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

Links:
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Werner, David - s/t

Name: David Werner
Album: s/t
Year: 1979
Style: Pub Rock, Power Pop, Glam

Similar Bands: Steppenwolf, Bad Company, Mott the Hoople
"One-Word" Review: Classically Rocked Glam
Based Out Of: Pittsburgh, PA
Label: Record Logic, Epic, CBS

Cover, Sleeve, Record

Back, Sleeve, Record

S/T (1979)

1. Can't Imagine 3:38
2. What's Right 3:42 (single, #104)
3. What Do You Need to Love 4:01
4. Melanie Cries 4:50
5. Eye to Eye 4:52 /
6. Hold on Tight 4:13
7. Every New Romance 5:35
8. Too Late to Try 2:39
9. High Class Blues 4:07
10. She Sent Me Away 4:31

Album Rating (1-10): 5.5

Members & Other Bands:

• David Werner - Writer, Publisher, Vox, Guitar, Piano, Percussion, Mixing (Granati Bros)
• Mark Doyle - Guitar, Piano/Keys, Bass, Vox, Percussion (Jukin' Bone, Dokken, Steppenwolf, Free Will, Penetrators, Andy Pratt, Cindy Bullens, Meat Loaf, Bryan Adams, The Doyle, Backbone Slip, Judy Collins, Leo Sayer, Far Cry, Joe Whiting & the Bandit Band, Kingsnakes, NKOBT, The Richards, Built for Comfort  Blues Band, Rich Mendelson, Mary Fahl, Frank Briggs, Flashcubes)
• Thom Mooney - Drums (Nazz, Curtis Bros, Tattoo, Paris, Cindy Bullens, Danny O'Keefe, John Hiatt, James Lee Stanley, Noel & the Red Wedge, Jimmy Buffett, Rita Coolidge, Tom Peterson & Another Language, Domino, Scott Richardson, Ray Manzarek, Lightnin' Willie & the Poorboys)
• Albritton McClain - Bass (Bridge of Souls, Donnie Iris, The Innocent, Beechwood Farm, Pete Emmett, Kym Ryder, Roy Buchanan)
• Ken Bishell - Synth (Gerson Kingsley's First Moog Quartet, Lonnie Liston Smith & the Cosmic Echoes, Side Show, Jobriath, Exuma, Ian Lloyd & Stories, Bette Midler, Jackie DeShannon, Kahli Gibran, Arif Mardin, Aretha Franklin, Felix Cavaliere, Margie Joseph, Average White Band, Zulema, David Ruffin, Van McCoy, Nikki Giovanni, Black Heart, Judy Collins, Phoebe Snow, Miroslav Vitous, Brigati, Andy Pratt, Roy Buchanan, Carman Moore, Gladys Knight & the Pips, Cy Coleman, Michael Stewart, Philippe Wynne, Elliott Randall, Ringo Starr, Wilbur Bascomb, Mark & Clark Band, Joe FFarrell, Jaroslav, The Persuaders, Sylvia Syms, Cindy Billens, Vicki Sue Robinson, Herbie Mann, Carly Simon, Kate Taylor, Chaka Khan, Peter Paul & Mary, Liner, Noel Paul Stookey, Liner, Keith Barrow, Richard Peaslee, George Benson, Fame (musical), Larry Elgart, Shlomo Haviv, Stories, Ted Rosenthal, Mandy Patinkin, Jazz Timpanist Jonathan Haas, Rachel Portman, Charlie Gross, Carter Burwell, Marcelo Zarvos, Ashford & Simpson, James Galway)
• Richard Hunter - Hamonica (Space Negros, Magic Mose & his Royal Rockers, Erik Lindgren, Willie Loco Alexander, Chris Cacavas, Edward Abbiati, Lowlands & Friends)
• Tim Cappelo - Sax (Galdston & Thom, Labamba's Big Band, Garland Jeffreys, Tina Turner, Ringo Starr, Peter Gabriel, Robert Kraft & Ivory Coast, Far Cry, Randy Goodrum, The Flirts, Dimas, Chris Thompson, Tony LeMans, John Sebastian, Nu Colours, Karen Carpenter, Beckley, Izzy James, Emilie Surtees, Gunship)
• Ian Hunter - Vox, Mixing (Mott the Hoople, Mick Ronson, Choir of St. Paul's Cathedral, Genya Ravan, Iron City Houserockers, Scott Folsom, Mick Jones, Brian May, Corky Laing, Ozzy Osbourne, Def Leppard, Dennis Dunaway, Aleandro Escovedo, Rebelles, Cloud District, Bronco, Ellen Foley, David Johanson, Payola$, Mountain, Michael Monroe, Ringo Starr  many)
• Maxine Dixon - Vox (Looking Glass, Elliot Lurie, DC LaRue, Tom Scott, Kiss, Murray McLaughlan, Little Feat, Lowell George)
• Bob Clearmountain - Recording, Mixing (Chic, Silencers, Bruce Springsteen)
• Jeff Hendrickson - Recording, Additional, Asst. Engineer 
• Roy Willard - Asst. Engineer
• Ed Evans - Tech. Ingenuity
• Janet Perr - Design
• Paula Scher - Design
• Benno Friedman - Photos

Unknown-ness: I've never heard of David Werner. It looks like he is a New Wave Singer Songwriter, based on his attire on the full body spread artwork, plus all the technical and musical credits he lists.

Album Review: There is more power chords in these classic rock / pub rock tracks than typical nervous, fast paced jittery new wave, but the vocals do fall back on a nasally tone. "Hold On Tight" has a hook that sounds like Michael Jackson's "Black or White." Single "What's Right" follows a bluesy southern rock hook [Glam] that sounds like T-Rex "Get it On [Bang a Gong].

Biggest claim to fame? Writing Billy Idol's 90's hit "Cradle of Love." when he was a house writer for EMI. He recorded 2 albums for RCA in 1974 & 1975 before signing with Epic for 2 albums in 1979 (this one & a promotional one-sided album: Live). In his first life (label) he was touted as a Glam artist and Bowie rival, even through they shared the same label (and those albums sound much better than this one).

Stand Out Track: Can't Imagine

Links:
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Allmusic

Classic Bands Interview
Pitts Music History
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Werner's Whizz Kid via Vinyl Treasures

UK - Danger Money

Name: UK
Album: Danger Money
Year: 1979
Style: Prog, Jazz Fusion
Similar Bands: Styx, Brand X, Battles, Mike Batt, Emerson Lake Palmer, King Crimson
"One-Word" Review: Cinematic Space Soundscapes
Based Out Of: England
Label: EG Records, Polydor, Polygram Distribution

Cover, Record, Liner Notes

Back, Record, Sleeve Notes

Danger Money (1979)

1. Danger Money 8:12
2. Rendezvous 6.05 5:00 (single)
3. The Only Thing She Needs 7:53 (single) /
4. Caesar's Palace Blues 4:42 (single B-Side)
5. Nothing to Lose 3:57 (single)
6. Carrying No Cross 12:20

Album Rating (1-10): 6.0

Members & Other Bands:

• Eddie Jobnson - Writing, Arrangement, Producer, Violin, Keys (Curved Air, Roxy Music, Frank Zappa, Jethro Tull, Legacy, UKZ, Ultimate Zero, Fat Grapple, Roger Glover, Neoteric Orch, Yes, Mark Mancina, Andy Mackay, Bryan Ferry, Dana Gillespie, Amazing Blondel, John Entwistle, Mike Heron's Reputation, Phil Manzanera, Jasun Martz, Spyro Gyra,   more)
• John Wetton - Writing, Arrangement, Producer, Vox, Bass (Asia, King Crimson, Roxy Music, Brian Eno, Uriah Heep, Edward Hand, Family, The Human Experience, Jack-Knife, Mogul Thrash, Qango, Renaissance, Wishbone Ash, Ultimate Zero, Bryan Ferry, Phil Manzanera, Atoll)
• Terry Bozzio - Drums, Percussion (Frank Zappa, Missing Persons, HoBoLeMa, Lonely Bears, Vai, Bozzio Levin Stevens, Brecker Bros, Jeff Beck, Luis Gasca, Barretto, A.Heller, Spinettam Group 87, more)
• John Punter - Engineer
• Geoff Emerick - Recording
• Nigel Walker - Asst. Engineer
• Dave Fidler - Crew
• Graham Davis - Crew
• Hipgnosis - Cover Design, Photos
• George Marino - Mastering
• Mark Fenwick - Special Thanks
• Sam Alder - Special Thanks

Unknown-ness: I've never heard of this band. The cover of a corporate employee washing their hands, couple with the album title Danger Money offer a political commentary on corporate greed and the difficult subjugation. The back show long hairs with their instruments, and overall, i get a hard rock, power pop standing on the edge of metal vibe...if it were not for the 6 tracks at rather lengthy times. That makes me think it is more of a prog act. Not to say the two cannot be blended. Also, I see the name John Wetton, whom I have reviewed previously as a solo artist. So if that gives me any indication, this will still be that fine line of power pop & arena rock.

Album Review: The music emits the feeling of a cohesive theatrical play about psychedelic space adventures, even if that was not the intention. The vocal sections show they can be an arena rock band like Journey, but the rest of the progressive sections tie them to the 8-10 minute musings genre. The first 4 minutes of The Only Thing She Needs is a nice song with some Battles and Genesis sounding sections, but the song pauses and builds itself back up for an extra 4 minutes or so.

UK were a supergroup, with each member coming from 3-5 different popular bands from King Crimson, Roxy Music, Frank Zappa to name a few (obviously i'm not well versed enough in these bands or I may have picked a name out.). The end of Prog's popularity & differences in stylistic direction plagued the band, as this is their second of two studio albums (where the first one had four members, one of whom was a different drummer [Bill Bruford], and they did not replace the guitarist [Allan Holdsworth]), and they broke up while touring for the album. But their differences were not enough to burn any bridges, as these three all worked together in various projects, and reformed together for a US tour in 2012.

Stand Out Track: The Only Thing She Needs

Links:

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Music Street Journal
all about jazz

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:
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Providence Journal - Where are they now 2018
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South Coast Today 2014: 30 yr reunion

Marc Tanner Band (the) - No Escape

Name: The Marc Tanner Band
Album: No Escape
Year: 1979
Style: Disco, Rock
Similar Bands: Bee Gees, Journey, Steely Dan, Supertramp, Doobie Bros.
"One-Word" Review: Smooth Disco infused Pub Band
Based Out Of: California
Label: Elektra, Asylum, Nonesuch, Warner Communications

Cover, Sleeve, Record

Back, Lyrics, Record

No Escape (1979)

1. Never Again 3:12 (single b-side)
2. Crawlin' 2:54
3. She's So High 4:30 (single)
4. Elena 3:27 (single)
5. Edge of Love 3:25 /
6. Getaway 3:35
7. Lady in Blue 3:51 (single b-side)
8. In A Spotlight 4:15
9. Lost at Love 3:42
10. Your Tears Don't Lie 3:33 

Album Rating (1-10): 6.0

Members & Other Bands:

• Marc Tanner - Writer, Vox, Guitar (Eddie Money, Nelson, Choice Reunion)
• Mike Baird - Drums (Ironhorse, Airborne, HP Riot, Journey, Sam Kinison, Cecilio & Kapono, Hall & Oates, Buffy Saint-Marie, Richie Havens, Tommy James, Doonesbury's Jimmy Thudpucker, Rita Coolidge, Pointer Sisters, Johnny Mathis, Denise Williams, Nigel Olsson, Shawn Phillips, Flyer, Brooklyn Dreams, Paul Anka, Cher, Art Garfunkel, Beach Boys, Rick Springfield, America  many)
• Bob Glaub - Bass (Jackson Browne, Adam Sandler, Journey, Dave Mason, Booker T, Rod Stewart, Arlo Guthrie, Carly Simon, Leo Sayer, Warren Zevon, Steve Miller Band, Gladys Knight, Jim Morrison, Cher, Bonnie Raitt, Rita Coolidge, Donna Summer, Linda Ronstadt, Seals & Crofts, Eric Carmen, Eddie Money, Gordon Lightfoot, Peter Cetera, Phoebe Snow, Bee Gees, David Lindley, Stevie Nicks, Karla Bonoff, Laura Brannigan, CS&N, Don Henley, Jimmy Buffett, Donovan, Carole King many)
• Ritchie Zito - Guitar (Snowball, The Bay Ridge, Teri DeSario, Joey Carborne, Eric Carmen, Annie, Eddie Money, Tyketto, Prism, Mr. Big, Liza Minnelli, Diana Ross, Art Garfunkel, Beach Boys, Nigel Olsson, Harry Nillsson, Elton john, Peter Allen, Elton john, Sparks, Ringo Starr, Kenny Rogers, Chuck Berry, Toni Basil, Barry Manilow, Lionel Richie, Irene Cara, Giorgio Moroder, Nina Hagen, America, Janet Jackson, Tina Turner, Joe Cocker, Neville Bros, Red 7, Kenny Loggins, Berlin  more)
• William Smitty Smith - Piano, Backing Vox (Motherlode, Eric mercury, Ricky Lee Jones, Domenic Troiano, Craig Doerge, Neil Sedaka, Bruce Miller, Jade, Richie Havens, Jorge Calderon, Dianne Brooks, Blood Sweat & Tears, Larry Carlton, Leah Kunkel, Ronnie Dyson, Gap Mandione, Ry Cooder, Renee Geyer, Rita Coolidge, David Lindley, Brenda Russel, Danny Kortchmar, Bob Dylan, James Gang, Etta James, Harry Nilsson, Billy Joel, Sam & Dave, Bonnie Raitt, Lily Tomlin, Kenny Rankin, Robert Palmer, Tina Turner, Rare Earth, Dusty Springfield, Tom Jones, Pointer Sisters, Peter Cetera, Donovan, Bruce Willis lots)
• Vanetta Fields - Backing Vox (Ike & Tina Turner, Pink Floyd, Humble Pie, Barbara Streisand, Elkie Brooks, Neil Diamond, Steely Dan, Rolling Stones, Richard Clapton, Australian Crawl, Cold Chisel, Jimmy Barnes, James Morrison, John Farnham, Blackberries, Ikettes, Mirettes, Mundane Willis Singers, Quincy Jones, Shuggie Otis, Johnny Rivers, more )
• Jim Horn - Flute (Duane Eddy, George's Band, Johnny Rivers, Kip Tyler, Lalo Schifrin, Horn Section, The Rebels, The Shelter People, Righteous Brothers, Ike & Tina Turner, Lou Rawls,  many more)
• Gary Mallaber - Drums (Chi Blues Reunion, Raven, Stan & the Ravens, Steve Miller Band, Thunderbox, Tracker, Tom Rush, Van Morrison, America, Paul Williams, Cher, Danny O'Keefe, Randy Newman, Jose Feliciano, David Soul, Warren Zevon, Paul Williams, Eddie Money, Joan Armatrading, Peter Frampton, Beach Boys, Muppets, Dusty Springfield, Tommy Tutone, Barbara Streisand, Kim Carnes, Bob Seger, Alyssa Milano, Bruce Springsteen, Los Lobos, The Heights, more)
• Ben Benay - Guitar (Delaney & Bonnie & Friends, Funzone, Goldenrod, Your Gang, Kim Fowley, Mama Cass, Grass Roots, Tommy Roe, Mae West, Chi Coltrane, Duane Allman, T-Bone Walker, Dusty Springfield, Steely Dan, Four Tops, Fifth Dimension, Neil Sedaka, Righteous Bros, Tavares, BB King, Barbara Streisand, Johnny Rivers, Glen Campbell, Hues Corp., Joe Cocker, Three Dog Night, more)
• Jay Graydon - Guitar (Airplay, JaR, Planet, Rhythm Heritage, Manhattan Transfer, Airplay, Al Jarreau, Lou Rawls, Michael & Stormie Omartian, Don Ellis, Boz Scaggs, Joe Cocker, Edwin Starr, Barbara Streisand, Aretha Franklin, Jack Jones, Four Tops, Paul Anka, Supremes, Cher, Donovan, Candi Staton, Marvin Gaye, Stephen Bishop, Dionne Warwick, Leo Sayer, Gary Wright,  so many)
• David Paich - Piano (Far Corporation, Steve Vai, Toto, Leo Sayer, Diana Ross, Black Rose, Joe Scott, Boz Scaggs, Leo Sayer, Sonny & Cher, Seals & Crofts, Jackson Browne, Steely Dan, Cecilio & Kapono, Loggins & Messina, Neil Diamond, Hues Corp, Righteous Bros, Fifth Dimension, Helen Reddy, Glen Campbell, Jose Feliciano, Nilsson, Boz Scaggs, Sparks, Paul Williams, Paul Anka, Aretha Franklin, Barbara Streisand, Eric Carmen, Bob Weir, Dusty Springfield, Pointer Sisters, many)
• Bryan Savage - Sax (John McEuen, LA String Wizards, Shot in the Dark, Broadway Clique, Nitty Gritty Dirt Band, Starwood, Steve martin, Louisiana's Le Roux, David James Holster Mary MacGregor, Al Stewart, Amazing Rhythm Aces, William E McEuen, Al Stewart, Night Plane, hans Olson, Rhythm & Bluefield Band, 3rd Force, McLain & Gregg)
• Rosemary Butler - Backing Vox (Birtha, Metro Voices, Daisy Chain, Honey Sisters, Catfish Hodge, Bonnie Raitt, Ned Doheny, Warren Zevon, Jackson Browne, Paul Williams Doobie Bros, Tim Moore, Dirt Band, Fuller &Katz, Steve Harley, Ben Sidran, Maria Muldaur, Allen Toussaint Richie Furay, Little Feat, Nicolette Larson, Lauren Wood, Leah Kunkel, Rosanne Cash, Linda Ronstadt, Ozark Mt Daredevils, Boz Scaggs, Rodney Crowell, Johnny Lee, Billy Katt, Anne Bertucci, Night Plane, Jack Mack & Heart Attack, Yichiro Oda, Masato Kai, Darrell Mansfield Band, Keith Emerson, Derek Austin, Karisma, Sissy Spacek, Dolly Parton, Jack Wagner, Charlie Daniels Band, Laura Branigan, James Taylor, Cher, Pure Prarie League, Russel Hitchcock, Steve Camp, Michael Rofgers, Karen Stanley, Burton Cumings, The Simpsons, Julio Iglesias, Glenn Frey, Aaron Neville, Bob Seger, Allen Toussaint, Maggie's Farm, Darrell Mansfield, Ringo Starr, Neil Diamond, Joshua Kadison, Willie Nelson, Ray Charles, Candye Kane, Micael McDonals, Neil Young)
• Mike Finnegan - Backing Vox (Black Rose, Finnigan & Wood, Dudek Finnegan Krueger Band, Jerry Hahn, Phantom Blues Band, Serfs, West Coast Gang, Serfs, Jerry Hahan Brotherhood, Dave Mason, Maria Muldaur, Funky Kings, Peter Frampton, Rod Stewart, Stephen Stills, Ringo Starr, CS&N, Alice Cooper, The Heights, Steve Vai, Andy Griffith, barbara Blue, Taj Mahal, Joe Cocker, Bonnie Raitt, Jimi Hendrix Experience, Dan Fogelberg, Sharks, Manhattan Transfer some more)
• Max Gronenthal - Backing Vox (New Breed Blues Band, Chancellors, Fabulous Flippers, Gangbusters, Energy, DFK Band, Dan Fogelberg, Don Henley, Elton John, Kenny Loggins, Molly Hatchet, Bonnie Raitt, Bette Midler, Jack Mack & the Heart Attack, 38 Speical, Joe Cocker, Bad Company, Charlie Daniels, Wynonna Judd, Richard Marx, Tower of Power, Grand Funk Railroad, Rod Stewart, Dusty Springfield)
• Tommy Vig - Percussion (Chappy Tanczenekara, Henry Mancini,  The Vigs, UssDob, Martin Denny, Jack Wilson, Dr. John Street Corner Symphony, Rod Stewart, Alexander's Discotime Band, Randy Edelman, Quincy Jones, Bruce Roberts, Carpenters, Freddie Hubbard, Johnny Mathis, Denise Williams, Dusty Springfield, George Deffet, Marlena Shaw, Stephen Bishio, Paul Jabara, Art Garfunkel. Manhattan Transfer, Dream Express, High Energy, Robben Ford, Jesse Barish, Art garfunkel, Hans Koller, Diana Ross, Lajos Dudas, Maxi Anderson, Four Tops, Bruce Broughton, Joe Fritz, Marvin Gaye, Bruce Roberts)
• Jeff Porcaro -Drums (Sonny & Cher, Toto, Steve Lukather, Greg Mathieson, Grimaldi / Zeiher, Joe Cocker, Ricky Gianco, Melanie, Jack Daugherty, Seals & Crofts, Steely Dan, Joe Cocker, Juice Newton, Bonnie Raitt, 5th Dimension, Helen Reddy, Robert Palmer, Leo Sayer, Boz Scaggs, Three Dog Night, Jackson Browne, Paul Williams, Eric Carmen, Hall & Oates, Barbara Streisand, Diana Ross, Etta James, Al Stewart, Gary Wright, lots)
• Steve Lukather - Guitar (Baby'O, Far Corporation, Larry Carlton-Steve lukather Band, Los Lobotomys, The Greg Mathieson Project, Toto, discogs page)
• Dan Dugmore - Lap Steel Guitar (Ronin, Can't Hardly Playboys, Linda Ronstadt discog page)
• Joe Turano - Backing Vox (Jam Squad, Stupid Guys, Rickie Lee Jones. Robbie Dupree, Jan Storey, Jack Street band, bette Midler, Allan Holdsworth, Matthew Wilder, Michael Ruff, Joe Lamont, John Denver Van Stephenson, Joe Cocker, Rod Stewart, Julie Brown. Donna Summer, Zuma2, Jack Wagner, Joleen, Eddie Money, Brenda Russell, Boy Meets Girl, Four Tops, Chantal, Michael Bolton, Alice Cooper, Henry lee Summer, Cher, Neil Diamond, Rod Stewart, Albert Hammond, Taylor Dayne, Thom Rotella, Beck, Joe Cocker, Deborah McColl, Al Jarreau, Seawind, Kevin Wells, Ted Taylor, Chris Camozzi, Kids of Widney High, Shapes, George Benson, Michael Ruff)
• Glen Spreen - Co Producer, Engineer, String Arrangements, Piano, Moog, Synth, Bass (Elvis Presley, Dan Fogelberg, Ronnie Milsap, Buffy Saint-Marie, Jose Feliciano, Potliquor, Eric Anderson, James Gang, Joan Baez, BJ Thomas, Donovan, Rusty Weir, Ian Matthews Many more)
• Nat Jeffrey - Producer, Writer, Mixing
• Jeff Monday - Writer
• Sal Marquez - Writer
• Bil Gazecki - Engineer, Mixing
• Teri Diane Becker - Engineer
• Joe Tuzen - Engineer
• Wayne Neuendorf - Engineer
• Nick Van Maarth - Engineer
• Roger Mayer - Engineer
• Bob Bullock - Engineer
• Bob Gore - Engineer
• Karla Frederick - Engineer
• Than Silverlight - Moog Programmer
• Neil Brody - Mixing
• Terry Dunavan - Mastering
• Lewis Kaplan - Mgmt
• Johnny Bright - Mgmt
• Ron Coro - Art Direction & Design
• Elliot Gilbert - Photos
• Johnny Lee - Design

Unknown-ness: Never heard of this band / artist. Looks like a typical 70's pub rock singer/songwriter from the picture on a desolate dried up desert/landscape. Other than the picture on front & back, the packaging & fonts are quite generic, so there is nothing to read into the music, unless it parallels the generic artwork.

Album Review: Musically, the album is light, poppy and disco influenced in the bass beats and synth. A lot of the songs feel like he's a piano based singer songwriter with a session/studio musician ensemble in support. 

Later in life, Tanner became a producer for film music and albums, including Nelson's hit record After the Rain. With this release, they packaged a promo gift of a tie clip in the shape of handcuffs, which became a sought after product in and out of the music industry. 

Stand Out Track: Never Again

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Spyro Gyra - Morning Dance

Name: Spyro Gyra
Album: Morning Dance
Year: 1979
Style: Jazz Fusion
Similar Bands: Brand X, David Moss, Weather Report, Brecker Brothers
"One-Word" Review: Earthy Jazz Collages
Based Out Of: Buffalo NY
Label: MCA, Transcontinent Record Sales

Cover, Record

Back, Record

Morning Dance (1979)

1. Morning Dance 3:58
2. Jubilee 4:31
3. Rasul 3:56
4. Song for Lorraine 3:59
5. Starburst 4:48 /
6. Heliopolis 5:34
7. It Doesn't Matter 4:27
8. Little Linda 4:21
9. End of Romanticism 5:18

Album Rating (1-10): 6.0
Members & Other Bands:

• Jay Beckenstein - Writer, Producer, Sax, Boobams, Percussion (Orleans, Bob James, Puleo, Joege Dalto, David Broza, Dream Theater, Basia, Rick Rhodes, SMAP, Smappies, Mercedes Hall, Marek Niedzwiecki, Wolfgang Haffner, Jason Miles, Luciano Ladeira, Fusion Syndicate, Calvin Weston, Sandeep Chowta)
• Chet Catallo - Writer, Guitar (T. Lavitz, Glenn Medeiros)
• Jeremy Wall - Writer, Asst Producer, Piano, Synth, Percussion, String Arrangement, String Conducting (David Broza, Yusef lateef, Patti Austin, Fuse One, Ray Barratto, ITS, Sleepy Matsumoto, Pacific Orchestra, Puleo, Richard Stoltzman, Ofra Harnoy)
• Rick Strauss - Writer, Guitar (Jeff Jarvis)
• John Tropea - Guitars (Lalo Schifrin, Hollywood Vampires, T-Bone Walker, Deodato, Ashford & Simpson, Harry Chapin, Peter Allen, Bo Diddley, Janis Ian, Van Morrison, Bonnie Raitt, Aztec Two Step, Dionne Warwick, Sister Sledge, Paul Simon, David Ruffin, Al Stewart, Alice Cooper, Melba Moore, Laura Nyro, Phoebe Snow, Frankie Valli, Ringo Starr, Roberta Flack, Meco, Taj Mahal, Good Rats, Dr John, Tim Curry, Barbara Streisand, Tommy James, Tony Orlando, Randy Vanwarmer, John Mayall, Kurtis Blow, Spinners, Sylvester, Peter Baumann, Chuck Mangione, Gloria Gaynor, Irene Cara, Yoko Ono, Fuse One, Epo, John Lennon, Chaka Khan, Eric Clapton, Liza Minnelli, more)
• Jim Kurzdorfer - Bass (Birthright, Jaman, Rick Strauss, Bobby Millitello, Jeff Jarvis)
• Rubens Bassini - Congas, Percussion, Timbales, Bongos (Love Childs Afro Cuban Blues Band, E Os 11 Magnificos, Sergio Mendes, NY-LA Dream Band, Deodato, Stanley Turrentine, Bette Midler, Laura Nyro, Chuck Mangione, Stan Getz, Don McLean, Judy Collins, Jimmy McGriff, Janis Ian, Nils Lofgren, Garland Jeffreys, Maynard Ferguson, Michael Zager Band, Breakwater, Carly Simon, Average White Band, Herbie Mann, The Force, Orleans, Spinners, Ohio Players, Take Five, Kid Creole & The Coconuts, Yoko Ono, Miami Sound Machine, Gloria Estefan,     more)
• David Samuels - Marimba, Steel Drum, Vibraphone (Caribbean Jazz Project, Double Image, Gallery, Gerry Mulligan, Pat Metheny Group, Paul McCandless, Gary Marks, Frank Zappa, Four Tops, Rare Silk, Maureen McGovern, David Broza, Joe Beck, Edie Brickell, Jon Secada, Howard Shore, Steve Vai, Rita Coolidge, Chet Baker  more)
• Will Lee - Bass (Band Of Other Brothers, BFD, Bob Mintzer, Child is Father to the Men, Eric Doney, Flying Monkey Orch, Gary Burton. Hiram Billock, John Blackwell, Metro, Paul Shaffer, The 24th St Band, Gary Schreiner, Worlds Most Dangerous Band more)
• Steve Jordan - Drums (John Mayer, Keith Richards & the X-Pensive Winos, 24th St Band, Blues Brothers band, LaVettes, The Steves, Masura Imada, Neil Young, Little Steven, Feargal Sharkey, Don Henley Bernie Worrell, Neville Bros, Johnnie Johnstone, Fabulous Thunderbirds, Southside Johnny & Asbury Jukes, David Sanborn, Booket T & MGs, Robert Cray, Jon Spencer Blues Explosion, Buddy Guy, Rod Stewart, Solomon Burke, Boz Scaggs, Verbs, Patti Austin, Taj Mahal, Spinozza, Melanie, Herbie Mann, Ashford & Simpson, Cat Stevens, Imperials, Randy Vanwarmer, Donald Fagen, George Benson, John Mayall, Mark Knopfler, Bonnie Tyler, Stevie Nicks, Arcadia, Aretha Franklin, Rolling Stones, Pretencers, Fats Domino, Brian Setzer, Toto, Steve Khan, Chuck berry, Aztec Camera, Bob Dylan, Ivan Neville, Steely Dan more)
• Randy Brecker - Trumpet (Andy LaVerne, Art Blakey, Black Light Orch, Blood Sweat & Tears, Bob Mintzer, Child is Father to the Men, Chroma, CTI All Stars, Dalia Faitelson, Das Pferd, Dizzy Gillespie, Don Groinick, Duke Pearson, Farberius, GRP All Stars, Hal Galper, Harlem River Drive, Jaco Pastorius, Kerry Strayer, Loren Schoenberg, Man Doki Soulmates, Marc Copland, Mike Mainieri, Milky Way, Mingus Big Band, Mingus Dynasty, NY All Stars, Pond Life, Renolds Jazz Orch, Roif Kuhn, Ron McClure, Brecker BrosDavid Liebman, Domenic Troiano, Eleventh House, Fisher Fidelity Standard Rock Band, George Gruntz, Horace Silver,  Jack Wilkins, Jamie Baum, Jazz Composers Orch, White Elephant, Woody Witt so much more)
• Michael Brecker - Tenor Sax (Black Light Orch, Bob Mintzer, Buddy Love, Don Grolnick, Dreams, Flying Monkey Orch, Hal Galper, Harris Simons, Harvie S & Eye Contact, Herbie Hancock, Man Doki Soulmates, Mke Mainieri, Mike Nock, People, Rainbow, Sax Summit, Stardrive, Steps Ahead, Brecker Brothers, NY All Stars, Players Assoc., SNL Band, White Elephant, Wolfgang Schalk Bandett, Ringo Starr, Roger Voudouris, Mongo Santamaria much more)
• Ted Reinhardt - Drums (Dave Constantino, Dick Bauerle, Gamalon, Puleo, Norm Paolini, Melanie, Gloria Loring, Pete Howard, John Valby, Ernie Watts)
• John Clark - French Horn (Bob Mintzer, Franz Koglmann, George Russell, Gil Evans, Grachan Moncur III, Jimmy Knepper, Manhattan Jazz Orch, Marty Ehrlich, McCoy Tyner, Michael Legrand, Opera House Ensemble, Paul Winter, Earth Band, Carla Bley, George Gruntz, Mike Gibbs, Winter Consort, Tilt Brass Band, David Sanborn, Chuck Mangione, Meco, David Spinozza, Breakwater, Chaka Khan, Musique, Gladys Knight & The Pips, Ashford & Simpson, TS Monk, Aretha Franklin, Luther Vandross, Frank Sinatra, Quincy Jones, Sheena Easton, Joe Jackson, Miles Davis, Expose, David Byrne, Sinead O'Connor, Sting, Jill Evans, Pat Metheny, LL Cool J, Barbara Streisand, Bonnie Raitt, John Secada, Trans-Siberian Orch more)
• Tom Schuman - Piano, Rhodes, Synth (Blair, Birthright, Yusef Lateef, Gamalon, Marek Niedzwiecki, Steve Oliver, Chuck Loeb, Roberto Vally, Sandeep Chowta, Jeff Kashiwa)
• Eli Konikoff - Drums (Dick Bauerle, Stan & the Ravens, Jeff Jarvis)
• Gerardo Velez - Congas, Bongos, Percussion (We Are Family Collective, Claude Dubois, Orleans, Puleo, John Philip, The Shakes, Kenny Rankin, Andrea Dante Marchesini, Martha Velez, Jill Sobule, Toshinobu Kubota. Chic, David Bowie, Neal Black, Joe Lynne Turner, Patty Smyth, Santana, Marek Niedzwiecki, Nile Rodgers)
• Suzanne Ciani - Synth (NeoTantrik, Starland Vocal Band, Elliot Randall, Meco, Philippe Wynne. Yusef Lateef, Cindy & Ron, Alien, Art Farmer, Fuse One, Ray Barretto, Steve Kindler, Meco, Patti Austin, Jane Weaver, Kaitlyn Aurelia Smith)
• Lani Groves - Vox  (Stevie Wonder, Rick Derringer, Johnny Hammond, Michael Stanley, Johnny Winter, Kenny Rankin, Carly Simon, Bill Cosby, Michael Bolotin, Ben E. King, Bob James, Roberta Flack, Budy Rich, Albert King, Blood Sweat & Tears, Lee Oskar, Dee Dee Bridgewater, Mayard Ferguson, Joe Cocker, Pee Wee Ellis, Candi Station, Buddy Rich, Patti Austin, Burt Bacharach, Harry Belafonte, David Sanborn, Frankie Valli, Nils Logfren, 38 Special, Kenny Loggins, Billy Joel, Meco, Tony Orlando, Lemon, Quincy Jones, Golden Earring, Gotham, Steely Dan, Paul Simon, Blondie, George Benson, Leonard Cohen, Talking Heads, Stevie Wonder, Jude Cole, Ronnie Spector, Aztec Camera, Carly Simon, Diana Ross, Peter Wolf, David Bowie, Billy Ocean, James Taylor, LaToya Jackson, Phoebe Snow, Eric Clapton, Grace Jones, Dionne Warwick, Bad Company, Foreigner, Dr. John, Bette Midler,  many)
• Diva Gray - Vox (Change, Chic, Lemon, Harlettes, Roy Buchanan, Love Symphony Orch, Teresa Wiater, T.Life, David Spinozza, Major Harris, Phyllis Hyman, Joe Thomas, Meco, James Montgomery, Ray Barretto, Atlantic Family, Jimmy Ponder, Garland Jeffreys, Sambu Soul, Gregg Diamond, Norma Jean, Richard T. Bear, Kiss, Ramona brooks, Duke Jupiter, Euclid Beach Band, Felix Cavaliere, Samantha Sand, Kikio, Roundtree, NYC band, Spyro Gyrsa, B.Baker Chocolate Co, Gotham, Markena Shaw, Toru Oki Blues Band, Herbie Mann, Paul Evans, Bette Midler, Wilbert Longmire, Sister Sledge, John Tropea, Ray Gomez, Cousin Ice, Rhetta Hughes, Wilbert Longmire, George Benson, Marshall Tucker Band, Steely Dan, Leon Bryant, David Sanborn, Silence, High Fashion, Roberta Flack, Weather Girls, Junior, Marcus Miller, Damaris, Peabo Bryson, Talking Heads, Paul Habara, Brian Setzer, David Bowie, Steps Ahead, Ann Anello, Ronnie Spector, Cindy Valentine, Toshiki Kadomatsu, Scritti Politti, Myleka, Jorn Hoel, Linda Eder, Andreas Vollenweider, Charlie Sexton, Grace Jones, Natasha's Brother, Julien Clerc, Maggie's Dream, Hen-Gee & Evil-E, Debbie Gibson, Judy Collins, Marc Cohn, Tony Verderosa, Dr, John, John Tropea, Jennifer Love Hewitt, Spin Doctors, BB King, Patricia Kiss, Luther Vandross, Celine Dion, Horii Katsumi, Elton John, Jewel, Natalie Cole, Herbie Mann, Janis Siegel, Marilyn, R,. Kelly, Elaine Elias, Kiss, Joe Lynn Turner, Surtek Collective, Jennifer Rush)
• Gordon Grody - Vox (Silence, Zinc, Lemon, David Spinozza, Kiss, Vicki Sue Robinson, Meco, Janis Ian, Steely Dan, Debbie Harry, Garland Jefferies, Judy Collions, Irene Cara, Donald Fagan, Yoko Ono, John Lennon, Melissa Manchester, Fatback, Carly Simon, Peabo Bryson, Patti Austin, George benson, Talking Heads, Belouis Some, Ben E King, Aztec Camera, David Bowie, Cyndi Lauper, Bonham, Frankie Valli, Change, Jennifer Rush)
• Tom Malone - Trombone (Black Light Orch. Blood Sweat & Tears, Child is Father to Man, Gil Evans, Orquesta palenque, Ten Wheel Drive, Blues Brothers Band, Brass Attack horns, Monday Night Orch, RCO All-Stars, SNL band, Tom Bones Malone, World's Most Dangerous Band, Woody Herman, North Texas Lab Band, Janis Ian, Mongo Santamaria, David Sanborn, Aztec Two-Step, Chuck Mangione, Buddy Rich, Jimmy McGriff, Meco, The Band, Levon Helm, Frank Zappa, Average White band, Michael Zager band, Carly Simon, Instant Funk, BB King, Meat Loaf, J. eils Band, Malo, Luther Vandross, Aretha Franklin, Bonnie Tyler, Lou Reed, Chaka Khan, Steve Windwood, Joe Jacksom, David Byrne, Paul Shaffer, Bruce Willis, Miles Davis, Quincy Jones, Willy DeVille, james Brown, Rick Derringer, Mandrill, Culture Club, BJ Thomas, Joss Stone, Tom Jones, Tori Amos, more)
• Lew Del Gatto - Flute (Tony Bennet, Gladys Knight, Aretha Franklin, John Lennon, Bette Midler, Caj Tjader, Quincy Jones, Stanley Turrentine, Buddy Guy, Paul Simon, Billy Joel, NY Neophonic Orch, Liza Minnelli, Johnny Winter, Gloria Gaynor, Frankie Valli, Manhattan Transfer, Jimmy McGriff, Ringo Starr, Meco, J. Geils Band, Average White Band, Ben E King, Trini Lopez, Levon Helm, Aerosmith, Carly Simon, Tina Turner, Ian Hunter, Amy Grant, Chaka Khan, Blues Brothers, Meat Loaf, George Benson, Steve Winwood, Laurie Anderson, Mariah Carey, David Byrne, Yoko Ono  more)
• Harry Lookofsky - Violin (Al Cohn, Gil Evans, NBC Symph Orch, Ahmad Jamal, Quincy Jones, Cal Tjader, Wes Montgomery, Connie Francis, Blood Sweat & Tears, Roberta Flack, Louis Armstrong, Mongo Santamaria, Grover Washington Jr, Deodato, Roy Ayers, Don McLean, David Ruffin, Janis Ian, Bette Midler, Patti Austin, Peter Allen, Bionic Boogie  many)
• Matthew Raimondi - Violin (Central Park Strings, New Music String Quart, Pond Life, Composers Quartet, Love Symph orch, James Brown, Louis Armstrong, Don McLean, Grover Washington Jr, Herbie Mann, Blood Sweat & Tears, Patti Austin, Bette Midler, Bob James, Peter Allen, Chet Baker, Maynard Ferguson, David Spinozza, Sesame Street, Carly Simon, Meco, Chaka Khan, Stevie Nicks, Joe Jackson, Frank Sinatra, Lenny Kravits, O'jays, Chic, Sinead O'Connor, Bananarama, Cuba Gooding, LL Cool J, Tony Bennett, Gloria Estefan, Philip Bailey, PM Dawn, Backstreet Boys, Maxwell, Ricky Martin, John Lennon more)
• Harry Cykman - Violin (Shirley Scott, Freddie hubbard, Billie Holiday, Grover Washington, Judy Collins, Rupert Holmes, Deodato, Don mcLean, Milt Jackson, Stanley Turrentine, Janis Ian, Hubert Laws, Joe Beck, Frankie Valli, Bob James, Blood Sweat & Tears, Peter Allen, Tymes, Maynard Ferguson, Roundtree, Meco, Stevie Nicks more)
• Charles Libove - Violin (Beaux Arts String Quartet, Centrsal park Strings, Columbia Symph Prch, Paganini Quartet, Marlboro Trio, Philharmonic Trio, Sarah Vaughn, Herbie Mann, Wes Montgomery, James Brown, Grover Washington Jr,  more)
• Alfred Brown - Viola (Hip String Quartet, Soa, Tony Bennett, Quincy Jones, Herbie Mann, Nat Adderley, Roberta Flack, Louis Armstrong, Mongo Santamaria, Edgar Winter, Shirley Bassey, Grover Washington Jr, Roy Ayers, Deodato, Don McLean, Janis Ian, Sister Sledge, Peter Allen, Tyme more)
• Charles McCracken - Cello (Hugo Montenegro, Oliver Nelson, Quincy Jones, Wes Montgomery Herbie Mann, Nat Adderley, Connie Francis, Electric Flag, Blood Sweat & Tears, Roberta Flack, Louis Armstrong, T-Bone Walker, Roy Ayers, Gabor Szabo, Deodato, Stanley Clarke, Don McLean, Milt Jackson  more)
• Larry Fast - Synth Programming (Synergy, Fire INC., Tony Levin Band, Deodato, Sylvia, Dr. Buzzard's Original Savannah Band, Stephen Dees, Martha Velez, Nektar, Intergalactic Touring Band, Peter Gabriel, Stormin' Norman & Suzy, Odyssey, American Standard Band, Tommy James, Hall & Oats, Kate Bush, Boz Scaggs, Meatloaf, Foreigner, Air Supply, John Denver, Bonnie Tyler, Joan Armatrading, Barbara Streisand, Rick Springfield, Serge Gainsbourg  more)
• Richard Calandra - Producer
• David Heffernan - Cover & Back Artwork
• Jack Malken - Recording, Mixing Engineer
• Michael Barry - Recording, Mixing Engineer
• Candice Munson - Asst Engineer
• Darroll Gustamachio  - Asst Engineer
• Jason Corsaro - Asst Engineer
• Lawrence Swist - Recording Engineer
• Mick Guzauski - Recording Engineer
• Charlie Conrad - Recording Engineer
• Rick Rowe - Editing

Unknown-ness: I've heard the name Spyro Gyra before but never in any genre context. I guess i always assumed they were like Procol Harum or 10cc (not sure why those two bands, as they are not really alike), perhaps because they have similar artwork sometimes, and were from the same general time frame. But really, i don't know what SG sounds like at all. 

Album Review: Definitely a Jazz Fusion band, with its name coming from a green algae spelled Spirogyra. This album is certified Platinum as of 1987, and has strong charting success as does the single "Morning Dance," which has a nice blend of Caribbean elements with dance-able jazz.  The revolving door of musicians makes sense for a band as large and complex as Spyro Gyra, but the core has always been Beckenstein and Schuman. "Jubilee" incorporates some nice funk and jammy roots rock to a baseline of smooth sax jazz.

Stand Out Track: Jubilee

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Southside Johnny & the Asbury Jukes - The Jukes

Name: Southside Johnny and the Asbury Jukes
Album: The Jukes
Year: 1979
Style: Pub Rock, Blue Eyed Soul
Similar Bands: Little Steven & Disciples, Steven Van Zandt, E-Street Band, Graham Parker, Springsteen, Tom Petty, J Geils Band, 
"One-Word" Review: Solid Pub Houseband
Based Out Of: Jersey Shore, NJ
Label: Mercury, Phonogram, Polygram

Cover, Sleeve, Record

Back, Lyrics, Record

The Jukes (1979)

1. All I Want is Everything 3:04 (Single)
2. I'm So Anxious 3:02 (Single)
3. Paris 4:20
4. Security 3:13
5. Living in the Real World 3:58 (single)/
6. Your Reply 3:53 (Single B-Side)
7. The Time 3:38
8. I Remember Last Night 3:56
9. Wait in Vain 4:16
10. Vertigo 3:47

Album Rating (1-10): 7.5

Members & Other Bands:

• Southside Johnny (Lyon) - Lead Vox (Poor Fools, Steven Van Zandt, Bruce Springsteen, Sonny and the Starfires, Sundance Blues Band, Steel Mill, Studio B, Blackberry Booze Band, Dr Zoom and the Sonic Boom, Jersey Artists for Mankind, Chris Spedding, David Hayes, Gary US Bonds, Lisa Bouchelle, Keith Reid Project, Allman Brothers, Glen Burtnick, Cats on a Smooth Surface, John Williams, Killer Joe, Bob Bandiera, JAC Redford, Bob Delevante)
• Billy Rush - Guirtar, Vox (Gainsbourg, Taka Boom, Charlotte & Serge Gainsborug, Bambou)
• Allan Berger - Bass 
• Kevin Kavanaugh - Keys, Vox (Jersey Artists for Mankind, Ken Viola, Kog Nito & the Geeksm, Fabulous Perms, Little Steven & the Disciples of Soul, Bobby Bandiera, James Deely & the Valiants)
• Ed Manion - Baritone Sax (Miami Horns, Little Steven & the Disciples of Soul, Jersey Artists for Mankind, Joe Grushecky & the Houserockers, La Bamba & the Hubcaps, Fabulous Perms, Sessions Band, Bruce Springsteen, Gary US Bonds, Shannon, Paula Abdul, Graham Parker, Debbie Davies, Robert Cray Band, Bon Jovi, Culture Club, Joey Ramone, Misfits, BB King, World Party, Darlene Love, Jessie Wagner)
• Steve Becker - Drums, Vox, Percussion (Kog Nito & the Geeks, Mtume)
• Richard "La Bomba" Rosenberg - Trombones (Jersey Artists for Mankind, La Bamba & the Hubcaps, Little Steven & the Disciples of Soul, Late Night Horns, Miami Horns, Bruce Springsteen, Monroes, 8000C, Arrow, Rick Derringer, NY Voices, Ricky Martin, Livingston Taylor, BB King, Allman Brothers, Los Straitjackets, John Mayall, Richard & the Young Lions, Sugarray Rayford, Conan O'Brien)
• Joel Gramolini - Guitar, Vox (Laurie Sargent)
• Rick Gazda - Trumpet (Brian Pastor Big Band, Miami Horns, Gary US Bonds, Bruce Springsteen, Robin S)
• Bob Muckin - Trumpet, Flugel Horn (Miami Horns, Bruce Springsteen)
• Stan Harrison - Tenor Sax, Flute (Hook Horns, La Bamba & the Hubcaps, Little Steven & the Disciples of Soul, Mud Music Ensemble, Borneo Horns, Miami Horns, Radiohead, David Bowie, Kester, Jody Harris, Caroline Loeb, Michael Gregory, Ron Rogers, Mtume, Stevie Ray Vaughn, Double Trouble, Serge Gainsbourg, Shannon, Taka Boom, John Waite, Nona Hendryx, Sheena Easton, power Station, Robin Clarke, Charlotte Gainsbourg, Bowie+Jagger, Casiopea, Bruce Springsteen, Grace Jones, Bambou, Duran Duran, Belouis Some, Norman Nardini, Kenia, Judy Mowatt, Lenny pickett, Hue & Cry, Talking Heads, Robert Palmer, Vaughan Bros, Ric Ocasek, Tyler Collins, David Sanborn, Vivienne Williams, The Party, Chic, Jan Hammer, Chieli Minucci, Jim Beard, Mercedes Hall, Lulu, They Might Be Giants, Dennis Chambers, Ernest Kohl, Paul Brill, David Byrne & St Vincent, Coheed & Cambria, Darlene Love, Steve Elson, Weird Al Yankovic)
• Barry Beckett - Producer
• Gregg Hamm - Engineer
• Amundo Enterprizes - Mgmt
• Aram Gesar - Photos
• Stephanie Zuras - Design
• Bob Heimall - Art Direction

Unknown-ness: Vaguely heard their name in passing, but don't really know much about them. From the name, they sound like a rough and tumble 50's throw back party band. The artwork gives a late night, after hours, ready for a classy hangover vibe.

Album Review: Mixing brass and blue eyed soul, The Jukes plays energetic bar room music that begs the listener to move. They have a gritty, loose feel to them like they were called up on stage from a musically trained audience to add in sections on the fly. Although, "I Remembered Last Night" has a Blues Traveler "Runaround" feel to it. Southside Johnny is is considered to be the Grandfather of the NJ / Jersey Shore Sound, influencing the likes of Jon Bon Jovi. He was born in a bar and grew up with parents who were into & played music. A contemporary of Springsteen, their mutual friend Steven Van Zandt was part of this band's early years. Solo and as a band,  (and advisors on fictional bands), Johnny and the Jukes performed in and wrote music for a couple of movies and tv shows. They had a documentary made in 1980 while playing in their home town of Asbury Park. On 7/11 of this year, they headlined a drive-in concert, the first major music performance since the pandemic began, at Monmouth Racetrack with horn honking in place of applause.

Stand Out Track: I'm So Anxious

Links:

Youtube full album playlist

Wiki

Discogs

Allmusic

website

Facebook

twitter

NY Times about live drive in show during covid

w/Springsteen @ Asbury Park

Philly Inquirer

Snopek - Thinking Out Loud

Name: Snopek
Album: Thinking Out Loud
Year: 1979
Style: Musical New Wave, Avant-Garde, 
Similar Bands: Sparks, Be-Bop Delux, Gruppo Sportivo, Gorky's Zygotic Mynci
"One-Word" Review: Quirky Campy Avant-Wave Pop
Based Out Of:  Milwaukee WI
Label: Mountain Railroad Records

Cover, Sleeve, Record

Back, Sleeve, Record

Thinking Out Loud (1979)

1. Kathleen 4:20 (single)
2. Radio Hearts 2:54
3. Shining in Here 4:34 (single)
4. Hamburger Holocaust 5:04 /
5. God is a Big Wheel 2:45
6. New York Jumpers 3:06 (single b-side)
7. San Francisco Radio 9:35
8. Kali Kala 4:16

Album Rating (1-10): 7.5

Members & Other Bands:

• Sigmund Snopek III - Writer, Vix, Synth, Keys, Flute (Bloomsbury People, Violent Femmes, Milwaukee Symphony & Chamber Orch, Tom Paxton, Brian Ritchie, Jim Spencer, Major Arcana, Btsy Kaske, Lou & Peter berryman, Java, Jim Post, Ecoteur, John Kruth, Heidi Spencer,  )
• Byron Wiemann III - Writer, Vox, Guitar (Man With a Camera, The Coachmen, Wayward Set, Rocket 88, Byron and Band, Betsy Kaske)
• Jim Gorton - Vox, Bass, Asst Engineer, Asst Mixing (Man With a Camera, Newlook, Jim Spencer, Betsy Kaske)
• Mike Lucas - Drums (Man With a Camera, Elliott Murphy, Chris Spheeris, Michael Jones, Wayne Gratz, LD Levy)
• Hermie Dressel - Producer
• Steve Powers - Co-Producer
• Charlie Keenan - Album Design, Art Direction
• Al Gartzke - Photos
• Stanley Ryan Jones - Photos
• Joel Gast - Project Coordinator
• Dave Neitzke - Engineer, Mixing
• Andy Waterman - Asst Engineer

Unknown-ness: Not much to go on here on a band i've never heard of, named after one of the member's last names, and a cover picture that looks kinda like the Bee Gees. The very general, but geometric art design, and basic all caps font do not help. I'm gonna guess they're a basic light rock, power pop band

Album Review: Like a mom tells her interesting but awkward and ultimately underwhelming child, this album is "creative." It is definitely a new wave act, with signs of prog, jazz, vaudeville and theatrical / musical tendencies, but misses the mark and lacks the perfect recipe, posessed by a band like Sparks. I mean, just the title Hamburger Holocaust is quite cringe-worthy taken at surface value. Single "Kathleen" sounds a little like a Ben Folds song, and "God is a Big Wheel" has a bit of a Talking Heads / Human Hands feel. Alas, Sigmund is the band leader and has a history in music dating back to the late 60's, where he was a pioneering Progressive Rock artist in Bloomsbury People before the term prog was universally accepted. Before that, he was writing and recording classical style music for pipe organ and guitar. So it makes sense to combined his two passions of classical and guitar to form prog music. This album comes roughly 10 years later, and while it keeps a foot in the prog and avant-garde arena, it embraces the pop & new wave genre (which was pushed to the front for any band with commercial drive) with extra help from Wiemann (Wiemann, who lives in Germany now, and Gorton had been a part of Sigmund's solo albums before they donned the band name). After Snopek, Wiemann and the rest of the band formed Man With A Camera: a more rock oriented outfit. Sigmund was induced into the Wisconsin music hall of fame, which also makes sense as many of his compositions are a shining tribute the pride of the state (from beer, to small towns to baseball and other assorted WI highlights).

Stand Out Track: God is a Big Wheel, Kathleen

Links:

Youtube album
Sigmund's Wiki

Discogs

Sigmund's Allmusic

Sigmund's Website

Byron's Website

Sigmund's FB

Man W/A Camera FB

Prog Archive

OZY

On Milwaukee

Bavarian Bierhaus (live 2020 show)

Wiemann interview

rate your music

Shooting Star - s/t

Name: Shooting Star
Album: s/t
Year: 1979
Style: Power Pop, Hair Rock
Similar Bands: Journey, Foreigner, REO Speedwagon, Jefferson Starship, Bad English, .38 Special, Kansas, Scorpions, 
"One-Word" Review: Midwestern Hair Power Prog
Based Out Of: Kansas City MO
Label: Virgin, Atlantic, Warner Communications Company

Cover, Record

Back, Record

Shooting Star (1979)

1. You Got What I Need 3:45 (Single)
2. Don't Stop Now 4:36
3. Higher 4:15
4. Just Friends 3:58
5. Bring It On 4:45 (Single) /
6. Tonight 4:38
7. Rainfall 2:49
8. Midnight Man 3:35
9. Stranger 4:47
10. Last Chance 6:51 (Single)

Album Rating (1-10): 6.5

Members & Other Bands:

• Gary West (Gary Hodgden)- Writer, Lead Vox, Keys, Guitar, Drums, Percussion (Chesmann Square, The Beckies, Missouri, Madison Avenue)
• Van McLain(Van Allen McElvain) - Writer, Lead Vox, Lead Guitar (The Shooting Stars featuring the Galaxies, Craig W. Lindesay)
• Steve Thomas - Drums
• Ron Verlin - Bass (The Shooting Stars featuring the Galaxies)
• Bill Guffey - Keys
• Charles Waltz - Harmony Vox, Violin, Keys (Toledo Waltz, Human Drama, Incubus)
• Gus Dodgeon - Producer, Tambourine (Elton John, David Bowie)
• Stuart Epps - Engineer, Short Vox Appearance
• Stewart Eales - Asst. Engineer
• Kosh - Design, Art Direction
• Peter Howe - Photos
• John Kostick - Mgmt
• Greg Kimmelman - Mgmt

Unknown-ness: Never heard of this band. And nice little play on their name + artwork. They're paparazzi, shooting the stars, thus the band name and bright flash bulb cover. the back band photo catches the flash in a less bright stage, so we see who they are. And they look kinda Talking Heads - new waveish from their general, non-flamboyant outfits. I'm going to guess this will be a solid new wave band

Album Review: They definitely tend to err on the side of Hair Band / Metal side of power pop rather than quirky, jittery new wave end of the spectrum. "You've Got What I Need" borrows a little bit from the chorus melody of  "Philadelphia Freedom," perhaps to using the same Producer Dodgeon. Album Ender "Last Chance" shows their progressive side. Even with those elements, they have the auspicious claim to fame as the first american band to sign with Virgin Records. A second world's first claim, for them was that in 1989, they had the first ever album (a greatest hits CD called Touch Me Tonight) on Billboard's pop album chart that wasn't released on vinyl. Members floated in and out of the band due to illness, touring schedules and disenfranchisement with the music industry, but the band has continued in one way or another to this day, despite McLain's passing in 2018, with plans to play one-off shows here and there sporadically.

Stand Out Track: You've Got What I Need

Links:
Wiki

Discogs

Allmusic

goldmine 2013

ultimate classic rock - McLain obit
moondance jam 2009

rate your music

facebook

Classic Rock revisited

Philly Cream - s/t

Name: Philly Cream
Album: s/t
Year: 1979
Style: Disco, Funk, Soul
Similar Bands: Village People, Donna Summer, Gloria Gaynor
"One-Word" Review: Studio Disco
Based Out Of: Philly
Label: Fantasy WMOT (We Men of Talent) Records

Cover, Record

Record, Back

Philly Cream (1979)

1. Sly-Hi 7:11 (Sly Stone medley) (Single)
2. Motown Review 5:25 (Single)
3. Doin' It to Death 6:00 (James Brow Cover)/
4. Jammin' At the Disco 6:45 (Single)
5. Soul Man 4:13 (Sam & Dave cover) 
6. Join the Army 4:42 (Single B-Side)

Album Rating (1-10): 6.0

Members & Other Bands:

• Alan Rubens - Exec Producer
• Steve Bernstein - Exec Producer
• Len Barry - Producer,  Lead Vox (WMOT All Stars, Slick, Dovells)
• Bruce Gable - Exec Producer
• Larry James - Producer, Drums, Congas, Percussion, Lead Vox (WMOT All Stars, Fat Larry Band, Slick, Blue Magic, Damon Harris, Sweet Thunder, Archie Bell, Frankie Smith, Major Harris Arthur Prysock)
• Bob Pantano - Asst producer, Creative Force
• Pete DeAngelis - Arrangement
• Butch Ingram - Producer. Arrangement, Bass (Ingram, Slick, Intruders, Stylistics, Ronnie Dyson, Sandy Mercer, Sassafras, Sweet Thunder, Dinosaur L, Galaxxy, Barbara Mason, Odyssey, Loose Joints)
• Jimmy Ingram - Keys, Synth (Ingram, Slick, Stylistics, Galaxxy, Ronnie Dyson, Blue Magic, Barbara Mason, The Moments, Sassafras, David Simmons, Sweet Thunder, Beck Family, Twilight, Dinosaur L, Kevin Anderson, Loose Joints)
• Bud Ellison - Keys (The Champions, Patti Labelle, Damon Harris, Slick)
• Ronnie James - Guitar (Slick, Mike Pedicin Jr, Salsoul Orch, Ice, Louis Prima, Nemo, Yvonne Gray, Archie Bell & Drells, Evelyn Champagne King, Charto, Michele, Barbara Mason, Bunny Sigler, Ray Simpson, Arthur Prysock, Montana, Stanley Turrentine, Karen Cheryl, Montana, Bonnie Boyer, Fania All Stars, Prince Phillip Mitchell, Jones Girls, Flower, John Davis & The Monster Orch, Rory Block, George Bussey Experience, Kat Mandu, Mizz, Strange Affair, Richie Rome, Sal Barbieri, Ultimate, Voggue, Montana Sextet, Karen Young, Tangerue, Nuyorican Soul, Nino Ferrer, Cornell Dupree)
• Billy Ingram - Guitar (Ingram, Slick, Galaxxy, Blue Magic, Barbara Mason, Sassafras, FLB, Dinoasur L, Loose Joints)
• Ronnie Smith - Guitar (Boney Fields & the Bones Project, Maze, Frankie Beverly, Rhythm Logic, Bernard Allison, George Thorogood, Funkiss, Slick, Patti Labelle, Wrabit, George Howard, Tiggi Clay, Don-D, Enemy Squad, Bones Project, Chelsea, Darin Talbot, Lige Curry, Paul Taylor, Steve Boyd, Wavelength, Anna Maria Flechero)
• Rudy Alexander - Bass (Sweet Thunder) 
• Michael Forman - Bass (John Davis & The Monster Orch, MFSB, Salsoul Orch, Dee Dee Sharp, Revelation, Blue Magic, Whispers, Liz Dargan & Gospelettes, Eddie Kendricks, Impact, Arthur Prysock, First Choice, Don Covay, Trammps, Touch of Class, Persuaders, Jimmy Briscoe & the Beaver, Benny Golson, Eli's Second Coming, Tymes, Billy Paul, Phyllis Hyman, Harold Melvin & Blue Notes, Keith Barrow, Archie Bell & Drells, Lou Rawls, Dells, Temptations, Lifestyle, Charo, Joneses, O'Jays, Pegasus, The Jacksons, Teddy Pendergrass, Stylistics, The Futures, Jean Carn, Colleen Heather, East Coast, OC Smith, Vaughan Mason, Major Harris, Philly Groove Orch, Montana)
• Larry LaBes - Bass (Fat Larry Band, Blue Magic, Impact, Damon Harris, Carol Lloyd, Slick, Ultimate, Major Harris, Frankie Smith, Ultimate)
• Jimmy Wilson - Bass
• Jerry Jones - Drums (Brenda & The Tabulations, Automatix, The Dramtics, Impact, Blue Magic, Jeannie Reynolds, Johnnie Taylor, Michael Henderson, Keith Barrow, Ruby Andrews, Wilson Williams, Livin' Proof, Dennis Coffey Band, Detroit Emeralds, Dee Edwards, Five Special, Spinners, Hott City, David Ruffin, Mike Theodore Orch, Carlis Munro, Ronn matlock, Brides of Funkenstein, Enchantment, Rance Allen, Sweat Band, Philippe Wynne, Bootsy, Was (Not Was), LJ Reynolds, Donna Washington, Temptations, Sweet Pea Atkinson, George Clinton, P-Funk Allstars, Ron Banks, Carol Anderson, David Dee, Barret Strong, Ronnie McNeir, Marlena Shaw)
• John Ingram - Drums (Ingram, Slick, MFSB, Champions, David Simmons, Stylistics, Patti Labelle, blue Magic, Ronnie Dyson, Barbara Mason, DeJuanna, Funk Bros, Ben Harper, Softones, Karen Cheyl, Sassafras, Sandy Mercer, Prince Phillip Mitchell, Beck Family, Strange Affair, Dinosaur L, Galaxxy, Tangerue,Loose Joint)
• Keith Benson - Drums (MFSB, Funk Bros, Impact, Teddy Pendergrass, Melba Moore, Archie Bell & Drells, Michele, Temptations, First Choice, Barbara Mason, David Christie, Double Exposure, Joe Simon, Tom N Jerry's Rockets, CJ & Co, Four Tops, Montana, Gloria Gaynor, Michael Henderson, Love Committee, Grace Jones, Salsoul Orch, Robert Palmer, MC Lane Explosion, Charo, Kebekeleltrik, Jean Carn, Michael Pedicin, Billy Paul, Jackie Moore, Loose Change, McFadden & Whitehead, Rory Block, Trammps, TJM, Edgar Winter, Dee Dee Sharp Gamble, Patryce Choc'let Banks, Loleatta Holloway, Swamp Dogg, Ira Watson, Joey Negro)
• Larry Jones - Syndrum (Bobby Boyd Congress, ice, Lafayette Afro Rock Band, Napoleon Jones, Nino Ferrer, Bad Child, Michele, Leroy Gomez, Chantal Curtis, Otis Rush, Crispy & Co)
• Timmy Ingram - Congas, Percussion (Ingram, Slick, Barbara Mason, Sandy Mercer, Softones, David Simmons, Sweet Thunder, Beck Family, Stylistics, Dinosaur L, Galaxxy, Loose Joints)
• Robert Changor - Congas, Percussion (Impact)
• Miguel Fuentez - Congas, Percussion (Damon Harris, Dexter Wansel, Tangerue, Patti Labelle, Ultimate, Freddie James, France Joli, UN, Flower, Nightlife Unlimited, Phil Hurtt, Jones Girls, Strange Affair, Jerry Butler, Stylistics, Plastic Surprise, Geraldine Hunt, Leon Huff, Kat Mandu, African Suite, MFSB, Michael Henderson, Slick, Keni Burke, Hi-Gloss, Norwood B, Peter Allen, Haze Greenfield, Willie Williams, Grover Washington JR, Kantuta, Emma Paki, Teremoana Rapley, Nathan Haines, Jaz Coleman & NZ String Quarter, Wentworth-Brewster, Mark De Clive, King Britt, Gianmarco Liguori, Whirimako Black, Sola Rosa, Kim Paterson, Kevin Field)
• Larry Washington - Congas, Percussion (Anglo Saxon brown, Black Light Orch, Eddie Drennon & The BBS, Unlimited, John Davis & The Monster Orch, MFSB, Salsoul Orch, more)
• Terrence Floyd - Congas, Percussion (FLB, Shalamar, Evelyn Champagne King, Tavares, Krysto., Rockie Robbins, Dynasty, Jamaaladeen Tacuma, Glenn Jones, 
• Sweet Thunder (band) - Lead Vox (WMOT All Stars)
• FLB (band) - Lead Vox (WMOT All Stars)
• David Simmons - Lead Vox (WMOT All Stars, Neo Experience, John Minnis Big Bone Band, Sister Sledge, Damaris, Scott Bradlee & Postmodern Jukebox)
• Damon Harris - Lead Vox (WMOT All Stars, Impact, Temptations, Young Vandals, Rose Royce)
• Breeze / Brandi Wells - Lead Vox (WMOT All Stars, FLB, Slick, Stroke)
• Mike Pedicin Jr - Sax Solos (Salsoul Orch, Charo, Sweet Thunder, Arthur Prysock, Asha, Karen Young, Montana, Loose Change, FLB, Geraldine Hunt, OC Smith, Jerry Butler, Sal Barbieri & Royal Co, Dee Dee Sharp Gamble, Patti Labelle, Spyyce, Ed Vezinho, Jim Ward, Funk Bros, Cintron)
• Don Renaldo - Strings, Horns (MFSB, Gamble & Huff, Salsoul Orch, Don Renaldo, John David & Monster Orch, Delphonics, Barbara Mason, Stylistics, Billy Paul, Grady Tate, Charles Mann, Spinners, First Choice, Manhattans, Dick Jensen, Ecstacy Passion & Pain, Persuaders, William DeVaughn, Major Harris, BB King, Modulations, Blue Magic, Gwen & Bruce, Eddie Kendricks, Universe City, Loleatta Holloway, Double Exposure, Arthur Prysock, Carol Williams, Ritchie Family, Eddie Drennon & BSS Unlimited, Chi-Lites, Johnny Mathis, Harold Melvin & Blue Notes, Lou Rawls, Archie Bell & Drells, Grace Jones, Charo, Eddie Holman, Matropolis, Ellen Mcllwaine, Gary Criss, Jerry Butler, Montana, Dexter Wansel, Silver Convention, Trammps, Karen Young, Love Committee, Futures, Gabriel, Ruth Waters, Jean Carn, Jones Girls, Bonnie Boyer, Cindy & Roy, Jackie Moore, CHuck Brown & Soul Searchers, McFadden & Whitehead, Fania All Atars, Strange Affair, OC Smith, Mizz, Sal Barbieri & the Royal Co, Kat Mandu, Dee Dee Sharp Gamble, Deniece Williams, Cashmere, Flower, Three Degrees, Laura Nyro, O'Jays)
• Gene Leone - Engineer
• Fred Galletti - Engingeer
• Frank Bernardini - Asst Engineer
• Jerry Williamson - Asst Engineer
• Michael Bonghi - Asst Engineer
• Al Albertini - Asst Engineer
• Phil Carroll - Art Direction
• Dennis Gassner- Design
• Phil Bray - Photography

Unknown-ness: The album has a generic cover, but the back photo of the ensemble is more telling. Just knowing a little about Philly's music history and the date of this album, I assume it is going to be well-studied disco, almost a supergroup of talented musicians brought together to show off their talents together.

Album Review: So this is a combo of two groups, so a disco supergroup would be accurate: Ingram (a family band) and Fat Larry's Band (previously reviewed). There are a lot of layers to these songs, and minute extentions to related generes aside from disco...they tap into Funk with a James Brown cover and a Sly Stone medly. And R&B Soul with their cover of Soul Man- and that's half the album right there. Motown Review is a time capsule of changing times of the mid to late 70's, a little embarrassing at times with it's specific recollections (swapping Jeans for Dungarees), but it is a fun, good song down to its melodic core. Join the Army is a silly disco advert for the army, complete with marching drum beat and shouty section as if a major is commanding the listener to enlist. There is not a lot of easily found info about the band, mostly because of the name's poor SEO quality (Philadelphia Cream Cheese, and Cream playing Philly seem to populate more often). 

Stand Out Track: Motown Review

Links:

Youtube Full Album
WMOT Wiki

Discogs

Allmusic

mentioned on Ingram's Soulwalking page

Slick bio