Ray Chapa Blog: Chet Baker Everything happens to me- A Moment in J...

Ray Chapa Blog: Chet Baker Everything happens to me- A Moment in J...: Great jazz musicians made jazz music history with beautiful sounds. Some changed all jazz. Saxophone, trumpet, piano, bass ,vocals and mor...

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Chet Baker Everything happens to me- A Moment in Jazz History.

Great jazz musicians made jazz music history with beautiful sounds. Some changed all jazz. Saxophone, trumpet, piano, bass ,vocals and more. In jazz the skilled performer will interpret a tune in very individual ways, never playing the same composition exactly the same way twice. Depending upon the performer's mood and personal experience, interactions with other musicians, or even members of the audience, a jazz musician/performer may alter melodies, harmonies or time signature at will.  The jazz soloist is often supported by a rhythm section who "comp" (accompany the soloist), by playing chords and rhythms that outline the song structure and complement the soloist. As with the case here. 

Chesney Henry "Chet" Baker, Jr. was an American jazz trumpeter, flugelhornist and singer. In the 1950s, Baker earned much attention and critical praise, particularly for albums featuring his vocals, such as Chet Baker Sings.     

Born: December 23, 1929, Yale

Died: May 13, 1988, Amsterdam  

biography

Chet Baker was a primary exponent of the West Coast school of cool jazz in the early and mid-'50s. As a trumpeter, he had a generally restrained, intimate playing style and he attracted attention beyond jazz for his photogenic looks and singing. But his career was marred by drug addiction. After a while Baker initially played in Vido Musso's band, then with Stan Getz. (The first recording featuring Baker is a performance of "Out of Nowhere" that comes from a tape of a jam session made on March 24, 1952, and was released on the Fresh Sound Records LP Live at the Trade Winds.) His break came quickly, when, in the spring of 1952, he was chosen at an audition to play a series of West Coast dates with Charlie Parker, making his debut with the famed saxophonist at the Tiffany Club in Los Angeles on May 29, 1952. That summer, he began playing in the Gerry Mulligan Quartet, a group featuring only baritone sax, trumpet, bass, and drums -- no piano -- that attracted attention during an engagement at the Haig nightclub and through recordings on the newly formed Pacific Jazz Records (later known as World Pacific Records), beginning with the 10" LP Gerry Mulligan Quartet, which featured Baker's famous rendition of "My Funny Valentine".  A Moment in Jazz History will be the feature title of this Blog, fitting as it may be that Chet Baker touched our lives in such a way that only Jazz Music can describe. Impromptu by the moment and hour that he lived, and sharing his gift with us. Chet Baker was one of a kind, And that may be the way he wanted it.   
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Ray Chapa Blog: Timeless Classic The Main Ingredient - Spinning Ar...

Ray Chapa Blog: Timeless Classic The Main Ingredient - Spinning Ar...: A Great Time in Music History- The 1970`s. A care free time when almost every aspect in music was at it`s peak. Groups like The Main Ingre...

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Ray Chapa Blog: Teena Marie - 'Wishing On A Star'

Ray Chapa Blog: Teena Marie - 'Wishing On A Star': Her voice is so satisfying, one  couldn`t help but adore her. Teena Marie was one of the Largest Show Stoppers around for a number of years...

Thanks for commenting. Ray Chapa.

Ray Chapa Blog: Timeless Classic The Main Ingredient - Spinning Ar...

Ray Chapa Blog: Timeless Classic The Main Ingredient - Spinning Ar...: A Great Time in Music History- The 1970`s. A care free time when almost every aspect in music was at it`s peak. Groups like The Main Ingre...

Thanks for commenting. Ray Chapa.

Timeless Classic The Main Ingredient - Spinning Around (1970)

A Great Time in Music History- The 1970`s. A care free time when almost every aspect in music was at it`s peak. Groups like The Main Ingredient helped unite people with tunes such as this one. This song has a beautiful melody with a vocal quality un-matched by many of the times. 
The group was formed in Harlem, New York in 1964 as a trio called the Poets, composed of lead singer Donald McPherson, Luther Simmons, Jr., and Panama-born Tony Silvester. They made their first recordings for Leiber & Stoller's Red Bird label, but soon changed their name to the Insiders and signed with RCA. After a couple of singles, they changed their name once again in 1968, this time permanently to the Main Ingredient, taking the name from a Coke bottle.
The Main Ingredient then teamed up with record producer Bert DeCoteaux. Under his direction, the Main Ingredient reached the R&B Top 30 for the first time in 1970 with "You've Been My Inspiration." A cover of The Impressions' "I'm So Proud" broke the Top 20, and "Spinning Around (I Must Be Falling in Love)" went into the Top 10. They scored again with the McPherson-penned black power anthem "Black Seeds Keep on Growing," but tragedy struck in 1971: McPherson, who had suddenly taken ill with leukemia, died unexpectedly. Stunned, Silvester and Simmons regrouped with new lead singer Cuba Gooding, Sr., who had served as a backing vocalist on some of their previous recordings and had filled in on tour during McPherson's brief illness.                                                                                                                            The Gooding era began auspiciously enough with the million-selling smash "Everybody Plays the Fool," which hit number two R&B and number three pop to become the group's biggest hit ever. The accompanying album, aptly titled Bitter Sweet, became their first to hit the Top Ten on the R&B charts.
It gives me such pleasure to write about this decade and the music that made it all happen.
Thanks for commenting. Ray Chapa.

Teena Marie - 'Wishing On A Star'

Her voice is so satisfying, one  couldn`t help but adore her. Teena Marie was one of the Largest Show Stoppers around for a number of years. Her presence on stage only accented her great voice. She sang a number of different styles of music along with writing and producing much of her own material. Some of her works are still enjoyed  on the R&B,  Jazz, and Dance charts. Indeed, Teena has been missed for she passed away a few years ago. I hope you enjoy this version of this song as only she could do. RIP Teena.
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Ray Chapa Blog: Frankie Valli - Swearin' To God (Disco Mix) (Slayd...

Ray Chapa Blog: Frankie Valli - Swearin' To God (Disco Mix) (Slayd...: Frankie Valli is an American popular singer, most famous as frontman of The Four Seasons beginning in 1960. He is well known for his u...

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Frankie Valli - Swearin' To God (Disco Mix) (Slayd5000)

Frankie Valli is an American popular singer, most famous as frontman of The Four Seasons beginning in 1960. He is well known for his unusually powerful falsetto voice.                                                                   Valli began his professional singing career in 1951 with the Variety Trio (Nickie DeVito, Tommy DeVito and Nick Macioci). Valli's desire to sing in public was initially granted when, having heard Valli sing, the group offered him a guest spot when the group performed. In late 1952, the Variety Trio disbanded and Valli, along with Tommy DeVito, became part of the house band at The Strand in New Brunswick, New Jersey. For his part, Valli played bass and sang. He cut his first single, "My Mother's Eyes", in 1953 as "Frankie Valley", a variation on a name he adopted from "Texas" Jean Valli, a favorite female singer. Around this time, Valli and Tommy DeVito left the house band at The Strand and formed The Variatones with Hank Majewski, Frank Cattone and Billy Thompson. In 1956, as part of an audition backing a female singer, the group impressed New York record man Peter Paul, who had them auditioning at RCA Victor a week later. Renamed The Four Lovers, the group recorded several singles and one album's worth of tracks. They had a minor hit with "You're the Apple of My Eye" in 1956. Nickie DeVito and Hank Majewski left in 1958 to be replaced by Nick Macioci (now Nick Massi) and Hugh Garrity. Massi was in and out of the group, and, occasionally Charles Calello joined on accordion. The group continued to perform until 1959, when Bob Gaudio became a member. After a few more changes, the group was renamed "The 4 Seasons" in 1960. As the lead singer of The Four Seasons, he had a string of hits beginning with the number one hit "Sherry" in 1962. As a footnote to this period of Frankie's career with The Four Seasons, the group's bassist and vocal arranger Nick Massi was replaced in 1965 by Charlie Calello, the group's instrumental arranger, and, then shortly thereafter, Charlie was replaced by Joseph LaBracio, who went by the pseudonym Joe Long. Finally, Valli ended the '60s with a string of recordings that were included in the Valli/Four Seasons album 'Half & Half' or released as various singles. The only hit to emerge at this time was the recording of "The Girl I'll Never Know (Angels Never Fly This Low)," reaching number 52. Then another major event happened, a Valli solo recording from 1966 became a surprise hit in Great Britain as part of the Northern soul scene and hit number eleven on the British pop charts in December 1970.  Going forward in 1975, Valli's single "My Eyes Adored You" hit number 1 on Billboard's Hot 100. In the same year, he also had a number 6 Billboard hit with the disco-laden "Swearin' To God", while a further UK Chart success came with "Fallen Angel" written by Guy Fletcher & Doug Flett and produced by Bob Gaudio; Back in the U.S. and  Taking the Disco Charts by storm in the late 1970s` was Frankie Valli with a number of hits including this Dance Smash. In the Night Clubs, TV Dance Shows, On the Radio, School Events, and in everyone s neighborhood people were listening to this Hot Disco Tune. You see,"  Popular Songs like this always made things go a little smoother on the Dance Floor, where it all  happened."  If ever a musical style defined a decade, Disco was the definition of the 1970s. Although its popularity was relatively short-lived, the genre hosted a great deal of songs and artists that people are still dancing to today. As for Frankie Valli- What a guy. They always say that no one does it better, and just by chance maybe they were right. So turn back the years for a few moments and enjoy this tune once again, It may one song you won`t forget.  Thanks for commenting, Ray Chapa.

Ray Chapa Blog: Jonathan Butler Sarah Sarah

Ray Chapa Blog: Jonathan Butler Sarah Sarah:  In 1988, it was a great time for music of all genres. South Africa had a guy with a exception voice and charm. Jonathan Butler was his na...

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Jonathan Butler Sarah Sarah

 In 1988, it was a great time for music of all genres. South Africa had a guy with a exception voice and charm. Jonathan Butler was his name. His voice processed a Raw Talent which dazzled many who would listen to him. He was young and a Work of Art in the music world at that time. His live performances were bold and full of music and cheer from his world and ours. Take a moment and enjoy this tune that was featured in 1988 in both R&B and on the Jazz Charts. It`s worth remembering.
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Ray Chapa Blog: dianne reeves - come in

Ray Chapa Blog: dianne reeves - come in: Smooth Jazz by one of the best, Dianne Reeves. Voice of an angel some say, So Strong in Character and Form. Dianne has been compared to so...

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dianne reeves - come in

Smooth Jazz by one of the best, Dianne Reeves. Voice of an angel some say, So Strong in Character and Form. Dianne has been compared to some of the Great Ladies of Jazz from the past. Her voice will spread over octaves at random and still flow as gently as the wind blows. There will always be a special part in my heart for her lovely voice, and I hope yours too.
Thanks for commenting. Ray Chapa.

Ray Chapa Blog: Where Do We Go from Here - Enchantment ( A Sexy So...

Ray Chapa Blog: Where Do We Go from Here - Enchantment ( A Sexy So...: Enchantment were one of the very last "sweet soul" groups of the '70s to reach fruition and chart success .     Biography Formed in...

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Where Do We Go from Here - Enchantment ( A Sexy Soul Jam )

Enchantment were one of the very last "sweet soul" groups of the '70s to reach fruition and chart success.    

Biography

Formed in the late 60s at Detroit's Pershing High School, Enchantment became one of the most enjoyable but underrated groups of the late 70s and early 80s. Consisting of lead singer Emanuel "EJ" Johnson, Bobby Green, Mickey Clanton, Joe Thomas and Dave Banks, Enchantment was for many years a local favorite, playing gigs in the Detroit area while hoping to ultimately score a record contract.  

Beginnings

Enchantment first joined forces in the late 60s at Detroit's Pershing High School. The group obtained their first recording contract by winning first place in a 1969 talent contest sponsored by local Detroit radio station WCHB. In 1970, Enchantment joined forces with Artists International, a talent development agency for up-and-coming artists (founded by renowned manager Dick Scott). For the next several years, Enchantment began to hone their craft, concentrating on stage presence, choreography etc. by performing in numerous clubs around the city.     

Success

By 1976, Enchantment had its first big break by signing with music industry veteran and internationally known pop artist Sid Maurer (the "Daddy of NuPOP Art"), Tash Howard and Fred Frank on their Roadshow Records imprint. Then they released their self-entitled debut album, Enchantment. Two singles from the album would chart very well on the R&B Charts. "Gloria" at number five and "Sunshine" at number three. The self-contained group would enter the studio in the fall of 1977, and recorded their second album, Once Upon A Dream. The album was a gem, far surpassing its predecessor charting on the R&B album charts at eight and Pop Albums charts at 46. It features the crossover ballad "It's You That I Need" which charted at number one on the R&B charts. Unfortunately, while Once Upon A Dream should have thrust the group to A-list status, it would became Enchantment's commercial peak. Journey to the Land Of... Enchantment would be Enchantment's third and final album with Roadshow. Released in 1979, this would be their final album that would chart well on the R&B charts coming in at number 25. ⁽Note Bobby Green was dismissed from the group after the first album).                                                                                       Enchantment,one of my favorite groups of the 70s and very underrated. Their presents on stage and in the studio embellished every one who would viewed them. With the clear quality of tonal vocals in such a wide range ( Very popular at the time), they dazzled people of all ages with Soulful Melodies as they always had. A great group of that time period perfectly named to execute their musical talent. Please enjoy this Lovely Tune as I have over the years. I`m sure it will become one of your favorites too.
Thanks for commenting. Ray Chapa.