Heatwave - Candles

This multi-cultural, multi-ethnic group started their reign of hits in Germany and London, and continued in the United States. With the smooth crisp vocals of the Wilder brothers this group blazed through the late 70’s to the Mid 80’s. This particular project was the first CD recorded after Johnny Wilder’s accident that left him paralyzed from the neck down.

In addition from the Wilders vocals, the group added James Dean Nichols (who replaced Lionel Richie of the Commodores), Calvin Duke from the Fatback band, Derek Bramble on bass and Keith Harrison who went on to play keyboards for the Dazz Band.

"Candles" is probably Heatwaves best cd after “Too Hot To Handle”. But as you listen more to this CD, you’ll realize that Rod Temperton was setting a groove that could not be denied!

"Gangsters Of The Groove" was the first release and it was a moderate hit, Keith’s vocals are crisp and subtle of this bass driven song and the vocals of Jd Nichols adds to the tight harmony.

"All I am" and "Where Did I Go Wrong" where beautiful ballads and Johnny’s singing is exceptional despite being bound to a wheelchair. Most of the vocals where done by JD, to a point where he sounds like Johnny, but on the slow songs it were Johnny. Rod Temperton did the majority of the writing of songs and played and produced some of them, even though he left the band to produce other artists, he stayed on to write and produced Heatwave’s last album Current.

Candles was the best album of their career despite past tragedies.

On a sad note lead singer Johnny Wilder Jr. passed away May 13, 2006.

Some of the other band members went on to great success in the music industry.

JD Nichols went to the Commodores, Derek Bramble went on the produce Jaki Graham and other artists. Rod temperton went on to produce everyone from Michael MacDonald to Tamia, His biggest achievement was writing and producing for Michael Jackson and we haven’t heard from him since, so if anyone knows where Rod temperton is let us know.

To find out more about Heatwave and see some classic video clips go to http://www.heatwave72.com

Marvin Dickey

The Urban Music Scene