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The Urban Music Scene
The Urban Music Scene: Back In The Day
Randy & The Gypsy's (Self-Titled)
Please allow me to make this point perfectly clear, I am NOT reviewing this self titled CD because Randy Jackson & I share the same first name. I'm reviewing this CD because it's an album I've enjoyed, musically, for almost 21 years. This is yet, ANOTHER project I felt, fell waaaaay below the radar when it was originally released on A&M Records in 1989.
Though technically not a Randy Jackson solo record, but a group effort, I'm going to treat it like a group effort ... no diss to Randy intended. First, allow me to introduce to you, "The Gypsy's", in order as their names appears on the credits. Pepe Tynes, Khris Kellow (Who was once a backing musician with the pioneering Techno-Funk band, "The System"), Cece Worrall, Robert K. "Baba" Burns, brothers Jara & Jeff Harris (Who later went to form their own kick butt Funk band "Slapbak"), and last but not certainly least, producer extraordinaire, Cornelius Mims.
My only peeve with this record is that the credits do not list what instruments they play individually, and on what particular tracks they've performed on, as there are many guest musicians credited.Musicians such as Paulinho Da Costa, Paul Jackson, Jr., Ricardo Silvera, John Nettlesbey, and Terry Coffey
As you can clearly see, the official members appear on the album cover, and their names do appear in the artwork, which is great, I'm all for that ! But I would've love to have known "whom played what, and on which particular track(s)" But in any regard, I'd like to personally THANK these talented musicians for their contributions, and last, but DEFINITELY not least, Randy Jackson for the vision to put together an ensemble of musicians to make one slamming record, and for his performance ! BRAVO EVERYONE !!!!...... Now to the best musical moments of this overlooked gem ......& you're probably saying to yourselves right about now, "It's about time Randy, Geez !!"
Opening track, "Perpetrators", released as a single, is performed New Jack Swing style, which was the hot R&B sound at the time. With it's timbali rolls, heavy hit kick drum, orchestra hits, synth horns, with Randy's "straight in your face" vocal performance and lyrics of keeping an eye out for sneaky and back stabbing folks, consituted a funky track that should've received more airplay than it may have had.
Mid tempo'd, yet mellow "Luv Thang", is performed as a duet with Randy and bandmate, CeCe Worrall. I love the chordal performed acoustic piano sounding intro. CeCe& Randy's sing this track with heart, soul and pure true emotion. Nice electric guitar solo in the bridge, an ever present snare drum and kick drum sound throughout. Overall, a very pleasing to the ear sounding song.
"Love You Honey", which was released as a single, (That I know for sure because I once owned the cassingle a.k.a the cassette single.The younger readers of this site may have no idea of what one look like, so please ask your older brothers or sisters to show you one ....if even they themselves own any, at this point), is an uptempo,danceable, funky little ditty ! Baritone sax synth performance (Probably performed on the then popular KORG M1 synthesizer), vocoder performed vamps, more orchestra hits and synth horns, it's an overall "party" song.
"You Got A Lady", features an earlier version of the Roland 808 drum machine. Coupled with a bass synthy groove, funky electric guitar licks, and tight female background vocal performances, likely sung by session heavyweight Dollette McDonald, the legendary Rose Stone, John Nettlesbey, Funk Goddess Lynn Mabry, and other singers I'm not sure of because I don't see credits listed for this individual track, you have a song that'll have you dancing and singing along.
On the funk meister Bryan Loren produced, "Gigolo" ?!?!?! ..... You have FUNK AT IT'S FINEST !!!!! YOU CAN'T GET ANY FUNKIER THAN THIS !!! .. A percolating groove, DEEP, HEAVY AND STANK BASS SYNTH performed chords and runs, as only Bryan could pull off, this song should've garnered a music video. Along with a KICKING "snare, hi hat and kick drum combined performance", a tone downed Prince "Housequake" vocal effect on Randy's lead vocal, you have a track that'll have the repeat function in effect. The "Mack Of The Year" like lyrics certainly hit home for me ! ... and the guitar shredded chords, dynamic !
The remaining tracks off this album, "I Can't Wait", "You Got A Lady", another Bryan Loren produced ballad, "I Need You" and the introspective lyrics and wonderful melody of the closing track "Not Because", rounds out an album worth rediscovering or discovering for the first time. You can download this "bad boy" in it's entirety at Amazon.Com
Well just don't sit there at your desktop computers/laptops/iPod tablets, whatever,reading this review, get over to Amazon and download it before the folks over there change their minds and take it off ! Git ! Git ! .....LOL ! Seriously, this is a great album. Buy it for the music, and not because it's "Michael's youngest brother". Don't do that to Randy. He's an equally talented Jackson brother that deserves the same amount of accolades as a songwriter and musician, just like the rest of his siblings.
Happy Listening !
Randy Mahon
The Urban Music Scene
Angela Winbush | The Real Thing
R&B music isn't gonna be quite the same soulfully without a talent so reflective of the spirit in madam Angela Winbush, you might as well turn the corner & forget it.
No piano chord, no dynamic beauty, charisma & charm, nobody....NOBODY brought you closer to love ballads the way Angela kissed your facial cheeks with a gift for music so profound, it would possibly be in our best interest to seek her out for an interview & ask for the best advice possible concerning the state of R&B music now & where does it need to go later.
She was & STILL IS 'The Real Thing'. "It's The Real Thing" was badd man. Sista girl had the finesse, class, top quality lyrics, physique, cornerstone achievements that made a brotha like me stay glued to the TV set whenever BET heated up the sets with ANY of her music videos. ANY.
Charlie Wilson | You Turn My Life Around
On what will be the first of four Charles Kent Wilson's, now known throughout the world as "Uncle" Charlie Wilson, solo recordings, was a fine indication of what is to follow, EXCELLENT pieces of art. Released on Bon Ami Records, through a production and distribution agreement with the then called MCA Records, was owned by pioneering Hip Hop label entrepreneurs, Sylvia & Joe Robinson. They were infamously known for starting Sugar Hill Records in the late '70's ala 1979's "Sugar Hill Gang's Rappers Delight" and 1982's Grandmaster Flash & The Furious Five classic, "The Message"
The Charlie Wilson, sanned "Uncle", "You Turn My Life Around", project peaked at #42 on Billboard's R&B Album chart when it was released in 1992. First single was the New Jack Swing patterned "Sprung On Me". From what I understand, this track was produced by his nephews, Andre &Bryan Wilson. { If my memory serves me correctly, his nephews recorded an album for Lonnie Simmons' Total Experience Records, by the name of Baby GAP. .... Correct me if I'm wrong) Charlie's vocals haven't lost the strength of the G.A.P. days ... as a matter of fact, they were stronger !
"Come Into My Love Life", was another selection that had hit written all over it ! Written and co-produced by GAP BAND alumni, supporting band member, and one half of recording duo, EMI's "Answered Questions", Morris Rentie {Other half being vocal session stalwart, the talented Ms. Marva King}, and Charlie. Light danceable rhythm, steady handwork of the tambourine, cool rhythm guitar licks, and fantastic lead & backing vocal performance from Charlie himself.
"Charlie's Jam", co-produced by multi-instrumentalist, Reggie Griffin { BTW, Reg's the main musical force behind Chaka Khan's "I Feel For You"track and a one time Qwest Recording artist }, and Joey Robinson, Jr. A steady melody and groove is pretty much prevalent throughout the song, but it's INFECTIOUS ! A party jam for sure !! Definitely in the New Jack Swing Modus Operandi. Charlie scants and vamps with his signature growl and vocal runs all over this track.
Album title track, "You Turn My Life Around", penned by Charlie, Morris & Orvalette Rentie, and the talented jazz great, Jeff Lorber. Co-Produced by Morris & Jeff collectively, this is clearly, in my opinion ... THE BEST TRACK SONICALLY, MELODICALLY, and GROOVICALLY !! Jeff's & Morris' keyboard overdubbed parts { I assumed played on the KORG M1, Roland D-50 Synthesizers and an assortment of gadgets I don't know of because I wasn't present at the recording sessions}. Once again, Charlie flexes his larynx (which I'm surprised he didn't destroy singing these parts), on the overdubbed vocal sections ..... particularly in the bridge ! WOW !! GREAT SONG,PERIOD !
"My Prayer", should've been nominated for a Dove Award, B.E.T. Gospel Award (Which I don't think existed in 1992/3), and All Grammy Urban Contemporary Gospel categories. Funky, bouncy ..... and once again, bass slapped & fretted runned performances. It contained major chordal synth performed parts, left & right panned orchestra hits throughout, and of course Charlie's plea for peace in the world, as sung in his Gospel based upbringing.
"Time", is another choice, I felt, should've been released as a single at that time. The song is ballad driven, drum programmed, keyboard & orchestra synth filled, featuring male & female charged background sung parts, & vocoder performed (Please Note : A Vocoder and an Auto-Tune vocal computer processed effect are NOT one and the same). Easy flowing melody, and Charlie's emotional plea for a woman's commitment to make a potential relationship work, may hit a spot in the female readers here.
"I Found My Baby", is a hip hop fused updated song already done via G.A.P.'s 1985 "GAP VI album, the same titled, "I Found My Baby", ..... which in turn was a slightly altered version of the 1982 Gap Band IV powerhouse single, "Outstanding" ...... Sorry Charlie!
Overall, it's a CD worth checking out as it went mainly unnoticed in 1992. I do remember Charlie performing two of these songs on Soul Train which are memorable. You can still purchase this CD on Amazon.com and I strongly urge you to. You won't be disappointed ..... It may just "Turn Your MUSIC MINDED Life Around"
Happy Listening !
Randy Mahon
The Urban Music Scene
Aretha Franklin | Let Me In Your Life
Aretha Franklin
Let Me in Your Life
The cover of this lp makes the statement “I have some love stories to tell”and believe me Aretha has much to tell. In the days of old when I would walk into a record shop and if the song playing on the turntable was kicking, that lp went home with me. This was the case when purchased the Let Me in Your Life lp. I marveled to the selection “Ain’t Nothing like the Real Thing” and a request was made to the clerk to listen to more of the masterpiece.
The upbeat “Let Me in Your Life” and “Every Natural Thing” is the catalyst that stirs the excitement. These songs were definitely jukebox material. If you don’t know what I mean, the jukebox kept the soda shops and beer joints hoping in my day. To say the least it’s the romantic and hurting selections that make this project so special.
Just to name a few that are household standards “Until You Come Back to Me”,“I’m In Love” and “The Masquerade Is Over" just melts like grade A butter. The women in my family would always quote Aretha’s songs when they try to get a point across and these songs fit the bill. Jazz and blues is prevalent through out this eleven song gem – “With Pen In Hand”, “If You Don’t Think”, and “A Song for You”. These songs will make you re-evaluate relationships. Aretha has so many great albums but this one makes a plea to Let Me in Your Life. Praises to the Queen of Soul!
Jerry” The Mouse”
Mellow Madness Music
The Urban Music Scene
Brownstone | Still Climbing
On Brownstone's 2nd release on the late Michael Jackson's imprint, MJJ Music, this time through a production and distribution deal with the then newly formed Sony Music distributed label, the Jordan Harris/Jeff Ayeroff led, THE WORK GROUP, we hear a much stronger and "take charge" vocally Brownstone. Following the Platinum success of their excellent 1994 MJJ/Epic release, "From The Bottom Up" fueled by the hit Gold certified single "If You Love Me" & "Grapevyne", we hear the fine vocals of new member Kina Cosper, replacing vocally, but NOT spiritually, the taken ill original member & dearly missed, group member wise, Monica "Mimi" Doby.
Though not as successful, sales wise, as it's predecessor, this is album had one, two ... possibly three non single released album cuts that could've been huge, if believed in. Original members Nicci Gilbert & Charmayne "Maxi" Maxwell, with Kina, all sound in perfect harmony with one another throughout the entire album. Let's explore this under appreciated "Diamond In The Rough" project.
Opening track, "Let's Get It Started", built on the guitar riff from the 1978 Herman Kelly classic, "Let's Dance To The Drummer's Beat", produced by hit maker Rodney "Darkchild" Jerkins, is a Hip Hop snare beat driven, electric guitar, kickdrum/cymbal crash, party song. All the ladies share lead &background vocal performances that are energetic, fiery, magnetic, and acrobatic. A rap verse thrown in by Mike Nitti caters to the Jeep cruising folk.
A single off this album, the Big Yam/Victor Merritt produced, "5 Miles To Empty", is a slowed down mellowed groove late night teaser. Lead vocals range from subtle & subdued to aggressive and sexy. Once again, the collective background vocals & fills, to a certain degree, take center stage. Lyrics of that of a woman yearning to be loved when the need is called for, will strike a familiar chord with the ladies.
The Rodney Jerkins produced, "Love Me Like You Do", had HIT SINGLE written all over it. Supplemented by the re-performed Average White Band's 1976 classic "A Love Of My Own", is yet another romantic, passionately, and lyrically sung beauty ! I love those "Supremes-esqe" background vocals and fills. Thick electric bass plucked notes, drum machine programmed hi-hat/snare/kick drum, synthesized acoustic piano performed lines and fills, and minimal DJ scratched drops, all work well here. Cool song !
The Swedish production duo known as Soulshock & Karlin, (Monica "Before You Walk Out Of My Life), produced, what I felt, was a BONAFIDE smash, "Foolish Pride". Beautifully played Fender Rhodes chords, MPC-60 programmed drum beats,synthesizer effects & fills, and magnificently sung lead vocals of Nicci pleading to a lover to not ruin a relationship because of his OVER INFLATED ego.
Another Big Yam/Victor Merritt produced gem, "Baby Love", is a nice vibrato oriented Fender Rhodes, drum programmed, mid tempo'd standout song. Vocals are performed to perfection as Nicci weaves &bobs around those heavenly pipes of hers.
My personal favorite cut off this album is the Tricky & Sean produced "All I Do". It's is a bass droned, hi-hat/snare programmed, guitar arpeggio chordal structured strummed performance. Nicci's lead vocal embellishes her upper alto register to keys I bet she never knew she had in her. .... but then again, I bet she did.Great rhythmically and moving song. One of the many strong songs here.
The Herb Middleton (SWV, Mary J.Blige, Kenny Lattimore, etc.) produced track, "You Give Good Love", (Not the 1985 Whitney Houston song of the same name), is a romantic evening, sentimentally felt, choral sung type of song. Again, lyrical subject matter is that of a woman appreciating the love given to her from her man, and it's expressed in earnest.
Closing song, the 1981 Alicia Myers R&B Quiet Storm classic, "If You Play Your Cards Right", produced by Nicci herself, and quite well if I may add, is a version that would make Alicia herself stand up and say, "Great job ladies ! I love the way you interpreted my song ! I'm proud of you all !! Now give me a hug !". The rhythm & vocal arrangement is pretty much intact. Not much to say here, but it's a wonderful and respectfully rendition.
"Still Climbing" for years lived in my CD player, and playing it again 13 years later, I had no idea how homesick it was.
Happy Listening !
Randy Mahon
The Urban Music Scene
The Time | What Time Is It?
Serious Business. Take a look at your hand. What does your watch say?
The Time.
Focus. Smile. Pose. Stiffen yourselves. The Movie Director is lookin' at you. Hold up. He is gonna say "Lights. Camera....wait...wait, 'your collar isn't folded correctly Morris, I got cha' (Jerome)." OK. Are you ready?
...Action.
The Time I Said.
Polished. Creative. Challenged. Bold. Instrumentally Sound. Incredibly Gifted. Always Ready to Play. Always Ready to Groove. Always ready for a secluded, steamy misted stage front. Dark lit background near the bar. Always ready for THE URBAN MUSIC SCENE.
Morris Day's core signature genius: A charismatic persona off & on the stage in association with the groups' name mentioned closely to a connection between the words - Hours, Minutes & Seconds - may have been the main reason for much of the group's success throughout their reign of music in the 80's. The group also produced the prize winners - a monumental piece of foundation - secured at will in the duo marquee of Jimmy Jam & Terry Lewis. The Black Suits, Tie & Hats will help you to find them.
You can always find Jerome up front somewhere on the stage with a mirror. You can always find sophisticated guitarist Jesse Johnson in a leather suit of bright appealing color. You can always find Monte Moir chillin' incognito in the shadows. You can always find Jellybean Johnson to be Jellybean Johnson. Everybody else just came along for the ride. But you know what?
It was all given courtesy of Jamie Starr. (Mega-Superstar Prince). Look up his name & watch what you will find. Not mentioned out of disrespect, but out of awe for Prince's skills.
Then I think of Black History Month like T, Randy, You & now I hear Marvin is about to drop madd fever (reviews) in a couple of days, and automatically my poker hand is drawn. Out of my hand comes "What Time Is It?".
The Time .777-9311 [Show Tv 1982]
Uploaded by capitainfunkk. - Up-to-the minute news videos.
Jamie Starr produced a super-wonder of tracks for The Time on this one. As I humm "777-9311"...shakin' my head to the right...I then shift the boogie from my neck to my legs & invite my own road dawgs to come join me for a walk, I mean "The Walk". One track from both sides of the vinyl. 6 tracks of traction for soul music, that anytime you hear 'The Time', Its not always someone asking about the clock on your hand or the digital timestamp on your computer, dig it?
I had to leave out "Gigolos Get Lonely Too" in my review, 'cause......well, cause... Whatever. Because. What made ya' think I was gonna tell you about my days as a single man?
All tracks written by Jamie Starr (But one). Like I said, do research on the name.
But don't discredit the skill of the band. Jimmy Jam & Terry Lewis, Jesse Johnson & of course Morris Day had dropped some keynotes - for your ears from back in the years. (uh) The turntable knows ALL about them. Right on DJ?
The group is coming to San Bernardino, Ca. in May of 2010. I'm going to be there. T is going to be there. Y'ALL need to be there. Take some time out of your busy schedule, request a jam from the album to your favorite radio station & represent. If you like my request, please be sure to let them know when they answer the phone: "The Urban Music Scene.com" made you do it.
I wonder what Jerome is up to these days. Are you still holding up a mirror man? You better not.
Peace,
Charles F. Sherard
The Urban Music Scene
Eric Gable | Process of Elimination
On Eric Gable's 3rd and final album for brothers Beau & Charles Huggins' Epic distributed imprint, Orpheus Records, 1994's "Process Of Elimination", he delivers a strong mix of smooth R&B, funk, New Jack Swing, and power ballads, that should've taken him to the top of the charts. It peaked at #55 on Billboard's Top Rhythm & Blues Album chart. This album contained the hit single, album's title track, "Process Of Elimination".
Opening track, "Process Of Elimination", is built around a 1972 Marvin Gaye song, "'T' Plays It Cool" taken from the Marvin Gaye scored movie soundtrack, the classic blaxploitation film, "Trouble Man".Eric vocal style is very reminiscent of gruffy throated singers such as Teddy Pendergrass, Christopher Williams, and the late Robert Brookins. It's a Roland 808 rhythm & drum programmed track, with Fender Rhodes, and synthesizer overdubs. You'll hear the New Jack Swing patterns throughout the entire song. X'Mosque provided the rap for the Hip Hoppers.
"Don't Wanna Hurt Nobody", is a brilliantly produced Tony Dofat song that featured '90's New Jack Swing male group, Intro's,late lead singer Kenny Greene (R.I.P.), on background vocals. Eric sings all over this track with the heart & conviction of dying man on his last breath ! He pleads, almost near the point of begging for a woman's affection. (Eric, may I give you some friendly advice ? ... STOP HANGING AROUND KEITH SWEAT !!.. LOL). For me, it's Tony Dofat's synthesizer keyboard riffs, fills, chords that made this mellow tempo'd track a late evening addition to the jukebox.
"Call Me", plain & simple is ? .... FUNK CENTRAL !!! .... The producer on this foot stomper, toe tapper goes by the name of Christian. He provided Eric a MONSTER of a sound and groove. Funky bass synth performed runs and parts, a deep and heavy kick drum/snare, a sporadic ringing bell in the background,and Eric's "pushing his vocal chords to the limit" performance, made this song a head bopping extravaganza for me personally...... and once again, rapper X'Mosque blessed this track with his lightnin' speed delivered performance.
On "I'm Not The One", Eric declares he's NOT THE ONE to be taken advantaged by a woman who "thought" in their narrow mind, he was born yesterday. The track itself is an electric rhythm guitar plucked, kicked drum that stood out, hand clapped, harpsichord played, "brothers standing on the street corner harmonizing under the street light" background vocals, mellow song. Eric vocal sung from the gut, as opposed to the throat, shoned very clearly and directly.
The Force MD'd produced track, "Try Again", is a romantic, GAP BAND'S "Yearning For Your Love-esqe" lyrically themed song. Of course you'll hear those trademarked Force MD's background vocals come shining through, that'll take you back to the first time you heard those brothers back in 1984. This time around,Eric is pleading to the woman they give their relationship another try.... probably after he screwed it up .... But in any regard, the light bass synth, the chimes, synth strings, acoustic piano major chords, had "QUIET STORM" stamped all over it !
"Let Me Rock", has a slightly veiled reggae undertone to it if you listen carefully,though not a full blown reggae song in any sense of the word. The song incorporates a nice shuffle beat, harmoniously sung background vocals with vocoder performed fills. A triangle bell is added to give the song depth, along with wah wah guitar strummed lines, and Eric's "not as aggressive" vocal performance, rounds an exceptionally good song.
"Don't Stop", another Force MD's produced track, is a slow & sensual song. Bass synth's are more pronounced and felt than the previous Force MD's produced song, and if you listen more closely, the bass synth pattern is very similar to a Keith Sweat song off his 1987 debut album "Make It Last Forever", and that song is "How Deep Is Your Love" ( .... and that too, is NOT to be confused with The Bee Gees standard of the same name). The hard hitted snare drum and tom tom rolls laid down the foundation for the rhythm track to shine. Once again, the background vocals courtesy of The MD's are as sweet sounding as ever. Eric's vocals, and lyrics, are sung with the passion and fervor of a man wanting "quality time, alone" with his lady. This song is without a doubt, one of the highlights of this album.
Closing song, yet another Force MD's produced track, "This Time", is a song they themselves could have recorded. Lead vocals, shared by Eric and the lead singer of The MD's, work hand in hand very nicely,without one outdoing the other. The track has the "feel" of The MD's 1985 classic ballad "Tender Love". A nice chill out, mellow song, and one that calls for the cell phone to be turned off and wine poured with your significant other.
Happy Listening !
Randy Mahon
The Urban Music Scene
Glenn Jones | Everybody Loves A Winner
Nothing can stop the certain groove that slid from the background of sultry, velvety voiced R&B singer Glenn Jones. Nothing.
From the deep pocketed vocal airness often properly displayed on all of his discs, and from the Gospel Sanctuary to a much heralded career as one of the finest Rhythm crooners to ever grace & hold a Microphone, former member of R&B group the Modulations had released "Everybody Loves A Winner" (1983-EP) & it should be on everyone's wish list. A must have in a collection of legendary R&B music that ever has been published. Here's a look into what brought about the powerhouse voice streaming from the lips of Mr. Jones.
Track Listing:
~ I Am Somebody
~ Keep On' Doin
~ Everybody Loves A Winner
~ Love Intensity
~ Thank You For Your Love
Glenn Jones Everybody loves a winner
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We are talking about an unraveling of grooves so significant to blasting Mr. Jones off into the R&B hemisphere, that it would be impossible NOT to talk about it. "I Am Somebody" jammed but at the same time, sent a positive message of personal self-confidence & self-esteem. "Keep On Doin'" mid-tracked a smooth, mellow feelin' flow right into bad mama-jammin' "Everybody Loves A Winner" (video box above). "Love Intensity" kept it bumpin' in sequence, while "Thank You For Your Love" sends a flashback reminder of what Mr. Jones had been all about after all of these years - Swooning & Crooning.
Right after the EP came albums "Finesse" (1984) & "Take It From Me" (1986) (~~ one of my favorite all time slow jams called "Stay" is sitting on that disc ~~). Other, well written material continued to surface throughout his stellar career, landing him on the moon as an astronaut dedicated to swooning the ladies with numerous slow cuts that would later make him the top choice for the leading man behind the love ballads. But while he became a consideration after all of these years, "Everybody Loves A Winner" should easily remind folks about his ability to stir up the disco floor with jams that STILL today could rock the party right from the rotation of the turntable. Accompanied with uplifting lyrics, acceptable background singers & hypnotic production grooves, the 5 track EP is still considered the launching pad of success by all means. Every Funk/R&B oriented blog or website I know of has this within arms reach. And its not too late if its not on yours. I personally celebrate Black History Month by spinning it back every weekend for the entire month of February 2010. And well after that...
It also would certainly be a pleasure to witness Glenn Jones on a stage or club hall soon. Today or tomorrow. As gifted as Glenn is, its every dollar worth spending to see him live.
Terrill J. Hanna
The Urban Music Scene
Radiance | Pick-n-Choose
For some of you players searching deep for a funk anthem from the 80's - look for this:
The group that landed on Quincy Jones Qwest Record label back in 1985, Radiance & the master jammin' wonder "Pick-n-Choose". This scratch-less vinyl spun around my turntable before the Super Bowl & made my fellas before the game rub their cheeks. With hands on their faces, the questions "Who is that Charles", "Hey Dawg, What's that bumpin in the background", & "Hey Brahtha, hook me up a copy, will ya'?
It all sounds too familiar huh? Well I don't blame them.
Radiance came straight to the front line in 1985 with enough electro-R&B, synthesizer programming energy that many folks may instantly compare them to Midnight Star, Atlantic Starr, & all electro R&B funk bands that kept us movin' at the NCO Club on Thursday & Saturday Nights.
Lo-Key? | Back 2 Da Howse
This 1994 sophomore Lo-Key? album, "Back 2 Da Howse", released on the Jimmy Jam & Terry Lewis helmed boutique label, Perspective Records, via A&M Records, is one that was very unique at the time. During the mid '90's, the Urban music scene was that of a very volatile time period, as the OVERLY PUBLICIZED" East Coast vs West Coast" Hip-Hop rivalry took center stage in the media. Lo-Key? originating from the heartland of America, Kansas City, Missouri, steered clear of such childishness, a.k.a., "STUPID B.S. !!!", and kept the FUNK PARTY in full swing on this CRIMINALLY OVERLOOKED album !!!!!
Simply put, "Back 2 Da Howse" is a, "blue lights in the basement, wood paneling on all four walls, slow grinding with a honey against the wall, "Good Times" or "The Jeffersons" playing on the wire hanger antennae TV in the corner, "aww sookie sookie now"chanting, drunk uncle smack talking, soul food scent emanating from the kitchen, lava lamp, with Ben E. King's "Supernatural Thing", followed by Willie Hutch's "Brother's Gonna Work It Out" blasting from those 1970's long football field looking oak wood stereos" .... type of record.
Co-Produced by Lo-Key? bandmates, keyboardist/programmer Lance Alexander, and lead & background vocalist/songwriter prof. t., this 16 track "Funk Odyssey" is a throwback to a time in the '70's when self contained Funk bands wrote, arranged and produced their own music. Unfortunately, this is a lost art in today's doldrum R&B scene. Now, let's go back to HOWSE, and check out some of the jams this band was kicking ! .... "You Jive Turkey !"
Album title, "Back 2 Da Howse", with it's hip hop fused drum beat, snare, Mini-Moog sounds performed by Lance, {I take it he's playing an earlier model of the Moog Synthesizer before they made them more compact}, group member T-Bone gangsta smooth electric bass line in which he laid down throughout the entire CD, this track is one that the west coast Dr. Dre wished he produced. Along with co-lead singers Dre & prof, the rhythm slides & glides like you're at a Bar-B-Que.
On "Don't Trip On Me", with it's "Parliafunkadelicment Thang" groove, starts off with a George Clinton like vocal intro, then goes deep into the funk ! Lance's Ohio Player's "Funky Worm" Mini-Moog Synthesizer performed lines, quica undertones like that used by Cameo & The P,cool Fender Rhodes by Flyte Tyme alumni, "Big Jim" Wright, and tight group backing vocals sung by Lo-Key?, will have that dance floor packed!
"Getcha Girlfriend", with it's Barry White "Playing Your Game"underlying feel, wah wah guitar, Hammond B3 organ chords, occasional marimba keyboard hits, prof & Dre sharing lead vocal parts {With a touch of ConFunkShun's Michael Cooper styled vocal}, a tad of Snoop Dogg-esque rap thrown in, you have a riding in your 6-4 on Interstate 35 in Kansas City towards Des Moines, Iowa, track !
My personal favorite track, is the Ohio Player'd, Leroy "Sugarfoot" Bonner lead vocalTIZED, Billy Beck backing vocal inspired, "We Ain't Right". It'll remind you of the classic O.P. track "Lets' Love" .... but done in the "key"of Lo-Key? Mellow vocals, light percussions, Christopher Cross "Sailin'" acoustic guitar undertones, will remind you of the day you brought home The Ohio Players " Honey" vinyl album when it first came out in 1975. .... Oh ! BTW, the lyrical subject matter of this song is that of, ahem, ...... a "Tiger Woods" nature ..... nuff said !
There are LOTS of other tracks on this album I'd LOVE to talk about, but out of respect to my fellow colleagues here at "The Urban Music Scene", I'm going to save some bandwidth for them to bless you with their literal genius. But I hope I gave you a clear idea where Lo-Key? went with this album. I'm sorry it was NOT promoted they way it should have been during the time of it's release, and it's a shame too ! Quite simply? ..... IT'S A DARN GOOD RECORD !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! ..... and with that being said ?!?!
I, Randy Mahon of "The Urban Music Scene", has pleaded guilty for being under the influence of : The Ohio Players, The Bar-Kays, Bootsy, TheDazz Band, ConFunkShun, Isaac Hayes, Cameo, Curtis Mayfield, Switch, Zapp & Roger, Marvin Gaye, Parliament/Funkadelic, The Gap Band, The Isley Bros., Gil Scott-Heron, Jam & Lewis, Bobby Womack, Al Green,Norman Connors, SLAVE, Earth, Wind & Fire, Faze-O, Heatwave, Mtume, Pleasure, Stevie Wonder, Johnny "Guitar" Watson, George Duke, and last,but certainly not least, Lo-Key? (This last paragraph was, and say the following three words like Max Julian of the 1973 blaxploitation film "The Mack" ..."Ripped Off Man !!" ... from the liner notes of this album.
Happy Listening !
Randy Mahon
The Urban Music Scene