Lou Rawls - All Things In Time (1976)

“All Things in Time” is an album by American R&B singer Lou Rawls, released in June 1976 on the Philadelphia International Records label.

Coming after a career lull in the years immediately preceding, “All Things in Time” was Rawls' first album for PIR; at the time he was the first artist to sign with PIR after having already enjoyed a substantial recording career and chart success with other record labels (The Stylistics and Archie Bell & the Drells would later join him in this category).

Recorded at the legendary Sigma Sound Studios and produced by such PIR luminaries as Gamble & Huff, Bunny Sigler and Dexter Wansel, “All Things in Time” became an immediate success on the back of its celebrated lead single "You'll Never Find Another Love Like Mine", which gave Rawls the biggest hit of his career.

Shortly before Rawls signed with Philadelphia International, his career had stalled. After a mostly successful stint with Capitol Records, he later signed with MGM and had a big hit with "Natural Man" in 1971. But the hits didn't keep coming and his 1975 Bell album, “She's Gone”, barely made a dent. His 1976 signing with Philadelphia International recharged his career and he immediately became one of the label's most successful acts. “All Things in Time” is his label debut. Rawls was one of the few acts on the label who could do great work with a variety of the producers and arrangers.

"Time" written by Jack Faith and Allan Felder has Rawls doing a pitch-perfect vocal that makes the song sound like a standard. On this album, Rawls also got a chance to do work with the quixotic Bunny Sigler. Both "Need You Forever" and "Frow Now On" have Sigler accentuating Rawls' rougher edges. Unfortunately, all of the tracks aren't great here. Despite Dexter Wansel's imaginative arrangement, "Pure Imagination" could not be saved.

"All Things in Time" does end on a great note. On "Let's Fall in Love All Over Again," a song previously done by Billy Paul and Nancy Wilson, Rawls' take is arguably the best version. "All Things in Time" is not only one of Rawls' best albums, it's also one of the finest from Philadelphia International.

Side A
A1. You're The One  (5:20)  
A2. You'll Never Find Another Love Like Mine  (4:28)  
A3. Time  (2:55)  
A4. Groovy People  (3:20)  
A5. Need You Forever  (4:38) 

Side B
B1. From Now On  (4:57)  
B2. Pure Imagination  (3:43)  
B3. This Song Will Last Forever  (5:08)  
B4. Let's Fall In Love All Over Again  (4:02)

Credits
Arranged By – Bobby Martin
Design – Ed Lee
Engineer – Carl Paroulo, Jay Mark, Jim Gallagher, Joe Tarsia
Photography By – Frank Laffitte
Producer – Bobby Martin
Producer, Written-By – Gamble & Huff

Companies, etc.
Recorded At – Sigma Sound Studios
Mastered At – Frankford/Wayne Mastering Labs
Manufactured By – Columbia Records of Canada, Ltd.
Manufactured By – CBS Records Canada Ltd.
Distributed By – CBS Records Canada Ltd.
Copyright (c) – CBS Records Inc.
Phonographic Copyright (p) – CBS Records Inc.

Notes
Recorded at Sigma Sound Studios, Philadelphia, PA.
Mastered at Frankford/Wayne Mastering Labs, Philadelphia, PA.
Genre: Soul
Length: 38:11
Label:  Philadelphia International Records
Catalog#  PIR 81368
© 1976 CBS Inc.

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Johnny Hates Jazz – Turn Back The Clock (1988)

“Turn Back the Clock” is the debut album by Johnny Hates Jazz released in the beginning of 1988.

The band consists of Clark Datchler, Mike Nocito and Calvin Hayes.

The album, whose most famous single was "Shattered Dreams," peaked at #1 on the UK charts. Kim Wilde sung backing vocals on the song "Turn Back the Clock." The track "Foolish Heart" was originally released as a single in 1986 as "Me and My Foolish Heart."

The song "Listen", written and co-produced by Phil Thornalley was later re-recorded for his only solo album Swamp, also released in 1988.

With their dapper attire, clean-cut image, and glossy production, Johnny Hates Jazz were too slick to receive any respect. Consequently, the group's debut album “Turn Back the Clock” was unjustly thrashed in the press.

Best known for its bittersweet hit single "Shattered Dreams," Turn Back the Clock is actually a well-crafted LP. On "Shattered Dreams," vocalist Clark Datchler sings of a breakup over a finger-snapping, synthesized groove. The success of the song is no mystery; it is unbelievably catchy. However, there are actually better ones on the album. The sentimental lyrics and shimmering keyboards of the title track express heartfelt feelings of nostalgia.

The music on “Turn Back the Clock” is generally upbeat synth pop, but the words are often sad. Although Johnny Hates Jazz offer no profound revelations about failed relationships or lost love, there is genuine emotion beneath the studio luster of "What Other Reason," "Different Seasons," "Don't Let It End This Way," and "Foolish Heart." On "Heart of Gold," Datchler illustrates the plight of a prostitute without sounding preachy, and the funky "I Don't Want to Be a Hero" is a surprisingly effective anti-war song. "Turn Back the Clock" is a true guilty pleasure; an LP that takes absolutely no artistic risks yet it's too hummable to ignore.

Side A
A1. Shattered Dreams  (3:26)  
A2. Heart Of Gold  (3:20)  
A3. Turn Back The Clock  (4:30)  
A4. Don't Say It's Love  (3:43)  
A5. What Other Reason  (3:20) 

Side B
B1. I Don't Want To Be A Hero  (3:37)  
B2. Listen  (3:44)  
B3. Different Seasons  (3:31)  
B4. Don't Let It End This Way  (3:40)  
B5. Foolish Heart  (3:33)  

Johnny Hates Jazz
Clark Datchler - Vocals, piano, keyboards, guitar
Calvin Hayes - Keyboards, drums
Mike Nocito - Guitar, bass

Additional musicians
J.J. Belle, Neil Hubbard - Guitars
Chris Newman - Synthesizers, Keyboards, Fairlight CMI
Peter-John Vitesse [sic] - Keyboards
Frank Ricotti - Percussion
Martin Drover, Malcolm Duncan, Molly Duncan, Neil Sidewell - Horns
Stevie Lange, Miriam Stockley, Kim Wilde - Additional vocals
Anne Dudley - Arrangements

Production
Producers - Mike Nocito, Calvin Hayes, Phil Thornalley
Engineers - Mike Nocito, Greg Jackman, Bob Kraushaar, Julian Mendelsohn, Phil Thornalley
Assistant Engineers - Matt Berry, Richard Edwards, Terry Irwin, Roy Spong, Tim Weider
Mastering - Kevin Metcalfe

Notes
Recorded At: RAK Studios
Mixed At: SARM Studios
Mastered At: The Town House
Release: 1988
Genre:  Sophisti-pop
Length: 36:24
Format:  LP
Label: Virgin Records
Catalog# VG 50336

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Jim Diamond - Double Crossed (1985)

Born in Glasgow’s East End, Jim, heavily influenced by the voices of Ray Charles and Otis Redding, joined his first band at the age of 14.

Moving to London, he formed the band Bandit and went on to sign to Clive Davis’ Arista Records. This brought his voice to the attention of the Godfather of British Blues, Alexis Korner, who invited him to work with him on his "Just Easy" album. You can listen to some of Jim's work with Bandit and Alexis Korner here.

Jim was then approached to go to Los Angeles to form a band with Earl Slick (guitarist on Bowie's "Young Americans") and Carmine Appice from Rod Stewart’s band.

All three went on to write and record with Eddie Kramer, the legendary producer of Jimi Hendrix. While in LA, Jim was asked to return to London to hook up with Tony Hymas and Simon Phillips from the Jeff Beck band and so Ph.D were formed.

The first single taken from "Ph.D The Album", "I Won’t Let You Down" went on to sell millions and become the classic song that it is today. The second album "Is it Safe?" also included a European hit, "I Didn’t Know", which featured Jeff Beck on guitar.

When Ph.D went their separate ways, Jim signed to A&M Records.

Taken from his 1984 solo album "Double Crossed" the single "I Should Have Known Better" went straight to No.1 and went on to be nominated for an Ivor Novello award. The song’s success became synonymous with the Band Aid single released at the same time when Jim urged the public to buy the charity single and not his own.

Side A
A1.  Double Crossed  (3:51)  
A2.  I Sleep Alone At Night  (4:57)  
A3.  After The Fire  (4:06)  
A4.  I Should Have Known Better  (4:06)  
A5.   Stumblin' Over  (4:15)

Side B
B1.  New Generation  (5:04)  
B2.  Co-Operation  (5:58)  
B3.  She Is Woman  (4:32)  
B4.  I'm Yours  (4:50)  
B5.  Impossible Dream  (4:35)

Credits
Jim Diamond - vocals
Colin Pincott, Earl Slick - guitar
John McKenzie - bass
Chris Parren, Paul "Wix" Wickens - keyboards
Simon Kirke - drums
Martin Ditcham - percussion
Dick Morrissey - saxophone on "Double Crossed", "After the Fire" and "She is Woman"
Graham Lyle - acoustic guitar on "I Should Have Known Better"
Pip Williams - additional guitar on "Stumblin' Over"
Zoot Money - Hammond organ on "I'm Yours"
Producer - Jim Diamond, Pip Williams

Notes
Recorded at: Chipping Norton
Remixed at: Compass Point, Nassau
Release: 1984
Genre:  Pop
Format:  LP
Label: A&M Records
Catalog# AMA 5029

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Tom Principato Band - I Know What You're Thinkin' (1988)

Tom Principato (born 1952) is an American electric blues and blues rock singer, guitarist, and songwriter.

This release for the Tom Principato Band after the leader Tom Principato launched his solo career. Continuing in the grand tradition of their first album "Smokin'" , the guitarist/vocalist again partners with Steve Wolf on bass and Clark Matthews on drums.

This trio, assisted here and there by organ fills and horn arrangements, is a real threat, and they dish out some fine rock-n-roll that is infused with some jazz and some blues/soul.

Tom Principato contributes 2 originals, the jumping "Try to Reach You" and the searing instrumental "Blue Lights", which is one of the best songs he ever wrote. "Blue Lights" certainly finds a rival in the title track of Tom's "In The Clouds" album, it is definitely a composition that should have been considered for a Grammy.

Steve Wolf, who is a remarkable bass player in his own right, contributes 3 originals that bring a greater strength and diversity to the album. With Steve Wolf paired up with Clark Matthews on drums, the rhythm section in this power trio is rock solid and tighter than a bull's butt.

The choice of covers on this album is quite fun: "Congo Square" by Sonny Landreth, "Never Make a Move Too Soon" which has been a staple in BB King's repertoire, and "Honeydripper" by Art Neville.

The band does an excellent job with the covers, really making them their own and delivering a really fun rendition of  "Never Make a Move Too Soon" Tom also nails the vocals down to a tee on this great tune.

That being said, Tom does a super job with the vocals throughout.

Side A
A1.  I Won't Recover  (3:56) 
A2.  Never Make Your Move Too Soon  (5:16) 
A3.  Rose Marie  (3:50) 
A4. Blue Lights  (6:13) 

Side B
B1.  Congo Square  (5:50) 
B2.  Try To Reach You   (Vocals [Harmony Vocals]: Clark Matthews)  (3:00) 
B3.  I Know What You're Thinkin'  (3:50) 
B4.  Honeydripper  (5:29) 

Credits
Tom Principato - vocals, guitar, steel guitar, lap steel guitar, electric bass, 6-string bass
Steve Wolf - Bass
Clark Matthews - vocals, drums
Tom Lepson - vocals
Scott Young - tenor saxophone, horns
Pete Barrenbregge - tenor saxophone
Dave Brink - baritone saxophone
Vaughn Nark, Bruce Gates - trumpet
Rick Lillard - trombone
David Palmer - drums, percussion
Cindy Wallman, Margot Kunkel, Mary Chapin Carpenter - background vocals

Production
Enginered by - Bob Dawson
Executive Producer - Tom Grady
Mixed & Mastered from Analog Multi-Track Tapes
Producer – Bob Dawson, Steve Wolf, Tom Principato

Notes
Recorded at Bias Recording Studio, Springfield, VA, 1987
Release: 1988
Genre:  Rock, Blues
Format:  LP
Label: Powerhouse Records
Catalog#  P-103

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Danny Davis & The Nashville Brass - Supersongs (1976)

Danny Davis (May 29, 1925 – June 12, 2008) was a country music band leader, trumpet player, vocalist and producer, best known as the founder and leader of the Nashville Brass.

During the remainder of the 1940s and into the 1950s Davis continued working as a trumpeter/vocalist in several big bands including the band's of Bobby Byrne, Sammy Kaye, Art Mooney (he played First Trumpet on Mooney's huge seller "I'm Looking Over a Four Leaf Clover"), Vincent Lopez and Freddy Martin. In Martin's band, in addition to his duties on trumpet, Davis sang as one of the "Martin Men" and roomed on the road with the band's male vocalist, Merv Griffin.

In the mid-sixties Davis moved to the RCA label. While still in New York he pitched his idea of recording country songs with a brass ensemble. To say the least, the idea was not well received. Not long after he joined RCA Davis was approved for transfer to the Nashville office by Chet Atkins.

One evening Davis was in the office of his boss, Chet Atkins. He decided to pitch Chet his idea of recording country songs with brass instruments. Davis was surprised when Atkins told him he thought it was a good idea. In fact, Davis told Atkins that the RCA label executives in New York had thought it was a "terrible idea." Atkins told Davis, "young fella, I run Nashville, go do it." The only suggestion Atkins made was instead of calling the group "Country Brass" he thought Davis should call it "Nashville Brass."
Davis immediately went to work on a demo. He chose Nashville arranger and fellow trumpeter, Bill McElhiney, to help create the sound of the Nashville Brass.

The basic idea was to replace the vocalist with a brass ensemble (two to three trumpets, two trombones) playing over a standard country rhythm section (guitar, bass, drums, banjo).

Danny Davis and the Nashville Brass literally took Country Music around the world, being one of the first acts in the genre to have their own airplane (originally a DC-3 later a Martin 404, named "Lady Barbara" for Davis' wife). They were also one of the first Country acts to take the music to the Vegas strip working first as an opening act for Connie Francis and later Kay Starr, they soon returned to headline.

The group also guest starred on many of the biggest television shows of the day including Red Skelton, Ed Sullivan and the show of his old friend, Merv Griffin.

Side A
A1.  King of the road  (2:06)
A2.  Make the world go away  (2:15)
A3.  Don't let the stars get in your eyes  (2:09)
A4.  (I'd be) a legend in my time  (2:33)
A5.  Cold, cold heart  (2:52)

Side B
B1.  Cattle call  (2:30)
B2.  He'll have to go  (2:39)
B3.  Why don't you love me  (2:19)
B4.  I don't hurt anymore  (2:38)
B5.  She still thinks I still care  (2:57)

Production
Recorded in RCA´s "Nashville Sound" Studios, Nashville Tennessee
Recording Engineer - Tom Pick
Recording Technician - Roy Shockley
Arranged and Conducted by - Bill McElhiney
Arranged by - Terry Waddell
Produced by - Bob Ferguson

Notes
Release: 1976
Genre:  Country, Big Band
Format:  LP
Label:  RCA Records
Catalog#  APL1-1986

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Ambrosia - One Eighty (1980)

Ambrosia is an American rock band formed in southern California in 1970.

The group was founded as a quartet with guitarist/vocalist David Pack, bassist/vocalist Joe Puerta, keyboardist Christopher North, and drummer Burleigh Drummond.

They chose the name Ambrosia in 1970 to represent a vision of their music: all shades, textures, colors and styles.
While Ambrosia had many radio hits in the 1970s, much of the material on their five albums is progressive in nature.

In 1980 Warner Bros. released “One Eighty”, which produced two of the year's biggest hits. The first, "Biggest Part of Me", reached number three for three weeks on the Hot 100 and crossed over to the soul chart, where it peaked at number thirty-five. The second, another blue-eyed soul hit, "You're the Only Woman (You & I).

It became their most successful album but lacks the ambition or inspiration that infused their first two albums.

The prog rock style that characterized the group's early work is almost completely gone: The only real progressive cut is "Kamikaze", which attempts to create a stylized blend of prog rock and traditional Japanese music but comes off as stilted and awkward.

The rest of the album's songs are either pop/rock tunes or ballads. Rockers like "Ready" go for an ambitious blend of radio-friendly rock and new wave elements, but sound too forced to be convincing.

The ballads are the album's redeeming feature. They are all lovingly crafted and boast strong, often complex melodies that keep them from getting too sappy or sentimental: "You're the Only Woman" is a keyboard-rich song that highlights Christopher North's soulful Hammond organ playing, and "Livin' on My Own" layers harmonies reminiscent of the Doobie Brothers over a jazzy tune driven by an intricate bassline.

The album's finale, "Biggest Part of Me", is the best of these ballads. It combines rich Beach Boys-styled harmonies with a heartfelt lyric to create a rich slice of blue-eyed soul that gave the group a number two hit single.


“One Eighty” earned the band three Grammy nominations, including Best Pop Vocal Group. A headlining world tour followed. For the Japanese leg of the tour, the group was joined by their longtime friend guitarist Cliff Woolley (formerly of The Association).

The title of the album "One Eighty" was believed by fans to signal the group's "180-degree" change in direction.

In actuality, it was so named because it was recorded in January 1980. (1/80).
They dedicated one of their songs to Sandie Clark.









Side A
A1.  Ready   (4:25) 
A2.  Shape I'm In  (3:29) 
A3.  Kamikaze  (4:01) 
A4.  Your'e The Only Woman   (4:20) 
A5.  Rock N' A Hard Place   (3:59) 

Side B
B1.  Livin' On My Own   (4:41) 
B2.  Cryin' In The Rain   (4:37) 
B3.  No Big Deal   (4:25) 
B4.  Biggest Part Of Me   (5:26) 

Credits
Vocals, Percussion – Royce Jones
Bass Guitar, Vocals – Joe Puerta
Drums, Percussion, Vocals – Burleigh Drummond
Electric Piano, Synthesizer – David Cutler Lewis
Guitar, Vocals – David Pack
Organ, Chamberlin, Clavinet, Synthesizer – Christopher North

Production
Associated Produder - Bill Pfordresher
Engineered & Mixed - Michael Verdick
Producer – Ambrosia, Freddie Piro
Recorded & Mixed at Location Recording Services Burbank, California
Additional Recording at Mama Jo´s by Joe Bellamy & Win Kutz Monterey Recording Studio
Warner Bros. Recording Studios, North Hollywood Sound City

Notes
Release: 1980
Genre:  Soft Rock
Format:  LP
Length:  39:4
Label:  Warner Bros. Records
Catalog#  BSK 3368

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