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My Record, CD & 12'' Collection 16
Complete 12/LP Listing & Help Files

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Jingo [Original David Rodriguez 12” Extended Mix] 1979

Welcome! - A site for lovers of real soul music. Input appreciated and questions welcomed.

Whether you were on the scene years ago attending all-dayers, weekenders, warehouse parties and Soul nights around the country this is the place for you. It's time to re-live some of those old classics right here on iggie's CD & Record collection.

Jingo [Original David Rodriguez 12” Extended Mix] 1979

The Whispers - Imagination 1980

The Whispers are a long-established R&B-dance vocal group from Los Angeles, California, with a consistent track record of hit records dating back to the late 1960s. The Whispers formed in 1964 in Watts, California. The original members included the twin brothers, Scotty (Wallace) and Walter Scott, along with Gordy Harmon, Marcus Hutson and Nicholas Caldwell.

In 1973, Harmon was replaced by former Friends of Distinction member Leaveil Degree. Scotty Scott's fluid, melodic voice is featured on virtually all of their hits. The group scored many hits on the R&B and Billboard Hot 100 charts throughout the 1970s and 1980s, and they hit #1 on the Hot Dance Club Play chart in 1980 with "And the Beat Goes On " (not to be confused with Sonny and Cher's "The Beat Goes On") / "Can You Do the Boogie" / "Out the Box". In 1987, they enjoyed a brief tenure in the Top 40 when "Rock Steady" became their first Top 10 success on the Hot 100 (it reached #7) while also capturing the #1 spot on the R&B chart.

Although they recorded mainly in Philadelphia in the early to mid 70s, most of their studio work has been in Los Angeles. Their most successful period was in the 1980s with Solar Records (Sound Of Los Angeles Records), run by their manager at the time, Dick Griffey. The Whispers later founded their own Black Tie record label. Marcus Hutson left the group in 1992 due to illness. According to the Whispers' website, when Hutson [Died:] in 2000 they vowed to never replace him, and now perform as a quartet.

The Whispers scored big with the number two billboard R&B hit “It’s a Love Thing.” The rapidly paced single, seasoned with all the intangibles of a dance anthem, found a welcome mat on the pop charts as well, peaking at number 28. The second and only other single to chart was “I Can Make It Better.” Co-written by two members from Lakeside, this dance cut showcases Walt and Scotty urgently delivering sympathetic lyrics supported by a funky groove.

It only managed to hold on at number 40 after ten weeks. This album retains three splendid ballads (“Say You,” “Girl I Need You,” and “Fantasy”) that never showed themselves on the charts. Imagination,” like the rest of this album, presses on in that uptempo vein with one appealing groove after another.[Craig Lytle - All Music Guide].

Album Credits:

Arranged By [Horns, Strings], Other [Horns Contracted By], Trumpet -
John Parrish
Arranged By [Vocals] – Nicholas Caldwell
Bass – Melvin Coleman
Drums – Kirk Perkins
Flute – Melecio Megdaluyo
French Horn – Barbara Korn , David Duke , Sidney Muldrew
Guitar – Larry White
Keyboards – Grady Wilkins , Kossi Gardner
Mastered By – Wally Traugott
Mixed By, Recorded By – Steve Hodge
Other [Contracted By] – Janice Gower
Percussion – Karl Dickens
Producer – Dick Griffey , The Whispers
Recorded By – Bob Brown
Saxophone – Fred Jackson , Sonny Lewis
Trombone – Kraig Kilbey
Trumpet – Bobby Bryant , Joe Ramano , Oscar Brashear

Notes:

Recorded at Studio Masters, Los Angeles, CA.
Mixed at Larrabee Sound, Los Angeles, CA.
Mastered at Capitol Records, Los Angeles, CA.

Tracks:

1. It’s A Love Thing
2. I Can Make It Better
3. Imagination
4. Say You (Would Love For Me Too)
5. Continental Shuffle
6. Girl I Need You
7. Up On Soul Train
8. Fantasy

The Whispers - I Can Make It Better For You 1980

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Young & Company - I Like What Yur Doing To Me 1980

Young & Company - I Like What Your Doing To Me

Young & Company - I Like What Your Doing To Me - VIDEO!

Young and Company's "I Like What You're Doing To Me" is an absolute gem and a crowd pleaser.

Tracks:

1. Strut Your Stuff 7:42
2. Checking You Out 5:26
3. Party Jam 1:09
4. Got To Be Free 5:39
5. Love Me All Night 4:56
6. Mellow Mood 2:52
7. Waiting On Your Love 6:46
8. I Like What You're Doing To Me** 4:22

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Yarbrough - Peoples - Guilty 1985

The singing duo of Yarbrough & Peoples burst on to the music scene with the million-selling single "Don't Stop the Music," a sinewy slab of synth-based R&B/funk that was ahead of its time and had a far-reaching influence in the years following.

The sizzling track held down the number one R&B spot for five weeks and hit number 19 pop on Billboard's charts in the spring of 1981. Calvin Yarbrough and Alisa Peoples first met when they were small children, growing up in Dallas, TX; he was six-years-old and she was four. They were both taking lessons from the same music teacher and attended the same neighborhood church, where both sang solos in the church choir.

After their college years, Peoples worked a regular job while Yarbrough played keyboards and sang in a band called Grand Theft. Tulsa, OK, musicians Robert, Ronnie, and Charlie Wilson were in the audience for one of the band's shows and offered the keyboardist/singer a background vocals job on the Leon Russell tour that they were a part of. Once the tour was over, Yarbrough returned to Dallas, playing local gigs with Grand Theft.

Around 1977, Peoples sang a song with the band during one of their club dates. Everyone there knew it was the beginning of musical magic. The Wilson brothers, then known as the Gap Band, were having hit after hit ("Shake," number four R&B, spring 1979, "Steppin' (Out)," number ten R&B, late 1979, "I Don't Believe You Want to Get up and Dance (Oops, Up Side Your Head)," number four R&B, early 1980).

When the group came to Dallas to perform, Yarbrough had them listen to an audio tape he and Peoples had recorded. Impressed, Charlie Wilson enthusiastically woke up their manager/producer Lonnie Simmons in his hotel room. Wilson, followed by the singing duo, entered the room and stayed while Simmons listened to the tape. Simmons was taken by the couple's humble, genteel manner and good attitudes.

Exchanging phone numbers, he bid them all a good night. One day while in the lobby of his Los Angeles-based label Total Experience Records, Simmons was surprised to see Yarbrough & Peoples. He suggested that the duo make a record demo and teamed them with staff producer Jonah Ellis. They recorded seven songs, the last of which was "When the Music Stops." Ellis felt the song was a filler; if they had enough studio time left, they would record it on the demo, if not it was no big deal.

Yarbrough liked the song, so Ellis recorded a track with both a drum machine and drummer Jonathan Moffett. Retitled "Don't Stop the Music" and co-written by Peoples (producers Jonah Ellis and Lonnie Simmons, issued on Mercury), the song inherited the number one R&B spot from the Gap Band's "Burn Rubber (Why You Wanna Hurt Me)" during February 1981. Their debut album The Two of Us went gold, peaking at number 16 on Billboard's album charts. The follow-up, The Third Degree, peaked at number 74 R&B, summer 1981.

The next LP, Heartbeats, was issued on Total Experience as part of a distribution deal producer Simmons had with Polygram in spring 1982. Two singles were released with strong "Don't Stop the Music" leanings: "Heartbeats" (number ten R&B, late 1982) and "Feels So Good" (number 20 R&B, spring 1983). Their next album, Be a Winner, produced by Yarbrough, Ellis, and Oliver Scott, and released spring 1984, yielded another number one R&B single.

Mixed by Nick Martinelli and David Todd (who co-mixed Evelyn Champagne King's "Shame" with Al Garrison), "Don't Waste Your Time" clocked in at number one R&B, spring 1984. The LP's title track climbed to number 20 R&B in summer 1984. Guilty was the name of Yarbrough & Peoples' best album, issued in late 1985. The title track "Guilty" -- not to be confused with the Alexander O'Neal hit -- went to number two R&B around the time of the LP's release.

The track was written and produced by Jimmy Hamilton and Maurice Hayes of the band Prime Time, who had a hit on Total Experience with "I Owe It to Myself," number 21 R&B, fall 1984. The Hamilton/Hayes follow-up, the percolating "I Wouldn't Lie" went to number six R&B in spring 1986.

The gentle ballad "Wrapped Around Your Finger" peaked at number 46 R&B, summer 1986. Although they're known for their up-tempo hits, "Guilty" proved that Yarbrough & Peoples could handle ballads. Listen to the airy, ethereal ballad "I'll Give Anything to Have You Back." Another standout track is the Oliver Scott-produced "Anytime," with its rumbling, tumbling, comin'-to-get-ya funk groove.

The duo worked with the other acts signed to Total Experience including the Gap Band and Penny Ford. On the singer's Pennye LP, the singing duo co-wrote and produced the heart-tugging ballad "Never Let Go." Ford was featured on the Gap Band's "I Found My Baby," number eight R&B, spring 1985 (available on Smooth Grooves: Vol. 1-New Jack Ballads, Rhino, 1998), and was the lead vocalist on Snap's 1990 multi-platinum worldwide hit "The Power" and its gold follow-up "Ooops Up." Yarbrough & Peoples sang "Christmas Dreams" on the 1984 multi-artist LP A Total Experience Christmas on Total Experience/RCA. Sometime during the '80s, Yarbrough & Peoples became a married couple.

Total Experience folded in the late '80s and the couple returned to Texas. PGD/Polygram Pop/Jazz issued Best of Yarbrough & Peoples (which includes the 12" version of "Heartbeats") in May 1997, and "Don't Stop the Music" is on the label's compilation Dance Funk, released November 1997.

Tracks:

1. Guilty
2. I Wouldn't Lie
3. Wrapped Around My Finger
4. Let The Music Play
5. Anytime
6. I'll Give Anything To Have You Back
7. Everything
8. Who Is She
9. A Closer Love Affair
10. Guilty (Extended Version)
11. I Wouldn't Lie (Extended Version)
12. Wrapped Around Your Finger (Extended Version)
13. Don't Stop The Feeling (Club Mix)
14. Special
15. Wrapped Around Your Finger (Dub Version)
16. I Wouldn't Lie (Live In Concert)

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Womack - Womack - M.U.S.C. Man 1985

Cecil Womack [Born:] 1947 and his wife Linda [Born:] 1952 had a long history before the release of their first duo album in 1983. Cecil was one of the gospel-singing Womack Brothers who became the Valentinos and toured with Sam Cooke in the early '60s; Linda was Cooke's daughter.

Both Womacks were successful songwriters for such performers as Teddy Pendergrass, Wilson Pickett, and Aretha Franklin prior to hooking up as a performing team. The focus is on songwriting in their collaboration; they began with Love Wars, which featured the Top 40 R&B hit "Baby I'm Scared of You." Radio M.U.S.I.C. Man (1985) contains unfinished Sam Cooke songs completed by the duo. It was followed by Conscience in 1988 and Family Spirit in 1991.

Tracks:

1. No Relief 4:27
2. Maze 5:52
3. Night Rider 4:58
4. Eyes 4:13
5. Radio M.U.S.C. Man 4:10
6. Love's Calling 5:48
7. Strange And Funny 4:30
8. Romeo & Juliet (Where Are You?) 5:37
9. Here Comes The Sun 3:06

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William DeVaughn - Be Thankful For What You've Got 1974

"Be Thankful for What You Got" is a soul song written and first performed by William DeVaughn. DeVaughn wrote "Be Thankful for What You Got" in 1972, and paid $900 for its recording at the Sigma studio in Philadelphia. Remarkably, the session featured the MFSB group — Norman Harris (guitar), Earl Young (drums), Ron Baker (bass), and Vince Montana (vibes) — and was produced by Allan Felder.[1] The owner of Sigma, Frank Fioravanti, was impressed, and secured its release on the Roxbury Records record label.

The record sold nearly two million copies on its release in spring 1974, reaching #1 on the U.S. R&B charts and #4 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart, selling a million copies.[2] With a sound and content influenced by Curtis Mayfield, its simple and encouraging lyrics hit home, to the extent that it became featured on gospel radio stations: The edit version, which is the first part of the song, became the hit.

The other half of the song is a longer instrumental with the repeated chords and rhythm before the final Chorus comes in. The song is 7 minutes long, and radio stations preferred the singing portions over the instrumental portions. Though you may not drive a great big Cadillac, Gangsta whitewalls, TV antennas in the back, You may not have a car at all, But remember brothers and sisters, You can still stand tall, Just be thankful for what you got.

DeVaughn's second album Figures Can't Calculate (TEC, 1980) included a remake. The song was covered in 1974 by Arthur Lee and Love on their Reel to Real album; a reggae version was done by Winston Curtis in 1987; in 1991 by the British Trip-Hop band Massive Attack on their album Blue Lines, by Yo La Tengo on its 1997 "Little Honda" EP and by Lawrence "Lipbone" Redding on his 2009 "Science of Bootyism" album.

The song has been sampled several times, such as by N.W.A in "Gangsta Gangsta", Ludacris in "Diamond in the Back" & Ice Cube in Stand Tall. In the song "Still Fly" by Big Tymers the last verse contains a line which makes reference to an 'old-school Caddy with a diamond in the back' and imitates DeVaughn's higher tone.

Track:

1. Give The Little Man A Great Big Hand (5:35)
2. We Are His Children (5:14)
3. Blood Is Thicker Than Water (7:19)
4. Kiss And Make Up (2:48)
5. Be Thankful For What You Got (7:12)
6. Sing A Love Song (3:26)
7. You Can Do It (3:38)
8. Something’s Being Done (3:44)

William DeVaughn - Give The Little Man A Great Big Hand 1974

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Will Downing - Love Supreme 1988

Multi talented Will Downing released his debut album, Will Downing, in 1988. Alongside A Love Supreme, In My Dreams and a host of other superb tracks was a cover of Deniece Williams' Free. This classic was originally written by Deniece Williams, Henry 'Hank' Redd, Nathan Watts & Susaye Greene (The Supremes). It was Williams' breakthrough single, as a solo artist, hitting the Number 1 spot on the singles chart for two weeks in May 1977. It has been covered by many but few can compete with the stunning original. The most recent was by Marcus Miller for his album of the same name in 2007. Miller enlisted the the talents of Corinne Bailey Rae to provide the vocal.

Six years after Downing's performance of Free from his debut album featuring A Love Supreme, Chante Moore recorded Free for her album, A Love Supreme. Her version used an interpretation of the Commodores - Sail On but was still easily forgotten. Downing's cover is easily the most successful and stands tall alongside Deniece Williams original. Featuring additional production and remixing by Gail 'Sky' King, this is Will Downing's version. Superb!

Tracks:

1. In my dreams
2. Do you?
3. Free
4. A love supreme
5. Security
6. Set me free
7. Sending out an S.O.S.
8. Dancin' in the moonlight
9. Do you remember love?
10. So you wanna be my lover

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Visions - Visions 1987

Tracks:

1. You're Gonna Be Mine 4:59
2. Perfect Love Affair 6:49
3. Hypnotized 4:37
4. Missing You 4:43
5. It's A Choice 5:30
6. The First Time 5:54
7. Love Calls 4:57
8. Special One 3:07
9. It's A Choice 6:30

Willie Hutch - Color Her Sunshine 1976

Tracks:

1. Come On Girl Let’s Get It On
2. I Feel Like We Can Make It
3. Color Her Sunshine
4. I Like Everything About You
5. Shake It, Shake It
6. Let Me Be the One
7. She’s Just Doing Her Thing
8. We Can Make It Baby
9. I’m Gonna Be Around

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War - The Music Band 2 - 1979

War (originally called Eric Burdon and War) is an American funk band from California, known for the hit songs "Low Rider", "Spill the Wine", "The Cisco Kid" and "Why Can't We Be Friends?". Formed in 1969, War was a musical crossover band which fused elements of rock, funk, jazz, Latin American music, rhythm and blues, and reggae.

The band also transcended racial and cultural barriers with a multi-ethnic line-up. The band has sold over 50 million records to date. Although War's lyrics are often socio-political in nature, their music usually had a laid-back, California funk vibe. A particular feature of War's sound is the use of harmonica and saxophone playing melody lines in unison, sounding like a single instrument, for example in the melody of "Low Rider".

The music has been sampled and recorded by many singers and groups, ranging from R&B / pop singers such as Janet Jackson to nu metal band Korn and hip hop groups like TLC. In 1979, following the departure of B.B. Dickerson during recording sessions for their next album (replaced by Luther Rabb on bass who completed the album), the band considered changing their name to The Music Band, but decided at the last minute to continue as War, and use The Music Band as the title of a series of albums.

The series originally consisted of two studio albums (The Music Band, The Music Band 2, both in 1979) and a live album (The Music Band Live, 1980), but after the band left MCA in 1981 and had already made records for other labels, MCA expanded the series with a compilation (The Best of the Music Band, 1982) and a third original album of left-over material (The Music Band – Jazz, 1983).

The group lost another member when Charles Miller (saxophone) was murdered in 1980. He had already been replaced by Pat Rizzo (ex Sly and the Family Stone) in 1979. Other new members joining at this time were Alice Tweed Smith (credited as "Tweed Smith" and "Alice Tweed Smyth" on various albums) on percussion and vocals (giving the band its first female vocalist), and Ronnie Hammon as a third drummer.

After making the one-off single "Cinco de Mayo" for LA Records in 1981 (Jerry Goldstein's own label, which also reissued Eric Burdon Declares "War" under the title Spill the Wine the same year), War signed with RCA Victor Records and recorded Outlaw (1982) which included the single plus additional singles "You Got the Power", "Outlaw", and "Just Because".

This was followed by Life (is So Strange) (1983) from which the title track was also a single. War's records from 1979 to 1983 were not as successful as those from the preceding decade, and after the two RCA albums, the band's activities became sporadic. They did not record another full album until a decade later. The 1987 compilation album The Best of War ...and More included two new tracks, "Livin' in the Red" and "Whose Cadillac is That?", and a remixed version of "Low Rider" (in addition to the original version). Papa Dee Allen died of a heart attack (myocardial infarction) which struck him onstage in 1988.

Tracks:

1. Don’t Take It Away
2. I’ll Be Around
3. I’ll Take Care Of You
4. Night People
5. The World Is A Ghetto
6. The Music Band 2 (We Are The Music Band)

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William Bell - Passion 1985

William Bell soul singer and songwriter, and one of the architects of the Stax-Volt sound. As a performer, he is probably best known for 1961's "You Don't Miss Your Water" (his debut single); 1968's "Private Number" (a duet with Judy Clay, and a top 10 hit in the UK); and 1976's "Tryin' To Love Two", Bell's only US top 40 hit, which also hit #1 on the R&B charts.

As a songwriter, Bell co-authored the Chuck Jackson hit "Any Other Way", Billy Idol's 1986 hit "Got To Be Your Lover", and the blues classic "Born Under A Bad Sign", popularized by both Albert King and Cream. In 1985 Bell founded the label Wilbe and issued Passion, which found its most receptive audiences in the UK (although "I Don't Want to Wake Up Feeling Guilty," a duet with Janice Bullock, was a minor U.S. hit). In 1986, The single "Headline News" entered the UK singles charts.

1. Passion 4:25
2. Lovin' On Borrowed Time 3:59
3. That's What You Get 3:50
4. Headline News 4:03
5. Whatever You Want (You Got It) 3:43
6. Let Him Pay The Band 3:59
7. I Don't Want To Wake Up (Feelin' Guilty) 3:39
8. Heavy On The Love Side 4:16
9. I'm Lighting Somebody's Else's Fire 4:17

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Willie Clayton - Forever 1988

[Born:] March 29 1955 in Indianola, MS, Clayton has been recording since 1969. Willie Clayton has one of those ethereal voices- he's one of those stand-out singers. His peers are Al Green, Otis Redding, Bobby Womack- the greats. Amazingly, he has only enjoyed steady but modest commercial success since the late 60s. Debut single for Duplex was "That's the Way Daddy Did.

"Clayton left Mississippi for Chicago in 1971 but ended up with the legendary Hi Records in Memphis, where he worked with producer Willie Mitchell. Hi issued a series of Clayton singles on its Pawn subsidiary, including "I Must Be Losin' You," "It's Time You Made Up Your Mind," and "Baby You're Ready," but none of them charted.

In 1984 Clayton scored his first chart hits on Compleat Records with "Tell Me" and "What a Way to Put It". Later in the decade Clayton recorded some strong material for Ichiban Records before signing with Ace. His third for Ace, "Ace In The Hole" included the southern soul smash "Equal Opportunity", a duet with Pat Brown. From there a steady stream of southern soul hits has followed. He started his own label, EndZone in the late 90s. Willie Clayton - Make me yours forever This is a quality song that really does hit the spot. Beautifully delivered from start to finish.

Willie Clayton - Forever
Label: Timeless Records
Catalog#: KJ8888
Format: Vinyl, LP
Country:USA
Released:1988
Genre:Funk / Soul
Style:Tracks

1. Your Sweetness
2. Rock And Hold Your Baby
3. Special Lady
4. Stone Good Lover
5. Can I Change My Mind
6. Make Me Yours Forever
7. Rocking Chair
8. One Night Stand

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Valentine Brothers - Have A Good Time 1984

Formed 1977 in Columbus, Ohio, U.S.A. From Columbus, Ohio, brothers John and William 'Billy' Valentine first recorded together as The Valentine Brothers in the late 70's, their debut album being the Richard Evans produced 'The Valentine Brothers' for the Source label in 1979.

Billy Valentine had a jazz background with the Young-Holt Unlimited trio and the pair appeared in the touring company of 'The Wiz'.

In 1982 they worked with producer Bobby Lyle on 'First Take', including 'Money's Too Tight To Mention' (later covered by Simply Red, however, I cannot tell you in what!), 'Just Let Me Be Close To You' and 'This Kind Of Love', a release on the Bridge label and somewhat of a cult album on the UK soul scene.

The release of Simply Red's version of 'Money's Too Tight', scuppered the Valentine's chances of success with the track, however, real soul punters are aware of this unfair occurrence.

Their later albums have been 'Have A Good Time' for A & M Records (1984) featuring 'Lonely Nights' and 'Picture This' (1987), featuring 'No Better Love', 'Cutbacks' and 'Starship', for EMI America.

Billy Valentine also co-wrote / produced 'You Make Me Want To Love Again' with Leon Ware for ConFunkShun (also recorded by Vesta Williams).

Albums:

1. The Valentine Brothers (Source 1979)
2. First Take (Bridge 1982)
3. Have A Good Time (A & M 1984)
4. Picture This (EMI America 1987)

Tracks:

1. I Thank You
2. When (I Love You)
3. Lonely Nights
4. Have A Good Time
5. She's So Bad
6. Computer Boogie
7. Don't Bother Me
8. I Know You Need Love
9. Reprise - I Know You Need Love (Dedication)

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Unlimited Touch - Unlimited Touch 1980

Tracks:

1. Feel The Music 05:05
2. Private Party 04:55
3. I Hear Music In The Streets 06:50
4. Love To Share 04:10
5. Happy Ever After 06:20
6. Searching To Find The One 05:03
7. Carry On 04:46
8.In The Middle 05:10

Unlimted Touch - I Hear Music In The Streets 1981

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Vaughan Mason & Butch Dayo - Feel My Love 1983

New Yorker Vaughan Mason’s claim to fame is the spectacular disco/funk single “Bounce, Rock, Skate, Roll,” credited to Vaughan Mason & Crew. That song, released on Brunswick, hit the top five of the U.S. R&B chart in 1980 and became the title track of the group’s first and only album. The single also became sample fodder for several rap songs, including Digital Underground’s “Doowutchyalike,” Heavy D’s “Black Coffee,” De La Soul’s “Cool Breeze on the Rocks,” and Redman’s “Slide and Rock On.”

Two other singles from Vaughan Mason & Crew (“Roller Skate” and “Jammin’ Big Guitar”) followed for Brunswick, though neither fared hardly as well as the first. Later on, Mason teamed up with Butch Dayo for a pair of Salsoul singles — “You Can Do It” and “Party on the Corner” — both of which stiffed.

Tracks:

1. Oh, Love
2. Rollalong Songs
3. Feel My Love
4. Party On The Corner
5. You Can Do I

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Vaneese Thomas - Vaneese 1987

Based in New York, Vaneese established herself as a solo artist in 1987 after signing to Geffen Records for 'Vaneese Thomas'. The album included the tracks 'Let's Talk It Over' and 'New Love'. Prior to the albums release, Vaneese cut a single for Polydor Records in 1978 entitled 'The Goodbye Song', along with Carolyn Mitchell under the title of Vaneese & Carolyn.

The song fast became highly collectable on the 'rare groove' circuit and appearred on an Expansion Records compilation entitled 'Expansion Soul Source Volume 2'. Vaneese is one of Rufus Thomas's daughters and her sister is Carla Thomas. She made her recording debut, as a five year old, on Carla's track 'A Boy Named Tom' in 1964.

She has sung with many various stars ranging from Eric Clapton to Luther Vandross. Her C.V. includes extensive radio and television credits and she owns a record label, a recording facility, and two publishing companies. Vaneese also, at one time, lived in France for a time and actually taught French as a schoolteacher.

As a session singer she has recorded with Bob James ('Obsession', on which she co-wrote 'Gone Hollywood' with Lenny White), Lenny White ('Attitude'), Montana ('I Love Music'), Carl Anderson (duetting on 'It's The Love' from his 'On And On' outing, 1984), Freddie Jackson ('Just Like The First Time'), Beau Williams (writing / producing 'I Found A Love'), Melba Moore ('I'II Never Find Another You' and 'Stay') and Sarah Dash (writing 'To Tell You The Truth').

Vaneese released a gospel outing entitled 'When My Back's Against The Wall' in 1998. That same year, Vaneese was one of three featured vocalists who played the part of Muses in the animated Walt Disney movie 'Hercules'. In 2001, she returned with the album 'Talk Me Down'.

The album was released on the Unleashthe80's record label and featured 'The Magic Of You', 'Sweet Breath Of Life' and 'Fortunate' with featured artistic input provided by Kirk Whalum, Bob Baldwin, Patti Austin, Sharon Bryant, Cynthia Biggs, Fonzi Thornton and James 'D-Train' Williams, no less.

Tracks:

1. (I Wanna Get) Close to You
2. Let's Talk It Over
3. Keep It Up
4. Heading in the Right Direction
5. Rockin' and Lovin'
6. New Love
7. Ultimate Love
8. I'm Gonna Love You **

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Wilton Felder - Inherit The Wind 1980

Tracks:

1. Inherit The Wind (7:23)
2. Someday We'll All Be Free (5:44)
3. Until The Morning Comes (5:02)
4. Insight (7:24)
5. L.A. Light (5:43)
6. I've Got A Secret I'm Gonna Tell (6:54)

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The Whispers - This Kind Of Loving 1981

Tracks:

01. (04:58) This Kind Of Lovin'
02. (03:48) World Of A Thousand Dreams
03. (04:09) I'm The One For You
04. (05:00) Got To Get Away
05. (06:03) I'm Gonna Love You More
06. (04:18) Can't Stop Loving You Baby
07. (04:06) What Will I Do
08. (03:26) The Bright Lights And You Girl
09. (04:03) This Kind Of Lovin' (Radio Edit) [Bonus Track]
10. (03:56) I'm Gonna Love You More (Radio Edit) [Bonus Track]

The Whispers - This Kind of Lovin' 1981

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Unlimited Touch - Yes, Were Ready 1983

Raymond Reid and William Anderson from New York based band Crown Heights Affair instigated Unlimited Touch in the early '80's, however, they did not form part of the band. Featuring vocalists Audrey Wheeler and Stephanie James, the group was signed to Prelude (via Epic in the U.K.). Here they stirred UK dancefloors with the songs 'I Hear Music in The Streets', in 1980, and 'Searching To Find The One' in 1981.

Due to a major management/label and group dispute, the band went their seperate ways by the end of 1981. As Prelude records owned the rights to the groups name, the subsequent recordingsdid not contain the hits that made the group famous. Lenny Underwood co-wrote 'I Hear Music In The Streets' and 'Searchin' To Find The One' which were regional hits in the States.

They later released 'Yes We're Ready', in 1983, and a further single 'Reach Out (Everlasting Love)' in 1984. In 1999, producer Sean 'Puffy' Combs sampled the bass and drum breakdown of 'I Hear Music In The Streets for the Faith Evans song called 'All Night Long'.

Tracks:

1. Yes, I'm Ready
2. Your Love Is Serious
3. Love Explosion
4. No One Can Love Me (q Uite The Way) You Do
5. Good Loving
6. Yes I'm Ready (reprise)

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Zapp - The New Zapp IV You 1985

Z

Best known as the leader, founder, songwriter, singer, and guitarist of early-'80s funk masters Zapp, Roger Troutman (better known simply as "Roger") also forged a successful solo career. Born November 29, 1951, in Hamilton, OH, Troutman was the fourth child in a family of nine kids, and gravitated toward music at an extremely early age; he was only five years old when he received his first guitar.

It wasn't long before the young musician was playing in local bands, including one outfit called the Crusaders at the age of 11, a band that also later included Roger's brother, Lester, on drums. The group broke up in the early '60s, but Roger and Lester stuck together, as Roger became influenced by such R&B legends as B.B. King, Jimmy Reed, Chuck Jackson, and Junior Walker, in addition to such then-current chart-toppers as the Temptations, Wilson Pickett, and the Beatles.

By the late '60s, Roger had added Hammond organ to his resumé of instruments, while two other Troutman brothers joined up with Roger and Lester -- Tony (bass) and Larry (percussion) -- forming Roger & the Human Body.

It wasn't long before Roger and his brothers became enraptured by such funk/rock artists as Jimi Hendrix, the Isley Brothers, Stevie Wonder, and Funkadelic, whose earthy sounds began to reflect in the brothers' own music. Playing shows all over the U.S. and Canada, the group added another Troutman brother to their ranks by 1977, Terry, who went by the nickname of "Zapp," which soon became the group's new name.

Shortly thereafter, Bootsy Collins' brother, Phelps "Catfish" Collins, happened to catch a gig by Zapp, who put them in touch with Bootsy, who then brought them to the attention of George Clinton. Clinton promptly signing the group to his own custom label, Uncle Jam (a subsidiary of Columbia Records). Taking Roger and company under his wing, Clinton got the group's leader a performance spot at the first (and only) Funk Awards in December 1979, introducing Roger Troutman as the most talented musician he'd ever seen in his life.

His show-stopping performance created a buzz for Zapp's self-titled debut release, issued in 1980 (due to contractual red tape, the album ultimately was not issued via Clinton's label, but through Warner Bros.).

Zapp (who also went by the name of "Zapp & Roger") quickly established themselves as one of funk's finest, issuing such further albums as 1982's Zapp II, 1983's Zapp III, 1984's The New Zapp IV U, and 1989's Zapp V; in addition to spawning such hit singles as "More Bounce to the Ounce," "Be Alright," "Dance Floor (Part I)," "Doo Wa Ditty (Blow That Thing)," "I Can Make You Dance (Part I)," and "Computer Love."

Along with his Zapp duties, Roger also made time to issue solo albums (mixing R&B standards with originals), including such titles as 1981's The Many Facets of Roger, 1984's The Saga Continues, 1987's Unlimited!, and 1991's Bridging the Gap; while scoring such hit singles as a cover of "I Heard It Through The Grapevine (Part I)" and "I Want to Be Your Man."

But by the end of the '80s, the hits and the public's interest in the group began to dwindle. Just as it appeared that Zapp & Roger had fallen off the radar screen by the early '90s, a whole new generation of rap and R&B artists began sampling bits from the group's catalogue; including such renowned artists as MC Hammer, Kris Kross, Blackstreet, Michael and Janet Jackson, Ice Cube, Dr. Dre, Tupac Shakur, and Snoop Dogg.

As a result, there was a new heightened interest in the Zapp & Roger, as evidenced by the brisk sales of the 1993 17-track collection All the Greatest Hits, which obtained platinum certification by 1996.

However, tragedy was lurking right around the corner, as Roger was shot to [Death:] on April 25, 1999, by his brother Larry (who then turned the gun on himself). In 2002, a reissue of The Many Facets of Roger was released via Rhino Records, which included several previously unreleased bonus tracks.

Tracks:

01. It Doesn’t Really Matter
02. Computer Love0
3. Itchin’ For Your Twitchin’
04. Radio People
05. I Only Have Eyes For You
06. Rock ‘N’ Roll
07. Cas-Ta-Spellome
08. Make Me Feel Good
09. Ja Ready To Rock
10. It Doesn’t Really Matter (Long Version) (Bonus Track)
11. It Doesn’t Really Matter (Edit)
12. It Doesn’t Really Matter (7” Version)
13. Computer Love (Extended Version)
14. Computer Love (LP Remix)
15. Computer Love (Instrumental)

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The Whispers - So Good 1984

Tracks:

1. Some Kinda Lover
2. Contagious
3. Sweet Sensation
4. On Impact
5. Suddenly
6. Don't Keep Me Waiting
7. Are You Going My Way
8. Never Too Late
9. So Good
10. Some Kinda Lover (Radio Version)

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Walter Beasley - I'm So Happy 1987

Tracks:

1. I'm So Happy
2. On The Edge
3. Call Me
4. Jump On Me
5. Back In Love Again
6. Tenderness
7. Nothin' But A Thang
8. Where

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TS Monk - House Of Music 1980

T. S. Monk (born Thelonious Sphere Monk, III, December 27, 1949, New York, United States) is a jazz drummer, composer and bandleader. He is the son of jazz musician Thelonious Monk. He began his music career early in his life, honing his skills throughout the 1970s. Monk's destiny was sealed when Max Roach, with whom he studied, gave him his first drum set, before the age of ten.

After earning a reputation in school as a rabble-rouser (and graduating), the young Monk joined his father's trio and toured with his dad until the elder Monk's retirement in 1975.[1] Monk then launched into the music that had captivated him and his generation, R&B. He first toured with a group called Natural Essence and afterward, along with his sister Barbara, formed his own band.

By the dawning of the 1980s, he had formed his eponymous band, which featured him on drums and occasional lead vocals. The group's début album, 1980's House of Music featured several hits that placed on the Billboard R&B chart, including "Bon Bon Vie (Gimme the Good Life)" (which featured Monk on lead vocals) and "Candidate for Love." The band went on to release two more albums throughout the early 1980s, though singles released from these albums did not fare as well as those on the début.

The band broke up shortly thereafter. Shortly after his father died in 1982, leaving a rich and legendary legacy, his sister, Barbara, died of cancer in 1984. To honor his father's legacy and support the efforts of education, Thelonious turned his attention toward forming the Thelonious Monk Institute of Jazz. As Chairman, Thelonious has been at the forefront of helping to create a number of programs that range from sponsoring music education for students in the form of full scholarships to funding and supporting after-school athletic programs.

The Institute's activities reach from Boston to Los Angeles and from New York to Orlando. T. S. received the New York Jazz Awards First Annual "Recording of the Year" award and 'Downbeat's' prestigious 63rd annual Album of the year Reader's Choice Award for "Monk On Monk".

"Monk on Monk" is the "80th Anniversary Birthday Tribute to Thelonious Sphere Monk" featuring 20 guest artists including Herbie Hancock, Wayne Shorter, Arturo Sandoval, Dianne Reeves, Nnenna Freelon, and Howard Johnson, among others. By the 1990s, Monk was ready to begin his solo career, in which he has taken a decidedly more jazz-oriented direction.

For two consecutive seasons, December 1996 and January 1998, on ABC, jazz returned to network television after a twenty-five year absence. Sponsored by Nissan and The Thelonious Monk Institute, under the guidance of T.S. Monk and Tom Carter, an historic assemblage of artists gathered for 'A Celebration Of America's Music' hosted by Bill Cosby and featuring Natalie Cole, Jon Secada, Tony Bennett, k.d. lang, as well as Thelonious performing his father's signature tune, "'Round Midnight", with Herbie Hancock, Pat Metheny, and Nnenna Freelon.

T.S. Monk (Born: Thelonious Sphere Monk, Jr., December 27, 1949, New York, United States) is a jazz drummer, composer and bandleader. He began his music career early in his life, honing his skills throughout the 1970s. By the dawning of the 1980s, he had formed his eponymous band, which featured him on lead vocals and drums.

The group’s début album, 1980′s House of Music featured several hits that placed on the Billboard R&B chart, including “Bon Bon Vie (Gimme the Good Life)” and “Candidate for Love.” The band went on to release two more albums throughout the early 1980s, though singles released from these albums did not fare as well as those on the début. The band broke up shortly thereafter. By the 1990s, Monk was ready to begin his solo career, in which he has taken a decidedly more jazz-oriented direction.

Tracks:

1. Bon Bon Vie
2. Candidate For Love
3. Hot Night In The City
4. The Last Of The Wicked Romancers
5. Can’t Keep My Hands To Myself
6. Stay Free Of His Love
7. House Of Music

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Toulose - Image Magique 1976

Montreal's Toulouse were made up of studio backing vocalists who decided to team up as a group in 1975. They were the first bilingual disco act to break in the big time and comfortably sang in English and French.

With the cross-over potential of their self-titled debut in 1976, the act re-released the LP in 1977 with all the vocals re-recorded in English for the American market. This move proved successful as the act had substantial hits with in the US. As the disco fad peaked and waned, Toulouse split up in the early '80's.

On the album/LP the smash rare groover 'What would your Mama say' !

Exchange Only !

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The Whispers - More Of The Night 1990

Tracks:

1. More Of The Night
2. My Heart Your Heart
3. Mind Blowing
4. Don't Be Late For Love
5. You Are The One
6. Is It Good To You
7. Innocent
8. Girl Don't Make Me Wait
9. Misunderstanding
10. Forever Lover
11. Babes
12. I Want 2B The 1 4U
13. Help Them See The Light
14. Innocent (Heat Of The Heat Edit)

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Tom Browne - Love Approach 1979

1979

When trumpeter Tom Browne hit the Billboard charts in 1980, one would have thought that he was an overnight sensation. However, the licensed pilot had several years under his belt working with Weldon Irvine, Sonny Fortune, and others. His debut smash single, "Funkin' for Jamaica (N.Y.)," took the music industry by storm. Between Browne's piercing horn intro and his chilling riffs in the vamp, the New York native and his cohorts lay down one jammin' groove.

From the thunderous bass of Marcus Miller and Browne's trumpeting trips to the salacious vocals of Toni Smith and the colorful conversation referencing Browne, this single was slick and exhilarating. Smith co-wrote the song with Browne, which claimed the number one spot for four straight weeks.

In addition to Toni Smith's outstanding vocals, Browne also employs vocalist Viki Sylva on the serene number "Weak in the Knees." Browne fills the vocal gaps in the verse and echoes Sylva in the chorus as she exudes a Michael Franks ambience. "Her Silent Smile," which features guitarist Bobby Broom and pianist Bernard Wright, who are also featured on "Funkin' for Jamaica," is reminiscent of Chuck Mangione. Aside from "Funkin' for Jamaica," the other selections are of the jazz vein. Browne does not try to redefine jazz or the trumpet; he just lays down some good music.

Tracks:

1. Funkin' for Jamaica (N.Y.)
2. Her Silent Smile
3. Forever More
4. Dreams of Lovin' You
5. Nocturne
6. Martha
7. Moon Rise
8. Weak in the Knees

Tom Browne - Moon Rise 1980

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Tyrone Davis - Tyrone Davis 1982

Tracks:

1. Are You Serious *
2. I'm So Excited
3. Overdue
4. A Little Bit Of Loving (Goes A Long Way)
5. Let Be Be The One
6. You've Got To (Save Me)
7. Where Did We Lose
8. The Fool In Me

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The Whispers - Love Is Where You Find It 1981

Released after This Kind of Lovin’, Love Is Where You Find It finds the group continuing its hitmaking style and boasts the production work of Leon F. Sylvers III and the Solar sound. While the group’s albums were never necessities, like the Temptations or to a lesser extent the Dramatics, the worth of the ballads and dance tracks often made the Whispers worth seeking out. Love Is Where You Find It is no exception.

The album’s biggest hits — the polished and kinetic “In the Raw” and “Emergency” — quickly joined the pantheon of Whispers dance classics. The near-brilliant “Turn Me Out” arguably beats them both for sheer sonic value and the witty lyrics. Unlike many of the Whispers’ albums of the time, the ballads here diminish the set. The radio staple “Say Yes” may be too smooth and cloying even for Whispers devotees. Love Is Where You Find It isn’t an especially strong album,but “Turns Me Out” makes it worth looking for.

Tracks:

1. In the Raw *
2. Turn Me Out *
3. Cruisin’ In *
4. Emergency *
5. Say Yes ****
6. Love Is Where You Find It *
7. Only You *
8. Small Talkin’ *

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Thelma Houston - Qulaifiying Heat 1984

Singer Thelma Houston is best known for her number one pop classic disco cover of "Don't Leave This Way." Originally a hit for Harold Melvin & the Blue Notes featuring Teddy Pendergrass, the Gamble & Huff/Cary Gilbert song soars through the gospel music-honed vocals of the Leland, MS, native. Houston's energetic performance takes the song in the same way that Aretha Franklin takes "Respect" -- with no disrespect to either artist.

The singer came from humble beginnings. Her mother picked cotton to support Houston and her three sisters. During her youth, the family relocated to Long Beach, CA. As an adult, Houston graduated from high school, got married, had two children, and was later divorced. She got a job in the health care field.

Staying active in music, she became a member of the Art Reynolds Singers, singing lead on their popular single cover of "Glory Glory Hallelujah" on Capitol. 5th Dimension manager Marc Gordon was impressed by her vocal skills and helped to get her a recording deal with Dunhill Records. In 1969, renowned songwriter Jimmy Webb produced her debut LP, Wildflower. One single, a cover of Laura Nyro's "Save the Country," charted in early 1970.

During 1971, Houston signed with Motown, with her label debut, Thelma Houston, being issued on the MoWest imprint. Over the next few years, the singer issued numerous singles that failed to be hits, though one Motown single, the catchy "You've Been Doing Wrong for So Long," lingered in the lower half of the R&B charts. She can be seen in the classic Billy Dee Williams/James Earl Jones Negro League baseball movie The Bingo Long Traveling All Stars and Motor Kings, produced by Motown and released through Universal Pictures. Houston's background vocals are woven throughout Jermaine Jackson's 1976 gold LP My Name Is Jermaine.

Finally, synchronicity in Houston's favor came in a big way in the form of the release of the 1976 LP Any Way You Like It, produced by Hal Davis (Diana Ross' "Love Hangover") and issued on Motown's Tamla imprint. Davis had heard the Blue Notes' version at a party while he was in the process of recording tracks for the album. First taking off in disco and on both disco-oriented and soul music radio stations, "Don't Leave This Way" went to number one R&B in February 1977 and number one pop in April 1977 (Billboard).

It can be found on Rhino's Disco Box, Billboard Top Hits: 1975-1979, Disco Nights, Vol. 9: Motown Dance, 70s Disco Ball Party Pack, and The Disco Years, Vol. 1: Turn the Beat Around. A 12" version is on Pure Disco and Essential 12'': The 70s.

Her other hits include "If It's the Last Thing I Do," "I'm Here Again," "Saturday Night, Sunday Morning," and the RCA single "If You Feel It."

A pre-mega stardom Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis produced the smooth, percolating Top 20 R&B dance track "You Used to Hold Me So Tight" from her 1984 MCA album Qualifying Heat. She duets with the Winans on a cover of Bill Withers' "Lean on Me," the title track of the same-named 1989 Morgan Freeman movie. She does backing vocals on guitarist Scott Henderson's 1997 Atlantic CD Tore Down House.

Tracks:

1.(I Guess) It Must Be Love (7:20)
2. You Used To Hold Me So Tight (5:42)
3. Fantasy And Heartbreak (5:04)
4. I'd Rather Spend The Bad Times With You Than Spend
5. The Good Times With Someone New (6:00)
6. Shake You (4:04)
7. Generate Love (4:34)
8. Love Is A Dangerous Game (4:09)
9. What A Woman Feels Inside (4:19)

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Toni Rallo & The Midnight Band - Burnin Alive 1979

Tracks:

1. Holdin' On (Instrumental) (0:58)
2. Burnin' Alive (7:23)
3. Fais L'Amour (6:30)
4. Holdin' On (7:35)
5. Travellin' Flights Of My Mind (7:00)
6. Say You Believe (5:17)

LP CREDITS:

Bass - Mo Foster
Drums - Peter Van Hook
Guitar - Hugh Burns , Rich Hitchcock
Guitar, Keyboards, Arranged By, Conductor - Tony Rallo
Keyboards - John Mealing
Percussion - Frank Riccotti
Saxophone [Alto] - George Young
Saxophone [Tenor] - Michael Brecker
Trumpet - Jon Faddis , Randy Brecker
Producer - Alec R. Costandinos , Danny Goldschmidt

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Will Downing - Come Together As One 1989

1989

Tracks:

Will Downing - Come Together As One 1989, An above-average R&B singer who sometimes ventures into jazz spectrum

1. Come Together as One (5:01)
2. Sake of Love (4:17)
3. Sometimes I Cry (4:55)
4. Love Call (4:11)
5. The Love We Share (5:03)
6. Too Soon (4:13)
7. I'll Wait (4:29)
8. Rules of Love (4:01)
9. Test of Time (4:16)
10. Closer to You (5:24)
11. Wishing on a Star (8:16)

Track Listing From The All Inspiring LP

1. Come Together as One Will Downing, G. Smith Will Downing (5:01)
2. Sake of Love Will Downing, Brian Jackson, Laythan Armor, Clyde Lieberman Will Downing (4:17)
3. Sometimes I Cry Will Downing, Brian Jackson, Danny Madden Will Downing (4:55)
4. Love Call Will Downing, Jimmy Varner Will Downing (4:11)
5. The Love We Share Zane Giles, Tony Haynes Will Downing (5:03)
6. Too Soon Onaje Allan Gumbs Will Downing (4:13)
7. I'll Wait Will Downing, M. Graves Will Downing (4:29)
8. Rules of Love Will Downing, Laythan Armor, Clyde Lieberman Will Downing (4:01)
9. Test of Time Mark Holden, K. Harris Will Downing (4:16)
10. Closer to You Will Downing, M. Graves Will Downing (5:24)
11. Wishing on a Star (Lyrics) Billie Rae Calvin Will Downing (8:16

The Whispers - Love For Love 1983

'Love Is Where You Find It' (1982), 'Love For Love (1983), 'So Good' (1984) and 'Just Gets Better With Time' (which featured a number 1 R & B hit 'Rock Steady', written by L.A. 'Babyface' Reid, along with the Gary Taylor penned title song)

In 1990, the group released 'More Than The Night', which featured the number 3 R & B hit 'Innocent', and the ballad single 'Is It Good To You'. Overall, the Whispers recorded 32 albums and 39 singles between 1970 and 2007.

Ten of their songs made the R&B top 10. Their Donny Hathaway tribute ('A Song for Donny') reached number 21 in 1979. The group have been absent from the charts since 1995, the year that saw the release of the abum 'Toast To The Ladies'. Marcus Hutson left the group in 1992 due to illness.

According to the Whispers' website, when Hutson died in 2000, they vowed to never replace him, and now perform as a quartet. After being their backbone and selling point since the group's inception, twin lead vocalists Walter and Wallace Scott departed for solo careers in 1993, releasing 'My Brother's Keeper' (featuring the Keni Burke penned 'Heaven', which also featured on the Whispers 'Toast To The Ladies' 1995 set).

In 2006 the group released 'For Your Ears Only' for the Satin Tie imprint. The Whispers still record, to this day, as an ensemble, and play the U.K. in 2009. Nicholas Caldwell had a triple by pass operation in 2000, the operation was a complete success, and he is singing and performing today.

One soul music pundit, (commentating on the prolific output of this group) once said 'If you could find any 'cylinder' records around, in an antique shop, these days, you could be guaranteed that one of them would probably feature a cylinder by The Whispers!'.

Tracks:

1. Tonight
2. Keep on Lovin' Me
3. Love For Love
4. This Time
5. Had It Not Been For You
6. Try It Again
7. Do They Turn You on
8. Keep Your Love Around
9. Lay It on Me

Complete Album History & My Ratings Out Of 5 *:

1. The Whispers (Soul Clock 1971)
2. The Whispers' Love Story (Janus 1972)
3. Life And Breath (Janus 1972)
4. Planet Of Life (Soul Clock reissue 1973)
5. Bingo (Janus 1974)
6. Whispers Getting Louder (Janus 1974)
7. One for the Money (Soul Train 1976)
8. The Whispers (Soul Train 1976)
9. Open up Your Love (Soul Train 1977)
10. Headlights (Solar 1978)
11. Whisper in Your Ear (Solar 1979)
12. Happy Holidays to You (Solar 1979)
13. The Whispers (Solar 1980)
14. This Kind of Lovin' (Solar 1981) ***
15. Imagination (Solar 1981) ****
16. Love Is Where You Find It (Solar 1982) *****
17. Love for Love (Capitol 1983) *****
18. So Good (Solar 1984) *****
19. Just Gets Better with Time (Solar 1987) **
20. More of the Night (Capitol 1990)
21. Somebody Loves You (Quicksilver 1991)
22. Beat Goes On (Unidisc 1994)
23. Christmas Moments (Capitol 1994)
24. Toast to the Ladies (Capitol 1995)
25. The Whispers (Sequel 1996)
26. Songbook, Vol. 1: The Songs of Babyface (Interscope 1997)
27. For Your Ears Only (Satin Tie 2006)
28. Live Form Las Vegas (Satin Tie 2007)
29. Thankful (Kingdom Records 2009)

Argubly the most successfull group of all time - my fab group 'The Whispers'. I can recall clearly having attended there 1994 concert at the 'Hammersmith Odeon' in London. Fab memories.

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Total Contrast - Total Contrast 1985

This album was released in 1985 and contains three hit-singles; ‘Takes a little time’, ‘Hit and run’ and ‘The River’. Total Contrast are Robin Achampong and Delroy Murray who wrote and produced this album together with Steve Harvey.

On this Total Contrast album 5 bonustracks have been added. There are 12 inch versions of ‘Takes a Little time’ (and the rare dub version; ‘Dub a little while’) and ‘What you gonna do about it’ (remix of Timmy Regisford).

What makes this Total Contrast album extra special is the very hard to find 12 inch ‘Be with you tonight’ (track 10). In 1983 released on their own label ‘Total Contrast Records’ (Catalogue no.: TCR1) before they were signed by a major record company.

Total Contrast:

Real Name: Robin Achampong, Delroy Murray
Aliases: Bootsie & Snudge
Members: Delroy Murray, Robin Achampong
In Groups: Dance Aid

CD:

1. Hit and run (6:02)
2. The River (5:29)
3. Where is love? (5:42)
4. How many reasons (4:23)
5. Takes a little time (5:49)
6. What you gonna do about it (5:47)
7. Sunshine (6:00)
8. Entangled (4:54)

Bonus Tracks :

9. Takes a Little Time (Vocal) (US Remix) (8:03)
10. Be with you tonight (5:39) (TCR1 - 12 inch A-side)
11. What you gonna do about it (7:21) (Dance Re-mix)
12. I’m still waiting (3:22)
13. Dub a little while (6:27)

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The Whispers - Just Gets Better With Time 1987

By the time this was released in 1997, the Whispers had a few compilation albums on the market, but this was better. Greatest Hits covers the group's stint on Dick Griffey's Solar Records during the years 1974-1992 in a coherent fashion.

Although this misses the classic "What More Can a Girl Ask For," Greatest Hits makes up for it by including both "Living Together in Sin" and "(Olivia) Lost and Turned Out." The heart of Greatest Hits is the Whispers' 1979-1987 work with Solar. The first big hit, "And The Beat Goes On," written and produced by Leon Sylvers, was a perfect song to bridge the gap between disco and the synthesizer R&B of the coming decade.

That style is apparent on the best tracks of Greatest Hits. Other Sylvers-produced tracks, "It's a Love Thing," "In the Raw," and the perfect "Keep on Lovin' Me," more than retain their punch and danceable appeal. Later tracks "Contagious" and "Tonight" suffer from synth overload. Unlike many greatest-hits sets, this has the group gaining momentum near the end of the effort.

The innovative "Rock Steady," produced by L.A. Reid and Babyface, gave the group its biggest hit. By the late '80s, the Whispers eased into a more pronounced balladic approach. Gary Taylor's melodic "My Heart Your Heart" and smooth "Is It Good to You" boast the smooth production values of the group's trademark romantic early-'90s sound. Despite a few omissions, Greatest Hits more than works as a substantial overview.

Tracks:

1. I Want You
2. Special FX
3. Rock Steady
4. No Pain, No Gain
5. In The Mood
6. Just Gets Better With Time
7. Love's Calling
8. Give It To Me
9. And The Beat Goes On [Extended Version]