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, constituted 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 "Micheal'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 Holmes
The Urban Music Scene
Posted by Administration at 3/8/2010 8:35 PM 
Categories: Rhythm and Blues, Videos, New School Soul
Tags: Music Videos 80's Music
Categories: Rhythm and Blues, Videos, New School Soul
Tags: Music Videos 80's Music
Thanks for the great article. We really didn't get the chance to make it happen but it was a great experience and a wonderful opportunity never the less. I agree that it was very good project and if we had have had the chance to tour I know that it would have been hot.
Randy was an awesome brother to work with and very down to earth which was unexpected for me seeing as though he is a "Jackson" ya know. I appreciate the attention and I'm sure that Randy and the rest of the band does too. You guys are keeping it real and preserving work for people like myself that takes ya back. That cool!
I got the email that you sent me but I haven't had the time to hit you back. Now to answer your question. I really don't know what everyone played on the record because I came along late in the project. At the time I was in another band with the song writing team of Terry Coffey and Jon Nettlesbey which at the time had started to get a lot of production work which of course put the band thing on hold so they recommended me for the job and the rest is history. When I started they were on the last song so I played on "It's Not Because Of Me".
I'm very moved and sadden by the passing of big brother Mike. Randy and Mike were extremely close. And I would like to publicly send out my condolences to the family. This was a major lost to the entire industry.
I would love to do a reunion with them if the attention were there. Hey, who knows, the world may just get that rare opportunity to see Randy and the Gypsys one day.
Again thanks for the nod. You guys keep it moving.
Reply to this
Hey Baba,
Thank you for your kind words in regards to my review, I appreciate it brother.
Thanks for posting a comment brother, much appreciated, and for your insights of this project and your personal working experience with my namesake.
I hope you guys, and gal, do indeed get back together. That would be something ! I think the time is just right. Music today needs a dose of the "realness". ... and Thank You for your props for our site.
The publisher Terrill Hanna and our talented writing staff work very hard to keep folks informed on what's happening on our music community.
We'll stay in touch !
Peace & Blessings,
Randy M.
Reply to this
Brother, you never cease to amaze me! I wrote Perpetrators for Randy back in '88 and it was his first single! Man, thank you so much for doin' what you do! The world needs to know 'bout your knowledge in funkology! Peace, M!
Reply to this
Thank You Brother Morris !! Much appreciated ! ... and you're very welcome for all ! I'll give you a phone call later.
That "Perpetrators" cut IS HOT !!! Great work Morris !
God Bless !
Reply to this
Randy... RanMan...Thanks for posting this very complete and extensive review of the Randy and the Gypsys. I still have a huge framed poster of the cover on my wall and my students cannot believe that is me.
I loved working with the musicians and we truly were a "family" just as Randy (Jackson) wanted it to be. Growing up I had only sisters, now I had a group of brothers (no pun intended) to bond with and even wrestle sometimes. We had fun and we shared his vision that never came to be. I always thought he would be stirred to restart the project as Randy is soooo talented, but I don't know what stopped him. Pressure or no pressure - from family or fear of failure we all knew it would not fail. It was just that good!
Making that album and videos was one of the most memorable times of my life and not all music projects are like that. Many leave you with a bad taste in your mouth. The only regrets I had was that it did not go on tour.
Maybe that was what was scary...the fear of success. Again...it was THAT GOOD.
I want to say "hey" to Baba... and wish him well. And all my Gypsy Brothers. Hugs, well wishes and God's mighty blessings for you all!
~ Cece Worrall (Rubin)
Saxophonist & EWI
Reply to this
Hi Cece !
You're very welcome ! ... and Thank You for sharing your personal experiences with the group ! I would've have loved to see you all perform live.
I hope Randy J., one day, decide to reform the group, that would be nice !
Thanks again for your kind comments in regards to my review, much appreciated !
Talk to you soon Cece !
Peace & Blessings !
Randy M.
Reply to this
HEY THERE ERRYBODY! IT'S NICE TO SEE U GUYS COMMENTS. CECE, U HIT THE NAIL RIGHT ON THE HEAD AS FAR AS I'M CONCERNED. SUCCESS IS A SCARY THING FOR EVERYBODY. DIFFERENT PEOPLE HANDLE IT DIFF WAYS. ANYWAY, IT WAS FUN, EVEN THE FIGHTS BETWIXT RANDY AND I. I HOPE ALL OF U ARE DOIN' WELL AND MAYBE A REUNION ISN'T TOO FAR FETCHED?.........PEACE AND LOVE KHRIS KELLOW
Reply to this
Hey Khris !
Thank You Brother for your comments ! It soundz like you all had a ball during that time !
Yes, a reunion would be a good thing ! A lot of fans all over the world would
love to see that happen ! ((((FINGERS CROSSED))))
Peace & Blessings To You All !
Randy M.
Reply to this
KRIS!!!
You are soooo talented and probably laid down more tracks and made most of the music on that album.
I think that's why you and Randy did have some clashes because you guys were together night & day - creative differences and probably just lack of sleep! LOL
Can't believe we haven't run into each other since then, but maybe you're not in LA?
Anyway he had some crazy fun and what a great memory overall.
God Bless!
~ Cece
Reply to this
Hey Randy,
Kudos to the continued work you do on keeping great music alive. I wish we could clone you a thousand times and release you all to the world! I too thought the Randy & The Gypsies album was phenomenal. Great songs coupled with great musicianship. When you combine the awesome keyboard talents of a Khris Kellow, the raw funk abilities of Jara & Jeff Harris and BaBa K you're set up big time to have a super solid rhythm section that doesn't quit! PePe and CeCe put the icing on that cake. Although I may have played keyboards on a couple of songs I was there for a lot of the recording experience and I remember having a great time with Randy and the gang. I experienced a lot and learned a lot more. It was the beginning of me and Jon Nettlesbey's production/songwriting career and Randy just took us both in and embraced and encouraged our input in the album. He's one of the very few good people on the earth. It just happens that he's also one of the most talented and under-appreciated as well. I would love to see a reunion of the band...
I wish you and all the members the best!
Reply to this
that's great information. I really like it. Thanks for this useful information
Reply to this
I remember being desperate to buy this CD and couldnt get it anywhere. Then i took a college trip to Paris and right in the centre of the Virgin Megastore was this masterpiece.
Being an enormous MJ fan all my life i wanted to see if this joint would match his brothers.
I couldnt stop playing this album, i bought it on CD and stuck it straight in my CD Walkman.
i still play this constantly and cannot believe there isnt a part two. Can i ask are there any unreleased tracks in a vault anywhere?
REUNION!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Reply to this
BTW -
Best tracks for me:
1 I Cant Wait
2 Perpertrators
3 You got a lady
Reply to this
To Printer Ink ..... Printer Ink ?! LOL ! I like that !!!
Peace & Blessings !
Randy H.
Reply to this
If the reader ever doubts the concept of luck when it concerns commercial success in the music business (or any business), then Randy and the Gypsies fate should shatter such doubt. This group possessed all the qualities that should have shot it to super stardom: a line-up of raw, raw talent; the brother of the most famous person on the planet (at the time)- the powerful, powerful (M)Jackson brand; and of course, the commercial look. So why didn't this group so much as dent any of the charts, not even the top 100 of the "easily accessible" R&B charts? The reason goes back to the opening statement. Fame, money,talent,and hard work don't guarantee success. There is disagreement when it comes to the ratio of luck in (commercial)success, but I say its role is 90%, and Randy's group proves this point. If the reader needs further proof, simply look at the group Millie Vanilli; The complete opposite of Randy's ensemble, and yet the duo's success was stratospheric, before their fall from glory. I could run down a whole list, but believe the above example serves my point. Randy and the Gypsies simply lacked the 10% luck ingredient needed to keep it afloat and take them to the next level.
Analogies of success aside, I will say I bought the cassette version of this album when it was first released - couldn't find the CD,at first. My motivation? The Torture album. Randy's song "One more Chance" was the best on that album, in my opinion, so I wanted a further glimpse into his "solo" talent. Of course, as many have concurred, I was not disappointed. I beat the tape version to death, to the point where it would no longer play in the car. This is a spectacular album. I agree with Randy Holmes, there should have been credits given to each individual artists on the project. For instance, I actually just learned that Karen White did the vocals on the duet "Love Thang", So Randy, you were wrong about Cece Worrall.
Again, with no history or insight, full credit cannot be given to Randy Jackson, for putting the group together. If it was his brain child, though, he deserves much, much more props! I would just love to ask Randy why he didn't give the project one more chance with a Sophomore album?
Reply to this
Yes - Karen White was the singer on "Love Thang". I missed that in the review and would have quickly corrected that.... or at least once you heard me sing you'd know that for sure. That's why I'm a sax player ... not a singer. : )
Reply to this
Cece, your contributions to this project is duly noted and appreciated. You're an incredible saxophonist ! Another peeve of mine is that you weren't featured enough !
Reply to this
So Cece, was that you playing the sax on "Love you Honey"? If it was, then YOU are amazin! Also, was the initial group concept/idea Randy Jackson's?
Reply to this
I brought the album when it was originally released. I loved the album and could not understand why it didn't get the airplay it deserved. What a shame! Randy and the Gypsies you do have fans still out there. I am so glad to see someone give this album it's props. Many thanks to Randy H for this article. It's funny today while taking a drive I went to my cd archives and pulled out and listened to this cd. Man did it take me back. It also made we wonder whatever happened to this group so I googled them and stumbled onto this site. BTW the cd is still in my car stereo and I will listen to it tomorrow while on my commute to work.
Reply to this
Al,
You're very welcome ! ... and Thank You for your kind words ! .. and Thank You for your support of The Urban Music Scene ! We need more TRUE music lovers such as yourself !
Peace !
Randy H.
Reply to this
That's it for this article begin to read this blog. Plus, a subscriber
Reply to this
Wow! What a great review Randy H., thanks for that! It's great to see someone else appreciating this album as I am a HUGE fan of Randy Jackson and the Gypsys. I listen to this album on repeat and love the videos. I definitely would've liked to see another album after this one.
To Cece, Khris, and Baba... it was great to see your comments and hear a bit of the experience. You guys are all so awesome!
Thank-you Morris Rentie Jr. for writing "Perpetrators"!! It is NEAT!
Love you all, and thank you again
Reply to this
Awesome review Randy,I have this CD,and might I add,its one of the most slept on CD's in history.Perpetrators was my jam,but it was something about"Love you honey" that made me keep it on repeat.Out of all the Jackson brothers Randy was the REAL musician who can play multiple instruments. When Randy recorded "One more chance" for the Victory album,he was showing the world that he was BAD too. That being said, I only expected great music from him and he and the Gypsys did not disappoint.There's no telling how they could have changed music had they stayed together. Randy and the Gypsys is one of my most prized possessions.
Reply to this
I remember seeing part of the Jackson Famiy on Oprah back in 1989 or so. I recall Jackie saying that, out of the current Jackson projects out in the market at that time 9namely, Janet's and Randy's), he most favored Randy's. Now, whether it was because he wanted to plug the underrated project or he really meant it, one will never know. I must admit, Randy 7 the gypsies were completely underrated. I still paly this CD today.
My favorties tracks? Well, it's tough but:
The Love We almost Had (Randy has a way with ballads - see One More Chance off Victory.)
I Need You (Those drums)
I Can'Wait (That Synth Bass)
Luv Thang (Tose Vox).
I'll sign the petition for a reunion. Ha. Peace
Reply to this
Listening to "I need You' now. If I were a betting man, and onlty b/c the album credits aren't specific, I'd say Jon Nettlesbey & Terry Coffey were responsible for the sonic architecture. Sounds like their production style, like with Howard Hewett's "Show Me"... Both are great tunes.
Reply to this