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 Holmes
The Urban Music Scene
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
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