Label : Cool Sound, Inc. Japan (COOL-055) (Original Label: Good News Records, USA) Release Date: September 10, 2000 (Original Release: 1986) Producer: Himself Executive Producer: Teri Piro Musicians: Keyboards: Eric Persing Guitars: Dann Huff, Steve Farris, Michael Thompson Bass: John Patitucci Drums: Bob Wilson Sax: Bob Sheppard Background Vocals: Deniece Williams, Julia Waters, Maxine Waters, Carmen Twillie
International Order Cruisin' Music at GEMM	Tracks: I Know You, Mister I've Come Too Far This Is Not A Game Runaway (Say So) Another Night I'll Survive Talk To Me Can't Let You Go It's Up To You Here For You
DOWN TO BUSINESS Label : Cool Sound, Inc. Japan (COOL-056) (Original Label: Good News Records, USA) Release Date: September 10, 2000 (Original Release: 1989) Producer: Himself Executive Producer: Teri Piro Musicians: Keyboards: Eric Persing B3 and Acoustic Piano: Richard Souther Drums: John Robinson Bass: John Patitucci Electric Guitars: Marty Walsh, Paul Jackson Jr. Acoustic Guitars: Marty Walsh Percussion: Alex Acuna Sax: Steve Tavaglione Background Vocals: Tim Miner, Cindy Cruse Miner, Bill North, Alfie Silas, Don Wallace, Angie Alan
International Order Cruisin' Music at GEMM	Tracks: I Try (Walk In The Park) Dreams Alive I Shall See God Moon Over Me (Waiting For You) Rain Down To Business Modern Man (Want Will Steal Your Heart Away) Maybe Thief On The Hill

TENDER LEAF / TENDER LEAF	<ACM Rating: >
Another hidden Hawaiian treasure album is now reissued on CD by Cool Sound. Tender Leaf is not known generally because the group "Tender Leaf" was not a professional group and this album is released by themselves under their own label, Tender Leaf Records only in Hawaii in 1982. It seemed to be around 1995 that an Japanese music writer brought this album into Japan and wrote a recommended review, thus some DJ started to play this vinyl at the club steadily. I admit this album is surely one of the most comfortable Hawaiian albums full of free-soul feeling.
Label : Cool Sound, Inc. Japan (COHI-1003) (Original Label: Tender Leaf Records) Release Date: August 25, 2000 (Original Release Year: 1982) Producer: Kit Ebersbach Tender Leaf is: Patrick Caraulia: Conga, Back-up Vocals Murray Compac: Guitar, Lead Vocals John Franklin: Lead & Rhythm Guitar Bob Hernandez: Bass Vince Ostertag: Drums Daryl Valdez: Lead & Rhythm Guitar, Back-up Vocals Additional Musician: Kid Ebersbach: Additional Keyboards
International Order Cruisin' Music at GEMM	Tracks: Beautiful Hawaii Kai Counrieside Beauty You Are My Love You're My Fantasy Coast To Coast Shores Of Makapuu Future Family Oh. Stop Going To The Country

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