Disco Zip File #30 - Harry Thumann, Arpeggio and Gloria Gaynor

Kangaroo - Bahamas
Label: Baby Records International
Country: Belgium
Released: 1979
Credits: Arranged By - Herman Weindorf
Producer - Harry Thumann

Harry Thumann created a fantastic classic with his concept and production of “Underwater” – today the song still rings as powerful as it did during its initial release. Horns, strings, and Thumann’s best synthesizer injections. There is information on many sites that Thurmann actually built synthesizers. It is also noted that he left us in 2001 – which is sad news. This project, Kangaroo was certainly not Thumann’s best work, but outlines some of his techniques and ideas. “Bahamas” is a fun Calypso-styled dance number with a lot of fun vocals and a great break. Be sure to take out the Carmen Miranda hat before listening! “Chicago” contains some great synthetic effects (ex. Vocals, keyboards) and Thumann’s bland but effective vocals. This project definitely sounds similar to Nu-Wave synthesizer projects like Telex.

1) Bahamas (5:10)
2) Chicago (5:40)
3) We'll Be Out (2:50)
4) Surfin' (6:20)
5) Batman (3:32)
6) Kangaroo (5:38)


Arpeggio - Let The Music Play
Label: Polydor (US)
Country: US
Released: 1978
Credits: Producer - Simon Soussan

This entry was to replace "Spellbound" file from Zip #29 - I thought, what the heck! Here is the whole LP :)

Not allot of fooling around here – straight disco created during the electronic fusion. Great syndrums and keyboard effects. Simon Soussan has quite an unstable reputation in the record industry - but we are more concerned here about the memories he has created on the dance floor. Jessica Williams is evident here are her road leading to the solo LP “Queen Of Fools” is obvious.

7) Let The Music Play / Play The Music / I Wanna Tango (12:40)
8) Runaway (6:00)
9) Love And Desire / Desire (8:57)
10) Spellbound (6:44)



Gloria Gaynor - Never Can Say Goodbye
Label: MGM
Country: US
Released: 1975
Credits: Producer - Jay Ellis , Meco Monardo , Tony Bongiovi

The great LP with the medley segued by Tom Moulton. Gaynor is feeling out the disco scene with a series of remakes on this LP produced by Meco Monardo who moved onto producing his own series of disco covers (Star Wars, Empire Strikes Back, Meco Goes To Hollywood, etc).

11) Honey Bee (6:00)
Producer - Paul Leka
12) Never Can Say Goodbye (6:28)
13) Reach Out, I'll Be There (6:15)
14) All I Need Is Your Sweet Lovin' (2:47)
15) Searchin' (2:55)
16) We Belong Together (2:51)
17) False Alarm (3:40)
18) Real Good People (3:02)

Disco Zip File #30 - Harry Thumann, Arpeggio and Gloria Gaynor

Kangaroo - Bahamas
Label: Baby Records International
Country: Belgium
Released: 1979
Credits: Arranged By - Herman Weindorf
Producer - Harry Thumann

Harry Thumann created a fantastic classic with his concept and production of “Underwater” – today the song still rings as powerful as it did during its initial release. Horns, strings, and Thumann’s best synthesizer injections. There is information on many sites that Thurmann actually built synthesizers. It is also noted that he left us in 2001 – which is sad news. This project, Kangaroo was certainly not Thumann’s best work, but outlines some of his techniques and ideas. “Bahamas” is a fun Calypso-styled dance number with a lot of fun vocals and a great break. Be sure to take out the Carmen Miranda hat before listening! “Chicago” contains some great synthetic effects (ex. Vocals, keyboards) and Thumann’s bland but effective vocals. This project definitely sounds similar to Nu-Wave synthesizer projects like Telex.

1) Bahamas (5:10)
2) Chicago (5:40)
3) We'll Be Out (2:50)
4) Surfin' (6:20)
5) Batman (3:32)
6) Kangaroo (5:38)


Arpeggio - Let The Music Play
Label: Polydor (US)
Country: US
Released: 1978
Credits: Producer - Simon Soussan

This entry was to replace "Spellbound" file from Zip #29 - I thought, what the heck! Here is the whole LP :)

Not allot of fooling around here – straight disco created during the electronic fusion. Great syndrums and keyboard effects. Simon Soussan has quite an unstable reputation in the record industry - but we are more concerned here about the memories he has created on the dance floor. Jessica Williams is evident here are her road leading to the solo LP “Queen Of Fools” is obvious.

7) Let The Music Play / Play The Music / I Wanna Tango (12:40)
8) Runaway (6:00)
9) Love And Desire / Desire (8:57)
10) Spellbound (6:44)



Gloria Gaynor - Never Can Say Goodbye
Label: MGM
Country: US
Released: 1975
Credits: Producer - Jay Ellis , Meco Monardo , Tony Bongiovi

The great LP with the medley segued by Tom Moulton. Gaynor is feeling out the disco scene with a series of remakes on this LP produced by Meco Monardo who moved onto producing his own series of disco covers (Star Wars, Empire Strikes Back, Meco Goes To Hollywood, etc).

11) Honey Bee (6:00)
Producer - Paul Leka
12) Never Can Say Goodbye (6:28)
13) Reach Out, I'll Be There (6:15)
14) All I Need Is Your Sweet Lovin' (2:47)
15) Searchin' (2:55)
16) We Belong Together (2:51)
17) False Alarm (3:40)
18) Real Good People (3:02)

• Action '78 - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix - Erotic Drum Band

• Action '78 - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix - Erotic Drum Band
George Cucuzella produced along with Peter Di Milo from Canada. Another reference to disco music's transition during the late seventies. This project contained more synthesizers and percussion than any other release during the time. A great leap forward for dancers and dee jays to find the edge of dance music which could have been a direction in a "tribal" and "techno" arena. Great percussion reins throughout "Action '78" - my ReStructure pulls the original mix into an extended orgy of energy and a great uncovered riff.

Listen at: http://www.restructuremix.com/ or click on link above

• Action '78 - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix - Erotic Drum Band

• Action '78 - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix - Erotic Drum Band
George Cucuzella produced along with Peter Di Milo from Canada. Another reference to disco music's transition during the late seventies. This project contained more synthesizers and percussion than any other release during the time. A great leap forward for dancers and dee jays to find the edge of dance music which could have been a direction in a "tribal" and "techno" arena. Great percussion reins throughout "Action '78" - my ReStructure pulls the original mix into an extended orgy of energy and a great uncovered riff.

Listen at: http://www.restructuremix.com/ or click on link above

Disco Zip File #29 - Disco-here-Disco-there (Trax, U.N., Erotic Drum Band, D.D. Sound)

Trax - Dancing In The Street
Label: Polydor (Canada) Released: 1978 Produced by Pete Bellotte.

Pete Bellotte worked with Giorgio Moroder to create "The First Lady Of Love": Donna Summer. Keith Forsey, who moved on to later produce Billy Idol during the DOR years, assisted his compositions with Trax. This LP was produced during the exploration period of disco music and many of the cuts are varied in style - but also contain the essence of pure disco from Germany. "Crusader" is a percussion track that was very much a filler piece used by many crafty disc jockeys to create an incredible break between songs. There are influences of early years of rock as The Beatles in some of the compositions, as they are fun and full of angles not too shy of experimental.

Tracklisting:
1) Dancing In The Street (5:51)
2) Do You Wanna Be A Star (4:36)
3) Crusader (4:35)
4) Never Been To Spain (5:09)
5) Baby What's Your Number (5:07)
6) Boom Boom (Schmalz Schmalz) (4:19)

U.N. - U.N.
Label: Prelude Records Released: 1979 Credits: Arranged By [Strings, Horns] - Denis Lepage Backing Vocals - Barbara Ingram , Carla Benson , Evette Benton Engineer - Claude Allard , Gene Leone Mastered By - Dominick Romeo , Stan Kalina Mixed By - Gene Leone Photography - Trudy Schlachter Producer, Arranged By, Mixed By [Assistant], Written-By - Tony Green Notes: B2: The sleeve says "In The Groove", the label says "I'm In The Groove".
Tony Green produced many of disco's uplifting and playful projects - France Joli, Freddie James, Carolyne Bernier and Norma Lewis. Most of his projects contained the best of breaks - thanks to the affiliation with the powerhouse studio musicians and engineers from the Canadian disco period.This LP is fluff but every bit the meaning of "disco" music - dance and let the cares go!

Tracklisting:
7) Hot Lover (5:53)
8) Disco Power (9:19)
9) Get It On (8:12)
10) In The Groove (7:35)

BONUS TRACKS:

12) "Cafe" - D.D. Sound (LP Version)

13) "Action '78" - Erotic Drum Band (LP Version)

14) "Spellbound" - Arpeggio (This file has a few places with skips - if you would like another copy, please email me - I am working on re-digitizing - sorry about the inconvenience)

Disco Zip File #29 - Disco-here-Disco-there (Trax, U.N., Erotic Drum Band, D.D. Sound)

Trax - Dancing In The Street
Label: Polydor (Canada) Released: 1978 Produced by Pete Bellotte.

Pete Bellotte worked with Giorgio Moroder to create "The First Lady Of Love": Donna Summer. Keith Forsey, who moved on to later produce Billy Idol during the DOR years, assisted his compositions with Trax. This LP was produced during the exploration period of disco music and many of the cuts are varied in style - but also contain the essence of pure disco from Germany. "Crusader" is a percussion track that was very much a filler piece used by many crafty disc jockeys to create an incredible break between songs. There are influences of early years of rock as The Beatles in some of the compositions, as they are fun and full of angles not too shy of experimental.

Tracklisting:
1) Dancing In The Street (5:51)
2) Do You Wanna Be A Star (4:36)
3) Crusader (4:35)
4) Never Been To Spain (5:09)
5) Baby What's Your Number (5:07)
6) Boom Boom (Schmalz Schmalz) (4:19)

U.N. - U.N.
Label: Prelude Records Released: 1979 Credits: Arranged By [Strings, Horns] - Denis Lepage Backing Vocals - Barbara Ingram , Carla Benson , Evette Benton Engineer - Claude Allard , Gene Leone Mastered By - Dominick Romeo , Stan Kalina Mixed By - Gene Leone Photography - Trudy Schlachter Producer, Arranged By, Mixed By [Assistant], Written-By - Tony Green Notes: B2: The sleeve says "In The Groove", the label says "I'm In The Groove".
Tony Green produced many of disco's uplifting and playful projects - France Joli, Freddie James, Carolyne Bernier and Norma Lewis. Most of his projects contained the best of breaks - thanks to the affiliation with the powerhouse studio musicians and engineers from the Canadian disco period.This LP is fluff but every bit the meaning of "disco" music - dance and let the cares go!

Tracklisting:
7) Hot Lover (5:53)
8) Disco Power (9:19)
9) Get It On (8:12)
10) In The Groove (7:35)

BONUS TRACKS:

12) "Cafe" - D.D. Sound (LP Version)

13) "Action '78" - Erotic Drum Band (LP Version)

14) "Spellbound" - Arpeggio (This file has a few places with skips - if you would like another copy, please email me - I am working on re-digitizing - sorry about the inconvenience)

Disco Zip File #28 - Canadian Disco Explosion!

Hydro featuring Lorna
Country: US
Released: 1979
Genre: Electronic
Style: Disco
Credits: Featuring - Lorna
Producer - Joe La Greca , Joe Marandola
Notes: Recorded at Montreal Sound Studio for Dee Jay Productions.

Electro-disco project produced by Joe LaGreca (Vera, MTL Express, Melody Stewart, Kat Mandu, Carol Jiani, Lime, Chris Mills, Peter Batah) in 1979. Great keyboards and guitar licks emphasis the disco energy in this recording. “Stop Your Teasing” is the main cut with the most play from the album and features LaGreca’s fantastic synthesizer and percussion effects. This album is very reminiscent of Melody Stewart’s fantastic 12” release, “Action Satisfaction”/”Get Down, Get Down”.

1) Stop Teasing (9:38) Mixed By - Gene Leone
2) I'll Make Your Day Tonight (6:22) - Mixed By - Gene Leone
3) I'll Be Good To You (7:47)
4) My Favorite Disco (5:24)
5) K.I.C. (Keep It Coming) (6:21)


Fussy Cussy - Don't Stop The Music
Label: Uniwave
Country: Canada
Released: 1981
Genre: Electronic
Style: Disco
Credits: Arranged By - Denis Lepage
Producer - Dominique Nicodemo , Mike Nicodemo
Notes: Produced by Mike Nicodemo and Dominique Nicodemo for Scorpio Records. Published by Costa Demo Productions Reg'd.

6 ) Don't Stop The Music (6:25)
7 ) Don't Stop The Music (Instrumental) (6:25)

Disco Zip File #28 - Canadian Disco Explosion!

Hydro featuring Lorna
Country: US
Released: 1979
Genre: Electronic
Style: Disco
Credits: Featuring - Lorna
Producer - Joe La Greca , Joe Marandola
Notes: Recorded at Montreal Sound Studio for Dee Jay Productions.

Electro-disco project produced by Joe LaGreca (Vera, MTL Express, Melody Stewart, Kat Mandu, Carol Jiani, Lime, Chris Mills, Peter Batah) in 1979. Great keyboards and guitar licks emphasis the disco energy in this recording. “Stop Your Teasing” is the main cut with the most play from the album and features LaGreca’s fantastic synthesizer and percussion effects. This album is very reminiscent of Melody Stewart’s fantastic 12” release, “Action Satisfaction”/”Get Down, Get Down”.

1) Stop Teasing (9:38) Mixed By - Gene Leone
2) I'll Make Your Day Tonight (6:22) - Mixed By - Gene Leone
3) I'll Be Good To You (7:47)
4) My Favorite Disco (5:24)
5) K.I.C. (Keep It Coming) (6:21)


Fussy Cussy - Don't Stop The Music
Label: Uniwave
Country: Canada
Released: 1981
Genre: Electronic
Style: Disco
Credits: Arranged By - Denis Lepage
Producer - Dominique Nicodemo , Mike Nicodemo
Notes: Produced by Mike Nicodemo and Dominique Nicodemo for Scorpio Records. Published by Costa Demo Productions Reg'd.

6 ) Don't Stop The Music (6:25)
7 ) Don't Stop The Music (Instrumental) (6:25)

SHADES OF SEVENTIES Comedy Issue: Lawanda Page (Aunt Esther) "The Queen of Black Comedy"

(This issue is deciated to my dear friend, Felix Prince - who left us last year - but his memeory lives on in music, black history and comedy: http://www.glennrivera.com/prenoon/ )

Lawanda Page is "The Queen of Black Comedy" - from the 70's show, "Sanford and Son" she created a unique and bawdy style of humor - I hope you enjoy this episode and get a few laughs (I am sure you will) of one of her stand-up shows from the 70's!

LaWanda Page (October 19, 1920 - September 14, 2002) was an American actress, perhaps best known for her portrayal of Aunt Esther in the 1970s sitcom Sanford and Son.
Born in Cleveland, Ohio as Alberta Peal, Page started her career in show business in small clubs, working as "The Bronze Goddess of Fire," an act which included her lighting cigarettes with her fingertips. She performed this routine on an episode of Sanford and Son, in which Fred held a circus in his side yard.
Page was convinced by her friend Redd Foxx to become a stand-up comedienne. Page recorded several live comedy albums for the Laff Records label in the late 1960's and early 1970's; One release, Watch it, sucka!, was titled after Aunt Esther's catchphrase to cash in on her newfound TV fame.
On Sanford and Son, Page's "Aunt Esther" character was the sister of Elizabeth, Fred Sanford's (Foxx) late wife. She would sometimes be accompanied by other stalwart ladies from her church, or by her henpecked, slightly inebriated husband, "Woodrow". (Page was Foxx's only choice to play Aunt Esther.)
Aunt Esther was a genuinely funny combination of a devout church-goer and a 'tough-as-nails' realist, often sparring with Fred over both the state of his soul and the lack of his success, and getting insulted by Fred in return over his opinion of her homely looks. On occasion she would call Fred an "old fish-eyed fool." She once referred to Fred, during a public prayer, as a "snaggle-toothed jackass;" Fred once told her that, if they pressed her face into some dough, they could make "gorilla cookies." In another 'tender moment,' when Aunt Esther reminded Fred that her name was in the Bible (i.e., the book of Esther), Fred was reminded that "Samson slew the Philistines with your jaw-bone (i.e., that of an Ass; Judges 15:15)." Her "church lady" image was in direct contrast with the "blue" material of her stand-up act and record albums.
Page also portrayed her character on several episodes of Dean Martin's "Celebrity Roasts." She also acted in several episodes of other television shows, including Amen and Martin. Page's career experienced a brief revitalization in the early 90s after she appeared on several tracks of the debut album by RuPaul called Supermodel of the World, particularly the hit song Supermodel (You Better Work). She also appeared in several music videos from the album. Shortly before her death she appeared in several comical Church's Fried Chicken television commercials with the catchphrase of "Gotta love it!" She also made a cameo appearance in the hit movie 'Friday' and stole the show with a movie opening one-liner.
Page succumbed to diabetes in September 2002. She is interred in an outdoor crypt at Inglewood Park Cemetery in Inglewood, California.
Her daughter Evangelist Clara Estella Roberta Johnson died on June 4, 2006, in Los Angeles, California at the age of 69.

SHADES OF SEVENTIES Comedy Issue: Lawanda Page (Aunt Esther) "The Queen of Black Comedy"

(This issue is deciated to my dear friend, Felix Prince - who left us last year - but his memeory lives on in music, black history and comedy: http://www.glennrivera.com/prenoon/ )

Lawanda Page is "The Queen of Black Comedy" - from the 70's show, "Sanford and Son" she created a unique and bawdy style of humor - I hope you enjoy this episode and get a few laughs (I am sure you will) of one of her stand-up shows from the 70's!

LaWanda Page (October 19, 1920 - September 14, 2002) was an American actress, perhaps best known for her portrayal of Aunt Esther in the 1970s sitcom Sanford and Son.
Born in Cleveland, Ohio as Alberta Peal, Page started her career in show business in small clubs, working as "The Bronze Goddess of Fire," an act which included her lighting cigarettes with her fingertips. She performed this routine on an episode of Sanford and Son, in which Fred held a circus in his side yard.
Page was convinced by her friend Redd Foxx to become a stand-up comedienne. Page recorded several live comedy albums for the Laff Records label in the late 1960's and early 1970's; One release, Watch it, sucka!, was titled after Aunt Esther's catchphrase to cash in on her newfound TV fame.
On Sanford and Son, Page's "Aunt Esther" character was the sister of Elizabeth, Fred Sanford's (Foxx) late wife. She would sometimes be accompanied by other stalwart ladies from her church, or by her henpecked, slightly inebriated husband, "Woodrow". (Page was Foxx's only choice to play Aunt Esther.)
Aunt Esther was a genuinely funny combination of a devout church-goer and a 'tough-as-nails' realist, often sparring with Fred over both the state of his soul and the lack of his success, and getting insulted by Fred in return over his opinion of her homely looks. On occasion she would call Fred an "old fish-eyed fool." She once referred to Fred, during a public prayer, as a "snaggle-toothed jackass;" Fred once told her that, if they pressed her face into some dough, they could make "gorilla cookies." In another 'tender moment,' when Aunt Esther reminded Fred that her name was in the Bible (i.e., the book of Esther), Fred was reminded that "Samson slew the Philistines with your jaw-bone (i.e., that of an Ass; Judges 15:15)." Her "church lady" image was in direct contrast with the "blue" material of her stand-up act and record albums.
Page also portrayed her character on several episodes of Dean Martin's "Celebrity Roasts." She also acted in several episodes of other television shows, including Amen and Martin. Page's career experienced a brief revitalization in the early 90s after she appeared on several tracks of the debut album by RuPaul called Supermodel of the World, particularly the hit song Supermodel (You Better Work). She also appeared in several music videos from the album. Shortly before her death she appeared in several comical Church's Fried Chicken television commercials with the catchphrase of "Gotta love it!" She also made a cameo appearance in the hit movie 'Friday' and stole the show with a movie opening one-liner.
Page succumbed to diabetes in September 2002. She is interred in an outdoor crypt at Inglewood Park Cemetery in Inglewood, California.
Her daughter Evangelist Clara Estella Roberta Johnson died on June 4, 2006, in Los Angeles, California at the age of 69.

Disco Zip File #27 - Stargo, The Ring and Revanche!

1) Capsicum - Stargo.mp3
A unique Italo Disco cut from Stargo - produced by Robyx from 1983 - great moody synthesizer with uplifting vocals.

Two From The Ring:
The studio band which brought the classic, "Savage Lover" alive - and the follow-up "Jump" on Vanguard - produced by Marcus Barone - these 2 cuts represent the transition between disco and dance/nu-wave.

Hollywood" is a bit campy but worth hearing disco search for a new sound.
2) Hollywood - The Ring.mp3
The medley "Man From America" joins 2 great Hollywood classic themes, "America" from West Side Story and Jerry Goldsmith's theme from the 60's, "Man From U.N.C.L.E." "
3) Man From America (Medley) - The Ring.mp3

REVANCHE
The classic high energy disco LP from 1979 produced by Jacques Fred Petrus (Macho, Peter Jacques Band, Change, B.B.Q. and Band, Midnight Gang, Caprice, etc) - vocals on this project were recorded in New York City's Power Station featuring Christine Wiltshire (Musique, Phreek), Jocelyn Shaw (alias Brown of Musique, Machine 202, and her great solo efforts).The best of the high point of disco is here!
4) You Get High In N.Y.C. - Revanche.mp3
5) Revenge - Revanche.mp3
6) Music Man - Revanche.mp3
7) 1979 It's Dancing Time - Revanche.mp3

Disco Zip File #27 - Stargo, The Ring and Revanche!

1) Capsicum - Stargo.mp3
A unique Italo Disco cut from Stargo - produced by Robyx from 1983 - great moody synthesizer with uplifting vocals.

Two From The Ring:
The studio band which brought the classic, "Savage Lover" alive - and the follow-up "Jump" on Vanguard - produced by Marcus Barone - these 2 cuts represent the transition between disco and dance/nu-wave.

Hollywood" is a bit campy but worth hearing disco search for a new sound.
2) Hollywood - The Ring.mp3
The medley "Man From America" joins 2 great Hollywood classic themes, "America" from West Side Story and Jerry Goldsmith's theme from the 60's, "Man From U.N.C.L.E." "
3) Man From America (Medley) - The Ring.mp3

REVANCHE
The classic high energy disco LP from 1979 produced by Jacques Fred Petrus (Macho, Peter Jacques Band, Change, B.B.Q. and Band, Midnight Gang, Caprice, etc) - vocals on this project were recorded in New York City's Power Station featuring Christine Wiltshire (Musique, Phreek), Jocelyn Shaw (alias Brown of Musique, Machine 202, and her great solo efforts).The best of the high point of disco is here!
4) You Get High In N.Y.C. - Revanche.mp3
5) Revenge - Revanche.mp3
6) Music Man - Revanche.mp3
7) 1979 It's Dancing Time - Revanche.mp3

Disco Zip File #26

GRACE JONES
1) Comme Un Oiseau Qui S'Envole - Grace Jones.mp3
2) Do Or Die (12 Inch Mix) - Grace Jones.mp3

ROBERTA KELLY - "Trouble Maker"
Produced by Giorgio Moroder and Pete Belotte
3) Innocent - Roberta Kelly.mp3
4) Love Power - Roberta Kelly.mp3
5) The Family - Roberta Kelly.mp3
6) Think I'm Gonna Break Someone's Heart Tonight - Roberta Kelly.mp3
7) Trouble Maker - Roberta Kelly.mp3

Disco Zip File #26

GRACE JONES
1) Comme Un Oiseau Qui S'Envole - Grace Jones.mp3
2) Do Or Die (12 Inch Mix) - Grace Jones.mp3

ROBERTA KELLY - "Trouble Maker"
Produced by Giorgio Moroder and Pete Belotte
3) Innocent - Roberta Kelly.mp3
4) Love Power - Roberta Kelly.mp3
5) The Family - Roberta Kelly.mp3
6) Think I'm Gonna Break Someone's Heart Tonight - Roberta Kelly.mp3
7) Trouble Maker - Roberta Kelly.mp3