Adult Contemporary Music in Japan

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Jay Graydon

 

Jay Graydon, one of the most famous talented producer and great guitarist was born in California on October, 1949. One of his typical tremendous guitar play can be heard on "Peg" of Steely Dan's Album "Aja" (1977).
 
He released legendary album "Airplay" as the group "Airplay" with Tommy Funderburk and David Foster in 1980.
 
In 1980's, he became one of talented producers for his great works with many artist such as Al Jarreau, George Benson, Debarge, Kenny Rogers, Dionne Warwick and Art Garfunkel.
 
He has released his own project's album as Planet 3 only in Japan in 1991. (This album has been released later in Sweden and Germany.) At last he has completed his solo first solo album in 1993.

 

 

 

AIRPLAY FOR THE PLANET

 

Graydon's "Airplay For The Planet", the perfect AOR/Westcoast album in the decade of 1990's. If you have both Japanese version and Swedish or German version of the original release, you will find that several songs on Swedish / German versions sounds better than those on Japanese version.

Graydon Jap Version

Graydon Swedish Version
Swedish and German version followed the original Japanese version. In those countries, "Ever After Love" was already released as one of the tracks for Jay's earlier project Planet 3. Thus this track was deleted. And Tracks "After The Love Is Gone" (instrumental Version) was also not on the CD. However, the most remarkable thing about those versions would be the fact that different master tape was used for them, which was more natural and not over-sequenced.
  • Tracks (Japanese Version):
    1. Walk The Wire
    2. She Just Can't Make Up Her Mind
    3. History
    4. After The Love Has Gone
    5. Holdin' On To Love
    6. One Way Or Another
    7. Roxann
    8. Show Me The Magic
    9. You're Not Alone
    10. When You Look In My Eyes
    11. Ever After Love
    12. After The Love Is Gone (instrumental)

 

 

AIRPLAY FOR THE PLANET +1

 

Graydon's "Airplay For The Planet", the perfect AOR/Westcoast album in the decade of 1990's is now re-released with an unreleased beautiful ballad called " "I Do" featuring Bill Cantos on vocals. As far as I heard, Jay did not satisfy with the mastering of the original release (1993), specifically Japanese version which Jay was obliged to rush its mastering due to the release schedule. If you have both Japanese version and Swedish or German version of the original release, you will find that several songs on Swedish / German versions sounds better than those on Japanese version. Under the circumstance, Jay decided to remeaster this album for this re-release for the perfect completion in the true sense. Absolutely you should buy this album without hesitation. For your information, Japanese version by COOL SOUND is available with special paper sleeve package.

Jay Graydon / Airplay For The Planet 02

  • Tracks:
    1. Walk The Wire
    2. She Just Can't Make Up Her Mind
    3. History
    4. After The Love Has Gone
    5. Holdin' On To Love
    6. One Way Or Another
    7. Roxann
    8. Show Me The Magic
    9. You're Not Alone
    10. When You Look In My Eyes
    11. I Do

 

 

RAKE AND THE SURFTONES / SURFERS DRIVE WOODIES

 

Jay says that it is important to remember that this album is REAL 60'S SURF MUSIC along with some intentional humor. The description is "seriously funny". I hope you enjoy this CD as much as all the players do..... Please note that this album wasalso released in Sweden with 16 tracks one month eariler than Japan; June, 1996 by WestCoast Records, Sweden. It means that Tracks 17 and 18 are bonus tracks only for Japanese Version.

  • Label: Pioneer LDC (POCP-1116)
  • Release Date: July 24, 1996
  • Producer: Todd LaBrea (Jay Graydon)
  • Musicians:
    • Guitars: Todd LaBrea (Jay Graydon), Sleepy Richard Hueneme (Dean Parks), Yo Wood (Sherwood Ball), Biff "No Pick" Balboa (Sterling Ball)
    • Keyboards: Malibu JC Peters (Jim Cox), "Butt" Powell (Tom Hensley)
    • Bass: Ed Hudu (David Hungate)
    • Drums: Hot Fat Reynolds (John Ferraro)
    • Sax: Honky "Leaky Pad" Beeflat (Dean Parks)
    • Trombone: Hungus Hudu (David Hungate)
    • Hand Claps: Dave "Goofy Hand" Hemosa (Dave Richardson)
    • Lead Vocals: Stan "Haight" Ashbury (Joseph Williams), Paco Pt. Loma (Jason Scheff), Craig Laguna (Craig Copeland)
    • Back Vocals: Poop Fiction (Steve Lukather)
Jay Graydon / Airplay For The Planet 02

  • Tracks:
    1. Gotta Woodie Today
    2. Undertow
    3. Run Don't Walk
    4. The Lonely Wave
    5. For Sandi Girl And The Sea Cups
    6. My Woodie
    7. Malibu Pier
    8. Surfin Drums
    9. The Lake Mystery
    10. Bach Goes Surfin'
    11. Minute Wave
    12. October In Oxnard
    13. Gettin Air
    14. Blue Lights
    15. Hot Fat Boogie
    16. Surfers The Jam
    17. Red Tide
    18. Buryon Run

 

 

BEBOP

The album "Bebop" is the first release from his own private label SONIC THRUST RECORDS. Webmaster of Jay Graydon's official website explains that this album contains straight ahead instrumental jazz written by Jay and Bill Cantos. As regard this album, Jay explains; "For those of you that know my work, the last thing you might expect is an instrumental jazz bebop album. This album came about quite by accident. In brief, here's the story. Over the years, I have beta tested many electronic products designed by Marcus Ryle - a genius engineer and a good friend. One such product designed by him and his team is the ALESIS M20 DAT Digital Recorder. As usual, Marcus and the ALESIS team asked I beta test the system. Since the M20 digital recorder format is "pro quality", I decided to perform the audio test using acoustic instruments as to discover how the recorder system deals with a wide frequency range and natural dynamics. With that in mind, since I have jazz roots, recording a jazz bebop album came to mind. OK, electric guitar is not an acoustic instrument per se, but I wanted to play on the recording."

  • Label: Sonic Thrust Records, USA (STRCD-001)
  • Release Date: September, 2001
  • Jay Graydon: Producing, Engineering, Mastering, Arrangement, Guitars
  • Musicians:
    • Sax: Brandon Fields
    • Piano: Bill Cantos
    • Bass: Dave Carpenter
    • Drums: Dave Weckl
Jay Graydon/ Bebop
  • Tracks:
    1. Joe Graydon TV Show 1951
    2. Oh Yes, They Will
    3. Blow Man
    4. 4.2
    5. Go 'Way Moon
    6. Tubs
    7. C Bop
    8. My Hot Girth
    9. G Wizz
    10. Star Spangled Banner

 

 

 

PAST TO PRESENT - THE 70s

Jay Graydon has released an album featuring quite valuable materials recorded by Graydon and Co. in the 70s. All songs on this album has been transferred from analog masters into a digital masterpiece of quality music for this release. The album is titled as "Past to Present - the 70s -" featuring Jay Graydon on vocals, guitars, bass and some synth stuff. It also features great singers such as Bill Champlin, Marc Jordan, Tata Vega, Lisa DalBello, Ed Whiting and more. On all tracks other musicians include such top names as David Foster, Jeff Porcaro, Mike Baird, David Hungate, Mike Porcaro, Greg Mathieson, to name a few. Apart from the 10 main songs, there are 10 more bonus tracks - fun stuff like TV themes, a jingle, and a few instrumental tracks of some of the first 10 songs. The first track is the demo version "If There's A Way" featuring Jay's lead vocal, later recorded by Waters on the group's 2nd album "Waters" in 1977. Jay's melody line guitar part for this track is very impressive as same as Water's version. This must be one of typical good Graydon's tunes."What Good Is Love" early demo version sung by Bill Champlin himself follows and as you know this song was re-recorded by Bill for his acclaimed solo album "Single". Next is "You Can Count On Me" with solid melody, sweet chord changes and Jay's sweet vocal.It is not well-known that this beautiful song was recorded by Cory Wells only for 45rpm single.The 4th track "You're My Day" is also recorded by Cory Wells which appeared on his 1st solo album "Touch Me" in 1978. Lisa Dal Bello takes lead instead on this demo version, more disco song of the era. Early demo versions of the legendary Airplay are also included; "Should We Carry On" and "She Waits For Me". Marc Jordan vocal demo version "Secret Lovers",written for Japanese female singer Mariya Takeuchi, is worth listening. "Throw A Little Bit Of Love" demo with Ed Whiting were recorded by many artists later such as Cory Wells and Stevie Woods. "I Fall In Love Every Day" demo with Tata Vega on this CD is also known for Jaye P. Morgan version. Among 10 bonus tracks, "It's Right To Be In Love" should be remarked. This unreleased song is really great with Bill Champlin. Lastly, Japanese version release planning seems to be under process and based on Jay's official website, "It's Right To Be In Love" instrumental version will be added as a bonus track for Japan.

  • Label: Sonic Thrust Records, USA (STRCD-008)
  • Release Date: March 2,2006
  • Producer: David Foster, himself
  • Jay Graydon: Guitars, Bass, Keyboards, Vocals
  • Musicians:
    • Drums; Jeff Porcaro, Willy Omelas, Mike Baird, Ralph Humphrey
    • Bass: Dave McDaniel, David Hungate, Mike Porcaro, David Shields
    • Keyboards: Greg Mathieson, David Foster
    • Vocals: Bill Champlin, Lisa DalBello, Marc Jordan, Tata Vega, Ed Whiting, David Foster, Nettie Gloudm Carmen Twille
Jay Graydon / Past To Present
  • Tracks:
    1. If There's A Way
    2. What Good Is Love
    3. You Can Count On Me
    4. You're My Day
    5. Shouls We Carry On
    6. Secret Love
    7. She Waits For Me
    8. Throw A Little Bit Of Love Way
    9. I Fall In Love Every Day
    10. Love Flows
    11. Love Flows (melody guide version)
    12. Ted's Theme #2 (without Ted's Rap)
    13. Ted's Theme #2 (with Ted's Rap)
    14. Ted's Theme #1
    15. Ted's Theme #1 (with Ted's Rap)
    16. Ted's Theme #1 (only the tail of Ted's Rap)
    17. Sony Jingle
    18. If There's A Way (instrumental track)
    19. What Good Is Love (instrumental track)
    20. It's Right To be In Love

 

 

Jay Graydon All Stars / Airplay For The Planet Live in Japan 1994

Legendary all-star live performance of 1994 is now finally available as "Airplay For The Planet Live In Japan 1994.1.19". This is the must-have DVD for all of AOR/Westcoast music lovers! The video of this performance was shot as the private recorded data for the band, using a single camera. It was not intended to be published those days. Thus, video iteself is very simple one and the sound of the live performance is taken from the soundboard, and mixed into well-balanced 2 track stereo. Loud noises of audience is very low because the band did not intend to release live-recordings. This DVD captures the very first gig of this All-star band but their perfomace was awesome because they had rehearsed almost 3 weeks before the tour. After Japan tour, the all-star band moved to Scandinavia and they performed 8 stages more. You should note that Japanese tour was a little bit gorgeous because 3 female vocalists; Janea Chadwick, Amye Williams and Tamara Champlin were backing. Now, you should revisit Jay Graydon All Star Band excellent live performance. Last but not least, The DVD first edition limieted package includes 2 CDs featuring all songs of the performance, deleting MC.
    • Label: Isol Discus Organization / Ward Records Inc., Japan (GOBP-10001)
    • Release Date: December 12, 2007
    • Jay Graydon All Stars are:
    • DVD Fromat: NTSC, Region ALL, 4:3, Dolby Stereo / PCM Stereo
    • Remarks: The first edition limited package includes 2 CDs.

Jay Graydon All Stars / Live in Japan 1994
  • Tracks
    1. Criminal
    2. Satisfaction
    3. She Just Can't Make Up Her Mind
    4. Holdin' On To Love
    5. Walk The Wire
    6. After The Love Has Gone
    7. First And Last
    8. Insincere
    9. In The Heat Of The Night
    10. Baby, Bye Bye
    11. Steve Porcaro, Bill Cantos, John Van Tongeren, Keyboard Solo
    12. When You Look In My Eyes
    13. Roxann
    14. Nothin' You Can Do About It
    15. Band Intro
    16. Turn Your Love Around
    17. Pat Mastelotto Drum Solo and Kenji Sano Bass Solo
    18. Show Me The Magic
    19. Pamela
    20. Stranded

 

 

Jay Graydon All Stars / Live In Japan 1994.1.19 Airplay For The Planet And More

We could have DVD release of the Jay Graydon All Stars' 1994 live performance in Japan with 2 bonus CDs with the live audio recordings deleting MC as "Airplay For The Planet Live In Japan 1994.1.19" in December 2007. It was the must-have DVD for all of AOR/Westcoast music lovers, even though the video of the performance was shot as the private recorded data for the band, using a single camera and not intended to be published those days. And in September 2008 , The Super High Material CDs (SHM-CDs) 2008 remastered version has released on 2 discs. If the difference between the first edition and the re-released version were only the materials of the disc and not omitting MC during the live performance, it is easy to skip. However, the re-released version is now on sale with a bonus DVD.... The bonus DVD includes Jay Graydon All Stars 1996 live videos. 6 tracks were taken on February 13, 1996 at Gino, Stockholm Sweden. And 2 tracks with live rehearsal taken on February 2, 1996 at Theater Drama City, Osaka Japan. It cannot help being criticized that the quality of the video are much worse than 1994's. Sound is also not so good regarding Swedish one. Therefore, this version should not be recommended to everyone but Jay's mania must express sincere gratitude to share the valuable memories by publishing this video. As you may know, 1996 tour members includes the voice of Airplay, Tommy Funderburk and Ned Doheny. Further, on February 13, two surprising guest players were captured by this video. These guys are Bill Champlin and Jason Scheff! On "She Just Can't Make Up Her Mind ", Bill appeared from behind and started to sing. Jason also appeared on stage and stayed in the background playing bass for a couple of songs.
    • Label: Isol Discus Organization / Ward Records Inc., Japan (GQCP-59044)
    • Release Date: September 24, 2008 (Original Release: December 12, 2007)
    • Jay Graydon All Stars are:
    • Bonus DVD Fromat: NTSC, Region ALL, 4:3, Dolby Stereo / PCM Stereo

 

Jay Graydon All Stars / Live In Japan 1994.1.19
  • Tracks (Disc 1)
    1. Criminal
    2. Satisfaction
    3. She Just Can't Make Up Her Mind
    4. Holdin' On To Love
    5. Walk The Wire
    6. After The Love Has Gone
    7. First And Last
    8. Insincere
    9. In The Heat Of The Night
    10. Baby, Bye Bye
    11. Steve Porcaro, Bill Cantos, John Van Tongeren, Keyboard Solo
    12. When You Look In My Eyes
    13. Roxann
  • Tracks (Disc 2)
    1. Nothin' You Can Do About It
    2. Band Intro
    3. Turn Your Love Around
    4. Pat Mastelotto Drum Solo and Kenji Sano Bass Solo
    5. Show Me The Magic
    6. Pamela
    7. Stranded
  • Tracks (Bonus DVD)
    1. Cryin' All Night
    2. Bix
    3. It Will Be Alright
    4. She Just Can't Make Up Her Mind
    5. Nothin' You Can Do About It
    6. Whatcha Gonna Do For Me
    7. Pamela
    8. After The Love Has Gone
    9. Stranded
    10. Live Rehearsal (February 2, 1996 in Osaka)
    11. She Just Can't Make Up Her Mind
    12. Stranded

 

 

 

 

 

More Information

 

* Jay's Musical Equipment *

Guitar

Jay Graydon plays his signature guitar model manufactured by BOSSA GUITARS. The custom solid body model features a Gibson scale 24 fret fingerboard with either ebony or maple. The body is a maple top with mahogany. 2 special Demarzio humbucking style pickups with coil splitters.

 

The guitar features a locking tremolo system that rests against a metal plate on the body for added sustain.

 

Amplifier

Jay also uses his signature amp 'THE RAKE HEAD" manufactured by Rivera amps. The amp head is 55 watts with 2 channels. Channel #1 is the gain channel and allows an extra gain stage to be switched in for maximum sweet distortion. The controls for this channel features pre amp gain, bass, midrange, treble and a master volume. Channel #2 is the clean channel with Fender type distortion if needed. This very flexible channel has pre amp volume, bass, midrange (with a variable notch pull mode), treble (pull for bright) and a master volume.

 

The power amp stage features a presence and focus pot. The foot switch allows for channel selection and individual gain boosts for both channels. 4, 8, or 16 ohms is switchable. An effect loop insert is available with volume controls on both "send and return".

 

The "bottom unit" or speaker cab can either be closed or open back just by unscrewing the rear panel. Either 2/12 or 4/12 Rivera 85 watt celestions.

 

"ROG News Letter Summer '95" webpage (You can see more Jay's comments about RIVERA AMP.)

 

Guitar Strings

Jay used Ernie Ball strings and accessories. The main electric gauge is 009, 011, 014, 022, 034, 044.

 

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