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Dane Donohue / Dane Donohue
Dane Donohue was born and raised in Masnfield, Ohio on August 30, 1948. After 2-year touring all over the States and Europe as a cast for the well-konwn rock musical "Jesus Christ Super Star" in early 70's, Dane started to make his demos and sent those out to all the party who may show their interest. Thus, Dane got a manaement contract with the agent and then got an album deal with CBS Records, USA. Dane took 3 years to complete his solo debut album and at last released in 1978, which was produced by Terence Boylan. You can understand why I would pick up this album as a masterpiece of West Coast Pop Music, once you would listen it. Release: 1978 Label : Columbia Records, USA (JC-34728) Reissued CD: 1st Reissue: July 1, 1992 (Sony Records, Japan <SRCS 6226>), 2nd Reissue: June 19, 2002 (Sony Records Int'l, Japan <SICP 8049>) Tracks: 1. Casablanca 2. Dance With The Stranger 3. What Am I Supposed To Do 4. Woman 5. Where Will You Go 6. Freedom 7. Can't Be Seen 8. Whatever Happened 9. Tracey 10. Congratulations Producers: Terence Boylan with Jai Winding, Steve Hodgge and John Boylan Musicians : Drums: Andy Smith, Steve Gadd, Ed Greene Bass: Jeff D'Angelo, Bob Glaub, Scott Edwards, Chuck Rainey, Mike Porcaro Guitar: Larry Carlton, Jay Graydon, Steve Lukather Keyboards: Jai Winding, David Getreau, Victor Feldman Percussion: Steve Forman Sax: Ernie Watts, Gary Herbig Background Vocals: Bill Champlin, Don Henley, Stevie Nicks, John David Souther, Tim Schmit, Herb Pedersen, Tom Kelly,
AOR Columbia Records, USA CD 1992
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Rydholm Säfsund / Kaleidoscope
The sensational debut of the Swedish rock band named Promotion happened in 1997 with the Toto-meets-Chicago vein album titled “Not For Sale”. Anders Rydholm’s name was listed on my favourite musicians then. In 2000, the band was obliged to change its name demanded by then label, thus they were known as Grand Illusion and released several albums but regrettably they lost great horns due to the nature of the melodic rock label colour, whilst maintaining Anders Rydholm's classy melodies intact from the Promotion years. Grand Illusion released 6 albums in total from 2001 to 2011 when the album “Prince Of Paupers” was released. The other good Swedish band in late 2000’s / 2010’s is Robert Säll‘s “Work Of Art”. Lars Säfsund is the singer of the band. Anders Rydholm contributed to their second album “In Progress” in 2011. Whilst Worrk Of Art released the album “Exhibits” in 2019, Lars was welcomed as the guest singer for the second Champlin Williams Friestedt album lead track “Runaway Dancer”. It was 2021 when the Grand Illusion met Work Of Art. The new duo project by Anders and Lars materialized under the name of Art of Illusion. The super duo released the crafted debut album “X Marks The Spot”. In April 2024, the super Swedish duo is back with this album “Kaleidoscope” featuring gorgeous horn sections featuring Chuck Findley who contributed many Toto’s albums, and Nick Lane who’s. often filled in with the group Chicago for the past 20+ years. Really feeling good listening all through the album probably because of horn sections, I think. According to the press release, the guys comments: “Some people wonder why we have chosen to use a new name, Rydholm and Säfsund, for the release of the coming songs and the reason for that is that the new music comes with slight change of direction for this album. Not as heavy as the Art of Illusion songs and more funky. It even has horns on it. So hard to describe music but if we try, it’s a mixture between melodic rock, west coast and a little bit of pop. We just hope that the new music will be reviewed on its own and for what it is. It’s so easy to compare with our old stuff, but as a signal that it’s intentionally different, we have chosen to release it under our names instead of using Art of Illusion.” Although I have not added new album review here on my “Adult Contemporary Music In Japan” Museum, I cannot ignore this fantastic effort. All tracks on this albums are superb. Highly recommended one. Track 2 “Hey You” reminds me of either mid-80’s high tech funky Westcoast tune, or Ole Børud’s soulful funk pop. Track 4 “Seven Signs of Love” is another killer piece that seems to be some influence from Japanese 80’s city pop music. Dirty Loops vein “Don’t Make Me Do it” follows. Hard to say which track is my personal most favourite one, but track 7 “4th of July” might be the candidate. The title track “Kaleidoscope” appeals strongly to me, the horn section arrangement would be that of powerful “Stones of Sisyphus” of Chicago’s. The album closing track “Love Will Find A Way” is the atomic bomb for me that recalls Pages. What an album! Release: 12 April, 2024 Label: GodisPåScen, Germany (GPS2401, distributed by Pride & Joy Music, Germany) Tracks: 1. Now And Forever 2. Hey You 3. What’s Not To Love 4. Seven Signs of Love 5. Don’t Make Me Do It 6. 4th of July 7. The Bet 8. Sara’s Dream 9. Bucket List 10. The Plains of Marathon 11. Kaleidoscope 12. Love Will Find A Way Producers: Anders Rydholm and Lars Säfsund Rydholm Säfsund: Anders Rydholm: Bass, Guitars,Keyboards Lars Säfsund: Leas and Background Vocals, Synthsizers Musians: Drums: Frank Nilsson Bass: Matt Bissonette Guitars: Kristian Larsen, Robert Säll, Tim Pierce, Joel Kibble, Pelle Holmberg, Ola af Trampe, Larry Salzman Keyboards: Stefan Olofsson, Joel Kibble Sax: Wojtek Goral, Håkan Malmberg, Gary Herbig Trumpet: Tom Walsh, Mike Davies, Chuck Findley, Charlie Davies, Joackim Wickström Fluegelhorn : Tom Walsh Trombone: Nichol Thompson, Fredrik Wiklund, Nick Lane Percussion: Nicolas Lazo Zubieta, Larry Salzman, Pablo Cepeda, Martin VerDonk Background Vocals: Joel Kibble #Promotion #GrandIllusion #WorkofArt
AOR GodisPåScen, Germany CD 2024
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George & G (George Grunwald) / So Much In Love
"So Much To Say” was initiated by George (Jerzy) Grunwald, a multi-talented musician and arranger who was born in Poland, raised in Sweden and also lived in New York City during his teen years. In the early 80s after having lived in Sweden for some time George decided to move to San Diego, California, where he made his first experiences in the professional music business. One of the key figures became studio contractor Benjamin Barret. Through Benjamin’s connections George had the chance to meet lots of the top session players of the L.A. music scene and to be present in the studio when they recorded multi-million selling albums like Lionel Richie’s “Can’t Slow Down” (1983). It was also the time when George perfected his musical skills and his musical taste was defined. Among his favourites were artists like The Eagles, Toto, Journey and Christopher Cross. After some time in the States George moved back to Sweden, where he is still based today. During the 90s he mainly worked as an arranger, song writer and session player for other artists and he met musicians that became friends and would later take part in the recording sessions for “So Much To Say”, like producer / guitarist Håkan Mjörnheim and saxophone player Eric Marienthal. “So Much To Say” was written over a longer period of time and the basic tracks were recorded with a great cast of talented musicians in various studios in Denmark, Sweden and Poland, before the background vocals were arranged and recorded in Bill Champlin’s studio in Los Angeles. Perfectly arranged and sung background vocals have always been an important part of the Westcoast sound, so the choice to involve some of the best vocalists of the L.A. studio scene at the time was an obvious one. The amazing combination of Bill Champlin, Jason Scheff, Joseph Williams, Lou Pardini, Warren Wiebe and Alex Ligertwood on one album can hardly be found lately. More high profile contributions on several songs come from David Garfield on keyboards and Eric Marienthal on saxophone. A ten track version of the album was first released in 2006 in South East Asian territories. Then, Japanese version featuring 2 bonus tracks followed in 2007. The first pressing of 2011 German version includes the same 2 bonus tracks as Japanese version. The German release comes as a limited Special Edition in a jewel case with an individually numbered additional slipcase and an extensive booklet including lyrics and individual musicians credits for every album track. Another true gem for all AOR and Westcoast fans and music collectors. Label: Icicle Music, Singapore (IMI-41142), Vivid Sound Corp, Japan (VSCD3351), Avenue Of Allies Music, Germany (11060026) Release: June 2006 / Japan: 21 February, 2007 / Germany: 29 April, 2011 Tracks: 1. So Much To Say 2. With Every Breath 3. You Know 4. Have I Lost My Girl, 5. I´m Emotional 6. Save My Love 7. Touch The Sun 8. A Love So Right 9. Don´t Give It Up, 10. Mystery Girl, 11. Why Don´t You Stay (Bonus Track for Japan) 12. Save My Love (Instrumental Version) (Bonus Track for Japan) Producer: Oil Poulsen George Grunwald: Lead & Background Vocals, Guitars, Keyboards -Musicians- Bass: Oil Poulsen Keyboards:Oil Poulsen, Hakan Mjornheim, David Garfield Guitars: Haken Mjornheim, Hans Poulsen, Finn Verwohlt, Alan Hinds Drums: Jan Lysdhal Percussion: Jacob Andersen Sax: Eric Marienthal, Jens Hack Additional Lead Vocals: Alex Ligterwoord (Track 7), Lou Pardini (Track 10) Background Vocals: Bill Champlin, Joseph Williams, Jason Scheff, Lou Pardini, Warren Wiebe, Tamara Champlin, Trille Palsgaard, Stine Findsen. Mark Leadford, David Blamires. Alex Ligterwoord. Daniel Zimerman #GeorgeGrunwald
AOR Icicle Music, Singapore Vivid Sound Corporation, Japan Vivid Sound Corporation, Japan
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Dionne Warwick / Friends In Love
This is one of the best Jay Graydon producing works. The album includes 3 tunes written by Jay Graydon, the opener "For You" with Richard Page and Steve George, "Friends In Love" with David Foster and Bill Champlin and "What Is This". And you may be aware that Dionne sings "Never Gonna Let You Go" on this album, which is much well-known by Sergio Mendes version released in 1983. Release: 1982 Label: Arista Records, USA (AL 9585) First Reissued CD Release: 25 May, 1987 (Nippon Phonogram, Japan 32RD-101) Tracks: 1. For You 2. Friends In Love 3. Never Gonna Let You Go 4. Can't Hide Love 5. Betcha By Golly Wow 6. More Than Fascination 7. Got You Where I Want You 8. With A Touch 9. What Is This 10. A Love So Right Producer: Jay Graydon Dionne Warwick: Vocals - Musicians - Drums: Steve Gadd, Mike Baird, Jeff Porcaro Bass: Abraham Laboriel, Mike Porcaro Keyboards: Steve Porcaro, David Foster, Jay Graydon, Robbie Buchanan, Michael Boddicker, Michael Omartian, Stevie Wonder, Steve George Guitars: Jay Graydon, Dean Parks, Steve Lukather, Marty Walsh, Larry Carlton, Michael Landau Percussion: Victor Feldman, Jay Graydon Flugelhorn: Jerry Hey, Charles Loper, Gary Grant Horns: Jerry Hey, Chuck Findley, Charles Loper, Gary Grant Duet Vocals on track7: Johnny Mathis Background Vocals: Richard Page, Steve George, Bill Champlin, Vennette Gloud, Carmen Twillie Strings Arrangement: Johnny Mandel, Jeremy Lubbock, David Foster, Michael Omartian String Concertmaster: Assa Drori #DionneWarwick
Adult Contemporary Black Contemporary Arista Records, USA Nippon Phonogram, Japan
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Parber & Kerstein / Stories From The Heart
Denmark is said to be one of the cetre of good music and I rediscovered one of the hidden Danish treasure in 2001. The treasure was the Parber & Kerstein's early 1990's debut album "Stories From The Heart" produced by Morten Munch (ex."Skagerak"). This one was the only album of Parber & Kerstein. However, they were still active songwriters and were expected to release their brand-new album as the Parber Kerstein Band sometime early 2000’s, but don’t know whether they did. As a matter of fact, Parber & Kerstein released a CD-single "Once In A Lifetime" featuring Tommy Rasmussen (ex-Skagarak) on vocals, the anthem for the official ITU Triathlon World Championship 2001, taken place on the 4th- 5th August 2001 in Fewdericia Denmark. Parber & Kerstein shown how the Scandinavian good hard progressive Westcoast music should be! Target Records Germany reissued the album "Stories From The Heart" with the then brand-new single "Once In A Lifetime" as a bonus track. Release: 1991 Label: Pinapple Records,Denmark (CD9101) Tracks: 1. Intro 2. Keep On Waiting 3. You Could Be The Last 4. I'll Love You Forever 5. Talk Too Much 6. Love Don't Come Easy 7. Open Up Your Heart 8. The World Keeps On Turning 9. Give It From The Heart 10. Moving In Circles 11. In Your Eyes 12. Angel Bonus Track(s) added to Reissued CD(s): 2001 Target Records, Germany (TARGET0110 released on November, 2001) 13. Once In A Lifetime Producer: Morten Munch Parber & Kerstein: Jan Parber: Vocals, Background Vocals, Keyboards Jes Kerstein: Guitars, Keyboards - Musicians - Morten Munch: Keyboards, Bass, Background Vocals, Guitars Tommy Rasmussen: Vocals, Background Vocals, Keyboards Carsten Kolster: Drums Jan Kaspersen: Sax Ole Hansen: Piano Jesper Gruschy: Sax #ParberKerstein
1 AOR Melodic Rock Pinapple Records,Denmark
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Kelly Willard / Willing Heart
It was sixteen years old when Florida native Kelly Willard moved to Nashville. She came across Harlan Rogers who encouraged her and taught her, actually having to talk he into singing solos and then joined Harlan Rogers & Friends, and toured until 1977, when she moved to Southern California. There, Willard played keyboards and sung background vocals on projects for such artists including Tommy Coomes and Roby Duke before Maranatha! Music approached her to record her own solo project. In 1979, Willard released her first solo album “Blame It On The One I Love”. Her second solo album “Willing Heart” followed in 1981. Willard sang all the tunes with her beautiful female voice. She wrote all songs by herself except "Comfortable With You", " Faithful Love" and "Hold On" with Hadley Hockensmith, "A Million Ways" with Pita Delamater and "Only You" with Bruce Hibbard. Fabulous CCM album! Label: Maranatha Music, USA (MM0079A) Release: 1981 First Reissued CD Release: November 2001 (Willing Heart Music, USA, WHD0022) Tracks: 1. Willing Heart 2. To Obey Him 3. Comfortable With You 4. Faithful Love 5. A Million Ways 6. Hold On 7. Jesus 8. Only You 9. Yesterday's Gone 10. The Narrow Way Producers: Dan Willard, Kelly Willard Kelly Willard: Vocals - Musicians - Drums: Keith Edwards Bass: Darrel Cook, Abraham Laboriel Guitars: Hadley Hockensmith, Anthony Dean Keyboards: Kelly Willard Acoustic Piano: Harlan Rogers Steel Guitar: Al Perkins Percussion: Alex McDougall Sax: John Phillips Background Vocals: Michele Pillarm, Bruce Hibbard, Bob Bennett, Hadley Hockensmith, Steve Archer, Harlan Rogers, Janice Archer Strings Arrangement: Stan Endicott String Players: Jonice Gower, Daniel Shindaryou, Bob Lipsett, Razdon Kuyundion, Bill Hybel, Arthur Zadinsky, Vanessa Kibbe, Glenn Grab, Gloria Strassner, Steve Gorden, Carol Landon, Pavel Farkas (Concert Master) #KellyWillard
CCM Maranatha Music, USA Willing Heart Music, USA CD
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Riding Bean
Riding Bean is a 1989 anime original video animation following the exploits of courier-for-hire Bean Bandit and his partner, gunwoman Rally Vincent. You may assume that this album should be a kind of typical soundtrack for Japanese animation video, when you see the artwork of this album. Answer is definitely "No"! Once you start to listen to this album, you are obliged to change your basic stance when you come across this kind of soundtrack album. I am fully aware that some of AOR/Westcoast lovers seems to avoid buying soundtrack or concept albums due to their prejudice and I should point out how they lost chances to listen to good music. This soundtrack album can prove that my observation would be right. This music was written and recorded for a Japanese animation video called "Riding Bean" in 1988 featuring the L.A. "west coast" musicians mainly involved in David Garfield's project band "Karizma". Therefore, this might be said to be alternative or hidden Karizma album. In addition to very very excellent instrumental tunes such as "Bean Bandit Boogie" featuring super guitar performance by Michael Landau, you are able to enjoy several vocal tunes featuring Phil Perry. This CD had been one of the hardest-to-get CDs for a long time even though it was reissued on 19 May, 1993. We were pleased that David Garfield reissued the album as “David Garfield & Friends / Music From Riding Bean” under his own label Creatchy Records in November 2001. Release: 1989 Label: Futureland, Toshiba EMI, Japan (LD32-5091) Tracks: 1. Road Buster 2. Bad Girl 3. Dealin' Down 4. Bean Bandit Boogie 5. Brewy's Bag 6. King Of The Road 7. Hit The Highway 8. Get Out Of My Way 9. Kickin' Booty 10. Runnin' The Road Producers: David Garfield and Alan Hirshberg Co-Producer: Junji Fujita - Musicians - Keyboards: David Garfield Vocals: Phil Perry, Andrea Robinson Drums: Carlos Vega Bass: Jimmy Johnson Guitar: Michael Landau, Teddy Costellucci Percussion: Lenny Castro EWI: Steve Tavaglione Flute: Larry Klimas Sax: Brandon Fields, Larry Klimas Background Vocals: Paulette Brown, Leslie Smith, Kate Markowitz, Phil Perry #DavidGarfield #RidingBean
AOR Fusion Soundtrack Futureland, Toshiba EMI, Japan
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Bill Hughes / Dream Master
Bill Hughes was another artists besides Dick St. Nicklaus, who were strongly supported by Sony Music Japan Osaka Branch in the autumn of 1979. Bill Hughes started his professional music career as a member of the soft rock band "Lazarus" in early 70's under Bearsville Records. In 1977, Hughes got a deal as a solo artist with CBS Records Canada. Thus "Dream Master" had been created. As you can see the below, great Westcoast studio musicians were involved. Hughes performed soft and mellow tunes all through this album. We had to wait for his next album until 1991. It was "Welcome To The Edge", which was released under the name of Billie Hughes and as you may know Hughes changed not only his first name but also music style.... Release: 1979 Label: Epic Records, USA (JE35521) First Reissued CD Release: 19 December, 2001 (Epic Records International, Inc. Japan, EICP 7018) Tracks: 1. Stealin' My Heart Away 2. Dreams Come True 3. Waiting For You To Fly 4. Only Love 5. Lower Lights 6. Gypsy Lady 7. Quiet Moment 8. Catch Me Smilin' 9. Only Your Heart Can Say 10. Dream Master Producer: Henry Lewy Bill Hughes: Vocals, Acoustic Guitar - Musicians - Drums: Russ Kunkel, Jeff Porcaro, John Dell, Rick Shlosser, Kat Hendrike Bass: Wilton Felder, Allen Soberman, Joel Wade, Mike Porcaro Guitars: Will McFarland, Jay Graydon, Mitch Holder, Tony Peluso, Oscar Castro-Neves, Terry Frewer, Brett Wade Keyboards:Mike Melvoin, Randy Kumano, Gary Lyons, Lincoln Mayorga, Ian Underwood, Dale Jacobs, Doug Louie Harpsichord & Vibes: Victor Feldman Percussion: Gary Lyons, Steve Foreman, Victor Feldman, Jose Feliciano Sax: Earnie Watts, Ray Pizzi Background Vocals: Renee Armand, Laura Creamer, Clark Burroughs, Collen Peterson, Brett Wade, Joanie Taylor, Terry Frewer, Ventta Fields, Sherlie Mathews, Paulette Brown, Jose Feliciano, Ian Freebairn-Smith #BillHughes
AOR Epic Records, USA Epic Records, USA CD
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Alan Sorrenti / L.A. & N.Y.
In 1979 after big commercial success in 1978 by the album “Figli Delle Stelle”, Alan Sorrenti released the album “L.A. & N.Y.”, each side of that has a subtitle, respectively Los Angeles and New York. The L.A. side was produced by Jay Graydon. Label: EMI Italiana S.p.A, Italy (3C 064-62662) Release: 1979 First Reissued CD Release: 21 November, 2001 (Cool Sound, Inc. Japan, COOL-082) Tracks: 1. Tu Sel L'unica Donna Per Me 2. Per Sepre Tu 3. Dancing In My Heart 4. Provaci 5. Look Out 6. Take A Chance 7. Love Fever Producers: Jay Graydon, Lance Quinn, Brad Baker Alan Sorrenti: Vocals - Musicians - Guitars: Jay Graydon, Hiram Bullock, Cliff Morris Piano: Jai Winding Synth: Richard Trifan Bass: Mike Porcaro, Will Lee Drums: Ed Greene, Richard Crooks Percussion: Victor Feldman, Sammy Figueroa Trumpet: Jerry Hey, Gary Grant, Joe Shepley, Marvin Stamm Trombone: Bill Reichenbach, Barry Rogers Sax: Ronnie Cuber, David Tofani Background Vocals: Bill Champlin, Steve Kipner, Bobby Kimball, Gordon Grody, Diva Gray, Lani Groves #AlanSorrentti
AOR Disco Cool Sound Inc., Japan EMI Italiana S.p.A, Italy
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Alan Sorrenti / Figli Delle Stelle
The Alan Sorrenti most commercially successful album “Figli Delle Stelle” was released in 1977. The single “Figli Delle Stelle” became smash hit in Italy and is still played on the radio and in clubs. Sorrenti was in Los Angeles and had opportunities to collaborate top musicians including Jay Graydon, who then produced the record, David Hungate from Toto on bass and on keyboards David Foster. Once Sorrenti returned to Italy, he continued the album recording, intending to adopt the same style. This is one of the most successful albums by the Italian artist, with over a million copies sold in Italy alone, and marks a turning point in his musical career which, from the progressive rock that had characterized his previous works, approaches disco music. Release: 1977 Label: EMI Italiana S.p.A, Italy (31C 064 18312) Reissued CD Release: 10 November, 2001 (Cool Sound, Inc. Japan, COOL-081) Tracks: 1. Figli Delle Stelle 2. Donna Luna 3. Passione 4. Notte Di Stelle 5. E Tu Mi Porti Via 6. Un Incontro In Ascensore 7. C'è Sempre Musica Nell'aria 8. Tu Sei Un'aquila E Vai Producer: Corrado Bacchelli Alan Sorrentti: Vocals - Musicians - Guitars: Jay Graydon, Nicola Di Stasio Keyboards: David Foster Drums: Ed Greene, Walter Martino Bass: David Hungate, Dino Cappa Percussion: Steve Forman, Antonio Carlos Sylva Sax: Quitman Denis Background Vocals: Jolanda, Monna Lisa, Marilou, Judith, Francoise, Naimy, Lella #AlanSorrentti
Adult Contemporary Cool Sound Inc., Japan EMI Italiana S.p.A, Italy CD
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Alan Sorrentti / Sienteme, It's Time To Land
Naples native Alan Sorrenti raised in Wales UK, started his career in 1972 in Italy with his first progressive rock album “Aria”in 1972. In 1976 Sorrenti shifted his music style to reminiscent Westcoast vein and further in language from Italian to English and released this album “Sientime, It's Time To Land”. Release: 1976 Label: Harvest - EMI Italiana S.p.A, Italy (3C 064 - 18206) First Reissued CD Release: 10 November, 2001 (Cool Sound, Inc. Japan, COOL-080) Tracks: 1. Alba 2. The Prisoner And The Dancer 3. Island Queen 4. Sienteme 5. Try To Imagine 6. Seagull Song 7. Sliding On The Wire 8. Listen 9. Your Love Is Magic Producer: Corrado Bacchelli Alan Sorrentti: Vocals - Musicians - Bass: Jeff Neighbor, Mike Howlett Drums: Steve Mitchell, John Lingwood Percussion: Bobbye Hall, Kent Middleton, Larry Blackshere Vibes: Larry Blackshere Keyboards: David Kahne, Gianni Leone Clavinet: Mike Deacon Guitars: Corrado Rustici, Roger Voudouris, Gianni Leone Hors; Mike Buetra, Bob True, Al Bent Background Vocals: Maxine Waters, Alex Waters, Julia Waters #AlanSorrenti
Adult Contemporary Cool Sound Inc., Japan EMI Italiana S.p.A, Italy CD
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Dick St. Nicklaus / Sweet And Dandy
It was 1979 that Dick St. Nicklaus's first album "Magic" was a kind of boom in Osaka, the second largest city of Japan located in western part of Japan, near Kyoto. Osaka has a diffent atmosphere and their own cluture and in those days thet were keen to find out some unfamiliar artists by themselves. One was Dick St. Nicklaus. Sony Music Osaka branch A&R decided to release "Magic" limited in Kansai (western part of Japan surrounding Osaka) and this trial was succeded. The album sold well and thus "Magic" was released all over Japan. Dick St. Nicklaus got a deal for his 2nd album "Sweet And Dandy" with Sony Music Japan. This album is opened by the catchy tune "Bye Bye Baby" clearly inspired by the keyboard rhythm pattern used by Doobie Borthers on their smash hit "What A Fool Believes". The beautiful ballads tune "Love, Love, Love" was covered by Bill Medley on his 1981 album "Liberty" later. Label: Epic Sony, Japan (25 3P-245) Release: 21 November, 1980 First Reissued CD Release: 19 December, 2001 (Epic Records International, Inc. Japan, EICP 7017) Tracks: 1. Bye Bye Baby 2. Can't Say Love 3. Love, Love, Love 4. Lies 5. You Better Run 6. Osaka Moon 7. You're Living A Lie 8. Stuck In The Mud, Again 9. I'm Tired Producers: Velton Ray Bunch and himself Dick St. Nicklaus: Vocals, Drums, Keyboards - Musicians - Drums: Steve Schaeffer Bass: Neil Stubenhaus Guitars: Steve Lukather Synthesizer: Ian Underwood Background Vocals: Billy Thomas, Alex Cash Horns: Charles Findley, Steve Madaio, Peter Christner, William Reichenbach, Terry Harrington Sax: Jim Horn #DickSt.Nicklaus
Adult Contemporary AOR Epic Records International, Inc. Japan Epic Sony, Japan
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Mari Falcone / Unto Him This Christmas
Mari Falcone began her professional career in the 80's touring with Donna Summer, and since then has toured with Amy Grant, Deniece Williams and Kevyn Lettau. And since moving to LA, Mari started writing and playing for Christian artists like Debby Boone and Kim Hill. In 2000, Mari created her all-instrumental solo debut CD "And All This", which is a perfectly blend of all kind of musical sensibilities. And foe 2001 Christmas, Mari competed her 2nd solo effort "Unto Him This Christmas" with her message "May the Prince of Peace visit your heart and home as you listen to this music. Merry Christmas". Label: GIC Productions, USA (088 170 230-2) Release: November, 2001 Tracks: 1. Unto Him 2. O Come Little Children 3. Away In A Manger 4. O Little Town Of Bethlehem 5. Silent Night 6. O Come All Ye Faithful / Good Christian Men Rejoice 7. Lully, Lullay (Coventry Carol) 8. Jesu Bambino 9. We Three Kings Of Orient Are 10. The First Noel 11. Jesu Joy Of Man's Desiring 12. O Come, O Come Emmanuel Producer: Mari Falcone Mari Falcone: Piano #MariFalcone
Contemporary Jazz G.I.C. Productions, USA CD 2001
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Michael McDonald / In The Spirit
Michael McDonald's 2001 Christmas album was released for MCA Nashville, one of major labels, not under Michael's own label. As you know, many Christmas albums tend to be a collection of traditional songs. However, this album includes seven new songs written by Michael with other talented songwriters for the album. And Michael covers "On Christmas Morning" written by David Foster and Kenny Loggins in 1989. Only 3 songs are traditional tunes. Label: MCA Nashville, USA (088 170 230-2) Release: 16 October, 2001 Tracks: 1. Angels We Have Heard On High 2. To Make A Miracle 3. Children Go Where I Send Thee 4. Every Time Christmas Comes Around 5. Peace 6. White Christmas / Winter Wonderland 7. One Gift 8. On This Night 9. House Full Of Love 10. On Christmas Morning 11. World Out Of A Dream Producers: Marc Harris, Michael McDonald Michael McDonald: Vocals, Keyboards - Musicians - Guitars: Andrew Ramsey, Eric Struthers Keyboards: Marc Harris Bass: Tommy Sims Drums: Rick Jordan, Dan Needham Percussion: Crystal Taliefero Sax: Jim Horn, Sam Levine, Kirk Whalum Trumpet: Mike Haynes Trombone: Barry Green Synth Strings: David Hoffner Violin: Conni Ellisor Cello: John Catchings Background Vocals: Amy Holland, Scarlett McDonald, Jams Ingram, The Delegation Choir, Chris Farren, Michelle Warren, Gail Mayes West, Ann McCrary, Alfreda McCrary, Jovaun Wood #MichaelMcDonald
Adult Contemporary MCA Nashville, USA CD 2001
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Giant / III
Dann Huff is known for his producing works with pop / pop-country artists like Faith Hill and Jewel, otherwise with heavy metal rockers like Megaddeath. After recording 2 commercially unsuccessful albums "White Heart" ('82) and "Vital Signs" ('84) as the member of Christian Rock Band "White Heart", Dann Huff moved to L.A. and started session works, eventually becoming the most requested guitarist. But after years he decided to start his own band, forming Giant with his brother David Huff on drums, Alan PASCAL on keyboards, and Mike Brignardello on bass. They signed with A&M Records and released "Last of the Runaways" in 1989, featuring a melodic hard rock sound with US Top 20 hit "I'll See You in My Dreams." Although the album sold well for a long period, the band found themselves on Epic for their 2nd album "Time to Burn" in 1992. Soon after the 2nd album release, Alan Pasqua let and the band itself soon dissolved. Dan Huff has returned to sessions and producing works in Nashville, and besides working with big artists including Shania Twain and Michael W. Smith. Suddenly in late 2001, we have again faced the band "Giant" with this reunion album "III", the high-tension melodic rock album. At last but not least, it should be noted that Japanese version includes 4 bonus live performance tracks. Label: Frontiers Records, Italy (FR CD 097), Marquee / Avalon, Japan (MICP-10277) Release: 19 December, 2001 Tracks: 1. Combustion 2. You'll Be Mine 3. Over You 4. Don't Leave Me In Love 5. Love Can't Help You Now 6. The Sky Is The Limit 7. It's Not The End Of The World 8. Oh Yeah 9. Can't Let Go 10. Bad Case Of Loving You (Doctor, Doctor) 11. I'm A Believer * 12. Chained * 13. The Big Pitch * 14. Cause We've Ended As Lovers * * Bonus Tracks only for Japanese edition Producers: Terry Thomas, Dann Huff, David Lyndon Huff, Mike Brignardello Giant: Dan Huff: Guitars, Keyboards, Lead&Background Vocals David Lyndon Huff: Drums, Percussion, Background Vocals Mike Brignardello: Bass, Background Vocals #Giant
4 Melodic Rock Avalon, Marquee Inc., Japan Frontiers Records, Italy
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