On Miss Jody Watley's seventh studio recording for her own Avitone Records imprint, the club friendly "Midnight Lounge", she takes it to the worldwide dance floors where "good times and good food" are only allowed. .... I like that !! ...She assembled the creme de la creme of dance music's songwriters, musicians, DJ's, and producers. That elite group consists of her longtime touring music director/keyboardist Rodney Lee, King Britt, Ron Trent, John and David Warrin, Masters At Work p.k.a. Little Louie Vega and Kenny "Dope" Gonzales, Albert Cabrera, Kimani Wilson, Dave Karasony, Chris Standring, and the list goes on and on.
What made this album such a pleasure for me to listen to, is the joy and fun that was put into the recording process. Mind you, I was NOT present during those sessions, so could I ever know how much joy and fun occurred during those sessions ? ..... Oh ! It's quite simple, I could hear it in the songs ! :-) You can't be uptight and tense when making such a fun and uplifting record such as this ! ..... **** Say ummmm Jody, could you please verify that it was indeed fun making this album ? **** ..... I don't want to look like Harold Camping (the person who tried to predict the day and the hour of The Rapture on May 21st) Thank You :-)
Let's take another peek at some of the highlights of a project that, 10 years later, STILL holds up to anything what's considered "current" {yawn} in today's musical climate.
The album's title track, "Midnight Lounge", is the perfect opener to get this dance extravaganza off on the right path. From the opening notes that consists of a thumping kick drum, lower registered piano notes, to the pizzicato performed notes of the violins, you know something's 'bout to jump off ! .... in a positive way ! When the bass synth, and hi hat kicks in, you'll have no other choice but to head straight to the dance floor. But when the track goes into full throttle, Jody's trademarked whispery lead vocal declaring that everyone have a good time, as well as her harmonized background vocal performed parts, you'll more than likely would've worked yourself into a drenching sweat ! The organ towards the end gives the song that extra spiciness to keep you in a Paradise Garage frame of mind. Had the great and legendary DJ Larry Levan lived, he would've more than added this song to his playlist. ...... and now that I think about, he would've contributed to this project .... AT HIS REQUEST !!!
"Whenever" The party doesn't stop whenever this club banger is put on. The stereo panned Fender Rhodes chords, the pulsating electric basslines, the programmed percussion soundscapes, the light acoustic guitar pickings, built the foundation for which Jody could let loose behind the mic. Jody's lead vocal, once again encompassess her trademarked whispery lead vocal, which lets you know one doesn't always have to scream ands yell to get their point acrosss, and she exemplifies that very well on this song. You absolutely cannot get enough of her as she doubles her background vocals with a delay reverb effect.
"Photographs" ...... OK ! It's Summer 1979 at Studio 54 NYC, where I was born and raised, and still live ! The guy at the front door is being very selective whom he lets in. All the celebrities are out and about in the club, inhaling lines of a white powdered illegal substance in the bathrooms and balcony. Michael Jackson is kickin' it with Andy Warhol. Costumes, bangles and beads are the normal attire .... oh ! and how could I forget the men walking around THINKING they look hot in their polyester suits ! Shirtless bartenders are serving drinks by the gallons. Sex is just about everywhere you turn in the club ........ then BAM !!! {How did Emeril get in ?!?!?!} ..... The DJ throws on "Photographs" ..... Then there's a mad dash to the dancefloor !!! Liza Minelli was damn near knocked over !! That's the effect this song would have had on those patrons at Studio 54 if "Photographs" was faded in from Gloria Gaynor's "I Will Survive" ..... It's timeless ! ... It's ... It's ... It's ... A DANCE CLASSIC !! That's the best way I could describe this song ..... it's probably the ONLY way I could describe it. .... Basically, ...... IT'S A SICK TRACK !!!!
"I Love To Love", is yet another one of those tunes that would have the Studio 54 dance punters going nuts on the dancefloor ! What I love about this song is the drum track, whether it was a live drummer or a drum machine, it set the tone for which the rhythm section to follow. Another standout element is the organ performance, you can't get any better than the way those chord progressions were executed ! Then you have the King of Groove, Mr. Roy Ayers on vibraphone ...... HAVING HIM APPEAR ON YOUR RECORD IS THE MOUNT EVEREST OF ALL GUEST MUSICIANS !! HE'S THE 10TH WONDER OF THE WORLD WHEN IT COMES TO THE VIBES !! .... I think y'all get the point. You can't help but be affected by the trumpet beautifully played by Martin Shaw, as those reverbed notes ring through your head. .... and how could I forget Jody's vocal performance, what can I say that I already haven't, it's just marvelous !
"Saturday Night Experience" {Ron Trent Vocal Mix} ..... From the opening acoustic piano performed piece to the very last sound of the Congo Drum at the end, you'll experience 8 minutes and 29 seconds of electronica/house/dub/dance infused euphoria. As previously mentioned, the Congo Drum is one of the centers of attraction on this track. .... and those synthesizer patches !! PARADISO ! I love the way the eq was manipulated as it's swept from the upper high's to the middle low's. Then you have Jody's vocal fills and vamps that will just have you in a cosmic daze as you're twirling about with your dance partner. Then there's an acoustic piano solo thrown in for good measure. Chicago House Music is in the BUILDING !!!
People, though the album title reads "Midnight Lounge", you can actually play this CD ANYTIME of the day ! You can play it the morning as you're getting ready for work/school, you can play it at the office during your lunch break, you can throw it on during the evening drive as you're heading home. This is one of those recordings you MUST have in your iPod. With that being said, head on over to Amazon and pick up your copy. There's plenty left, I just checked. Don't worry, ol Ran Man's gotcha back, see below for the link that'll lead you in the right direction to pick up your CD and/or download ! ;-)
.... and please remember to support Jody's recordings by purchasing through legitimate outlets. Please do not succumb to those thieving bit torrent sites. That's how ALL artists are able to deliver quality music on a constant basis, through your financial purchases. Making a record is not cheap ladies and gentlemen, whether you own your studio or not, there are costs involved. Upgrades to the studio, electric bills, recording equipment, recording media (analog tape, which I know is still being used, hard drives, whatever storage devices are used to create the masters, etc.), mastering, and the list goes on. So please, do right by your favorite artists, and show them love. Put yourself in their shoes, you wouldn't want anybody, or anything, to rob you, now wouldn't you ?
Once again, Miss Watley delivered, yet another, sonic delight that will have dancers, and non dancers {Sir Nose D'voidoffunk's if you will ..... or if you won't}clamoring for more. ..... WONDERFUL JOB JODY !!!... AND ALL INVOLVED !!! :-)
Now here's where we all applaud !!! (Clap ! Clap ! Clap ! Clap ! ..... C'mon now ! Push yourself back off your computer, stand up, and PUT THOSE HANDS TOGETHER !!! LET'S HEAR IT FOR JODY & COMPANY !!! Clap ! Clap ! Clap! Clap ! Clap !!)
Musically Yours,
Ran Man
You can purchase "Midnight Lounge" at Amazon.Com : www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_ss_i_0_27?url=search-alias%3Dpopular&field-keywords=jody+watley+midnight+lounge&sprefix=jody+watley+midnight+lounge
Please Visit Jody's Various Websites :
Official Website : www.jodywatley.net
What made this album such a pleasure for me to listen to, is the joy and fun that was put into the recording process. Mind you, I was NOT present during those sessions, so could I ever know how much joy and fun occurred during those sessions ? ..... Oh ! It's quite simple, I could hear it in the songs ! :-) You can't be uptight and tense when making such a fun and uplifting record such as this ! ..... **** Say ummmm Jody, could you please verify that it was indeed fun making this album ? **** ..... I don't want to look like Harold Camping (the person who tried to predict the day and the hour of The Rapture on May 21st) Thank You :-)
Let's take another peek at some of the highlights of a project that, 10 years later, STILL holds up to anything what's considered "current" {yawn} in today's musical climate.
The album's title track, "Midnight Lounge", is the perfect opener to get this dance extravaganza off on the right path. From the opening notes that consists of a thumping kick drum, lower registered piano notes, to the pizzicato performed notes of the violins, you know something's 'bout to jump off ! .... in a positive way ! When the bass synth, and hi hat kicks in, you'll have no other choice but to head straight to the dance floor. But when the track goes into full throttle, Jody's trademarked whispery lead vocal declaring that everyone have a good time, as well as her harmonized background vocal performed parts, you'll more than likely would've worked yourself into a drenching sweat ! The organ towards the end gives the song that extra spiciness to keep you in a Paradise Garage frame of mind. Had the great and legendary DJ Larry Levan lived, he would've more than added this song to his playlist. ...... and now that I think about, he would've contributed to this project .... AT HIS REQUEST !!!
"Whenever" The party doesn't stop whenever this club banger is put on. The stereo panned Fender Rhodes chords, the pulsating electric basslines, the programmed percussion soundscapes, the light acoustic guitar pickings, built the foundation for which Jody could let loose behind the mic. Jody's lead vocal, once again encompassess her trademarked whispery lead vocal, which lets you know one doesn't always have to scream ands yell to get their point acrosss, and she exemplifies that very well on this song. You absolutely cannot get enough of her as she doubles her background vocals with a delay reverb effect.
"Photographs" ...... OK ! It's Summer 1979 at Studio 54 NYC, where I was born and raised, and still live ! The guy at the front door is being very selective whom he lets in. All the celebrities are out and about in the club, inhaling lines of a white powdered illegal substance in the bathrooms and balcony. Michael Jackson is kickin' it with Andy Warhol. Costumes, bangles and beads are the normal attire .... oh ! and how could I forget the men walking around THINKING they look hot in their polyester suits ! Shirtless bartenders are serving drinks by the gallons. Sex is just about everywhere you turn in the club ........ then BAM !!! {How did Emeril get in ?!?!?!} ..... The DJ throws on "Photographs" ..... Then there's a mad dash to the dancefloor !!! Liza Minelli was damn near knocked over !! That's the effect this song would have had on those patrons at Studio 54 if "Photographs" was faded in from Gloria Gaynor's "I Will Survive" ..... It's timeless ! ... It's ... It's ... It's ... A DANCE CLASSIC !! That's the best way I could describe this song ..... it's probably the ONLY way I could describe it. .... Basically, ...... IT'S A SICK TRACK !!!!
"I Love To Love", is yet another one of those tunes that would have the Studio 54 dance punters going nuts on the dancefloor ! What I love about this song is the drum track, whether it was a live drummer or a drum machine, it set the tone for which the rhythm section to follow. Another standout element is the organ performance, you can't get any better than the way those chord progressions were executed ! Then you have the King of Groove, Mr. Roy Ayers on vibraphone ...... HAVING HIM APPEAR ON YOUR RECORD IS THE MOUNT EVEREST OF ALL GUEST MUSICIANS !! HE'S THE 10TH WONDER OF THE WORLD WHEN IT COMES TO THE VIBES !! .... I think y'all get the point. You can't help but be affected by the trumpet beautifully played by Martin Shaw, as those reverbed notes ring through your head. .... and how could I forget Jody's vocal performance, what can I say that I already haven't, it's just marvelous !
"Saturday Night Experience" {Ron Trent Vocal Mix} ..... From the opening acoustic piano performed piece to the very last sound of the Congo Drum at the end, you'll experience 8 minutes and 29 seconds of electronica/house/dub/dance infused euphoria. As previously mentioned, the Congo Drum is one of the centers of attraction on this track. .... and those synthesizer patches !! PARADISO ! I love the way the eq was manipulated as it's swept from the upper high's to the middle low's. Then you have Jody's vocal fills and vamps that will just have you in a cosmic daze as you're twirling about with your dance partner. Then there's an acoustic piano solo thrown in for good measure. Chicago House Music is in the BUILDING !!!
People, though the album title reads "Midnight Lounge", you can actually play this CD ANYTIME of the day ! You can play it the morning as you're getting ready for work/school, you can play it at the office during your lunch break, you can throw it on during the evening drive as you're heading home. This is one of those recordings you MUST have in your iPod. With that being said, head on over to Amazon and pick up your copy. There's plenty left, I just checked. Don't worry, ol Ran Man's gotcha back, see below for the link that'll lead you in the right direction to pick up your CD and/or download ! ;-)
.... and please remember to support Jody's recordings by purchasing through legitimate outlets. Please do not succumb to those thieving bit torrent sites. That's how ALL artists are able to deliver quality music on a constant basis, through your financial purchases. Making a record is not cheap ladies and gentlemen, whether you own your studio or not, there are costs involved. Upgrades to the studio, electric bills, recording equipment, recording media (analog tape, which I know is still being used, hard drives, whatever storage devices are used to create the masters, etc.), mastering, and the list goes on. So please, do right by your favorite artists, and show them love. Put yourself in their shoes, you wouldn't want anybody, or anything, to rob you, now wouldn't you ?
Once again, Miss Watley delivered, yet another, sonic delight that will have dancers, and non dancers {Sir Nose D'voidoffunk's if you will ..... or if you won't}clamoring for more. ..... WONDERFUL JOB JODY !!!... AND ALL INVOLVED !!! :-)
Now here's where we all applaud !!! (Clap ! Clap ! Clap ! Clap ! ..... C'mon now ! Push yourself back off your computer, stand up, and PUT THOSE HANDS TOGETHER !!! LET'S HEAR IT FOR JODY & COMPANY !!! Clap ! Clap ! Clap! Clap ! Clap !!)
Musically Yours,
Ran Man
You can purchase "Midnight Lounge" at Amazon.Com : www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_ss_i_0_27?url=search-alias%3Dpopular&field-keywords=jody+watley+midnight+lounge&sprefix=jody+watley+midnight+lounge
Please Visit Jody's Various Websites :
Official Website : www.jodywatley.net
Facebook {Make sure you're logged in first} : www.facebook.com/?ref=home#!/pages/Jody-Watley/9432193841
ReverbNation : www.reverbnation.com/#!/jodywatley
Twitter : www.twitter.com/jodywatley
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