The Dream Machine was a Los Angeles based band assembled by legendary Motown producer Norman Whitfield. Produced by Norman himself, they consisted of former Undisputed Truth members, bassist/lead and background vocalist Melvin Stewart, lead and background vocalist Lloyd Williams, along with lead and background vocalist Joe T. Harris. Rounding out the band are powerhouse lead singer Taka Boom, keyboardist/trumpeter James R. McKinney, Jr., keyboardist Ron Artis, and last, but certainly not least, drummer Pete Carr.
In 1981, RCA Records released their one and only self titled recording, "Dream Machine". This 8 song impressive album ran the gamut from space funk, smoothed out R&B, mid tempo numbers, and tender ballads. Like so many groups before and after them, they were never given the chance to fully develop into a full fledged group. Let's check out some of the highlights of this incredible sounding record and hear what could've been a "Sweet DREAM"
"The Force", is a Norman Whitfield penned jam that falls in the "space funk" category I previously mentioned. It incorporates a hard driving rock n roll sensibility, coupled with the funk infused sound that would expect in a Norman Whitfield production. Taka's dynamic and 'take charge' lead vocal performance demands your utmost attention as she belts out notes that only a true singer can deliver. The fuzz guitar, the thumping bass, and hard pounded drums supplements the groove as it crawls under your skin to drive you into a frenzy. The reggae breakdown in the bridge blends in like a hand in glove on the otherwise funk n roll influenced track.
"Shakedown", is a pulsating foot tapper in the mode of The Gap Band, but lays down it's own set of rules of funk ! The bass synthesizer is the primary standout instrument, but the electric guitar holds it own, as well as the Brazilian instrument 'quica'. The collective group vocal chants surrounds Taka's powerful and rhythically charged lead vocal delivery. The dance floor summons you to shake your booty down as you're instructed to in the song !
On "All My Love", we have no other choice but to dim the lights and let the wine flow. The bassline is very reminiscent to the one heard in The Temptations' "My Girl" {Now you see the Norman Whitfield connection here. The beautifully arranged live strings are a heavenly treat when played in conjunction with the easy flowing tone of the track. You can't help but sing along to Taka's lovesick 'shoo be do be do's' as you will find yourself doing. The tenor male lead vocal is performed in a smooth and mellow tone. The backing vocals are in tune and sound beautiful against the backdrop of the even tempered rhythm section. I can't decipher which male lead is actually is singing due to the fact there are two male lead singers in the band. Say ummm Taka, could you help me out here please, the album liner notes doesn't specify which one ? Thank you ! :-)
"Living Too High", is a song that should be required listening to anyone that obtain wealth too fast and think the gravy train is going to keep rolling along. Once again, the funk is back in full effect ! The acoustic piano get to shine a little on this particular track, as the bass and rhythm guitars hold it down, while the drummer keep the backbeat, well, 'in the pocket'. Taka's fiery and emotion fueled lead vocal, once again, hold center stage.
One of my favorites on this album is soft and sweet ballad, "Don't Walk Away". This is clearly Taka's song ! SHE KILLS IT ! Her lead vocal performance is so heartfelt you'll just want to hand her hankerchief and say, "There there Taka, everything's gonna be alright". The track itself calls for those lights to be dimmed, and even MORE wine poured ..... Wow ! With all this light dimming and poured wine, you might mess around and conceive a baby from all of this !! But that's effect this song will have on a consenting couple when this is thrown on .... Oh ! You don't believe me ?! .... Alright ! When you purchase this CD ... and you will ;-) ..... you'll see what I mean. Uuh hmm, just go ahead ! When you get a taste of that electric piano, that ARP String Ensemble synthesizer, that warm bassline, the bongas gently playing in the background, trust me, those under garments will be flung in the air !!
In typical major record company fashion, some (cough cough) "genius" at RCA Records at the time felt is wasn't worth the gamble to fund another Drean Machine album, so they were unceremoniosly dropped from the label.
**** ...... And For MAY 21st 6PM DOOMSDAY SAKE WHICH NEVER HAPPENED, does it always have to be about the bottom line with these major record companies ?!?! ****
If the corporate suits at RCA at the time had given Dream Machine the chance to grow and develop as a band, they could've made some serious noise in the music industry, all they needed was a second shot. With that being said, let's celebrate the reissue of this fantastic album in hopes it'll take you back to a time when TRUE MUSICAL TALENT REIGNED SUPREME ! You'll hear no auto-tunes, no sexually explicit lyrics, no sampling, no sequencing on this Dream Machine record, just true musicianship and original ... GOT THAT ?!.... ORIGINAL melodies ! Ones that will stay with you for years to follow !
To hear preview samples and to DEFINITELY purchase, please visit Funky Town Groove U.S.A./UK Official Website at :
