ACMJ International Blog

Marc Jordan / Live At El Mocambo +1

Vivid Sound has announced to reissue one of the hardest-to-get album of Marc Jordan, "Live At El Mocambo" alternatively known as "Secrets Live" here in Japan on February 20, 2008 as one of the Ligh Mellow's Choice series supervised by Toshikazu Kanazawa. This album was originally released in 1981 on RCA/RVC Records, Canada and Japan. And in 1992, the album was once re-released on CD in France by La Califusa Records. Recorded live April 11, 1980 at El Mocambo, Tronto Canada, the album was produced by Keith Whiting and Marc. 5 tracks out of 9 were unreleased materials, and 4 tracks; "I'm A Camera", "Survival", "Lost In The Hurrah" and "From Nowhere To This Town" were from Marc's first two solo albums "Mannequin" (1978) and "Blue Desert" (1979). Only those well-known 4 tunes were included later on Marc's another live album entitled "Live- Now & Then" in 1997. Therefore, many Marc's fan are eager to have a chance to listen to 5 unreleased materials only on this live album.

Finally, remastered reissued CD will be available and you should also note that the new version will include a bonus live tracks at El Mocambo. The tune is "Tattooed Lady" from the album "Blue Desert"! Thus, even if you were lucky enough to have the original LP and/or French reissued CD, you cannot help getting the new reissued CD!

Fonda Feingold /Fonda Fein Gold +4

There is not so many late 70's or early 80's under-rated artists left behind now, who should be properly re-evaluted by us, Adult Contemporary music freaks because everybody has serached out and checked almost all the possible vinyls released in those days. Fonda Feingold must be the one. 70's. Fonda Feinglod released her solo debut album entitled "Fonda Feingold" for Polygram (Mercury) in 1978 featuring David Lasley and Arnold McCuller on background vocals.
Due to lack of label's enough promotion, Fonda's critically acclaimed album was shelved along with a lot of other great music of its time. Honestly speaking, I have not been aware how Fonda's 1978 album was really excellent "light and mellow" vocal album before Fonda contacted me a few years ago by e-mail. Once I got her 1978 album through the famous e-bay, I have been waiting for her come-back album release. For your information, you can also find her name as a keyboard player on your familiar albums including Paul Davis' 1980 self-title album.
In April 2005, she released her self-producing come-back album "Before and After" which was reviewed as one of my recommended albums of 2005's. And now in 2007, we are pleased to let you know that her self-title debut album is now reissued on CD by Vivid Sound as one of the Toshikazu Kanazawa's "Light Mellow Choices" releases. It should be also noted that this reissued CD includes 4 bonus tracks taken from her self-released 1980's 4 tracks EP (limited 1,000 copies pressed ) "Finally", two of which were produced by Paul Davis. I believe that this is one of the must-buy albums for you.

Label : Vivid Sound Corp., Japan (VSCD-3358)
[Origial Release Mercurry/Phonogram,USA (SRM-1-3721)]
Release Date: July 18, 2007 (Original Release Year: 1978)
Producer: Hank Medress, David Appell
Fonda Feingold: Lead & Background Vocals, Keyboards

Tracks
1. Fly
2. Warm In The Night
3. Feelin' Your Love
4. Gift Of A Love Song
5. What Is It, Anyway?
6. Day Dreamin'
7. Whatever Happened To Harry?
8. I'll Never Let You Know You're Breaking My Heart
9. The Catchin'
10. Abby Knows
11. Livin' Without You (bonus track)
12. Would You Mind Too Much? (bonus track)
13. Taking Our Own Sweet Time (bonus track)
14. She Cries Like A Rainy Night (bonus track)

Recent Japanese female vocalists CD reissues to note

As you may know, there were many Japanese artists' albums recorded in Los Angeles produced and backed up by first-call L.A. musicians in late 70's and early 80's. Some of them are really worth being revisited and others are not......
Hiromi Iwasaki, one of the top female idol singer in late 70's / early 80's, recorded an album "I Won't Break Your Heart" in 1984. She was a little bit different from other young female idol singers of that day in terms of her vocal talent and thus Hiromi is now one of the top musical actress and has been releasing very good contemporary pop albums over the years. The album "I Won't Break Your Heart" was recorded at Lighthouse Recorders, North Hollywood from Jan.16 to Feb.13, 1984 with Steve Lukather, Michael Landau, David Foster, Bill Champlin, Neil Stubenhaus, David Boruff, Randy Kerber, Carmen Grillo and many others. Only 2 songs out of 10 original songs on this album are in English and rest 8 songs are in Japanese. The 2 English songs "Both Of Us" and "Every Now And Then" are very good duet tunes featuring Bill Champlin. This album was reissued on CD once but has been out of print over the years. Now in 2007, This album is reissued again as one of twenty two Hiromi Iwasaki's albums reissue series. This might be a good 80's pop album for you. Why don't you try?

The Other one you might have to pay attention is Tantan's 1978 album "Trying To Get To You". Taeko Morino, aka Tantan, completed this solo album with Tom Saviano who arranged 8 songs rhythm section on this album. Steve Lukather, Ed Green, Lenny Castro and many others were involved. This album is all English vocal album including many R&B / Contemporary covers such as "Day Break" written by David Pomeranz, well-known by Cheryl Lynn's version, "Better Days" originally performed by Melissa Manchester and "Trying To Get To You" known for Valerie Carter's version. This is not so much surprising album but worth trying.

Patti Austin / Patti Austin (1984) Reissue!

This must be also one of the long-awaited CD reissues. 1984's self-titled album "PATTI AUSTIN" is her follow-up to her 1982's smash hit pop album "Every Home Should Have One" including #1 pop hit single "Baby Come To Me" duet with James Ingram for Quincy Jones' Qwest label. Patti enjoyed good chart action and significant airplay with the singles "It's Gonna Be Special" and "Shoot the Moon", both of which were written by Clif Magness and Glen Ballard. Speaking of "Hot! In the Flames of Love" and "Star Struck", both penned by Narada Michael Walden got high attention R&B and dance chart and thus she established her firm position in the R&B field.
This album had been reissued once in 1991 only for Japan but have been out-of print for very long time. In the summer of 2007, Mosaic Records will reissue this album under their Contemporary Reissues series presenting the definitive versions of the most important recordings in contemporary jazz and Adult Contemporary Music.

Label: Mosaic Contemporary, USA (Original Release: Qwest Records)
Release Date: August 24, 2007 (Original Release: 1984)
Executive Producers: Quincy Jones, Ed Eckstine
Producers: Narada Michael Walden, David Pack, Clif Magness, Glen Ballard, Ollie E. Brown, Quicy Jones

Tracks:
1. It´s gonna be special
2. Rhythm of the heat
3. All behind us now
4. Hot: In the flames of love
5. Change your attitude
6. Shoot the moon
7. I´ve got my heart set on you
8. Fine fine fella (Got to have you)
9. Starstruck
10. Any way you can

MICHAEL THOMPSON BAND / "How Long" (1989) reissue

Frontiers Records is pleased to announce the reissue of MICHAEL THOMPSON BAND’s masterpiece “How Long” on June 8th 2007. In order to coincide with the release of Michael Thompson’s new band debut album TRW’s “Rivers of Paradise”, Frontiers and Michael agreed that it was a perfect time to re-release this masterpiece on the same day. Michael Thompson is nowadays one of the most well known and respected guitar players. He played with Michael Bolton, Great White, Cher, Shania Twain, Leann Rimes, Jennifer Lopez, Richard Marx, Faith Hill, Celine Dion, Madonna and several others.

In 1988, after working to try and get a deal with his band Slang for several years, Thompson got signed by Geffen Records to release one album entitled "How Long", under the Michael Thompson Band (MTB) monicker. The singer for this group was Rick 'Moon' Calhoun, previously front man for the AOR cult band THE STRAND, Michael's long time friend. Completing the line-up were another bunch of highly respected studio professionals such as: John Andrew Schreiner (on keyboards), Leon Gaer (bass), John Keane (drums). In 1989, the album "How Long" was released.

On "How Long" more first-call musicians appeared as guests, in particular drummer-maestro Terry Bozzio, Pat Torpey (of MR BIG), bassist Jimmy Haslip, ex KANSAS vocalist John Elefante, TOTO's Bobby Kimball and GREAT WHITE associates Michael Lardie and Wyn Davis (who also produced the album). Songwriters would include, among others, AOR luminaries such as: Jeff Paris, Mark Spiro, Bill Trudell and Brett Walker.

As of today “How Long” is regarded as one of the highest examples of hi-tech AOR / West Coast, with a superb production and immaculate songwriting. During the years it became more and more of a collector’s item and the prices paid on E-bay exceeded 80 dollars! This 2007 reissue comes completely remastered and adds 2 songs "Right To Be Wrong" and "Love Goes On" which were recorded during the original sessions and the first fruit of a reunion between Michael, Moon Calhoun and songwriter Jeff Paris entitled “Wheelchair”: an appetizer for an upcoming brand new album to be expected sometime in 2008 !

Label: Frontiers Records, Italy (FRCD-337) (Original Release: Geffen Records, USA)
Release Date: June 8, 2007 (Original: April, 1989)
Producers: Alan Niven and Wyn Davis
Michael Thompson Band is:
Vocals, Drums, Guitars: Moon Calhoun
Guitars: Michael Thompson
Keyboards: John Andrew Schreiner
Bass: Leon Gaer
Drums: John Kenae
Additional Musicians:
Drums: Terry Bozzio, John Robinson, Bernie Pershey, Pat Torpey
Bass: Trey Thompson, Jimmy Haslip
Guitars: Wyn Davis, Alan Niven
Percussion: Michael Fisher, Steve Forman, Wyn Davis
Background Vocals: Bobby Kimball, Billy Trudell, John Elephante, Tyana Parr, Patty Unaitis, Mike Lardie, Julia Waters, Maxine Waters, Myrna Mathews

Tracks:
1. Secret Information
2. Give Love a Chance
3. 1000 Nights
4. Wasteland
5. Never Stop Falling
6. Can’t Miss; Gloria
7. Stranger
8. Baby Come Back
9. How Long
10. Right To Be Wrong (bonus track)
11. Love Goes On (bonus track)
12. Wheelchair (2007 brand-new song)

Lionel's Dad "Pie" is now easy to buy.

Pleased to advise you that Lionel's Dad (Mark T. Williams) latest CD "Pie" is now available through DSB Records, Germany.

In spite of my notice the 6th solo CD "Pie" would be soon available through his official website in August on this ACMJ International blog, the website is still under reconstruction. Thus, I have not reviewed this CD on Adult Contemporary Music In Japan, my main website yet as of today. Now, I have been noticed through a post for Joseph Williams Mailing List that this CD has been easily available through the above-mentioned retailer.

Enjoy Mark T. Williams latest effort!

Peter Mayer / Echoes Of The Season

"Echoes Of The Season" is the 2005 Christmas release from Peter Mayer. It was produced in response to the many requests, after the last two Stars and Promises tours, for instrumental Christmas songs and carols that were being played live, but not offered on any of the existing CDs. Peter Mayer set to work in July and recorded 9 traditional and 3 original carols. As an added feature, it includes vocal versions of "Go, Tell It On The Mountain," recorded live in the studio, and "Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas," as well as a choir arrangement of "The Light Of Christmas Day," written by Peter Mayer.

Label: Little Flock Music, USA (LFM No.1009)
Release Date: December 15, 2005
Musicians:
Bass: Jim Mayer
Drums: Roger Guth
Pinao: Chris Walters
Tabla: Jon Nellen
Backing Vocals: Tina Gullickson, Nadirah Shakoor.
Percussion: R. Scott Bryan
Flute: Mark Holland
Violin: Emily Randle, Melissa Streuli
Cello: Gary Hodges

This CD is only available through Peter Mayers Official Website as of December 30, 2005.

Robert Lamm / Leap Of Faith

Robert Lamm's 2004 performance in New Zealand for a show supporting the New Zealand release of Robert’s solo CD “Subtlety & Passion” was recorded for worldwide release on CD and DVD entitled “Leap of Faith Live in New Zealand” later this year.
The CD and DVD features Robert's best loved hits, including "Does Anybody Really Know What Time It Is" "Saturday InThe Park" and his newest hit, "Mystery of Moonlight."

The limited CD has just become available. When the CD and DVD will be easily available, this must be one of your favorite live CD!

Label: Elements Music, New Zealand (EML1)
Limited CD Release Date: April 23, 2005
The Band:
Robert Lamm: Keyboards, Vocals
Hank Linderman: Lead Guitar, Vocals
Jason Scheff: Bass, Vocals
Tris Imboden: Drums
Lee Loughnane: Trumpet, Vocals
Andrew McMillan: Sax, Flute
Hayley Barker: Trombone
Beth Campbell: Vocals
Tom Rodwell: Guitars
Tracks:
1. Beginnings 2. Intensity 3. The Mystery Of Moonlight
4. I Could Tell You Secrets 5. Saturday In The Park
6. Another Sunday 7. Watching The Time 8. Somewhere Girl
9. All The Years 10. It's A Groove, This Life
11. Gimme Gimme 12. 25 Or 6 To 4
13. Does Anyone Really Know What Time It Is?

Boy Meets Girl 1st Album just reisssued !

"Boy Meets Girl" 1st album (1985) is now available in remastered form on CD from the artist's official website at www.boymeetsgirlmusic.com. Now, all 3 albums of Boy Meets Girl are now available on line.

Here is the message from George and Shannon:-

WE DID IT!!! 'We' means EVERYONE along the way who inspired, prodded, cajoled, and actually did the footwork to make this BoyMeetsGirl album arrive on a big shipping pallet at our doorstep! It's not ONLY wonderful to welcome it back into our lives, but it completes our retro goals to make this music available again. Freeing us to write the new stuff...the big wide open beckons!!!

A big and special thanks out to Howard Tucker and to Barry Korkin from Universal Music Special Markets for taking care to find the right parts from an A&M warehouse of old masters (just think, they could have mistaken our reels for The Carpenters', or the Police!), a lofty task, good sleuthing guys.

Enjoy...

Geo/Shannon lookin forward

AIRPLAY 25th Anniversary album reissue in late July!

The bible album for AOR/Westcoast music lovers will be reissued this summer!
Here is the information from Kerstin Olofsson, SVP of Sonic Thrust Records:

[QUOTE]

Dear Friends,
an AIRPLAY 25th Anniversary album - David Foster's and Jay Graydon's
masterpiece - the album all westcoast music fans refer to as the BIBLE -
will now be re-issued by BMG Japan in late July!!! The first batch of the
AIRPLAY 25th Anniversary album will be a limited paper jacket (mini LP
style) format. After the first issue is sold out, there will be a normal
jewel case type released.

For the first time all backing musicians' credits for each song will be noted.

In the booklet there will also be an interview with Jay Graydon and David
Foster - in both English and Japanese. Toshi Nakada of COOL SOUND
interviewed them both on March 24, 2005, at David's mansion in Malibu. An
interview with Tommy Funderburk will be added as well.

And hey, this album is currently being remastered by JAY GRAYDON!

Be on the lookout for this must-have album - the remastered re-release with
the interviews and new liner notes will sure be worth waiting for!

Thanks,
Kerstin - Personal Assistant to Jay Graydon / Senior VP of Sonic Thrust Records

[UNQUOTE]