DARIN SCHEFF - Demos feat. Warren Wiebe, Tim Feehan & more

The Scheff family is a musical one. Of course the most well known by us is the awesome Jason Scheff of the Chicago fame, but his brother DARIN SCHEFF is also a talented songwriter who has penned some beautiful tunes for many artists (including Chicago).

This is a collection of songs written / co-written and recorded by Darin Scheff during the '80s and '90s on a Fostex 8-track Machine, 'the personal home studio for the eighties' as it was known back in the day. These are some real Westcoast AOR gems never released or recorded by other artists.
We have the late, fantastic Warren Wiebe performing lead vocals on the terrific "Heart To Mend", and also "Safe Back In Your Arms" - song featured in the 1989 movie Under Crystal Lake, but the soundtrack never was released.

The great Tim Feehan sings the poppy "You Don't Know" and the super midtempo AOR "Why Did You Ever Let Me Go" which features as well a superb guitar work by Dawayne Bailey (Bob Seger, Chicago).
More luminaries are presented on lead vocals: John Keane, Sherwood Ball, Bill Cantos and of course bro Jason Scheff among others.
You can hear John Parr playing guitar on couple of cuts, Cantos on piano and strings, Jason on bass, keyboards and even offering a guitar solo on a track. And more...



Very good sound on these lovable demos, additionally enhanced, cleaned and restored by me.
You can find a complete line-up / story of each track inside the tag comments.
AOR suckers; enjoy.


01 - Heart To Mend (Warren Wiebe lead vocals)
02 - Why Did You Ever Let Me Go (Tim Feehan lead vocals)
03 - Looking Up At Heaven (Bill Cantos lead vocals)
04 - Driven (Sherwood Ball lead vocals, John Parr guitar)
05 - Safe Back In Your Arms (Warren Wiebe lead vocals)
06 - Secretly Loving You (Danny Mishkit lead vocals)
07 - Don't Let Love Come Between Us (John Keane lead vocals)
08 - You Don't Know (Tim Feehan lead vocals, John Parr guitar)
09 - Victoria (Jason Scheff lead vocals)
10 - If It Were You [demo version] (Chicago the band)
11 - Life Goes On (Donny Kerr lead vocals)
12 - Slow (unknown lead vocals)
13 - Down 'N Dirty (Mary Knox lead vocals)

Darin Scheff: guitar, background vocals
Tony Smith: keyboards, programming
Donny Kerr: guitar, bass, keyboards, vocals
John Keane: keyboards, programming, vocals
Jason Scheff: bass, keyboards, guitar, vocals
Dawayne Bailey: guitar
Bill Cantos: piano, strings, pads, vocals
John Parr: guitar
Danny Mishkit: sax, vocals
Dean Gretch: guitar


DARIN SCHEFF Demos '80s / '90s
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HAROLD FALTERMEYER - The Ultimate Collection (2007)

Session musician, composer and producer Harold Faltermeyer redefined action film scoring in the '80s.
He is recognized as the man who introduced the typical synth rock&pop sound of the glorious decade into the movies, creating a new niche in the business.

Faltermeyer's career began in 1979, playing synthesizer on Donna Summers' "Bad Girls" album along with executive producer Giorgio Moroder.
Alternating his session work as musician and arranger, he started a parallel career composing incidental music for film studios.
Harold's first big smash hit was the electronic theme for Beverly Hills Cop ('Axel F') - one of the most successful soundtracks ever - followed by 1984 'Thief Of Hearts' and 1985 'Fletch' Original SoundTracks.
But Faltermeyer always will be remembered for his work on the eighties iconic movie 'Top Gun', the best selling soundtrak in history. With 'Top Gun Anthem', won his 2nd Grammy for Best Pop Instrumental Performance with guitarist Steve Stevens.

Often imitated but never surpassed in his game, Harold's heavy synthesized style combined with bombastic electronic drums (or subtle programming when needed) become a staple in the genre.
"The Ultimate Collection" comprises his most known eighties works altogether with some pretty rare and hard to find material, such as "Didi Der Doppelganger" or "Wake Up Musical" scores, the rare Wimbledon's "The Challenge" instrumental versions, and even the never officially released movie version of "Restless Hearts" ('The Running Man' 1987) performed by John Parr.


Not for sale, this double CD was made for promotional use only.
A collector's item, a must have for any OST fan and any true '80s sound lover.



VOL.1


The Ultimate Collection Vol.1




VOL.2


The Ultimate Collection Vol.2



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SEVEN - Inside Love CDs (1990)

Seven was a great, short-lived, John Parr produced UK AOR band that released only 2 maxi-singles.
You can read the whole story (and get the 2nd single) HERE.

This is their first, hard to find CDsingle. In fact, I didn't saw this beauty posted anywhere.
A must have, elegant AOR.


1 - Inside Love (7 inch version)
2 - Till Then
3 - Inside Love (extended version)


Mick Devine: Lead Vocals
Keith MacFarlane: Guitar, Vocals
Pat Davey: Bass, Vocals
Simon Lefevre: Keyboards, Vocals
Austin Lane: Drums



SEVEN - Inside Love CDs

AOR TREASURES - The Soundtracks Vol.14

Vol.14 has been delayed more than Def Lepp's Hysteria...
Seriously, it took me about 3 months to get it ready. A difficult restoration job and track edition.
Here we go:


1 - MALICE (feat. Paul Sabu)
Vice Versa from "Vice Versa"
Paul was hired by a studio as composer for various soundtracks, including 'Vice-Versa'.
In association with the band Malice, he composed, performed and produced several songs that ended up being published as an EP, 2 of them were used in this movie.
The title track is a typical Sabu hard rock tune, a good way to begin this compilation.
This soundtrack never was officially released.

2 - JOE LYNN TURNER
On The Run from "Blue de Ville"
TV movie, Turner plays a rock star (only 10 minutes on screen) to which the girl in the story wants to meet.
We can hear a couple of songs performed by Joe, being 'On The Run' the more AOR with some great keyboards.
A really good one.

3 - STAN BUSH
Free And Easy from "Wildbach"
Main theme of the German ARD TV series 'Wildbach' about the adventures of a mountain rescue team peppered with criminal cases providing tension to the plot.
Unknown beautiful midtempo song performed by Stan Bush, exclusive for this OST only released in Germany.
A little gem, yes.

4 - ROBERT TEPPER
Restless World from "Lady Beware"
Upon request, another Lady Beware song, now from the great Tepper, with all the 'action-theme feel' that I like so much.
Track not included in the regular soundtrack edition, to my ears this is little remixed version, different from the original appeared in Robert's debut 'No Easy Way Out'.
An AOR beauty.

5 - CLIF MAGNESS
Top Of The Hill from "Hot Dog... The Movie"
Typical cheesy american comedy, set in a ski resort.
Features two exclusive songs performed by the master Clif Magness, light and unpretentious, but come on, it's Clif, and to my knowledge, both tracks were released only as promo vinyl single, impossible to find.

6 - FIONA
Love Makes You Blind (movie version) from "No Small Affair"
This track would be later re-recorded by Fiona for her debut album. But this version is markedly different and faaar superior in my opinion.
To me, the best performance of her career, heartrending, breathlessness.
My nape hair still bristles when I listen this song.
Magnificent, one of the best tracks ever included in a film.

7 - PIA ZADORA & MARK SPIRO
Little Bit Of Heaven from "Voyage Of The Rock Aliens"
Another request.
Song composed by Spiro, recorded by Pia Zadora for her '84 album 'Let's Dance Tonight'.
In this soundtrack exclusive new version, Spiro sings a duet with Pia, and the result is much, much better and absolutely '80s !

8 - CLIF MAGNESS
Top Of The Hill from "Hot Dog... The Movie"
The other song recorded by Magness for this movie, heard at the open titles.
More AOR, with bombastic drums and sticky refrain.

9 - DIANA DeWITT
You Make Me Nervous from "Malibu Bikini Shop"
Soundtrack never released that includes excellent songs, sadly none available in any format.
Never has been edited on DVD and I couldn't find an original VHS copy.
I've ripped this marvelous song by DeWitt from an avi !
It has taken me a lot of work to eliminate the SFX (dialogues and noises) along the song.
Considering the source, it sounds quite decently, a good opportunity to listen this rarity.

10 - DOUG KAHAN
The Last Stand from "All The Right Moves"
Excellent song with a mystery 'aura' in its sound and production.
I don't know what happened with Kahan's career, since he was a great singer. I like his style very much.
Only appeared in this OST.

11 - MICHAEL LANNING
Kissed By A Hurricane from "Thunder In Paradise"
A great find is this song featured in the TV series starring Hulk Hogan.
The soundtrack was released, but this song wasn't included !?!
Lanning (a stranger to me) sings with fierceness this curious track full of rare percussion. Awesome action movie track.
Ripped from video. Rare.

12 - NICK GILDER
Scream Of Angels from "The Wraith"
'The Wraith' aka 'Interceptor' is a good film (has Sherilyn Fenn in it!), and the soundtrack is still better, well-known by AOR lovers.
Incredibly, this song was left aside off the disc.
Rhythmic and contagious, this is one of the best songs recorded by Gilder.

13 - ERIC MARTIN
I Love The Way You Love Me from "Mad About You"
From the last season of this TV serie, a good ballad by Eric with his classic velvety voice, recorded pretty 'live' without overdubs. Even his breath could be listened between phrases.
Simple and effective melody.

14 - JOHN WETTON
Battle Lines (movie version) from "Chasing The Deer"
Due to his friendship with the filmmaker, Wetton accepted to compose the soundtrack for 'Chasing The Deer', released in limited quantity.
Extraordinary tune, totally AOR!
This is the original (long) movie version, there's another one 'edit'.
You will love this song.

15 - BRIAN ISLAND
Draw The Line from "The Virgin Queen Of St. Francis High"
Brian Island is a canadian musician & producer who has composed several scores for local movies.
To this unknown comedy he wrote part of the incidental music and a pair of songs.
This is the more aorish Rock & Pop, with classic sound made in Canada.
Soundtrack never published. Rarity.

16 - DAN REED NETWORK
Baby Now I from "The Cutting Edge"
Faithful to his songwriting style, Dan Reed contributed this track to the romantic comedy set in the '88 Winter Olympic Games.
Good track with sparkling production and fat rhythm section.

17 - RICHARD MARX
The Power Inside Of Me from "The Mirror Has Two Faces"
Marx's exclusive track for this movie, with light production and plenty of acoustic guitars.
Climatic and calm song, very well performed by Richard as usual.
I love the feeling of this song.

18 - JOHN PARR
St. Elmo's Fire (Acoustic) from "The Brothers Solomon"
Acoustic / gospel recording of this all time classic, which appeared as B-side on 'Man In Motion 2CD limited edition', years later included in this movie soundtrack.
This tune is simply fantastic, no matter which version...



+ 70 min, artwork.
Note: most of tracks are vinyl-only release and very rare, all were cleaned, decrackled and declicked to get the best quality possible.



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SEVEN - Man With A Vision + extras (1990)

Another "Request & Fill Corner" request, John Parr related.
Don't be afraid by the 'boy-band' look of this guys.
Yes, they supposed to be a chart product, but unlike that kind of monstrosity, they wrote their own songs and really play all the instruments.
And what a beautiful AOR songs!
Produced by John Parr ("Man With A Vision" tune was recorded by himself in '92), they released 2 singles on the Polydor label the same year: "Inside Love" in january and "Man With A Vision" in june, 1990.
Seven went on to tour with The Monkees, Richard Marx and Jason Donovan, and the singles sold well, but some label / management problems dissolved the project.
A shame, they were very good.
There's rumours that a full album was recorded, but was shelved...
If you like Parr's music and style, well done poppy AOR with class, this is for you.
Man With A Vision maxi-single is complete (4 tracks), plus Inside Love 7'' version and 2 demos (supposed to be part of the unreleased album).

01. Man With A Vision [7'' version]
02. Just Close Your Eyes
03. Man With A Vision [extended version]
04. Stranger (In The Night)
05. Inside Love [7'' version]
06. Untill Then (demo)
07. Be That Girl (demo)

Mick Devine: Lead Vocals
Keith MacFarlane: Guitar, Vocals
Pat Davey: Bass, Vocals
Simon Lefevre: Keyboards, Vocals
Austin Lane: Drums

Produced by John Parr


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JOHN PARR - Walking Out Of The Darkness [single] (2007)

Requested in "Request & Fill Corner" section.
"Out of the Darkness" has been written and recorded specially for the Doncaster Rovers Football Club.
The song is played to herald the entry of the teams onto the pitch at the start of each home match.
The other track, "Dream On", was written by John Parr in tribute to Rovers legend Alick Jeffrey.
Typical Parr signature on both tunes, I love this man's music.

1. Walking Out Of The Darkness (The Rovers Anthem)
2. Dream On (dedicated to Rovers legend Alick Jeffrey)


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AOR TREASURES - The Extended Versions (The Camel's Hump)

In the 80's, when a disc was released, in addition to the singles, the fashion was also launch an extended version, often as "B-side".
AOR / Rock bands were not absent to this trend (which often allowed them to enter the discotheques).

Many people find these versions annoying, detracting the originals beauty.
I think that my selections are really good, the producer's job bring new life to the songs, adding in some items new arrangements / tempo, discarded guitar solos (a very good ones), or simply an alternative mix of what might have been the official album version.
You'll be surprised by strange HEART's song ending, the crazy GARY solos (don't give the man room to play!), the completely 'new' version of WAITE's classic, or the syncopated ZZ TOP mix (I love this version).
But the most successful is the FM track, in my opinion, better than the original.

All these versions contains only original material performed during the recording sessions, not third hand adds or DJ's crap.
Some tracks aren't easy to find, and mostly only have been released on vinyl.
All were decrackled and declicked to get the best quality possible.

FM - Someday (Extended Version) 5:29
Survivor - Burning Heart (Ultraburn Version) 5:07
Gary Moore - Friday On My Mind (Extended Version) 6:10
Dominoe - Here I Am (Maxi Version) 5:16
John Waite - Missing You (12'' Version) 6:15
Heart - What About Love (12'' Long Version) 5:26
Foreigner - Say You Will (Extended Version) 5:24
Brian Spence - Hear It From The Heart (Extended Version) 6:06
Vixen - Edge Of A Broken Heart (Extended Version) 6:36
Judas Priest - Turbo Lover (Hi-Octane Mix) 7:22
ZZ Top - Sleeping Bag (Original Extended 12'' Mix) 6:14
John Parr - Restless Heart (Extended Version) 6:18

+70min,artwork


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