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Back In The Day ~ The Urban Music Scene
Bert Robinson - No More Cold Nights
The elegant & seductive balladeer from the mid 80's came suited up for the pleasure of pleasing his lady of choice. His voice so serious, it brought about the comparisons of Teddy Pendergrass & other powerfully willed crooners to grace the contemporary R&B scene of the 80's. Especially when you put Freddie Jackson, Howard Hewett, Kashif, Miles Jaye, Jeffrey Osbourne, Eugene Wilde, Glenn Jones & Gerald Alston into that equation. And if there was other names that needed to be mentioned, I would just get the discussion started about the crooners of the 80's. The great ones at that!
But Bert Robinson had a sound. After his debut "I Promise You Love" featuring the same producer for Vesta Williams in Attala Zane Giles, Bert broke loose with a top 5 R&B hit in "Heart Of Gold". And for a moment, I thought Bert was about to raise the bar for the status of becoming one of the top crooners of R&B.
Track Listing:
~ Heart Of Gold
~ Won't You Be My Lady
~ Just A Little Love
~ Never Gonna Give You Up
~ Tough Enough
~ No More Cold Nights
~ You Turn Me Out
~ Just Begun To Know You
~ Burning Inside Your Love
~ Still Waiting
Seriously, Capital Records dropped this for the midnight allnighters back in 1987 & the rest was history! With help from Stan Sheppard, Al Hudson, Irene Perkins, Nick Johnson, Attala & Billy Osbourne for his production dept, the listener was treated to an earful of soulful, nightlite slow ballads & mid-tempod 'in the central park' themed serenades.
After "Heart Of Gold" came, "You Turned Me Out" featuring producers Lionel Job & Preston Glass followed suit. Just as you would remember how the 80's gathered your attention for releasing top notch slow melodies (where is it today in 2008?), Bert distinguished himself like another Dennis Edwards's "Don't Look Any Further". Yes, it can draw a comparison.
"Still Waiting" was one of those compositions that sits on your mind. The harmony & melody attracts every detection of Bert laying out his bartitone, powerfully projective voice. It sends the meaning of a man very well in love with his ability to transfer his emotions artistically & sensually by voice. The lasting impression on the lady he crooned it to may suggest a moment of thought. She should know its all about the romance!
Bert Robinson, however disappeared. Whereabouts unknown. For the sake of the review, I would love to know if he's still performing anywhere. If ya'll know something, please drop a comment into this article.
For now, I'm holding on to the sweet memory of Bert's "Heart Of Gold". And if you can get a connection upon where you can get a great deal for purchase, & if you are one those like myself that chilled out in the 80s with some of the talents mentioned above, please do yourself a favor & seek this one out. Its good music & its something that can be played back today!
In fact, RIGHT NOW!
T
The Urban Music Scene
Here's the Flashback hit of 1987 from Bert Robinson in "Heart Of Gold"!!
Vesta Williams - 4U
One of the nicest, outspoken people in the world is tapped for the special section of T.U.M.S. & she deserves it. The album released from A&M Records in 1988, "4U" was a monumental project by all means. Vesta brings all her cards to the table & had launched a significant place into R&B when she came out with articulate material that generated mainstream interest for the fan at heart. From the 1st track on, you couldn't help but to sit back & listen to the creativity Vesta & producer Attala Zane Giles laid out on the floor. Especially after catching her short stints on BET back in the day (Remember that?) & displaying her outgoing personaility whereever she goes. I'm elated to still see her in the game with her latest project from Shanachie, "Distant Lover" & having her previous collectibles available through various online services. However, "4U" has to be the best album to date. So much so, that I placed her harmonious slow jam, "Sweet, Sweet Love" onto our Top Ten Old School Slow Jams list! Talking about great memories!!
Track Listing:
~ Here/Say
~ All On You
~ 4 U
~ Sweet, Sweet Love
~ How You Feel
~ Best I Ever Had
~ Hunger
~ Congratulations
~ Running Into Memories
As soon as the vinyl started spinning, the opening lines to "Here/Say" had me laughing. Because she related a particular issue of cheating on your spouse & ran with it on the composition. As vibrant as she can be!; "All On You" kept the essentric groove going, showcasing the hypnotic talents of Mr. Giles. (producer); "4 U" definitely was the one, as shared to you by video below! Check it out!
Again, "Sweet, Sweet Love", to me, was underrated. I thought that track was the ultimate slow jam. There was something mystic about it. Possibly the video was warm, romantic & expressive. But it could be the way Vesta sang her heart into the track. So beautiful, at times, I can't stop playing it.
Side Two would just make you throw your hands up in the air & say "Bump It". No different from Side one, the melodies matched the flavor of its other side with continious cuts like "How You Feel", "Best I Ever Had" & the slow jammin' hit single "Congratulations".
The songs had displayed an open book of emotions & dabbled with ongoing issues in relationships. Vesta didn't waste anytime sharing her feelings or touch. Which is why when you listen to this album, you are listening to someone who takes her craft very seriously. She is indeed blessed with a remarkable, projective voice & yes....She has it goin' on!! Also, Attala Zane Giles should be recognized for the major effort he gave back to ya'll!
Play this one back if you have it.
Terrill J. Hanna
The Urban Music Scene
Here's "4 U"!!
Vesta Williams . 4U .1988
Uploaded by capitainfunkk
Nelson Rangell - Turning Night into Day
Obviously, there is no shortage of sax players in smooth jazz genre. However, Denver, CO native Nelson Rangell dares to differ, as he's one of a few artists that authentically challenges the much needed transformation in diversity as he surpasses his peers with an inimitable voice that’s compelling in spirit. Notably, he humbly accomplished this mission on his 1997 release, “Turning Night into Day” on GRP Records.
“Starting Now,” as the lead cut spins with the excitement of new a beginning, a journey, an expedition that establishes his presence without limits. With his head slightly tilted to the left, he leans back and blows with grace in a voice of an enchanting spirit and style reminisced of a guy named Sanborn.
The down tempo groove of the title track “Turning Night into Day” is captivating in a sense as it echoes with swaying tonality and rhythmic textures are within the context of flawless yet tantalizing beats and the flavor it possesses. Nelson’s pursuit in creating passionate music is persevered by the breathe taking Metheny like composition “The Journey,” features Nelson on “piccolo” and the exceptional Howard Levy on harmonica.
Enclosed within the internal and external variety expressed on first three tracks alone unveils the heart and soul of this artist. Wow, it’s hard to believe it’s been a little over ten years ago and this recording is still significant on this day. Up next, the upbeat sounds of “All For Song,” swings with alternating pulse and radio friendly hooks are bound to keep your head swaying and bopping. What a player, Nelson can make his horn squall with enthusiasm as his enduring qualities without question prevails beyond the genre he resides in.
At the heart of his modest collection is the fabric of genuine music that emphasizes the romantic side of his voice. First up, is the essence of pop ingredients is layered beneath and above the surface on the gorgeous “For The Rest of My Life.” While detained in somewhat of a relaxed mode I found myself suspended by the soulful musings of Nelson’s stimulating horn on “Romantique.” Additionally, the riches of “April Snow” appear and to make it’s reflective statement featuring Nelson on flute. In his own unique way, he draws you into a peaceful place so you may embrace and revere his music on these and other selections.
Now, for those of you who love to jam, will there’s “Godzilla.” Yeah, this track is hot! Rangell handles his business in the funk department on this piece, he calls bassist Mel Brown to reinforce the groove by kicking it into overdrive as it shakes, shimmers and swings like nobodies business! “From Spark to Flame,” compositionally is a little illusive at the beginning as it starts out with strings. However, it quickly turns into a tasty little gem that’s attached with the harmonies and melodies of mid-tempo octaves. And just around the corner is the convincing “All Hearts, One Heart” makes it’s case as being a memorable composition is co-written by Chuck Loeb and Rangell. While still in the mood, the writing duo of Loeb and Rangell pen the bouncy “Today’s Top Story.”
Finally, the gifted Nelson and the gang conclude this mesmerizing journey with a Latin infused composition co-written by keyboardist Michael Bearden and Rangell titled La Repuesta (The Answer). As you can tell, I really adore this project mainly because it contains the core of his persona, voice, style without compromising his integrity as an artist. “Turning Night into Day,” may or not be a defining moment in his career but I find this an attractive album that is creative, sensitive, accessible and deserves repeated listens.
Track Listing:
1. Starting Now
2. Turning Night into Day
3. The Journey
4. For The Rest of My Life
5. Romantique
6. Godzilla
7. From Spark to Flame
8. April Snow
9. All Hearts, One Heart
10. Today’s Top Story’
11. La Repuesta (The Answer)
J Desmond
The Urban Music Scene
Bob James & David Sanborn - Double Vision
(painting by Eric Blum)
Undeniably & without question, one of the best contemporary jazz albums ever created has been pulled from the record crates for the induction to our Back In the Day Page! No doubt, this album kicked off festivities when it was released back in 1986. And heh, the minute "Maputo" came on, you knew the project was destined to be one of the greatest!
Track Listing:
~ Maputo
~ More Than Friends
~ Moon Tune
~ Since I Fell For You
~ Never Enough
~ You Don't Know Me
The primary players who assisted Dave & Bob along the way of this fine masteriece were Marcus Miller (Bass), Paul Jackson Jr. (Guitar), Paulinho Da Costa (Percussion) & Steve Gadd (Drums). Produced by Tommy Lipuma.
As stated, "Maputo" was practically played out! It was featured as an opening or closing theme track for most jazz oriented radio dials, as well as served as a template for the injunction of the term Smooth Jazz, from the already foundated genre Contemporary Jazz. Needless to say, does it all matter? Bob James (Piano) knew exactly what he was doing when he parleyed & complimented his touch to the ever elegance of David Sanborn's untouchable sax style, form & rythmn. "Maputo" of course, was written by Marcus Miller & his signature is written all over the track, from the bassline to some exceptional background hooks. This track may have marked the legacy of Mr. Miller's compositional abilities, although he had been doing this all along for David Sanborn's earlier solo releases.
Al Jarreau's solo in "Since I Fell For You" was remarkable & very hard to turn off after a slight listen. Memories creep right through my mind everytime I hear Al J. croon the life into this ballad; "Its You" is a cover of David's same song released on his critically acclaimed "Voyeur" album (released in 1980), which also shared the same fame with Marcus Miller, who also was involved on that project. With Mr. James's contributions to the remake, "It's You" sounded REAL good! Yes!! Although I will have to admit, Its hard to distinguish which one sounded better than the other. That question goes out to the hard nosed David Sanborn fans out there. Where are ya'll at?
Then you get into "Never Enough" & then you have a solitude, sentimental favorite on your hands. With enough composure to help with the evening arrangements or midday relaxation. Backed right up with the last track "You Don't Know Me", a surely exceptional way to end the project from where it started.
Bob, David & the rest of the players from "Double Vision" had set a standard, apart from just about any other contemporary jazz album released from the 80's or the 90's. Not since the days when mega jazz label CTI (Creed Taylor) had released favoritable contributions for jazz music. And to know they were part of that growth period & were involved in numerous projects from the legendary CTI label as well. Its no wonder why the album sounded that spectacular. Good enough for a remastered, re-release of the "Double Vision" album at the very start of this year (2008) on the Rhino/Wea UK record label.
If you own the LP, please do yourself a favor & play the vinyl back. Be ready though. Don't think its just going to simply remind you of the past decades of great contemporary jazz music. But you may come to grips & feel this project can be replayed all year long in this current generation!
Loving the Vinyl, as always...
Terrill J. Hanna
The Urban Music Scene
Rene & Angela - Street Called Desire
There is no way in the world that I cannot leave this ultra magnetic R&B album on the sideline, away from the rest of the masterpieces we laid down for ya'll on the Back In the Day page/blog! Especially when we are talking about the magnificent connection of Rene & Angela from the 80's! When it came time to turn out the lights, other than jammin' Luther or Teddy, they received serious airplay. And it didn't matter what kind of system it got playback on, if you know what I mean...
Track Listing:
~ Save Your Love (For #1)
~ I'll Be Good
~ No How - No Way
~ You Don't Have To Cry
~ Street Named Desire
~ Your Smile
~ Who's Foolin Who
~ Drive My Love
1st of all, let me say this: Angela Winbush has 'madd' skills on the piano-vocalist dept. You all should already know by now that after her stint with Mr. Rene Moore, she carried on to treasure us with beautiful, original slow ballads from her collectibles of hits, so deep, it may be the reason why she ended up getting married to another slow crooner who left the same legacy - Mr. Ronald Isley. I hope I am not leaving a bad impression of those two by mentioning his name (because of his legal troubles & divorce), but whenever Angela dropped those secular melodies on the map, it got picked up & played back with the fireplace activated, wine glass poured, ambiance set & so on...No bad impression at all!
And she represented everything romantically expressive before hand with "Your Smile" (Video above!). (Ah Man..!) The lyrics was so serious & deep, it propelled & motivated my ability to leave some unique, quality words (yes...THE MACK!) to a special young lady back in the day, helping my game out! And with that said, Thanks Angela! (Its still workin' baby!); "You Don't Have To Cry" serenaded its way into our Top Ten Slow Jams - Track #10 category & the current Video Of The Month on the Back In The Day Page. No need to elaborate any further. Nah!
What really grabbed my attention is how they jammed the box! Either slow or fast grooves! "I'll Be Good" was dazzling, right next to "Save Your Love (For #1)". In fact, those tracks should've been on the charts. High up there!
The reflection of the 80's, 1985 to be exact, brought the best out of Rene & Angela. And who knows what could've happened if they remained together. I mean, we all knew when & where Angela Winbush decided to go, but Rene released his own solo project without much success.
Ms. Winbush is the ultimate entertainer & delight. Not to mention gorgeous! Her tremendous amount of energy & passion in her music can be wildly felt. Not to mention her talents as a producer, songwriter, arranger, vocalist, etc. I hope to see her come back to us again one day.
In the meantime, Its On! Kick back & play this one back! The essence & memory off this badd mamajama will control your flow.
Lights Out!
T
The Urban Music Scene
And ya'll should already know about this. If not, you betta ask somebody!!
Rene & Angela - I'll Be Good on The Urban Music Scene.com!
Rene & Angela - I'll Be Good
Uploaded by PeteRock
Freddie Hubbard - Skagly
Perhaps, like a lot of you, the eighties were a transition point musically and thankfully, my taste matured significantly and began to evolve beyond the dreadful late seventies “disco” era.
On this occasion, I have the pleasure to review the esteemed and legendary trumpeter Freddie Hubbard who began his career in the late fifties and early sixties with brothers Wes and Monk Montgomery. One of the most distinguish moments of his career are based around his Blue Note recording days. They’re probably his best, they say, at least from a jazz purists perspective. However, for those of us who aren’t as deep have a diverse platter and believes that some of Freddie’s contemporary recordings are of importance as well.
Honestly, until recently, I had not heard “Skagly.” Freddie recorded this project in 1979 on Columbia Records. “Skagly” is a portrait of an amplified prototype of contemporary jazz that’s cured with remnants of classic jazz around the edges.
On the first spin, the opening piece “Happiness is Now,” is or should be a trumpeter lovers delight. The bright, and up-tempo elements are reverent to his training ground as he gathered a cohesive unit of players like Hadley Caliman - tenor & flute, Billy Childs - piano, Larry Klein –bass, Carl Burnett- drums and George Duke to make their humble contribution to the first of six splendid pieces.
The Indianapolis, IN native changes direction on the second cut with the classic “Summer of ’42.” As beautiful as is, you get the gist of were Hubbard’s tone is going on this jewel. Breathe taking, and oh how sweet it is!
A tune called “Cascais,” is next, it flows effortlessly with authority featuring the gifted reedman Hadley Caliman on flute. The title, “Skagly,” follows as it’s reinforced by the basic essentials of a funk topped off with Freddie’s razor-sharp trumpet playing!
Freddie continues to strut their stuff with a harmonious tune titled “Rustic Celebration,” this swinging head-bopper’s voice intercedes in the particulars of fusion and classic jazz. The talented ensemble raises the bar of excellence on “Rustic” featuring one of my favorite keyboardist the upcoming [at the time] Billy Childs on piano.
Regrettably, the last composition is not listed. Nonetheless, the exquisiteness of the piece inhabits the artistic amenities of classic jazz balladry at its finest. Sadly, the jazz community has often criticized Mr. Hubbard for recording projects of this nature, particularly his Columbia recordings. For those of you, who dig contemporary jazz, well this one’s definitely for you.
Track Listing:
- Happiness is Now
- Theme from Summer of '42
- Cascais
- Skagly
- Rustic Celebration
- Untitled
1. Open Sesame
2. Here to Stay
3. Hub-Tones
4. The Body and Soul
5. Red Clay
6. Straight Life
7. Sweet Return
8. Above and Beyond
** “Skagly” is not available in digital media or album unless you find it wherever used albums are sold.
J Desmond
The Urban Music Scene
Bobbi Humphrey - Fancy Dancer
With lots love and admiration from music enthusiasts everywhere flutist, Bobbi Humphrey was considered one of the premier instrumentalist in the early seventies [1971 respectively]. But, it wasn’t until her “Blacks and Blues,” album emerged in 1973 that her credibility as a female artist begin to ascend to brake the barriers in jazz were men only reign as kings.
Ironically, while I was looking for something enticing to listen to. So I decided to not only revisit Ms. Humphrey’s “Blacks and Blues, and Satin Doll” records but her poignant attributes as a player echoed repeatedly in my head to listen to more music by her. And what do you know, I stumbled across her 1975 release called “Fancy Dancer,” which was, also on Blue Note Records and produced once again by the fabulous Mizell Brothers.
Fancy Dancer, much like her previous efforts leans significantly to the outer edge of smooth pop, jazz and fusion as a paradigm to continue with music that is relevant to listeners at the time. No doubt, her vision to expand beyond the norm proved to be correct move for Ms Humphrey.
On the opener, Humphrey entangled her voice in the festive spirit of summertime with the Latin inspired “Uno Esta.” Hmmm, simply magical! From the onset, she pours her very soul onto the canvas of this elegant arrangement by the Mizell Brothers. The next selection, titled “The Trip,” she paints an abstract signature of unpredicted traces of mesmerizing pleasantries on this tapestry as her lyrical and provocative playing intensifies from this point forward making this record worthy of praise.
What blessing and honor to hear Ms Humphrey’s music from the seventies, it’s quite refreshing to indulge in this palette of music as she gracefully set the atmospheric on these seven attractive gems. As I listened, her music is rhythmic within the context of her tranquil urban soundscape. Arranged and played buoyantly, these lush and mosaic compositions performed by her contains warmth, strength and beauty. Therefore, the music embodies the qualities that are inviting making this listening experience one to relish, love and cherish with each play.
Track Listing:
1. Uno Esta
2. The Trip
3. You Make Me Feel So Good
4. Fancy Dancer
5. Mestizo Eyes
6. Sweeter Than Sugar
7. Please Set Me at Ease
Please forgive me, for some strange reason we keep reviewing out of print music around here. It is our desire for someone like you with good taste, the finances and the willingness to give records like this new life in the digital music age.
J Desmond
The Urban Music Scene
George Howard - Reflections
Back in 1979, the velvety warm textures of soprano saxophonist George Howard was summoned by his mentor to be Grover Washington Jr to tour extensively. On “Reflections,” you would understand Grover’s passion to call upon Howard to play soprano parts on the tour. After touring with Washington, this obviously helped establish him a noteworthy musician and soon thereafter his debut “Asphalt Gardens” was born in 1982.
Reflections among many projects by Howard, his tonality fits perfectly in the tenor of the smooth jazz sound these days. It goes to show even before smooth was conceived in the mid-nineties, cats like Howard was serving up a tasty dose of radio friendly gems. On this project, with his vision and concept Mr. Howard in the production seat appealed to a core of familiar artists in the industry to record “Reflections” like: “Paul Jackson Jr, Paulinho Da Costa, Nathan East, George Duke, Doc Gibbs, Rayford Griffin, Stanley Clarke, Ray Fuller” and a host of others.
Out of the pocket, George takes you on a sensually tasty journey with a groove titled “Too Bad,” produced by co-producer Robert Brookins. This mid-tempo head bopper is bound to please and a great way to begin a listening experience. No question, this song personifies the man behind the music with his signature, style and sound.
Arguably, this nine-song collection of delectable grooves is focused on the language and intimacy of Howard’s voice, as expressed on the title track “Reflections” which is ideal in this or any setting for music lovers. George also, puts nice twist to “Love Will Conquer All” originally recorded by Lionel Richie.
Track Listing:
- Too Bad
- Reflections
- Funk It Out
- One Love
- Late Night
- Love Will Conquer All
- Let's Pretend
- Attitude
- I Like This Groove
J Desmond
The Urban Music Scene
Atlantic Starr - As The Band Turns
In 1985 during the peak of old school, just my opinion, Atlantic Star dropped their sixth album. This album was produced while changes were being made in the group. Lead singer Sharon Bryant left the group, and her shoes were filled quite well with her replacement, Barbara Weathers. This album entitled, "As The Band Turns", turned out to be one of the bands' most successful projects & last albnum under A&M Records.
Some of the highlights are track one “Freak-a-Ristic” which is the ultimate jam whether you are throwin’ down on the pit, roller skatin’ or just chillin’ at the park. Now for the rest of the line-up Atlantic Starr put together some classic slow jams like “If Your Heart Isn’t In It”, or “Silver Shadows” and the ever popular “Secret Lovers”. All I can say is there was a major slow jam war brewing in the 80’s and Atlantic Starr may not have won the war but they were definitely a strong contender.
D’Mo
The Urban Music Scene
Yo D'Mo!! Here's "Secret Lovers" for your musical pallet!!
Lakeside - Untouchables
Now....the album cover art sold me back in 1983. Take one good look at it. If you have the album, switch it over & even open it up. What do you see? 9 brothers running a precinct somewhere downtown. Ready to conduct a 'Raid' at a nearby dancehall. Or something. Packin' guns & stuff, it could be something else. I'm leaning on "Raid" because The G (groove) Men meant it musically. Forget the rest.
Track Listing:
~ Raid
~ Turn The Music Up
~ So Let's Love
~ Real Love
~ Alibi
~ Untouchable
~ Tinsel Town Theory (aka: The Hollywood Story)
~ So Let's Love (reprise)
Solar Records was the label dedicated to putting the groove out there. The roster they had was impeccable. Everybody who came from Solar had at least 1 jam. At LEAST one. And they had successful career's at that. Dynasty, Shalamar, The Whispers, Carrie Lucas, etc. I can be here all day. But when they launched the careers of Lakeside, the wave of funk swung its momentum from the West to the East & all I know a party was activated within minutes. What owner of a boombox didn't play out "Raid"? i played it until my batteries went dead. And those got darn "D" size batteries were expensive! Who ya' tellin'?
I also cranked up "Turn The Music Up" too. "So Let's Love" was jammin' too. The whole album was the one to get. Take it from me: Its good, real good, I mean R&B funk at its best. They are the "Untouchables" alright.
As a sidenote, it made be go back to those road travelin days, checking out the Kool Festivals. They need to bring those back, although my main man Tom Joyner is taking it to the bank with his series of old school concerts & cruises. Somebody needs to do something.
Charles F. Sherard
The Urban Music Scene
Yo Charles, Here's a video of "Turn The Music Up" for your flashback experience!
Lakeside - Turn The Music Up (1983)
Uploaded by fonkymusic