Sunday, November 26, 2006
Last Call!
Jolo - Last Call
Uploaded by leynnad
Another one of my latest YouTube obsessions.. Before I stumbled upon this, I never would have guessed that this song had a video..
Jolo was essentially Jo-Carol Block and Lauren Carter who had sung back-up for most of the major acts on Megatone like Patrick Cowley, Sylvester, Paul Parker and Modern Rocketry.. They, along with a third singer, Carol McMackin, would start out as the Patrick Cowley singers. As Jolo, they would release a few singles and no album, so image-wise they were a little anonymous; watching the video now though, they come across kind of like a Hi-NRG version of Wendy & Lisa, if you will.. True to the Megatone sound, this record marries both an driving, edgy electronic production with an undeniably gay sensibility, which is probably most obvious in the sheer drama in those vocals, especially in the intro. Not to mention the lyrics; somehow I can never buy that scenario in the video, those cruisy lyrics just sound specially tailored for the boys. To top it all off, it looks like the video was filmed in San Francisco's legendary I-Beam..
I believe "Last Call" would be their best known song, and if anything, a classic example of that unique San Francisco Hi-NRG sound, with those great synth buildups and background hooks. The record was released in 1984 and produced by Barry Beam (AKA Barry Blum) and John Hedges, both of whom also produced "Jump Shout" and "Rocket To Your Heart" for Lisa. In the 90's, John Hedges would become the last president of the Megatone label. Sadly, in 2003 Jo-Carol Block (then known under her married name, Jo-Carol Davidson) would pass away from a brain aneurysm.
Last thing: Be sure to check out the girls at the 4 minute mark, and also the leather man at 3.10.. some of my favourite parts of the video..
LINKS:
JOLO - LAST CALL 12'' @ DISCOMUSIC.COM
SAN FRANCISCO CHRONICLE: JO-CAROL DAVIDSON: DISCO SINGER, PRESERVATIONIST (OBITUARY) (THURSDAY JUNE 5, 2003)
TRIBUTE TO JO-CAROL DAVIDSON
DJ'S PORTAL - INTERVIEW WITH JOHN HEDGES
JOHN HEDGES @ DISCOMUSIC.COM
THE I-BEAM @ DISCOMUSIC.COM
THE I-BEAM TODAY
CATEGORIES: VISUAL DISCO
Saturday, November 25, 2006
Upcoming Reissues & Releases (Chic and more!): (December 1, 2006 - January 22, 2007)
Updated 01/17/06
Aside from the Cerrone Reissues update, it's been a while since I've done one of these, so I figure it's about time I put together another round up of releases.
First off, I'm really excited about the Chic reissues. A little while back Wounded Bird Records (who came up with that name anyway?) did a 2 on 1 CD reissue of their "Real People" (1980, Atlantic) and "Tongue In Chic" (1982, Atlantic) LPs. About a year ago, I submitted a review of the 2 on 1 CD to discomusic.com; in the review, I wrote that I hoped Wounded Bird would reissue their other two 80's albums in the future.. I don't know if they were reading it or anything, but either way, I'm glad to know they'll be on CD again very soon, especially since the out of print CD editions were already going for big $$ on eBay..
Also, some updates on the upcoming 70's Supremes album sets from Hip-O Select that I posted about back in my first Disco Delivery entry. Nothing really definite yet, but I'm really excited about these as well.. Update: As of December 1st, Hip-O has released "This Is The Story: The 70's Albums, Vol. 1 1970-1973," so far only available on their website www.hip-oselect.com.. Unfortunately, no word yet on Volume two with their disco albums.. Curiously, CD Universe has a listing for "This Is The Story." They've scheduled their release for December 12th, with a list price of $52.49 US..
January 17th update: Just added details about the N.Y.C. Peech Boys Japanese reissue from December 2nd..
December 1st:
Delegation - The Promise Of Love (1977, State/Shadybrook / 2006, Vivid)
buy @ amazon.com | cduniverse.com | dustygroove.com | hmv.co.jp
This is one I saw on the upcoming reissues list over at Dusty Groove.. I've really been digging their song "Heartbreak No. 9" for the last little while, so this one caught my eye.. This was the UK trio's first album from 1977 and from what I've read online, the title track along with "Soul Trippin'," "Back Door Love" (hmm..), "Oh Honey" (thanks Joe!) and "Where Is The Love We Used To Know" were the notable tracks on this one.. I also came across this reissue listed on HMV Japan, so this one looks like it could be a Japanese reissue, so far that's the only other site I've seen it listed on..
DELEGATION - THE PROMISE OF LOVE LP @ DISCOGS
DELEGATION - THE PROMISE OF LOVE LP @ SOULSTRUT
DELEGATION @ ALL MUSIC GUIDE
THE COMPLETE DISCO GUIDE TO DELEGATION @ DISCOSAVVY
Magic Lady - Hot N' Sassy (1982, A&M / 2006, PTG/Vinyl Masterpiece)
buy @ dustygroove.com | vinyl masterpiece
I remember hearing this album on mp3 a little while back, so far I've lost the mp3s, but I still remember it being a delicious slice of early 80's dance synth-pop goodness. Like all of their albums, this one was produced by Michael Stokes. His wife Linda Stokes was a member of the group, and interestingly enough, Michael himself was the head of A&R at A&M at this time, where he signed none other than Janet Jackson. So far, this album, like many of PTG/Vinyl Masterpiece's other releases, is only available through Dusty Groove, the Vinyl Masterpiece website and their seller on eBay..
MAGIC LADY - HOT N' SASSY LP (REVIEW) @ ALL MUSIC GUIDE
MAGIC LADY @ ALL MUSIC GUIDE
MAGIC LADY @ SOULWALKING
December 2nd:
N.Y.C. Peech Boys - Life Is Something Special (1983, Island / 2006, P-Vine)
buy @ dustygroove.com | amazon.com | cduniverse.com | p-vine shop | hmv.co.jp
A Japanese CD reissue of the N.Y.C. Peech Boys (AKA New York Citi Peech Boys) lone LP (with great cover art by Keith Haring, no less). So far, I'm only familiar with the Peech Boys from their seminal Paradise Garage/Electro-funk classic "Don't Make Me Wait," originally released 1982 on West End. "Don't Make Me Wait" also appears on this album, and apparently Island also saw it fit to re-release it as a 12'' single. I'm not sure if the LP mix differs from the original release on West End, I guess that will be a surprise for when I hear it. Obviously, I have yet to hear this LP, but the entire thing was produced by Larry Levan (who needs no introduction) and Michael DeBenedictus, so this is definitely one for my wants list. The CD reissue includes several bonus tracks: "Life Is Something Special (Special Edition)," "Don't Make Me Wait (Dub)," "On A Journey (Dubmix)," and "Come On Come On (Don't Say Maybe) (Dub)." This CD was originally released in Japan on December 2nd, however the "import release" appears to have been January 16th, when it started showing up on some of the major retailers like Amazon and Dusty Groove.
ROBERT CHRISTGAU: N.Y.C. PEECH BOYS - LIFE IS SOMETHING SPECIAL LP (REVIEW)
PEECH BOYS @ ALL MUSIC GUIDE
N.Y.C. PEECH BOYS @ JAHSONIC
PEECH BOYS @ DISCOGS
December 5th:
Chic - Chic (1977, Atlantic / 2006, Wounded Bird)
buy @ dustygroove.com | amazon.com | amazon.co.uk | cduniverse.com
Chic's very first album and among their very best. Not the first time the album has been on CD, but as far as I know, the CD has been out of print for a few years now.. A while back when I did a review, I said this album was "just short of classic," I have to take that back. This is a surefire classic in every sense, definitely a must have if you like Chic..
Amazon says the release date is Dec. 5th, but if anyone wants it right away, Dusty Groove seems to have copies available already, and at a great price too..
CHIC - CHIC LP (REVIEW) @ ALL MUSIC GUIDE
CHIC - CHIC CD @ DISCOMUSIC.COM
Chic - Take It Off (1981, Atlantic / 2006, Wounded Bird)
buy @ dustygroove.com | amazon.com | amazon.co.uk | cduniverse.com
In my opinion, one of the best Chic albums, certainly their best during the 1980s and one of their most underrated. This album has been on CD before, but has been long out of print, to say the least.. Can't wait to finally have a copy for myself!
CHIC - TAKE IT OFF LP (REVIEW) @ ALL MUSIC GUIDE
CHIC - TAKE IT OFF LP @ DISCOGS
Chic - Believer (1983, Atlantic / 2006, Wounded Bird)
buy @ dustygroove.com | amazon.com | amazon.co.uk | cduniverse.com
The last Chic album with the classic lineup of Bernard Edwards, Nile Rodgers, Luci Martin, Alfa Anderson and Tony Thompson.. The reviews on this one still seem to be mixed today. By this time Bernard and Nile were involved individually in their own outside productions (not to mention their own solo albums) and were experimenting with a more synthesized sound on this album. That said, I really enjoy this LP as well, bad reviews notwithstanding. I'll admit it was more robotic than in the past, the Chic strings were long gone by this point, yet their unique Chic sound was still in place. This would be the last Chic album until 1992, when Edwards and Rodgers would regroup without Martin, Anderson or Thompson.. Anyway, this release is quite timely, given how someone was trying to pass one of the out of print CD editions off for over $100 US on eBay (gimme a break!)..
CHIC - BELIEVER LP (REVIEW) @ ALL MUSIC GUIDE
CHIC ALBUM REVIEWS @ ROBERTCHRISTGAU.COM
Chic - Chic-ism (1992, Warner Bros. / 2006, Wounded Bird)
buy @ dustygroove.com | amazon.com | amazon.co.uk | cduniverse.com
Chic's early '90s comeback album.. At first I didn't know what to make of the production, with the classic Chic sound filtered through early 90's production values. That said, this one grew on me quite a bit.. Not one of their best, but a good album nonetheless (I don't think I could dislike any of their albums). I guess the disco "revival" or re-evaluation was just starting then, as well, Atlantic had released a well-received Greatest Hits CD on them the year before. I'm guessing those two things played a part in the timing of this album.. By this time Chic was Bernard, Nile with their new singers Sylver Logan Sharp (who's still with Chic) and Jenn Thomas. Needless to say, Bernard would pass away in 1996 and this would be the last Chic studio album to date (though there seems to be a new Chic album in the works)..
CHIC - CHIC-ISM (ALBUM REVIEW) @ ALL MUSIC GUIDE
December 10th:
Hot Bush - Hot Bush (1980, APA/TK / 2006, Soul Profiles)
buy @ dustygroove
A real rarity that I also came across on Dusty Groove's upcoming reissues list.. All I know about this album is that it was originally released in 1980 on TK Records' APA imprint and that it's apparently a disco album.. The track "Tell Me What You Will" seems to be the best known of the bunch, though that's not saying much. Dusty Groove doesn't specify the label that's reissuing this, and a search on some of the Japanese retailers is completely fruitless.. Nevertheless, this is one album that's piqued my interest.. Update: It seems Dusty Groove released this one early for some reason.. It's already available to buy.. Somehow I'm thinking this is probably an "unofficial" release..
BLACK MUSIC COLLECTORS - APA RECORDS DISCOGRAPHY
December 15th:
King Errisson - Magic Man/L.A. Bound (1976, 1977, Westbound / 2006, Westbound/Ace)
buy @ cduniverse.com | amazon.com | amazon.co.uk | dustygroove.com
Aside from the fact that he's a well-renowned percussionist who's accumulated quite an impressive CV in his time, I'm not really too familiar with King Errisson and his work.. From what I do know, his big disco favourite "Manhattan Love Song" was off his "L.A. Bound" (1977, Westbound) LP. Needless to say, I've been wanting to hear that album for a little while now. That LP was produced by Mike Theodore and Dennis Coffey, who also produced C.J. & Co. among others.. I did a review of one of the Mike Theodore Orchestra albums a few months back.. Needless to say any album with the two of these guys involved has got to be good..
KING ERRISSON - L.A. BOUND LP @ DISCOMUSIC.COM
KING ERRISSON @ ALL MUSIC GUIDE
January 22nd:
Discotheque, Vol. 2: The Paradise Garage (2007, Gut)
buy @ amazon.co.uk | amazon.com | cduniverse.com | dustygroove.com
Yes, another Paradise Garage compilation.. The Gut label's Discotheque series is described as "the soundtrack to the world's greatest clubs".. So far I've seen a promo copy of this 2-CD set for sale on eBay, but the seller didn't provide a tracklist. Amazon UK has it listed, but no tracklist there either (Update: Thanks to the anonymous commenter for providing a tracklist.. See the comments section for it).. This installation in the series (as will the others, I believe) will be researched and compiled by author Tim Lawrence and Ian Dewhirst who was involved with the Mastercuts compilations and some of the more recent ones on Salsoul/Suss'd, so I'm hopeful that there'll be some original selections on it.. So far Gut have released Discotheque, Volume 1 on Manchester's legendary Hacienda. In any case, I'm looking forward to what this and other future installations in their Discotheque series have to offer..
By the way, if anyone has any other upcoming releases they would like to notify me about, feel free to email me through the suggestions link on the top left hand menu..
CATEGORIES: REISSUES & RELEASES
Aside from the Cerrone Reissues update, it's been a while since I've done one of these, so I figure it's about time I put together another round up of releases.
First off, I'm really excited about the Chic reissues. A little while back Wounded Bird Records (who came up with that name anyway?) did a 2 on 1 CD reissue of their "Real People" (1980, Atlantic) and "Tongue In Chic" (1982, Atlantic) LPs. About a year ago, I submitted a review of the 2 on 1 CD to discomusic.com; in the review, I wrote that I hoped Wounded Bird would reissue their other two 80's albums in the future.. I don't know if they were reading it or anything, but either way, I'm glad to know they'll be on CD again very soon, especially since the out of print CD editions were already going for big $$ on eBay..
Also, some updates on the upcoming 70's Supremes album sets from Hip-O Select that I posted about back in my first Disco Delivery entry. Nothing really definite yet, but I'm really excited about these as well.. Update: As of December 1st, Hip-O has released "This Is The Story: The 70's Albums, Vol. 1 1970-1973," so far only available on their website www.hip-oselect.com.. Unfortunately, no word yet on Volume two with their disco albums.. Curiously, CD Universe has a listing for "This Is The Story." They've scheduled their release for December 12th, with a list price of $52.49 US..
January 17th update: Just added details about the N.Y.C. Peech Boys Japanese reissue from December 2nd..
December 1st:
Delegation - The Promise Of Love (1977, State/Shadybrook / 2006, Vivid)
buy @ amazon.com | cduniverse.com | dustygroove.com | hmv.co.jp
This is one I saw on the upcoming reissues list over at Dusty Groove.. I've really been digging their song "Heartbreak No. 9" for the last little while, so this one caught my eye.. This was the UK trio's first album from 1977 and from what I've read online, the title track along with "Soul Trippin'," "Back Door Love" (hmm..), "Oh Honey" (thanks Joe!) and "Where Is The Love We Used To Know" were the notable tracks on this one.. I also came across this reissue listed on HMV Japan, so this one looks like it could be a Japanese reissue, so far that's the only other site I've seen it listed on..
DELEGATION - THE PROMISE OF LOVE LP @ DISCOGS
DELEGATION - THE PROMISE OF LOVE LP @ SOULSTRUT
DELEGATION @ ALL MUSIC GUIDE
THE COMPLETE DISCO GUIDE TO DELEGATION @ DISCOSAVVY
Magic Lady - Hot N' Sassy (1982, A&M / 2006, PTG/Vinyl Masterpiece)
buy @ dustygroove.com | vinyl masterpiece
I remember hearing this album on mp3 a little while back, so far I've lost the mp3s, but I still remember it being a delicious slice of early 80's dance synth-pop goodness. Like all of their albums, this one was produced by Michael Stokes. His wife Linda Stokes was a member of the group, and interestingly enough, Michael himself was the head of A&R at A&M at this time, where he signed none other than Janet Jackson. So far, this album, like many of PTG/Vinyl Masterpiece's other releases, is only available through Dusty Groove, the Vinyl Masterpiece website and their seller on eBay..
MAGIC LADY - HOT N' SASSY LP (REVIEW) @ ALL MUSIC GUIDE
MAGIC LADY @ ALL MUSIC GUIDE
MAGIC LADY @ SOULWALKING
December 2nd:
N.Y.C. Peech Boys - Life Is Something Special (1983, Island / 2006, P-Vine)
buy @ dustygroove.com | amazon.com | cduniverse.com | p-vine shop | hmv.co.jp
A Japanese CD reissue of the N.Y.C. Peech Boys (AKA New York Citi Peech Boys) lone LP (with great cover art by Keith Haring, no less). So far, I'm only familiar with the Peech Boys from their seminal Paradise Garage/Electro-funk classic "Don't Make Me Wait," originally released 1982 on West End. "Don't Make Me Wait" also appears on this album, and apparently Island also saw it fit to re-release it as a 12'' single. I'm not sure if the LP mix differs from the original release on West End, I guess that will be a surprise for when I hear it. Obviously, I have yet to hear this LP, but the entire thing was produced by Larry Levan (who needs no introduction) and Michael DeBenedictus, so this is definitely one for my wants list. The CD reissue includes several bonus tracks: "Life Is Something Special (Special Edition)," "Don't Make Me Wait (Dub)," "On A Journey (Dubmix)," and "Come On Come On (Don't Say Maybe) (Dub)." This CD was originally released in Japan on December 2nd, however the "import release" appears to have been January 16th, when it started showing up on some of the major retailers like Amazon and Dusty Groove.
ROBERT CHRISTGAU: N.Y.C. PEECH BOYS - LIFE IS SOMETHING SPECIAL LP (REVIEW)
PEECH BOYS @ ALL MUSIC GUIDE
N.Y.C. PEECH BOYS @ JAHSONIC
PEECH BOYS @ DISCOGS
December 5th:
Chic - Chic (1977, Atlantic / 2006, Wounded Bird)
buy @ dustygroove.com | amazon.com | amazon.co.uk | cduniverse.com
Chic's very first album and among their very best. Not the first time the album has been on CD, but as far as I know, the CD has been out of print for a few years now.. A while back when I did a review, I said this album was "just short of classic," I have to take that back. This is a surefire classic in every sense, definitely a must have if you like Chic..
Amazon says the release date is Dec. 5th, but if anyone wants it right away, Dusty Groove seems to have copies available already, and at a great price too..
CHIC - CHIC LP (REVIEW) @ ALL MUSIC GUIDE
CHIC - CHIC CD @ DISCOMUSIC.COM
Chic - Take It Off (1981, Atlantic / 2006, Wounded Bird)
buy @ dustygroove.com | amazon.com | amazon.co.uk | cduniverse.com
In my opinion, one of the best Chic albums, certainly their best during the 1980s and one of their most underrated. This album has been on CD before, but has been long out of print, to say the least.. Can't wait to finally have a copy for myself!
CHIC - TAKE IT OFF LP (REVIEW) @ ALL MUSIC GUIDE
CHIC - TAKE IT OFF LP @ DISCOGS
Chic - Believer (1983, Atlantic / 2006, Wounded Bird)
buy @ dustygroove.com | amazon.com | amazon.co.uk | cduniverse.com
The last Chic album with the classic lineup of Bernard Edwards, Nile Rodgers, Luci Martin, Alfa Anderson and Tony Thompson.. The reviews on this one still seem to be mixed today. By this time Bernard and Nile were involved individually in their own outside productions (not to mention their own solo albums) and were experimenting with a more synthesized sound on this album. That said, I really enjoy this LP as well, bad reviews notwithstanding. I'll admit it was more robotic than in the past, the Chic strings were long gone by this point, yet their unique Chic sound was still in place. This would be the last Chic album until 1992, when Edwards and Rodgers would regroup without Martin, Anderson or Thompson.. Anyway, this release is quite timely, given how someone was trying to pass one of the out of print CD editions off for over $100 US on eBay (gimme a break!)..
CHIC - BELIEVER LP (REVIEW) @ ALL MUSIC GUIDE
CHIC ALBUM REVIEWS @ ROBERTCHRISTGAU.COM
Chic - Chic-ism (1992, Warner Bros. / 2006, Wounded Bird)
buy @ dustygroove.com | amazon.com | amazon.co.uk | cduniverse.com
Chic's early '90s comeback album.. At first I didn't know what to make of the production, with the classic Chic sound filtered through early 90's production values. That said, this one grew on me quite a bit.. Not one of their best, but a good album nonetheless (I don't think I could dislike any of their albums). I guess the disco "revival" or re-evaluation was just starting then, as well, Atlantic had released a well-received Greatest Hits CD on them the year before. I'm guessing those two things played a part in the timing of this album.. By this time Chic was Bernard, Nile with their new singers Sylver Logan Sharp (who's still with Chic) and Jenn Thomas. Needless to say, Bernard would pass away in 1996 and this would be the last Chic studio album to date (though there seems to be a new Chic album in the works)..
CHIC - CHIC-ISM (ALBUM REVIEW) @ ALL MUSIC GUIDE
December 10th:
Hot Bush - Hot Bush (1980, APA/TK / 2006, Soul Profiles)
buy @ dustygroove
A real rarity that I also came across on Dusty Groove's upcoming reissues list.. All I know about this album is that it was originally released in 1980 on TK Records' APA imprint and that it's apparently a disco album.. The track "Tell Me What You Will" seems to be the best known of the bunch, though that's not saying much. Dusty Groove doesn't specify the label that's reissuing this, and a search on some of the Japanese retailers is completely fruitless.. Nevertheless, this is one album that's piqued my interest.. Update: It seems Dusty Groove released this one early for some reason.. It's already available to buy.. Somehow I'm thinking this is probably an "unofficial" release..
BLACK MUSIC COLLECTORS - APA RECORDS DISCOGRAPHY
December 15th:
King Errisson - Magic Man/L.A. Bound (1976, 1977, Westbound / 2006, Westbound/Ace)
buy @ cduniverse.com | amazon.com | amazon.co.uk | dustygroove.com
Aside from the fact that he's a well-renowned percussionist who's accumulated quite an impressive CV in his time, I'm not really too familiar with King Errisson and his work.. From what I do know, his big disco favourite "Manhattan Love Song" was off his "L.A. Bound" (1977, Westbound) LP. Needless to say, I've been wanting to hear that album for a little while now. That LP was produced by Mike Theodore and Dennis Coffey, who also produced C.J. & Co. among others.. I did a review of one of the Mike Theodore Orchestra albums a few months back.. Needless to say any album with the two of these guys involved has got to be good..
KING ERRISSON - L.A. BOUND LP @ DISCOMUSIC.COM
KING ERRISSON @ ALL MUSIC GUIDE
January 22nd:
Discotheque, Vol. 2: The Paradise Garage (2007, Gut)
buy @ amazon.co.uk | amazon.com | cduniverse.com | dustygroove.com
Yes, another Paradise Garage compilation.. The Gut label's Discotheque series is described as "the soundtrack to the world's greatest clubs".. So far I've seen a promo copy of this 2-CD set for sale on eBay, but the seller didn't provide a tracklist. Amazon UK has it listed, but no tracklist there either (Update: Thanks to the anonymous commenter for providing a tracklist.. See the comments section for it).. This installation in the series (as will the others, I believe) will be researched and compiled by author Tim Lawrence and Ian Dewhirst who was involved with the Mastercuts compilations and some of the more recent ones on Salsoul/Suss'd, so I'm hopeful that there'll be some original selections on it.. So far Gut have released Discotheque, Volume 1 on Manchester's legendary Hacienda. In any case, I'm looking forward to what this and other future installations in their Discotheque series have to offer..
By the way, if anyone has any other upcoming releases they would like to notify me about, feel free to email me through the suggestions link on the top left hand menu..
CATEGORIES: REISSUES & RELEASES
Sunday, November 12, 2006
Disco Delivery #28:
Montana - A Dance Fantasy Inspired by Close Encounters of the Third Kind (1978, Atlantic)
Montana - Warp Factor II
Montana - Love Star
Montana - V.M. IV
Montana - Fly Me To The Moon (In Other Words) (feat. Sister Sledge)
Montana - It's Peaceful Out There
Montana - A Dance Fantasy Inspired by Close Encounters of the Third Kind (full side one suite)
Individual Movements:
First Movement: Mexican Desert
Second Movement: The Toys Come To Life
Third Movement: Comin' Round The Mountain
Fourth Movement: India
Fifth Movement: Space Center
Sixth Movement: The Child Communicates/Kidnapping
Seventh Movement: The Conversion (Close Encounters of the Third Kind)
The Grand Finale: When You Wish Upon A Star (feat. Sister Sledge)
Updated and edited April 2013
Vincent Montana, Jr., as some of you may already know, was the driving force behind The Salsoul Orchestra, as well as one of the key musicians in M.F.S.B. and by extension a prominent figure in the world of Philly Soul.. Like some of the personnel (Baker-Harris-Young, for instance) involved with MFSB and Gamble & Huff's Philadelphia International, Montana would leave the fold at the turn of the disco era and would end up over at Salsoul.. The Salsoul Orchestra was originally Montana's concept, in a recent interview, Vince described the Orchestra as being the realization of his dream in creating "a large orchestra with Latino rhythm, lush strings, a funky bottom and as I like to call it 'kickin’ ass brass' ." The Orchestra would soon become the Salsoul label's flagship brand, if you will.. Unlike some other disco "orchestras" the Salsoul Orchestra was a genuine 37-member ensemble that even performed live (at home and abroad) on occasion. They were also something of a Salsoul "house band" if you will, backing up artists like Carol Williams, Loleatta Holloway and Charo on some of their biggest records for the label. The "Up The Yellow Brick Road" (1978, Salsoul) album was to be the last Salsoul Orchestra LP that Montana would be involved with. Apparently during that time, he would end up leaving the Salsoul fold over a continuing disagreement over royalty payments. Other producers would later take up the helm; Tom Moulton and Thor Baldursson would produce the "Street Sense" (1979, Salsoul) album; Bunny Sigler and Patrick Adams would each do albums for the Orchestra as well. Granted, while there were still some excellent Salsoul Orchestra records after Montana left (I'm thinking "212 North 12th" off "Street Sense," much of the "How High" LP, "Take Some Time Out For Love" to name a few), none of the producers who followed would quite match Montana's success or identification with the brand..
Like many prominent disco producers, Vince was consistently busy throughout the late '70s but 1978 in particular seemed like an especially busy year. For one thing there was the Salsoul Orchestra's "...Yellow Brick Road" LP, the issues with the Salsoul label, and on top of that his move to Atlantic where he would release three(!) albums in that one year; the "Goody Goody" album, and under the moniker 'Montana', the "I Love Music" LP and this album.. I'm not sure which of the three came first, but judging from this album and the Goody Goody LP, his Atlantic period would enable him to experiment and branch out a little further with his sound. The title track of this LP is perhaps the most obvious example. Partially inspired by the John Williams theme for the film of the same name; unlike some of the medleys he would do on on Salsoul, this was about as ambitious - musically and conceptually - as he had ever gotten up to this point, with a full-on side-long disco symphony in seven movements. Not sure what it was with Sci-Fi movies that inspired so many disco re-makes, but you can add Vince Montana to the illustrious list of disco producers (Boris Midney, Meco, Van McCoy etc..) who were. A departure from the "kick-ass brass" of the Salsoul Orchestra and the dramatic side-long epics of Costandinos, while just as ambitious, Montana's epic feels much more down-tempo and atmospheric, in comparison, which is probably why it's something that I'd personally rather listen to than dance to (or more appropriately, something I'd rather fantasize about dancing to). At some fifteen minutes long, it's perhaps not the most instant piece on the record, but the best part of the suite starts around the eight minute mark, when the tempo and the arrangements start to pick up, peaking with a sublime vocal rendition of "When You Wish Upon A Star".
Personally, I'd have to say that the best part of this album would have to be side two. In some ways, side two seemed like Vince picking up more directly where he had left off with the Salsoul Orchestra, albeit with a greater jazz influence this time around. The Star Trek inspired "Warp Factor II" is perhaps the most indicative of this. Anchored by a percolating bass; it's a slightly darker, spacious (in both feeling and concept) hypnotic groove that draws you in and keeps you hooked with Vince's trademark "heavy vibes". In one of my favourite Vince Montana moments on YouTube, and in what also has to be a rare set-up; Vince would perform this song live (following an interview) in a 1978 appearance on The Steel Pier Show where he improvises on the vibes with such mastery and grace, you can hardly believe he's backed with nothing else but the song's recorded track.
Vince Montana, Jr. "Warp Factor II" - The Steel Pier Show (1978)
Uploaded by MontanaPSW
Despite an extended mix of this being tucked on the B-side of the album's 12" single (with the 'Dance Fantasy' suite on the A-side), I'd imagine this was the track which got the most play, charting the single at a respectable #23 on the Billboard Disco charts in 1978.
Another favourite of mine would have to be the all too brief "Love Star," with its beautiful melody and orchestration riding atop some trademark swinging Philly guitars, taking you on at least three musical peaks in the span of its relatively modest two minutes and thirty seconds.. Towards the end the LP, the classy Salsoul Orchestra-style rendition of the old standard "Fly Me To The Moon," with vocals by a pre-"We Are Family" Sister Sledge (who are credited for all the vocals on the LP), is possibly one of the better renderings of this dusty old standard, which he also performed (sans the Sisters) on his 1978 Steel Pier Show appearance.
Vince Montana, Jr. "Fly Me To The Moon" - The Steel Pier Show (1978)
Uploaded by MontanaPSW
"It's Peaceful Out There" brings the album full-circle - a coda back to the orchestral space theme of side one. Essentially a re-titled cover of Italian composer Federico Monti Arduini's (AKA Arfemo) best known pieces, "Amore Grande Amore Libero" (later the title of a film, also scored by Arduini) under the alias Il Guardiano del Faro (The Lighthouse Keeper) in 1975, this would have to be one of Vince's lesser known, though perhaps one of his brightest moments as a producer and arranger. Montana's orchestral arrangements here take Arduini's moogy original to another level altogether, making it sound like the cinematic orchestral piece that it was always meant to be.
One other interesting tidbit about the record is that disco mix master Tom Moulton ended up being recruited to mix this album.. Interesting, since by all accounts, Vince and Tom didn't exactly (and still don't) get along.. Here's what Tom had to say in an interview with Claes Widlund of disco-disco.com:
"I wish I could understand [Vince], I just don't. I just try and try and try, but I just don't understand him, so... 'Cause he didn't tell you that his album 'Close Encounters of the Third Kind'.... he begs me to mix his album because Atlantic rejected it. He called me the day before Christmas and begged me. I said; 'Vince, I can't do this.' He said; 'You're a shit!' and then; 'Oh Tom, I'm sorry and bla bla bla bla bla...' I mean, I couldn't believe it - no one else could either... And I said; 'Vince, I'll do it on two conditions...' He said; 'What's that?' I said; 'You are not there and if you say one word to me other then Hello or Goodbye - I'm leaving!' And he did, and no one would believe it. Well I ended up mixing it, then they accepted it...."
If anyone needs further proof of their continued animosity, look no further than the comments section of Vince's interview with discomusic.com, where they both have it out.. While it's unfortunate that there's little love between these two giants of disco and Philly soul, a record with the talents of both Vince Montana and Tom Moulton can't be a bad one...
Despite the winding down of the disco era, Vince would continue making records. In the '80s he would put out, among many other things, the seminal "Heavy Vibes" on his own Philly Sound Works label. Vince and Philly Sound Works are still going strong today. Recently, some of his latest releases on PSW have received glowing reviews, most notably "That's What Love Does" feat. William "Smoke" Howard of The Ebonys which was reportedly a favourite among many DJ's in 2005.. Despite being set back by medical problems that same year, he's apparently still planning an album tentatively titled "The Revival Project" and more recently, released (promo-only so far) a new track called "You're My Everything" featuring his old Salsoul compatriots, Double Exposure. That said, I doubt there are too many guys like Vince; pushing 80, yet who can still command a contemporary audience with their music, all while staying true to their roots.... Here's to you, Vince!
LINKS:
DISCOMUSIC.COM: MONTANA - A DANCE FANTASY INSPIRED BY CLOSE ENCOUNTERS OF THE THIRD KIND LP
DISCOGS: MONTANA - A DANCE FANTASY INSPIRED BY CLOSE ENCOUNTERS OF THE THIRD KIND LP
DISCOGS: MONTANA - A DANCE FANTASY/WARP FACTOR II 12''
INTERNET MOVIE DATABASE: CLOSE ENCOUNTERS OF THE THIRD KIND
DISCOMUSIC.COM: VINCE MONTANA INTERVIEW
DJS PORTAL: VINCE MONTANA INTERVIEW
ELECTRONIC BEATS: VINCENT'S GOT SO MUCH SOUL (VINCE MONTANA INTERVIEW) (WEB ARCHIVE)
DISCO MUSEUM: VINCE MONTANA JR. & THE SALSOUL ORCHESTRA
PHILLY SOUND WORKS RECORDS
WIKIPEDIA: SALSOUL RECORDS
CATEGORIES: DISCO DELIVERIES, WHAT EVER HAPPENED TO.., VISUAL DISCO
Wednesday, November 08, 2006
Love in space and time..
Dee D. Jackson - Automatic Lover (Original Promo Video)
Found this great video on YouTube a while back.. I haven't really gotten any of Dee D. Jackson's (AKA Deirdre Cozier) albums yet, but this video is something else.. The soft-focus lens, those costumes, that robot! It's dreamy, glamorous and a veritable camp explosion all at the same time. Same goes for the song, written and produced by Gary and Patty Unwin, it's an epic, if not slightly campy piece of spacey, electronic disco. That angelic refrain "See me, feel me, hear me, love me, touch me.." is just the ultimate.. It's like a bright, beaming silver lining, the one element that really seems to bring everything together and make this thing work..
Gary Unwin was, for the most part, a bass player on many of the disco productions that came out of Munich, apparing on many productions by Giorgio Moroder, Jürgen Korduletsch, Kunze/Levay, Anthony Monn, Frank Farian etc.. Given some of the people he's worked with, I guess it's no surprise he decided to go in an electronic direction when taking his turn on the production side.. I first heard this song several years back on the indefinitely defunct (?) site deepdisco.com. A great site that was one of my favourites and something of a pre-cursor to mp3 blogging.. The version that deepdisco.com put up was actually the Sylvia Robinson (of Mickey & Sylvia, Sugar Hill Records and "Pillow Talk" fame) cover version.. It was pretty much an imitation of the original, albeit a rather cheap one. I'm guessing it was an attempt to get a hit before the Dee D. Jackson version got proper stateside distribution..
That said, the best cover version of this song, in my opinion, is the more recent version by Swedish electro-crooner Jay-Jay Johanson. It was from his "Antenna" (2002, RCA) album from several years back and really zeroes in on the sublime beauty of the song.. The video is visually stunning and the cover version itself is just as good, if not even better than the original..
Jay-Jay Johanson - Automatic Lover (Promo Video)
When Ms. Jackson was asked on one of her fansites, "what is the favourite song that you've recorded?," she replied "my favourite song has yet to be released." Perhaps she wishes her fame could have gone beyond "Automatic Lover," nevertheless, she's still around making music, and in fact today runs her own label, DDE Records, from her home base in Torino, Italy..
Here's one more video of Dee D. Jackson (and robot), performing "Automatic Lover" "live" on the Spanish TV program Aplauso in 1978.
Dee D. Jackson - Automatic Lover (Spanish TV, 1978)
LINKS:
DEE D. JACKSON - THE FANSITE
DEE D. JACKSON FANS WORLDWIDE
DEE D. JACKSON 2002 INTERVIEW
DEE D. JACKSON @ DISCOGS
GARY UNWIN @ DISCOGS
PATTY UNWIN @ DISCOGS
PURCHASE:
STILL ALIVE - DISCO OF THE '80s (PAL DVD) @ AMAZON.DE (INCLUDES "AUTOMATIC LOVER" PROMO VIDEO)
CATEGORIES: VISUAL DISCO, NUDISCO, WHAT EVER HAPPENED TO..
Found this great video on YouTube a while back.. I haven't really gotten any of Dee D. Jackson's (AKA Deirdre Cozier) albums yet, but this video is something else.. The soft-focus lens, those costumes, that robot! It's dreamy, glamorous and a veritable camp explosion all at the same time. Same goes for the song, written and produced by Gary and Patty Unwin, it's an epic, if not slightly campy piece of spacey, electronic disco. That angelic refrain "See me, feel me, hear me, love me, touch me.." is just the ultimate.. It's like a bright, beaming silver lining, the one element that really seems to bring everything together and make this thing work..
Gary Unwin was, for the most part, a bass player on many of the disco productions that came out of Munich, apparing on many productions by Giorgio Moroder, Jürgen Korduletsch, Kunze/Levay, Anthony Monn, Frank Farian etc.. Given some of the people he's worked with, I guess it's no surprise he decided to go in an electronic direction when taking his turn on the production side.. I first heard this song several years back on the indefinitely defunct (?) site deepdisco.com. A great site that was one of my favourites and something of a pre-cursor to mp3 blogging.. The version that deepdisco.com put up was actually the Sylvia Robinson (of Mickey & Sylvia, Sugar Hill Records and "Pillow Talk" fame) cover version.. It was pretty much an imitation of the original, albeit a rather cheap one. I'm guessing it was an attempt to get a hit before the Dee D. Jackson version got proper stateside distribution..
That said, the best cover version of this song, in my opinion, is the more recent version by Swedish electro-crooner Jay-Jay Johanson. It was from his "Antenna" (2002, RCA) album from several years back and really zeroes in on the sublime beauty of the song.. The video is visually stunning and the cover version itself is just as good, if not even better than the original..
Jay-Jay Johanson - Automatic Lover (Promo Video)
When Ms. Jackson was asked on one of her fansites, "what is the favourite song that you've recorded?," she replied "my favourite song has yet to be released." Perhaps she wishes her fame could have gone beyond "Automatic Lover," nevertheless, she's still around making music, and in fact today runs her own label, DDE Records, from her home base in Torino, Italy..
Here's one more video of Dee D. Jackson (and robot), performing "Automatic Lover" "live" on the Spanish TV program Aplauso in 1978.
Dee D. Jackson - Automatic Lover (Spanish TV, 1978)
LINKS:
DEE D. JACKSON - THE FANSITE
DEE D. JACKSON FANS WORLDWIDE
DEE D. JACKSON 2002 INTERVIEW
DEE D. JACKSON @ DISCOGS
GARY UNWIN @ DISCOGS
PATTY UNWIN @ DISCOGS
PURCHASE:
STILL ALIVE - DISCO OF THE '80s (PAL DVD) @ AMAZON.DE (INCLUDES "AUTOMATIC LOVER" PROMO VIDEO)
CATEGORIES: VISUAL DISCO, NUDISCO, WHAT EVER HAPPENED TO..
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