Saturday, April 16, 2011

Brenda Russell "Two Eyes" { Originally released in 1983 on Warner Brothers Records / Intelligent Idea To Have This Album Reissued For CD in 2002 on Spy Records }

Quintessential singer/songwriter/musician, fellow Brooklyn, New York native, Brenda Russell, written some of music's most treasured and beloved songs. Whether they're recorded for herself, or the many artists that covered her compositions, Brenda Russell's songs are some of the most recognizable in recorded music history. Most people may know her best from such classic recordings, like 1988's "Piano In The Dark", and depending how old you are, 1979's "So Good, So Right". But on this nine selection, Tommy LiPuma produced, 1983 Warner Brothers Records MASTERPIECE, "Two Eyes", she created some of the FINEST recordings in her entire career, I think.
 
This landmark, and terribly overlooked album, features some of the most high in demand session musicians and vocalists the music industry had to offer during that particular time. Those musicians include, keyboardist/saxophonist, Larry Williams, bassist Nathan East, drummer John "JR" Robinson, film composer extraodinaire/keyboardist, James Newton Howard, keyboardist/singer Patrice Rushen, keyboardist/producer megalith David Foster, singer/guitarist Christopher Cross, synthesizer wizard Robbie Buchanan, percussion master Paulinho da Costa, the late great session guitarist David Williams, fantastic keyboardist L. Leon Pendarvis, and a slew of extremely gifted heavyweight musicians and vocalists. To this very day, a lot these musicians are still in demand. 
 
Let's take another look at an album, I hope, will get the well deserved recogniton, and radio airplay, it did not receive back in 1983 ...... and still to this day, does not receive. I'm going address this issue later in this retrospective piece, and possibly come up with a plan to change this horrible injustice to this recording. Just hang in there with me ! ....... Oh ! Trust me, it's going to get better ! ;-)
 
"I Want Love To Find Me" : {Words & Music by Brenda Russell and Bill LaBounty}
 
The mid tempo'd and feel good nature of this optimistic themed song, is the perfect opener of a great album take will take you a wonderful musical journey. Brenda's in fine form here as she sings in her trademark, sometimes whispery, sensual alto voice. The Fender Rhodes chords as played by L. Leon Pendarvis, supplements the bass synth stylings of Robbie Buchanan, and Bill LaBouty's well placed acoustic piano parts quite well, as well as David Williams' harmonic and beautifully rhythm guitar lines. The Seawind Horns performance delivers the added spark to bring this song home.
 
"It's Something" : {Words & Music by Brenda Russell & David Foster}
 
Though wonderfully interpreted by Lalah Hathaway on her brilliant 1990 Virgin Records debut release, Brenda's original verison here, too, is melodically and rhythmically arranged to perfection. Brenda's lead and background vocals is the star of the party here, as they're performed on key, on pitch, and just sound sheer heavenly. David Foster's Fender Rhodes and synthesizer performance, Nathan East's superb bass playing, David Williams' cool guitar licks, and JR Robinson's drum performance, are the key elements that hold this jazzy and soothing track together.
 
"Hello People" : {Words & Music by Brenda Russell and Michael McDonald}
 
This upbeat, danceable, and festive sounding track find Brenda in a comfortable zone as she sings will exurberance and pure delight. The presence of Michael McDonald on Fender Rhodes is surely felt as you can slighty hear the chords used on his hit, "I Keep Forgettin'". Nathan East's lively bass guitar lines, and synthesizers, more than likely the Prophet 5 and/or Oberheim OBX-a, gives the track an aural soundscape that's very infectious. The late drummer, Toto's Jeff Pocaro is featured here on Tambourine, as JR Robinson hold down the drum chair. This song is truly one of many shining moments on this album.
 
"Two Eyes" : {Words & Music by Brenda Russell}
 
This track has got be, hands down, one of the greatest songs in Brenda's songbook. It's mid tempo, mellow, slight AORish (Adult Oriented Rock) feel, comes complete with, once again, the distinctive Fender Rhodes performance, and chords of L.Leon Pendarvis, the Rock N' Roll infused fuzz guitar of David Williams, the steady back beat of JR Robinson, and the magnificent triangle nuances courtesy of Paulinho da Costa. It's a song I could easily hear on Adult Contemporary radio. Once again, this truly one of Brenda's excellent performances, both in the lead and background vocal chores. An epic song to say the least !!
 
"Stay Close" : {Words by Brenda Russell & Music by Dave Grusin's brother, Don Grusin}
 
What Brenda Russell project is complete without a ballad ? On this particular song, romanticism reigns supreme here. This is a "Wedding Song" du jour. The shared keyboard work of James Newton-Howard and co-writer Don Grusin, paints a picture of a couple alone in a cafe somewhere in France, having two glasses of red wine. Once again, Nathan East's bass guitar performed lines will just drown you in love, as does the nimble soulful rhythm guitar pickings of David Williams. Brenda's emotional and passionate vocal delivery is just as beautiful as the song itself. You simply cannot go wrong with this one for the Slow Jam menu in your iPod.
 
"Jarreau" : {Words & Music by Brenda Russell}
 
Here we get to hear Brenda on acoustic piano for the first time. This reggae, brazilian influenced song is yet another standout track on the album. Obviously dedicated to her then Warner Bros. labelmate, Al Jarreau, she scats and sings like that of Mr. Jarreau, while delivering some of her most memorable performed verses in an almost monotone whisper. But it works just fine on this song. Brenda's beautifully acoustic piano parts, alongside L. Leon Pendarvis's classic Fender Rhodes performed chords and runs, are like a hand in glove, they fit just right. You can hear the musical chemistry in both their performances. The rhythm and horn section are rhythmically tight as ever.
 
"New York Bars" : {Words & Music by Brenda Russell} - {Refer to the YouTube Audio Clip At The End Of This Retrospective Review}
 
This song is my personal favorite on "Two Eyes". This mid to funky tempo'd number just grooves from start to finish. From the opening acoustic piano line to the blazing saxophone solo by Larry Williams, this song has "New York Anthem" written over it. Look, if Frank Sinatra and Jay-Z/Alicia Keys could have a "NYC" themed hit, why can't this one be ? Brenda's lead vocal delivery on some of the verses is down right funky and NYC attitude-ish, but you gotta love it ! ... and you guessed it, the rhythm section held it down once again on the melody and vibe.
 
"I'll See You Again" : {Words & Music by Brenda Russell}
 
On this Beatle-esqe sounding tune, we hear Ms. Russell on acoustic piano, playing in perfect harmony with L.Leon Pendarvis's omnipresent Fender Rhodes. This time around, we're blessed with a harmonica solo from none other than Mr. Steveland Morris a.k.a. Mr. Stevie Wonder, and what a blessing it is ! James Newton-Howard's brilliant synthesizer work, Nathan East's single bass note performance, JR Robinson's laid back drum work, Caleb Quaye's ching chang electric guitar, and Paulinho da Costa's always on point, creates the perfect backdrop for this laid back and mellow tune. Another beautiful work of art, one to have in the repeat mode in the iPod.
 
"Look Down, Young Soldier" : {Words & Music by Brenda Russell}
 
I mean .... I .... I .... I can't even find even the words to best descibe this song. Calling it 'magnificent', 'brilliant', 'fantastic', 'beautiful', 'poignant', 'spectacular', 'light years ahead of it's time as it relates to the NUMEROUS wars this country is in right now', 'masterstroke', 'paramount', are just mere understatements. With all that being said as it pertains to this song thus, you'd just have to go out and buy it ! Let me add though, you'll hear in the childrens chorus, a tiny Maya Rudolph, Minnie Riperton's daughter, along with an All-Star cast of vocalists. I'm talking Patrice Rushen, Christopher Cross, Leon Ware, David Lasley, James Ingram, Randy Crawford, Rita Coolidge, the aforementioned Al Jarreau, Joe Esposito, and several other great session vocalist. This is pre "We Are The World". I could only imagine what that day was like ! {Brenda, could you please expound on what that day was like ?}
 
In closing, I'd like to say, when you're listening to an album, from start to finish, you want to feel like you've been given something, a wonderful and neatly wrapped gift. Well, this is that album for me, and I'm sure to all of you reading this that knows the power of this recording. If you have not heard this record, you owe it to yourselves to hear it, or better yet, own it. This way, you'll be given gifts for the rest of your lives. When you do buy it, I have to warn you, DO NOT, and I repeat, DO NOT loan it out to anyone ! Chances are you will NOT see it again ! I PROMISE YOU ! That will happen if you loan this baby out to anyone ! I don't care if it's your wife, your husband, your girlfriend, your boyfriend, ANYBODY ! So to avoid that from happening, do like those old school R&B infomercials and tell them, "Nah my brother, you got to get your own !!" 
 
You can preview this gem at either one of these websites :
 
 
 
Brenda Russell's Various Websites :
 
Official Website : www.brendarussell.com
 
Facebook Page's :
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
****** A MESSAGE TO ALL INTERNET AND TERRESTRIAL, a.k.a. "REGULAR", RADIO STATION OWNERS, DJ'S, PRESENTERS, PROGRAM AND MUSIC DIRECTORS {REGARDLESS OF YOUR FORMAT}, WHO JUST HAPPEN TO BE READING THIS RESTROPECTIVE REVIEW ..... ANYWHERE IN THE WORLD******
 
I strongly encourage you to visit the Amazon and/or AllMusic websites and preview the selections from "Two Eyes". After doing so, and you've enjoyed what you heard, then I HIGHLY recommend you purchase the disc. Then I urgently SUGGEST you play any of the nine selections on your respective shows. But if you feel inclined to play the ENTIRE disc, by all means, do so, the more the merrier. Please put aside the fact it was released 28 years ago and give this recording the airplay it did not receive in 1983. Great songs NEVER get old, as these songs are truly timeless, and will be appreciated by audiences in 2011, and beyond.
 
But most important, please make sure your audiences know whom it is they're listening to by displaying their name, song/album title, and any pertinent information they need to know. I'm sure a lot of you do this anyway. I say this for those that do NOT front or back announce. I GUARANTEE you, a good number of your listening audience, not all, but some, didn't know this recording even existed, and wish they had. That's how powerful this recording is
 
If anyone reading this know of someone with a radio show that may enjoy this album, please forward the link of this review to them please, and encourage them to give this CD a spin(s). They'll be happy they did so. I have one more favor to ask of you radio personnel, would you please be so kind as to let me know if you've, one, purchased it, ..... two, gave it spins, ..... and three, if possible, received any feedback from your listening audience in regards to this album, I'd appreciate it. .... But !! They won't know to give feedback if you don't tell them to.
 
So please, ask your audiences to call into your shows, if they're live, to voice their opinions, or have them submit emails to you, however you wish. Afterwards, you can either post your comments here at Ran Man's Reviews, or send me an email. My email address is ranyaworld2@yahoo.com {All information will be kept confidential and will not be shared with anyone} .... if you wish not to, I'd understand :-) ..... or better yet, become a Facebook friend of Brenda's and tell her yourself you've added songs from "Two Eyes", or any of her recordings, to your stations playlists ! There, that's better ;-)
 
The main point I'm driving here is to just give this recording ANY kind of airplay and support it so truly deserves. I'm sure Miss Russell will be eternally grateful, and so would I.
 
MISS RUSSELL, I WOULD PERSONALLY LIKE TO THANK YOU VERY MUCH FOR SHARING WITH THE WORLD, YOUR FANTASTIC PIECES OF ART AS THEY WILL TRULY WITHSTAND THE TEST OF TIME. PLEASE UNDERSTAND, YOU DID NOT RECORD THIS ALBUM IN VAIN, AS I'VE LOVED IT SINCE THE DAY IT WAS RELEASED IN 1983, AND LOVE IT EVEN MORE TODAY IN 2011. IT'S UNFORTUNATE IT DID NOT RECEIVED THE ACCOLADES IT TRULY SHOULD HAVE BACK THEN. BUT THANK GOD, WITH THE HELP OF THE NEW TECHNOLOGIES, ALONG WITH THE CHANGING MUSICAL LANDSCAPE IN WHICH MUSIC IS HEARD AND DELIVERED, "TWO EYES" WILL BE HEARD BY MANY THAT ARE NOT AWARE OF THIS MARVELOUS RECORDING. I, AS I'M SURE THE MANY FANS YOU HAVE AROUND THE WORLD, ARE LOOKING FOWARD WITH GREAT ANTICIPATION TO HEAR ANY FUTURE WORKS OF YOURS. YOU BEST BELIEVE YOU WILL HAVE MY 1,000% SUPPORT.
 
Thank You All Once Again For Taking The Time To Read This Retrospective Review & God Bless,
 
Musically Yours,
 
Ran Man

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Wednesday, April 13, 2011

Mint Condition " 7 " - { (C) 2011 Caged Bird Records / (P) Shanachie Records }

It's hard to believe that is was 20 years ago, a self contained R&B band from Minneapolis/St. Paul/Chicago, burst on the scene that would pick up where their predecessors, SLAVE, The Ohio Players, Earth, Wind and Fire, etc., left off. One of the few, if only, commercially R&B self contained bands still to this day making music, Mint Condition certainly withstood the test of time with the release of their 7th studio album, the aptly titled, "7". Released on Mint Condition's custom record label, Caged Bird Records, through a production and distribution arrangement with Newton, New Jersey based eclectic label, Shanachie Records, the band once again, deliver their brand of funk/Smooth R&B/Carribbean flavor, and of course, ballads, that will surely satisfy their rabid fanbase, and will bring aboard a new generation of believers. Let's take a closer look at the venerable, and VERY NECESSARY band to ever grace the world's stages. ...... Ladies and gentlemen ..... boys and girls ..... funksters and funkettes ..... without further adieu, I present to you ..... MINT CONDITION'S, "7".

"Can't Get Away". This opening track is both adventurous and haunting, in that it's sonic textures are layered in scary atmospheric sounding synthesizers, a delayed reverb snare, a thumped bass guitar, sweeping crash cymbals, and a monster guitar solo courtesy of O'Dell. Stokley's lead and background vocal are sung in his distinctive tenor voice that aches of wanting to be with that lady when she's not there, and you can hear it his delivery. The ending is where it gets busy with the aformentioned guitar solo, and the loud vocalized group shouts.

"I Want You". Stokley and Rick collectively as the sole musicians on this track, keeps the groove moving along, though repetitive, it's sure to get your feet moving with various major and minor chords performed on synths. The funky strummed guitar licks blend well in tandem with the bass guitar, as does the light percusssions in the background. This toe tapper is supplemented by an infectious melody that'll stay in your head, as Stoke's and Ricky's vocal parts are sung, either in conjunction with one another, or separate, it works.

"Walk On", is a mid tempo'd jazzy number sprinkled with a light and airy groove. The fretless bass guitar performed bent notes will conjure up images of Jaco Pastorious, and the strummed rhythm guitar pattern adds a coolness to this late night anthem. The sitar adds that Stylistics, Middle Eastern flavor that blends great with the Fender Rhodes, and vocal play of Stokley, Jef, and Rick. Stokley's lead vocal performace is stellar, to say the least, as he takes notes to sweet highs and pleasant lows, this song is one of the highlights of this fantastic album.

"Mind Slicker", is the only track on the album that closely resemble what you hear on urban radio today, but done MC style, san auto tune, thank goodness. It's another mid tempo track that features a synthesizer harp played throughout the track, synthesizer stabs, finger snaps, sub octave bass synthesizer performed chords and runs, that comes with the lyrical emotional depths of joy and dizzying lows of vulnerability in Stokley's heartfelt performance. It's in the breakdown where supporting drummer Brandon, Stokley and Jef on keys, O'Dell on guitar, get loose in a rockish and funky throwdown, to only bring it down to it's original mellow groove.

First single, the infectious, "Caught My Eye", falls in the long line of classic ballads MC is famously known for ... and it's doesn't disappoint either ! The live drums performed in a jazzy context, but laced in funk overtones, the smooth and mellow guitar lines, the warm sound of a REAL electric bass guitar, the cool keyboard lines, and the unmistakable vocals of Stokley, make up what will be a song that'll be played on Quiet Storm programs for years to come. The lyrical subject matter, in which you can surely figure out just by the title alone, is that what draws us fellas to you lovely and beautiful ladies out there in the first place ..... nuff said ! ;-)

"Bossalude", takes it down to familiar territory the band's ventured before, and that is the island sun setting breeze of just chillin' on a Carribbean beach with a rum punch in tow, .... via Brazil ! The extraordinary steel drum and live drum performance of Stokley,{Hey man, do you have any West Indian lineage in your family ?}, the bossa nova feel of both Rick's bass and O'Dell's guitar, alongside Lawrence El's synthesizer fills and chords, make this one of the best 2:05 running time songs they've ever done.

Album title track, "7", is a nod to their hometown, and a retrospective of their enduring career as told through the rap performed by "K". The openings notes of this tune are that of a trombone, trumpet, tuba, baritone horn, and baritone saxophone .... or so you think ? ..... psych ! They're not ! They're expertly executed by Stokley and/or Jef. That's how sharp these brothers ears are, to replicate, and do so convincingly, a real horn section, you almost couldn't tell the difference. KUDOS GUYS ! The track itself is done in a "gangsta smooth modus operandi", not hardcore, just smooth enough to bear listening to.

OK, Rick Kinchen must've just finished listening to a batch of Al Green records that inspired him to write the "Stax Records' Booker T. & The M.G.'s Studio Session Musician Era-esqe", "Ease The Pain"..... and must have had Stokley sitting next to him, to give HIM the inspiration to capture the essence of the Memphis, TN soul legend. Rick must have been so moved by Al so much to the degree, he helmed most of instrumentation himself, .... probably telling the fellas before the recording session, "You guys chill, I got this ! .... Oh ! Jef, Stoke just hold down the keyboard parts for me, I got the rest". That should give you an idea where this song went.

The mood takes a serious tone on the beautifully written and arranged Lawrence El composition, "Unsung". This Gospel inspired song features the gently performed acoustic piano lines of the composer, the church infused organ performance of guest musician, Darnell Davis, the mellow and fluid bass performance of Rick, an excellent guitar solo performance of O'Dell, and the lead vocal/live drum performance of Stokely. Guest vocalist, Tonia Hughes-Kendrick, adds a nice touch and even balance to Stokley's well tempered, but melodic lead vocal delivery. Great song !

Please refer to the audio YouTube audio of the marvelous Warryn Campbell {Mary Mary's writer/producer}, Kelly Price penned song, "Not My Daddy" in which Kelly duets with Stokley. Most of the instrumentation that consists of live drums, keyboards, and bass guitar are handled by Stokley himself. Lawrence El adds additional keyboard support to this chart topper. The melody ?, what can I say, it's just memorable and catchy. It incorporates a great sing-a-long hook, and a more than spectacular performance from the "cats" themselves.

Closing number, the very interesting, and lyrically funny, .... and quite possibly true in some people's wretched lives ..... you have "Twenty Years Later". This song has a, somewhat, ballroom dancehall/tango feel to it, if you could imagine something like that coming from Mint ..... but yet once again, IT WORKS !!! The Rick Kinchen/Stokley penned number incorporates, what sounds like, once again, a full live orchestra. Yup, you guessed it, synthesizers. I might have to call the The Twin Cities Musicians' Union Local 30-73 on these guys. .... Nah, I wouldn't do that. Stokley handles most of the instrumentation here with the exception of electric guitar, and those honors goes out to Rick. A story of a man who just doesn't seem to get it right after 47 years, is the main subject here .... one of which you would not to emulate. But the track itself smokes. It's full of grandeur, it's very bombastic, particularly as the song progress, as it's one you'll have in the repeat mode in the iPod.

PLEASE SUPPORT LIVE MUSIC AND GO SEE THESE BROTHERS WHEN THEY PLAY YOUR TOWN ! .... AND PLEASE REMEMBER FOLKS, AND I CANNOT STRESS THIS ENOUGH, BUY THIS RECORD THROUGH LEGITIMATE OUTLETS, WHETHER IT BE TRADITIONAL OR DIGITAL. YOUR FINANCIAL AND EMOTIONAL SUPPORT ARE THE ELEMENTS THAT WILL KEEP THE MUSIC IN FULL SUPPLY FOR YEARS TO COME. WHAT A BETTER WAY TO SAY "THANK YOU" TO MINT CONDITION THAN TO BUY THROUGH LEGITIMATE MEANS. THEY TOO HAVE FAMILIES TO SUPPORT, AS DO THE EMPLOYEES AT SHANACHIE RECORDS, JUST LIKE YOU. PUT YOURSELF IN THEIR SHOES, YOU WOULDN'T WANT SOMEONE, OR ANYTHING, TAKING FOOD OUT OF YOUR MOUTHS, NOW WOULDN'T YOU ? .... WELL, THAT'S WHAT ONE DOES WHEN THEY ILLEGALLY DOWNLOAD AND, STILL, BUY BOOTLEGGED COPIES. IF ANYONE OFFERS TO BURN YOU A PHYSICAL CD, PLEASE DECLINE THE OFFER, AND TELL THAT PERSON(S), "THAT'S NOT RIGHT MAN ! ... OR GIRL, THE MINT DOESN’T DESERVE THAT" .... STOP THAT VICIOUS CYCLE. IT STARTS WITH US, THE CONSUMER. ON BEHALF OF MINT CONDITION, SHANACHIE RECORDS, AND THE MANY ARTISTS WE ENJOY LISTENING TO, I LOVINGLY SAY, THANK YOU VERY MUCH !

Musically Yours,

Ran Man

PROPS ..........

Thank You Very Much Jeff Taube For Everything ! Your Friendship ?? .... PRICELESS !! 

Thank You Very Much O'Dell .... Speaking of which, did someone ever walk off with that Rick James Live DVD ??

Thank You Very Much Lawrence "El" Waddell .... How's that Queen Rock Montreal DVD treatin' you ?! 

Thank You Very Much Ricky Kinchen .... For just bein' cool, .... and NOT lettin' anyone walk off with your Rick James Live DVD !

Thank You Very Much Jeffrey Allen .... and just how many times are u gonna watch that Steely Dan "Aja" Classic Album DVD man ?!?!

..... and last, but certainly not least, Thank You Very Much Stokley .... for that voice, and you just bein' a good friend !

..... and Thank You Very Much Shanachie Records for believin' in these talented musicians, and just all around good people, my boys, Mint Condition !

Official Website : www.mintconditionmusic.com

Facebook : www.facebook.com/#!/mintconditionmusic

MySpace : www.myspace.com/mintconditionmusic

Reverb Nation : www.reverbnation.com/#!/mintcondition

Twitter : www.twitter.com/mcondition?utm_source=fb&utm_medium=fb&utm_campaign=mcondition&utm_content=57854744470884352&ref=nf

You can purchase a copy of "7" at Amazon.Com : www.amazon.com/7-Mint-Condition/dp/B004NCOQZG/ref=sr_1_1?s=music&ie=UTF8&qid=1302633124&sr=1-1

FOR BOOKING INFORMATION:

CONTACT:

Larry Shields

The Agency Group

(310) 385-2800

larryshields@theagencygroup.com




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