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Toby Beau / If You Believe
In the summer of 1978, the band Toby Beau released their debut album "Toby Beau" featuring a smash hit single "My Angel Baby". In 1979, Toby Beau completed their 2nd album " More Than A Love Song" under the pressure how they should have another smash hit. However, the band members except Balde Silva left the band without doing any tour for the album. Thus, Balde Silva decided to record third album by himself as Toby Beau. In this way, this album "If You Believe" had been completed and released in 1980. Due to his songwriting partner absence, Jerry Fuller, the producer of this album gathered great tunes over the America, which made Toby Beau's sound from country-flavored rock into Westcoast Pop / AOR. Release: 1980 Label: RCA Victor Records, USA (AFL1-3575) Reissued CD Release: 22 August, 2001 (BMG Funhouse, Japan, BVCM-37231) Tracks: 1. Could It Be Love 2. If I Were You 3. One Needs Another 4. If You Believe 5. Ships In The Night 6. Little Miss American Dream 7. Give Me A Sign 8. You Caught Me With My Love Down 9. As Far As I Can See 10. My Dream Lover Producer: Jerry Fuller Toby Beau: Balde Silva: Guitars, Harmonica, Vocals - Musicians - Guitars: Billy Joe Walker Jr. Drums: Steve Turner Keyboards: John Hobbs, Larry Muhoberac Bass: Joseph Chemay Percussion: Steve Turner, Bob Zimmitti, Joe Clayton Sax: Earnest J. Watts #TobyBeau
AOR BMG Funhouse Inc., Japan RCA Victor Records, USA CDTakeito
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John Valenti / I Won't Change
Chicago-born John LiVigni (aka John Valenti) started to play drums and sings with Larry Klimas at clubs in Chicago and Detroit as "The Outfit", when he was a teen-ager. They scudded to be signed with Motown and released 2 albums under the name of "Puzzle" in early 70's. In 1976, John Valenti released his first solo album "Anything You Want" featuring Jay Graydon, Dean Parks and Ed Greene under Ariola Records. On this album, John penned 7 songs out of 11, which were really good mellow-blue-eyed-soul tunes. In 1980, John embarked his second solo album for R with October 1980 USA release schedule. However, after all this second album "I Won't Change" never released in the States but released only in Japan in November 1981. As regards "I Won't Change", you must feel typical early 80's Westcoast Pop atmosphere than blue-eyed flavor. Release: 21 November, 1981 Label: RCA Records, Japan (RPL-8102) First Reissued CD Release: 22 August, 2001 (BMG Funhouse, Japan , BVCM-37229) Tracks: 1. Who Will It Be 2. Did She Mention Me 3. I'll Take You Back 4. That's The Way Love Goes 5. Best For You 6. I Won't Change 7. Stephanie 8. Runnin' Scared 9. Make It Up To You 10. Fight For Love Producer: George Tobin (in association with Mike Piccirillo) John Valenti: Vocals - Musicians- Guitars: Mike Piccirillo Keyboards: Bill Cuomo, Mike Piccirillo Bass: Scott Edwards, Kenny Burke, Eric Nelson Drums: Ed Greene, Vince Colaiuta Sax: Joel Peskin, Larry Klimas Trumpet: Chuck Findley Background Vocals: Mike Piccirillo, Edna Wright, Darlene Love #JohnValenti
AOR BMG Funhouse Inc., Japan RCA Records, Japan CDTakeito
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Evie Sands / Suspended Animation
It was 1965 that Brooklyn-born Evie teamed up with songwriter Chip Taylor and guitarist Al Gorgoni to record for Blue Cat Label. "Take Me For A Little While".In 1968, A&M Records signed Evie and she sold over 500,000 copies of "Any Way That You Want Me" which Rolling Stone called one of the best singles of the year. And Evie released her own album "Any Way That You Want Me" in 1969. In the mid-seventies, Evie had two top 30 hits for Capitol Records and released 2nd album "Estate Of Mind". In 1979, Evie released "Suspended Animation" for RCA. Getting TOTO members and other good L.A. top session musicians, Evie performed well. Label: RCA Victor Records, USA (AFL1-2943) Release: 1979 First Reissued CD Release: 22 August, 2001 (BMG Funhouse, Japan, BVCM-37232) Tracks: 1. Lady Of The Night 2. Keep My Lovelight Burnin' 3. Take A Little Love 4. I Can't Wait For You 5. As We Fall In Love Once More 6. Get Up 7. You Sho' Look Good To Me 8. You Can't Do It 9. I Don't Want To Let It Go 10. Brain Damage Producers: Michael Stewart, Evie Sands Evie Sands: Vocals - Musicians - Drums: James Gadson, Mike Baird, Andy Newmark, Ron Tutt Bass: Reggie Mcbride, David Hungate Guitars: Steve Beckmeier, Buzzy Feiten, Steve Lukather, Lee Ritenour, Richie Zito Keyboards: Greg Phillinganes, Ian Underwood, Mike Boddicker, Carli Munoz Percussion: Ollie C. Brown, Paulinho Da Costa Sax: Jerry Peterson Horns: Jim Horn , Steve Madaio Vibes: Victor Feldman Background Vocals: Dusty Springfield, Bill Champlin, Bobby Kimball, Tom Kelly, Julia Waters Tillman, Maxine Waters Willard, Oren Waters, Laura Creaner, Shelby Flint, Michael Stewart #EvieSands
AOR BMG Funhouse Inc., Japan RCA Victor Records, USA CDTakeito
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Greg Phillinganes / Significant Gains
Greg Phillinganes became well-known when Greg performed with Stevie Wonder as the keyboards player of "Wonder Love", Stevie Wonder's backing band in late 70's and early 80's. And Greg established his status as a sound creator gradually around then. You can find his name as the arranger on Michael Jackson's "Off The Wall" album. Greg also released 2 leader albums in early 80's. One is "Significant Gains" (1981) and the other is "Pulse" (1984). Later, you may recall that Phillinganes filled in for the semi-retired David Paich on tour with Toto in 2005, then contributed to their album “Falling in Between” and continued to tour as a member of Toto until the band became inactive in 2008. Label: Planet Records, USA (P-17) distributed by Elektra/Asylum Records, USA Release: 1981 First Reissued CD Release: 22 August, 2001 (BMG Funhouse, Japan, BVCM-37236) Tracks 1. Girl Talk 2. Baby, I Do Love You 3. Takin' It Up All Night 4. Forever Now 5. Big Man 6. I Don't Want To Be The One 7. Maxxed Out 8. Do It All For Love 9. The Call Producer: Greg Phillinganes Greg Phillinganes: Vocals, Keyboards Musicians: Guitars: Marlo Henderson, John McClain, Mike Sembello, Greg Poreé, Paul Jackson Jr. Bass: Nathan Watts, Freddie Washington Clavitar Bass: Herbie Hancock Vocoder: Ronnie Foster Percussion: Paulinho Da Costa, Ndugu Chancler Sax: Sadao Watanabe Strings Arrangement : Yutaka Yokokura, Jerry Peters Horn Arrangement: Yutaka Yokokura, Charlie Mimms Background Vocals: George Benson, Patrice Rushen, Carolyn Dennis, Lynn Davis, Angela Windbush, Cheryl Lynn, Bobby Martin, Mike Sembello #GregPhillinganes
AOR BMG Funhouse Inc., Japan Planet Records, USA CDTakeito
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Gino Cunico
Gino Cunico was born in Sydney on 26 February, 1949, whose parents you can easily guess from his family name are both Italian. To our surprise, Gino started his professional job in the Australian entertainment industry at the age of 11. In 1967, Gino participated in the band "Executives" with three number 1 hits in 1967 and embarked to invade the United States in 1969, but did not succeed very much. In 1972, Gino released the album "Strive, Seek , Find" with Ray Burton, the ex-guitart of Executives. In 1974, Gino started his solo artist career by releasing the album "Gino Cunico" under Kama Sutra. In those days, Gino came across famous Clive Davis, the founder of Arista Records. Therefore, Gino Cunico got a deal with Columbia Records which Clive Davis had been working for at that time. However, when Clive Davis left Columbia Records, Gino also left Columbia Records without releasing any albums there. Once Clive Davis established Arista Records, you can easily understand that Gino signed the contract with Arista Records. Thus, Gino Cunico released this excellent pop album in 1976. Needless to say, Arista Records of late 1970's was well-known for their pop albums alike those by Barry Manillow and/or Eric Carmen. This album has almost same atmosphere as those artists' albums. Release: August, 1978 Label: Arista Records, USA (AL-4117) First Reissued CD Release: 21 February, 2001 (Arista- BMG Funhouse, Japan, BVCM-37199) Tracks: 1. DayDreamer 2. She's Sweet, She's Somebody 3. Can't Hold On Any Longer 4. When I Wanted You 5. Fanny (Be Tender With My Love) 6. Can't Smile Without You 7. Don't Throw It All Away 8. Don't Get Around Much Anymore 9. Emptiness 10. Can't Hold On Any Longer Producer: Vini Poncia Gino Cunico: Vocals - Musicians - Keyboards: Stanley Schwartz, Jim Mandell, James Newton Howard, Kevin Crossly Guitars: David Wolfert, Johnny Vastano, Caleb Quaye Bass: Cooker Lo Presti, Gene Kurtz Drums: Kirk Bruner, Gerry Reba, Jim Keltner Percussion: Lenny Castro Sax: Tom Saviano Trumpets: Rich Felts Trombone: Doug Wintz Flute: Stanly Schwartz Backing Vocals: Vini Poncia, Melissa Manchester, The Faragher Bros, Brie Howard, Wendy Haas, Joe Bean, Paul Nauman #GinoCunico
AOR Arista Records, USA BMG Funhouse Inc., Japan CDTakeito
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Frank Weber / As The Time Flies
Frank Weber is one of the best New York based Adult Contemporary music creators. Frank Weber delivers us his jazz-flavoured vocals with piano-oriented melodies. His music style should be said to be more jazzy Billy Joel with Marc Jordan sensitivity. You can easily how Frank Weber performs by seeing who backed up, that is to say, John Tropea, David Spinozza, Will Lee, Richard Tee and Steve Gadd. On this album, it might be noted that Frank covered "Straight Up And Fly Right" written in 1944 by Nat King Cole and Irving Mills. After releasing this album, Weber released nice self-titled album in 1981 also produced by Ed Newman. Release: August, 1978 Label: RCA Records, USA (AFL1-2963) First Reissued CD Release: 21 February, 2001 (RCA- BMG Funhouse, Japan, BVCM-37198) Tracks: 1. '71 2. Regina 3. So Many Sides 4. As The Time Flies 5. Complicated Times 6. I Know, You Know 7. Straighten Up And Fly Right 8. Parents 9. Shining In You Producer: Ed Newman Frank Weber: Vocals, Piano - Musicians - Guitars: John Tropea, David Spinozza Bass: Will Lee, Anthony Jackson Keyboards: Richard Tee Drums: Steve Gadd Vibes, Percussion: Mike Mainieri Percussion: Freddy Diaz, Armen Halbburian Sax: George Young, Ron Janelli, Leonard Hambro, Lou Marini Trumpets: Burt Collins, Richard Perry Trombones: Wayne Andre, Jimmy Knepper, George Flynn Background Vocals: David Lasley, Luther Vandross, Arnold McCuller, Ula Hedwig Violins: David Nadien, Barry Finclair, Diana Halprin, Richard Sortmme, Tony Posk, Louis Eley, Robert Rosek, Herbert Sorkin, Cellos: Charles McCracken, Richard Locker, Jonathan Abramowitz #FrankWeber
Adult Contemporary BMG Funhouse Inc., Japan RCA Records, USA CDTakeito
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Le Roux / Last Safe Place
Last Safe Place" is Le Roux’s fourth album originally released in 1982 under RCA, which followed the album "Up" (1980) under Capitol Records. On this fourth album, Le Roux succeeded to reveal various style of music, i.e. the hard-driven American Rock like "Addicted", a little-bit Styx-vein tune "The Last Safe Place On Earth", a sophisticated mid-tempo pop ballad tune "Inspiration" and a little-bit Caribian-flavored tune "Midnight Summer Dream". And the album was the final one to feature the original personnel of Bobby Campo (trumpet, flugelhorn, flute, congas, percussion, vocals), Tony Haselden (electric guitar, vocals), Leon Medica (bass), David Peters (drums/percussion), Jeff Pollard (electric and acoustic guitars, lead vocals), and Rod Roddy (Rhodes electric piano, acoustic piano, clavinet, Oberheim synthesizer, vocals). Le Roux scored their incipient Top 20 pop entry with "Nobody Said It Was Easy" (aka "Lookin' for the Lights") peaking at number 18 on the Billboard Hot 100 in March of 1982. Release: 1982 Label: RCA Corp., USA (AFL1-4195) First Reissued CD Release: 25 October, 2000 (BMG Funhouse, Japan, BVCM-37166) Tracks: 1. Addicted 2. It Doesn't Matter 3. Nobody Said It Was Easy 4. The Last Safe Place On Earth 5. Inspiration 6. You Know How Those Bays Are 7. Midnight Summer Dream 8. Rock'n Roll Woman 9. Long Distance Lover 10. Make Believe Producer: Leon Medica Executive Producer: Dave Loggins Le Roux: Jeff Pollard: Guitars Rod Roddy: Keyboards, Lead & Background Vocals Bobby Campo: Percussion, Background Vocals David Peters: Drums, Background Vocals Tony Haselden: Guitars, Led & Background Vocals Leon Medica: Bass, Background Vocals Additional Musicians: Sax: Lon Price Background Vocals: Claudette Rogers #LeRoux
AOR BMG Funhouse Inc., Japan RCA Corp., USA CDTakeito
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Randy Edelman / If Love Is Real
Randy Edelman is well-known for his Hollywood movie scores such as "Twins", "Ghost busters 2", "Kindergarten Cop" and so on. However, you should note that he was a good singer in 70's. It was 1970 when Randy Edelman first album "Randy Edelman" was released. In 1972 "The Laughter And The Tears" followed. His third album "Prime Cuts" (1974) supported by Michael Omartian was a stepping stone of his career. After releasing the 5th album "Fairwell Fairbanks", he signed with Arista established by Clive Davis. It seemed that Randy Edelman was expected to release Las Vegas Dinner Show type Middle of the Road Music like Barry Manillow, the typical successful artist under Arista of those days. This album is full of good old-mid 1970’s pop music. If you would like to enjoy such atmosphere, you should buy. If you would expect Westcoast / AOR vein, this is not for you. Release: 1977 Label: Arista Records, USA (AB 4139) First Reissued CD Release: 25 October, 2000 (BMG Funhouse, Japan, BVCM-37167) Tracks: 1. Take My Hand 2. Slippin' Away 3. Autumn Days With You 4. Today 5.Can't It All Be Love 6. If Love Is Real 7. The Night Has A Thousand Eyes 8. Looking Up At Mars 9. It's Hard To Say Goodbye 10. Sentimental Fools Producer: Bill Schnee Randy Edelman: Vocals, Keyboards - Musicians - Drums: Jeff Porcaro Bass; Lee Sklar Guitars: Dean Parks Percussion: Tommy Vig, Victor Feldman Sax: Doug Masek Background Vocals: Tom Bahler, Jim Horns, Dee Murray, Nigel Olsen, John Joyce Strings and Horn Arrange: Gene Page #RandyEdelman
Adult Contemporary Arista Records, USA BMG Funhouse Inc., Japan CDTakeito
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What If
What If is the superband comprising of Bob Wilson, Larry Williams, two ex-Seawind members and Tommy Funderburk, the voice of Airplay. The story of "What if" should be back in 1981.... After collapse of Seawind, Bob Wilson and Larry Williams met with Tommy Funderburk and started collaboration. Thus, Bob and Tommy completed an album as a special project "The Front", which was CCM album released under Refuge, Christian label in 1984. And then, Bob and Tommy formed the new band "What if" with Larry Williams (Keyboards, Sax), Larry Klein (bass) and Michael Thompson (guitar) and they actually did live performances before signing with RCA. Comparing with "The Front", this album is full of straight-hard-pop-rock music with secular lyrics. And it might be noted that Eric Persing, known for his works with Roby Duke added synthetic sounds to this album. Release: May, 1987 Label: RCA Corp., USA (5909-1-R) First Reissued CD Release: 25 October, 2000 (BMG Funhouse, Japan, BVCM-37165) Tracks: 1. What if 2. If This Is Love 3. Perfect World 4. One Look 5. Ride The Hurricane 6. She Rocked My World 7. Love Is A Fire 8. When Right Is Wrong 9. Turn And Walk Away Producers: Mick Guzauski, What If What If: Bob Wilson: Drums Tommy Funderburk: Lead Vocals, Background Vocals Larry Williams: Keyboards, Synth Bass, Sax - Musicians - Guitars: Michael Landau, Jakko M. Jakszyk, Dan Huff Bass: Larry Klein Percussion: Paulinho Da Costa Synth Percussion: Eric Persing Synth Programming: Casey Young, Eric Persing Background Vocals: Bill Champlin, Bob Carlisle #WhatIf
AOR BMG Funhouse Inc., Japan RCA Corp., USA CDTakeito
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Phil Perry / My Book Of Love
Phil Perry, born in St. Louis, started his professional music career with the soul group "The Montclairs" in 70's. Then, he teamed up with another member of "The Montclairs" to form the duo "Perry and Sandlin" which released 2 albums for Capitol Records. After the duo split, Phil began writing and quickly known as a background vocalist and session singer in Los Angeles. Performances with Lee Ritenour and David Garfield made him very popular among Adult Contemporary Music lovers all over the world. In 1991, he started solo singer career with the album "Heart of the Man" under Capitol Records. Perry continued his session singer performances and recording works with Dave Koz, Fourplay and/or The Benoit/Freeman Project, which added to Perry’s burgeoning popularity. and Perry signed with GRP in 1994 and released his second solo album "Pure Pleasure". In 1998, Perry released his third solo album "One Heart, One Love" under Private Music, a unit of Windham Hill Group. And in 2000, his fourth solo album "My Book Of Love", about which Perry describes as more R&B-oriented than some of my other records. I would admit this album would be one of the finest Adult Contemporary collection of truly great songs. Release: 7 March, 2000 (USA), 21 April, 20000 (Japan) Label : Peak Records - Private Music, a unit of Windham Hill Group, USA (01005-82181-2) / BMG Funhouse Inc., Japan (BVCM-21148) Tracks: 1. My Book Of Love 2. Closer To Heaven 3. Heart Of My Heart 4. Keep Me In The Dark Tonight 5. To Fall In Love 6. Intro 7. (A Postcard In) Winter 8. She's Over Me 9. F.M.L. (My Fantasy, My Mystery, My Love) 10. You're As Right As Rain 11. Makin' Memories 12. Only Wanna Be With You 13. To Fall In Love * *Bonus Track for Japanese edition Executive Producer: Phil Perry Producers: Barry J. Eastmond, Gary Brown, Lee Curreri and Ronnie Foster Phil Perry: Vocals - Musicians - Keyboards: Tom Keane, Maverick Cotton, Barry J. Eastmond, Lee Curreri Piano: Lee Curreri, Roger Smith Drum Programming: Jeff Byrd, Tom Keane, Gary Brown, Barry J. Eastmond, Lee Curreri Wind Synthesizer: Larry Williams Bass: Doug Grigsby, Neil Stubenhaus, Melvin Davis Guitars: Thomas Verdonck, Charles J. Fearing, A. Ray Fuller, Jeff Mironov, Ira Siegel, Charles J. Fearing, Ron Muldrow, Mike O'Neil Percussion: Luis Conte, Alex Acuna Duet Vocal: Lillian Perry (Track 13 - Japanese version bonus track) Background Vocals: Donna Simon, Lillian Perry, Joseph Perry, Paloma Perry, Phillip Perry, Jacob Perry Violin: Bruce Dukov, Rachel Purkin, Rafael Rishik, Endre Granat Viola: Marlow Fisher, Simon Oswell Cello: Armen Ksajikian, David Low #PhilPerry
1 Adult Contemporary BMG Funhouse Inc., Japan Peak Records - Private Music, a unit of Windham Hill Group, USATakeito