FEE WAYBILL - Read My Lips [remastered] (1984)

Frontman of melodic power-pop wonders The Tubes, FEE WAYBILL recorded in 1984 his first solo album "Read My Lips", much more AOR oriented than his main band.
While The Tubes already flirted with radio-friendly AOR on their excellent '83 album, Waybill definitely turn things in that direction here, spiced with touch of smooth of LA West Coast.

Many called this "Read My Lips" as a 'missing Toto album', as the overall sound & style here are in the vein of Isolation or Fahrenheit. Not strange, as Steve Lukather co-wrote most the songs and play here alongside the Toto crew including Jeff Porcaro, Steve Porcaro and Bobby Kimball contributing backing vocals.
But also top 'cats' like David Foster, Mike Landau, Paul Jackson, Jr., Jerry Marotta, Michael Boddicker, Bill Champlin, Tom Keane and Richard Marx (also involved in songwriting)... as you see, an AOR dream-team.
Although the poppy 'Who Said Life Would Be Pretty' is not exactly my cup of tea, the rest of the material is like a delicious cherry pie for '80s suckers.

Just check the punchy, guitar driven numbers such as the title track, the flamboyant and quite heavy 'Thrill Of The Kill', or the killer 'Saved My Life' (my favorite), mixed with the dynamic 'Nobodys Perfect', the slightly funky 'Who Loves You Baby' (very Toto-ish) and the superb power ballad 'I Don't Even Know Your Name', again with a Toto feel.
More in a West Coast trait yet plenty of AOR there's 'Caribbean Sunsets', a terrific tune akin Player / Toto and where you can hear David Foster's touch and Lukather in its full potential, then the elegant 'I Could've Been Somebody' closes this really good album.



Despite its horrible cover artwork, Fee Waybill's "Read My Lips" packs inside some of the finest AOR / musicianship you could find in any '80s record. Great songs co-written by the likes of Lukather, David Foster, Richard Marx, etc provide varied material, you have top notch performances by the who's who in the genre, and production is huge.
This BGO remastered edition sounds million bucks.


01 - You're Still Laughing
02 - Nobody's Perfect
03 - Who Loves You Baby
04 - I Don't Even Know Your Name
05 - Who Said Life Would Be Pretty
06 - Thrill Of The Kill
07 - Saved My Life
08 - Carribean Sunsets
09 - Star Or The Show
10 - I Could've Been Somebody

Fee Waybill - vocals
Steve Lukather, Mike Landau, Paul Jackson, Jr - guitars
David Foster - keyboards, backing vocals
Michael Boddicker, Erich Bulling - keyboards
Steve Porcaro - keyboards, synthesizers
Tom Keane - keyboards, backing vocals
Larry Klein - bass
Jeff Porcaro, Jerry Marotta, Tris Imboden, JR Robinson - drums
Paulinho Da Costa - percussion
Humberto Gatica - percussion overdub
Larry Williams, Marc Russo, Gary Grant - horns
Richard Marx, Bill Champlin, Bobby Kimball - backing vocals




FEE WAYBILL - Read My Lips [remastered]
.

LARRY LEE - Marooned [Japanese Blu-spec CD2 - remastered] (1982)

Founder member of Ozark Mountain Daredevils whom ejoyed some success during the Seventies, singer / songwriter LARRY LEE started his solo career at the beginning of the '80s when Ozark Mountain Daredevils disbanded.
Signed by Columbia / CBS, Larry Lee recorded his debut "Marooned" in 1982 featuring the whos' who from the now legendary LA Session scene.
Take note; Toto's David Hungate on bass, Ike Stubblefield, David Sanborn, great drummer Mike Baird and no other than the likes of Bill Champlin, Tom Kelly, Richard Page and Rosemary Butler (among others) contributing harmony vocals.

As you could imagine, "Marooned" is a breezy slice of classic US West Coast AOR with that lovely sound from the first half of the '80s.
The sweet 'Waiting To Let Go', the AOR waves of 'Don't Talk', the FM radio ready title track, the highly melodic 'Number One Girl' and of course the elegant ballad 'The Best Is Yet To Come' are all impregnated with exquisite instrumentation and the smooth vocals of Lee.



Produced with a pristine atmosphere by skilled John Ryan (Styx, Greg Guidry), "Marooned" is a wonderful album with a sound that defined an era.
The European / American edition featured a different cover artwork with a picture of Larry Lee at front, then the Asian release is much more fun and properly reflects the music inside.
This Japanese remastering on Blu-spec CD2 (Blu-ray technology) is a must.


01 - Waiting To Let Go
02 - Don't Talk
03 - Marooned
04 - The Best Is Yet To Come
05 - Number One Girl
06 - Satisfaction Guaranteed (I Could Give You Love)
07 - Only Seventeen
08 - Hollywood
09 - Just Another Girlfriend
10 - Hang On

Larry Lee: lead vocals
John Goin: guitars
David Hungate: bass
Nicky Hopkins: keyboards
Gabriel Katona, Ike Stubblefield: synths
David Sanborn: saxophone
Lenny Castro: percussion
Mike Baird: drums
David Campbell: orchestrations
Bill Champlin, Tom Kelly, Rosemary Butler, Vanetta Field, Maxyn Lewis, Richard Page, Rick Danko: backing vocals




LARRY LEE - Marooned [Japanese Blu-spec CD2 - remastered]
.

PLANET 3 feat JAY GRAYDON - Gems Unearthed [Japan version +3] (2004)

For any AOR fan, the name JAY GRAYDON needs no introduction. With twelve Grammy nominations (2 wins) this talented songwriter, recording artist, guitarist, singer, producer, arranger and recording engineer is one of the greats from the legendary LA scene.
Graydon also found time for his own projects, like PLANET 3 (featuring as band mates the cream of the genre in Clif Magness and Glen Ballard) releasing a stupendous album in the early '90s.

With such busy personnel, few would have expected a new Planet 3 album, but that happened in 2004 with this "Gems Unearthed" a follow up CD with many previously unreleased songs as well as re-worked, alternate versions of a few songs from the first Planet 3 album.
You have here superb AOR melodies, uptempo / ballad tunes full of elegance and class.
There's irresistible tracks like the lush "Jenny's Still In Love", the '80s synth gem "Push It In", the stratospheric AOR of "Criminal" alongside classy FM ballads such as "I Don't Want To Say Goodnight" or the beauty of "Tonight You're Mine".
You know, classic '80s stuff in the vein of Toto, Chicago, Keane, etc.



This Japanese release features 3 additional tracks, taken from Graydon's solo work: one is the Grammy awarded monster ballad "After the Love Has Gone" (written by Graydon / David Foster / Bill Champlin) in a new version sung by Champlin.
The others are "Roxann" with the unforgettable Warren Wiebe on lead vocals, and "Holdin' On to Love" featuring Sherwood Ball, both excellent cuts as well.
Needless to say, production, mix, mastering, etc. in "Gems Unearthed" is top notch, pristine and clear.
A must.


01 - After the Love Has Gone *
02 - Holdin' On to Love *
03 - Roxann *
04 - Jenny's Still In Love
05 - Modern Girl
06 - Tonight You're Mine
07 - Push It In
08 - Mondo Rock
09 - Criminal
10 - Comin' Together
11 - I Don't Want To Say Goodnight
12 - Make My Day
13 - I Gotta Have It

* Japanese edition extra tracks

Jay Graydon: guitars, keyboards, programming
Clif Magness: vocals, guitar, keyboards, programming
Glen Ballard: keyboards, programming
with:
David Foster, Mark Portman: keyboards
Bill Cantos: keyboards, backing vocals
Kenji Sano: bass
Jerry Hey: horns
Jay Oliver: synths
Bill Champlin: vocals
Sherwood Ball: vocals
Warren Wiebe: vocals




PLANET 3 feat JAY GRAYDON Gems Unearthed [Japan version +3]
.

VA - Elektra AOR Collection [Japan only] (1993)

Some time ago a reader requested some early material from John David Souther, who in very late '70s changed his artistic name to J.D. Souther releasing the stupendous You're Only Lonely LP. His previous albums are not easy to find, but digging deep in my collection something appeared.
And it's this rare compilation only released in Japan (limited quantities) in 1993 by Elektra / Warner Records, including tracks from their AOR / Westcoast artist roster.

"Elektra AOR Collection" is wonderful compilation featuring some of the finest Westcoast artists from the late '70s / early '80s - the golden age of the genre. You can't go wrong with cats of the stature of John O'Banion, Bruce Roberts, Robbie Dupree (tracks from his 1st and 2nd albums) or Bill Champlin.
However, most of them are well known by AOR fans, and the real find here are the songs from J.D. Souther, plus the excellent Rupert Holmes, Andrew Gold and Terence Boylan.



All the albums from where these tracks are taken have been reissued on CD, but today are almost impossible to find. So this is a great chance to have on CD quality these hard-to-get tunes.
"Elektra AOR Collection" is a collectors piece and a stunning set of songs to enjoy.
MEGA RARE.


01 - John O'Banion - Love you like I never loved before
02 - Andrew Gold - Lonely boy
03 - Carole Bayer Sager - It's the falling in love
04 - Bruce Roberts - Cool fool
05 - Robbie Dupree - Steal away
06 - Terence Boylan - Don't hang up those dancing shoes
07 - Rupert Holmes - Full circle
08 - Andrew Gold - That's why I love you
09 - John David Souther - Black rose
10 - Robbie Dupree - Saturday night
11 - Bill Champlin - Sara
12 - Terence Boylan - Shake it
13 - John David Souther - It's the same


VA - Elektra AOR Collection 1993
.

KADOMATSU T's SONGS FROM L.A. - The Pop Covers Collection (2004)

Japanese multi-instrumentalist, composer, arranger and orchestrator Toshiki Kadomatsu has been very popular in Asia since the early '80s creating music for other artists and recording his own albums in a Westcoast / AOR / Pop style, with many American musicians as session players.
During the '90s, and due the musical climate in the US, top artists from the genre found refugee in the Japanese market, always eager for delicate sounds and melodies.

Then Kadomatsu had the idea to re-work his most popular Japanese songs to be performed by US musicians, and moved to California to record this "KADOMATSU T's SONGS FROM L.A. - The Pop Covers Collection", and another volume but focused on ballads.
The best L.A. session cats were part of the project, including superb guitarists Michael Landau and Tim Pierce, alongside other monsters like Brett Raymond, CJ Vanston, Tom Keane, Vinnie Colaiuta, Abraham Laboriel and more.
And the vocalists involved are top notch too: Joseph Williams (Toto), Starship's Mickey Thomas, Mike Reno (Loverboy), Chicago's Jason Scheff, the great Tommy Funderburk... just to name some.



All singers did the lyric adaptation to English language and Kadomatsu the arrangements to fit the new versions.
As you could imagine, this is a bunch of excellent material spotlessly clean produced and rich in smooth melodies all over.
Delicious CD only released in Japan, now out of print.


01 - Kadomatsu T - Sea Line
02 - Jason Scheff - I Don't Want Let You Go Again
03 - Mickey Thomas - Never Touch Again
04 - Tommy Funderburk - Take It Away
05 - Will Champlin - City Nights
06 - Joseph Williams - Secret Lover
07 - Patrice Rushen - Take Me Far Away
08 - Buzz Feiten - After 5 Crash
09 - Pauline Wilson - Summer Babe
10 - Mike Reno - Can't You See

Michael Landau: Lead & Rhythm Guitars
Tim Pierce: Lead & Rhythm Guitars
Ray Fuller: Electric Guitar
Grant Geissman: Acoustic Guitars
Brett Raymond: Keyboards, Programming
CJ Vanston: Keyboards, Programming
Tom Keane: Keyboards, Programming
Mark Portmann: Keyboards
Tom Washington: Piano
John Pena, Abraham Laboriel, Leland Sklar: Bass
Curt Bisquera, Abraham Laboriel Jr.: Drums
Vinnie Colaiuta: Drums, Percussion
Andy Suzuki: Tenor Sax
Wayne Bergeron. Larry Lunetta, Alex Ailes: Horns
Jason Scheff, Joseph Williams, Bernie Barlow, Bill Champlin, Tamara Champlin: Background Vocals


KADOMATSU T's SONGS FROM L.A. Pop Covers Collection
.

JAY GRAYDON - Works [Japan only] (2010)

Talking about JAY GRAYDON is talking about finesse and class.
Called the "producers' producer", the "guitarists' guitarist", Graydon's discography reads like a Who's Who of an entire sector of the US music scene from the last 40+ years.
A double Grammy winner, Jay has been involved on almost all major AOR albums from the '80s. But the sheer volume and diversity of this man's work defies belief.

A few years ago, a compilation including some of the most successful works either produced, composed, arranged or featuring Jay Graydon was released only in Japan under the title... "Works".
We have pure AOR cuts from Bill Champlin, Airplay, Marc Jordan or Pages, but also pop, R&B, jazzy from such diverse artists like Boz Scaggs, Valerie Carter or George Benson. All are refined pieces of music, it doesn't matters the genre.

"Jay Graydon Works" is a pleasure from start to finish to enjoy this consummate studio craftsman.
Japanese exclusive release, not so easy to find. If you see a copy at a reasonable price, buy it with your eyes closed.


01 - Bill Champlin - What Good Is Love
02 - Airplay - Stranded
03 - Manhattan Transfer - Twilight Zone Twilight Tone
04 - Earth, Wind & Fire - After The Love Has Gone
05 - Marc Jordan - I'm A Camera
06 - Boz Scaggs - Then She Walked Away
07 - Al Jarreau - Mornin'
08 - Dionne Warwick - For You
09 - Pages - Fearless
10 - George Benson - Turn Your Love Around
11 - Herbie Hancock - Paradise
12 - Kenny Rogers - This Love We Share
13 - Air Supply - I Can Wait Forever
14 - El Debarge - Someone
15 - Airplay - Should We Carry On
16 - Valerie Carter - What's Become Of Us
17 - Peter Allen - Pass This Time
18 - Steve Kipner - The Ending






JAY GRAYDON Works [Japan only]
.

CHICAGO - Twenty 1 [Full Original Unreleased Ron Nevison Mix] (1990)

There's an interesting story behind "Twenty 1", the album released officially in 1991 by all-star band CHICAGO.
Originally the record was produced, engineered and mixed by the - in my humble opinion - best producer in rock & pop history; Ron Nevison. But at the eleventh hour, the project was handed to Humberto Gatica to re-mix, because the record company wanted a more poppy, polished sound.

Often regarded as a black sheep in Chicago's discography, I always liked "Twenty 1". It has some truly great songs on it and a delicate sound.
However, some years ago, the original Ron Nevison Mix surfaced among collectors and I was shocked. Is it the same album? Is that different.
"Twenty 1" is a perfect example on how a sound engineer is able to completely change a recording. Kudos to Humberto Gatica because he really modified the final product.

But let's get back to the original, unreleased Ron Nevison Mix. This is an entirely different beast.
I mean, Ron Nevison is a 'Rock' producer, and all his work for diverse bands has his distinctive touch, and I love it. Take as example Ozzy's 'Ultimate Sin', Survivor's 'When Seconds Count', Heart's 'Bad Animals', Damn Yankees albums, Icon's 'Night Of The Crime', and countless other gems.
And with "Twenty 1" was not an exception. Ron's mixing is far cleaner, crisp, less effects-laden than the material finally released and re-mixed by Gatica.



Done in 1990, Nevison's "Twenty 1" is more rocking I'd say. His 'studio approach' is not technical, it's very emotional, and you can tell that listening this mix.
The most notable, instant difference are the drums. All tracks feature real drums, played by talented John Keane (most of them were deleted by Gatica, who used electronic samples).
The vocals are more visceral, direct, less processed, while the guitars have a lively, valvular feel.

Just listen "Somebody Somewhere", it's simply a new song on this mix, where Bill Champlin comes more tight and the keyboards grasp much firmly to the melody, whilst the guitar solo rocks.
There's also a song not present on the official release, the velvety "Secrets Of The Heart" penned by Jason Scheff, replaced by "Explain It To My Heart" opening the disc.
Additionaly, Nevison opted for this tracklist sequence, which works far better in my opinion.
As bonus, at the end it's included "Love Is Forever", a song demoed during the "Twenty 1" sessions but never properly recorded / published.



Chicago's "Twenty 1 Unreleased Ron Nevison Mix" is a must have for collectors and AOR aficionados.
It's that kind of rare gems that worth to be discovered and enjoyed by fans.
Disclaimer: these are lossy, compressed files presented here for educational / entertainment purposes. Rights belong entirely to Mr. Ron Nevison.


01 - If It Were You
02 - Chasin' The Wind
03 - Who Do You Love
04 - You Come To My Senses
05 - One From The Heart
06 - What Does It Take
07 - Holdin' On
08 - God Save The Queen
09 - Man To Woman
10 - Only Time Can Heal The Wounded
11 - Secrets Of The Heart
12 - Somebody, Somewhere
13 - Love Is Forever (Twenty 1 sessions Demo) [bonus]

Bill Champlin – keyboards, lead & background vocals
Robert Lamm – keyboards, lead & background vocals
Jason Scheff – bass, lead & background vocals
Dawayne Bailey – guitars, background vocals
Tris Imboden – drums, percussion
Lee Loughnane – trumpet, flugelhorn, background vocals
James Pankow – trombone, background vocals
Walter Parazaider – woodwinds, background vocals
Additional personnel:
John Keane – drums, percussion
Robbie Buchanan, Tom Keane, Efrain Toro – keyboards
Steve Porcaro – keyboard programming
David Foster – acoustic piano
Michael Landau – guitar
Stephen "Doc" Kupka – baritone sax


CHICAGO Twenty 1 Ron Nevison Mix
.

BILL CHAMPLIN - No Wasted Moments (1990)

This is a revamped post from years ago, per request. Very rare and almost impossible to find.

The man needs no introduction.
After the CHICAGO hiatus, BILL CHAMPLIN restarts his solo career releasing albums in Japan and Europe since 1990.
This is his first, also known as 'Comeback Album', a wonderful EP.

You can be sure of one thing before listening any Champlin album: Perfect Production. He's a studio wizard, and this time with the help of maestro Joey Carbone has rounded one of the best produced AOR recording ever. The sound is incredibly pristine.
Impeccable musicianship as usual and very good songs, being my favorite "The City".



If you love (as I do) 'CHICAGO 19', the most '80s AOR sounding album from this legendary band, don't miss this. Very rare Japan-only release.
High Class Music.

1. Lovers Tonight
2. No Wasted Moments
3. Sticky Situation
4. Before You Go
5. The City

Vocals, Keyboards, Guitars: Bill Champlin
Guitars: Kevin Dukes, John Goux
Drums & Percussion: Carlos Vega
Bass: Dennis Belfield
Keyboards: Joey Carbone, Gordon Goodwin
Horns: Rick Baptist, Bill Armstrong, Danny Pelfrey
Background Vocals: Jason Scheff, Bobby Caldwell, Tamara Champlin

Produced by Joey Carbone & Bill Champlin



CHAMPLIN No Wasted Moments

LOREN HARRIET - Round Up The Usual Suspects (1995)

Loren Harriet is a name that doesn't ring a bell among general rock fans, but this executive producer and musician has been behind several major music projects.
By 1993, the man had the chance to set aside the concerning aspects of the business, and go for his guilty pleasure; his artistic side as musician.

"Round Up The Usual Suspects" is his one and only album, and as you could imagine, heavy weight musicians were part of the recording.
If Loren's name is unknown to you, I'm sure Bill Champlin, Michael Landau, Timothy B. Schmit or Leland Sklar are not.
This stellar line-up (check personnel below) really shine on these quality westcoast/AOR tunes. Some tracks are more classic rock&pop oriented, but with an aorish flavor all over.
Harriet's vocals aren't the strongest, but all the time he's cleverly supported by monsters like Champlin (on 3 tracks), Schmit, Nicolette Larson, Jay Winding, Vonda Shepard... you can't go wrong with these gorgeous throats.
Musically all the songs are impeccable, and even on the few weakest tracks the musicianship is really good, particularly Michael Landau's awesome guitars.

Originally released as promo in 1993, "Round Up The Usual Suspects" was finally published two years after in small quantities.
Mega-Rare.


01 - What Do You Really
02 - Just A Matter Of Mind
03 - Native Son
04 - Be Strong
05 - Loyal Friend
06 - Do You Believe
07 - Stand And Fight
08 - Living A Lie
09 - Strange Man
10 - All The Way
11 - El Dorado
12 - Friends





LOREN HARRIET - Round Up The Usual Suspects

LOU PARDINI - Look The Other Way [Japan] (1998)

LOU PARDINI is a Grammy nominated singer/songwriter, keyboardist, and producer who has written and performed with such world renowned artists as Smokey Robinson, Stevie Wonder, Santana, Robben Ford, Jay Graydon just to name a few.
Since Bill Champlin left CHICAGO in 2009, Lou take his place. So you you have an idea of his style.

"Look The Other Way" is his 2nd solo album and it's a true WestCoast AOR recording, full of late '70s / early '80s atmosphere with a modern sound.
Pardini is a terrific vocalist, dynamic and versatile but also a complete musician specially on keyboards and electric piano, which he handles with class.
All tracks are simply delicious.
"Better Late Than Never", "Look The Other Way" or "Method To The Madness" are catchy and groovy pure L.A. scene pearls, while "We've Got So Far To Go" and "Place In My Heart" are incredible smooth AOR numbers.
On the ballads, Pardini's vocals really shines, as on the Chicago-like "Love Is A Hurtin' Thing" or the classy "Place In My Heart" where Airplay comes to mind.
The japanese release includes the bonus tracks "Take It Away" (a great ballad) and the awesome "What Might Have Been" much in the Joseph Williams style, who did backing vocals here by the way.

"Look The Other Way" oozes class and elegance on every note.
You will find here excellent songwriting and arrangements, with a clear and organic production by Pardini.
This CD has become very hard to find, specially this Japan edition.
Great one.


01 - Better Late Than Never
02 - We've Got So Far To Go
03 - Love Is A Hurtin' Thing
04 - Time Out For Love
05 - I'll Always Be There
06 - Look The Other Way
07 - Place In My Heart
08 - Method To The Madness
09 - How Can I Stop Loving You
10 - I Just Had To Fall
11 - Take It Away (Japan bonus)
12 - What Might Have Been (Japan bonus)


Vocals, Keyboards: Lou Pardini
Guitar: Buzz Feiten, James Harrah
Bass: Vail Johnson, John Patitucci
Drums: Steve Dublin, Lou Pardini
Sax: Scott Mayo, Dave "Rev" Boruff
Backing Vocals: Sid Sham, Scott Mayo, Mindi Stein, Rose Stone, Alfie Silas, Howard McCarry, Olivia McCarkle, Bunny Hull, Bill Champlin, Joseph Williams



LOU PARDINI - Look The Other Way [Japan]

RUSS TAFF - Medals (1985) Japan reissue

After recording several albums with The Imperials, Russ Taff started a solo career in 1983.
Taff is one of the most recognizable voices in Christian music. His trademark rich, emotion-drenched vocals were formed since his teens.
"Medals" is his second album and the best. With this recording Russ entered in the secular charts, thanks to the quality of the material on offer and the neutral lyrics.
The 'who's who' of the L.A. top session musicians is here: Dann Huff, Michael Landau, Nathan East, Robbie Buchanan, Tommy Funderburk, Bill Champlin...

There's no weak song on this typically 'contemporary' eighties album.
The awesome "Vision" opens with a synth path which maintains the track until the great chorus arrives. This song was later recorded by Chris Eaton for his album of the same title.
The outstanding "I'm Not Alone" is penned by canadian songwriter genius Paul Janz (and later recorded by himself as a semi-ballad with the title 'Close My Eyes'). Ruff's version is typically mid '80s, being the single of this album. Love It.

Title track has a poppy AOR feel so '80s, with a climatic aura and synthetic sound, reinforced by the clean guitars and the keyboards.
There's a rockier approach on "Not Gonna Bow" (great guitars) and the melodic and catchy "Rock Solid".
We have room for emotional ballads with "Here I Am" and the beautiful mid-tempo "Silent Love".
On "I've Come Too Far" Ruff goes pop mixed with a bit of funk and gospel. Check the short but terrific guitar solo by Michael Landau.

"Medals" won the Contemporary Album of the Year Dove Award and was Grammy nominated.
Expect tons of great harmonies here, superb performances and top notch production.
This album is not so hard to find, but maybe yes this Japanese 2001 CD reissue ripped at maximum quality.
Highly Recommended.


01 - Vision
02 - I'm Not Alone
03 - Medals
04 - Not Gonna Bow
05 - Here I Am
06 - I've Come Too Far
07 - Silent Love
08 - How Much it Hurts
09 - Rock Solid
10 - God Only Knows


Vocals: Russ Taff
Guitar: Dann Huff, Michael Landau, Paul Jackson Jr.
Keyboards: Robbie Buchanan
Bass: Nathan East, Neil Stubenhaus
Drums: Paul Leim
Percussion: Lenny Castro
Saxophone: Larry Williams
Synths: James Newton Howard, Rhett Lawrence
Backing Vocals: Tommy Funderburk, Bill Champlin, Carmen Twitty, Tata Vega, Harry Browning, Lynn Nichols, Tamara Champlin




RUSS TAFF - Medals (1985) Japan reissue

BILL CHAMPLIN - No Wasted Moments (1990)

The man no need introduction.
After the CHICAGO hiatus, Bill restarts his solo career releasing albums in Japan and Europe since 1990.
This is his first, also known as "Comeback Album", a wonderful EP.

You can be sure of one thing before listening any Champlin's album: Perfect Production.
He's a studio wizard, and this time with the help of maestro JOEY CARBONE, has rounded one of the most best produced albums ever.
Impeccable musicianship as usual and very good songs, being my favorite 'The City'.

If you like (as I do) CHICAGO 19 (that had no signature horn sound in its entirety), more 89-90 pure westcoast / AOR style, don't miss this.
High class music.
Only released in Japan.


1. Lovers Tonight
2. No Wasted Moments
3. Sticky Situation
4. Before You Go
5. The City


Vocals, Keyboards, Guitars: Bill Champlin
Guitars: Kevin Dukes, John Goux
Drums & Percussion: Carlos Vega
Bass: Dennis Belfield
Keyboards: Joey Carbone, Gordon Goodwin
Trumpet: Rick Baptist, Bill Armstrong
Sax: Danny Pelfrey, Dan Higgins, Greg Smith
Flugelhorn: Lee Loughnane
Background Vocals: Jason Scheff, Bobby Caldwell, Tamara Champlin

Produced by Joey Carbone & Bill Champlin



GREAT MUSIC