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The Urban Music Scene: Back In The Day
Sharon Bryant | Here I Am
Sharon Bryant | Here I Am
Polygram Records, 1989
No matter how you look at it, the 80's - from the start of it to the end of it - managed to generate a solid collective of singers who compassionately swooned & vocally displayed a fragrance of ballads unlike anything I have heard so far in the 2000's. And beyond for that matter. 'Shooooot', who are you kiddin'? I broke all of you off with Angela Winbush, startled your thoughts about Angela Bofill, refreshed your memory with Pebbles, twisted your minds with Gladys Knight as she represented Break Dancers all over the streets & polished up the site with a look at a classic from Anita Baker. All coming from the 80's. Click my name to the far left in the sidebar and check the reviews I left behind.
And then, I come and sneak back up on y'all and Marv with a taste of Sharon Bryant. The gorgeous former lead singer from Atlantic Starr. Good - gaaaahLEE! She was BEAUTIFUL! Barbara Weathers held court for Starr too, but man, I was IN LOVE - I mean, had a crush on Sharon.
Do you know why Atlantic Starr soared all the way up into the galaxy? It's because they had a radiant, soul drenching, consummate dynamic powerhouse vocalist who could mesmerize your minds with songs from her debut LP, "Here I Am", with tracks like "Falling", The groove-jammin'-ultra slammin' "Let Go", the sensual precious "Falling" and these next two:
1. Foolish Heart.
This was a masterpiece, in my humble & thoughtful opinion R&B players. But here's the question of the century: Who did a better rendition of the classic hit? Steve Perry, former lead singer of Pop-Rock group Journey and original songwriter of the hit, or Sharon, leading the song to a #1 hit for herself off the album back in 1987??? Your comments are welcome below. Please, don't be shy neither.
2. In The Nite Time.
One of the most underestimated R&B jams to not get the coverage it should have gotten. I couldn't believe that some radio formats didn't even use this gem as some sort of a 'quiet storm' or 'midnight love' theme song for introduction or to close out the evening. I mean, c'mon now. With Wayne Brathwaite on Bass & Marion Meadows on Sax....you tell me for yourselves. The youtube video box is down below. Play back this enchanting candlelight ballad back & turn off the lights. Or at least dim them.
(Marvin...this is too much for you to handle my fairweathered friend. Go to sleep. Good Nite.)
The Videos Of The Week ending Sept 6th, 2010 Feat David Joseph & The Jamaica Boys!
Welcome back folks!
Yes, The Labor Day Weekend is approaching us! A 3 Day spectacle that can either become a good one, or a poor one. Let's make the best of it - by all means!
1st up from our 2 Video selections:
Folks, This cut was the MASTER jam! And how many of you can remember the music video to R&B/Soul jammer David Joseph as he sparkled & rocked "You Can't Hide (Your Love From Me)"? Well, please allow T.U.M.S. to help you flash back!
Yes, The Labor Day Weekend is approaching us! A 3 Day spectacle that can either become a good one, or a poor one. Let's make the best of it - by all means!
1st up from our 2 Video selections:
Folks, This cut was the MASTER jam! And how many of you can remember the music video to R&B/Soul jammer David Joseph as he sparkled & rocked "You Can't Hide (Your Love From Me)"? Well, please allow T.U.M.S. to help you flash back!
Pebbles | The Debut Album
I couldn't wait to get back into the game. To get back up in here. I had enough rest for my fingertips and enjoyed the contributions from Brothers Randy, T, Marv, Rob (Hey Man, Nice Jazz Website!), Jerry, Andre, yeah. Randy went OFF. Geesh! Boy, Old school is your blood playa.
Take a seat dawg, My faithful fans reading my work and relax to what Oakland, California's Pebbles did to the folks on Soul Train, back in 1988 in the video Terrill dropped below. Marvin....Oh MARV...Take a look at this. One of the finest hours of dance production on TV:
...Like I told T at one time, you can let this one GO....My review of Pebbles debut self-titled album!
Perri Reid's incoherent flavor for a poppish R&B sound was significant in the late 80's my old school travelin' buddies. Girl was not only beautiful, but also gifted and talented. She will have a very long lasting legacy to go by well after the music business is put in check. Just go to Wikipedia or an authorized biography and see the resume. Oooohh, she had a hold on the scene. Oooohhh....
The debut album was signed, sealed and most definitely delivered by her later hubby, L.A. Reid & now musical songwriting phenom Babyface, with a host of others including Danny Sembello and Andre Cymone. A track off the album, "Mercedes Boy", is possibly the greatest golden pancake still sizzling on the griddle at your nearby restaurant - NOW in the 2000's. And guess who produced it???
The Videos Of The Week ending Aug. 28th, 2010 Feat The Whispers & Ol Skool!
Y'all know we are going to cold represent. You know it! That's Right...
It's time for another installment of our weekly "Videos Of The Week"!!
We drop a couple of boogie treats for you this week: Starting up first with one of the greatest modern R&B groups to EVER reach the scene: The Whispers, as they do it one Mo' time for yo' old school, Disco Funk mind in "Tonight"!!
It's time for another installment of our weekly "Videos Of The Week"!!
We drop a couple of boogie treats for you this week: Starting up first with one of the greatest modern R&B groups to EVER reach the scene: The Whispers, as they do it one Mo' time for yo' old school, Disco Funk mind in "Tonight"!!
Impromp2 | You're Gonna Love It
Impromp2 | You're Gonna Love It
This critically lauded 1995 MoJazz/Motown release is considered, to me at least, ANOTHER of the first so-called "Neo Soul" albums. This soulful and rhythmically righteous duo consists of Vocalist/Trumpeter Johnny Britt and Rapper/Scatter, Sean E. Mac. Collectively, they took it back to the organic soft sounds of "Sweet Earlobe Pleasing ... << MORE >>
The Video of the Week (Ending Aug 8th, 2010)
Welcome Funk Lovers & Old School Soul Fanatics! That's right...we went ALL BLOG! No more pages, just straight to the articles! Can you dig it?
Let's kick off the week with a look back at 2 videos for the picks!!
R&B/Soul Crooner Alexander Oneal took charge in the late 80's with this jammin, poppin' hit single "Criticize"! Get your groove on to this in a jiffy - on a remix at that!! Look out for his brand new album, "5 Questions the New Journey" - available now at your fine online retailers everywhere!
Jermaine Stewart . Say It Again
Uploaded by capitainfunkk. - Watch the latest news videos.
Let's kick off the week with a look back at 2 videos for the picks!!
R&B/Soul Crooner Alexander Oneal took charge in the late 80's with this jammin, poppin' hit single "Criticize"! Get your groove on to this in a jiffy - on a remix at that!! Look out for his brand new album, "5 Questions the New Journey" - available now at your fine online retailers everywhere!
Jermaine Stewart . Say It Again
Uploaded by capitainfunkk. - Watch the latest news videos.
Roger | Bridging The Gap
Roger | Bridging The Gap
The brilliance of ZAPP frontman, the late Roger Troutman clearly was displayed on what is the fourth and final, proper, Roger album. Released on the Reprise Records label in 1991, "Bridging The Gap", fused a lot of different styles, Hip Hop, Blues, of course Funk, and late night ballads. This ten song 'work of art' showcased the songwriting, production, and musical talent of Roger. Let's take another look at this very underrated album at the time of it's release, and get ZAPPed just one more time.
Opening song,the Hip Hop fused, and first single, "(Everybody) Get Up", was co-produced by Roger and Brit Pop/Funk band 'Scritti Polliti', keyboardist,the talented David Gamson (The first of four tracks they co-produced together). But the album was largely produced by Roger. This head bopping opus features turntable scratching embracing his love for the artform, particularly due to the Hip Hoppers sampling his work, i.e.EMPD. Roger's effortlessly performs his electric guitar with funky strums with ease,as well as his trademark and ever present Talk Box, as he Funk &Roll's us into a dance frenzy. Longtime vocalist, the mega talented Shirley Murdock-DeGroat provides background vocals.
"Take Me Back", he slows the pace just a bit.In a smooth and jazzy mode, this song is taylor made for Urban Quiet Storm radio formats. Lyrics consists of, once again, a man pleading for his woman to take him back after he left her.
"Curiosity", takes it back to the Funk !Mainly programmed, with bass synths overdubs, Roger's funky strummed guitar and Talk Box hold center stage. A lot of the background vocalists consists of members of his ZAPP band, his brother Zapp, Nicole Cottom, Dale and Shirley Murdock-DeGroat, Sherman Fleetwood.
"You Should Be Mine", is another one that HAS to be played loud. It features Clavinet hits, the guitar plucks and strums, hard hitting bass synth, and expertly programmed drum patterns. Though you'll hear a Hip Hop element in the bridge, it works, just ask one Erick Sermon and Parrish Smith aka "EPMD". They used this song as the basis for their 1992 hit "Crossover"
"Emotions", is another Urban Quiet Storm radio track. It has a mellow and smooth groove with a heavier bass synth presense this time around. Roger lightly plucks his guitar surrounded by his trademark percussive and sound effects. He sings in his nature singing voice using the Talk Box for background vocal fills and vamps.
"Breakthrough", is yet ANOTHER funky and danceable track ! Largely programmed, rhythmically and drum wise, it goes well with the live percussion, Roger's omnipresent funky guitar licks and strums.
"Love Incorporated", is mid tempo'd, easy flowing and sweet song. Once again Roger sings in his natural voice with the female background vocals standing out than previously heard. Once again, light bass synths, programmed percussion,and Roger's brilliant fretwork on the guitar. Lyrics of love, once again, reigns supreme here.
"VictimOf Love", is definitely Funky to say the least ! This time the kick drum, though programmed, kicks you dead in the earlobes and hisTalk Box stands front and center, both lead and background parts. You can hear Roger's "So Ruff, So Tuff" guitar parts played in the background.
"Who-La-Bolla", we hear the smooth jazzy side of Roger. You'll hear what may be perceived for an upright acoustic bass (though it could be a synthesizer replicating it, but it works ....... Yet then again, it could be Roger actually playing the Upright acoustic bass. I keep forgetting how multi-dimensional he was). Other prominent instruments featured here are shaker bells, a solo from Roger's longtime saxophonist Carl Cowen, and a cool synthesizer solo. The overall track is bouncy and feel good,another standout song.
Closing track, "Hurry Up",is a straight up Blues track ! Roger always included a Blues influenced song on his albums, and this one is no exception. On this one, I hear live drums, live electric bass, and of course, the Blues guitar, done Chicago Blues style. Roger even performs a blues harmonica solo that'll give the Delta Blues players a run for their money. He even replicates a harmonica with his voice at times throughout the song.
This album should have sold more, should've been played at radio more, and should've certainly been promoted by the record company at the time even more. You can certainly hear the growth of Roger in his playing and in the sound of his records. I have to give an honorable mention to his engineers for their sharp ears to make this sonically sounding ear pleasing album, and they are : His brothers Lester and ZAPP Troutman, his nephew Rufus Troutman, III, Sherman Fleetwood, Dale Degroat, and Robert Smith .... and major props goes out to contributing engineers, Goh Hotoda, John "Tokes" Potoker, Ryan Dorn, Warren Woods and last, but certainly not least, co-producer, Mr. David Gamson. You all did an incredible job on an INCREDIBLE artist, Mr.Roger Lynch Troutman, Sr.
Randy Holmes
The Urban Music Scene
Barry White | Can't Get Enough
Barry White
Can’t Get Enough
The country was in its first days of peace (post Viet Nam) when Can’t Get Enough was released in1974. It was time to implement all of the love that the youth of that era demanded of our society. Barry White was just the instrument needed to spread love, peace and happiness thru song.
The journey began when the needle drop on track one “Mellow Mood PT.1”. This was a romantic signal that you are about to experience what is known as baby making music. During that era we experienced the birth of Disco. Barry came with it on the track “You’re The First, The Last, My Everything” a popular track on many dance floors. Cupid pen must have been in Barry’s hand when he composed the romantic “I Can’t Believe You Love Me”. Backing up this love ballad the sensual sirens Love Unlimited a key element in the Barry White sound.
Barry has great timing with his selections. This next track is what I consider is Barry’s signature song “Can’t Get Enough of Your Love, Babe”. The track is over thirty five years old and it still has the effect as if it was released yesterday. Once again Love Unlimited comes thru complementing Barry on “Oh Love, We Finally Made It”. These girls just mesmerize the soul with their hypnotic sound.
A Barry White song is a story defining love, relations and mutual respect for each other. He completes this lp with “I Love You More Than Anything” a plea to build a lasting relationship. As a reminder that you just experienced romance thru song, this album finishes the way it began in “Mellow Mood Pt.2”.
Track Listing:
- "Mellow Mood" (Pt. 1)
- "You're the First, the Last, My Everything"
- "I Can't Believe You Love Me"
- "Can't Get Enough of Your Love, Babe"
- "Oh Love, Well We Finally Made It"
- "I Love You More Than Anything (In This World Girl)"
- "Mellow Mood" (Pt. 2)
Jerry “The Mouse” Clark
Mellow Madness Music
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 reed man 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.
*** This review was done before Skagly was re-issued ***
Rob Young
courtesy of The Urban Music Scene
Attitude | Pump The Nation
Attitude | Pump The Nation
1983 saw the album release of a group produced by Mic Murphy and David Frank, internationally known as The System, for Atlantic Records, their label home as well at the time. That group consisted of keyboardist/songwriter/lead vocalist Mr. Khris Kellow, whom has performed behind a 'who's who' in music, and that 'who's who' consists of The System, Randy Jackson's {Michael brother} Randy & The Gypsys, Laura Branigan, Kleeer, Madonna, Bobby Brown, Christina Aguilera, and countless others. Next up, you have the high in demand session singer, the lovely and talented Ms. Cindy Mizelle, whom is a solo recording artist in her own right {Please refer to her 1994 critically acclaimed East/West/Atlantic self titled album}. She's performed background vocals for many of music's top recording artists,past and present. They consists of the late Luther Vandross, Kashif, Melba Moore, Chaka Khan, Mick Jagger solo, Jonathan Butler, and her list goes on and on and on. Last but not least, third member, is vocalist Stephen Miller. ....... and the group that made up these wonderfully talented musicians was called,"ATTITUDE".
Their one and only album titled,"Pump The Nation", pumped the airwaves fueled by the infectious R&B Dance hit, "We Got The Juice". Having been produced by The System, the music throughout the album fell more in line with their sound, but Attitude managed to forge an identity of their own. Most songs on "Pump The Nation" were mainly written by David Frank and Mic Murphy.Khris co-wrote two songs. Khris and Cindy shared in all of the lead vocal parts. Other session greats provided background vocals,and those sessions greats are Mr. Bernard Fowler (Bernard's sung behind Herbie Hancock, Bill Laswell's Material, The Rolling Stones, Bootsy Collins, Duran Duran, Gil Scott-Heron, etc.), in addition, there was LaForest Cope p.k.a. "LaLa" (Songwriter extraordinaire of Whitney Houston's "You Give Good Love", Glenn Jones, Melba Moore,Stephanie Mills, Robin S. and countless others), and last but certainly not least, Ms. Lisa Fischer (Lisa's recorded and /or toured with Luther Vandross most notably, Bob James, Patti LaBelle, Al Jarreau, Dionne Warwick, Stevie Wonder, and her session credit list is never ending as well.)
Opening album title track,"Pump The Nation", is a bass synth ladened, OBX-a drum programmed, group 'party-like' vocalized track. It's funk infected dance groove with Paul's chicken scratch guitar licks are what party anthems are made of. Lyrics are that of "hip party people" hanging out on a Friday or Saturday night, everyone looking good all decked out to the nines. Cool song !
The Khris Kellow lead and background vocal performed track, "I Wanna Get To Know You Better", is a nice melodic feel good jam. Layered synthesizers, which I assume are the Prophet 5, and Oberheim Synths, along with Paul's nick picky guitar parts, were recorded very well by engineer Mario Salvati at the now closed Sorcerer Studios here in NYC. This is definitely a' summertime jam' song. This track had hit single written all over it. Why the record company at the time didn't hear the hit potential of this, would be, chart topper, is beyond me. Go figure.
On the Cindy Mizelle lead vocal performed track, the mid tempo'd, yet groovy and flowing track, "Love Me Tonight", was another song that will have you running straight to the dance floor. Cindy's performance was nothing short of spectacular. Paul's in the pocket guitar parts, with Khris' funky keyboard work, had smash written all over as well.
The single and radio friendly party jam, "We Got The Juice", is one of those sing along cuts that'll have you chanting the chorus along with those same group of 'party-like' pundits, like those featured on the album title track "Pump The Nation" ..... and if you listen closely, you'll hear Mic Murphy joining in on the party on background vocals. The track itself will conjure up thoughts of break dancers doing their thing on those cut out cardboards boxes on the street corners,which was a common occurrence here in NYC at the time. You'll hear the Hip Hop fused drum programming, tight bass synth performed parts, and those ever present OBX handclaps. Ahhh ! Those were the days !!
The single and radio friendly party jam, "We Got The Juice", is one of those sing along cuts that'll have you chanting the chorus along with those same group of 'party-like' pundits, like those featured on the album title track "Pump The Nation" ..... and if you listen closely, you'll hear Mic Murphy joining in on the party on background vocals. The track itself will conjure up thoughts of break dancers doing their thing on those cut out cardboards boxes on the street corners,which was a common occurrence here in NYC at the time. You'll hear the Hip Hop fused drum programming, tight bass synth performed parts, and those ever present OBX handclaps. Ahhh ! Those were the days !!
Next up is the tender ballad "If You Could Read My Mind". Once again, Cindy Mizelle handles the lead vocal, and she does so effortlessly. Her upper vocal range is star of this track. She can hit those hit notes with the best of them ! It's no wonder and surprise she's called on for vocal dates. Why ? ...because she delivers ! Khris' keyboard parts are mellow and smooth,particularly his lead and overdubbed synthesizer lines. I could've easily heard this song on the Quiet Storm radio shows at R&B radio at the time. It's just a cool song, well arranged.
On "It's Good For Me",the Funk is back in full effect !! As usual, and consistently, Khris throws down on the bass synths and additional keyboard parts. This keyboard driven track, with it's multi synthesizer overdubbed parts, is a keyboard players dream.You'll hear the runs, fills,stabs, hard hit chords, this track has it all. Of course it wouldn't be complete without the funky fretwork of Paul Pesco, and in that regard,he shined through and through.
On the closing number "We're Going Off", well that's EXACTLY what Attitude did,went off ! You can't help but notice the "very 80's, slight New Waveish" groove pattern. As they say in the verse, "The Beat Goes On And On". The almost euro Techno Pop ala Kraftwerk vibe exemplified here was what was going on musically in the early '80's. Who's to say that's not good ? It certainly worked just right here. It's just a fun song to listen to, as a matter of fact, the whole album is. It's definitely worth checking.
A CD reissue company in the UK, FTG Records wisely released it for us "80's kids" to take us back to a time when good music prevailed. Fortunately ALL the players involved on this project are still to this day are creating new music, and that certainly is a good thing ! They're necessary !!
Happy Listening !
Randy Holmes
The Urban Music Scene