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

Tymes (the) - Tymes Up

Name: The Tymes
Album: Tymes Up
Year: 1976
Style: Soul, Gospel, Funk
Similar Bands: Stylistics, TSOP, Philly Cream, Tavaras, Spinners, Delfonics, Chi-Lites, Five Stairsteps
"One-Word" Review: pimped out gospel soul
Based Out Of: Philadelphia, PA
Label: RCA, Victor

Cover, Record

Record, Back

Tymes Up (1976)

1. Only Your Love 5:01
2. It's Cool 3:38 (single)
3. If I Can't Make You Smile 3:54
4. God's Gonna Punish You 4:44/
5. Hypnotized 3:48
6. Goin' Through the Motions 3:40
7. To the Max 4:49
8. Good Morning Dear Lord 5:54

Album Rating (1-10): 6.0

Members & Other Bands:

• Billy Jackson - Producer, Director, Percussion, Backing Vox/Rap (The Citizens' Band, Daddy Kae Trio, Soiree, The Re-Vels, Lifestyle, Beverley Craven)
• Richie Rome - Arrangements, Keys (African Suite, Patti LaBelle, Terry Knight, Cheltenham Orch, Carol Stivers, Jimmy Ruffin, Dianne Steinberg, Persuaders, Horseshoe, Willis Jackson, Archie Bell & Drells, Chi-Lites, Ritchie Family, many)
• George Williams - Lead Vox, Backing Vox/Rap 
• Albert Berry Tenor 1st, 2nd (Latineers)
• Norman Burnett - Tenor, Baritone (Latineers)
• Wade Davis - Baritone (Ferguson, Davis & Jones, Lifestyle, Davis & Lee)
• Jerry Ferguson - Tenor (Ferguson, Davis & Jones, Lifestyle, Davis & Lee)
• Donald Banks - Bass (Latineers)
• Bernard Purdie - The Sounds of NY Band Leader, Drums (Harlem River Drive, Hummingbirg, New Pulse Jazz Band, Pretty Purdie & Playboys, Profile, Rhythmstick, Roy Ayers Ubiquity, Godfathers of Groove, Leon Thomas Blues Band, Mac Chrupcala Trio, Liv Warfield, Bruce Arnold, Nina Simone, Jimmy Smith, Phil Upchurch, Charlie Byrd more)
• Karl Chambers - Drums (MFSB, Ronald & Karl, The Producers, The Romeos, Toomorrow, Yellow Sunshine, Barbara Mason, Don Covay, Teddy Pendergrass, Intruders, The Three Degrees, O'Jays, Orlons)
• George Devins - Percussion, Vibes (Dizzy Gillespie, Harris-Leigh +3, Lew Davis, Ninapinta & his Bongos & Congas, Brassmates, Brothers, Jerry Ross, Don Costa, Irving Joseph, Don Arnone, Al Caiola more)
• Ray Barretto - Congas, Timbales (Art Farmer, Artists United Against Apartheid, Cannonball Adderley, Fania All Stara, Lou Donaldson, Oliver Nelson, Quincy Jones, New World Spirit, Charanga Band, Charanga Moderna, Al Grey, Billy Mitchell, Blackout Allstars, Herbie Mann, Ray Bryant, Tito Puente, Wild Bill Moore, Woody Herman, Thundering Herd, more)
• Paul Griffith - Keys (Aretha Franklin, Tim Carroll) 
• Larry Bongo Washington - Percussion, Congas (Anglo Saxon Brown, Black Light Orch, Eddie Drennon & BBS unlimited, John Davis & Monster Orch, MFSB, Salsoul Orch, Stylistics, Laura Nyro, Good God, Harold Melvin, more)
• Carl Lynch - Guitar (Dayton Selby Sound, Brownie McGhee, Cootie Williams, Will Holt, Preston McKinnon, Casey Anderson, Rose Murphy, The Orioles, Joan Toliver, Curtis Amy, Les McCann, Johnny Hodges, Jerome Richardson, Hank Crawford, George Benson, Jimmy Smith, Circle of Music, Melvin Van Peebles, King Curtis, James Brown, Dizzy Gillespie, Fugs, Peter Allen, Sharon Ridley, Charles McPherson, Carol Hall, Percy Mayfield, Van McCoy, Gerri Granger, Teresa Brewer, Marlena Shaw. Joneses, Bo Diddley, Webster Lewis, Jimmy Owens, Bunky Green, James Moody, Coasters, Herman Chittison, Ruth Brown, James Brown, Nina Simone, Clyde McPhatter, Rita Pavone, Bobby Byrd, JJ Johnson, Carla Thomas, Johnny Hodges, LaVern Baker, Diane Destry, Lee Castle, Sam Taylor, Leo Stephenson)
• Cornell Dupree - Guitar (Harlem River Drive, King Curtis & the Kingpins, Rainbow, Snooky Young, Stuff, Gadd Gang, The RH Factor, Donny Hathaway, Lulu, Aretha Franklin, Laura Nyro, Freddie King, Herbie Mann, Jerry Williams, more)
• Wilbur Bascombe - Bass (New Pulse Jazz Band, Players Assoc. The Zodiac, Willie Collins, Marion Williams, Buddy Terry, Lightnin' Rod, Billy Butler, Bo Diddley, Martin Mull, Roy Ayers, Michael Bolotin, Chuck Berry, Jeff Beck, Frankie Valli, Grace Jones more)
• Don Renaldo - The Sound of Philadelphia Band Leader (Horns & Strings, John Davis & Monster Orch, MFSB, Salsoul Orch, Delfonics, Barbara Mason, Stylistics, Grady Tate, Billy Paul, Charles Mann, Spinners, First Choice, Manhattans, Dick Jensen, Ecstasy-Passion-Pain, Major Harris, Persuaders, William DeVaughn, BB King, Modulations, Blue Magic, Gwen & Bruce, Eddie Kendricks, Universe City, Loleatta Holloway, Double Exposure, Arthur Prysock, Carol Williams, Ritchie Family, Eddie Drennon, Chi-Lites, Johnny Mathis, Harold Melvin, Archie Bell, Grace Jones, Lou Rawls, Billy Paul, Charo, Eddie Holman, Gaz, Metropolis, Ellen McIlwaine, Gary Criss, Jerry Butler, Montana, Dexter Wansel, Silver Convention, Trammps, Karen Young, Love Committee, The Futures, Gabriel, Ruth Waters, Jean Carn, Jones Girls, Bonnie Boyer, Cindy & Roy, Jackie Moore, Michael Pedicin Jr, Chuck brown, McFadden & Whitehead, Philly Cream, Fania All Stars, Strange Affair, OC Smith, Mizz, Sal Barbieri & Royal Company, Kat Mandu, Teddy Pendergrass, Dee Dee Sharp, Deniece Williams, Cashmere, Spinners, Flower, The Three Degrees, Laura Nyro, Exodus)
• Richie Genovese - Bass Trombone (Salsoul Orch, Stylistics, Delfonics, JJ Barnes, First Choice, Spinners, Loleattsa Holloway, Doulbe Exposure, Eddie Holman, Charo, Gloria Gaynor, Montana, Arthur Prysock, Ahsa Puthli, Bonnie Boyer, Michael Pedicin Jr, William Bolcom, Arnold Weinstein, Lulu Santos, Nuyorican Soul, Exodus)
• Roger DeLillo - Trombone, Euphonium (Dan McMillion, Jazz in the Classroom, Salsoul Orch, Woody Herman, Herman & Puemte, Carol Williams, Arthur Prysock, Loleatta Holloway, Paul Williams, First Choice, Eddie Holman, Charo, Gloria Gaynor, Montana, Karen Young, Michael Pedicin Jr, Bonnie Boyer, Mizz)
• Rocco Bene - Trumpet (Salsoul Orch, Stylistics, Delfonics, JJ Barnes, First Choice, Spinners, Loleattsa Holloway, Doulbe Exposure, Willis Jackson, Eddie Holman, Charo, Kool & the Gang,  Arthur Prysock, Ahsa Puthli, Touch of Class, Bonnie Boyer, Michael Pedicin Jr, Montana, FLB, Mizz, Abstract Truth, Nuyorican Soul, Joe Sgro, Exodus)
• Bob Hartzell - Trumpet (Salsoul Orch, Stylistics, Delfonics, JJ Barnes, First Choice, Spinners, Loleatta Holloway, Double Exposure, University City, Willis Jackson, Eddie Holman, Arthur Prysock, Ahsa Puthli, Cindy & Roy, Touch of Class, Bonnie Boyer, Michael Pedicin Jr, Montana, Karen Young, Mizz, Moana, Exodus)
• Christine P Reeves - Strings (Salsoul Orch, Frist Choice, Loleatta Holloway, Carol Williams, Double Exposure, Charo, Eddie Holman, Gloria Gaynor, Montana, Karen Young, Bonnie Boyer, Cinry & Roy, Mizz, Was (Not Was), Jean Carne, Men At Large, Gerald Levert, Eddie Levert, Incognito, Braxtons, Lulu Santos, O'Jays, Nuyorican Soul, Phyllis Hyman, Men of Vizion, Delfonics, Fantastic Plastic Machine)
• Charles A Apollonia - Strings (Salsoul Orch, Stylistics, Delfonics, Carol Williams, First Choice, Loleatta Holloway, Double Exposure, Eddie Holman, Gloria Gaynor, Montana, Karen Young, Bonnie Boyer, Cindy & Roy)
• Davis A Barnett - Strings (Philly Sound Orch, Salsoul Orch, Stylistics, Delfonics, First Choice, Loleatta Holloway, Double Exposure, Eddie Holman, Gloria Gaynor, Montana, Karen Young, Cinry & Roy, Mizz, Bonnie Boyer, Men At Large, Gerald Levert, Eddie Levert, Nuyorican Soul O'Jays, Backstreet Boys, Kelly Price, Nicole Ray, Jermaine Duprie, Men of Vizion, Jazzyfatnastees. Eric Benet, Will Smith, Martha Clancy, Jill Scott, Will Downing, eryKah Badu, Jagged Edge, Jaguar Wright, Vivian Green, Glenn Lewis, Darious Rucker, Floetry, Kindered The Family Soul, Curse, Javier, Ruben Studdard, Funk Bros, Patti LaBelle, Bonnie McKee, Southside Johnny & Asbury Jukes, Vivian, Anthony Hamilton, Margarets, Joy Denalane, Sleepy Brown, Roots, Justin Timberlake, Ron Hall & Muthafunkaz, Carol Riddick, Macy Gray, John Legend, Kanye West, Ne-Yo, NERD, Alexandra Burke, Paul Van Dyk, Rihanna, Esmee Denters, Black Eyed Peas, Fun, Daughtry, Michael Jackson, Aretha Franklin, Troye Sivan, Kelly Clarkson, 
• Vincent Pignotti - Strings (MFSB, Gamble & Huff, Salsoul Orch)
• Anthony Singagoga - Strings (Salsoul Orch, Stylistics, Delfonics, Carol Williams, First Choice, Loleatta Holloway, Double Exposure, Eddie Holman, Gloria Gaynor, Charo, Montana, Karen Young, Bonnie Boyer, Cindy & Roy)
• Rudolph Malizia - Strings (Salsoul Orch, Stylistics, Delfonics, Carol Williams, First Choice, Loleatta Holloway, Double Exposure, Eddie Holman, Gloria Gaynor, Charo, Montana, Karen Young, Bonnie Boyer, Cindy & Roy, Mizz)
• Albert Barone - Strings (Salsoul Orch, Stylistics, Delfonics, First Choice)
• J Chudnow - Strings
• Larry Gold - Strings (Good News, NFSB, Salsoul Orch, Woody's Truck Stop, Emile Haynie, Michael Bacon, Carol Williams, First Choice, Double Exposure, Eddie Holman, Charo, Karen Young, Bonnie Boyer, Mark Child & Cottage St Gang, Mizz, Montana, Lorenzo Smith, Bruce Saunders, Good 2 Go, Brue Cohen, John Rose, Rodney Mannsfield, Men At Large, Whitehead Bros, Gerald Levert, 2 Aces & a Jack, Gustav Mahler, Uri Caine, Nicole Renee, Nicole Ray, Kelly Price, Jermaine Dupri, Jazzyfatnastees, Roots, Shaboom, Will Smith, Eric Benet, Will Downing, Common, Jill Scott, Changing Faces, Dice Raw, eryKah Badu, Jagged Edge, Bubba Sparxxx, Bebel Giberto, Jay-Z, Philadelphia Experiment, Jaguar, Wright, Jennifer Lopez, Glenn Lewis, Darius Rucker, Floetry, Ms Jade, Erro, Brandy, Christina Aguilera, Donell Jones, Ms Jade, Justin Timberlake, Kindered the Family Soul, King Britt, Bacon Brothers, Ruben Studdard, LSG, Murphy lee, Joe, Jeff Bradshaw, Zap Mama, Osunlade, R. Kelly, Charlie Wilson, Amos Lee, V, Raheem DeVaughn, Syleena Johnson, Thomas Dutronc, Low Cut Connie, Grace Carter, Michael Jackson, Troye Sivan, Fleeting Ends, Paloma Faith, Kelly Clarkson, Lana Del Ray, Ne-Yo, Caine, Joy Denalane, Natalie, Carol Riddick, Ween, Macy Gray, Al gerween, TI, LL Cool J, John Hill, Kid Cudi, Pleasure P, Bedouin Soundclash)
• Jack Faith - Flute, Strings (Stylistics, Swamp Dogg, Delfonics, Moonglows, Spinners, Salsoul Orch, Blue Magic, Carol Williams, Willis Jackson, LTG Exchange, Charo, Johny Mathis, Montana, First Choice, Asha, Gloria Gaynor, Mizz, Leon Huff, Futures, MFSB, Rose Royce, O'Jays, Patti LaBelle more)
• Romeo DiStephans - Strings (Salsoul Orch, Stylistics, Delfonics, First Choice, Loleatta Holloway, Double Exposure, Charo, Montana)
• J D'Onofrio - Strings
• Isabel Coles - Backing Vox (Kleer, Joey Negro)
• Edna Holt - Backing Vox (Holt '45, Starluv, Ritchie Family, Mongo Santamaria, Michael Boothman, harold Ousley, Fatback Band, Black Renaissance, Stormin' Norman & Suzy, Angela Bofill, OC Smith, Keith Silverfish Ferguson, Fonzi Thornton, Talking Heads, Chickenshack, Kim Ryder, James Freud, Bryan Ferry, Rocking Chairs, David J)
• Barbara Ingram - Backing Vox (School for Arts Singers, Ingram, John Davis & the Monster Orch, New York City, Slick, Spinners, Alpha Angels, Intruders, Philadelphia Angels, Salsoul Hustlers, Sweethearts, Sweeties, Stylistics, Barbara Mason, Detroit Spinners, Dick Jensen, Soul Survivors, Billy Paul, Harold Melvin, Ecstasy-Passion-Pain, MFSB, Archie Bell, Dee Dee Sharp, Blue Magic, Trammps, Dionne Warwick, Manhattans, Major Harris, Bunny Sigler, more)
• Deborah Stockton - Backing Vox (Force of Nature, MFSB)
• Evette L. Benton - Backing Vox (John Davis & the Monster Orch, MFSB, New York City, Spinners, Alpha Angels, Intruders, Philadelphia Angels, Salsoul Hustlers, Sweethearts, Sweeties,  Barbara Mason, Detroit Spinners, Dick Jensen, Soul Survivors, Billy Paul, Harold Melvin, Ecstasy-Passion-Pain, Ritchie Family, Archie Bell, Dee Dee Sharp, Blue Magic, Dionne Warwick, more)
• Carla L Benson - Backing Vox & Special Vox Effect (John Davis & the Monster Orch, New York City, Michael Pedicin Jr, Spinners, Alpha Angels, Intruders, Philadelphia Angels, Salsoul Hustlers, Sweethearts, Sweeties, Barbara Mason, Detroit Spinners, Dick Jensen, Soul Survivors, Billy Paul, Harold Melvin, Ecstasy-Passion-Pain, Ritchie Family, MFSB, Archie Bell, Dee Dee Sharp, Blue Magic, Trammps, Dionne Warwick, more)
• Luz Rivera - Backing Vox Rap (Miguel de Leon)
• Joe Tarsia - Recording Engineer, Remix Engineer
• Jay Marks - Recording Engineer
• Kenny Present - Recording Engineer
• Don Murray - Recording Engineer, Remix Engineer
• Carl Parulo - Recording Engineer
• Vivian Abbott  - Recording Engineer Special Thanks
• Harry Chipetz - Recording Engineer Special Thanks
• Dick Baxter - RCA Recording Engineer
• Tom Brown - RCA Recording Engineer Assistant
• Shelly Yakus - Recording Engineer Record Plant
• Jay Messina - Recording Engineer Record Plant
• Tom Moulton - Mixing
• Nick Sangiamo - Photos
• Design - JJ Stelmach

Unknown-ness: I've never heard of this band, but my mind automatically goes toward associating it with Morris Day And the Time. With the silly misspelled name and the play on words with Tymes Up parking meter photo in the graveyard, i get a sense that they think of themselves as a fun band. But looking at the immense list of musicians who went into the production of this record, i wonder if it will be more choir-like or operatic...especially with two tracks referencing god. I'm going to suggest that this will be soulful R&B, perhaps with a foot in disco, just due to the instruments listed and the year.

Album Review: This is a collection of soulful R&B with some fear of god gospel. Lots of smooth sexy sections coupled with the upbeat soul and cheery gods gonna punish you if you break my heart and sermon filled good morning dear lord. "It's Cool" is a fun, empowering story song where a woman gets hit on at a restaurant and has to cool down her jealous man. The strings do swirl around, hinting at disco on occasion, but it is much firmer placed in the vocal soul group category.

This album comes 20 years into their career (16 as The Tymes). Their two biggest hits in came in 1963 in the US (So Much Love, which beat the Beatles in the #1 spot) and then in 1975 in the UK (Ms Grace). They bounced around from label to label and had minor alterations to their sound trying to find a place to capture the initial first album success. Williams and Banks have both passed away in 2004 & 20011 respectively. But surviving members still play out as The Tymes to this day (2020). They were part of Dick Clark's 1963 American Bandstand tour, which was supposed to play Dallas the day JFK was shot.

Stand Out Track: Only Your Love

Links:
Wiki

Discogs

Allmusic
ABKCO
Banks Obit - Philly Inquirer 11/1/11
Soul Express
Rebeat Mag
Rate Your Music
All but forgotten Oldies
Delafont
Gary Cape Booking
Oldies . com

(the) Seekers - A World of Our Own

Name: The Seekers

Album: A World of Our Own

Year: 1965

Style: Folk Pop

Similar Bands: We Five, Sandpipers

One-Word Review: gospel vocal arrangements for the banjo

Based Out Of: Melbourne, Australia

Label: Capitol, EMI

 Cover & Record

Back & Record

A World of Our Own (1965)

1. A World of Our Own 2:38
2. Don't Think Twice, It's All Right 3:02
3. The Leaving of Liverpool 2:57
4. This Land Is Your Land 2:33
5. Two Summers 2:45
6. The Times They Are A Changin' 2:32 /
7. Just A Closer Walk With Thee 3:19
8. Don't Tell Me My Mind 2:14
9. Allentown Jail 2:35
10. Four Strong Winds 3:22
11. You Can Tell the World 2:13

Album Rating (1-10): 5.0

Members & Other Bands:

• Athol Guy - String Bass (Ramblers, Escorts, New Seekers)
• Bruce Woodley - Spanish Guitar (Escorts)
• Keith Potger - Guitar (Trinamics)
• Judith Durham - Vox (Frank Traynor's Jazz Preachers, Hot Jazz Duo)
• Dave Dexter Jr. - Producer for USA

Unknown-ness: At the time of purchase, one of my earlier TSM buys, I had not heard of them. But I expected this to be a folky vocal group, similar to We Five, which I had already bought & listened to. Was hoping for a tinge of Herman's Hermits or other upbeat fun music, but not expecting too much of that.

Album Review: As expected, this is a collection of folky vocal group songs, that comes close to church choir quality. Some of the banjo-folk arrangement, like This Land is Your Land push them to the realm of country. And although the harmonies are strong, and the vocals are well highlighted, the overall style is a little tedious and very dated to my opinion. 

Stand Out Track: A World Of Our Own

Links:

spotify

wiki

website

allmusic

2019 Reunion story

Noise 11 back to roots

discogs

Tammy Faye (Bakker) - Run Toward The Roar

Artist: Tammy Faye (Bakker)
Album: Run Toward the Roar
Year: 1980
Style: Gospel Pop
Similar Bands: ???? 50's female vocalists, perhaps?
"One-Word" Review: lite-joy-cry-gospel
Based Out Of: North Carolina
Label: PTL Club Records and Tapes

Run Toward The Roar - Cover & Sleeve

Run Toward The Roar - Back & Record

Run Toward The Roar (1980)

1. Fill Me Up Lord / Thank You Lord for Loving Me The Way That You Do 5:37
2. Lord I Need You Right Now 3:57
3. Alleluia / Rejoice, You're A Child of the King 4:44
4. Before the Rocks Cry Out / I Live / He Is Exalted 5:00
5. My Dependable Friend 3:32 /
6. Run Toward the Roar 2:56
7. Oh, How I Love Jesus / Thou Art Worthy 5:12
8. Love Song for Grandma 2:56
9. All in the Name of Jesus 3:47
10. Its Real 4:51

Album Rating (1-10): 2.5

Members & Other Bands:
Tammy Faye Bakker - Vox, Front Cover Design & Layout, Back Cover Design
Gary Sanford Paxton - Produced, Arranged, Engineer, Remix Engineer, Backing Vox, Front & Back Cover Layout, Back Cover Design
Gene Rice - Engineer, Remix Engineer
Warren Peterson - Engineer
Steve Halger - Engineer
John Darnell - String / Horn Arrangement, Conducting
Buddy Skipper - String / Horn Arrangement
Don Tweedy - String / Horn Arrangement, Conducting
PTl Singers - Background Vox
Heritage School of Evangelism Choir - Backing Vox
Jeannie C. Riley - Backing Vox
Reba Rambo - Backing Vox
Brad Kelley - Backing Vox Arrangement
Pax Superpickers - Music
Jerry Carrigan - Drums
Bob Nickerson - Drums
Gene Chrisman - Drums
Bob Gelotte - Drums
Steve Schaffer - Bass
Bobby Wood - Keys
Morris Chapman - Keys
Alan Steinberger - Keys
Novella Williams - Organ
Pete Wade - Guitars
Harold Bradley - Guitars
Cindy Reynolds - Harp
Bill Wiggins - Percussion
Terry McMillan - Percussion, Harmonica
John Darnell Section - Horns
Shelly Kurland Sections - Strings
Glen Meadows - Mastering
Charles McCallen - Front & Back Cover Layout
Boomer & Linda Castleman - Front Cover Design & Layout & Photos
Phil Egert - Cover Photos & Back Photos
Greg Crouse - Back Cover Layout
Lloyd & Juanita Tytlandsvik - Owners of TN Game Farm & Lions.

Unknown-ness: So I saw this record, and yes, I know who Tammy Faye is. That is exactly why I had to get this album. Most gospel or god records, have images of stained glass, or people reading/singing hyms, or just your typical religi-crap. But this, this goes beyond that, running with the lion/king metaphor a great distance into fantastic artwork. Since it drops all the normal religious imagery, opting for a stylish atmosphere (however weird or awkward it comes off) I can only hope that this is an attempt to cross-over from religious music to pop; or since it was 1980, into new wave. I’d love to hear an evangelical attempt at modern (at the time) music, trying to gain fans with what was going on in pop music and spread her word of “faith” by sacrificing all her choir beliefs and values. However, the songs are religious titles, and do not try to mask her platform. But the surreal Tammy Faye poses on the back and the background of lions in collage makes a great argument as to what this record could hold. My hopes and expectations are set very high by this artwork.

Album Review: “Fill Me up Lord / Thank You Lord for Loving Me The Way That You Do” Is the first medley of the album. It is a gospel ballad with Tammy Faye singing over simple piano and a choir of ooooing in the back. After the drums kick in (kinda) the choir echoes Tammy’s lyrics, and they do a team chant. The organ is added in verse three, but it is not much, and does not detract from the vocals. But do any of them realize the sexual nature of the song…I mean to make a porno version of this song, you would not need to change a word. This is the Lord Juice song. After the third verse, the medley changes to the Thank You section, and the gospel gets a bit more groovy with brass and an R&B beat. It slows down, but maintains its Motown groove. We get glimpses of emotional singing, but it never goes into full-blown energy. “Lord I Need You Right Now” begins like the first song did: as a gospel ballad with piano and vocals/choir in echo. A very slow drum beat is added and the horns come back. We then get story time around 2:15, where Tammy gives an inspirational monologue about how people need to be saved. Then her tearful, strained siren voice wails for the remainder of the song, and she gives a little cryptic reminder that “you are they to someone” in her high pitch talking voice. “Alleluia / Rejoice, You're A Child of the King” is the next medley, that opens like Bing Crosby’s “White Christmas.” The Alleluia is uttered over and over again, in a similar fashion to Leonard Cohen’s version, but not quite. This is the orchestral ballad section of the medley that continues for the first 3 minutes of the song before it hits the theatrical gospel section. Her voice shakes, almost sounding like Sleater Kinney or something that is oddly comparable. Except that it is nothing like them. “Before the Rocks Cry Out / I Live / He Is Exalted” begins as a waltzing ballad with a little orchestral flair. This too is theatrical in its singing and composition. It smoothly transitions to the “I Live” section, picking up the horns a bit more, with the same melody. But it slows down to a near stop to finish out the medley for over 2 minutes. A swirling orchestra emerges building up the atmosphere, but it settles into another couple of refrains of “He Is Exalted” with only a little more energy. “My Dependable Friend” is a story song about how it was to be without Jesus, and how she met him. I can just see if sung after a bit of a dialogue on their evangelical telethon of a show, about how Tammy personally found religion. It is a slow and confidently sad song. The tempo is that of a sad Country and Western song.

“Run Toward the Roar” is the title track, and begins like a country and western tempo disco track. The song is a complete metaphor of young Jesus and its transition into King. I think. Don’t quote me; I am trying to listen as little as I can. Something about roaring lions are Satan, and he’s defeated, but run toward his ugly head. Weird. I really don’t get it. However, there is a cat’s meow sampled at the very end. Ohhhh! I (still don’t get it). Another gospel slow sing-along begins in “Oh, How I Love Jesus / Thou Art Worthy.” The music picks up a little, but is not a fun song. The song reverts to a quiet number with the second part of the medley. But triumphant trumpets sound and her voice slowly croons over the lyrics. You can hear the famous tears of joy stream down her face, leaving virtual deltas of mascara deposits along the way. It ends in over exuberant passion, with building orchestra and a held final note. “Love Song for Grandma” is a country blessing to the memory of her grandma. It stands out from the rest of the songs, as it is not a total religious rapping of the knuckles. It is sung like a camp fire sing-along. The same verse chorus melody repeats over and over as a way to make it easy to memorize. Swirling strings and a piano begin “All in the Name of Jesus” yet another in a long string of old fashioned vocalist displays, evilly embedded with religious banter. Around 3 minutes, she begins reciting what sounds like a bible verse to end the song, finally ending with: “So said the man. Jesus.” A more standard gospel tempo begins “Its Real.” It is not the floor stompin’ and soulful bellowing, hand clapping good gospel, but it is better than the slow orchestral stuff on here elsewhere. It is Tammy’s vocals buried under the chorus of the choir. Then her voice stands out with a bull frog deep baritone man’s voice underneath doing “ba-roops.” The organ is there buried in the background and the horns and strings are minimally used as well. But the song builds in a grand sense toward the end, and settles back in on itself as the final note is held.

Stand Out Track: Fill Me Up Lord / Thank You Lord for Loving Me The Way That You Do (only because of the obvious sexual innuendo the song portrays)

Links:

Rate Your Music

Flickr Album Cover

Bizarre Records.com
Vinyl Oddities

CBS Story on TFM
Sparkle Pony

Wikipedia
Tammy Faye Homepage

7/21/07 Passsing on CNN

Gary S Paxton rate your music page