CHRISTMAS BLOG

Happy holidays to you – The Whispers (Written by Mark Wood of “Lakeside” – their label mate of Dick Griffey’s Solar Records … this quintet has been performing since the Mid-Sixties and recording for such labels as Soul Clock & producers as Norman Harris & Leon Sylvers)

The Montana Christmas Medley – Montana Orchestra (Having produced that iconic Christmas medley in ’76 … Writer/Arranger/Producer Vince Montana did it again, this time for his own production/record company which later became known as Philly Sound Works)

Sleigh ride – Alexander O’Neal (Hailing from Minneapolis, U.S.A – Alexander was in the band ‘Flyte Time’ which included Morris Day, Jimmy Jam & Terry Lewis … when “Jam & Lewis” were recruited by Clarence Avant for his ‘Tabu Records’ label, they brought along Alexander who was assigned to the label)

Hark the herald Angel sing/Gloria – Bobby D’Ambrosio feat. Bettina Pennon (Written by Charles Wesley who been classed as one of the founding fathers of the Methodist Church and a steadfast song/hymn writer … Dj/Producer D’Ambrosio has been known for re-inventing Disco Classics also a champion of female vocalists)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e2auJi3vc3Q
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y37w3xIEMz8

Trax feat. Roberta Flack, Sandra Feva, Skyy, Uptempo

Bridge over troubled water – Roberta Flack (Written by Paul Simon of the “Simon & Garfunkel” duo which was monster hit for them … Roberta’s version was arranged by Eumir Deodato and was featured on her third ‘Atlantic Records’ album “Quiet Fire”)

You want it, you got it – Sandra Feva (Michigan based ‘Feva’ was formally known as ‘Richardson’ who recorded for such labels as Buddah & Dellwood Records … later she recorded for “Grandstand” also “Venture” Records – from which this track is culled)

Givin’ it (to you) – Skyy (The bulk of Skyy’s catalogue was released on Salsoul Records and all mainly produced by Randy Muller with band member Solomon Roberts – band members includes three sisters from the same family … this trak came from their Capitol Records album)

Rise – Uptempo (Released on New Jersey’s “Gossip Records” – this is the cover of “A&M Records” Head honcho Herb Alpert’s hit … arranged and produced by duo John Garcia & Greg Bahary – ‘Uptempo’ was just one of their various pseudonyms)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SUHMor_UTWI