Routes

Routes / Ramsey Lewis (1980)
                                                      feat. Earth,Wind & Fire


This is one of historical album that Ramsey Lewis and EWF got together .
From the bigginning, electro piano of Ramsey Lewis lightly pursue scats of Maurice White and John Lind in "Whisper Zone" .
And It easily takes us to the world of them.

Larry Dunn took part in writting in 5 songs.
Among them "Colors In Space"was really like the one of EWF.
I was excited!

Precious sound source in which Earth,Wind & Fire members of those days have participated !
Fan of EWF have to have it!

personals


Ramsey Lewis / Steiway Concer Piano & Fender Rhodes
Larry Dunn / Synthesizer, Piano, Fender Rhodes & Synthesizer Programming
Al McKay / Guitar
Byron Miller / Bass
Ndugh Chancler/ Drums
Kenny Burke/ Bass
Roland  Bautista/ Guitar
Paulinho Da Costa, Philip Bailey, Fred White/ Percussion
Don Myrick / Saxphone
Louis Satterfield / Saxphone
Rahmlee / Flugihom
Michale Davis / Trumpet
James Godson /Drums
Maurice White & <strong>John Lind</strong>/ Vocal
<strong>Warren Weiberg</strong>/ Vocals



1. Whisper Zone
(J Lind, L Dunn, A Mckay)

2. High Point
(L Dunn, A Mckay D Mckay,)

3. Tondelayo
(L Dunn, L White)

4. Caribbean Blue
(L Dunn)

5. Looking Glass
(R Lewis)

6. Come Back Jack
(T Poref)

7. Colors In Space
(M White, L Dunn)

8. Crystals 'n Sequence
(A R Toussaint)

9. You Are The Reason
(J L Mack)

10. Hell On Wheels
(A R Toussaint)

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Breakdown

Breakdown / Paulinho Da Costa (1991)
                                               feat.Philip Bailey



Paulinho Da Costa is the great percussionist born in Brazil and playing all over the world.
One of the most famous artists of percussion.
He did sessions over 1000times with many artists in many genre .
Also he has released many solo albums .

Paulinho's name could be seen at the credits of some albums of  Earth,Wind & Fire.
I am a captive at his happy beat since I first listened to his solo "Happy People"

In this album,special guest appeard with beautiful sound.
Philip Bailey.
In the 1st song of this,"Say It Now, "Freedom"

Although the lead vocals  were shared by  three singers,
Jimmy Varner, Dartyle Phinnnesse, and Peter Canda,
but the turn of Philip Bailey was prepared perfectly
And his high-pitched tone voice was heaping up music!

I felt like dancing in many way while I listen to.
With mix of the bright African & American rhythm involuntarily!
The great album certainly did provide me some energy!


①　Say It Now, "Freedom"
②　One Step , Two Step
③　Guarja
④　I Believe You
⑤　Sabor Latino
⑥　Let's Stay Friends
⑦　No Way Out
⑧　This Love's For Keeps
⑨　Real Love
⑩　You Can Love Me
⑪　Going North
⑫　Exotica

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Intimacy

Intimacy / Ramlee Michael Davis　（2005）



Ramlee used to play trumpet @ " Phinixs　Horns"well known as former horns of
Earth,Wind & Fire.

After they left EWF, they got together with Pill Collins.

This solo works of Ramlee featured some members of EWF.

In this album, although slow melodious music is in the mainstream, the up-tempo ethnic music is also contained.

It is the one which deliver us various expression of the trumpet .

I did't know that he also performs a song!
His voice has a charm astringent enough.


Let me introduce the numbers that EWF members were in!

6. <strong>Rise of the Phenix </strong>(Suite)
Keyboards/ Larry　Dunn

8. <strong>Rise of the Phenix, Pt. 3 </strong>
Gutiar/ Al McKay
Trumpets/ Phenix Horns Esquire
（Rahmlee Davis, Michale Harris, and Honorary lifetime members ,D Myrick, Loise Sathisfield & Uplight)
Trombone/ Michale Harris

9. <strong>Cry of My Heart </strong>

Trumpets/ Phenix Horns Esquire
（Rahmlee Davis, Michale Harris,and Honorary lifetime members ,D Myrick, Loise Sathisfield & Uplight)
Trombone/ Michale Harris

1. Most High  

2. Intimacy  

3. Thank You for Ya  

4. For the Steppers  

5. Solitude  

6. Rise of the Phenix (Suite)  

7. Lembranca  

8. Rise of the Phenix, Pt. 3  

9. Cry of My Heart  

10. He Is Here  

11. Most High [Extended Version]  

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Serious

Serious /　Sonny Emory featuring Ronnie Garrett　（1989）
　




The legendary drummer of Earth,Wind & Fire in their 90's.
On the stage of EWF, sonny showed us magic stick trick, and also sexy RAP to enchant.

I found his old solo release work!
4 versions of a song "Serious"perfomed with bassist, Ronnie Garrett　.

Awfully funky, urbane, and smart track!
His vocal has strong punch like his drum.





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The Two Of Us

The Two Of Us / Ramsey Lewis & Nancy Wilson (1984)
                                                           feat.Robert Brookins




なんて気持ちがいいかしら？
何もかも幸せに包まれて、とっても幸せ！

I was surprised to hear that Japanese dialogue.
It means " Is it very pleasant?
Everything is wrapped in happiness."

Japanese intonation gave the song an unique accent!

Although the release was done with the 2 big stars names,
The songs Nancy Wilson sung were only 4 pieces.

Was it necessary for a joint signature ?
I supposed to this reason was for the impact to push selling.

My favorite Robert Brookins  has participated in this album.
At that time ,he was not the member of Earth,Wind & Fire.

I surprised to know that he already was near the band at these time.


Robert co-wrote "”Breaker Beat”
And played synthesizer in 3songs, ①，③、⑥.


So attractive album with sufficient balance of emotional vocal and funky instrumental .

So Cool!

1. Ram
(Ramsey Lewis, Stanley Clarke)

2. Midnight Rendezvous
(David Roberts)

3. Breaker Beat
(Ramsey Lewis, Stanley Clarke, Robert Brookns)

4. Slippin' Away
(David Paich, Leon Ware, David Foster)

5. The Two Of Us
(Vassal Benford, Jeremy Lubbock)

6. Quiet Storm
(Ramsey Lewis, Stanley Clarke)

7. Never Wanna Say Goodnight
(Roger Bruno, Franne Golde, Ellen Schwartz)

8. Closer Than Close
(Patrick \henderson, Vassal Benford)

9. Song With Words (Remembering)





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It's Gonna Be A Lovely Day

It's Gonna Be A Lovely Day /　The S.O.U.L. S.Y.S.T.E.M　（1992）
　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　feat.B David Whitworth




This is the song featured in the sound track album of motion picture "The Body Guard"
Funky hot tune was made by C & C Music Factory.

And our B David Whitworth took the role of background vocal.
Rap is the lead part ,but the melody line is left to his voice.
For a fan, it is a delightful cast.

I was so charmed with this cool and hot music, I bought single .
8 versions of remix were indluded.

1 Pop Radio Edit
2 Radio Mix
3 Radio Mix Ⅱ
4 Easy Listenning Sax Instutumental
5 Palladium House Anthem Ⅰ
6 Palladium House Anthem Ⅱ
7 Dub House Mix
8 Deep House  Instutumental


House Anthem of 5 and 6 exceeds 12 minutes and long enough to get satisfied.
Although there is no so big difference in short version!

I do not feel length at all.



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When Summer Comes

When Summer Comes  / George Howard　（1993）
                                                         feat.Sonny Emory & Reggie Young



George Howard sometimes invite the members of Earth,Wind & Fire to his album production.

I was really shocked when I knew of this talented saxphonist at the age of 41 in 1998.

Sonny Emory&Reggie Young perfomed at his 13th original album.
jazzy instrumental and cool vocal are alive in this piece.

With the groove which comes into the body easily ,
Mu daughter use to dance with these tune.

Sonny Emory /on Drums at ⑤　⑦　⑧　⑩
Reggie Young / on Trumpet at ⑥　


1. When Summer Comes
2. Grazin' In The Grass
3. Just For Tonight
4. Hard Times
5. Three Minute Warning
6. Family
7. Only Human
8. When A Child Smiles
9. Reach
10. Out In The Cold

Stanley Cleark ,George Duke, Paul Jackson were also in this album.
How gorgeous !





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Transpacific

Transpacific [VHS] ／14 Karat Soul　（1994） feat.B David Whitworth


  B David Whitworth was a menber of 14 Karat Soul ,A cappella chorus group ,
before joinning Earth,Wind & Fire.

While he was in that group, he participated to release 2 albums.
This is the precious video which stored the live in Tokyo.

5 menbers at that time were as follows.

G Lenny T
Tony Zeke
Mark Aaron
Nadir
B David Whitworth

This video also incorporated the private scene before the performance.
At an airport, or a dressing room .

During the performance, there was a comedy corner in the intervals of music,
Slim B David Whitworth played the role of a sumo wrestler and made us laugh!

It seemed that B David Whitworth was full of the spirit of good service.

When they played the commercial song of Klinex tissue,
While looking beautifully,  at the sametime ,reflected humorously  in our eyes.


①　Be Mine Tonight
②　It's All Right
③　Thumb Thumb
④　What A Wonderful World
⑤　For Keeps
⑥　Gloria
⑦　Hold On To You
⑧　Over The Rainbow
⑨　Don't Walk Away
⑩　Won't You Hang Up The Phone
⑪　Say Yes
⑫　Klinex For You
⑬　Stand By Me
⑭　YMVA
⑮　It's All Right

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The Simpsons: The Yellow Album

The Simpsons: The Yellow Album  (1989)
  feat. B David Whitworth



This is a soundtrack album of The Simpsons.
Famous TV anime program which recorded in-history longest congratulation
started in 1989 on American FOX television .

Although I have not witnessed the program itself,
I know the Simpsons's faces and names well.

The album of The Simpsons always featured the gorgeous artists.
C+C Music Factory did provide several music for this Simpson album.
Like the case of movie soundtrack "The Body Guard"
B David Whitworth of Earth,Wind & Fire participated for the back vocal
in ”I Just Can't Help Myself".

Written by D Ramos & David Cole.

Although Lead vocal of this song is by Bart and Lisa of the Simpson family,
 If you listen carefully ,you can feel the voice of David with sincerity and honesty.


  1. Love?  
  2. Sisters Are Doin' It For Themselves  
  3. Funny How Time Slips Away  
  4. Twenty-Four Hours A Day    
  5. The Ten Commandments Of Bart  
  6. I Just Can't Help Myself  
  7. She's Comin' Out Swingin'  
  8. Anyone Else
  9. Every Summer With You  
  10. Hail To Thee, Kamp Krusty

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Adventures In The Land Of Big Beats And Happy Feets

Adventures In The Land Of Big Beats And Happy Feets



This is a conspiration album which mixed extended version of various musical pieces of the 80s!
You can recognize how cool the method each tune was mixed up.

In the 4th, extended version of "Thank You" was featured  from gospel album "Triumph" of our Philip Bailey!!!

It sounds different from the original version.
That I really got interested in.

①　Prologue /Rakim D. & The Garden Beats?
②　Fallin' / Imperials
③　Baow Baow Baow /Bunny Whop & The Hip Hop
④　Thank You /Philip Bailey
⑤　Rappin' Retail / Randy McNally & The Roaｄ　Dogz
⑥　Wise Up / Amy Grant
⑦　No Bout Adoubt It /Billy B& The Beez Nees
⑧　Svengali /Steve Taylor
⑨　Doutout /Billy B& The Beez Nees
⑩　I Just Want To Celebrate /Kim Boyce
⑪　Tee Vee Whiz /The NerfWilson Ensemble
⑫　Jericho /Ideola
⑬　Tee Vee Whiz /The NerfWilson Ensemble
⑭　I've Come Too Far /Russ Taff
⑮　BBBBBeatitudinal / Snappo Schultz
⑯　Ship Of Love /Sheila Walsh
⑰　BBBBBeatitudinal / Snappo Schultz
⑱　Cold Rock The Groove /Randy Stonehill

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