TGIF!
Time for a great jam that is one of my favorites. The three main artists that made up the Tabu Records roster did a wonderful job singing together on each other's records. I am referring to Alexander O'Neal, Cherrelle, and the S.O.S. Band. For example, Alex and Cherrelle sang on the S.O.S. Band's "The Finest," featured on their 1987 album, Sands Of Time.
Being good friends, Alex and Cherrelle also shared other hits together, like "Never Knew Love Like This," and "Saturday Love," and all three of the labelmates launched the successful producing careers of Jimmy Jam (James Harris III) and Terry Lewis, formerly of The Time. The album version of this song is over 10 minutes---definitely designed with the clubs in mind, if you ask me. Enjoy and have a happy and safe weekend...
Friday, December 19, 2014
Thursday, December 18, 2014
#ThrowbackThursday
Happy Thursday!
So, since I mentioned Alexander O'Neal, it reminded me that I only have two Christmas albums in my collection. The first is the one by Alexander O'Neal entitled, "My Gift To You," and "Give Love At Christmas" by The Temptations. The reason that this is has to mostly do with my boredom with Christmas carols in general, and I appreciate creative new songs to bring in the holiday season, outside of the usual carols we all know and love. Even though there was never an official video promoting this particular song, I do remember Alvin & The Chipmunks covering it during another (updated) Christmas Special hosted by a young Will Smith back in the late 1980s or early 1990s.
When that special would air via syndication in subsequent years, that was a definite highlight, as I did not know where else I would be able to hear it, or who actually made it. Thank God for the All Music Guide's cross-referencing! Anyhow, I hope you enjoy the song. It's funky, different and a lot of fun. More from Alexander later, as he is one worthy of further discussion...
Enjoy and be safe!
So, since I mentioned Alexander O'Neal, it reminded me that I only have two Christmas albums in my collection. The first is the one by Alexander O'Neal entitled, "My Gift To You," and "Give Love At Christmas" by The Temptations. The reason that this is has to mostly do with my boredom with Christmas carols in general, and I appreciate creative new songs to bring in the holiday season, outside of the usual carols we all know and love. Even though there was never an official video promoting this particular song, I do remember Alvin & The Chipmunks covering it during another (updated) Christmas Special hosted by a young Will Smith back in the late 1980s or early 1990s.
When that special would air via syndication in subsequent years, that was a definite highlight, as I did not know where else I would be able to hear it, or who actually made it. Thank God for the All Music Guide's cross-referencing! Anyhow, I hope you enjoy the song. It's funky, different and a lot of fun. More from Alexander later, as he is one worthy of further discussion...
Enjoy and be safe!
Wednesday, December 17, 2014
#WaybackWednesday
Happy Wednesday, everyone!
So, even though I draw most of my musical influence from music primary of the 70s, I was an 80s child, and have a soft spot for not only 70s and 80s R&B/Soul/Funk, but also of the musical British invasion that we had in the 1980s. The first invasion was in the 1960s, with bands such as The Beatles, but for me, I leave my heart with the British synth-pop invasion of the 1980s. Bands such the Eurythmics, Kajagoogoo, Thomas Dolby, Phil Collins, Howard Jones, Tears For Fears, and others have tempted me in the past to leave the bass and learn keyboards. I absolutely love synthesizers and the layers/textures that they contribute to music. I love them almost as much as actual strings and horn sections. So, it is always nice to see that unlike in America, outside America, the nostalgia circuit is much more substantial and if you have an audience, places like Europe and East Asia will make a home for you. The sentiment proved true for many R&B Funk bands that found their audience dwindling as the "Gansta Rap" era of the early 1990s started sweeping the nation, and eventually the world.
Artists such as R&B crooner Alexander O'Neal, who was a 80s hit-maker here in the states, all of a sudden found England to be his adopted home for the better part of the last three decades, as America's attention span in pop culture continues to shorten with each decade. But, the fact that he is still singing and continuing to make records is a great relief and I wish him and the countless other artists and bands in similar situations the best.
One band that I found to be a true success story is Kajagoogoo. The band's synth-pop that took the world by storm, with hits such as "Too Shy," "Ooh To Be Ah," and "Hang On Now." The quintet eventually disbanded due to conflicts in managerial advice and musical direction. Limahl, the lead vocalist and co-writer/vocalist/bassist Nick Beggs began to clash as Limahl was beginning to emerge as a successful solo artist. He indeed became successful. I know him fondly for singing of the eighties title song of the movie soundtrack, "The NeverEnding Story," an 80s classic. After Limahl left the group to launch a solo career, Nick shortened the band name to Kaja, and continued to write, record and perform with the remaining members. Eventually, the 80s were over and so was the band. However, Nick continued to be a sought-after bassist for high-profile performances with other bands as well as for session work. For example, I remember seeing him performing with another 80s band, ABC, during the "Prince's Trust" concert honoring super-producer Trevor Horn some time ago.
Fast-forward to the early 2000s, and one has the VH1 TV Show, "Bands Reunited," where the host goes in search of finding the different members of the bands that have made their mark in the gran musical narrative, and unites them in hopes of performing a one-off concert in front of loyal fans. Fortunately, the show has brought the likes of bands like Kajagoogoo back together and allowed them to "clear the air" and start anew. Some stories were a success, some not so much. And so here we are, and Kajagoogoo are back and at it again. They have released new records since the reunion in addition to some new "Greatest Hits" compilations, including DVDs of their early music videos. Here they are performing one of their biggest hits in London. One of the few songs with the distinction of having a prolonged bass intro to start off the song... Enjoy and be safe!
So, even though I draw most of my musical influence from music primary of the 70s, I was an 80s child, and have a soft spot for not only 70s and 80s R&B/Soul/Funk, but also of the musical British invasion that we had in the 1980s. The first invasion was in the 1960s, with bands such as The Beatles, but for me, I leave my heart with the British synth-pop invasion of the 1980s. Bands such the Eurythmics, Kajagoogoo, Thomas Dolby, Phil Collins, Howard Jones, Tears For Fears, and others have tempted me in the past to leave the bass and learn keyboards. I absolutely love synthesizers and the layers/textures that they contribute to music. I love them almost as much as actual strings and horn sections. So, it is always nice to see that unlike in America, outside America, the nostalgia circuit is much more substantial and if you have an audience, places like Europe and East Asia will make a home for you. The sentiment proved true for many R&B Funk bands that found their audience dwindling as the "Gansta Rap" era of the early 1990s started sweeping the nation, and eventually the world.
Artists such as R&B crooner Alexander O'Neal, who was a 80s hit-maker here in the states, all of a sudden found England to be his adopted home for the better part of the last three decades, as America's attention span in pop culture continues to shorten with each decade. But, the fact that he is still singing and continuing to make records is a great relief and I wish him and the countless other artists and bands in similar situations the best.
One band that I found to be a true success story is Kajagoogoo. The band's synth-pop that took the world by storm, with hits such as "Too Shy," "Ooh To Be Ah," and "Hang On Now." The quintet eventually disbanded due to conflicts in managerial advice and musical direction. Limahl, the lead vocalist and co-writer/vocalist/bassist Nick Beggs began to clash as Limahl was beginning to emerge as a successful solo artist. He indeed became successful. I know him fondly for singing of the eighties title song of the movie soundtrack, "The NeverEnding Story," an 80s classic. After Limahl left the group to launch a solo career, Nick shortened the band name to Kaja, and continued to write, record and perform with the remaining members. Eventually, the 80s were over and so was the band. However, Nick continued to be a sought-after bassist for high-profile performances with other bands as well as for session work. For example, I remember seeing him performing with another 80s band, ABC, during the "Prince's Trust" concert honoring super-producer Trevor Horn some time ago.
Fast-forward to the early 2000s, and one has the VH1 TV Show, "Bands Reunited," where the host goes in search of finding the different members of the bands that have made their mark in the gran musical narrative, and unites them in hopes of performing a one-off concert in front of loyal fans. Fortunately, the show has brought the likes of bands like Kajagoogoo back together and allowed them to "clear the air" and start anew. Some stories were a success, some not so much. And so here we are, and Kajagoogoo are back and at it again. They have released new records since the reunion in addition to some new "Greatest Hits" compilations, including DVDs of their early music videos. Here they are performing one of their biggest hits in London. One of the few songs with the distinction of having a prolonged bass intro to start off the song... Enjoy and be safe!
Tuesday, December 16, 2014
#TakeMeBackTuesday
Good day!
Of the nine albums that I can proudly say that I own of the band Lakeside, "Your Wish Is My Command" is, without a doubt, my favorite. The title track is the funkiest I can think of, with more on the record as strong contenders. The quarter-note funk of Fred Alexander, Jr. on drums, combined with the strong statement on bass by Marvin Craig (Fred Lewis doubling his line on synth bass) is enough to make me wish that the song filled up the entire A side of the LP. With this album digitally remastered for CD, the joy is made even more convenient for fans.
When I was younger, I do remember seeing them live in the mid-1990s and noticed that Fred used an electronic drum kit, except for the snare and cymbals. Fred Lewis was doubling the bass on a KORG Prophecy and Marvin was stroking a MusicMan StingRay. To my knowledge, KORG no longer makes the Prophecy.
With other favorites on this album such as, "Special," "Magic Moments," and "Urban Man," the record is a must-own for any fan of the band.
Enjoy your Tuesday!
Of the nine albums that I can proudly say that I own of the band Lakeside, "Your Wish Is My Command" is, without a doubt, my favorite. The title track is the funkiest I can think of, with more on the record as strong contenders. The quarter-note funk of Fred Alexander, Jr. on drums, combined with the strong statement on bass by Marvin Craig (Fred Lewis doubling his line on synth bass) is enough to make me wish that the song filled up the entire A side of the LP. With this album digitally remastered for CD, the joy is made even more convenient for fans.
When I was younger, I do remember seeing them live in the mid-1990s and noticed that Fred used an electronic drum kit, except for the snare and cymbals. Fred Lewis was doubling the bass on a KORG Prophecy and Marvin was stroking a MusicMan StingRay. To my knowledge, KORG no longer makes the Prophecy.
With other favorites on this album such as, "Special," "Magic Moments," and "Urban Man," the record is a must-own for any fan of the band.
Enjoy your Tuesday!
Monday, December 15, 2014
#MotivationMonday
Greetings!
He is Mike Oldfield, the British multi-instrumentalist that took the world by storm with his 1973 hit "Tubular Bells."
He was already playing professionally by age 14 for various groups, playing bass for one band of note, and lead guitar for another. The now billionaire Richard Branson gifted the young Oldfield studio time, which begat "Tubular Bells," a 49-minute composition that is broken up into two parts, filling both sides of the original LP. Oldfield played virtually every instrument on the composition, consisting of over 30 instruments, according to the All Music Guide.
After being turned down by record labels here and there, Branson decided to found his own label and with "Tubular Bells" came the launch of Virgin Records and the genre of "New Age" music. The genre of New Age is known for its fusion of progressive rock, folk, experimental electronic textures and world rhythms. The album eventually sold over 16 million copies, globally. My first run-in with the song was in middle school, when I ordered the "Pure Moods" compilation, which was a compilation of New Age songs that have made a global impact in just about every commercial aspect imaginable, from being featured on "Quiet Storm" radio stations to TV and film soundtracks It is my hope that this beautiful song motivates you all to have a great and safe week ahead.
He is Mike Oldfield, the British multi-instrumentalist that took the world by storm with his 1973 hit "Tubular Bells."
He was already playing professionally by age 14 for various groups, playing bass for one band of note, and lead guitar for another. The now billionaire Richard Branson gifted the young Oldfield studio time, which begat "Tubular Bells," a 49-minute composition that is broken up into two parts, filling both sides of the original LP. Oldfield played virtually every instrument on the composition, consisting of over 30 instruments, according to the All Music Guide.
After being turned down by record labels here and there, Branson decided to found his own label and with "Tubular Bells" came the launch of Virgin Records and the genre of "New Age" music. The genre of New Age is known for its fusion of progressive rock, folk, experimental electronic textures and world rhythms. The album eventually sold over 16 million copies, globally. My first run-in with the song was in middle school, when I ordered the "Pure Moods" compilation, which was a compilation of New Age songs that have made a global impact in just about every commercial aspect imaginable, from being featured on "Quiet Storm" radio stations to TV and film soundtracks It is my hope that this beautiful song motivates you all to have a great and safe week ahead.
Sunday, December 14, 2014
#SoulfulSunday
Happy Sunday, Everyone!
For today's entry, I actually had something different planned, but after running into this interview while "cyber-window shopping," I decided to pause and listen to what legendary Earth, Wind & Fire keyboardist Larry Dunn had to say. It is always fascinating and insightful to listen and learn from the ones that have "made it" in the industry, and just like the interview that I shared with Verdine White, he echoed some of the same sentiments in terms of learning ones craft and doing it with integrity. He also reminded me of how blessed I was to be able to grow up during a time where music was taught and nurtured in public school. Admittedly, I am about 22 years removed from the first day that I walked into my middle school orchestra class and assumed the first chair in double bass, but the thought of that experience no longer being available to the ones that have come behind me gets under my skin.
Music education is one of the most fertile areas of creation for a child. The absence is especially noticeable now, as we are living in an era where modern technology--although beneficial---has stifled imagination and creativity. Not only does music education allow for creativity, but also instills discipline and good work ethic. After all, one is not going to be good at the instrument one plays without practice.
But, with all of that said, regardless of practice and discipline, one simply cannot achieve the desired musical ambitions alone. It actually starts at home, with hopefully a loving and supportive family unit. Without that support, the discouraging aspects of the musical journey can be overwhelming, and that has led a lot of gifted musicians down the wrong path.
Enjoy the interview and be safe!
For today's entry, I actually had something different planned, but after running into this interview while "cyber-window shopping," I decided to pause and listen to what legendary Earth, Wind & Fire keyboardist Larry Dunn had to say. It is always fascinating and insightful to listen and learn from the ones that have "made it" in the industry, and just like the interview that I shared with Verdine White, he echoed some of the same sentiments in terms of learning ones craft and doing it with integrity. He also reminded me of how blessed I was to be able to grow up during a time where music was taught and nurtured in public school. Admittedly, I am about 22 years removed from the first day that I walked into my middle school orchestra class and assumed the first chair in double bass, but the thought of that experience no longer being available to the ones that have come behind me gets under my skin.
Music education is one of the most fertile areas of creation for a child. The absence is especially noticeable now, as we are living in an era where modern technology--although beneficial---has stifled imagination and creativity. Not only does music education allow for creativity, but also instills discipline and good work ethic. After all, one is not going to be good at the instrument one plays without practice.
But, with all of that said, regardless of practice and discipline, one simply cannot achieve the desired musical ambitions alone. It actually starts at home, with hopefully a loving and supportive family unit. Without that support, the discouraging aspects of the musical journey can be overwhelming, and that has led a lot of gifted musicians down the wrong path.
Enjoy the interview and be safe!
Saturday, December 13, 2014
#SoulfulSaturday
Happy 12-13-14, Everyone!
For this, all I can say is "Yes, Lawd!" Not
only is the late, great George Duke playing his butt off, but you have
Sax-Master David Sanborn and his long-time collaborator Marcus Miller on
bass. Miller performed with and produced Sanborn back in the 1970s and
1980s. They also worked together on a short-lived music television
show, Night Music. Miller was
the music director for the first season, and George Duke for the second season. Sanborn and Miller were also part of the Saturday Night Live house band, as well. Miller and Duke also worked together on Miles Davis’ phenomenal Tutu album. Another must-own,
if you do not have it already... Enjoy, and be safe out there!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)