Articles Index
Gino Soccio: Beyond Bach
How many musicians can you name who reach number one on the disco charts with their debut record. Gino Soccio has done it with his hit “Dancer.”
Stephanie Mills - Feeling Stepahnie Mills' Fire
“What Cha Gonna Do With My Lovin’?” This is it – the album that will propel Stephanie Mills into superstardom. Versatility is the word that first comes to mind to describe her Twentieth Century Records release. Great arrangements of tender ballads alternate with hot disco tracks, but it is Stephanie’s wide-ranging, expressive voice that captures you. This girl can SING!
Patrice Rushen - Flying With Patrice Rushen
Patrice Rushen is about to spread her musical wings to reach an even larger audience than her hard-core jazz fans. Although it’s her fifth release, her new album for Elektra-“Pizzazz”-is the first that could be called a commercial success. “Commercial,” Patrice says, “means that it could be sold, that it is accessible to a wide range of people.”
Sylvester - The Many Sides of Sylvester
The ever flamboyant Sylvester has just released one of his greatest triumphs, a stunning two-record set entitled “Living Proof.” Three sides of this Fantasy Records’ set were recorded live at last March’s tribute concert at the San Francisco Opera House, while the final side is a studio job featuring Sylvester’s hottest cut since “Dance, Disco Heat,” – “Can’t Stop Dancing.”
Grace Jones - Grace Jones Prays
Grace Jones - Grace Jones Prays
Instant Funk - Instant Funk's New Directions
Has Instant Funk finally arrived? After 10 years as backup band and/or recording musicians for so many performers (the O’Jays, Evelyn “Champagne” King, Lou Rawls, and Loleatta Holloway, among others), Instant Funk has emerged with its own distinct identity and following. Instant Funk made “I Got My Mind Made Up (You Can Get It Girl),” one of the biggest selling records this year, and a classic dance record for any year.
First Choice - Hold Your Horses... For First Choice
First Choice comes on with pizzaz to back up their powerful, gospel-trained voices. Rochelle Fleming, Debbie Martin, and Annette Guest – the ladies who are First Choice – don’t skimp on anything. Like mythical goddesses, they fly in on a gleaming Pegasus, straight out of your fantasies.
Bruni Pagan
Success would be especially sweet for Bruni Pagan, whose release “Fantasy” was Washington’s Number One dance hit a few months back and whose new single, “Lovers,” sounds like a repeat.
Marlena Shaw - Marlena Wants to Feel You
Has jazz singer Marlena Shaw gone disco since she cut “Take A Bite?” Oh no, Marlena laughingly exclaims: “This is just another phase of what I can do.” Politely but firmly, she refuses to label what she calls “her stuff,” even though she has recorded five albums for the prestigious Blue Note label and was named top female jazz artist by Record World.
The Raes - (Wo)Man-Made Disco From The Raes
What hot disco act is actually a husband and wife combo? Give up? It’s the Raes, a matrimonial team whose record of “A Little Lovin’ (Keeps the Doctor Away)” became one of 1978’s top disco hits.
Gino Soccio: Beyond Bach
How many musicians can you name who reach number one on the disco charts with their debut record. Gino Soccio has done it with his hit “Dancer.”
Dance Music Hall of Fame Announces First Annual Induction Ceremony
Dance Music Hall of Fame Announces First Annual Induction Ceremony