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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, ItalyTakeito
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John O'Banion / Danger
It is a little complicated for me to review "Danger" because this album is his third album here in Japan but his second album in USA. After big success of his debut album with "Love You Like I Never Loved Before" both in Japan and in USA, John O'Banion performed live in Japan and he won the grand prix at Tokyo Music Festival with his new song "I Don't Want To Lose Your Love" in the spring of 1982, which made him more popular in Japan. Wea Japan would strongly hope that they should release John O'Banion's new album as soon as possible. Thus, the album "Close Up" comprising of 7 new studio recording tracks later included on his US second album "Danger" plus 3 live tracks "Thru The Eyes Of Love", "Standing On The Edge" and "Caught" recorded in Japan in April 1982. And several months later, we had his full studio recording album "Danger". It is my impression that this album has been very popular especially in Europe more than in Japan and in USA. In February 2011 when the album was re-reissued, all the tracks only on “Close Up” were added as bonus tracks, thus the complete “Danger “ edition became available. Release: 1982 Label: Elektra Records, USA (9 60173-1) First Reissued CD Release: 21 June, 2000 (EastWest, Japan, AMCY-6141) Tracks: 1. Danger 2. She Doesn't Mean A Thing To Me 3. I Don't Want To Lose Your Love 4. Thru The Eyes Of Love 5. Undercover Love 6. Our Love 7. I'm The One 8. Deep In The Night 9. Let Me Be Yours Tonight 10. Take Me Back Bonus Track(s) added to Reissued CD(s): 2011 Vivid Sound Corporation, Japan (VSCD-3515 released on 23 February, 2011) 11. Inside This Heart Of Mine 12. Thru The Eyes Of Love - Live 13. Standing On The Edge - Live 14. Caught - Live Producers: Joey Carbone, Richie Zito John O’Banion: Vocals - Musicians - Keyboards: Joey Carbone, James Newton Howard Guitar: Richie Zito Bass: John Pierce, Dennis Belfield Drums: Carlos Vega Percussion: Paulinho Da Costa Sax: Jim Horn Background Vocals: Joey Carbone, Bobby Kimball, John Joyce, Jimmy Haas, Joe Chemay, Joe Pizzulo, Leslie, Kelly, John Ford Corey #JohnO’Banion
4 AOR East West Japan Elektra Records, USATakeito
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Steve Eaton
Steve Eaton was the core member of the early 70's legendary group "Fat Chance" known for another core member Bill LaBounty. Steve Eaton released his first solo folky album "Hey Mr. Dreamer" in 1974 under Capitol Records, USA, featuring the original version of "All You Get Love Is A Love Song" well-konwn by Carpenter's version. This self-titled second solo album was released in 1979 under the minor label named "Mountain Bluebird", which made us to be aware of the release of this great album. On this album, Steve Eaton changed his music style into more sophisticated and having a little blue-eyed soul flavor. The atmosphere of the music on this album reminds me Marc Jordan's "Mannequin" and/or "Blue Desert". Release: 1979 Label: Mountain Bluebird Records, USA (SE 46753) Tracks: 1. Got Me Moanin' 2. Rakin' Leaves In The Wind 3. All In Love Say "I" 4. Hurricanes And Tornadoes 5. Where Do I Fit In 6. Old, Smart, Big, And Kind 7. Without You 8.,Never Knew A Pain 9. Friendly Stealer 10. You're Not A Hero Bonus Track(s) added to Reissued CD(s): 2000 Vivid Sound Corporation, Japan (VSCD-072 released on 21 June, 2000) 11. Long Overdue 12. Million Dollar Blues 13. No Man's Land 14. Took Me By Surprise Producers: Frank Marshall, Steve Eaton Steve Eaton: Vocals - Musicians - Bass: Leland Sklar, Matt Marshall Drums: John Ferraro, Mike Baird, Jim Gordon Guitar: Steve Lukather, Phil Marshall Keyboards: Jai Winding, Jim Cox, Michael Omartian, Larry Knechtel Sax: Craig Buhler Percussion: Steve Foreman Background Vocals: Sandy Marutinez, Cindy Fee #SteveEaton
4 AOR Mountain Bluebird Records, USA Vivid Sound Corporation, JapanTakeito
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Rosie / Last Dance
You can confirm the musical roots of David Lasley by listening to this album. David Lasley started his music career in his teens, forming a singing group The Utopia, with his younger sister in the Detroit area. In 1970 he joined the cast of the hit musical Hair, which led to a move to New York City, and appeared in the Broadway musical Dude. Subsequently, Lasley started his career as a background vocalist for Luther Vandross, Sister Sledge, Chic and many others. He also formed his own group "Rosie". This is the second album of the group "Last Dance" released in 1977. Please note that there are minor sound defects on the COOL Sound 1999 reissued CD track 11 and 15 as noted written in Japanese on the liner notes of the CD, due to the condition of the original master tape. Release: 1977 Label: RCA Victor Records,USA (APL1-2415) Tracks: 1. The Words Don't Matter 2. Back On The Street Again 3. Out Of Pawn 4. There's A Song In It Somewhere 5. Last Dance Of Summer 6. The Angel In Me 7. Missin' 8. Mississippi Baby 9. Dancin' On Rivers 10. Run That Movie Back 11. I See Home Bonus Track(s) added to the reissued CD(s): 1999 COOL Sound Inc., Japan (COOL-038, released on 25 November, 1999) 12. The Words Don't Matter 13. The Angel In Me 14. There's A Song In It Everywhere 15. Back On The Street Producer: Michael Kamen Rosie: David Lasley: Vocals Lynn Pitney: Vocals Lana Marrano: Vocals - Musicians - Bass: John Siegler Drums: Charles Collins Keyboards: Mac Rebennack (Dr.John) Wurlitzer: Mac Rebennack, Michael Kamen Guitars: Cornell Dupree, David Spinozza, Larry Packer Acoustic Guitar: Henry Gross Vibes: Michael Mainieri Sax: David Sanborn, Peter Ponzol Percussion: Chuggy, Michael Mainieri, Michael Epstein Guest Vocal: James Taylor Violins: Gene Orloff, Paul Gershman, Gerry Track, Guy Lumia, Joe Malin, Sanford Allen, Arianna Bronne, Leo Kahn, John Pinravalle, Max Hollander, Fredrick Buldrini Cellos: Jesse Levy, John Abromiwitz, Seymour Barab French Horns: Brooks Tillotson, James Buffington Oboes: Jeff Lyons, Michael Kamen Horns: David Sanborn, George Young, Lew Del Gatto, Ronnie Cuber, Alan Ruben, Sam Burtis, Dave Taylor #Rosie #DavidLasley
4 Adult Contemporary Cool Sound Inc., Japan RCA Victor Records, USATakeito
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David Lasley / Missin Twenty Grand
Michigan born David Lasley started his music career in his teens, forming a singing group The Utopia, with his younger sister in the Detroit area. In 1970 he joined the cast of the hit musical Hair, which led to a move to New York City, and appeared in the Broadway musical Dude. Subsequently, Lasley started his career as a background vocalist for Luther Vandross, Sister Sledge, Chic and many others. He also formed his own group "Rosie", releasing the album "Better Late Than Never" in 1976 and another album "Last Dance" in 1977. In 1977, Lasley began touring and recording with James Taylor. When you listen to David Lasley's falsetto vocals and his songwritings heavily influenced by black music, you might not think he is a blue-eyed soul singer songwriter. David moved to Los Angeles and wrote many Westcoast hit tunes such as "Jojo" performed by Boz Scaggs and this gave him a chance to get a deal as a solo artist. In 1982, David finally released his own first solo album "Missin' Twenty Grand" along with the hit song "If I Had My Wish Tonight" written by Randy Goodrum and David Loggins ranked number 36 on Billboard's Hot 100. Release: 1982 Label: EMI America, USA (ST-17066) Tracks: 1. Got To Find Love 2. If I Had My Wish Tonight 3. Looking For Love On Broadway 4. On Third Street 5. Take A Look 6. Treat Willie Good 7. Never Say 8. Roommate 9.Where Is Charlie And Joanne 10. Take The Money And Run 11. On Third Street - reprise Bonus Track(s) added to the reissued CD version(s): 1999 Vivid Sound Corporation, Japan (VSCD-578 released on 15 September, 1999) 12. Next Time * 13. Saved By Love * 14. Where Does That Boy Hang Out. * 15. Oh * * taken from his second solo album "Rain Dance" (1984 EMI America, ST-17118) Producers: Willie Wilcox, Joe Wissert, David Lasley Associate Producers: Bill Schnee, Dave Iveland David Lasley: Vocals, Handclaps - Musicians - Keyboards and Piano: David Benoit Guitars: Marty Walsh, Chuck Cochran, Osamu Kitajima, Pete Townshend Bass: Wade Short, Bobby Watson, Dave Williams Drums: Willie Wilcox Percussion: Judy Linscott, Victor Feldman Trumpet: Jerry Hey, Chuck Findley Sax: Joel Peskin, Bryan Cumming, Earnie Watts Trombone: Bill Reichenbach Harp: Gayle Levant Background Vocals: Arnold McCuller, James Taylor, Bonnie Raitt, Chuck Cochran, Luther Vandross, Charlotte Crossley, Joann Harris, Susan M. Collins Strings Arrangement: Nick De Caro Producer for Bonus Tracks: Don Was Musicians on Bonus Tracks: Bass: Wade Short, Tinker Barefield, Jason Scheff, Bobby Watson Guitars: Pat Kelly, Chuck Cochran, David Williams Lynn Drum: Don Was Drums: Michell Roberts, Yogi Horton Percussion: Larry Fratangelo Keyboards: Aaron Zigman, Craig Siegal, David Benoit, Don Was, Aaron Zigman Over Heim: Luis Resto Sax: Joel Peskin, David McMurray Background Vocals: Jason Scheff, Carmen Grillo, Arnold McCuller, Joann Harris, Ulan Hedwig Strings Arrangement: Nick De Caro #DavidLasley
4 AOR EMI America, USA Vivid Sound Corporation, JapanTakeito
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Tony Sciuto / Island Nights
It may be hard to imagine for non-Japanese that Tony Sciuto was one of the most successful AOR artists selling an album in Japan at the opening year of 1980's and that on the FM radio, Japanese boys and girls could listen to his smash hit "Island Nights" many times every day. After selling quite a large number of "Island Nights" vinyl copies here in Japan, Tony did Japanese tour which was very successful too. Unfortunately, Tony's "Island Nights" did not sell well in USA. As the result, his second album "Be My Radio" which was ready to go, were never released then. In July 1999, Tony Sciuto self-reissued the album "Island Nights" as the 20th Anniversary Limited Edition CD with 4 bonus tracks; 2 live recordings and 2 unreleased tunes. However, the quality of the master was not good enough. We had to wait for another 12 years + to have the satisfactory remastered edition by Vivid Sound Japan that had 8 bonus tracks (2 studio recording tracks already on the above-mentioned 20th Anniversary edition plus 6 unreleased studio recording materials. Precisely, second self-reissued digital remastered edition was released in 2011, but Vivid Sound did not agree with the remaster, thus extra months were spent. Speaking of the bonus tracks on 2012 edition, “ Where Would We Be Without Love?” and “ One More Time Until Tomorrow” were Richie Zito and Joey Carbone 1978 productions, featuring Tom Saviano on Sax, and “Going Through The Emotions” and “Temptation Alley” were recorded in 1979. “Ragtime” was recorded in 1976 featuring clarinet by his dad. “ On The Cold Street” and “Black & Blue Heart” were written and recorded after the “Island Nights” album release in 1980. Release: 1980 Label: Epic Records, USA (NJE-36152) Tracks: 1. Island Nights Theme 2. Island Nights 3. Hold Back A License 4. You’ve Got A License (To Drive Me Crazy) 5. Cafe L.A. 6. Trapeze 7. Angel 8. Captain Wonderful 9. .Street Dancer 10. Butterfly Producers: Steve Dorff, Tony Sciuto Tony Sciuto: Vocals, Guitar, Keyboards - Musicians - Guitars: Ben Benay, Tom Rotella, Steve Lukather, Larry Herbstritt Steel Guitar; Jaydee Maness Keyboards: Bill Cuomo, Gary Griffin Synthesizer: Steve Dorff Bass: Michael Sciuto, Mike Porcaro, Scott Edwards Drums: Ed Greene, Ron Tutt Percussion: Steve Warehime, John Raines Lyricon: Tom Scott Sax: Tom Scott, Jim Horn Flugelhorn: Chuck Findley Background Vocals: Ginger Blake, Venetta Fields, Shirley Mathews, Joe Chemay, Curt Betcher, Peter Noone, Michael Sciuto, Larry Herbstritt Bonus Track(s) added to to the reissued CD version(s): 1999 self-reissued edition (reissued in July 1999 no catalogue number) / Cool One-Stop - Cool Sound Inc., Japan (distributed from 10 September , 2000, COOS-2014) 11. Hold Back The Night (live in Japan) 12. Cafe L.A. (live in Japan) 13. On The Cold Street 14. Black & Blue Heart 2011 self-reissued edition (no catalogue number) 11. Where Would We Be Without Love? 12. One More Time Until Tomorrow 13. Going Through The Emotions 14. Temptation Alley 15. Captain Wonderful (1977 Demo) 16. Ragtime 2012 reissued edition (reissued on 22 February 2012, Vivid Sound VSCD-3533) 11. Where Would We Be Without Love? 12. One More Time Until Tomorrow 13. Going Through The Emotions 14. Temptation Alley 15. Captain Wonderful (1977 Demo) 16. Ragtime 17. On The Cold Street 18. Black & Blue Heart - Priducers and Musicians for bonus tracks - Producers: Richie Zito, Joey Carbone, Tony Sciuto Tony Sciuto: Vocals, Guitar, Keyboards Guitars: Richie Zito, Mic Taylor Keyboards: Joey Carbone, Scott Johnson, Richard Lake, Paul Soroka, Gary Griffin Steel Guitar: Hymle Banjo: Richard Roeder Bass: Michael Sciuto Drums: Steve Warehime, Larry Kegley Percussion: Steve Warehime Sax: Tom Saviano, Paul Soroka, Ray Sydnor, Al Rossl Lyricon: Paul Soroka Flugelhorn: Jimmy Wilson Clarinet: Antonino Sciuto Sr., Gordon Miller Sr. Trombone: Sammy Dyson #TonySciuto
4 8 AOR Epic Records, USATakeito
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The Bottom Line / Crazy Dancin’
Jack Conrad, widely known as the post Jim Morrison bassist of the Doors in early 1970’s. Conrad’s diverse musical career started in the 1960’s and ended in 1997 when he passed away from heart attack at the age of 69. Speaking of songwriting, Conrad wrote for versatile artists including Three Dog Night, Dave Mason, The Babys, Heart, and more. In the winter of 1973, Conrad started the recording project for disco dance music after coming back from Europe where the disco music was very popular in those days, because nobody made such kind of music in USA as yet. The recording sessions were done in the wee hours of the night at A&M studio in Los Angeles. The members of project were not officially published when the album was released in 1974 under the name of "The Bottom Line" firstly in Europe, then in 1976 in USA and Japan. As a matter of fact, No musicians credit was written except the slip of Japanese pressing LP records as "with exciting Steve Cropper's guitar play" although Cropper never played on any tracks of "The Bottom Line" album.Truth was the young Jay Graydon! Further, young David Foster played with Jay Graydon! The legend of "Airplay" had been already started from this project. In 1974, the other recordings with same members had been made and those were released as "Pegasus" and "Makin' Tracks" in 1977. Release: 1974 Label: GTO Records, UK (GTLP 009) Tracks: 1. That's The Way To Go 2. I Don't Want Your No-No / I Only Want Your Ya-Ya 3. Gonna Do My Best To Love You 4. Do It For Love 5. Funk You 6. Crazy Dancin' 7. Chicago 8. Disco Dorbo Bonus track(s) added to the reissued CD version(s): 1998 Cool Sound Inc., Japan (COOL-011 released on 10 September, 1998) 9. That's The Way To Go (Extended Version) 10. I Just Want To Love You * 11. Darkest Hour * 12. Take A Chance * * taken from “Midnight Flyer / Makin' Tracks” (1977) Producer: Jack Conrad The Bottom Line: Keyboards: David Foster Guitars: Jay Graydon Drums: Mike Baird Bass: Jack Conrad Percussion: Steve Forman Trumpet and Horn arrangement: Chuck Findley Sax: Jim Horn, Gary Herbig Lead Vocal: Chas Higgens Background Vocals: Ray Kennedy, Mentor Williams #BottomLine #JayGraydon #DavidFoster
4 Disco Funk Cool Sound Inc., JapanTakeito