Kleeer | Intimate Connection
Kleeer | Intimate Connection
(revised)
One of the funkiest bands to EVER come out of New York City was a called The Jam Band in 1972. They consisted of live drummer/drum programmer/co-lead vocalist Woody Cunningham, percussionist/vocalist Paul Crutchfield, guitarist/vocalist Richard Lee, and last, but certainly not least,keyboardist/bassist/co-lead vocalist, Norman Durham. They changed their name to Pipeline in 1975 and signed with Columbia Records and recorded a single "Gypsie Rider". In 1976 the band became The Universal Robot Band in 1976. They recorded a single titled, "Barely Breaking Even".
On this particular album, "Intimate Connection", their sixth Atlantic Records album, released in 1984,they grew, not only as songwriters, but as musicians. Co-Produced by master producer/writer/arranger, Eumir Deodato and Kleeer, this album marked their first time working together after a long association with Atlantic Studios mastering engineer, Dennis King. Fueled by the R&B radio hit, the album's title track "Intimate Connection", their fan base grew even larger taking Funk music to heights most of their contemporaries have yet to achieve. Let's take a closer look at one of Kleeer's finest musical moments.
Opening track, "Ride It",is a New Wave Style patterned jam complete with it's bouncy and frolicking bass synth, rock n roll guitar mused, kick drum/snare/hand clap programmed song, that may bring to mind 1983's Michael Sembello's hit "Maniac" from the cult movie Flashdance. But don't it twisted, the two songs melodically sound nothing alike, just the overall feel of the song are similar. Woody C.handled lead vocals, as you'll clearly hear Richard Lee's Heavy Metal-esqe lead guitar and Woody trading barbs at one another. Assisting on background vocals are the vivacious and talented Debbie Cole and Diane Garisto. Great song !
The smooth and mellow, mid tempo'd "You Did It Again",clearly had HIT SONG stamped all over it ! One element that stood out on this song is the sound of the bass guitar Norman generated.It had a mid rangy, bouncy feel to it. It certainly worked along the synthesizer parts and acoustic piano presumably played by Khris Kellow.Lightly played guitar licks played by Richard added a nice layer of icing on this tasty cake of a song.
"Go For It", is another feel good song with Norman's trademark bass guitar tone and execution, the scratchy licks of Richard's guitar,and Paul Crutchfield's tenor background vocal standing front and center with his other band mates. Woody C. delivers what is to be one of his greatest lead vocal performances as he sings positive lyrics of one going for the gusto and not letting anyone or anything stand in their way.
The album's title track, "Intimate Connection", not only burned up airwaves worldwide during that summer of '84, it served as the musical bed for Tupac's classic "California Love". What made this track HOT, was the OBX-a synth parts, what I presume is to be a Mini-Moog Bass Synth, and the Synth Harp runs, and of course, the drum programming. Woody's whispery lead vocal delivery was certainly the glue that held this track together..... and who can forget the group vocal line, "Serious!" 26 years later, this song hasn't aged not one bit !
On "Next Time It's For Real", Norman Durham is handling lead vocals, and does so ever so funkfully! The track itself is smoking ! The standout instrument here is the snakey, funky bass synth and OBX-a synth. It's a slow down tempo'd, nasty, almost sinister sounding rhythmically charged tune. Background vocals are in sync and in the pocket with Norman's lead vox. Definitely to be cranked up !
"Break", we hear live horns for the first time, courtesy of then Kool & The Gang members,trumpeter Michael Ray, and trombonist, Clifford Adams (You see the 'connection'{no pun intended}, Eumir Deodato during that time was producing Kool & The Gang), and saxophonist Steven Greenfield. This one was certainly made for the dance floor. There's Norman bass guitar laying down that 'sound'. {Speaking of which, "How did you get that sound Norman ?!?! Inquiring minds wants to know ! 
} All members share lead vocals here, but performed as a group, not individually. Deodato,as he's professionally known as an artist in his own right, provided the vocorder solo in the vamp.
} All members share lead vocals here, but performed as a group, not individually. Deodato,as he's professionally known as an artist in his own right, provided the vocorder solo in the vamp."Tonight", perhaps one of the FONKIEST cuts Norman's ever written. It's so funky Woody Cunningham redid the song for a solo project of his in 1997 for UK's Expansion Records. Norman's lead vocal was entirely performed on vocoder, as well as the fills. The fat sounding bass plucks, the drum programming, the Fender Rhodes piano chords, made this a Funk Classic ! I was UAC radio would play this song more often, ...... as a matter of fact, I wish they play more of this band and others like it more often. "Tonight", is solid testament that a great song never dies ! Play this one EXTREMELY LOUD !!
Closing song, "Do You Want To ?",we hear the rarely heard lead vocal of percussionist/Paul Crutchfield, and he certainly held his own here.His percussion performed parts, along with the bass synth part, and programmed hand claps, made this track grooved. The aforementioned horn section is prevalent throughout, as well as the group background vocals. It almost has a tribal feel to it. A nice closing to a GREAT album, as all Kleeer albums are.
Sadly, founding member Woody Cunningham passed away on January 9, 2010. I like to, one, dedicate this review to Woody Cunningham, and two, extend my heartfelt condolences to his family, his 'brothers' in the surviving members of Kleeer {Richard, Norman and Paul}, and to his countless friends and associates that knew and loved Woody. His spirit will certainly live on in his music.
Happy Listening !
Randy Holmes
The Urban Music Scene
Posted by Administration at 5/18/2010 2:01 PM 
Categories: Funk, Rhythm and Blues, Old School Soul, Videos
Tags: 80s Music Music Videos
Categories: Funk, Rhythm and Blues, Old School Soul, Videos
Tags: 80s Music Music Videos
Hey there, I heard another version of Kleeers tonight. It has the same beat but a woman sings. Can anyone help me out ?
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