Van Hunt - s/t

Name:Van Hunt
Album: s/t
Year: 2003
Style: R&B, Funk, Soul
Similar Bands: Maxwell, Codu ChesnuTT, D'Angelo, Erykah Badu, Chocolate Genius
"One-Word" Review: Funky, Slick Bedroom Eyes
Based Out Of: Dayton OH
Label: Capitol, EMI

Cover, Liner Notes

Lyrics, CD, CD Tray

Poster CD Back

Van Hunt (2003)

1. Dust 4:14 (Single)
2. Seconds of Pleasure 5:40 (Single)
3. Hello, Goodbye 4:25
4. Down Here in Hell (With You) 4:49 (Single)
5. What Can I Say (For Millicent) 4:46
6. Anything (To Get Your Attention) 3:28
7. Highlights 5:35
8. Precious 4:29
9. Her December 4:16
10. Hold My Hand 3:50
11. Who Will Love Me in Winter 4:15
12. Out of the Sky 5:10

Album Rating (1-10): 6.0

Members & Other Bands:

• Andrew Slater - Exec Producer, Additional Production
• Randy Jackson - Exec Producer, Mgmt
• Van Hunt - Exec Producer & Producer, Writer, Arranger, Performer (Royalty, Dionne Farris, Cree Summer, Sam Moore, Nikka Costa, Rahsaan Patterson, Joi, Count BassD, Sam Moore, The Decoders, Nate Smith, Billy Lawrence, Afghan Wigs)
• Howard Willing - Additional Producing, A&R, Recording
• Curtis Whitehead - Writing, Rhythm & Acoustic Guitar, Bass (Count BassD, Curtis Harding)
• Mary Fagot - Creative Director
• Tait Hawes - Art Direction, Design
• Chris James - Recording
• Bill Malina - Recording
• Dave Way - Mixing
• Creed - Backing Vox (Kenny Dope, Karizma)
• Ro - Backing Vox (Kenny Dope, Karizma)
• Amy White - Backing Vox (Douglas, Linus and Amy, Controversy, Purple Mixed Adult Choir, West Indian Girl, Kenny Dope, Karizma, M83, Mononoid, David Wilcox)
• Matt Chamberlain - Drums (Many, Pearl Jam, Edie Brikell & New Bohemians, Tori Amos, Bruce Springsteen, Mike Gordon, Brad Mehldau, Wild Colonials, Aaron Neville, WallFlowers, Fiona Apple, Critters Buggin, Corrs, Chris isaak, Bruce Hornsby, Melissa Ethridge, Macy Gray, Willy Porter, DC Talk, Lisa Loeb...)
• Patrick Warren - Melotron (Many, Michael Penn, Vic Chestnutt, Madeline Peyroux, Charlie Sexton, X, Aimee Mann, Fiona Apple, Wallflowers, Chris Isaak, Phantom Planet, Remy Zero, Hootie & the Blowfish, Bijou Phillips, Macy Gray, Melissa Ethridge...)
• Isaac Curtis - Trombone
• Nolan Smith - Trumpet (Baya, Count Baise Orch, Buddy Collette Big Band, Al Williams Quintet, Blackbyrds, DJ Rogers, Jimmy Smith, les McCann, Karen Pree, Carrie Lucas, Carole King, Willie Bobo, Norman Connors, Bill Quateman, John Mayall, Freddie Hubbard, Marvin Gaye, Brotherhood, Natalie Cole, Diana Ross, Phil Collins, Anita Baker, Stevie Wonder, more)
• Daryl Richards - Alto Sax (Kirk Whalum, Norman Connors)
• Daniel Solomon - Tenor Sax, Horns Arrangement (Rick Margitza)
• Annie Stela - Backing Vox (Third Eye Blind)
• Truth - Backing Vox, Moog, Wurlitzer 
• Tim Leblanc - Mixing
• Dwight Farrell - Celeste (Count BassD)
• Larry James - Percussion, Drums (Avery Sunshine)
• Kevin Guarnieri - Recording
• Kevin Ricard - Percussion (Kenny Loggins, East West Band, Flamenco Dura, Tonight Show Band, East West Band, Johnson & Branson, Matt Bianco, Herb Alpert, MVP, Starr Parodi, Juan Carlos Quintero, Susie Hansen, Ciro Hurtado, Rie Akagi, Marc Russo, Robi Kahakalau, Wayne Shorter, Masayoshi Takanaka, Larry Steen, BB Shawn, Bobby Lyle, Zero Ted, Nils, Everette Harp, Venice, Kleber Jorge, Speak, Rob Mullins, Eric Gulliom, Gloria Loring, Rickie Byars, Daniel Indart Project, Wayne Jones, Kevin Toney, Chris Bennett, Take 6, George Kahn, Rhian Benson, Elan, Impromp2, Shelby Lynne, Ann Nesby, Pat Longo, Kids of Widney High, Queen Latifah, Oskar Cartaya, Gerald Albright, Will Downing, Christina Aguilera, Everette Harp, LaToya London, Kurt Carr, George Benson, Corey Clark, Dave Rodgers, Natalie Cole, Lynne Fiddmont, Faramarz Assef, LA Guitar Quartet, Everlife, Jill Scott, Marek Niedzwiecki, SMV, Stephen Bishop, Paul Jackson Jr, James Ingram, Bill Fulton, Amanda McBroom, Carol Welsman, Dorian Holley, Norman Brown, Christian Dupree, Christophe Beck, Dan Fornero, Toni Reed, Dave Koz, Tina Campbell, Orgone, Clair Fischer Latin Jazz Band, Jazz Funk Soul, Paul Brown, David Garfield)
• David Campbell - String Arrangement (Campbell-Kurban String Section, Clockwork Angles String Ensemble, James Taylor, Cher, Linda Ronstandt, Neil Diamond, Billy Joel, Carole King, James Brown, Many Many More)
• Melissa Mattey - Recording, Mixing
• Ray Brown - Trumpet (Count Baise Orch, Earth Wind & Fire, Madagascar, Horns of Fire, Donald Byrd, Hubert Laws, Con Funk Shun, SOS Band, More)
• Ta Ta - Backing Vox
• Wendy Melvoin - Rhythm Guitar (Girl Bros, Peace Choir, Prince & the Revolution, The Flesh, Wendy & Lisa, Andre Cymone, Joni Mitchell, Seal, BB KIng, Eric Clapton, Latin Playboys, Neil Finn, Melba Moore many more)
• Paul Franklin - Pedal Steel (Dicie Pearls, The Time Jumpers, Dire Straits, Lyle Lovett, Gary Parker, Parliament, Slim Whitman, Charlie McCoy, Mel Tillis, Jerry Reed, Chicken String Band, BJ Thomas, George Strait, Tammy Wynette, Lyle Lovett, Randy Travis, Barbara Mandrell  Many Many More)
• Peter Mokran - Mixing
• Lenny Castro - Percussion (Jazz Express, Karizma, Larsen-Feiten Band, Los Lobotomys, Steve Vai's Monsters, Toto, Melissa Manchester, Rita Coolidge, Leo Sayer, Diana Ross, Pointer Sisters, Paul Anka, Dusty Springfield, Robert Palmer, Kiss, Olivia Newton-John, Gary Wright, Shotgun, Wet Willie much more)
• Jermaine Rand - Acoustic Guitar (The Rand Experiment, Jahallah, Playa G, Blackperl, MC Divinity, Steve Joz)
• Terry McMillen - Harmonica (The Players, Michael McDonald, Bobby Charles, Ronnie Milsap, Jerry Reed, Chet Atkins, Frank Sinatra Jr, Ray Stevens, Dolly Parton, Barbara Mandrell, Bobby Bare, Burl Ives, Crystal Gayle, many more)
• Dionne Farris - Backing Vox (Arrested Development, Charlie Hunter, Immature, TLC, Xscape, El Debarge, Count Bass D, Guru's Jazzmatazz)
• Jeff Wright - Asst Recording
• Kevin Paige - Asst Recording
• Adam Deane - Asst Recording
• Tony High - Asst Recording
• Kevin Pickle - Asst Recording
• David Streit - Asst Recording
• Charlie Paakkarl - Asst Recording
• Steve Genewick - Asst Recording
• Jimmy Hoyson - Asst Recording
• Chris Reynolds- Asst Recording
• Kevin Deane - Asst Recording
• Aaron Kessel - Asst Recording
• Jesse Gorman - Asst Recording
• Cesar Ramirez- Asst Recording
• Jennifer Young - Asst Recording
• Ari Famila - Asst Recording
• Aaron Familia - Asst Recording

Unknown-ness: I remember hearing about Van Hunt when he first came out, but never paid much attention past that. Assuming he's similar to Maxwell or Jamiroquai, with more of a 60's psych influence, perhaps closer to the Black Eye Peas, who I honestly don't know much about in the first place. But i imagine smooth, slightly psychedelic, sexy bedroom vibe R&B tracks

Album Review: The album kicks off with a great slice of catchy pop. And then it settles into a nice smooth R&B groove for the rest of the record, with a little funk added, but mostly mod-setting jams.

Van Hunt has grown up around musical roots, and can play nearly any instrument. He's floated around between labels and self-releasing for years, and even won a grammy for a collaboration for a Sly & Family Stone tribute with John Legend & Joss Stone. He's been in a relationship with Halle Berry since 2020.

Stand Out Track: Dust

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July'22 show

Brides of Funkenstein - Funk or Walk

Name: The Brides of Funkenstein
Album: Funk or Walk
Year: 1978
Style: Disco, Funk
Similar Bands: Disco Boogie, Parliament Funkadelic, Bootsy's Rubber Band, Sly Stone, Parlet
"One-Word" Review: Big Band Mellow Funk
Based Out Of: Detroit, MI
Label: Atlantic Records, Warner Communication

Cover, Record

Record, Back

Funk or Walk (1978)

1. Disco to Go 5:03 (single: gold in US, platinum in Europe/Asia)
2. War Ship Touchante 5:27 (single b-side)
3. Nappy 4:29
4. Birdie 5:39 /
5. Just Like You 9:17
6. When You're Gone 5:19 (single b-side)
7. Amorous 4:54 (single)

Album Rating (1-10): 5.5

Members & Other Bands:

• Lynn Mabry - Vox (Sly Stone, P-Funk, Eddie Hazel, Talking Heads, Fred Wesley & Horny Horns, Junie, George Michael, Elton John, Aaron Neville, Mick Jagger, Shelia E, Eric Clapton, Steve Perry, Hozier, Killers, more)
• Dawn Silva - Vox (Sly Stone, P-Funk, Eddie Hazel, New Wave Brides, Gap Band, Ice Cube, Fred Wesley & Horny Horns, Sweat Band, General Caine, Yarbrough & Peoples, WC and the Maad Circle, Slapbak, Bootsy Collins, Caine, Shorty, )
• George Clinton - Producer, Writer, 
• Williams Collins - Producer, Bass, Drums (Bonzo Goes to DC, Bootsy Phelps & Gary, The Complete Strangers, Bootsy's Rubber Band, Flo, Funkadelic, Hardware, House Guest Rated X, Malcolm McLaren, P-Funk Allstars, Parliament, Praxis, Science Fiction, Groovegrass Boys, JB's, World-Wide Funkdrive, Deee-Lite more)
• Phelps Collins - Guitar (Bootsy Phelps & Gary, Complete Strangers, Bootsy's Rubber Band,  Houseguests, The JB's, Funkadelic, Parliament, Fred Westley & Horny Horns, Bernie Worrell, Parlet, James Brown, George Clinton, Brian Culbertson)
• Gary Shider - Guitar (Drugs, Flo, Funkadelic, Incorporated Thang Band, Legz, P-Funk All Stars, Parliament, The Put Yo Body Where Yo' Mouf Iz Choir, U.S., Bernie Worrell, Sweat Band, Bohannon, Bootsy Collins, George Clinton, Red Hot Chili Peppers, Boogie Boys, Prince, Material, Digital Underground, Too $hort, Black Crows, Parlet, many)
• Michael Hampton - Guitar (Funkadelic, Kiddo, Material, No Self Control and the Band, P-Funk Allstars, Parliament, Slave Master, Spaceship Earth, Michael Hampton, Bootsy's Rubber Band, Fred Wesley & Horny Horns, Eddie Hazel, Fuzzy Haskins, Parlet, Bernie Worrell, Sly & Robbie, Golden Palominos, Afrika Bambaataa, Deee-Lite, Digital Underground, Too Short, Meshell Ndegrocello, Dean Ween Group, more)
• Bernard Worrell - Keys, String & Horn Arrangement (Activities of Dust, Baby Elephant, Bahia Black, Black Jack Johnson, Colonel Claypool's Bucket of Bernie Brains, Flo, Fool Proof, Funkadelic, Jack Bruce, Cuicoland Express, Jerry Harrison, Khu.eex, Material, Method of Defiance, Niels & NY St Percussionists, Parliament, Praxis, SociaLybrium, Space Cadets, Spacer, Third Rail, WesNWorrell, Open Operatives, Fred Wesley, Horny Horns, Talking Heads, Fred Schneider, Bootsy Collins, Ruth Copeland, Parlet, O'Jays, Lou Rawls, Stephanie Mills, Nona Hendryx, Rita Coolidge, Gil Scott-Heron, Mtume, Black Uhuru, Yoko Ono, Golden Palominos, Sly & Robbie, Matthew Sweet, Public Image Ltd, Pretenders, Afrika Bambaataa, Victoria Williams, Little Steven, Face to Face, Woodentops, Drivin' N Cryin, Keith Richards, Syd Straw, Throwing Muses, Maceo Parker, Soul Asylum, Deee-Lite, Color Me Badd, Mike Watt, Arlo Lindsay, Jah Wobble, Cibo Matto, Spin Doctors, Big Head Todd & Monsters, Herb Alpert, Bijou Phillips, Gov't Mule, Jon Spencer Blues Explosion, Simply Red, Mos Def, OAR, Buddy Guy, Burning Spear, Keith Richards,Lee Scratch Perry, more)
• Joel Johnson - Keys (Bootsy's Rubber Band, Madhouse, Sweat Band, The Put Yo Body Where Yo' Mouf Iz Choir, Parliament, Maceo Parker, Bootsy Collins, Octavepussy, Fred Wesley & the Horny Horns, Super Sonic Sid, Boy Meets Girl, Parlet, Dodge, Kohndo, Cody ChesnuTT, Freekbass)
• Rodney "Skeet" Curtis - Bass (Parliament, Funkadelic, P-Funk All Stars, Bernie Worrell, Parlet, Fred Wesley & Horny Horns, Philippe Wynne, Mutiny, Gerry Cott, George Clinton, Dolby's Cube, Thomas Dolby, Richie Rich, Maceo Parker, Da Campaign, Corey Parker, Dennis Chambers, Martha High, Ishan Cooper, Susanne Alt)
• Gary Cooper - Drums  (Parliament, Funkadelic, P-Funk All Stars, Bernie Worrell, Parlet, Fred Wesley & Horny Horns, Bootsy's Rubber Band, Madhouse, The Put Yo Body Where Yo' Mouf Iz Choir, Da Universal Playaz, Matrieal, Shining Path, Sly Fox, Eddie Hazel, Mtume, George Clinton, Empyre, Sly & Robbie, Bernie Worrell, Deee-Lite, Digital Underground, Black Crows, Jimmy Cliff, Mick Jagger, Anastacia, more)
• Frankie "Kosh" Waddy - Drums (400 Years of What, Parliament, Funkadelic, Bootsy's Rubber Band, Houseguests, JB's, Fred Wesley & Horny Horns, Parlet, Stealin' Horses, George Clinton)
• Tyrone Lampkin - Drums (Parliament, Funkadelic, Flo, Space Cadets, Bernie Worrell, Fred Wesley & Horny Horns, Philippe Wynne, Busta Jones, Parlet, Jesse Rae)
• Larry Fratangelo - Percussion (Parliament, Funkadelic, Albert King, Solid Solution, Bobby Womack, David Ruffin, Dramatics, Bootsy's Rubber Band, Philippe Wynne, Parlet, Alicia Myers, Jerry Carr, Was (Not Was), LJ Reynolds, Sweat Pea Atkinson, Shotgun, Josep LoDuca, Wendell Harrison, Pharaoh, Eramus Hall, Floy Joy, One Way, Mitch Ryder, Jimmy G & Tackheads, Lyman Woodard, Red Hot Chili Peppers, Dennis Coffey, RJ's Latest Arrival, Anita Baker, Helen Terry, Detroit Energy Asylum, Minister Thomas A Whitfield, Bert Robinson, Al Hudson, Earl Klugh, Eric Leeds, Aretha Franklin, Higher, AWOL, Dave Stewart, Ronnie McNeir, Alto Reed, Hip Bop Essence Allstars, Bob James, Dan Hall, John Arnold, Amp Fiddler, Kid Rock, Randolph. Mark Moultrup, Blackfoot)
• Wayman Reed - Horns (Count Baise, Thad Jones, Mel Lewis, Butch Miles, James Brown, George benson, Frank Foster, Eddie Jefferson, Oliver Nelson, Art Webb, Harold Vick, Pee Wee Ellis, Charlie Rouse, John Gordon, Milt Kackson, Sarah Vaughan, BB King, Hank Crawford, Al Grey, Bobby Byrd, Buddy Rich, Marva Whitney)
• Pete Minger - Horns (Count Baise, Frank Wess, Mel Torme, HIlton Ruiz, Al Grey, Oliver Nelson, Milt Jackson, Cleveland Eaton, Ella Fitzgerald, Nancy Reed, University of Miami Concert Jazz, Joe Turner, Athenas, Turk Mauro, Keter Betts, Oscar Peterson, Alice Day)
• Danny Turner - Horns (Chris Powell, Five Blue Flames, Count Baise, Doc bagby, Jimmy McGriff, Bobby Cook, Milt Buckner, Jack McDuff, Pat Martino, Jimmy Witherspoon, Voices Four, Shirley Scott, Bohannon, Milt Jackson, Caroline Crawford, Cleveland Eaton, Ella Fitzgerald, Sarah Vaughan, Manhattan Transfer, Caterina Valente, Viktor Lazlo, Diane Schuur, Thad Jones, George Benson, Joe Williams, Lena Horne, Four Tops, Diana Ross, Smokey Robinson, Marvin Gaye, Lucky Thompson, Hans Mantel, Gladys Knight & Pips, 
• Detroit Symphony - Strings
• Ron Banks - Backing Vox (The Dramatics, Browns All-Star Band, Bobby Lyle, Wayne Henderson, The Dells, WC)
• Larry Demps - Backing Vox (The Dramatics, Ron Banks, Dells)
• Dave Van De Pitte - String Arrangement
• Fred Wesley - Horn Arrangement
• Jim Vitti - Mixing & Recording Engineer
• Mike Iacopelli  - Recording Engineer
• Jerry Estes - Recording Engineer
• Allen Zentz - Mastering
• In Search of the Miraculous - Cover Concept, Design, Illustrations

Unknown-ness: Never heard of the Brides of Funkenstein, but this is one album that's pretty clear what's going to be played: Disco Funk. George Clinton (& Parliament Funkadelic), Bootsy Collins (& Bootsy's Rubber Band) and Bernie Worrell have their name all over the writing and performing of this record. Between this and the Disco Boogie cover, it seems like there was a Sci-Fi niche in the funk boogie & disco category, most likely, boosted by Star Wars popularity.

Album Review: The music on the first couple tracks is definitely funk, with driving percussion, and bouncy bass, but they don't dive head first into disco. "War Ship Touchante" takes on the space/sci-fi genre with aliens boarding a ship...to have a dance party. "Nappy" is a smooth, slower groove, but not without life: definitely a showtune. "Just Like You" slows it down and dims the lights. 

The duo started as background singers for Sly Stone and progressed to Parliament Funkadelic, and the name comes from George Clinton himself, as an extension of his album Clones of Dr. Funkenstein. The band won awards as best new act, their second album was rated as a top 50 coolest albums by Rolling Stone, and they had a hall of fame list of funk musicians in support and production but they never received the acclaim that they seemed to be destined for. Mabry was in The Talking Heads as of 1984, and Silva worked with Ice Cube.

Stand Out Track: Disco to Go

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Stargard - The Changing of the Gard

Name: Stargard
Album: The Changing of the Gard
Year: 1979
Style: Disco, R&B, Funk
Similar Bands: Gloria Gaynor, Donna Summer, A Taste of Honey, Supremes, Pattie Labell, Pointer Sisters, Rose Royce
"One-Word" Review: Playful funky while light rn'b
Based Out Of: Los Angeles, CA
Label: Warner Bros

Cover, Record

Back, Lyrics, Record

The Changing of the Gard (1979)

1. Wear it Out 5:17 (single)
2. (Once In A Lifetime) Dream Come True 4:45
3. Footstompin' Music 4:31
4. Take Me Back 4:37 /
5. Runnin' From the Law 4:41
6. Bedtime Story 0:15
7. I Just Imagined You 4:29
8. Put On Your Rollerskates 4:04
9. Lowdown Dancing 4:11
10. Flashback 0:28

Album Rating (1-10): 6.5

Members & Other Bands:

• Verdine White - Producer, Writer, Bass (Earth Wind & Fire, Ramsey Lewis, Craze, The Emotions, James Vincent, Gene Harris, Deniece Williams, Harvey Mason, Deodate, Jennifer Lopez, Audio Caviar, Solange, Chicago, Flo Rida, Kelly Clarkson, Carmine Appice,  more)
• Robert Wright - Producer, Writer, Keys (Moon Martin, Michael Wycoff, Fonzi Thornton, Jones Girls, Dalton & Dubarri, Tramaine, Genobia Jeter, Main Ingredient Feat. Cuba Gooding, more)
• Walter Ainsworth - Exec Producer
• F. Byron Clark - Remix Engineer, Recording Engineer
• Charles Fearing - Writer
• Debra Anderson - Vox (Junior Walker, Spyder Turner)
• Rochelle Runnells - Writer, Vox, Keys (Junior Walker, Candi Station, Checkmates Ltd, Arthur Wayne, Raydio, Spyder Turner, Candi Station)
• Janice C Williams - Writer, Vox (Junior Walker, Arthur Wayne, Checkmates Ltd, Spyder Turner, Raydio, Anderson Temple, Pryme)
• Robert E Carpenter - Writer
• Dean Gant - Writer, Keys  (Don Kinsey, Chosen Ones, Invisible Man's Band, Stargard, Linda Clifford, Spinners, Stephanie Mills, Larry Graham, Jones Girls, Madonna, Keni Burke, Anita Baker, Outkast, Peabo Bryson, Sunfire more)
• Allen Zent - Mastering
• Brian Gardner - Mastering Engineer
• Butch Lynch - Recording Engineer
• Serge Reyes - Recording Engineer
• Bruce Grayson - Recording Engineer
• Richard Seireeni - Art Director
• Robert Elias - Photos
• Alexis Caydam - Hair & Makeup
• Keiko - Costumes
• Keni Burke - Bass (Five Stairsteps, Peabo Bryson, Ca$hflow, Andy Lewis, Smoove, Preston Glass, Billy Preston, DJ Rogers, Bill Withers, Gladys Knight & Pips, Stargard, Linda Clifford, Dusty Springfield, Spyder Turner, Leroy Hutson, Les McCann, Emotions, Narada Michael Walden, Eugen Record, Terry Callier, Sly & Family Stone, Undisputed Truth, Clifford Coulter, Ramsey Lewis, Curtis Mayfield, Chocolate Milk, Ahmad Jamal, Smokey Robinson, Thelma Houston, Brenda Holloway, Natalie Cole, Cameo, more)
• Butch Azevedo - Drums, Percussion (Undisputed Truth, Sonald Byrd, Skool Boyz, Band AKA, The Dr's, Jay Gordon, Phillip Walker)
• Larry "Fatback" Talbert - Drums (Raydio, Barrett Strong, Bill Withers, Karen Pree, Edna Wright, Greg Perry, Jack Ashford, Dominic Frontiere, SofTouch, Bill Champlin, Phylliss Bailey, Maxine Nightingale, Shadee, Tom Jones, Jeffree, Thelma Houston, Dream Express, Lani Hall, Sir John Roberts, Jerry Knight, Ray Parker Jr, Menage A Trois, Mary Wells, Cheryl Lynn, Epo, Natalie Cole, Greg Perry)
• Joseph Baker - Guitar (Sly & Family Stone, Josephine Baker)
• Charles Fearing - Guitar (Raydio, Deniece Williams, High Inergy, Dusty Springfield, Edwin Starr, Jimmy Cliff, Ray Parker Jr, Tavares, Peaches & Herb, Bloodstone, Jeffrey Osborne, DeBarge, Dazz Band, Smokey Robinson, Sister Sledge, Teena Marie, Herb Alpert, Sam Harris, New Edition, Tina Turner, Bobby Womack, Four Tops, Lionel Richie, Dionne Warwick, Patti LaBelle, Barry White, Kurtis Blow, Nancy Wilson, Joan Baez, Temptations, Johnny Gill, Melba Moore, Ralph Tresvant, Celine Dion, Ce Ce Peniston, Teddy Pendergrass, SWV, Jennifer Love Hewitt, Enrique Iglesias, Ray Charles, more)
• Robert Palmer - Guitar (Booty People, Chaka Khan, General Caine, Halloween, Natalie Cole, Peabo Bryson, Luther Rabb, Garry Glenn, Robbie Dupree, Mary Wells, Band AKA, Syreeta, Gift of Dreams, LJ Reynolds, Danny Lugo, Destination, Bobby Womack, Billy Griffin, Fizzy Qwick, Billy Preston, Glenn Medeiros, Sheena Easton, Taja Secelle, Pepsi & Shirlie, Smokey Robinson, Starleana, Lionel Richie, i5, 2bd)
• Mark Davis - Keys, Recording (Starlight Express, Minnie Riperton, Rotary Connection, Curtis Mayfield, Calvin Carter, Marvin Gaye, Diana Ross, Earth Wind & Fire, Temptations, Smokey Robinson, Stevie Wonder, Jackson 5, Lionel Richie, David Ruffin, Undisputed Truth, Rose Royce, Natalie Cole, Sly & the Family Stone, Andrew Lloyd Webber, many)
• Eddie "Bongo" Brown - Percussion (Brass Fever, Funk Brothers, John Handy, Finished Touch, Stevie Wonder, Marvin Gaye, Wilson Pickett, Undisputed Truth, Supremes, Temptations, Four Tops, Bob Seger, Jimmy Ruffin, Carly Simon, Miracles, Quincy Jones, BB King, The Pips, Blackbyrds, Donnie Osmond, Commodores, Ben E King, 5th Dimension, Grease sndtk, Tower of Power, Deniece Williams, Billy Preston, Tavares, Peaches & Herb, La Toya Jackson, Gloria Gaynor, Kenny Rogers, High Inergy, Herb Alpert, Ray Parker Jr, Johnny Mathis more)
• Paulinho da Costa - Percussion (Baby'o, Fuse One, Patrick Williams, Samba 4, Sergio Mendes, The Bridge, Dizzy Gillespie, Quincy Jones, Michael Jackson, Sat. Night Fever sndtk, toto, Madonna, Ella Fitzgerals, Sarah Vaugn, Diana Krall, Claus Ogerman, many more)
• Donald Myrick - Horns, Musical Contractor (Phenix Choir/Horns, Philip Cochran, Artistic Heritage Ensemble, Sky, Intentions, Pharaohs, Salty Peppers, Phil Collins, Howlin' Wolf, Earth Wind and Fire, Ramsey Lewis, Chi-Lites, Emotions, Deniece Williams, Blue Magic, Valerie Carter, Twennynine, Gap Band, Pockets, Invisible Man's Band, La Toya Jackson, Pointer Sisters, Whispers, Dells, Bloodstone, Heaven 17, Philip Bailey, David Byrne, Bobby Womack, Jacksons more)
• Louis Satterfield - Horns (Phenix Choir/Horns, Philip Cohran & Artistic Heritage Ensemble, Sky, Intentions, Pharaohs, Salty Peppers, Phil Collins, Fontella Bass, James Cotton, BB King, Jack McDuff, Muddy Waters, Howlin' Wolf, Okie Duke, The Dells, Shel Silverstein, Mighty Joe Young, Earth Wind & Fire, Emotions, ChiLites, Staples, Denise Williams, Ronnie Laws, Gap Band, Tavares, Invisible Mans Band, Upchurch more)
• Raheem Lee Michael Davis - Horns
• Fred Jackson - Horns (Bobby Hutcherson, Horace Silver, Jimmy Smith, Carole King, Frank Zappa, Maria Muldaur, Bill Cosby, Terry Callier, Joe Sample, The Whispers, Solomon Burke, Dianne Schuur, Earth Wind & Fire, Boz Scaggs, Ramsey Lewis, Ry Cooder, Alice Coltrane, BB King, Natalie Cole, Peabo Bryson, Gap Band, Rick James, LaToya Jackson, Con Funk Shun, Tavares, Gladys Knight & the Pips, Sheena Easton, Quincy Jones, Boz Scaggs, Dee Dee Bridgewater, more)
• Oscar Brashear - Horns (Bird Memorial Quintet, Brass Fever, Count basie Orch, Gerald Wilson Orch of the 80's/90's, Henry Mancini & His Orch,Hubert Laws Group, Karma, Master Fleet, Teddy Edwards Brasstring Ensemble, Clayton-Hamilton Jazz Orch, more )
• Jerome Richardson - Horns (All Star Big Band, Cal Tjader, Cannonball Adderley, Charles Mingus, Charlie Shavers, Earl Fatha Hines, Eddie Lockjaw Davis, Four Flutes, Gene Ammons, Gerald Wilson, Henry mancini, Jerome Richardson, Jim Tyler, Jimmy Cleveland, Kenny Clarke, Lalo Schifrin, Larry Vuckovich, Lionel Hampton, Manny Albam, Milt Jackson, Nat Adderley, Oliver Nelson, Oscar Pettiford, Per Husby, Quincy Jones, Ray Brown, Tadd Damerson, Thad Jones, Mel Lewis, Blue Mitchell Orch, Clifford Jordan, Creed taylor, Ernie Wilkins, Gary McFarland, Gene Page, Hines Varieties, Kenny Burrell, Michael Coldin, Prestige All Stars, Sextet of Orchaestra USA many)
• Garnett Brown - Horns (Crusaders, Herbie Hancock, Lionel Hampton, Billy Cobham, Dizzy Gillespie, Brass Fever, Charles Mingus, George Russell, Gerald Wilson, Gil Evans, Thad Jones, Mel Lewis, Booker Ervin, Buddy Collette, Chico Hamilton, Duke Pearson, Gene Harris, Thomas Tedesco more)
• Beverly Ashby - Harp 
• Benjamin Wright - Orch Direction
• June Gatlin - Spiritual Adviser

Unknown-ness: I had never heard of this band. From the cover, I'm hoping it will be some solid poppy girl RnB, like Seduction, Vanity 6, of En Vogue. I fear it is a little early for that, and is smack dab in the middle of disco, so i won't be surprised if it tackles that genre.

Album Review: The album is just straight disco, there are some elements of funk involved (Wear it Out, Footstompin' Music, Put On Your Rollerskates). It is also not all light rn'b (Dreams Come True, Take Me Back, I Just Imagined You) with smooth Supremes-like harmonies. "Runnin' From the Law" and "Lowdown Dancing" are solid poppy funk with horns that remind me of Oingo Boingo, oddly enough.

Accoring to IMDB, they were the Diamonds in the 1978 Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band movie and recorded the theme song to the 1977 Richard Pryor film "Which Way is Up." This is their third album, first on WB's after departing MCA. As a band, the lasted for two more records (as a duo, minus Anderson) and broke up in 1983. 

Stand Out Track: Runnin' From the Law

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Winans, The - Decisions

Name: The Winans    
Album: Decisions
Year: 1987
Style: Gospel, Smooth RnB
Similar Bands: Dixie Hummingbirds, Gerald Levert, Teddy Pendergrass, Luther Vandross, George Benson
"One-Word" Review: sleek synth spirituals
Based Out Of: Detroit MI
Label: Qwest Records, Warner Bros. / Communications

Cover, Sleeve, Record

Back, Sleeve, Record

Decisions (1987)

1. Ain't No Need to Worry 5:43
2. Millions 4:19
3. Breaking of Day 4:43
4. What Can I Say? 4:41 /
5. Right, Left in a Wrong World 6:08
6. The Real Meaning of Christmas 4:40
7. Love Has No Color 4:13
8. Give Me You 4:46
9. How Can You Live Without Christ 4:23

Album Rating (1-10): 2.0

Members & Other Bands:

• Marvin Winans - Writer, Producer, Percussion (Testimonial Singers, Stevie Wonder, Kenny G, R.Kelly, Wayman Tisdale, Lalah Hathaway, Ricky Van Shelton, Kenny Loggins, Perfect Praise Choir, Andrae Crouch, Maria Muldaur, Kellie Copeland, Scott Johnson, Michael Jackson, George Duke, Tim Bowman, Anita Baker, Kirk Franklin, Lavine Hudson, Mervyn Warren, )
• Carvin Winans - Co-Producer, Writer (Testimonial Singers, Stevie Wonder, Kenny G, R.Kelly, Wayman Tisdale, Lalah Hathaway, Ricky Van Shelton, Kenny Loggins, Gospel Buggy Choir, Andrae Crouch, Keith Green, Kellie Copeland, Scott Johnson, Michael Jackson, Vanessa Bell Armstrong, Annita Baker)
• Michael Winans - Co-Producer, Writer (Testimonial Singers, Stevie Wonder, Kenny G, R.Kelly, Wayman Tisdale, Lalah Hathaway, Ricky Van Shelton, Kenny Loggins, Andrae Crouch, Michael Jackson, Anita Baker)
• Ronald Winans - Co Producer, Writer  (Testimonial Singers, Stevie Wonder, Kenny G, R.Kelly, Wayman Tisdale, Lalah Hathaway, Ricky Van Shelton, Kenny Loggins, Andrae Crouch, Kellie Copeland, Scott Johnson, Michael Jackson, Lavine Hudson, Kelli Williams, Anita Baker, Sounds of Blackness)
• Barry Hankerson - Co & Executive Producer, Writer, MGMT, Percussion (Rob Milner)
• Quincy Jones - Executive Producer
• Benny Medina - Executive Producer
• Anita Baker - Vox (Chapter 8, Melba Moore, Howard Hewett, Stevie Wonder, Cyrus Chestnut, Frank Sinatra, Marek Niedzwiecki, Dave Koz, Aaron Robinson, Andreus)
• Michael McDonald - Vox (All Star Choir, Artists United for Nature, Del-Rays, Doobie Brothers, The Guild, NY Rock 'n Soul Review, Steely Dan, Guy Finley, Carly Simon,  Jack Jones, Paul Williams, Tommy James, Little Feat, Bonnie Raitt, Craig Fuller, Eric Kaz, Dirt Band, Stephen Bishop, Gary Wright, Rita Coolidge, Kenny Loggins, Elton John, Christopher Cross, Donna Summer, Helen Redy, Paul Anka, Diana Ross, Joni Mitchell, Toto, Sergio Mendes, El DeBarge, Patti LaBelle, Wang Chung, Alan Silvestri, Aretha Franklin, Pointer Sisters, Dave Matthews Band, Vince Gill, John Tesh, Edwin McCain, Boz Scaggs, Kenny Rogers, many)
• Percy Bady - Writer
• Karen Jones - Project Coordinator
• Laythan Armour - Keys, Drums & Synth Programming (Hinton Battle, Chico DeBarge, Will Downing, La Rue, Jeremy Jordan, Alison Limerick, Frankie Knuckles, Tavares, Bobby Bland, Mystic Merlin, Mighty Clouds of Joy, Alberto Fortis, Alfie, Durell Coleman, Dynasty, Stop the Madness, Vesta Williams, Sherrick, Imagination, NJ Mass Choir, Herb Alpert, Joan Baez, Magic Lady, Beau Williams, LA Mass Chour, Bert Robinson, Cassandra, Yours Truly, Vanessa Williams, Classixx)
• Wayne Linsey - Keys (Maze, Frankie Beverly, Tonight Show Band, Linseym, Bobby Thurston, Starpoint, Enchantment, Lenny Williams, Emotions, Stanley Clarke, Bobby Womack, George Howard, Garry Glenn, Ray Parker Jr, Paul Jackson Jr, Brenda Russell, Mighty Clouds of Joy, By All Means, Nancy Wilson, Jackie Jackson, James JT Taylor, Jacksons, Paul Jackson, Whitney Houston, Marva Hicks, Patti Austin, Andrew Logan, Gene Rice, Nona Gaye, Gerald Alston, John Pagano, Norman Brown, James Ingram, Phil Perry, Terence Trent D'Arby, Dean James, Harbvey Mason, Doc Powell, Brigette McWilliams, Babyface, Arnold McCuller, Gary Taylor, Donnie, Frank McComb, David Nathan, Trina Broussard, Gerald Albright, Impromp2, Traincha, Lynne Fiddmont, Dwayne Smitty Smith, Smokey Robinson, Miles Davis, Leon Ware, Jermaine Lockhart)
• Harlan Rogers - Keys (Koinonia Sonlight, 3rd Ave Blues Band, Andrae Crouch, Reba, maria Muldaur, Gordon Lightfoot, Johnny Rivers, Maranatha Singers, Katinas,  more)
• Thomas A Whitfield - Keys (James Cleveland, Craig Bros, Gospel Soul Children, Mel Carter, Edwin Hawkins, Beverly Glenn, Howard Lemon Singers, James Cleveland, Voices of Tabernacle, Keith Pringle, Gospel Soul Children of NOLA, Aretha Franklin, Vanessa Bell Armstrong)
• Loris Holland - Keys (Mel Carter, Patti Labelle, Celine Dion, R.Kelly, Millie Jackson, Mariah Carey, Jeff Buckley, Lauryn Hill, Whitney Houston, Santana, Mary J Blige, Smokey Robinson, more)
• John Bokowski - Keys (Teena Marie, Rick Dees, Charlene, Four Tops, KoKo PoP, Rockwell, Bobby Womack, Teen Dream, Chill Factor, Tracie Spencer, Angela Bofill, Pointer Sisters, Paul Jackson Jr, Club Nouveau, Helen Baylor, Louis Price, Power of Seven, Rodney Mannsfield, For Lovers Only, Donnie McClurkin, Phyllis St James)
• Michael Rochelle - Keys, Synth (Gift of Dreams, The GT's, Buddy Montgomery, Rudy Copeland, Kristine, Natalie Cole, West Coast Crew, Michael Jackson, Magic Lady)
• Dean Parks - Guitar (Johnny Rivers, LA Boogie Band, Karizma, Koinonia, Patrick Williams,Ray Conniff, Lyle Lovett, Madeleine Peyroux, North TX Lab Bands, Helen Reddy, Sonny & Cher, David Cassidy, Wayne Newton, Vicki Carr, Partridge Family, T-Bone Walker, Billy Joel, Garfunkel, Donald Byrd, Righteous Bros, Stevie Wonder, Steely Dan, Neil Sedaka, Glen Campbell, Lulu, Rita Coolidge, Tavares, lots)
• Hadley Hockensmith - Guitar (Koinonia, Sonlight, 3rd Ave Blues Band, Big John Hall, Pam Thum, Bruce Hibbard, Kelly Willard, Andreae Crouch, Arlo Guthrie, Reba, Imperials, Barbara Mandrell, America, Gordon Lightfoot, Neil Diamond, more)
• Abraham Laboriel - Bass (Los Traviesos, Johnny Mathis, Gary Burton, Michel legrand, Ella Fitzgerald, 3prime, Friendship, Henry Mancini, Koionia, Los Profetas, Open Hands, Jazz Ministry, Akira Jimbo, Leo Sayer, Al Jarreau, Pointer Sisters, Commander Cody, Stephen Bishop, Grimaldi/Zeiher, Barbara Streisand, Captain & Tennille, Dolly Parton, Stan Getz, Tom Jones, Leonard Cohen, Peter Allen, Herb Alpert, Jimmy Cliff, Barry Manilow, Debby Boone, George Benson, Lionel Richie, Chaka Khan, Kenny Rogers, Quincy Jones more)
• Andrew Gouche - Bass (NPG-Q, Andrae Crouch, Michael Jackson, Julio Iglesias, Pattie Howard, David Foster, Moments of Faith, James Cleveland, S.Cali Comm. Choir, Voices of Cornerstone, Mighty Clouds of Joy, Gangs Back, LaQuint, Aguilar, Cheryl Lynn, Michael Trammell & Blest, Edwin Hawkins, LA Gospel Messengers, Sandra Crouch, NJ Mass Choir, Tramaine Hawkins, Philip Bailey, Crystal Lewis, 32Phreeze, Beau Williams, Debbie McClendon, Melba Moore, Louis Price,  Lonnie Morgan, Andre David Brooks, Arvis Strickling Jones, PH Factor, Randy Crawford, Coolio, Five Star, Montell Jordan, Paul Russon, Ladysmith Black Mambazo, Michael Ruff, Mary mary, TQ, Warren G, Ann Nesby, Smokey Robinson, Ruben Studdard, Patti Labelle, Heather Headley, Chaka Khan, Snoop Dogg, Jackie Gouche, Keb Mo, Dorian Holley, Quincy Jones, Kurupt, Lowell Pye, Terrance Martin, Aretha Franklin, Bridgette Bryant, Murs, Prince, Judith Hill, Mano Brown, Bottom 40, Mike Phillips, Carole Simmons)
• Lanar Brantley - Bass (James Cleveland, Vernard Johnson, Clark Sisters, Linda, Keith Pringle, Vanessa Bell Armstrong, Gospel Sould Children of NOLA, Royce Javan, Minister Thomas A Whitfield, Aretha Franklin, Clark Sisters, Lavine Hudson, Rev. Charles Nicks Jr, Truthettes, Bert Robinson, Eddie Murphy, Jade, LL Cool J, Karen Clark-Sheard, Will Smith, Boys Choir of Harlem)
• Dean Gant - Bass (Don Kinsey, Chosen Ones, Invisible Man's Band, Stargard, Linda Clifford, Spinners, Stephanie Mills, Larry Graham, Jones Girls, Madonna, Keni Burke, Anita Baker, Outkast, Peabo Bryson, Sunfire more)
• Bill Maxwell - Drums (Andrae Crouch, Koinonia, Open Hands, Sonlight, 3rd Ave Blues Band, Elton John, Leon Russell, Melody Gardot, Barbara Mandrell, Maria Muldaur, Qunicy Jones, Alpha Band, Phil Driscoll, T-Bone Burnett, more)
• Greg Phillingame - Synth Programming (Steve Vai, Toto, Quincy Jones, Donna Summer, Lionel Richie, Eric Clapton, Ray Parker Jr, Neil Diamond, Denise Williams, Kenny Koggins, Patti Austin, George Harrison, Richie Sambora, Rickie Lee Jones, Boz Scaggs, Rod Stewart, Isley Bros, Santana, David Gilmour, Stevie Wonder many)
• Justo Almario - Horn (Jazz on the Latin Side Allstars, Open Hands, Koinonia, Roy Ayers, Ubiquity, Tolu, Mongo Santamaria, Peabo Bryson, Linda Ronstadt, Engelbert, Placido Domingo more)
• Alex Acuna - Percussion ( Weather Report, Perez Prado, Elvis Presley, Diana Ross, Paul McCartney, Joni Mitchell, Ella Fitzgerald, Chick Corea, Whitney Houston, Placido Domingo, Herbie Hancock, Carlos Santana, Antonio Carlos Jobmin, Beck, Roberta Flack, Al Jarreau, Acuna-Hoff-Mathisen Trio, Birds of a Feather, Bob Mintzer, Bobby Lye, Caldera, Clare Fischer's Latin Sound, Friendship, GRP All Star Big Band, Jazz on the Latin Side Allstars, Koinonia, Los Hijos del Sol, Session II, Blues Caravan, Tia Dia, Tolu, Toon Roos Group, many)
• Ollie Brown - Percussion, Linn Drum (Raydio, Ollie & Jerry, Ollie Baba, Blackbyrds, Ray Parker Jr, Fire Fox, James Ingram, Tahiti, Tracie Spencer, Paul Jackson Jr, Stevie Wonder, Joe Cocker, Bill Cosby, Temptations, Rolling Stones, Eric Carmen, Van Morrison, Billy Preston, Diana Ross, Grease (sndtk), Deniece Williams , Sly & Family Stone, Moulin Rouge, Commodores, Jermaine Jackson, LaToya Jackson, Blondie Pointer Sisters, Quincy Jones, Kenny Rogers, Village People, Gloria Gaynor, DeBarge, Wilson Pickett, Michael Jackson, more)
• Melvyn Williams - Additional Vox (Williams Bros, Verlin Sandles, Gospel Concerto, Johnnie Taylor, Latimore, Mississippi Mass Choir, Anita Baker, Regina Belle, United Inspirational Quire of Columbus OH, Jackson Southernaires, Truthettes, Leomia Boyd, Friends, Gospel Miracles, Sammy Stevens & the Ephesians, Ralph Favors)
• Doug Williams - Additional Vox (Paradise, Williams Bros, Johnnie Taylor, Latimore, Mississippi Mass Choir, New Frontiers, Yolanda Adams, Anita Baker, Gospel Miracles, Jackson Southernaires)
• Kevin Session - Backing Vox 
• Kevin Jackson - Backing Vox (Andy Stokes, Marcell Russell, BeBe & CeCe)
• Victor Adams - Backing Vox (Active Force, Bobby Barth, EZB & DJ Los)
• Celeste McKinney - Backing Vox
• Jerome Earl Wright - Backing Vox (Andrew Wartts, Gospel Storytellers, Thomas Whitfield, NOLA Gospel Soul Children, Keith pringle, Vanessa Bell Armstrong, Commissioned, Aretha Franklin, Witness, Angelo & Veronica, Randy Crawford)
• Dwayne Whitehead - Backing Vox (The MOB)
• Debra Renee Winans - Backing Vox (BeBe-CeCe-Vickie-Ron-Daniel Winans, Tim Miner, Melba Moore, Carman, Bobby Brown)
• Regina Winans - Backing Vox (various Winans members)
• Angelique Winans - Backing Vox  (various Winans, Tim Miner, Lavine Hudson, Melba Moore, Bobby Brown, Kelli Williams, IDOL King, Donnie McClurkin, Darwin hobbs, Michelle Williams, TD Jakes)
• Benjamin BeBe Winans - Backing Vox (Andrae Crouch, PTL Club, BeBe & CeCe, 3 Winans Bros, Artists (United) for Haiti, Tammy Faye Bakker, Howard & Vestal, Melba Moore, Whitney Houston, Bobby Brown, Gladys Knight, Anastacia, Sam Moore, Dionne Warwick, Chicago, Louie Vega, more)
• Deborah Winans - Backing Vox (various Winans members, Tim Miner. Lavine Hudson, Margaret Becker, Mark Lowry, Carman, Margaret Bell, IDOL King, Donnie McClurkin, Yolanda Adams)
• Fred Hammond - Backing Vox (Andrae Crouch, Commissioned, Brian McKnight, Ruben Studdard,  more)
• Mario Winans - Child Vox (The Hitmen, Puff Daddy, Lil Kim, Jennifer Lopez, Ginuwine, R. Kelly, 98 Degrees, Limp Bizkit, Faith Evans, Whitney Houston, Beyonce, Mary J Blige, Keyshia Cole, Jay-Z, more)
• Marvin "Coconut" Winans Jr - Child Vox (Erica Campbell, Vickie Winans)
• Michael "Baby Mike" Winans Jr - Child Vox (P. Diddy)
• LaShay Winans - Child Vox (Danity Kane, P.Diddy)
• Carvin "Bronco" Winans Jr - Child Vox (Kim Fields, Gospel Buggy Choir)
• Juan Winans - Child Vox (Kim Fields, Gospel Buggy Choir, Michelle Williams, Michael Bolton)
• Joy Winans - Child Vox (Kim Fields, Gospel Buggy Choir)
• Steve King - Engineer
• Barney Perkins - Engineer, Mixing
• Craig Bervage - Engineer
• Win Kutz - Engineer
• Peter Hadon - Engineer
• Mary Ann Dibs - Art Direction
• Russell Comfort - Photos

Unknown-ness: Never heard of this band. At first, when i bought the record, i thought it would be a new age sort of album: abstract/fossil art & the band name font suggested as much. But the band image on the back and sleeve, prompted me to change my guess to Smooth Jazz...1987 was a solid year for both genres. But since the band consists of family members with Winans as the last name, and songs like Real Meaning of Xmas & How Can You Live Without Christ, i now believe this will be some sort of christian cult gospel band with smooth jazz leanings.

Album Review: Smooth RnB spirituals starts from the first track, with vocals layered over each other, and what sounds to be all synth production. I can automatically tell, this is not an album for me, and had to turn it off before the last song finished. I know Anita Baker is on the first (Grammy winning, top 20 R&B charting) track, "Ain't No Need to Worry," and it was weird hearing Michael McDonald on "Love Has No Color."

The band / family (10 siblings) has kept their religious beliefs close to their hearts, with most surviving members still preaching or recording gospel records. All this despite a strict upbringing of no music (other than gospel) or theater/movies/TV. They've won grammys and one sibling, not on this record, CeCe (Pricilla) is the #1 selling gospel artist of all time. This is the fifth of their records and it reached #1 on the Gospel Album Chart (Billboard), and they are revered for updating gospel's sound by mixing in Soul & RnB.

Stand Out Track:

Links:
Wiki

Family Wiki

Discogs

Allmusic
Detroit Free Press: Winans family member on Songland May'20

Michael W. Jr Jailtime
Encyclopedia . com
NY Times Father passing 2009

Grove Music Online
BeBe website
DT Free Press: Covid + Winans

Winans Online

Third World - Rock the World

Name: Third World
Album: Rock the World
Year: 1981
Style: R&B, Soul, Reggae
Similar Bands: Stylistics, Inner Circle, Wailers
"One-Word" Review: Free Love Soul Disco
Based Out Of: Jamaica
Label: Columbia

Cover, Sleeve, Record

Back, Lyrics, Record

Rock the World (1981)

1. Rock the World 3:46
2. Spiritual Revolution 5:11
3. Who Gave You (Jah Rastafari)  4:26
4. Dubb Music 3:37
5. Shine Like a Blazing Fire 3:47 /
6. Dancing on the Floor (Hooked On Love) 5:32(single)
7. There's No Need to Question Why 3:48
8. Peace and Love 4:14
9. Standing In The Rain 3:10 (single)
10. Hug It Up 4:45

Album Rating (1-10): 6.0

Members & Other Bands:

• Michael Cooper - Recording & Mixing
• Bruce Hensal - Recording & Mixing
• Patrice Carroll - Asst Engineer
• Robert Stweart - Asst Engineer
• Vishwaka Wadinambiaratchi - Asst. Engineer
• Bobby Bootheel - Album Art Concept
• Mark Diamond - Photos
• Mark Paternostro - Cover Art
• Bob Heimall - Art Direction
• Michael "Ibo" Cooper - Clavinet, Keys, Prophet 5, Vox, Funde Drum (The Alley Cats, Inner Circle, more)
• Stephen "Cat" Coore - Bass, Vox, Harmonica, Guitar, Synth, Tubular Bells (The Alley Cats, Inner Circle more )
• Richie Daley - Guitar, Cowbell, Backing Vox, Bass (Tomorrow's Children, Blaze, Derrick Harriott, Ras Eliebank, Black Market Rhythm Band, Jimmy Tucker, AJ Brown, Foundation, Earth Messengers, Bob Marley & Wailers, Candy McKenzi)
• Irvin "Carrot" Jarrett - Golbell, Conga, Cowbell, Backing Vox, Akete drum, Bell Chimes, Tambarine, Quaker Drum, Open End Spanners, Bongas, Bell of Three, Wood Claps (Inner Circle, The Wailers Band, NDTC Singers, Bob Andy, I Kong, Jimmy Tucker, AJ Brown, Judy Mowatt, Joe Higgs, Peter Broggs, Jampara, National Dance Theater Co of Jamica, Toots & the Maytals, Candy McKenzie, Bunny Rugs)
• Willie Stewart - Drums, Wood-ago-go-bell, Roaring Thunder, Tympani, Traps, Funde Drum, Timbales, Bottle of Green, Wood Claps, (Inner Circle, Blaze, Barry Biggs, T. Brothers, Pablo Moses, Jimmy Tucker, Cynthia Schloss, Gregory Isaacs, Lloyd Parks, Man of Nobility Ensemble, Marcia Griffiths, Earth Messengers, Ras Elibank, Karen Smith, Dawn Penn, Wailing Souls, Natalia Beylis, Paula Clarke, Delroy Wilson, The Jamaicans)
• William "Bunny Rugs" Clarke - Vox, Guitar, Cabassa (Inner Circle, Bunny & Ricky, Bush Weed & Corn Trash, Hugh Hendricks & the Buccaneers, Candy McKenzie)
• Valerie Von Pechy - Whitcup-Harp (Rosewater Blue, Billion Dollar Band, Peter Brown, KC & the Sunshine Band, Passion, Michael Blate, Raul Di Blasio)

Unknown-ness: Never heard of this band, but it looks like it will be straight up Reggae made to heal the world. Like the matching white outfits.

Album Review: While the album does have many reggae vibes, much of the production, sound and vocal performances are more in line with straight up smooth R&B, and dip a toe into disco on some of the tracks (Dancing on the Floor). "Who Gave You" sounds a little like Elvis Costello's "Ship Building" or "Almost Blue."
With  over 47 years (1973 formation) and 9 Grammy nominations, Third World is one of the longest lasting reggae bands of all time, often blending/fusing reggae with R&B, Funk, Pop and Rap, giving them cross-genre appreciation. Their biggest success was in '78 with their cover of the O'Jays "Now That We Found Love," which was the basis for the Heavy D's 1991 cover. This album was their first with Columbia after leaving Island records. Both Rugs & Carrot have passed away in 2014 & 2018 respectively, but the band still records and performs.

Stand Out Track: Rock the World

Links:

Youtube full album

Website
Wiki

Discogs

Allmusic

Facebook

Jamaicans.com

Caribbean National Weekly
William Clarke Obit
S. FL Caribbean News
Third World Sound Cloud

Tavares - Madam Butterfly

Name: Tavares
Album: Madam Butterfly
Year: 1979
Style: R&B, Soul, Funk
Similar Bands: Hues Corporation, Spinners, Stylistics, Temptations, LTD, KC & the Sunshine Band, Peaches & Herb
"One-Word" Review: Funky Smooth Bedroom Jawns
Based Out Of: New Bedford, Massachusetts, Rhode Island
Label: EMI, Capitol

Cover, Record

Record, Back

Madam Butterfly (1979)

1. Straight From Your Heart 4:27 (single)
2. Games, Games 4:33
3. Madam Buttefly 4:32
4. Let Me Heal the Bruises 4:26 /
5. Never Had a Love Like This Before 4:35 (single)
6. One Telephone Call Away 4:25
7. My Love Calls 5:09
8. Positive Forces 2:58
9. I'm Back for More 3:02

Album Rating (1-10): 6.5

Members & Other Bands:

• Bobby Martin - Producer
• Larkin Arnold - Exec Producer
• Brian Panella - Direction, Personal Mgmt
• Roy Kohara - Art Direction
• Henry Marquez - Design
• Oliver Ferrand - Cover/Back Photos
• Robert Hickson - Illustration
• Jim McCary - Liner/Sleeve Photos
• Antone Laurence "Chubby" Tavares (Chubby & the Turnpikes, Linda & the Del Rios, Lime)
• Perry Lee "Tiny" Tavares
• Feliciano Vierra "Butch" Tavares (Chubby & the Turnpikes)
• Ralph Vierra Tavares (Chubby & the Turnpikes, Linda & the Del Rios)
• Arthur Paul "Pooch" Tavares (Chubby & the Turnpikes, Linda & the Del Rios)
• Ron Kersey - Clavinet, Piano, Organ, Melodica (MFSB, Salsoul Orch, Trammps, more)
• Benorce Blackmon - Guitar (Charles Wright & the Watts 103rd St Rhythm Band, Mike James Kirkland, Bill Withers, The Persuasions, LTD, Mel Browne, Jean Terrell, John Handy, Benny Golson, DJ Rogers, Kurtis Blow, Justin Timberlake)
• Melvin Webb - Bongos, Congas, Drums, Percussion (Bloodstone, Fred Wesley, Johnny Nash, LTD, Marvin Gaye, Mel Browne, Jean Terrell, John Handy, Greg & Hanks, Wright Brothers Flying Machine, Halloween, Maxine Nightingale, Sir John Roberts, Syl Johnson, Thelma Houston, Deborah Washington, High Energy, Les McCann, Juice People Unlimited, Alain Chamfort, Street Players, Mary Wilson, Patrice Rushen, Splendor, Dramatics, Edwin Starr, Vernon Burch, Syreeta, Pyrymyd, Gap Band, Al Johnson, Yarbrough & Peoples, Nolen & Crossley, Esther Phillips, Jose Feliciano, Spinners, Billy Preston, Phyllis Hyman, O'Bryan, Atkins, Bobby Davenport, Goodie, Janet Jackson, Marlena Shaw, Gladys Knight & the Pops, Monalisa Young, Junior Walker, Dimples, Champaign)
• Len Ron Hanks - Clavinet, Piano (Grey & Hanks, Jean Terrell, Larry Graham, Alfie Silas)
• John Roberts - Flugelhorn, Trumpet (Barry White, jay Ansill, Natalie Merchant, Main Ingredient, Martha Reeves, Mel Brown Love Unlimited orch, T-Boy Ross, Penthouse Dance band, Tal Armstrong, Rockie Robbins, Vernon Burch, Christy Essien Igbokwe, Michael Wycoff, Albert King, George Duke, ZARD, Rachelle Ferrell, Musiq, Charlene Ava, Kirk Whalum, Spectrals, Gloria Newsom, Deniz Tek, Groupe Kounabeli De Masuku, Woodley Yeomen)
• Oscar Brashear  - Flugelhorn, Trumpet (Bird Memorial Quintet, Brass Fever, Count basie Orch, Gerald Wilson Orch of the 80's/90's, Henry Mancini & His Orch,Hubert Laws Group, Karma, Master Fleet, Teddy Edwards Brasstring Ensemble, Clayton-Hamilton Jazz Orch, more )
• David Shields - Bass (First Cousins Jazz Ensemble, Mean Machine, Bill Cosby, Bill Quateman, Memphis Horns, Jackie De Shannon, Marlene Shaw, Blackbyrds, Thelma Houston, Jerry Butler, Kellee Patterson, Syteeta, GC Cameron, Patti Labelle, Emotions, The Originals, Karen Pree, Nancy Wilson, Haruko, Jim Capaldi, Leon Haywood, Mel Brown, Gladys Knight, Benny Golson, Bill LaBounty, Ms. Sharon Ridley, Bill Champlin, Smokey Robinson, 5th Dimension, Finished Touch, Deborah Washington, Bloodstone, Stephen Bishop, High Inergy, Chery Lynn, Rodney Franklin, Juice People Unlimiter, Vernon Burch, T-Boy Ross, John Mayall, Denise Williams, Robert John, Adrian Gurvitz, Gloria Gaynor, Valentine Bros, Harvey Mason, Randy Newman, DC LaRue, Andrae Crouch, Letta Mbulu, Flakes, Pyrymyd, John & Arthur Simms, Edwin Starr, Klique, Henry Gross, Freddie Hubbard, Stevie Woods, Bobby Womack, O'Bryan, Michael Wycoff, Wilton Felder, Manhattans, Marylin Scott, Jay Graydon, Jeff Porcaro, Beau Williams, Joey Negro, Cosmos Dwellerz Arkestra)
• Maurice Spears - Bass Trombone (Gerald Wilson Orch of 80's/90's, Teddy Edwards Brasstring Ensemble, Buddy Collette Big Band, Clayton-Hamilton Jazz Orch, Phenix Horns More)
• Gaylord Birch - Drums (Cold Blood, Graham Central Station, Reconstruction, Santana, marvin Holmes & the Uptights, Natural Four, Merl Saunders, Pointer Sisters, Marvin Holmes & Justice, Roger Glenn, Lonnie Hewitt, Walter Hawkins & the Family, Kimm, Larry Graham, Bill Bell, Leon Patillo, Martha Young All Stars, Larry Vuckovich, John Lee Hooker, Charles Brown, Bob Stewart, Anthony Paule, Eddie Harris, Houston Person, Mary Stallings, Jerry Garcia, Napata Mero)
• Steve Erquiaga - Guitar (Frank Mantooth Jazz Orch, Roberta VanDere, John Handy, Art Van Damme Quintet, Les McCann, Andy Narell, Jon Illg, Bobby McFerrin, Antonio Lozano, Steve Erquiaga/Brasel/Kenneth Nash, Mehler, Melvin Seals, Rich Hodge, Carole Walker, Barbara Higbie, Rhiannon, Will Ackerman, Alex De Grassi, Turtle island String Quartet, Johann Sebastian Bach, Windham Hill Artists, Howie Smith, Pete Escovedo, Kitty margolis, Jacqui Naylor, Raquel Bitton, Noel McFarlane)
• Grover Mitchell - Trombone (Count Basie Big Band Orch,New Blue Devils, Lalo Schifrin, Frank Weiss, Harry Edison, more)
• Linda Small - Trombone  (Gary Urwin Jazz Orch, Tompall Glaser, Cate Bros, Jules & the Polar Bears, Pete Chistlieb)
• Tom McIntosh - Trombone (Dizzy Gillespie, Hubert Laws, Milt Jackson, NY Jazz Sextet, Oliver Nelson, Thad Jones, Mel Lewis, The Jazztet, more)
• Don Moors - Vibraphone (Richard Dimples Fields, Taj Mahal, Mel Brown, Rockie Robbins)

Unknown-ness: Can't say I've heard of this band before getting this record. The cover looks like it is going to be heavily Japanese influenced, even if the back shows the band to be a bunch of 70s leisure suited gentlemen. Leaning toward a funk style with some inspiration from Japanese music.

Album Review: It is pretty much a straight forward Funk R&B outfit, with slow, methodical songs breaking up the disco funk dancing and street corner pop. 

They truly were brothers from a musical household, and started out as first The Del Rios, a backing band for Linda Steele, and then Chubby & the Realities / Turnpikes in the late 1950s. Both Bernie Worrell (P-Funk) and Joey Kramer (Aerosmith) were in the band at points in time. They eventually took their last name as the band name in 1969. They had a string of albums and solid collection of hits. In 1977 they acquired the disco band label- a label that undeservedly pigeonholed them- as their Grammy award winning version of the Bee Gees song "More Than a Woman" was on the Saturday Night Fever soundtrack (the Bee gees wrote it specifically for Tavares). This album was the record that tried to break the image, sounding very Philadelphia Soul thanks to producer Bobby Martin. Eldest brother Ralph quit the band to pursue a 9-5 job (Court Officer) which he stayed at for 30 years and become a devoted father who was present in his family's life. The other brothers carried on, and in 2014, the five reunited for the first time in 30 years. And the band is still active, with future dates booked in 2021.

Stand Out Track: Positive Forces

Links:
Spotify full album
Wiki

Discogs

Allmusic
Providence Journal - Where are they now 2018
Facebook
2021 show @ Stadium Theater
Rhode Island  Music HoF
Music Museum of NE
NJ 101.5
Boston Globe
Soul Tracks
South Coast Today 2014: 30 yr reunion

Taste of Honey (A) - s/t

Name: A Taste of Honey
Album: s/t
Year: 1978
Style: Disco, Funk, Soul
Similar Bands: Gloria Gaynor, George Clinton, Chic, Sister Sledge, Musique
"One-Word" Review: Disco-Funk
Based Out Of: LA, CA
Label: Capitol, EMI

Cover, Record

Record, Back

A Taste of Honey (1978)

1. Boogie Oogie Oogie 5:37 (single)
2. This Love of Ours 3:20
3. Distant 4:38
4. World Spin 3:42 /
5. Disco Dancin' 3:29 (single)
6. You 3:20
7. If We Loved 4:24 
8. Sky High 5:04 (single b-side_
9. You're In Good Hands 3:52

Album Rating (1-10): 6.5

Members & Other Bands:

• Perry L. Kibble - Arrangements, Production Assistant, Backing Vox, Keys (JC Davis)
• Janice M Johnson - Lead Vox, Bass (Lionel Richie, Felton Pilate)
• Hazel P. Payne - Lead Vox, Guitar (Space People)
• Donald R Johnson - Backing Vox, Drums 
• Larkin Arnold - Back Quote, VP/GM Soul Music Division, Exec Producer
• Fonce Misell - Producer, Arrangements
• Larry Mizell - Producer, Arrangements
• Steve Maslow  - Recording
• Gil Jones - Recording
• Sergio Reyes - Mixing
• Butch Lynch - Mixing
• Jim Nipar - Mixing
• Ken Perry - Mastering
• Tom Oliver - Additional Recording
• Wade Marcus - String Arrangement & Conduction
• Roy Kohara - Art Direction
• Ken Anderson - Design
• Dick Zimmerman - Cover Photo
• Rosenberg/Levy - Liner Photo

Unknown-ness: I never heard of this band, but since buying this, i've seen the cover elsewhere, in a kind of iconic reputation. The image is great: two powerful, badass women stand with guitars and bass- in a world where that was very uncommon, in front of a honeycomb backdrop, driving the name home. The serious look on their faces gives question to the sweetness of the band name, "honey," so as to what is on this record, i can only judge as intriguing. Although the song names lend themselves to disco, i hope it leans toward real instruments, perhaps in a heavier, rock setting.

Album Review: This is pretty straightforward disco. Lots of swirling strings, and funky basslines, but there are some tender, softer moments that relax into the R&B world. Then there are some guitar solos peppered in that Hendrix and Prince would be proud of as well. 

The group started in 1971, and after doing USO shows internationally, they were "discovered" oncwe they returned home in an LA club. Named after Herb Alpert's song of the same name, not the play or film also of the same name. This iconic album had one of the biggest disco singles in Boogie Oogie Oogie, (written in backlash to an unresponsive USO crowd) which propelled both the single and album to go platinum in sales, and won them best new artist of the year, 1979 at the Grammys (first black group to do so). They burned bright and short, because as the Disco era was winding down, so did the band after their contract negotiated 5 album run. Surviving members have reunited in 2004 for a PBS special. And Janice M. Johnson, who is a member of the Native American Hall of Fame, carries on the band's name. They have been sampled quite a bit by rap/hip hop artists.

Stand Out Track: Boogie Oogie Oogie

Links:
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System (the) - The Pleasure Seekers

Name: The System
Album: The Pleasure Seekers
Year: 1985
Style: Synth, R&B, 
Similar Bands: Stevie B, Color Me Badd, Nu Shooz, Scritti Politti, Generationals, Billy Ocean
"One-Word" Review:80's synth pop club floor scene
Based Out Of: NYC
Label: Mirage, Atlantic, Warner

Cover, Sleeve, Record

Back, Sleeve, Record

The Pleasure Seekers (1985)

1. The Pleasure Seekers 4:39 (single)
2. It Takes 2 4:12
3. Big City Beat 3:25
4. Love Won't Wait For Lovin' 4:47 /
5. This is For You 4:57 (single)
6. My Radio Rocks 3:43
7. Did In By A Friend 3:11
8. I Don't Run From Danger 4:45

Album Rating (1-10): 6.0

Members & Other Bands:

• Mic Murphy - Vox, Produced, Wrote, Arranged (Kleeer, Flowchart, Sass, Howard Johnson, Lenny White, Chaka Khan, Howard Jones, Nona Hendryx, Natural Selection, Tom Jones, Mtume, more)
• David Frank - Keys, Produced, Wrote, Arranged (Kleeer, Orch on the Half Shell, Linear, Carole Davis, Rick James, Mtume, Robert Palmer, Scritti Politti, Chaka Khan, Phil Collins, Steve Winwood, Billy Squire, Billy Idol, Nona Hendryx, Aztec Camera, Ashford & Simpson, Phoebe Snow, Natalie Cole, Sheena Easton, Vanessa Williams, Marc Anthony, Eric Clapton, Michael McDonald, Katy Sagal, Dionne Farris, Notorious BIG, 98 degrees, Destiny's Child, Christina Aguilera, Vitamin C, O-Town, Victoria Beckham, S Club, Pussycat Dolls, Jordin Sparks, Brie Larson more)
• Paul Pesco - Guitar (Madonna, Hall & Oates, John Blackwell Project, Dave Weckl, C+C Music Factory, Joan Baez, Chaka Khan, Norma Jean, Michael Bolton, Force MDs, Eddie Murphy, Grandmaster Flash, Afrika Bambaataa, George Benson, Pointer Sisters, Sheena Easton, Jellybean, Whitney Houston, Steve Winwood, Fat Boys, Gregory Hines, Stephanie Mills, Don Johnson, Cyndi Lauper  more
• Audrey Wheeler - Vox (Unlimited Touch, Blue Moderne, Jellybean, Robin Gibb, Kurtis Blow, Fat Boys, Debbie Harry, Jermaie Stewart, Boogie Boys, Little Steven, Blow Monkeys, Melba Moore, Billy Ocean, Millie Jackson, Donny Osmond, George Benson, Eddie Murphy more)
• Denise Chaplin - Vox
• Jimmy Maelen - Percussion (Roxy Music, Peter Gabriel, James Taylor, Alice Cooper, John Lennon, The Jacksons, Talking Heads, Ambergris, Shobizz, Hollywood Vampires, Latin Dimension, BJ Thomas, more)
• Tom Lord-Alge - Engineer, Mixing
• Chris Lord-Alge - Mixing
• Acar Key - Assistant
• Dennis King - Mastering
• Bob Defrin - Art Direction
• Steve Fraser - Mic's hair
• Roy Volkmann - Photos

Unknown-ness: I have heard of this band; only saw their name on a sleeveless 45, but never heard anything by them. From the cover, it looks like it will have a Fun Boy Three vibe, so even though it is 85- which is apparent by the clothes, I'm going to guess it is on the tail end of new wave, but dancey.

Album Review: The album has a computer-generated 80's radio friendly r&b dance sound...everything sounds synthetic, and the beats have lots of 80's Casio effects processed in. The style has been adopted by some of the current Caribbean-yacht rock synth bands of today, but it also sounds like late 80's Stevie B Miami dance music.

This was basically a duo, hiring session musicians to fill in the rest, but were at the forefront of using synth as the spotlight sound. They gained notoriety for having their music in film & TV, on Miami Vice, Coming to America, Beverly Hills Cop, and they were in Real Genius. They worked with Scritti Politti, Phil Collins and Chaka Khan and their songs were used by musicians like Tupac Shakur and the Notorious BIG. They went back & forth being together and splitting apart as a duo, and have their own recording studio.


Stand Out Track: The Pleasure Seekers

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Soul Survivors - When the Whistle Blows, Anything Goes

Name: Soul Survivors
Album: When the Whistle Blows, Anything Goes
Year: 1967
Style: Oldies, Psych, R&B/Soul
Similar Bands: Box Tops, Animals, Zombies, Association, Sam & Dave, Paul Revere & the Raiders
"One-Word" Review: Quirky Psych Rock N' Blue-Eyed Soul Roll 
Based Out Of: Philadelphia
Label: Crimson Records, Inc

Cover, Record

Record, Back

When the Whistle Blows, Anything Goes (1967)

1. Do You Feel It 3:46
2. Please Please Please 3:29
3. Too Many Fish in the Sea...Shake 5:53
4. Dathon's Theme 2:46
5. Taboo-India 3:43 /
6. Expressway (To Your Heart) 3:33 (single)
7. Respect 2:43 (Otis Redding cover)
8. A Change is Gonna Come 3:48
9. Hey Gyp 4:54
10. The Rydle 2:36

Album Rating (1-10): 8.5

Members & Other Bands: 

• Howard Michaels - Bio
• Joe Forglone - Drummer (Steeplechase, Duane Allman)
• Paul Venturini - Organ (Privilege, Duane Allman)
• Chuck Trois - Guitar 
• Charles Ingui - Vox (Dedications, Cindy & Roy, Felix Cavaliere, Duane Allman)
• Richard Ingui - Vox (Dedications,Cindy & Roy, Felix Cavaliere, Duane Allman)
• Kenny Jermiah - Vox (Dedications, Duane Allman)
• Nat Segall - Producer
• Joe Tarsia - Engineer
• Richard Price / Snyder Studio - Album Design
• Shelly Roseman - Cover Photo

Unknown-ness: Never heard of this band. Even with their sticker on the cover, promoting Expressway To Your Heart, i can't say i know this band. The look is a little out there, scattered and varied with a little bit psych (especially the font) and a little bit R&B-Disco

Album Review: The band itself is little bit garage, a little bit soul / r&b, all catchy oldies rock. Single "Expressway..." sounds a little like "Soul Man," was the first hit single from Gamble & Huff, and was inspired by the Schuylkill Expressway. They cover Otis Reddings version or Respect, the same year that Franklin's ground breaking version was released. "Taboo-India" is an off instrumental, with some yelling that sounds like it might shift into the Italian song  "L'urlo Negro" by the Blackmen. Per the back of the record, the band met via an accident on the NJ Turnpike and hanging out / recovering in a nearby diner afterwords where they discovered a mutual admiration for soul music (thus Soul Survivors in 1966). They basically stopped performing & recording after a few years absence of a follow up hit in the mid 70's. It was not until after they were referenced in a Steely Dan song (Hey 19) that they returned to playing & writing in 1987. Richie Inqui passed away in 2017, but the rest still work with the Hooter's Drummer David Uosikkinen's Philly Tribute Supergroup "In the Pocket."

Stand Out Track: Expressway (To Your Heart)

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Road (the) - s/t

Name: The Road
Album: s/t
Year: 1970
Style: Psych Oldies & Bubblegum Pop, Funk, R&B
Similar Bands: Bee Gees, Stones, Beatles, Tom Jones, Zombies, Hollies, 
"One-Word" Review: 60's Wedding Cover Band on drugs
Based Out Of: Buffalo, NY
Label: Kama Sutra, Buddah Records , Viewlex Inc

Cover, Promo Sleeve, Record

Back, Promo Sleeve, Record

The Road (1970)

1. She's Not There 3:43 (single, Zombies Cover)
2. Love Is All 3:21
3. Love It Is 4:42 (J. Geils cover)
4. A Taste of Honey 2:32 (Ric Marlow cover)
5. I Can Only Give You Everything 2:47 (single b-side, Them cover)/
6. Dance To The Music 5:29 (Sly & Family Stone cover)
7. Never Gonna Give You Up 3:11 (Jerry Butler cover)
8. Mr. Soul 2:40 (single, Neil Young cover)
9. In Love 1:55 (single b-side)
10. See You There 2:12
11. Rock N Roll Woman 2:52 (Stephen Stills cover) 
12. The Grass Looks Greener on the Other Side 2:31 (single)

Album Rating (1-10): 7.0

Members & Other Bands:

• Hal Wheeler - Arrange, Conducted
• Bill Radice - Engineer
• J. Pinto / Joey Reynolds / Rencore - Producer
• Jerry Hudson -Lead Vox (Madmen, 6 Pact, Mellow Brick Rode)
• Phil Hudson - Lead Vox (6 Pact, Mellow Brick Rode)
• Joseph Hesse - Bass (Mellow Brick Rode, Just Us 5)
• Jim Hesse - Organ (Mellow Brick Rode, Just Us Five, Caesar & The Romans)
• Ralph Parker - Lead Guitar (Madmen, 6 Pact, Mellow Brick Rode)
• Nick Distefano - Drums (Mellow Brick Road, Just Us 5, Marie Osmond, Billy Joe Royal, Janie Frickie, Johnny Rodriguez, David Loggins, Marshall Chapman, Wheetstone Bridge)
• James S. Bush Jr - Cover Photo
• Silver & Morris - Prepared
• Frank Iannello - Album Design
• Gordon James - Photography

Unknown-ness: Never heard of this band, but from the logo/font, hairstyles and their clothes, plus being on Buddah Records, I imagine it will be some Psych/Bublegum Pop

Album Review: The Road, as shortened / updated form of their previous name Mellow Brick Rode, was a band of solid musicians who made their own arrangements on other people's songs for the most part (3 tracks are written by band members). Their arrangement of the Zombie's "She's Not There" was their biggest hit, making top 40 lists in and around their home of Buffalo NY. They never toured further than Massachusetts, per direction from their management, but their reach was across the country. The were comfortable being an ever-present act in the Buffalo area. They had one more album after this one for Kama Sutra records, and after that were then were not a band for many years like an on/off light switch with a revolving door of members. There is brass present on this record, but no mention of who played on it with a credit(s).

Stand Out Track: She's Not There

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Puzzle - The Second Album

Name: Puzzle
Album: The Second Album
Year: 1974
Style: Motown, R&B, Prog-Jazz fusion, Funk, Blood Sweat & Tears, 
Similar Bands: Stevie Wonder, Chicago
"One-Word" Review: Multi-Genre Doo-Wop Proggers
Based Out Of: Chicago
Label: Motown

Cover, Record

Back, Record

The Second Album (1974)

1. You Took Me Wrong 4:10
2. Mary Mary 3:21
3. State of Mind 4:12
4. Everybody Wants to Be Somebody 3:21
5. Haiku 5:28 /
6. My Love 3:51
7. Now That You Love Me 4:13
8. Concept of Her 8:25
1. Prelude
2. A Moment's Rest
3. Visions
9. NYC 3:40

Album Rating (1-10): 6.5

Members & Other Bands:

• Bob Cullen - Producer
• Bobby Scott - String Arrangement
• Hank Cicalo - Engineer
• Linda Tyler - Recordist
• Bernie Grundman - Mastering
• Norman Seeff - Photography & Design
• Pelev Palombi - Illustration
• John LiVigni - Drums, Vox, Percussion (John Valenti, John Edward Beland)
• Anthony Siciliano - Bass 
• Joseph Spinazola - Piano Organ (John Valenti)
• Bobby Villalobos - Lead Guitar 
• Ralf Richert - Guitar, Trumpet (Don Randi, Vinny Golia, Windfall, James Vincent, LA Jazz Ensemble, Freddy Henry, Jack Miller, Cook Country, King Errisson, Crusaders. Hiromi Iwasaki, Calypso Rose, Ollie Mitchell, Cold Fire, Mighty Clouds of Joy, Roby Duke, BUrning Sensations, Kazu Matsui, Pearl, Bonedaddys, Yanni, Nicky Holland, John Miles, Neil Diamond, Nathan Cavaleri, Dianne Reeves, Paula Abdul, Porno For Pyros, Windows,Thom Rotella, Christopher Franke, James Iha, Larry klimas, Marek Niedzwiecki, Devo, George Benson, Karizma, Caldera, Les DeMerle)
• Bob Williams - Trumpet, Wind Chimes
• Larry Klimas - Sax, Flute (Dream Patrol, Karizma, Potato Salad, Toolbox, Tom Hensley, James Vincent, King Errisson, Hiromi Iwasaki, Calypso Rose, John Valenti, Daniel Goldberg, Pino Marrone, Kazu Matsui Project, War, Renaud, Claire Severac, Luis Conte, Miki Asakura, LA Keyboard Project, Dickies, Visiting Kids, Liquid Jesus, Recollections, Karen Knowles, Charles Dumont, Sam Sklair, Lesley Olsher, Neil Diamond, Steve Lukather,. Manhattan Transfer, Rick Braun, Luis Conte, Suicide Machines, David Garfield, Lee Oskar, Robert Williams, Divididos, Bob Conti, Arthur Barrow, Devo, Melora, George Cables, Chicago, Robert Lamm, Azure McCall, Elton John, Thelma Houston, The Mar Visiting Philharmonic, PG & Frank, Robby Krieger, Mike Porcaro, Dan Fornero, Gerry Beckley, Alex Ligertwood, America)

Unknown-ness: Never heard of Puzzle, but from the cover and distorted, stretched band image on the back, my best guess is this is totally a prog band. Even if it is on Motown...well, maybe there is some doo-wop included in the prog, which sounds very intriguing.

Album Review: This album splits the difference, where some songs are blue-eyed soul & R&B motown sound, and others are jazzy prog or straight up jazz. But there is not much cross over, each track is a stand alone style. "Everybody Wants to Be Somebody" has a trumpet section that sounds like "Lean On Me." They are an all-white jazzy soul band that didn't quite fit the typical Motown sound, but were released on the Motown label rather than one of the related labels like Rare Earth (which was the original intention). They were a popular live band between Chicago & Detroit, so geographically, Motown made sense. Bandleader LiVigni changed his name to Valenti after Puzzle to pursue a solo career.

Stand Out Track: You Took Me Wrong

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