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Franke & The Knockouts / Below The Belt
After successful debut album release, Knockouts welcomed Tommy Ayers as the second keyboard player of the band. However, the band lost the drummer, Claude LeHenaff before starting to record a follow-up album in 1982. Thus Franke & The Knockouts:completed the second album “Below The Belt” with session drummer Al Wotton, but shortly after the album’s release, Tico Torres, later known as the Bon Jovi drummer, joined the band. The first single from the album “Without You (Not Another Lonely Night)" reached number 24 on Billboard Hot 100 in June. Release: 1982 Label: Millennium Records, USA (BXLI-7763) Tracks: 1. Never Had It Better 2. Without You (Not Another Lonely Night) 3. Just What I Want 4. Any Way That You Want Me 5. Morning Sun (Dream On) 6. Shakedown 7. Keep On Fighting 8. Have No Fear 9. Gina Bonus Track(s) added to the reissued CD version(s): 1998 Escape Music Ltd., UK (ESM035 released in September, 1998) 10. Every Little Bit Helps Producers: Peter Solley , Franke & The Knockouts Frank & The Knockouts: Franke Previte: Vocals Billy Elworthy: Guitar Blake Levinsohn: Piano, Organ Tommy Ayers: Piano, Synth, Organ Leigh Foxx: Bass - Musicians - Drums: Al Wotton Guitars: Ricky Hitchcock Percussion: Richie Puente #Franke&TheKnockouts
1 AOR Melodic Rock Escape Music, UKTakeito
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Franke & The Knockouts / Makin’ The Point
After Franke & The Knockouts had released 2 albums under Millennium Entertainment (distributed by RCA), they switched to MCA Records in 1984 and released the third and last album of the band “Makin’ The Point”. Whilst Tico Torres, later known as the drummer of "BON JOVI" was with the band, your eyes must stop at the name of Jeff Porcaro as one of the guest musicians. In terms of commercial sales, the third album should have been unsuccessful. The band disbanded in 1986, having achieved three top 40 U.S. singles and two Top 50 albums.Having said that, it should be noted that they wrote and recorded the original versions of Eric Carmen's 1987 hit single "Hungry Eyes" as well as the song "(I've Had) The Time of My Life", both of which were featured in the 1987 movie “Dirty Dancing”. The album “Makin' The Point" was reissued with this original version of "Hungly Eyes" as the bonus track in 1998. Release: 1984 Label: MCA Records, USA (MCA-5473) Tracks: 1. Outrageous 2. You Don't Want Me (Like I Want You) 3. Come Rain Or Shine 4. You're All That Really Matters 5. Carrie Why? 6. So Cool (Nobody's Fool) 7. One Good Reason 8. Blame It On My Heart 9. Can't Get Enough Of You Bonus Track(s) added to the reissued CD version(s): 1998 Escape Music Ltd., UK (ESM030 released in March, 1998) 10. Hungry Eyes Producer: Bill Schnee Frank & The Knockouts: Franke Previte: Vocals Billy Elworthy: Guitar Blake Levinsohn: Piano, Organ Tommy Ayers: Piano, Synth, Organ Leigh Foxx: Bass Tico Torres: Drums - Musicians - Electric & Acoustic Piano: Blake Levinsohn Guitars: Billy Elworthy Keyboards: Kim Bullard Drums: Jeff Porcaro Percussion: Lenny Castro Bass: Nathan East Sax: Marc Russo #Franke&TheKnockouts
1 AOR Melodic Rock Escape Music, UKTakeito
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Frank & The Knockouts
New Jersey born Franke Previte started to sing with the band called “Oxford Watch Band” in late ‘60s and then formed the heavy metal band “Bull Angus” that released an album on Mercury Records in 1971. After Bull Angus, Previte signed with Buddha Records as a R&B singer in late’70s but he wasn't really getting the energy in a more R&B direction by Grammy-winning producer Tony Camillo. Thus, Previte decided to combine his rock sprits and R&B roots for some blue-eyed soul-style rock ‘n’ roll, and started Franke & the Knockouts in the early ‘80s and signed to Millennium Entertainment (distributed by RCA) and the self-titled first album was released in 1981. The first single ‘Sweetheart” reached number 10 on the Billboard Hot 100 in June of the year, which reminded me of Toto’s debut single “Hold The Line”. In 1998, Escape Music, UK started to reissue all three band albums on CD with bonus tracks.The first album was reissued with the unreleased Franke's version of Oscar winning tune "Time Of My Life" featured in the movie "Dirty Dancing" (duet with Rochele Cappelli). Release: March, 1981 Label: Millennium Entertainment, USA (BXL1-7755) Tracks: 1. Come Back 2. Sweetheart 3. She's Runner 4. You're My Girl 5. One For All 6. Tonight 7. Running Into The Night 8. Tell Me Why 9. Annie Goes Hollywood 10. Don't Stop Bonus Track(s) added to the reissued CD version(s): 1999 Escape Music Ltd., UK (ESM040 released in March, 1999) 11. Time Of My Life (duet with Rochele Cappelli) Producers: Steve Verroca Frank & The Knockouts: Lead Vocals: Franke Previte Guitar: Billy Elworthy Piano, Organ: Blake Levinsohn Bass: Leigh Foxx Drums; Claude Lehenaff - Musicians - Keyboards: Tommy Ayers Percussion: Jimmy Maelen Background Vocals: Charlie Dominici, Brooklyn Dreams #FrankeandtheKnockouts
1 AOR Escape Music, UK Millennium Entertainment, USATakeito
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Sibling Revelry / Stonger
The second Sibling Revelry album “Stronger” followed in 1991. With the self-titled first album, this album was reissued on CD by Cool Sound, Japan on 25 December 1998 (COOL 019). As you see the credit as shown below, they had certain acclaimed Los Angeles top session musicians such as Abraham Laboriel, Justo Almario, Peter Sprague and David Huff. The result was really of high quality. Having said that, a cappella song “Jonah” is the highlight of this album, I think. It reminds listeners of Manhattan Transfer’s perfect harmony and the same time a kind of musical tune. Again, this album was originally released only on cassette tape in 1991. 7 years later, COOL Sound, Japan firstly re-released the album on CD. Well done! Release: 1991 Label : Erni Productions (EP-105) Tracks: 1. Trust In The Lord 2. I Will Hold You Up 3. He Told Us 4. Warrior Prelude 5. The Weakest Warrior 6. Consider The Great Love 7.,You Know Me 8. Interlude 9. Jonah 10. Father, I Need You 11. Consider Once More 12. From Where I Stand 13. He Is Worthy Sibling Revelry: Bill Cantos Rita Cantos Cartwright Roxanne Cantos Fulkerson - Musicians - Guitars: Brian Price, George Krischke, Robert Cartwright Acoustic Guitar: Peter Sprague Bass: Steve Billman, Abraham Laboriel Drums:Brad Kaiser, Ronnie Gutierrez Drum Programming: Doug Mathews Sax: Justo Almario Percussion: Richie Garcia, Scitt Breadman Rhythm Arrangement: David Huff
CCM Cool Sound Inc., Japan Erini Productions, USA CassetteTakeito
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Sibling Revelry / Sibling Revelry
Bill Cantos was performing with his sisters; Rita and Roxanne in late 1980’s and early 1990’s as Sibling Revelry. Two cassette albums of the vocal trio were released, and the first one was self-titled and it is interesting that we can llisten to the track “What Would You Do For A King?”, later self-covered on Bill Cantos’ album “Who Are You”. 10 years later, the cassette album was finally reissued on CD by Cool Sound, Japan, with three bonus tracks from Bill’s elder sister, Rita Cantos Cartwright‘s 1981 album “Light Of Heaven". Rita spent over decades with San Diego Opera Chorus, as well as frequently singing the national anthem before local sporting events. Release:1988 Label: Erini Productions Tracks: 1. So Happy 2. Victory 3. Wait On The Wind 4. Hand In Hand In Hand 5. I Take My Rest 6. Sing It Our Loud 7. What Would You Do For A King? 8. High Places 9. The Lord Is My Rock 13. So Happy - Reprise Bonus track(s) added to the reissued CD version(s): 1998 Cool Sound Inc., Japan (COOL-018 released on 20 December, 1998) Remarks Despite that the catalogue number is COOL-18 and backside CD inlay and liner notes and disc label shows the right catalogue number, the obi strap had mistypo as COOL-012.) 10. There Is Jesus * 11. I Will Sing Unto The Lord * 12. Give Me The Light Of Jesus * * taken from Rita Cantos Cartwright’s album “Light Of Heaven" (1981) Sibling Revelry: Bill Cantos Rita Cantos Cartwright Roxanne Cantos Fulkerson #SiblingRevelry #BillCantos
CCM Cool Sound Inc., Japan Erini Productions, USA CassetteTakeito
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Stylus / Part Of It All
Stylus was a Australian funk/soul band that released four albums and a number of singles 1975-1979. Whilst their 1978 third album “Best Kept Secret” was successfully also released as self-titled album in UK and USA under Prodigal - Motown Records, the band welcomed Peter Roberts on co-lead vocals and then Mark Meyer (Sailor) replaced Tattersall on drums, Prodigal was shelved by Motown in 1979, disrupting the Stylus-Motown relationship. In August 1979, the band released their fourth album “Part of It All”, but USA release was not happened. Stylus disbanded later in 1979. However, musically this fourth album is said to be the band’s best one among us. The album was firstly reissued on CD on 15 November,1998 by Vivid Sound Corporation, Japan (VSCD- 573). Release: 1978 Label: Oz Records, Australia (OZS-1012) Producer: Peter Cupples, Sam McNally, John Frenck Tracks: 1. The Colours Of Your Love 2. Live It On Up 3. Brave New World 4. So Much Love 5. In The Band 6. Part Of It All 7. Shame On You 8. Standin' In My Shoes 9. Byron Bay 10. Sit Down And Talk About It 11. If You Believe In Me Stylus: Ashley Henderson: Bass, Lead & Backing Vocals, Acoustic Guitar Mark Meyer: Drums and Percussion Ron Peers: Guitars, Backing Vocals Sam McNally: Pianos, Rhodes, Keyboards Peter Cupples: Lead & Backing Vocals, Percussion Peter Roberts: Lead & Backing Vocals - Musicians - Sax: Bill Harrower, Tony Buchannan Trombones: Peter De Visser, Herb Cannon Trumpet: Reg Walsh, Bobby Venier Pedal Steel: Mark Moffet Backing Vocals: Juliette Bradley, Justine Bradley, Peta Doodson, Adrian Campbell, Sandy Maddock #Stylus
AOR Soul Oz Records, Australia Vivid Sound Corporation, JapanTakeito
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Stylus / The Best Kept Secret
Stylus is the best late 1970’s groovy funk rock band or blue-eyed soul group coming from Down-Under heavily influenced by Westcoast Sound with Black Contemporary. The Melbourne based Aussie band formed in 1975 and were signed to WEA Australia and after two 45rpm singles local moderate success, the debut album “ Where in the World?” were released for Atlantic Records, Australia in November, 1975. Their second album “For the Love of Music” followed in October 1976. Stylus recorded their third album “Best Kept Secret” and was released in April 1978, thereafter the band signed signed with Motown Records to re-issue Best Kept Secret as Stylus, in UK and USA on their Prodigal label. As you see, the Motown edition artworks was not shown any band members photos, therefore the band seemed to be thought as Black Contemporary band in USA. Hence, Stylus were the only Australian act to be released by Motown Records in the USA. Actually when I bought the US vinyl in 1979 or so, I misunderstood that Stylus was USA black contemporary band then. The album was firstly reissued on CD on 15 December,1998 by Vivid Sound Corporation, Japan (VSCD-572). Release: April, 1978 (Australia) Label: OZ Records, Australia (OZS 1008) / Prodigal, USA (P7-10030R1) Tracks: 1. Discover Your Life 2. Bushwalkin' 3. Look At Me 4. Sweetness 5. Work Out Fine 6. Funky Music 7. Got To Be 8. Kissin' 9. Natural Feeling 10. Hangin' Producer: Peter Cupples, John French Stylus: Peter Cupples : Vocals, Guitar, Keyboards, Percussion Sam McNally: Keyboards Ashley Henderson: Vocals, Bass Ron Peers: Guitar Trevor Courtney: Drums - Musicians - Guitars: Ron Peers Horns: Graham Lyall, Mike "Kelly" Clarke Background Vocals: Ron Peers Strings and Horn Arrangement: Peter Jones #Stylus
Adult Contemporary Soul EMI Australia Vivid Sound Corporation, JapanTakeito
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Crackin' / Special Touch
Crackin' is also a legendary group of Peter Bunetta and Rick Chudacoff featuring Leslie Smith. Their first album "Crackin'" was released in 1975 without Peter Bunetta. Then, Bunetta joined the band and released three albums in 1977 and 1978. This fourth album, the last album of the group was produced by Michael Omartian and featuring Ernie Watts and Jay Graydon. And you may be aware of the name of R. Dupris... Yes, he is Robbie Dupree. After the group disbanded, Peter Bunetta and Rick Chudacoff made so many productions in early 1980's, including Robbie Dupree's albums. Since the first CD reissue was made after 20 years from its original release by Warner Bros., Japan (26 November, 1998 WPCR-2334), there would be done again several times not only in Japan but also in USA (by Wounded Bird Records). It is just because of its quality and popularity. Release: January, 1978 Label: Warner Bros.,USA (BSK 3235) Tracks: 1. Double Love 2. Too Young 3. Heavenly Day 4. Nobody Else 5. I Could Be Anything 6. I Can't Wait Forever 7. In Between 8. Don't Cha Love Me 9. On The Wing 10. Kalalee Producer: Michael Omartian Crackin': Arno Lucas: Vocals and Percussion Leslie Smith: Vocals and Percussion Bolo Bordy: Guitar Brian Ray: Guitar G.T. Clinton: Keyboards and Synthsizer Rick Chudacoff: Bass Peter Bunetta: Drums and Percussion - Musicians - Michael Omartian: Keyboards, Back Vocals & Percussion Ernie Watts: Sax & Flute Gayle Levant: Harp Jay Graydon: Arp 2600 Programming Maxine Willard Waters, Julia TeilmanWaters: Back Vocals #Crackin’
AOR Warner Bros Records, USA CD 1998Takeito
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Dan Peek / Doer Of The World
Dan Peek is the original member of "America" and left the group in 1976 after releasing 8 albums. In addition to "A Horse With No Name" (1975) and "Sister Golden Hair", number-one hits in the U.S chart, America with Peek produced many top-10 hits such as "I Need You". Peek released his first solo album "All Things Are Possible" in 1978 supported by many L.A. session musicians including Jay Graydon, Steve Porcaro and Michael O'martian. Despite that his first CCM solo album was successful, it took 5 years until this second album release “Doer of the Word”, which hit number 2 in the Christian charts. Gerry Beckley contributed background vocals, which were recorded at Chris Christian's studio in Los Angeles while Peek was there. Whilst 1978 album "All Things Are Possible" was reissued on CD in 1995 by Home Sweet Home Records under Contemporary Christian Gold series, this second was not then. Hence, the first reissue was made in 2008 by Cool Sound Inc., Japan (COOL-004), originally scheduled on 10 May but due to the delay of remastering process, the reissue was delayed for 6 months. Release: 1984 Label: Home Sweet Home Records (RO2111) Tracks: Doer Of The World Holy Spirit Reach Out Everything Your Father Loves You Brotherly Love Redeemer I Believe In Miracles Thank You Lord Power & Glory Producer: Chris Christian Dan Peek: Vocals - Musicians - (Not-confirmed Information): Guitars: James Harrah, Gerry Beckley Piano : Jim Calire Guitars, Bass, Drums Programming: Chris Christian Background Vocals: Gerry Beckley #DanPeek
CCM Home Sweet Home Records, USA CD 1998Takeito
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Dan Peek / All Things Are Possible
Dan Peek, a co-founding member of the band America, was called a pioneer of CCM. After leaving the band America in 1977 citing his newfound faith in religion after years of casual drug use, Peek signed with Pat Boone's Lamb & Lion Records as a pioneering artist in the emerging Christian pop music genre. Subsequently, his solo debut album “All Things Are Possible” was released in 1978. Chris Christian had key role of the album, that is to say, producing, co-songwriting, contributing as a guitarist and background vocalist. The title track of the album reached top 10 in the Billboard Adult Contemporary chart and number 1 in the Christian charts. And Gerry Beckley and Dewey Bunnell, the other two founding members of America contributed the background vocals. The album was soon re-released by MCA Songbird (MCA-3187). The first CD reissue was made almost two decades later by Chris Christian under his label Home Sweet Home in 1995 and then by Cool Sound Inc., Japan on 10 May, 1998 (COOL-003). Peek died in his sleep of fibrinous pericarditis on 24 July, 2011, at age 60 at his home in Farmington, Missouri. Release:1978 Label: Lamb & Lion Records, USA (LL-1040) Tracks: 1. All Things Are Possible 2. Divine Lady 3. Love Was Just Another Word 4. He's All That's Right 5. One Way 6. Ready For Love 7. Lighthouse 8. Forgive Me, Forgive You 9. Hometown 10. You're My Savior 11. I Have To Say Goodbye Producer: Chris Christian Executive Producer: Doug Corbin Dan Peek: Vocals, Guitars - Musicians - Guitars: Jay Graydon, Larry Byron, Chris Christian Steel Guitar: Sonny Garrish Keyboards: Bobby Ogden, Jai Winding, Michael Omartian, Steve Porcaro Bass: Bob Wray, David Hungate, Steve Schaeffer Drums: Hal Blaine, Mike Botts, Roger Clark Percussion: Terry McMillan Harmonica: Terry McMillan Sax: Buddy Skipper Strings: Shelly Kurland Background Vocals: Dewey Bunnell, Gerry Beckley, Donna Sheridan, Jackie Cusic, Janie Frickie #DanPeek
CCM Cool Sound Inc., Japan Lamb & Lion Records, USA CDTakeito
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Pegasus
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 " Midnight Flyer / Makin' Tracks" in 1977. Release: 1977 Label: Sunshine Records, USA (0969) Tracks: 1. Fly 2. Pegasus 3. Treat Her Like A Lady 4. Down And Dirty 5. Touch The One You Love 6. Let Me Love You 7. Shake That Funky Thing 8. Wishin' I'd Never Known You Bonus track(s) added to the reissued CD version(s): 1998 Cool Sound Inc., Japan (COOL-012 released on 10 September, 1998) 9. Midnight Flyer * 10. Ride * 11. Hallelujah * * taken from “Midnight Flyer / Makin' Tracks” (1977) Producer: Jack Conrad Pegasus: Keyboards: David Foster Guitars: Jay Graydon Drums: Mike Baird Bass: Jack Conrad Percussion: Steve Forman Trumpet and Horn arrangement: Chuck Findley Sax: Jim Horn, Quiteman Dennis Lead Vocal: Chas Higgens, Trish Turner #Pegasus #JayGraydon #DavidFoster
3 Disco Funk Cool Sound Inc., JapanTakeito
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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
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The Kazu Project / Standing In The Wings
After releaseing his first solo album "Time No Longer" in 1981, Kazu constantly made his own project albums featuring many session musicians in Los Angeles. In 1982 "The Direction West" featuring Carlos Rios and Bill Champlin, "Standing On The Outside" (1983) which was released here in Japan as the solo album of Robben Ford, "Is That The Way To Your Heart" featuring Greg Walker, Phillip Ingram and Norman Dozier in 1984 and this album "Standing In The Wings" featuring Chris Farren and Tommy Funderburk. This album is the best Kazu Matsui Project album for AOR lovers. Fortunately we are able to get this album on CD after more than a decade from original release by Cool Sound Inc., Japan collaborated with Kazu Matsui on 10 October, 1998 ( COOL-014 / Kazu Records KAZUCD8505). Release: June, 1985 Label: Warner-Pioneer Corporation, Japan (P-13134) Tracks: 1. Don't Look Back 2. Standing In The Wings 3. That Girl 4. Desire (Short Road To Heaven) 5. Doctor O'men 6. Head Above Water 7. Into The Nightfall Producer:Kazu Matsui Kazu Matsui: Shakuhachi - Musicians - Lead Vocals: Chris Farren ( track 1, 3, 4, 7), Tommy Funderburk (track 2, 5, 6), Andrea Robinson (track 7) Keyboards: Steve Wood, Martin Lund, Barnaby Finch, Gery Stober Guitars: Carlos Rios, Dan Huff, Bruce Gaitsch, Issei Noro, Grant Geissman Pianos: Randy Waldman Drums: John Robinson, Moyes Lucas, Greg Bissonette Bass: Jimmy Johnson, Leon Gear, David White, Vince Colaiuta Percussion: Mike Fisher, Ed Mann, Freddie Washington Jr. Background Vocals: Maxi Anderson, Marlena Jeter, Phillip Ingram, Darryl Phinnesee #KazuMatsui
Adult Contemporary AOR Cool Sound Inc., Japan Warner-Pioneer Corporation, JapanTakeito
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Kazu Matusi Project /Time No Longer
Kazu Matsui, most famous bamboo flute player in the contemporary music field started his own project recording from this album "Time No Longer" in 1981. Before releasing this album, Kazu established his status in the music industry by performing bamboo flute, the traditional Japanese musical instrument on the several movie soundtracks such as "Shogun". He fully suceeded to show his talnet as a producer by this album and since then he continues to produce many albums including Keiko Matsui's (his wife's) smooth jazz instrumental projects in addition to his own project albums. After 1990, his musical direction has been varied from Adult Contemporary based one influenced by West Coast Music and Smooth Jazz to the Non-genre or Hard-to-be -categorized one. On this first album, Kazu gives you good Fusion music including vocal tunes performed by Carl Anderson. The album was firstly reissued on CD on 10 October, 1998 by Cool Sound Inc. (COOL-013) / Kazu Records, USA (KAZUCD8101). Release: January, 1981 Label: Baystate - RVC Corporation, Japan (RJL-8025) Tracks: 1. Overture (Rainy Moon) 2. Sunset And The Mistrel 3. Voice From Dark 4. Dwars' Workshop 5.Goblin Hunt 6.Father On (Song From The Prison) 7. Bonfire (Centeredance) 8. The Desert 9. Time No Longer (The Great Time - Giant Wakes Up) Producer: Kazu Matui (except "Goblin Hunt" by Larry Carlton) Kazu Matsui : Shakuhachi - Musicians - Guitar: Robben Ford, Steve Lukather, Larry Carlton, Lee Ritenour, Paul Jackson Jr. Piano: Russell Ferrante, Victor Feldman Keyboards; Brian Mann, Terry Trotter Harp: Katie Kirkpatrick Mann Bass: Alphonso Johnson, Abraham Laboriel Drums: Jeff Porcaro, John Ferraro, Vince Colaiuta Percussions: Steve Forman, Alex Acuna Vocals: Grant Gullickson, Carl Anderson #KazuMatsui
Adult Contemporary Contemporary Jazz Baystate - RVC Corporation, Japan Cool Sound Inc., JapanTakeito
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Maxus
Definitely, the one and only self-titled album of Maxus, the super legendary AOR / Westcoast group, must be one of the 100 AOR masterpiece albums. The music style of the group was compared with that of TOTO's then. Michael Landau, the best guitarist as well as Steve Lukather in early 1980's era, Robbie Buchanan, very popular session keyboard player and Jay Gruska as the lead vocalist had formed the super group. Gruska wrote all nine songs on the album with Robbie Buchanan, the keyboard player of the group, Michael Omartian, the album producer, Paul Gordon and Lisa Dal Bello. Very strong melodies were arranged with the highest sense of sophistication. Gruska’s high tone vocals were amazingly passionate and nicely backed by Buchanan’s top quality keyboards and Landau’s excellent guitars. Perfect combination was there. The result was more sophistcated than Toto's and reached almost same level of highest quality as Jay Graydon and David Foster's Airplay's by Michael Omartian production. Hence, the album reissued CDs are welcomed as one of evergreen AOR albums over decades. Release: 1981 Label: Warner Bros Records, USA (BSK-3634) First Reissued CD Release: 25 September, 1998 (Warner Bros., Japan WPCR-2153) Tracks: 1. The Higher You Rise 2. Nobody's Business 3. What You Give 4. Keep A Light On 5. Your Imagination 6. They Danced 7. Part Of You 8. Don't Try To Stop Me Now 9. Where Were You Producer: Michael Omartian Maxus: Lead Vocals and Pianos: Jay Gruska Painos, Synthesizers and Vocals: Robbie Buchanan Bass and Vocals: Mark Leonard Drums and Vocals: Doane Perry Guitars: Michael Landau - Musicians - Percussion: Paulinho Da Costa Synthesizers and Percussion: Michael Omartian Background Vocals: Bill Champlin, Tommy Funderburk, Jennifer Williams #Maxus #JayGruska #RobbieBuchanan #MichaelLandau
AOR Warner Bros Records, USA CD 1998Takeito