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China
China was one of the not-famous but good Canadian AOR/Westcoast band with typical Jay Graydon's harmonized guitar sounds but not done by Jay himself. Let me allow to introduce the band members' career for your information based on Toshikazu Kanazawa's liner notes for this CD. (Thank you in advance for Toshikazu Kanazawa! Without your guidance, I cannot say any information about the background of the members.) Chris Kearney released 3 solo albums categorized as Canadian Swamp in early 70's under Capitol Records, Canada; "Christopher Kearney" (1972), "Pemmican Stash"(1973) and "Sweetwater" (1974). Danny McBride participated in the musical "Jesus Christ, Super Star" and released his solo album "Morningside" recorded in London. At last but least, Bill King, the only American nationality released 2 solo albums including "Goodbye Superdad" (1973) under Capitol Records, Canada. Bill also participated in the musical "Jesus Christ, Super Star" and met Danny there... Release: 21 October, 1981 Label : Epic Records, USA (FE 37633) First Reissued CD Release: 20 June, 2001 (Sony Music Entertainment, Japan, ESCA-7866) Tracks 1. You Can't Rent Love That Way 2. Runnin' Around 3. Fast Livin' 4. There Was A Time 5. Shootout In The Parking Lot 6. Never Gonna Let You Go 7. Roll Me Over 8. Little Dancer 9. Come And Take My Love 10. Days And Nights Producer: Bob Johnston Creative Arranger: Jay Graydon China: Bill King: Keyboards, Lead Vocals, Background Vocals Danny McBride: Guitars, Lead Vocals, Background Vocals Chris Kearney: Lead Vocals, Background Vocals - Musicians - Bass: Abraham Laboriel, Gene Falbo Drums: Mike Baird, Andy Newmark, Gord Neave Keyboards: Michael Boddicker Guitars: Lee Ritenour, Albert Lee, Bernie Labarge, Jeff Baxter Percussion: Paulinho Da Costa #China
AOR Epic Records, USA Sony Music Entertainment, Japan CDTakeito
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The Bliss Band / Neon Smiles
The Bliss Band appeared in fornt of us in 1978 with their debut album "Dinner With Raoul" produced by Jeff Baxtor.Paul Bliss, born and raised in the United Kingdom, started his professional musician's career as the bass player / vocalist with the British hard rock band "Dog Soldgier" which released an album in 1975. After leaving this band, Paul started his own band and made demos for the contract but in vein in the UK. Thus Paul sent out their demo tapes to the man working for ABC / Blue Thumb Records. When the Doobie Borthers came to UK and by accident had a chance to listen to the demo tape and touched it. Thus, the Bliss Band got a chance to perform as the opening act for Doobies and got a deal with Columbia Records, USA. Jeff Baxtor gave their first album a touch of Steely Dan. Compared with this acclaimed 1st album "Dinner With Raoul", this 2nd album "Neon Smiles" rocks. And you can enjoy the original version of "How Do I Survive",well-known by Amy Holland's version, on this album.For your information, Peter Bliss released his own solo album "The Edge Of Coincidence" in 1997. And Phil Palmer continues to play as a guitarist supporting Sheena Easton, Celine Dion and Eric Clapton. Alan Park also continues to perform with Clif Richard. Release: 14 August, 1979 Label : Columbia Records, USA (JC 36070) First Reissued CD Release: 20 June, 2001 (Sony Music Entertainment, Japan , SRCS-9841) Tracks 1. Stagefright 2. How Do I Survive? 3. Hollywood 4. Someone Else's Eyes 5. Doctor 6. Chicago 7. We Never Had It So Good 8. If I Takes Until Forever 9. Something About You Producer: Geoff Westley The Bliss Band: Paul Bliss: Vocals, Keyboards Andy Brown: Bass, Vocals Phil Palmer: Guitars, Vocals Alan Park: Keyboards Nigel Elliott: Drums, Percussion - Musicians - Keyboards, Flute: Geoff Westley Percussion: Frank Ricotti Sax: Raphael Ravenscroft The Bliss Band / Neon Smiles #BlissBand #PaulBliss
AOR Columbia Records, USA Sony Music Entertainment, Japan CDTakeito
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Far Cry / The More Things Change...
It was July 1973 when Phil Galdston, a songwriter born in New York in September 1950, met Peter Thom coming from Montreal, Canada, who had already released his solo album "Peter Thom" in 1972 under United Artists. Those two talented musicians started songwriting collaboration and made demos for label shopping. "Why Don't We Live Together" performed by Barry Manillow in 1975 was successful enough to get an album deal. They completed their album "American Gypsies" produced by John Simon as the duo Galdston & Thom in 1977. However, this album did not sell well in spite of good reviews among true music lovers. They seemed to consider how they should do for much more highly acclaimed review and good sales. As Far Cry, Phil Galdston and Peter Thom succeeded to complete the perfect album "The More Things", the Steely Dan's "Aja" vein album by getting Elliot Scheiner known for his works with Steely Dan and also Donald Fagen himself on the backing vocals. True masterpiece album I admit. Release: April, 1980 Label: Columbia Records, USA (NJC-36286) First Reissued CD Release:20 June, 2001 (Sony Music Entertainment, Japan, SRCS-9840) Tracks 1. The Hits Just Keep On Comin' 2. Eldorado Escape 3. The One And Lonely 4. Because It's There 5. It's Not As Simple As That 6. Fight, Fight, Fight 7. Ocean Eyes 8. Suddenly Strings 9. Tell Jack 10. Some Things Will Never Change Producer: Elliot Scheiner Executive Producer: Phil Ramone Far Cry: Phil Galdston: Keyboards, Vocals Peter Thom: Vocals - Musicians - Keyboards: Rob Mounsey Guitars: Steve Kahn, Mark Doyle, Jeff Mironov, Elliot Randall Bass: Doug Stegmeyer, Will Lee, Neil Jason, Tony Levin Drums: Liberty DeVitto, Bernard Purdie, Chris Parker, Ed Greene Percussion: Ralph McDonald Trumpet, Flugelhorn: Randy Brecker, Marvin Stamm Trombone: Barry Rogers Sax: Timmy Cappello, Ron Cuber, Dave Tofani Background Vocals: Donald Fagen, Rob Mounsey, Frank Floyd, Patti Austin, John Barranco, William Eaton, Zach Sanders #FarCry
AOR Columbia Records, USA Sony Music Entertainment, Japan CDTakeito
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M. Sasaji & L.A. Allstars / Birdland
Masanori Sasaji, well-known Japanese pop music producer and jazz pianist, returned to his roots and recorded 9 innovative big band tracks featuring L.A. top session musicians listed below. And one of which should be noted because of Richard Page lead-vocal track "Green Flower Street" written and originally performed by Donald Fagen on the masterpiece album "The Nightfly" (1982) The album was released on CD and SACD (2 ch) in November 2000 based on 2 channel direct recording master. A year later, it was re-released on SACD (multi-ch). Release: 22 November, 2000 (CD / 2ch SACD) / 11 October, 2001 (multi-ch SACD) Label: Sony Music Entertainment, Japan (CD: SRCL4955, multi-ch SACD: SSGL-5001) Tracks: 1. Birdland 2. Girl Talk 3. Green Flower Street 4. My Favorite Things 5. Freedom Jazz Dance 6. Interplay 7. The Sidewinder 8. The Look Of Love 9. Gymno Pédie Producer: Masanori Sasaji - Musicians - Piano: Masanori Sasaji Guitars: Dean Parks Bass: Abe Laboriel, Dave Carpenter Drums: Vinnie Colaiuta Percussion: Alex Acuna Sax: Dan Higgins, Brandon Field, Earnie Watts, Larry Williams, Jack Nimitz, Beverly Dahlke Trumpets and Flugelhorns: Jerry Hey, Gary Grant, Warren Luening, Larry Hall, Wayne Bergeron, Charlie Davis, Larry Lunetta Trombone: Charlie Loper, Andy Martin, Bob McChesney, Bill Reichenbach, Bruce Otto Flutes: Sheridan Stokes, Greg Huckins Clarinets: Gary Foster, Bill Liston, Jack Nimitz Oboes: Phil Ayling, John Yoakum, Gene Cipriano Vocal on track 3: Richard Page Background Vocals: Penny Ford, Kimberly Brewer, Lynn Roderick, Tracy Nelson #M.Sasaji
Sony Music Entertainment, Japan CD Hybrid CD / SACD (multi-ch) SACD (2ch)Takeito
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Brenda Russell / Paris Rain
Breaking 7 years silence since 1993 when former album "Soul Talkin'" was released, Brenda Russell restarted her musical journey with the album "Paris Rain". Full of finest Adult Contemporary melodies and excellent arrangement by awesome professional musicians listed as below. For AOR / Westcoast Maniacs, they will be happy when they find "She's In Love" is co-written by Brenda Russell with Jay Graydon and Mark Portmann. Release: 19 July 19, 2000 (USA) / 26 July, 2000 (Japan) Label: Hidden Beach Recordings, USA distributed by EPIC (EK62138) / Epic Records - Sony Music Entertainment, Japan (ESCA 8184) Tracks; 1. Ideal World 2. She's In Love 3. Catch On 4. Walkin' In New York 5. Love And Paris Rain 6.,Expect A Miracle 7. Please Felipe 8. You Can't Hide Your Heart From Me 9. Move The Moon 10. Something About Your Love 11. Baby Eyes 12. Wayward Soul * 13. Different Eyes * * Bonus Tracks only for Japanese edition Producers: Stephen Oberhoff, Brenda Russell Brenda Russell: Vocals, Keyboards - Musicians - Keyboards: Stephen Oberhoff, Greg Phillinganes, Russell Ferrante, Rique Pantoja, William D. Smith Drums: Vinnie Colaiuta, Shiela E., Alvino Bennett Bass: Jimmy Haslip, Bill Sharp, Neil Stubenhaus Guitars: James Harrah, Stephen Oberhoff, Sandro Albert, Don Griffin Percussion: Paulinho Da Costa, Lenny Castro Sax: Kirk Whalum, Dave Koz EWI Wind Instrument: Everette Harp Flute: Pedro Eustache Background Vocals: Niki Haris, Darryl Phinnessee, Frank Aravya, Maxyn Lewis, Ester Nicholson, Arnold McCuller, Siedah Garrett, David Lasley, Carol Perry, Sharon Perry, Lori Perry, Bunny Hull, Lindsay Russell, Valerie Pinkston, Ken Staey, Paulette Brown, Dianne Brooks, Petsye Powell #BrendaRussell
2 Adult Contemporary Hidden Beach Recordings, USA Sony Music Entertainment, JapanTakeito