| Melba
Moore's 'Standing Right Here' is rightly acknowledged as one of the best
club records of its time. Melba had recorded the song on her album 'Portrait of
Melba' in 1978. A year later it was re mixed extended and released on a
12" on Buddah. This track has all the characteristics of a great
Philadelphia soul record that grooves relentlessly making it an ideal club
anthem. Melba had bigger commercial club hits with her Epic recordings 'You
Stepped Into My Life' and 'Pick Me Up I'll Dance' but neither of those can
compare with sheer class of this track |
Harvey
Mason started his career as a jazz-fusion drummer, and is featured on
Herbie Hancock's ground- breaking album 'Headhunters'. In 1975 he launched his
solo career and over a six-year period recorded five albums for the Arista
label. Initially these albums were mainly instrumental jazz - fusion, but by
1979 when Groovin You was released they had become more vocal oriented. This
track has been a club favourite ever since and Kenny Dope sampled its
infectious chant on the Bucketheads top 10 hit 'Groovin You'. |
| Charme
were a studio session group who produced an album 'Let It In' for RCA in 1982
featuring Luther Vandross. The track 'Georgy Porgy' was originally recorded by
Toto featuring Cheryl Lynn in 1978, and was covered again by Eric Benet in
1999, but this version is more soulful with Luther in fine form. At this time
Luther was featured with many session groups like Change, New York City Band
and Soiree. Although he had recorded two sought after albums for Cotillion in
the mid 70's, his solo career was not to take off until he signed for Epic and
recorded 'Never Too Much' also in 1982. This track has been heavily in demand
for many years and is firm club, bar and party favourite. |
When Garfield
Flemming recorded 'Don't Send Me Away' for Becket in 1981 he was not to
know that this track would pass into obscurity only to be rediscovered ten
years later by Modern soul DJs in the UK. This track is one that is universally
sought after by both Soul DJ's and collectors/fans and disco/boogie DJ's alike.
The simplicity of the track, the compelling hook- lines and the rasping soulful
vocals elevate this underground track to 'Classic' status. Little is known of
Garfield although he did make another 12" single 'Lets Turn In Early' for
the independent label Black Five a year or so later. |
| Little is known
about James Perryalthough he is not one of the famous Perry brothers
(Greg, Jeff, Zachary etc). He cut this track in 1982 for Carnival Records (one
of the last on the Jersey City label) which again was little known at the time.
It is his vocals that really make this track work, as a good soulful dancer.
|
Hipnotic's 'Are You
Lonely' is undoubtedly the rarest of the tracks on this compilation, With
Original 12" singles now fetching £150. This boogie track was
released on the Street Level label in Canada in 1983. The strong hook and heavy
backbeat have made this an extremely in demand underground club track for many
years. |
| Goldie Alexander scored
a minor R&B hit with 'Show Me Your Love' in 1981, originally on the Chaz Ro
label and later licensed to Arista (US) and London (UK). This really is a
boogie classic and has remained a club favourite since its release. Goldie
seems to have specialised in releasing obscure records, his only album 'Fool
For Love' (which does not contain this track) was only released in Canada and
now commands a very high price tag. |
'Love Don't Come
Easy' by New Jersey Connection is another club anthem. This track like
the James Perry one was also recorded for the Carnival Label in 1982. It is one
of the best examples of early 80's soulful boogie by a male vocal group, and
has remained a club and party favourite since its release. DJ's like Greg
Edwards still regularly play it on the radio. |
| Circle City
Band's 'Magic' is one of the most in demand tracks on this compilation.
Originally released on Rickie Clarke's Indianapolis based Circle City label in
1983 it was subsequently licensed to Becket Records. This is another club
favourite and to my knowledge this is the first time it has ever appeared on a
compilation. The band recorded another two tracks on Becket 'Party Lights' and
'My Place' |
Probably the most familiar
track featured on the compilation is 'Bounce Skate Rock Roll' by Vaughn
Mason & Crew. This track based loosely around Chic's epic 'Good Times',
was a top 5 R&B hit when released on Brunswick in 1980. It has been a
Roller Disco/Break dance anthem and has remained an essential tool for any
Hip-Hop or Club DJ. The track has been sampled on many hip hop hits including
those by Redman, De La Soul, Digital Underground and Heavy D and appeared in
the 1992 film 'South Central'. |
| Also released on
Brunswick in 1980 was Young And Company 'I Like (What You're Doing To
Me). Whilst not a hit at the time this track has become another perennial club
anthem. The group were made up of Mike and Billy Young and Buddy Hankerson,
although there is a family connection with Starlena Young (of Slave/Aurra) who
appears on their album. This track is probably one of the most accessible
boogie tracks released in the early 80's. |
The compilation gets its name
from Dunn Pearson's 'Groove On Down' a heavily orchestrated funky disco
classic from 1978. This track has become extremely popular and in demand in
recent years, the original Shrylden label 12" now going for big money.
Dunn is better known as an arranger and producer having worked with The O'Jays,
Stephanie Mills, Mary J Blige and D'Angelo. He has also composed and arranged
music for Films, TV shows Broadway musicals and Commercials, earning him the
nickname of 'Black Beethoven'. Over last fifteen years he has also made several
'Smooth jazz' albums |
to hear tracks - one minute clips)