Airplay: Airplay
(RCA 1980)
Produced by: Jay Graydon & David Foster
The mother of all "West Coast" albums. A must if you're into
this genre. Here you'll find the original recording of the EWF classic
"After the love has gone". The album has been remastered by
Graydon and was re-issued by BMG Japan
in July 2005 as a special 25th Anniversary edition. Feat. Bill Champlin, Jay Graydon, Tommy Funderburk, Jeff
and Steve Porcaro,
Steve Lukather, Pay Parker Jr. and Jerry Hey.
|
 |
Alessi:
Long Time
Friends (Qwest 1982)
Produced by: Cristopher Cross & Michael Ostin
Great album from twins Billy and Bobby Alessi. Featuring most of the L.A. studio mafia, and additional
vocals by Christopher Cross and Patti Austin. Executive producer is Quincy Jones. Jap.
import CD. The brothers are still in fine form on their 2003
album "Hello Everyone". Check
www.alessibros.com.
|
 |
Gary Benson:
Moonlight Walking (Aura 1980)
Produced by: ?
Don't know much about this British singer/songwriter, but his 1980 album
Moonlight Walking has an excellent West Coast sound. If you like Stephen
Bishop (see below), you'll love this! I've only managed to get hold of
this as mp3, but it sounds great and seems to be ripped from CD. Japan
release? Anybody?
|
 |
Stephen Bishop:
An Introduction To Stephen Bishop (ABC/Universal UK 1997)
Produced by: Henry Lewy/Stephen Bishop
Singer/songwriter Stephen Bishop was discovered by Art
Garfunkel in the mid 70s and started out writing songs for Chaka Khan,
Four Tops and Barbra Streisand. His debut album, Careless (1976), was
nominated for a Grammy and produced several chart singles. His next,
Bish (1978) is even better showing Bishop's strength as a songwriter.
The A-list guests on these two albums are pretty impressive; Doobie
Brother Michael McDonald, Chaka Khan, Eric Clapton, Art Garfunkel,
Natalie Cole, David Foster, Abe Laboriel, Michael Sembello, Ray Parker
Jr., and Steve Cropper. String arrangements by Gene Page and Marty Paich.
"An Introduction To" contains the complete (almost) Careless and Bish
albums and is absolutely great!
|
 |
Robert Byrne:
Blame It On the Night (Universal Japan/Mercury 1979)
Produced by: Prod. Clayton Ivey & Terry Woodford
Robert Byrne established his songwriter status by 1977 American Song
Festival Grand-Prix with "Bound To Know The Blues" and 1978 winning tune
of the same festival "I'll Love Your Leavin' Away". His 1979 debut Blame
it on the Night is very good, just skip the cheap disco opening track "Baby
Fat".
|
 |
Bobby
Caldwell: Bobby Caldwell (T.K. Records 1978)
Produced by: Ann Holloway
Caldwell's debut-album
containing the ultra classic and much sampled "What You Won't
Do For Love". Also check out his "Where Is
Love" from 1993. For more info, check www.homdrum.net/caldwell.
|
 |
Bill Cantos: Who Are You
(Pioneer Japan 1995)
Produced by: Bill Schnee and others
This very talented piano player has worked with Brenda Russel, Jay Graydon and Howard
Hewett. Also check out his "Movie in the Night Sky".
|
 |
Bill Champlin: Runaway
(Elektra 1981)
Produced by: David Foster
Singer/songwriter/keyboard player/guitarist Bill Champlin first started out in 1966 as the
leader of the San Francisco-based group The Sons of Champlin. In 1981, Champlin became a
member of Chicago, with whom he has recorded and toured ever since, while releasing the
occasional solo album, sometimes only in Japan. He scored two singles chart entries in
1982 with "Tonight Tonight" and "Sara", both from "Runaway".
Also check out his 1978 release "Single". This is
produced by David Foster and has a more R&B feeling.
Extremely hard to find on CD!
|
 |
Christopher Cross:
Another Page (Warner Bros. 1983)
Produced by: Michael Omartian
Cross (born Christopher Geppert) came out of the blue in 1980 with his self-titled debut
of slight soft pop. He managed to clean up at the following year's Grammys, beating
out previous record-holder Frank Sinatra with a total of five awards. Another Page is his
second album, and features additional vocals by Michael McDonald, Don Henley and Art
Garfunkel. Cross also had a #1 hit with "Arthur's Theme" from the movie Arthur.
Question: What's with the pink flamingo? Anybody?
|
 |
Ned
Doheny:
Hard Candy (Sony Japan/Columbia 1976)
Ned Doheny: Prone (Sony Japan/Columbia 1978)
Produced by: Steve Cropper
Two of my all-time favourite "West Coast" albums.
Singer/songwriter Ned Doheny's songs have been recorded by such artists
as Average White Band, Chaka
Khan, Tata Vega, George Benson and Millie Jackson among
others.
|
 |
Dane Donohue: s/t (Columbia 1978)
Produced by: Terence Boylan
Only release by songwriter and guitarist Donohue. Great AOR with
guest appearances by Bill Champlin, Don Henley, Stevie Nicks, Larry
Carlton, Jay Graydon, Steve Lukather and many more of the westcoast
studio mafia. Jap. CD release only.
|
 |
Doobie Brothers:
Minute By Minute (Warner Bros. 1978)
Produced by: Ted Templeman
The Doobie Brothers (after a slangterm for marijuana) was one of the most popular
Californian pop/rock bands of the '70s. They evolved from a mellow, post-hippie boogie
band to a slick, soul-inflected pop band by the end of the decade. In 1979 the Doobies
released their most successful album, Minute By Minute, which spent five weeks at number
one on the strength of the number one single "What a Fool Believes". For more of
the same, check out "Livin' on the Fault Line" from 1977.
|
 |
Bryan Duncan:
Blue
Skies (Myrrh Records 1996)
Produced by: Dan Posthuma & Dan Garcia
A very good "West Coast" album from the former lead singer of Sweet Comfort
Band. Great songs and an excellent production.
|
 |
Randy Edelman:
You're The One (20th Century 1979)
Produced by: Fred Mollin & Matthew McCauley
New Jersey born film and TV score composer released this very
good AOR album in 1979. Incl. Jay Graydon and Steve Lukater. Jap. CD
release only.
|
 |
Donald
Fagen:
The Nightfly (Warner Bros. 1982)
Produced by: Gary Katz
Donald Fagen: Morph the Cat (Reprise 2006)
Produced by: Donald Fagen
Despite the fact that it's almost a quarter of a century between
Fagen's classic The Nightfly and the almost equally good Morph The Cat,
they both sound like they' were recorded back to back. If you're a fan
of Steely Dan, you certainly get what you want and expect. The Nightfly
is also
available in multichannel DVD Audio format.
|
 |
Faragher Bros.:
s/t (ABC 1976)
Produced by: Vini Poncia
Excellent and quite soulful WestCoast/AOR release from
California brothers Danny, Davey, Jimmy & Tommy Faragher, who also
worked as a background vocal session group on numerous recordings,
contributing vocals to artists such as Kiss, Melissa Manchester, Ringo
Starr, Randy Edelman and Lynda Carter. Their 1976 self titled album are
very Average White Band-ish. Jap. CD release only.
|
 |
Jay
Graydon:
Airplay
for the Planet (Insideout 1993)
Jay Graydon: Past To Present (Sonic Trust 2006)
Produced by: Jay Graydon
Seems like this guitarist and producer has worked with about everybody in the business!
Airplay for the Planet is Jap. import CD. Past to Present incl.
previously unreleased material from his Airplay album period with David
Foster.
|
 |
Greg Guidry:
Over the
Line (Columbia 1982)
Produced by: John Ryan
Greg Guidry:
Soul'd Out (GMG Records 2000)
Produced by: Greg Guidry
The first release from this very talented singer/songwriter and
pianist from St. Louisis in my opinion one of the best
"West Coast" albums from the early 80's. Featuring
David Hungate (Toto) and David Sanborn. The original is very hard to find on
CD, but the album has now been remastered and released with new
cover on GMG Records in the US.
It took him about 18 years to release the second album Soul'd
Out, but this is definitely one to get you hands on! Excellent
songs and production with an early 80's feeling.
There is also a Jap import album titled "Private
Session" for the die hard fans that can't
get enough of that distinctive 80's sound. The album is a
collection of previously unreleased material that was recorded
in the mid to late 80's and the early 90's. Most of these cuts
were originally intended for Greg's sophomore offering, but
never made it to production.
|
  |
Adrian Gurvitz:
Sweet Vendetta (Jet 1979)
Produced by: Adrian Gurvitz
Featuring Toto members Steve Porcaro, Jeff Porcaro and David
Paich plus a who's who of WestCoast session musicians like Jerry Hey
etc. Be sure to get the 2002 Jap. CD
release with 10 tracks. The 1995 Jap. release has a crap sound.
|
 |
Rupert Holmes:
Partners In Crime (MCA 1979)
Produced by: Rupert Holmes
Singer/songwriter Rupert Holmes wrote and produced for artists
in a wide variety of genres; Barbra Streisand, Sparks, and Sailor.
Although best known as a singer/songwriter, he acquired international
fame with "Escape" (later known as Escape - The Pina Colada Song) from
his 1979 AOR album Partners In Crime.
|
 |
JaR (Jay Graydon
& Randy Goodrum): Scene 29 (JaRZone 2008)
Produced by: Jay Graydon & Randy Goodrum
Two legendary names on the Westcoast music scene working
together as JaR. Scene 29 is superbly crafted, loaded with
sophisticated, catchy songs, subtle harmonies, fun lyrics, and
interesting melodic hooks, - all with a touch of Steely Dan. As usual
Graydon plays his guitar with elegance and accuracy. Available from
CDBaby.com
|
 |
Al
Jarreau: This Time (Warner Bros. 1980)
Al Jarreau: Breakin' Away (Warner Bros. 1981)
Al Jarreau: Al Jarreau (Warner Bros. 1983)
Label: Warner Bros.
Produced by: Jay Graydon
3 great west coast/jazzfusion albums from Al Jarreau with great production by
west coast soft rock guitar maestro Jay Graydon. Tou want more;
check out his 3 earlier releases We Got By (1975), Glow (1976) and All
Fly Home (1978). Glow incl. his fantastic version of Elton John's Your
Song.
|
 |
Marc Jordan:
Blue
Desert (Warner Bros. 1979)
Produced by: Jay Graydon
Marc Jordan: Hole in the Wall (Warner Bros. 1983)
Produced by: Marc Jordan & Don Murry
Originally a film student from Canada, Marc Jordan started out in 1970. He played with a
band for a short time, returned to school, but then left for good to travel outside
Canada. Warner Bros. signed him and released his 1978 debut
album "Mannequin".
|
 |
Ray Kennedy:
Ray
Kennedy (CBS 1980)
Produced by: David Foster
Although better known for his country albums, this
Foster-produced "West Coast" album is really worth
checking out. Jap import CD only.
|
 |
Dennis Lambert:
Bags & Things (ABC 1972)
Produced by: Dennis Lambert
Producer, keyboardist, guitarist and singer/songwriter Lambert's only
album release. He co-wrote/co-produced songs for Tavares, Four Tops,
Commodores, Natalie Cole among others and have received 11 Grammy Award
nominations and 26 BMI "Most Performed" Song Awards. Jap. CD release
only.
|
 |
Kenny Loggins:
Celebrate Me Home (Columbia 1977)
Produced by: Bob James
Although responsible for one of the most cheesy 80's pop songs; Footlose, Loggins'
1977 album Celebrate Me Home is classic 70's WestCoast/AOR. Guests incl.
Patti Austin, Gwen Guthrie on background vocals plus many of the late
70s L.A. studio mafia; Lee Ritenour, Steve Gadd, Harvey Mason, Eric
Gale, Robben Ford among others. Arrangements and production by Bob
James.
|
 |
Clif Magness:
Solo (Empire
1994)
Produced by: Clif Magness
As far as I know, his only solo release and very hard to find on CD. (My copy
was released in Sweden).
Better known for his guitar-, keyboard-, song writing and
production work for artists like Al Jarreau, George Benson,
Wilson Phillips and Barbra Streisand.
|
 |
Mark-Almond: Other
Peoples Rooms (Universal Japan/A&M 1978)
Produced by: Tommy LiPuma
Not to be confused with 80s artist Marc Almond (Soft Cell). Mark-Almond
consists of UK born Jon Mark and Johnny Almond. After releasing 4 albums
in the early 70's they relocated to the US and got Tommy LiPuma to
produce on his own Horizon label. The result is sophisticated smooth
westcoast pop
jazz (for a late night, if you like) and could remind of Michael Franks
at times. Feat. Larry Williams, Steve Gadd, Ralph McDonald and Jerry Hey.
|
 |
Kazu Matsui Project:
Marine Fantasia (Japan Records 1986)
Produced by: Kazu Matsui
A master of the shakuhachi (a Japanese traditional bamboo flute),
Matsui is more of a New Age artist, but his
"Marine..." album is excellent smooth "West
Coast". (Jap import CD only). He also contributed music to a series of major Hollywood features including Willow, Legends of the Fall and Jumanji,
and producing recordings for his wife, keyboardist Keiko Matsui.
|
 |
Jimmy Messina -
Oasis (CBS 1979)
Produced by: Jimmy Messina
Jimmy Messina was a staff producer for CBS in the mid/late
70's which lead to the hugely successful liaison with Kenny Loggins.
Oasis dates from the period immediately after the end of the Kenny
Loggin's partnership in 1978 and incl. the great track "Seeing You (For
the First Time)".
|
 |
Chris Montan: Any
Minute Now (Vivid Japan/20th Century 1980)
Produced by: Evan Archerd
Another hidden Westcoast gem available on CD in Japan is Chris
Montan's solo album "Any Minutes Now". The album has a very good early
80s AOR sound, - a bit James Taylorish.
|
 |
Pablo Cruise:
A Place
in the Sun (A&M 1977)
Pablo Cruise: World's Away (A&M 1978)
Produced by: Bill Schnee
Pablo Cruise achieved some measure of success during the latter part of the 70's with its
mellow, easygoing California pop. The group was praised for the compositional and
instrumental skill on the albums "Pablo Cruise" and
"Lifeline", and were rewarded with the Top
Ten hit "Whatcha Gonna Do?"
in 1977 from "A Place in the Sun". "Worlds Away" went platinum,
as did its predecessor, and produced three hit singles,
including the Top Ten "Love Will Find a Way". Several of the group's songs were used as soundtrack
material for sports programs on ABC, CBS and NBC.
|
  |
Perry & Sanlin:
For Those Who Love (Capitol
1980)
Produced by: Chuck Jackson & Cecil Hale
Phil Perry & Kevin Sanlin were members of the soul group The
Montclairs (1971-1975). They both moved to L.A. where Perry did lots of
vocal session work for other artists before he and Sanlin got a deal
with Capitol as a duo in 1979. For Those Who Love was released in 1980
and has a very AOR-ish sound. It incl. session players like Ndugu
Chancler (Crusaders), Patrice Rushen and Nathan East among others. Jap
CD release in 2001. (Both Perry & Sanlin albums For Those Who Love and
We're The Winners (1981) are avail. as a 2 on 1 CD limited ed. CD
release by UK Funky Town Grooves).
|
 |
Lee
Ritenour:
Rit (Elektra
1981)
Produced by: Harvey Mason, David Foster & Lee Ritenour
Label: Elektra
Lee Ritenour has long been a very busy studio guitarist in Los Angeles. He possesses an
impressive technique, and has mostly played instrumental pop throughout his career,
sometimes with a Brazilian flavour.
|
 |
Jorge Santana:
s/t (Tomato Records
1978)
Produced by: Bob Clairmountain
Guitarist Jorge Santana (brother of Carlos) is joined by Richard
Bean on vocals on this great West Coast album with a slight Caribbean
touch. Incl. the long, classic laid-back groover "Love the Way."
|
 |
Boz Scaggs:
Silk Degrees
(CBS 1976)
Boz Scaggs:
Middle Man
(CBS 1980)
Produced by: Bill Schnee
Boz Scaggs: My Time - A Boz Scaggs
Anthology
(Sony 1998)
Produced by: Various
Born William Royce Scaggs in Ohio 1944, singer/songwriter Boz Scaggs started out in the
60's as a member of the Steve Miller Band. In 1963 after relocating to England, he sang on
street corners. He recorded "Boz" in Sweden in 1965, before returning to the U.S. where he
reunited with Miller two years later. After recording two acclaimed albums with the group,
"Children of the Future" and "Sailor", Scaggs exited in 1968 to mount a solo career. He didn't
achieve a commercial breakthrough until 1976's "Silk
Degrees", which reached #2 on the album charts and
including the hits "Lowdown" and "Lido Shuffle". 1977's "Down Two, Then Left" was also a success, and 1980's
"Middle Man" reached the Top Ten on the strength of the singles "Breakdown Dead
Ahead" and "JoJo".
However, Scaggs spent much of the 1980s in retirement, owning and operating the San
Francisco nightclub Slim's and limiting his performances
primarily to the club's annual black-tie New Year's Eve party.
Also check out the 2001 release "Dig" on Virgin Records
including the excellent "Miss Riddle". Co-produced by David Paich and a very fine adult contemporary
take on R&B that showcases Scaggs in the finest voice in
decades.
|
  |
Steely Dan: The Royal Scam (MCA 1976)
Steely Dan: Aja (MCA 1977)
Steely Dan: Gaucho (MCA 1980)
Produced by: Gary Katz
Walter Becker & Donald Fagen are hard to place in a genre.
Steely Dan could just as easily been tagged jazz/rock. Anyway, these
three albums are in my opinion some of their best work. Excellent
songwriting and outstanding production. They've recently all been
remastered into any Hi-Fi freak's wet dream! "Gaucho" is also available
in 5.1 channel DTS sound! For a good overview of the bands career, try
the compilation "A Decade Of Steely Dan".
|
 |
Gino
Vannelli:
Powerful People (A&M 1974)
Produced by: Gino & Joe Vannelli
Gino Vannelli: Brother to Brother (A&M 1978)
Gino Vannelli: Nightwalker (Arista 1981)
Produced by: Gino, Joe & Ross Vannelli
Maybe not real "WestCoast", but I couldn't resist recommending these 3
excellent titles by Gino Vannelli. He has never really got the recognition he definitely
deserves. Gino Vannelli learned to play the drums early in life and studied music theory
at McGill University. He formed an R&B band with brothers Joe and Ross in the late
60's, but began recording solo material for RCA in 1970. Alternatively
you could go for the very good 18 track "Ultimate Collection".
|
  |
Jimmy Webb: El
Mirage (Atlantic 1977)
Jimmy Webb: Angel Heart (Columbia 1982)
Produced by: Jimmy Webb
Pop music composer responsible for writing numerous popular and Top 10
hits sung by a disparate group of artists, including Glen Campbell ("By
the Time I Get to Phoenix," "Wichita Lineman", "Galveston"), Art
Garfunkel ("All I Know", Scissors Cut"), Richard Harris ("MacArthur
Park"), The Fifth Dimension ("Up, Up and Away") and The Highwaymen --
consisting of Waylon Jennings, Willie Nelson, Johnny Cash, and Kris
Kristofferson -- ("The Highwayman"), Linda Ronstadt, and many many
others. Both El Mirage and Angel Heart are excellent AOR efforts filled
with classic Webb compositions. El Mirage is Jap. CD release
only.
|
  |
Wilson Brothers:
Another Night (Atlantic 1979)
Produced by: Kyle Lehning
Steve and Kelly Wilson's only release, and what a great effort
it is! Despite the fact that it was recorded in Nashville and the only
west coast player on it is Steve Lukather -- who by the way does some of
his best session here -- this album -- Another Nigh is surely a West
Coast classic. Jap. CD release.
|
 |
| |
|
