Evelyn King | Get Loose
This 1982 Gold certified RCA Records release took then called Evelyn King, and the "Champagne" moniker, to even the highest of heights. From the opening Number #1 R&B smash "Love Come Down" to the closing tender ballad, "I'm Just Warmin' Up", this vinyl album ('member those ?), thankfully re-released on CD,burned up dance floors and airwaves worldwide. On this record, the world also took notice of two up & coming producers, Kashif and Paul Laurence. Let's take a closer look at this R&B classic .....First, a quick history lesson of the origins of Evelyn "Champagne" King.
At16 years old, she was discovered cleaning the restroom with her mother at Philadelphia International's recording facility, as she was just chirping away. Producer T. Life wisely took notice of the teen and quickly signed her to a production deal which eventually led to her signing with RCA Records in 1977 ... and the rest as they say, is history !
Opening track "Love Comes Down",scribed by Kashif, was the perfect first single with it's thump heavy bass synth parts and chicken picked guitar licks of Ira Siegel. Miss King's powerhouse vocals certainly drove dance pundits into a frenzy on the dance floor. It has a pulsating rhythm that'll just whip you up into a frenzy.
"I Can't Stand It", a Paul Laurence penned funk workout, featured the late Wayne Braitewaite on funk slap bass guitar, as well as an all star background chorus consisting of Alyson Williams, Lillo Thomas & Freddie Jackson. This upbeat & festive song has all the strong elements of classic groove! BOUNCY & FUNKY!
"Betcha She Don't Love" (video above), another Kashif penned track. Once again, Kashif pumped up the bass synth even more, with it's easy to sing along choruses. Though the groove is repetitive, the "feel" of this club banger, will have die hard Funk fans pumping their fists in the air.
On the title track, "Get Loose"the Paul Laurence penned track is another bass synth heavy, funky &tight tune! You'll hear Evelyn try out, a then developing art form,rap, which she pulls off like a true champ! But it's infectious bass,drum beats, and hand claps that'll get you shaking your hips again!
The heart wrenching lyrics, but, uptempo beat of "Back To Love", finds Evelyn pleading to a ex-lover to try their love once again. Wayne's grooving bass line, the Fender Rhodes chords of Paul Laurence,a blazing alto sax solo by Alan Ross, and the funky feet work of ex-B.T. Express drummer, Leslie Ming, has all the necessary ingredients to a great song! If you listen very closely, you can hear chord structure to the Ashford & Simpson's classic, "It Seems To Hang On".
"Stop That", another Paul Laurence song, NOW finds Evelyn singing a to a lover to stop cheating on her and plain ol messing up!! (EVELYN! YOU NEEDED TO KEEP A CLOSER EYE ON THAT CAT!!) Mid tempo, strong vocals, feel good groove, Michael Jackson "Billie Jean"-esque guitar licks, a light bouncy bass synth melody. A great "Saturday afternoon cleaning up the house" type of song!
"Get Up Off Of Your Love"featured another up & coming producer at the time, Barry Eastmond on keyboards. Barry as we all know went on to produce hits for Freddie Jackson ("You Are My Lady") and Billy Ocean ("Love Zone"). This hand clapper penned by Paul Laurence and Sonny Moore, found a comfortable vocal range in which Evelyn could stretch. Definitely a party track with those ever present bass synth parts, will have you jetting to the dance floor. Evelyn handles all lead & background vocal parts with ease and is well executed.
The closing track, the tender ballad, "I'm Just Warmin' Up",penned by Barbara Wyrick, offers a sophisticated side of Evelyn King ala Phyllis Hyman. Working with a different set of musicians and arranger, this song consist of a mid tempo groove to sexy lyrics. Lush string parts, mellow guitar lines, warm sounding Fender Rhodes will have you holding your significant other tight!
When you get a moment, dig in those crates, dust off the vinyl, sit back and reminisce.
Randy Holmes
The Urban Music Scene
Thanks so much for the review Randy Mahon! Sorry for the late response, my manager had told me about the review and I have looked at it. Just had to have a minute to comment.
Thanks for the acknowledgment as well to the Writers, Producers, and Musicians on the songs of choice.
I'm am still thankful for the love of Fans like yourself and the others who still appreciate good music.
Thanks for the support always.
Evelyn
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You're very welcome for all Evelyn! The pleasure is all mine. I'm very pleased to hear you enjoyed my review. That album was very inspiring to me in my growth as a musician, at that time. Please thank your manager on my behalf for passing my information onto you.
All of your albums are classics as far as I'm concerned. I've had the pleasure of meeting and working with Kashif, Paul Laurence and Barry Eastmond. I told them how much I love that record and their performances. They all had nothing but great things to say about you and that record.
All the best to you and your future endeavors ! Happy New Year !
Randy Mahon
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Excellent article!
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@zhilayazona
Thank You Very Much ! I appreciate it !
Randy Holmes
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