The Manhattan Transfer - Birdland 6:02

(1 votes, average: 5 out of 5)

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Extensions was released on October 31, 1979 and debuted on Billboard’s Top Pop Album charts on December 8, 1979.

Extensions began what Alan recalls as “a new chapter for the group.” Artistically and commercially, their fourth studio album was one of several new levels: It was the first one with Cheryl Bentyne, who had replaced Laurel Masse. Cheryl proved to be the perfect complement to the group’s already dynamic style and performance. It was also the first album that contained hits in both the jazz and pop categories. “Twilight Zone/Twilight Tone” went to #30 and “Trickle, Trickle” went to #73 on the Billboard’s Hot 100 chart. Overall, the album peaked at #55 on the Billboard Top LP’s chart. “A very exciting time,” Janis remembers.

The most widely known song from the album, “Birdland,” is the cut that earned the group its first Grammy Award. (Best Jazz/Fusion Performance, Vocal or Instrumental) Janis received a Grammy for her vocal arrangement of “Birdland” as well. “Birdland” was the most played jazz record of 1980. Many regard that particular tune as the signature song of The Manhattan Transfer. A remake of the Weather Report song, it had new lyrics written for the group by Jon Hendricks. Originally, Eddie Jefferson was writing the new lyrics, but he was killed before finishing them. The album is dedicated to him.

Jay Graydon produced Extensions. “It was great working with him,” Alan adds. Janis also recalls that they worked at Jay’s house “till wee hours.” She also recalls that it was so hot at Jay’s house that Claire Fischer conducted “A Foreign Affair” with his shirt off! Alan’s songwriting talent also surfaced on this release, as he wrote “Twilight Zone/Twilight Tone” with Graydon. Visually, the group wore futuristic costumes designed by Jean-Paul Gaultier that gave them a distinctive look onstage (as well as on the back of the album cover.) The audiences loved it, and the album tour was widely successful at home and especially in Europe. All of the hard work paid off, as Extensions is a landmark album for the group.

Style : Jazz and Pop vocals

1. Birdland (6:00)
2. Wacky Dust (3:10)
3. Nothin’ You Can Do About It (4:25)
4. Coo Coo U (2:13)
5. Body And Soul (4:26)
6a. Twilight Zone (1:08)
6b. Twilight Tone (4:57)
7. Trickle Trickle (2:19)
8. Shaker Song (4:30)
9. Foreign Affair (3:54)

                     

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Robert Kraft: Biography

(2 votes, average: 4.5 out of 5)

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Robert Kraft, a smooth west coast crooner…

Robert Kraft was born in Princeton, NJ on February 4, 1951 and started to establish his music career as a composer in NY after graduation from Harvard University. Robert formed his Jazz band “Ivory Coast” and started to perform in NY clubs. In 1979, RSO Records signed with them and released their album “Mood Swing” produced by Phil Goldston.

In 1980, Robert recorded his first solo album “Ready To Bounce” but unfortunately this album was not released in the States due to bankruptcy of RSO Records.(For your information, “Ready To Bounce” was released only in Japan in 1985.) In spite of this accident, Robert got a deal with RCA Records and thus “Retroactive” was released in 1982. This album is said to be one of the AOR treasures because of its perfect music quality.

In 1989, Robert released another album “Quake City” as an artist but he succeeded more as a producer / songwriter in Los Angels music scene in early 90’s

Discography:

Moodswing
“Robert Kraft & The Ivory Coast”

The Tracks are: Who´s Seducin´Who?, Down In Flames, Junction Boulevard, Bon Voyage, Second Nature, A Jump For Miles, False Start, Hoverkraft & Cafe Society.
Musicians on the Moodswing album: Robert Kraft, Philip Galdston, Peter Thom, Ross Levinson, Stephen Tarshis, Michael Lauren, Timmy Capello and others.
Available from RSO Records/Original release year: 1979

Retro Active
“Excellent album from Mr. Kraft”

The Tracks are: Single Solo, Just Another Notch On The Bedpost, Out With My Ex, You´re Blue Too, I Wonder What You´re Like, Heartless, What Price Glory, Teach Me How To Kiss You, Can We Be In Love Again, On The West Side & Let´s Hold Each Other Once More.
Musicians on the Retro Active album: Robert Kraft, Larry Carlton, Jerry Hey, Bill Reichenbach, Larry Williams, Kim Hutchcroft, Richard Page, Steve George, Tom Kelly, Jeff Porcaro, Abraham Laboriel, Terry Trotter, Brian Mann, Don Freeman, Michael Omartian, Paulinho Da Costa, Rick Marotta, Janis Siegel, Ed Greene, Alex Acuna & Ross Levinson.
Available from RCA Records/Original release year: 1982

Radio Special, Volume 20
“Special Radio Series album”

The Tracks are: To be updated.
Musicians on the Radio Special, Volume 20 album: Robert Kraft and others.
Available from RCA Records/Original release year: 1982

Ready To Bounce
“Japanese LP release only”

The Tracks are: Secrets Of Life, Cry Out, Only Time Will Tell, If This Is Love, Come Back, Finally Gone, Runaway, Fool For Love, Worn Out Low Down, Free Ride & Blue Shades.
Musicians on the Moodswing album: Robert Kraft, Irene Cara, Janis Siegel, Tim Hauser, Alan Paul, Peter Thom, Phil Galdston, David Brown, Ralph MacDonald, Ron Carter, Bob Mintzer, Chris Parker, Randy Brecker and others.
Available from RSO Records/Original release year: 1985

Quake City
“Smooth songs from Robert Kraft”

The Tracks are: Beat Generation, Lost In The Shuffle, Quake City, Homeless, Stop Time, Rubber Neckin´, O Eliza, Christmas In Kyoto, Failing Upwards & Fountain Of Youth.
Musicians on the Quake City album: Robert Kraft, Rick Marotta, Nick Brown, Dave Chamberlain, Michael Paulo, Bruce Willis, Janis Siegel, Michael Hunter, Michael Andreus, Carlos Gomez, Rob Trow, N´Dea Davenport, Jay Gruska, Paul Graham & Todd Yvega.
Available from Sonic Edge/Original release year: 1989
You can listen the full album on http://www.121webradio.com

Retro Active
“CD release of the 82 album”

The Tracks are: Single Solo, Just Another Notch On The Bedpost, Out With My Ex, You´re Blue Too, I Wonder What You´re Like, Heartless, What Price Glory, Teach Me How To Kiss You, Can We Be In Love Again, On The West Side & Let´s Hold Each Other Once More.
Musicians on the Retro Active album: Robert Kraft, Larry Carlton, Jerry Hey, Bill Reichenbach, Larry Williams, Kim Hutchcroft, Richard Page, Steve George, Tom Kelly, Jeff Porcaro, Abraham Laboriel, Terry Trotter, Brian Mann, Don Freeman, Michael Omartian, Paulinho Da Costa, Rick Marotta, Janis Siegel, Ed Greene, Alex Acuna & Ross Levinson.
Available from BMG Records/Original release year: 1991

                     

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London Beat: Biography

(1 votes, average: 3 out of 5)

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Londonbeat is a multi-racial R&B and dance music band who scored a number of pop and dance hits in the early nineties.

Londonbeat's career started in The Netherlands where “There’s A Beat Going On” suddenly hit the Top 10 and it was decided to give additional attention to “9 A.M (The Comfort Zone)” which subsequently became a modest success in the United Kingdom.

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Bronski Beat: Biography

(2 votes, average: 4 out of 5)

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Bronski Beat est un trio londonien qui a vu le jour en 1984, à l’heure où la pop anglaise se mêlait à la New Wave.

Bronski Beat est connu et reconnu grâce à la voix haut perchée de son chanteur Jimmy Somerville. Jimmy Somerville, qui avoua son homosexualité très tôt dans un pays où l’homophobie était librement affichée, a bouleversé, le petit monde anglais de la musique en 84, avec deux singles tonitruants : Why et Smalltown Boy.
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Oleta Adams: Biography

(1 votes, average: 3 out of 5)

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Oleta Adams (born 4 May 1962, Seattle, Washington) is an American soul, jazz, and gospel singer.

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