Today’s trax includes Angela Bofill, The Trammps, Herbie Hancock, Johnny ‘D’ & Nicky ‘P’

Time to say goodbye – Angela Bofill (Angela came to prominence via her signing with Grusin/Rosen Productions, who was introduced to the label by Flautist Dave Valentin when she also partnered in her first group ‘Ricardo Marrero and The Group … written by Angela – from the album ‘Something about you’

Trusting heart – The Trammps (The band put together by Philadelphia session drummer Earl Young – culled from the city’s best musicians who were then assigned to ‘Buddah Records’ … Norman Harris who was part of the writing/production team whose “Golden Fleece Records” boutique label they later joined)

Just around the corner – Herbie Hancock (Chicago born child prodigy was working with Miles Davis who inspired him to broaden and stretch the musical boundaries of Jazz … recording primarily for Blue Note, Warner Brothers, Columbia Records – along the way having an international hit single produced by Material)

Wild kingdom – Johnny ‘D’ & Nicky ‘P’ (Also known as Johnny De Mairo & Nicholas Palermo Jnr who recorded under a variety of pseudonyms for independent Dance labels such as New York’s Fourth Floor … from the three trak 12 called “Brooklyn Zoo”)

Trax includes Jocelyn Brown, Norma Jean, Caroline Crawford, Raise the Roof feat.Shawnee Taylor

If I can’t have your love – Jocelyn Brown (One of Jocelyn early forays in the music industry was performing background vocals for Zulema also as ‘Something Different’ with “Plastic Ono Band – Yoko Ono both with Musique’ Christine Wiltshire … this trak is said to be Jocelyn’s first release as a solo artist which was on Posse Records)

Sorcerer – Norma Jean (Wright worked extensively Chic – who released her only solo album from which this 12 inch on Bearsville Records was culled … later Norma was also part of a duo with former Chic keyboardist Raymond Jones as ‘State of Art’ for Spike Lee’s ’40 Acres and a Mule Musicworks’)

Can’t hold me back – Carolyn Crawford (Known for her vocals on “Let’s start the dance – Hamilton Bohannon” … Carolyn was a solo Motown artist and later being part of a quartet ‘Hodges, James, Smith & Crawford’ before signing on the dotted line with Philadelphia International then unto Mercury Records)

Get happy – Raise the roof connection featuring Shawnee Taylor (Released on New York’s Permanent Records who spelt her first name wrong … Shawnee also recorded with such luminaires as Eric Morillo, Roland Clark, Harry Romero for labels such as King Street Sounds, Subliminal, Playland & Velocity Records to name a few)

Trax includes Side Effect, Village People, Civil Attack, Deep Zone Productions

The loneliest man in town – Side Effect (Originally assigned to Wayne Henderson’s ‘At Home Productions and Fantasy Records where they featured various female lead vocalists … band leader Augie Johnson recruited Miki Howard for their three “Elektra’ album releases – of which this trak was culled)

Sodom and Gomorrah – Village People (Lead vocalist Victor Willis was hand picked by French native writer/producer Jacques Morali for his Gay-inspired male group – they recorded for Black Scorpio MusicProductions/Casablanca Records … the used the group ‘Gypsy Lane’ as their backing musicians)

Plug it in – Civil Attack (Former Slave and Aurra musician Steve Washington pacted his latest group with Salsoul Records … also including in the lineup is Sheila E Washington – formerly of George Clinton “Bridges of Funkenstein” who were an ‘Atlantic Records’ act)

Groove me – Deep Zone Productions featuring Josephine (Put together my Mike Delgado & Matt Heilbronn was released on double vinyl in the U.S.A. and cd in Japan … using her middle name, Dance Diva Caroline Harding lays down her vocals)

Trax includes Chantel Mapp and 5am People, Judy Clayton, The Warriors, Victor Davies

Sunday morning blue – Chantel Mapp and 5 am People (Release on the very short-lived U.K. label “2 Groove Records” … written by Mapp, Freeth and Dzonu & produced by Kwashiel)

Love’s gonna find you – Judy Clayton (Written by Carole Bayer-Sayer and Melissa Manchester and mixed by Jim Burgess … released on Warner/Curb Records imprint … later re-edit/adjusted by Chicago’ Mr Peabody)

Destination – The Warriors (Whilst in the U.S. ‘Crown Heights Affair’ was were becoming the Boogie Kings under various pseudonyms offshoots … “Light of the World” was doing similar with Funk – released Ensign, on the same label as ‘Light’, and was featured their only album ‘Behind the mask’)

Sound of the Samba – Victor Davies (Remixed by “Masters at Work” also known as Louie Vega & Kenny ‘Dope’ Gonzalez … written and produced by the man himself which also featured an acoustic version on the original single release)

Trax includes The Whispers, Sister Sledge, Skibone feat. Tommy Ski, Jasper Street Company

(Olivia) Lost and turned out – The Whispers (Hailing from California, U.S.A., this vocal group has being plying their trade releasing trax on such record labels as Dore and Soul Clock … the major hits started coming when they were assigned to Don Cornelius/Dick Griffey’s Soul Train Records)

Cream of the crop – Sister Sledge ( Real life sisters from Philadelphia pacted with Cotillion Records – their first album was primarily written and produced by former “East Coast” members Gwen Guthrie & Pat Grant … Bobby Eli & Len Barry took care of the studio skills for this single)

Take it to the top – Skibone feat. Tommy Ski (Released on Washington’s Max Kidd/Trouble Funk’s label D.E.T.T. Records based in Washington, U.S.A. … Go-Go being the musical mainstay – they added some Hip-hop to their sound for this nugget)

Believe in me – Jasper Street Company (Jasper Street Company are Gospel House assemblage which was named after the Street where the Basement Boys Studio is based … lead vocalist Starr Adkins – from the album “Dj Spen presents In a Spensane World”)

Trax includes Dee Dee Wilde feat. Eugene Wilde, Michele’, Mass Production, Dee Holloway

I miss you – Dee Dee Wilde featured Eugene Wilde (From the talented musical ‘Broomfield’ family which includes her brother Eugene – his sister was assigned to Fourth & Broadway, part of Island Records which was loosely named after their address in Manhattan, New York)

Magic love – Michele’ (Recorded in Paris, France and ‘fine-tuned’ at Sigma Sound Studios, Philadelphia by “The Master Remixer” Tom Moulton … released by former Scepter/Wand Artist & Repertoire man Mel Cheren and owner of ‘West End Records’)

Firecracker – Mass Production (Ten piece Funk band from Virginia, U.S.A, who were assigned to Cotillion, a subsidiary of Atlantic Records and was released as a single ‘In purest form’ … this trak was the inspiration of ‘Me so horny – 2 Live Crew’)

I won’t surrender – Dee Holloway (No relation to former Gospel singer Loleatta … co-written by Dee & George Morel and released on Active Records – a boutique of Select which was mainly a Hip-hop label headed by Fred Munao)

Trax includes Calvin Richardson feat. Ann Nesby, Johnny Mathis, Leroy Hutson, Willy Washington feat. Jazmina

Love has finally come at last – Calvin Richardson feat. Ann Nesby (Inspired by Otis Redding, Sam Cooke amongst others – Calvin formed the group “Undacova” before going solo and has written for such luminaries as Charlie Wilson and Angie Stone … Ann was one of the lead vocalists of “Sounds of Blackness” which is based in Minneapolis, U.S.A.)

Begin the beguine – Johnny Mathis (Written by Cole Porter and was recorded by Artie Shaw and his Orchestra also Xavier Cugat and his Wardolf/Astoria Orchestra are two of the earliest versions … Johnny had to make a choice of two professions – athlete or singer, he chose the latter and was assigned to Columbia Records in the late Fifties)

Butterfat – Leroy Hutson (A former Howard University graduate and room mate/co-writer of Donny Hathaway … Leroy became the lead vocalist of “The Impressions” and later became a solo artist with Curtis Mayfield ‘Custom Records’ – from the album “Free Spirit feat. The free Spirit Symphony”

Rescue me (Y don’t U) – Willy Washington feat. Jazmina (Released on New York’s “Dance Tracks” and license to Slip n Slide in the U.K. … Willy was part of a quartet known as ‘Fantastic 4’ whilst Jazmina is also know as Leslie Oliverwho has been on such labels as ‘Kult’ & ‘Shelter’ Records)

Today’s trax includes Dynamic Superiors, Tuxedo Junction, Mtume, Cookie Watkins

Happy song – Dynamic Superiors (A near forgotten Motown group who released four albums on said label were originally from Washington … Extravagant Tony Washington was the lead vocalist of this quintet whose early death temporarily halted the group – from the album “Give and take”)

Volga Boatman – Tuxedo Junction (More familiarly known as “The Song of the Volga Boatmen” – this trak was a mega hit for Glen Miller Orchestra in the Early Forties … Disco producers extraordinaire ‘Laurin Rinder & Michael Lewis’ put this studio band together for Butterfly Records)

Hip dipped skipped a beat – Mtume (Band featured James Mtume, Reggie Lucas, Hubert Eaves, Howard King & Tawatha Agee and others … Mtume & Lucas produced Stephanie Mills and Phyliss Hyman amongst others … whilst Eaves & King became Boogie specialists D-Train & The Strangers/Network respectively)

Love can save – Cookie Watkins (Cookie has been performing across America in a variety of venues to live audiences for a number of years … released on Strictly Rhythm Records – written by Tim Titsworth and mixed by George Morel)

Trax includes The Whispers, Eddie Kendricks , Michael White, Kings of Tomorrow feat. Densaid

Butta – The Whispers (Written by Teena Marie with co-production by Doug Grigsby – this trak appeared on their ‘For years only’ album on ” Satin Tie Productions” … The Whispers started off as ‘The Scott Twins’ in the Early Sixties before teaming up with the others to make up the quintet)

I never used to dance – Eddie Kendricks (After years with Motown Records as the lead vocalist of “The Temptations” and later as a solo artists Eddie pacted with Arista Records … written by a trio who has recorded both as ‘Convertion’ & ‘Logg’ and has also worked with producer Patrick Adams)

Get back – Michael White (Having worked with some of the Jazz Greats including Sun Ra, John Handy, Pharaoh Sanders amongst others … digging into ‘The Beatles’ songbook – violinist Michael brought in Alex Brown for the lead vocals)

I’m so grateful – Kings of Tomorrow feat. Densaid (Originally released on New York’s ‘Zestland Records’ which was remixed re-released on U.K.’s “Slip n Slide” … ‘Kings of Tomorrow’ are Jay Sealee and Sandy Rivera)

Today’s trax includes Leela James, The Whatnauts, Suede, Mondo Grosso

Music – Leela James (Leela pays tribute to the music she grew up with and name checks Aretha, Chaka, Marvin, Donnie … “can we put the thongs away … it’s all bout the video … someone hollering’ about bitch and hoe” are some of her lyrics)

Help is on the way – The Whatnauts ( The Whatnauts were known for their recordings on Sylvia & Joe Robinson’s All Platinum group of labels … mixed by New York’s superstar Dj Tee Scott on Harlem International Records)

Determination – Suede (Former ‘Sun’ vocalist/drummer Kym Yancey produced & released on Canadian ‘Neige Records’ … it was later remixed and re-released but was credited to Yancey on U.S. Critique Records)

Star suite – Mondo Grosso feat Monday Michiru (Mondo Grosso is the brainchild of Japanese Shinichi Osawa with a variety of musicians and usually U.S female vocalists … remixed by Blaze and released on New York’s ‘King Street Sounds’)

Today’s trax includes South Shore Commission, Universal Robot Band, Sparque, Sole Fusion

Any day now – South Shore Commission (Co-written by Burt Bacharach and originally a hit for Chuck Jackson on Wand Records … re-recorded for aforementioned label and produced by Dick Griffey who later became the owner of “SOLAR” – an acronym for ‘Sound Of Los Angeles Records’)

Disco Trek (Star Trek Theme) – Universal Robot Band (Put together by Messrs Patrick Adams & the lesser known Gregory Carmichael – who has worked both independently and together and writers and/or producers putting together some of New York’s finest Disco platters including the studio group “Inner Life”)

Music turns me on – Sparque (From the musical mind of Larry Joseph – who was known for his various studio projects … as a ‘Jack of all trades’, he did most jobs in the studio and his worx were released by variety of mainly New York record labels)

We can make it – Sole Fusion (Pierre Salandy is the uncredited vocalist and co-writer … produced by Louie Vega for “Masters at Work Productions Inc” … released on New York’s ‘Strictly Rhythm Records’)

Today’s trax includes Shirley Brown, Voyage, The Creations, Stephanie Cooke feat Kenny Bobien

Anticipation – Shirley Brown (From The Bar-kays song-book who were previously to Stax Records – Shirley was discovered by Bluesman Albert King and was assigned to Truth, the Gospel arm of Stax … from the album “Fire & Ice” released on Malaco Records)

From East to West – Voyage (Some of France’s top session musicians who recorded under a variety pseudonyms including ‘The Peppers’ came together as Voyage … recorded in London’s Trident Studios with U.K. & French vocalists – additional ‘fine tuning’ in their capital city of Paris)

Kinky girl – The Creations (Released on ‘Dre-Mar Records’ – an independent label out of Philadelphia, U.S.A. however this trak was recorded at Bob Blank’s “Blank Tape Recording Studio”, New York with one of their in-house engineers Butch Jones)

Love’s been right here – Stephanie Cooke feat. Kenny Bobien (Based and inspired by the address of “Paradise Garage” night club – Kings Street Sounds became New York’s favourite ‘House’ record label … co-written by Stephanie, Kenny & Moise Laporte – who produced the original & remixed by “Blaze”)

Today’s trax includes Stanley Turrentine feat. Jean Carn, Sylvester, B.T.Express, N.Y. House’n Authority

Night breeze – Stanley Turrentine feat. Jean Carn (Jean returns to her Jazz roots, when she teams up with saxophonist – Stanley who has recorded over 50 albums which includes the iconic Jazz label ‘Blue Note Records’ which was co-founded by German born Alfred Lion)

Grateful – Sylvester (Having being part of ‘The Cockettes’ – an avantgarde coterie of hippie actor/musicians out of San Francisco, Sylvester put together ‘The Hot Band’ which recorded for “Blue Thumb” & later was assigned to Honey Productions/Fantasy Records as a solo artist)

Still good, still I like it – B.T. Express (Brooklyn Transit Express were a self-contained band from New York whose trax were released on ‘Roadshow’ distributed “Scepter/Wand Records” owned by Florence Greenberg – who allowed some of their Mid-Seventies catalogue to be remixed by Tom Moulton)

Apt. 3A – N.Y. House n Authority (Burrell (twin brothers) released an album for U.K.’s Virgin Records and when it faulted financially – they freelanced with ‘Nu Groove Records’ … as stated on the vinyl release ‘Everythang by Rheji Burrell’)

Trax includes Mavis Staples, Finished Touch feat. Harold Johnson, War, Farley Jackmaster Funk feat. Ti-ty-rone

All because of you – Mavis Staples (Mavis was originally part of her family’s vocal group – ‘The Staple Singers’ … later assigned to Prince’s “Paisley Park Records” which includes ‘The Voice’ album composed by Danny Madden, Rick Brown & Billy Beck)

The Down Sound – Finished Touch feat. Harold Johnson (Formed by Motown various in-house musicians such as Michael & Brenda Sutton later recorded for ‘Sam Records’, Kenny Stover wrote for Diana Ross, Tavares & Marvin Gaye amongst others)

Slipping into darkness – War (Originally called ‘Nightshift’ but they changed their name after becoming the backing band for the former lead vocalist of ‘The Animals’ … War later ‘jammed’ with Bob Marley in Germany which inspired him to write “Get up, stand up”)

Pray 4 me – Farley Jackmaster Funk feat. Ti-Ty-Rone (Farley is former member of Chicago’s “Hot Mix Five” Djs, witch also included Kenny ‘Jammin’ Jason & Ralphi Rosario … Farley also became a writer/producer & recording artist – released on London’s ‘4 Liberty Records’)

Today’s trax Truth Hurts, Touch, Barry White, Blackout Allstars

For your precious love – Truth Hurts (Originally co-written by Jerry Butler and was a mega-hit for his group “The Impressions”… Truth Hurts was an artist on ‘Aftermath Entertainment’ with Shari Watson on lead vocals – this trak was featured on the “Ali” movie sound track)

Love hangover – Touch (Diana Ross’s monster Disco anthem spawned a number of cover versions … released by Brunswick Records & produced by Tony Valor of “It’s too late – Fantasy” – with help from Tom Moulton at Sigma Sound Studios, Philadelphia)

Thank you – Barry White (Written by Sly Stone – this trak has been covered by the Good, the Bad & the Rest however when Barry … who did not do many covers, decided to give it the ‘Barry treatment’ without losing any of it’s originality)

I like it like that – Blackout Allstars (Put together for a latin movie of the same name … featuring a variety of stars including Grover Washington Jnr, Ray Barretto, Sheila E, Tito Puente and David Valentin amongst others – remixed by Bobby D’Ambrosio)

Trax feat. Sylvester, Wayne St John, Brand New Heavies & Main Source, Harley & Muscle

Shadow of the heart – Sylvester (After leaving Fantasy, Sylvester joined with San Francisco based Megatone Records headed by his friend – the wunderkind Patrick Cowley … written by Kathy Wakefield Jay Grushka and was featured on his album ‘M-1015;)

Somethings up (love me like the first time) – Wayne St. John (Canadian “Three Hats Poductions” released their fellow countryman single on U.S.’s Salsoul Records … Wayne was in a variety of local groups including ‘St.John’, & written by U.K.’s Gary Benson)

Bonafide funk – Brand New Heavies & Main Source (U.K.’s Funk band encamped to the U.S.A. & whilst there – they were assigned to “Delicious Vinyl Records” and recorded with a variety of Hip-hop artists including Masta Ace and Gang Starr)

The King – Harley & Muscle (Inspired and featuring the radio announcement(s) of the fatal attack on Dr. Martin Luther King in Memphis, U.S.A. in 1969 – featuring Mauro Capitale on saxophone … Italian Djs/producers Harley & Muscle heads their own “Little Angel Records”)

Trax featured Norman Connors, The Trammps, Private Eye, Awa-Klash,

I am your melody – Norman Connors (Philadelphia born drummer/writer/producer Norman was assigned to Capitol Records where he introduced vocalist Spencer Harrison … written by Jacques Burvick & saxophonist Marion Meadows – from his album “Passion”)

Rubberband – The Trammps (Philadelphia session drummer & MFSB member put together a group who released singles on Buddah Records before moving unto Philadelphia International & Atlantic … this trak has since been ‘sampled/interpolated’ by The Game, J Dilla and others)

Hot girl – Private Eye (This self- contained trio was assigned to Fantasy Records and released their solo album featuring session vocalist Clayoven Richardson & drummer William Kennedy … the cd edition was later released by France’s Boogie Times Records)

Akoba – Awa-KLash (Awa Band & KLash Productions teamed up for this release on Francois Kervorkian’s New York based Wave Music … featuring vocalist Larry Akuza and re-edited by Danny Krivit)

Trax feat. Lamont Johnson, First Choice, Funkadelic, Subculture feat. LeJuan

Hey girl – Lamont Johnson (Lamont was part of the self-contained Detroit group “Brainstorm” who was assigned to Clarence Avant’s ‘Tabu Records’ – who also released his solo album … written by Gerry Goffin & Carol King and originally recorded by Freddie Scott)

Guess what Mary Jones did – First Choice (Previously named “Silver Rings” just before their initial single release on ‘Scepter Records’ … co-written by Norman Harris & ‘Philly Groove Records’ supremo Stan ‘The Man’ Watson which was recorded at Sigma Sound, Philadelphia)

(Not just) Knee deep Funkadelic (Emigrating to Detroit from New Jersey anticipating to get a record deal with ‘Motown Records’ … after they couldn’t use their original name – George Clinton used the backing band to continue their career who for a short while were known as “The Funkedelics”)

My way – Subculture feat. LeJuan (Released on Chicago’s cult “Afterhours” label – written Ron Carroll and produced by both Rick Garcia & Ron Carroll … featuring ‘essence’ of ‘Dr. Love – First Choice on Salsoul Records’)

Today’s trax feat. Shadow, Goody Goody, Mass Production, The Committee

No better love – Shadow (‘Shadow’ consisted of three former members of the “Ohio Players”, they were supposed to be shrouded in mystery – hence the name, however the credits gave them away … from the album ‘Love Lite on Elektra Records)

Super jock – Goody Goody (After departing Salsoul Records – Vince Montana was assigned to Atlantic Records as two different artists, one as his surname … written mainly by Montana and featured his daughter Denise as vocalist – recorded at Sigma Sound, Philadelphia, U.S.A)

People get up – Mass Production were a ten piece band from Norfolk, U.S.A., who dipped their toes in Soul, Disco but mainly Funk and who recorded for Cotillion Records – from their second album “Believe”)

Scream and shout – The Committee (Released in Eric Morillo’s Subliminal Records – this is another of ‘Kings of Tomorrow productions, which was a variety of pseudonyms of Sandy Rivera, Jose Burgos & Jay ‘Sinister’ Sealee)

Trax feat. Roberta Flack, Sandra Feva, Skyy, Uptempo

Bridge over troubled water – Roberta Flack (Written by Paul Simon of the “Simon & Garfunkel” duo which was monster hit for them … Roberta’s version was arranged by Eumir Deodato and was featured on her third ‘Atlantic Records’ album “Quiet Fire”)

You want it, you got it – Sandra Feva (Michigan based ‘Feva’ was formally known as ‘Richardson’ who recorded for such labels as Buddah & Dellwood Records … later she recorded for “Grandstand” also “Venture” Records – from which this track is culled)

Givin’ it (to you) – Skyy (The bulk of Skyy’s catalogue was released on Salsoul Records and all mainly produced by Randy Muller with band member Solomon Roberts – band members includes three sisters from the same family … this trak came from their Capitol Records album)

Rise – Uptempo (Released on New Jersey’s “Gossip Records” – this is the cover of “A&M Records” Head honcho Herb Alpert’s hit … arranged and produced by duo John Garcia & Greg Bahary – ‘Uptempo’ was just one of their various pseudonyms)

Trax featuring Act One, Coffee, Edwin Birdsong , Daphne

Still water – Act One (Brought to “Spring Records by producer Raeford Gerald – a cover of the Four Tops hit written by Smokey Robinson and Frank Wilson … this group only released one album – later with an added vocalist and a change of name, they moved unto Mainstream Records)

I wanna be with you – Coffee (First released on Midwest International as a single then picked up by Delite Records before been re-released on their debut album … Chicago-an female trio produced by Clarence Johnson who has been known as the writer/producer of “Heaven & Earth” – another Chicago vocal group)

Rapper Dapper Snapper – Edwin Birdsong (Working with Roy Ayers for number of years and releasing a few solo albums – Edwin landed on Salsoul Records with “Funtaztik” … his compositions has since been sampled by ‘Daft Punk’ and others)

When you love somebody – Daphne (Co-written by Daphne Vega and Peter Daou – released on “Maxi Records” … produced by Danny Tenaglia & Peter Daou … Daphne (Vega) is also a Tony nominated Broadway Singer/Actress)

Trax feat The Dells, Destination, Osiris, Dionne

Waiting for you – The Dells (This Chicago-an five piece vocal group were together for a approximately 60 years – with only one line-up change … written by current/former “MFSB” musicians and recorded at Sigma Sound, Philadelphia and produced by “The Harris Machine” headed by Norman Harris)

My No.1 request – Destination (Producer/Remixer Elton Ahi came to world prominence via the 12 inch of “Uptown Festival” – a medley of Motown past hits … released on Butterfly Records was a studio ensemble for a one-off Disco album)

Fantality – Osiris (Hailing from Washington D.C – head honcho Osiris March has been plying his trade – from as far back as the late Sixties/Early Seventies … later putting a band together which at one time also featured Tyrone ‘The Smurf’ Brunson)

Your lies – Dionne (Originally released on Canadian’s “Bigshot Records” and licensed to the U.K.s ‘City Beat’ – co-written by label owner Andrew Komis … Dionne (Warren) later released a cd on her own ‘Miss D Records’ where she wrote all the lyrics on said album)

Trax presents Curtis Mayfield feat. Sandra St. Victor, Van McCoy, Babatunde Olatunji, Joi Cardwell

I believe in you – Curtis Mayfield feat. Sandra St. Victor (Former and original member of The Impressions of Chicago and owner of “Curtom Records” – Curtis also known for such soundtracks as ‘Superfly’ & ‘Let’s do it again’ … top session vocalist for Chaka Khan and others plus female lead of band of “The Family Stand”)

Turn this mother out – Van McCoy & The Soul City Symphony (A prolific writer/producer who had releasess with artists such as Aretha Franklin, The Marvelettes, Melba Moore, Barbara Lewis … putting to gather a studio ‘Big Band’ and releasing trax them on Buddha also on AVCO/Hugo & Luigi)

Takuta – Babatundi Olatunji (Having released the grounding-breaking album “Drums of Passion” around 1959/60 on Columbia Records in the U.S – which featured “Gin-Go-Lo-Ba” which is now commonly known as “Jingo” which has since been covered by ‘Santana’ and others)

Last chance for love – Joi Cardwell (Joi recorded sessions for various Hip-hop & Free-Style artists and became the lead vocalist for such Dj/Producer(s) as Fred Jorio & Tommy Musto … writing and produced for her own No-Mad Industries – Pacific Drive Mix)

Trax feat. Gerald Levert & Eddie Levert, Cerrone, Sly Stone, 7th District Inc. feat. Michael Procter

Wind beneath my wings – Gerald Levert featuring Eddie Levert (from the album “Father and Son” … The O’Jay’s lead vocalist Eddie teams up with his son for a rendition of this standard which was re-introduced to the populous by Bette’ Midler)

Black is black – Cerrone (A hit for “Los Bravos Trio” in the Sixties French National Marc Cerrone re-arranges this Latin American trek and introduces synthesisers, swirling Strings and background vocals)

Crossword puzzle – Sly Stone (“The High Priest of Funk” as the leader of his group ‘The Family Stone’ he set a precedence by having a interracial and mixed sex band … from the album ‘High on you’ released on Epic Records)

Getaway – 7th District Inc feat. Michael Procter (former “Fifth Dimension” vocalist teams up with Swiss duo Sergio Flores & Lorenzo Al Dino as known as ‘7th District Inc.’ to give a new lease of life to the Underground Funk nugget)

Trax feat. Sweet James Epps, Sylvester, Peoples Choice, Bobby D’Ambrosio feat. Alicia Hill

Love at first sight – Sweet James Epps (Coming from the State of Michigan, U.S.A., James was a member of “The Fantastic Four” who recorded for Ric Tic Records – which was later engulfed by The Motown Corporation … in between dropping four albums for Westbound – James recorded a few solo singles)

Can’t stop dancin’ – Sylvester (After being member of ‘The Cockettes’ – he then fronted ‘Sylvester & the Hot Band’ then he moved unto Fantasy Records/Honey Productions headed by former Motown producer/executive Harvey Fuqua … written by Sylvester James – from the album ”Living Proof”)

If I knew then what I knew now – Peoples Choice (Peoples Choice leader Frank Brunson has been plying his trade since the Fifties via various small independent labels and groups … Signing to Philadelphia International and later with the Remix Maestro Tom Moulton’s “Tom N Jerry Records” then distributed by Casablanca)

In the spirit of love – Bobby D’Ambrosio feat. Alicia Hill(Bobby released one of the few ‘long player’ on David Morales’s Definity Records – featuring a bevy of vocalists including Michelle Weeks & Kelli Sae … interestingly enough the U.S. edition of the cd has a slightly different trak listing to the European listing)

Trax featuring Betty Wright & Marvin Gaye, Salsoul Orchestra, Jerome Prister, Orienta-Rhythm feat. Lonnie Gordon

Distant lover – Betty Wright & Marvin Gaye (Re-creating a duet with the late Marvin was a dream for who Betty came from a musical family & started recording in her mid-teens later having a major hit on Alston Records … Marvin early career included drummer for Harvey Fuqua’s “Tri-Phi & Harvey Records” which later became part of the Motown conglomerate)

Standing and waiting for love – Salsoul Orchestra (Vincent Montana Jnr was introduced the Cayre Brothers – the owners of “Mericana Records” by Joe Bataan … they suggested that he bring them three recordings with his musical ideas, later naming the ensemble of players after Joe’s Mericana album – the Salsoul Orchestra was born)

Say you’ll be – Jerome Prister & Output (As a co-writer of Prelude Records’ “Secret Weapon” biggest hit, his new label decided to add this previous band to his name – presumably to sell sell more records … mixed by Patrick Adams and released on Tuff City Records)

Falling in and out of love – Orienta-Rhythm feat. Lonnie Gordon (Japanese trio Djs/producers Daisuke Miyamoto, Kazuhiro Masuno & Kenny pooled their talents to become known as ‘Orienta-Rhythm … Lonnie worked with U.K.s Stock, Aiken & Waterman amongst others – released on New York’s King Street Sounds)

Trax featured David Sea, Loose Change, Joe Thomas, Joi Cardwell

Turn out the stars – David Sea (David was assigning to Alabama’s “Magic City” before moving to Japanese ‘Victor Records’ … trak was written by Jim Weatherly who is known for such classics as ‘Neither one of us’ – from the album “Love makes the world go round” which was produced by Frederick Knight on ‘Park Place Records’)

Love is just a heartbeat away – Loose Change (Chicago trio was put together by Producer/Remixer Tom Moulton, with musical assistance by Thor Baldursson & John Davis … they released one album for Tom’s own “Tom N Jerry Records” then part of Casablanca – written by Reid Whitelaw known for his “Moment of Truth” composition/production on Salsoul Records)

Funky fever – Joe Thomas (Inspired by his brother Frank – Joe picked a variety of woodwind instruments including the saxophone & flute … recording mainly for “Groove Merchant Records” and “Lester Radio Corporation” after his stint with ‘Cobblestone’ as the ‘Joe Thomas Group’)

Touble – Joi Cardwell (Having writing and providing vocals to such titans as Kashif and LLCool J Joi became the featured vocalist for a variety of Djs/Producers before Joi debuted her long player ‘The World is full of Trouble’ on New York’s independent “Eightball Records”

Trax featured Alyson Williams, Gino Soccio, Webster Lewis, Alexander Hope

Everybody knew about me – Alyson Williams (Daughter of a Jazz musician, former session singer and co-lead vocalist was assigned to Tommy Boy Records where she reinterpreted the Pointers Sisters nugget … later she was affiliated with Def Jam where she recorded three long players including a remix album)

Dance to dance – Gino Soccio (Canadian studio wunderkind Gino was majorly involved with the iconic “Kebekeletrik” project – a four trak album which was tweaked by Tom Moulton and released on Salsoul … assigned to Celebration Records, his trax were licenced to mainly Warner Records worldwide)

Barbara Ann – Webster Lewis (Written by Webster and recorded by the Piano Orchestra … lyrics and vocals added by Barbara Ingram – a session singer working mainly of Sigma sound Studios … from the album “Touch my soul” which was released on Epic Records)

Dancin’ – Alexander Hope (Originally featured on the “Brazen” original soundtrak which was released on Epic Records – Alexander is/was also known as Josh Milan, co-writer/co-producer duo “Blaze” … Alexander’s trax has been released on such labels as West End, Easy Street, Perfect Pair and Shelter Records)

Trax feat. Randy Crawford, K C & the Sunshine Band, Tony Remy, Cerrone

Give me the night – Randy Crawford (Although she started her recording career in the early ’70’s Randy never really got ears interested until “Raw Silk” – her long player on Warner Brothers Records and later giving her sizeable hits with her future trax … reinventing the masterpiece written by U.K.’s songsmith Rod Temperton)

Keep it coming – K C & the Sunshine Band (Back room boys at both Florida’s Criteria Studios and Henry Stone’s coterie of labels – Wayne ‘KC Casey and Richard Finch developed their musical skills, with the assistance of Criteria’ session musicians ‘The Sunshine Band’ was born … George McCrae international hit was one of their early compositions)

Glide – Tony Remy (Having becoming one of London’s top session guitarist working with such luminaries as Simply Red, Courtney Pine Annie Lennox plus others … GRP Records came calling around the same time as they signed Flautist Phillip Bent – Tony reinterpret musical diamond originally recorded for Fantasy Records)

Not too shabby – Cerrone (French Disco Superstar Marc Cerrone first came to prominence via “Kongas” – a Disco/Rock assemblage, later decamping to London to record and release an album under his surname only which became a must-have to every worthwhile Dj because of it’s international dance floor action … from the album ‘Cerrone by Jamie Lewis’)

Trax featured Eric Benet featuring Tamia, Tavares, Ohio Players, Blaze

Spend my life with you – Eric Benet feat. Tamia (Known as part of a duo “Benet” who was assigned to EMI Music before going solo … Warner Brothers was his musical port of call along the way becoming an actor who was became a Grammy nominated musician)

The mighty power of love – Tavares (Family of brothers who changed the name from “Chubby & The Turnpikes” because it did not translate well in Europe – Tavares was mainly recorded for Capitol Records although they did sign with RCA their departure … co-written & produced by Freddie Perren, from the album ‘Sky High’)

Funk-o-nots – Ohio Players (Taking their name from the State that they came from – this self-contained band was assigned to such labels as Capitol & Westbound Records before becoming more successful at Mercury … Some members later formed a band named ‘Shadow’ who went with Elektra Records – who were building the “Black Music” roster)

Revolution poem – Blaze (New Jersey duo : Josh Milan & Kevin Hedges – writers, producers remixers tentacles spread to a plethora of independent labels in and around New York & New Jersey … from the album : Natural Blaze – Blaze Production presents James Toney Jnr. Project)

Trax Charles Earland, Citi, Public Enemy, Kim Crawford

Take me to Heaven – Charles Earland (Known for being heavy-handed with the organ – Charles was assigned to such Jazz labels as Prestige & Muse Records then later joining Columbia … co-written by featured vocalist Alex Brown)

Heart Attack – Citi (Influenced by in parts ‘Euro Disco’ and featured lead vocals by Lee Genesis – this studio entity was released on New York’s independent De-lite Records known as the home of ‘Kool & the Gang’)

Get off my back – Public Enemy (Originally called ‘Spectrum City’ before a slight tweak of line-up and musical genre plus a change of record label … feat an interpolation of ‘Give up the the funk’ aka ‘Tear the roof of the sucker’ – Parliament headed by George Clinton)

Freedom – Kim Crawford (Written by Kim and Ed ‘The Red’ Goltsman – arranged and produced by for his Botton Line Records, then based in ‘The Big Apple’, U.S.A.)

Trax featured Calvin Richardson feat. Ann Nesby, Johnny Mathis, Leroy Hutson, Willy Washington feat. Jazmina

Love has finally come at last – Calvin Richardson feat. Ann Nesby (Inspired by Otis Redding, Sam Cooke amongst others – Calvin formed the group “Undacova” before going solo and has written for such luminaries as Charlie Wilson & Angie Stone … Ann was one of the lead vocalists with the group “Sounds of Blackness” which is based in MinneapolisU.S.A.)

Begin the beguine – Johnny Mathis (Written by Cole Porter and recorded by Artie Shaw and his Orchestra also Xavier Cugat & his Wardolf/Astoria Orchestra as the two of the earliest versions … Johnny had to make a choice of two professions – athlete or singer obviously he chose the latter been assigned to Columbia Records in the late Fifties)

Butterfat – Leroy Hutson (Former Howard University graduate and room mate/co-writer of Donny Hathaway … Leroy became the lead vocalist of ‘The Impressions’ and later a solo artist assigned to Curtom Records – from the album “Free Spirit feat. The Free Spirit Symphony”)

Rescue me (Y don’t U) – Willy Washington feat. Jazmina (Released on New York’s “Dance Tracks and licensed to ‘Slip N Slide’ in the U.K. … Willy was part of a quartet ‘Fantastic 4’ whilst Jazmina is also known as Leslie Oliver who has been featured vocalist on such labels as ‘Kult’ & ‘Shelter’ Records)

Trax feat The Futures, Gloria Gaynor, The Play Boys, Shot featuring Kim Marsh

I had a dream – The Futures (Five piece Philadelphian vocal group including brothers James and John King … signing to local labels such as Kenny Gamble’s independent “Gamble Records” – later moving to Buddah where they release their first long player ‘Castles in the Sky’ from which this trak is culled)

Going out of my head – Gloria Gaynor (Assigned to ‘Disco Corporation of America’ production company – after an earlier false start, where she has successes on M.G.M Records … now on Polydor she covers the ‘Little Anthony & The Imperials hit written Teddy Randazzo composition – from the album ‘Love Tracks’)

Bumpin-bustop – The Play Boys (Written and produced by Dave Pryor, arranged by the band … released on Gold Future Records of St. Louis, Missouri, U.S.A.)

Main thing – Shot feat Kim Marsh (Written and produced by Roger ‘Wolfie’ Williams and released on New York’s Easy Street … licenced to “The Affair Records” in the U.K.)

Trax featuring Zoom, Family Affair, Change, Nicole (McCloud)

Love Seasons – Zoom (Signed to Polydor Records – this eight piece self-sufficient band also featured songsmiths within the band … produced by James Gadson who’s production and drumming skills includes such heavyweights as Bill Withers, Patti Labelle, Bobby Womack & Vernon Burch to name a few)

Call me – Family Affair (Written by Tony Hatch who was after an in house producer for Pye Records … writing & producing the trak for Petula Clark — which later became a ‘Middle of the Road’ sung by such luminaries as Frank Sinatra & Shirley Bassey then later re-imagining it for the Disco dancers and listeners)

It burns me up – Change (Change was a studio concept which inspired by the U.S. band “Chic” as a blueprint for Italian production company ‘Goody Goody Music’ … using primarily Italian musicians and New York vocalists – produced by Jimmy Jam & Terry Lewis, from the album “Change of Heart”)

Long train runnin’ (without love) – Nicole’ (Nicole McCloud’s early works were produced by Lou Pace before becoming the Doyenne of Dance Music … covering the Doobie Brothers’ evergreen – released on “Aureus Records)

Trax featuring The Bar-kays, The Heaven ‘N’ Hell Orchestra, Randy Muller, Ooscha

Anticipation – The Bar-kays (Signing to Stax in the Mid-Sixties – then tragedy struck killing some members … regrouping with additional members – they moved to Mercury Records where they released over ten albums including ‘Propositions’ from which this trak is culled)

Whatcha gonna do – Heaven N Hell Orchestra (A track from the original soundtrak ‘Nocturna’ … written and produced by Reid Whitelaw & Norman Bergen – featuring Sigma Sound musicians The Sweethearts, Larry Washington & Don Renaldo Strings & Horns and released on MCA Records)

Call me – Randy Muller (Guyanese born, New York based Randy started his professional musical career by becoming a schoolboy arranger for producer Jeff Lane, later writing, arranging and producing for such acts as B.T. Express, Brass Construction, Garnet Mims, The Persuaders & Skyy … re-imagining one of his compositions)

Just a matter of time – Ooscha (Recorded in Chicago and released on Atlantic Records … featuring the talents of Steve Hurley, Maurice Joshua, Jere McAllister, Jamie Principle, Chantay Savage & produced by Eric ‘E-Smoove’ Miller for Hurley’s I.D. Productions)

Trax featuring Vince Ebo, Barry White, Eddie Henderson, Valerie Ingram

It’s over – Vince Ebo ( Vince was part of a duo called ‘The Fit’ who recorded for A&M Records before going solo … releasing his only album “Love is the better way” on Warner Alliance – part of Christian/Gospel arm of Warner Brothers)

It ain’t love baby (until you give it) – Barry White (After his major success with 20th Century Records, Barry formed his own record label – “Unlimited Gold” for his various productions to be released … available in both 7 & 12 inch format were culled from his ‘The Message is Love’ album)

Funk Surgeon – Eddie Henderson (Inspired by both Louis Armstrong and Miles Davis who were family friends – Eddie picked up the trumpet … recording with such heavyweights as Herbie Hancock, Norman Connors & Charles Earland before signing a contract with Capricorn Records)

Are you faithful. – Valerie Ingram (Released on New Jersey’s “Movin Records” – written & produced by Rashad Muhammad & Boyd Jarvis with additional lyrics by Valerie … background vocals by Charvoni & Sonya Rogers)