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L.O.V.E.

Let me say at the outset “This Is My Time” by Terri Walker(aka Chanelle Gstettenbauer) from L.O.V.E. album Mercury Records 2005 is somewhat an aberration for me. I’m not usually impressed nor find any appeal from looped tracks.

The groove of this jam is a sped up version originally laid down by the eighties group Dynasty(Adventures in the Land of Music). They had some moderate success with the tune “I’ve Just Begun To Love You”

It was also sampled by Camp Lo and titled “This Is It”, neither of which was very appealing to me.

That said, Terri’s rendition is a definite jam. It’s an uptempo self affirmation ode on surmounting life’s obstacles. Most effective is her straightforward delivery and vocal clarity,which combined make the tune work.

Composing credits go to both she and Jos Jorgensen.

The track “Heart’s Desire” by Don Blackman 1982 Arista Records from the self titled album was one of those sleeper jams no one knew about at the time.

This jazzy funk track didn’t get a lot of airplay domestically, though evidently was a minor hit in Europe.

From the start the irresistable bass line groove by Barry Sonjohn grabs your attention. What’s also somewhat sophisticated for this type of tune is the scat sang chorus. Vocals are by whom is called “The Family Tradition”, along with Blackman singing lead and keyboards. Further examination of the personnel reveals a young Dennis Chambers on drums.

Blackman’s credentials include having played with the likes of Parliament/Funkadelic,Earth,Wind & Fire, Roy Ayers, and Lenny White etc. His keyboard facility is also well showcased on this jam.

Track listing:(lp)

A1 Yabba Dabba Doo 5:16
A2 Heart’s Desire 4:30
A3 Holding You, Loving You 4:10
A4 Deaf Hook-Up Connection 4:03
B1 You Ain’t Hip 3:01
B2 Let Your Conscience Be Your Guide 3:38
B3 Since You Been Away So Long 5:11
B4 Never Miss A Thing 3:50

Personnel: The Family Tradition

Don Blackman-piano,keyboards
Desire “Deezie” White-vocals
Sheri “Ayo” Snyder-vocals
Barry “Sonjohn” Johnson-bass
Steve “City” Horton-guitar
Eddie “EPM” Martinez-guitar
Dennis “Washington” Chambers-drums

live in south africa

Jonathan Butler is an artist I’ve been familiar with since the latter part of the ’80s. Because of the fact that he seemed somewhat of a folk/pop type of singer, I’d never really taken the time to follow his music.

The first time I heard “Dance with Me” from “Live in South Africa” 2007/08 Rendezvous Records, the beginning sounded reminiscent of Milton Nascimento, whose voice I’ve always liked.

Further listening revealed a love song with a simple premise to the woman he loves. Dance with me.

What’s enjoyable for me is Butler’s vocal fluidity, and the songs understated syncopation. It also has a “pocket”, which lends a soft funk not often heard in ballads.

Another definite jam!