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Genai / Rejoice
GENAI", the New Jazz 'n' Soul unit, was started as the duo unit comprising Ginai K. Johnston, a female singer, and Oliver Wendell, a Chicago-born multi-instrumetnal player in 1999 with their debut album "Heaven On Earth", Hawaii-flovered Jazzy Soul & AC album. And last summer they released the second album "Heavens Not So Far Away" featuring Robbie Danzie, new female lead singer joins this project, which makes GENAI much more attractive. Robbie took a lead on 7 tracks out of 10. You should know that Robbie is known for not only her works with female R&B trio vocal group "Krystol" who had a smash hit "Passion From A Woman" ranked number 18 on Billboard R&B Chart in 1986, but also her own solo albums "So Special" (1995) and/or "Only You" (1997). And her featuring vocal works on Masters of Funk's "Gotta Work" was also acclaimed. On this album, we cannot find any vocal works by Ginai K. Johnson and instead Robbie Danzie takes all the lead. Hope you enjoy GENAI's New Jazz 'n' Soul! Release: 27 June, 2001 Label: VideoArts Music, Japan (VACM-1174) Tracks: 1. Rejoice 2. Breakout 3. Living Inside Your Love 4. Feel Like Makin' Love 5. The Gift 6. Always On My Mind 7. Can't Take My Eyes Off of You 8. Beauty I See 9. I'm Loved 10. I Want You Producer: Oliver Wendell Executive Producer: Yukihiro Hattori Genai: Oliver Wendell: Programming and All Musical Instruments Robbie Danzie: Vocals Guest Musicians: Keith Howard: Drum Kit Edward Beard: Piano #Genai
Adult Contemporary Video Arts Music, Japan CD 2001Takeito
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Ralph McDonald / Trippin'
Ralph McDonald, a percussionist / music producer / composer known for his masterpiece "Just A Two Of Us" performed by Glover Washington Jr. featuring Bill Withers, released his only leader album "Trippin'" in the summer of 2000. exclusively released in Japan on VideoArts Music. The Sound of the album is full of Caribbean relaxing atmosphere with soulful groove. Seven vocal tunes and four instrumental tunes must satisfy you. McDonald passed away on on 18 December, 2011 after battling lung cancer. R.I.P. Release: 23 August 23, 2000 Label: VideoArts Music, Japan (VACM-1165) Tracks: 1. Mango Island 2. Trippin' 3. Good To Go 4. Remember Kitchener 5. Sea, Sand And Sunshine 6. Pots And Pans 7. San Souci Bay 8. You Need Love 9. I Could Love You More 10. A Song Of Love 11. When The Well Runs Dry Producers: William Salter, William Eaton, Ralph McDonald Ralph McDonald: Congas, Bongos, Percussion - Musicians - Lead Vocals: Dennis Collins, David Rudder, Nadirah Shakoor Drums: Steve Gadd, Chris Parker Bass: Abraham Laboriel, Anthony Jackson Keyboards: Robert Mounsey Guitar: Jeffery Mironov Steel Drums: Robert Greenidge Timbales fills: Nicky Marrero Whistles: Atiba McDonald Sax: Tom Scott African Voice: Fly Kamonkie Back Vocals: Dennis Collins, Sharon Bryant, Sharon Gerry-Collins, Frank Floyd #RalphMcDonald
Adult Contemporary Contemporary Jazz Video Arts Music, Japan CDTakeito
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Genai / Heavens Not So Far Away
The second album of "Genai", the New Jazz 'n' Soul Unit "Heavens Not So Far Away" is one of the good Adult Contemporary album for the summer. Robbie Danzie, new female lead singer joined the project, that made GENAI much more attractive. Robbie is known for not only her works with female R&B trio vocal group "Krystol" who had a smash hit "Passion From A Woman" ranked number 18 on Billboard R&B Chart in 1986, but also her own solo albums "So Special" (1995) and/or "Only You" (1997). And her featuring vocal works on Masters of Funk's "Gotta Work" was also acclaimed. In the meantime, "Heaven On Earth", their debut album (1999) became available also in the United Kingdom under Expansion Records Release: 12 July, 2000 Label: VideoArts Music, Japan (VACM-1159) Tracks: 1. Heavens Not So Far Away 2. Afraid To Love 3. Just The Way You Are 4. Melody Sweet 5. Wave 6. What You Call Love 7. Corcovado - How Insensitive 8. Kiss Of Life 9. A Little More Time 10. Cry Is All I Do Genai: Oliver Wendell: Guitar, Bass, Keyboards, Programming Robbie Danzie: Vocals Ginai K. Johnston: Vocals - Musicians - Piano: Brian Simpson Percussion: Keith Howard Sax: Everett Harp #Genai
Adult Contemporary Video Arts Music, Japan CD 2000Takeito
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Kevyn Lettau / Walking In Your Footsteps
Kevyn Lettau became well-known among L.A. music scenes when she participated in Sergio Mendes group in mid 1980's. Kevyn did many session vocal works on Contemporary Jazz / Brazillian-Jazz albums such as Lee Ritenour's "Portrait" (1987) and Dori Caymmi's "Brazilian Serenata" (1988), which brought her a chance to make her own albums. Kevyn released her 1st solo album "Kevyn Lettau" in 1991 for Nova, followed by "Braziljazz" with the guitarist Peter Sprague and percussionist Michael Shapiro in the same year. Kevyn succeeded to establish her popularity as a charming female NAC (New Adult Contemporary) vocalist by those albums. Kevyn's 3rd album "Simple Life" was released under JVC Music, USA in 1992, followed by "Another Season" (1994). Her 5th solo album "Universal Language" (1995) was a little different from her previous albums, on which Kevyn seemed to seek for possibility as an more pop-oriented female singer. The following 1998 album "Language Of Flowers" revealed new Kevyn Lettau as an more pop-oriented Adult Contemporary female singer. On this album, Kevyn covers songs of the Police with her own interpretation, which revealed her excellent musical talent. Release: 15 March, 2000 Label : Videoarts Music, Japan (VACM-1150) Tracks: 1. Message In A Bottle 2. Wrapped Around Your Finger 3. Every Breath You Take 4. Murder By Numbers 5. Every Little Thing She (He) Does Is Magic 6. Walking In Your Footsteps 7. King Of Pain 8. When The World Is Running Down - Interlude 9. Synchronicity 10. Don't Stand So Close To Me 11. De Do Do Do, De Da Da Da 12. I Burn For You Producer: Michael Shapiro Arrangers: Russell Ferrante and Bill Schnee Kevyn Lettau: Vocals - Musicians - Keyboards: Russell Ferrante, Neil Larson, Jeff Babko Bass: Jerry Watts Jr., Jimmy Haslip Drums: Michael Shapiro Percussion: Luis Conte, Michael Packer Guitars: Linda Taylor, Jeff Richman Sax: Scott Mayo Sax, Woodwinds, Flute: Gary Meek Trumpet: Walt Fowler Background Vocals: Bill Cantos, Randy Crenshaw, Scott Mayo, Sharon Perry, Mindy Stein #KevynLettau
Adult Contemporary Video Arts Music, Japan CD 2000Takeito
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GENAI / Heaven On Earth
"GENAI" is the duo unit comprising Ginai K. Johnston, a female singer, and Oliver Wendel, a multi-instrumetnal player. Based on the biography, Oliver Wendell, this Chicago-born guy started to work in Chicago music industry in 1979 and arrange and produce 3 musicals such as "Dream Girls" (1982), "Guys and Dolls" (1983) and "Tribute To Hollywood" (1983). He moved to Valencia California to study music theories and composition, video production from 1984 to 1986. Then, He made many sessions in Los Angeles with George Duke, Ray Parker Jr, and Ruth Pointer and you might see him on TV as the keyboard player appeared on the popular TV drama "Fame". Ginai K. Johnston, also born in Chicago and grown up in Hawaii has been performing many gigs in Hawaii and they met each other in 1996. And in 1999, this two talented musicians has completed their debut album "Heaven On Earth", Hawaii-flovered Jazzy Soul & AC album. You can easily find 6 cover tunes of fine Adult Contemporary Music such as "Africa" (TOTO), "Biggest Part Of Me" (Ambrosia), "It's Too Late" (Carol King) and "Human Nature" (Michael Jackson). Needless to say, they are really good, but more than those, GENAI's original tunes are excellent. Release: 23 June, 1999 Label: Videoarts Music, Japan (VACM-1141) Tracks: 1. Heaven On Earth 2. Africa 3. Temperamental Winds 4. Runaway 5. Brazil 6. The Biggest Part Of Me 7. Someday Out There 8. It's Too Late 9. Wouldn't You 10. Human Nature 11. Pretend Producer: Oliver Wendell Executive Producer: Yukihiro Hattori Associate Producer: Hiro Yamashita GENAI: Oliver Wendell: Guitars, Keyboards, Bass, Percussion,, Drum Programming Ginai K. Johnston: Vocals Supporting Musicians: Piano: Brian Simpson Sax: David Choy Trombone: Kenny Ebo Sax: Everett Harp
Adult Contemporary Smooth Jazz Video Arts Music, Japan CDTakeito
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Rhythm Logic
Rhythm Logic is the project led by the drummer Michael White with three Los Angeles based good Contemporary Jazz musicians. Chicago born White worked with artists like Curtis Mayfield and Lou Rawls early in his career and then moving to Los Angeles in 1982 to work as a session musician. Good Melodies, Good Groove and more on this project. 10 tunes appeared on this album must feel you satisfied not only logically but also emotionally! Three vocal tunes such as " I. G. Y." originally performed by Donald Fagen, "Fantasy" originally performed by Earth, Wind & Fire and "The First Time" originally performed by Surf ice, are worth listening. Release: 23 June, 1998 (Japan) / 24 August, 1999 (USA) Label: Videoarts Music, Japan (VACM-1125) / Zebra Records (ZD 44018-2) Tracks: 1. Tuesday Love 2. I.G.Y. (International Geophysical Year) 3. Logically Speaking 4. Full Speed 5. Fantasy 6. You Know I Will 7. Take Me Away! 8. A Portrait Of Passion 9. Beverly 10. The First Time Rhythm Logic: Drums: Michael White Keyboards: Brian Simpson Bass: Dwayne Smith Guitar: Ron Smith - Musicians - Percussion: Brian Kilgore, Munyungo Jackson, Freddie E. White Sax: Albert Wing, Andre Robeson Trumpet: Walt Fowler, Michael Harris, Rahmlee Michael Davis Trombone: Steve Baxter Lead Vocals: Maysa Leak (Track2 & 5), Alex Brown & Bridgette Bryant Fiddmont (Track 7) Background Vocals: Phil Perry, Liz Hougue, Kim Brewer, Bernard Jackson
Smooth Jazz Video Arts Music, Japan Zebra Records, USA CDTakeito
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Bill Meyers / All Things In Time
Bill Meyers, born in Chicago on October 28, 1952, is well known as a talented arranger and producer for his excellent works with Earth, Wind & Fire, Madonna, El DeBarge, David Foster,Ray Kennedy, Roben Ford.His 1st solo album "Images" released in 1986 from L.A. minor label named Spindletop, was a good fusion instrumental album. On the other hand,follow up second album "The Color Of The Truth" (1990) was a good Adult Contemporary album featuring his vocals.This was his third solo album at an intervals of 6 years! Very good fusion album with 3 vocal tracks featuring great musicians. Release: 24 April, 1996 Label : Weber Works - Video Arts Music, Japan (VACV-2007) Tracks: 1. High Tide 2. Valdez In The Country 3. All Things In Time 4. Lite 'Em Up 5. Sky 6. Changing Times 7. Marrakesh 8. I've Got The Feelin' 9. Across The Water 10. The Heart Remembers Producers: Jimi Randolph, Bill Meyers Executive Producers – Jeffrey Weber & Hisao Ebine Bill Meyers: Keyboards, Vocals, Drums Programming - Musicians - Vocals: Maurice White, Phillip Bailey, Sheldon Reynolds, Barbara Weathers, Raymone Carter, Sue Ann Carlwell, Dianne Reeves, Eldra Debarge, Will Wheaton Drums: Vinnie Colaiuta, Sonny Emory, Curt Bisquera, Enzo Tadsco, Billy Kilson Bass: Neil Stubenhaus, Chris Severin, Verdine White Guitars: Larry Carlton, Paul Jackson Jr., David Williams, Sheldon Reynolds, Michael Thompson, Charles Fearing Keyboards: David Torkanoski, Jimi Randolph Percussion: Lenny Castro, Munyungo Jackson, Luis Conte Sax: Tom Scott, Brandon Fields Trumpet: Walt Flower Harmonica: Tollack Ollsestad Background Vocals: Shiro Stokes, Dee Coleman, Tim Owens, Alex Brown, Philip Ingram #BillMeyers
Adult Contemporary Video Arts Music, Japan CD 1996Takeito