Tag Archives: 1977

Burning Spear: Dry & Heavy

On August 5, 1977, “Island” label released “Dry & Heavy”, the sixth Burning Spear album. It was recorded in 1977, at “Harry J’s Studio” in Kingston, Jamaica, and was produced by Winston Rodney.

Personnel:

  • Winston Rodney – lead vocals, percussion, arrangements
  • Earl “Chinna” Smith – lead and rhythm guitar
  • Donald “Roots” Kinsey – lead guitar
  • Bertram “Ranchie” McLean – rhythm guitar
  • Bernard “Touter” Harvey – keyboards
  • Earl “Wire” Lindo – keyboards
  • Robbie Shakespeare – bass guitar
  • Aston “Family Man” Barrett – bass guitar
  • Leroy “Horsemouth” Wallace – drums
  • Noel “Skully” Simms – percussion
  • Uziah “Sticky” Thompson – percussion
  • Herman Marquis – alto sax
  • Richard “Dirty Harry” Hall – tenor sax
  • Bobby Ellis – trumpet
  • Vincent “Trommie” Gordon – trombone
  • Sylvan Morris – engineer

Track listing:

All tracks by Walter Rodney, except where noted.

  1. Any River
  2. The Sun – Winston Rodney, Don Taylor, Phillip Fullwood
  3. It’s a Long Way Around – Winston Rodney, Phillip Fullwood
  4. I W.I.N.
  5. Throw Down Your Arms
  6. Dry & Heavy
  7. Wailing
  8. Black Disciples
  9. Shout It Out

James Taylor: JT

On June 22, 1977, “Columbia” label released “JT”, the eighth James Taylor studio album. It was recorded March – April 1977, at “The Sound Factory” in Los Angeles, and was produced by Peter Asher.

Personnel:

  • James Taylor – lead and backing vocals, acoustic guitar
  • Danny Kortchmar – guitars
  • Dan Dugmore – steel guitar
  • Dr. Clarence McDonald – keyboards
  • Leland Sklar – bass guitar
  • Russ Kunkel – drums, castanets, wood block, tambourine, handclaps 
  • Peter Asher – tambourine, cowbell, castanets, cabasa, wood block, handclaps 
  • David Sanborn – saxophone
  • Red Callender – tuba
  • David Campbell – viola, string arrangements, conductor
  • Linda Ronstadt – harmony vocals
  • Carly Simon – harmony vocals
  • Leah Kunkel – backing vocals
  • Val Garay – recording, mixing
  • Doug Sax – mastering
  • John Kosh – art direction, design
  • David Alexander – front cover, sleeve photos
  • Jim Shea – back cover, inside photos

Track listing:

All tracks by James Taylor, except where noted.

  1. Your Smiling Faces
  2. There We Are
  3. Honey Don’t Leave L.A. – Danny Kortchmar
  4. Another Grey Morning
  5. Bartender’s Blues
  6. Secret O’ Life
  7. Handy Man – Otis Blackwell, Jimmy Jones
  8. I Was Only Telling a Lie
  9. Looking for Love on Broadway
  10. Terra Nova – Carly Simon, James Taylor
  11. Traffic Jam
  12. If I Keep My heart Out of My Sigh

Ian Hunter: Overnight Angels

In May 1977, “Columbia” label released “Overnight Angels”, the third Ian Hunter studio album. It was recorded 1976 – 1977, at “Le Studio” in Morin-Heights, Canada, “Utopia” and “Olympic” in London, and was produced by Roy Thomas Baker.

Personnel:

  • Ian Hunter – lead and harmony vocals, rhythm guitar, piano
  • Earl Slick – lead, rhythm and slide guitars
  • Peter Oxendale – keyboards
  • Rob Rawlinson – bass, harmony vocals
  • Dennis Elliott – drums
  • Roy Thomas Baker – percussion
  • Miller Anderson – harmony vocals
  • Lem Lubin – harmony vocals
  • Gary Lyons – engineer
  • George Marino – mastering
  • John Berg, Roslav Szaybo – cover design
  • David Oxtoby – front cover art

Track listing:

All tracks by Ian Hunter, except where noted.

  1. Golden Opportunity
  2. Shallow Crystals
  3. Overnight Angels
  4. Broadway
  5. Justice of the Peace
  6. (Miss) Silver Dime – Ian Hunter, Earl Slick
  7. Wild ‘N Free
  8. The Ballad of Little Star
  9. To Love a Woman

Jimmy Webb: El Mirage

In May 1977, “Atlantic” label released “El Mirage”, the sixth Jimmy Webb album. It was recorded in 1977, at “Cherokee Studios” in Hollywood, and was produced by George Martin.

Personnel:

  • Jimmy Webb – vocals, keyboards
  • Fred Tackett – guitar
  • Dean Parks – guitar
  • Lowell George – slide guitar
  • Herb Pedersen – banjo, 12-string guitar, backing vocals
  • George Martin – keyboards, synthesizer, arrangements, conductor
  • David Paich – keyboards, synthesizer
  • David Hungate – bass
  • Larry Knechtel – bass
  • Dee Murray – bass
  • Nigel Olsson – drums
  • Jim Gordon – drums
  • Harvey Mason – percussion
  • Kenny Loggins – vocals
  • Billy Davis Jr. – vocals
  • George Hawkins – vocals
  • Sherlie Matthews – backing vocals
  • Susan Webb – backing vocals
  • Clydie King – backing vocals
  • Harry Bluestone – concertmaster
  • John H. R. Mills – engineer
  • John Mills – engineer
  • George Tutko – engineer
  • Bob Fisher – mastering
  • Bob Defrin – art direction
  • Steve Smith – photography
  • Henry Diltz – cover photography
  • Richie Unterberger – liner notes

Track listing:

All tracks by Jimmy Webb, except where noted.

  1. The Highwayman
  2. If You See Me Getting Smaller I’m Leaving
  3. Mixed-Up Guy
  4. Christian, No
  5. Moment in a Shadow
  6. Sugarbird
  7. Where the Universe Are
  8. P.F. Sloan
  9. Dance to the Radio – Fred Tackett
  10. The Moon Is a Harsh Mistress
  11. Skylark (A Meditation) – Jimmy Webb, Paul A. Skylar

Spirit: Future Games

In April 1977, “Mercury” label released “Future Games”, the ninth Spirit studio album. It was recorded in 1977, at “Studios 70” in Tampa, Florida, and was produced by Dr. Sardonicus.

Personnel:

  • Randy California – vocals, guitar, bass, engineer
  • Ed Cassidy – drums, percussion
  • Joe Kotleba – synthesizer
  • Terry Anderson – backing vocals
  • Blair Mooney – engineer
  • Wally Traugott – mastering
  • Jim Schubert – art direction
  • Hauser and D’Orio – photography

Track listing:

All tracks by Randy California, except where noted.

  1. CB Talk
  2. Stars Are Love
  3. Kahauna Dream
  4. Buried in My Brain – Randy California, Kim Fowley, Blair Mooney, Carla Savage
  5. Bionic Unit – Randy California, Kim Fowley, Blair Mooney
  6. So Happy Now
  7. All Along the Watchtower – Bob Dylan
  8. Would You Believe
  9. Jack Bond Speaks – Randy California
  10. Star Trek Dreaming
  11. Interlude XM
  12. China Doll – Randy California, Ed Cassidy
  13. Hawaiian Times
  14. Gorn Attack – Timothy Blanton, Randy California
  15. Interlude 2001
  16. Detroit City – Randy California, Ed Cassidy
  17. Freakout Frog – Randy California, Ed Cassidy
  18. The Romulan Experience
  19. Monkey See, Monkey Do
  20. Mt. Olympus
  21. The Journey of Nomad – Randy California, Tom Hall
  22. Ending

Rick James & The Stone City Band: Come And Get It!

On April 20, 1978, “Gordy” label released “Come Get It!”, album by Rick James and the Stone City Band (the debut Rick James album overall). It was recorded 1977 – 1978, at “Cross Eyed Bear Studios” in New York, “record Plant” in New York City, and was produced by Art Stewart and Rick James.

Personnel:

  • Rick James – vocals, bass, guitars, keyboards, synthesizers, arrangements
  • Freddy Rapillo – guitar
  • Levi Ruffin, Jr. – Keyboards
  • Billy Nunn – keyboards, backing vocals
  • Bobby Nunn – keyboards, backing vocals
  • Andy Rapillo – bass
  • Richard Shaw – bass
  • Mike Caputy – drums
  • Lorenzo Shaw – drums
  • Randy Brecker, Mike Brecker – horns
  • Flick, Berry, Steve Williams – horns
  • Levi Ruffin – backing vocals
  • Jackie Ruffin – backing vocals
  • Sascha Meeks – backing vocals
  • Richard Shaw – backing vocals
  • Vanessa Brooks Nunn – backing vocals
  • Joey Diggs – backing vocals
  • Anthony Caesar – backing vocals
  • Roger Brown – backing vocals
  • Calvin Moore – backing vocals
  • Bennie McCullough – backing vocals
  • Chuck Madden, Shelly – engineer

Track listing:

All tracks by Rick James.

  1. Stone City Band, Hi!
  2. You and I
  3. Sexy Lady
  4. Dream Maker
  5. Be My Lady
  6. Mary Jane
  7. Hollywood
  8. Stone City Band, Bye!

The Isley Brothers: Go For Your Guns

On April 16, 1977, “T- Neck” label released “Go for Your Guns”, the fifteenth Isley Brothers (The) album. It was recorded 1976 – 1977, in Bearsville, Woodstock, and was produced by Ronald Isley, Rudolph Isley, O’Kelly Isley, Ernie Isley, Marvin Isley and Chris Jasper.

Personnel:

  • Ronald Isley – lead and backing vocals
  • Rudolph Isley – lead vocals
  • O’Kelly Isley – lead and backing vocals
  • Ernie Isley – 12-String guitar, electric guitar, rhythm guitar, drums, congas, backing vocals
  • Marvin Isley – bass, backing vocals
  • Chris Jasper – tambourine, piano, synthesizer, keyboards, backing vocals
  • Everett Collins – congas

Track listing:

All tracks by Rudolph Isley, O’Kelly Isley, Ronald Isley, Ernie Isley, Marvin Isley and Chris Jasper.

  1. The Pride (Part 1 & 2)
  2. Footsteps in the Dark (Part 1 & 2)
  3. Tell Me When You Need It Again (Part 1 & 2)
  4. Climbin’ Up the Ladder (Part 1 & 2)
  5. Voyage to Atlantis
  6. Livin’ in the Life
  7. Go for Your Guns

Saga: Same

On April 8, 1978, “Polydor” label released the self-titled, debut Saga studio album. It was recorded 1977 – 1978, at “Phase One Studios” in Toronto, Canada, and was produced by Paul A. Gross.

Personnel:

  • Michael Sadler – lead vocals, keyboards, Moog synthesizer
  • Ian Crichton – guitars
  • Peter Rochon – lead keyboards, vocals, Moog synthesizer, keyboard programming, orchestration
  • Jim Crichton – bass guitar, Moog bass synthesizer
  • Steve Negus – drums, percussion, Moog drum
  • Alan Thorne – engineer, mixing
  • Zoran Busic – design, concept
  • Rene Zamic – illustrations

Track listing:

  1. How Long – lyrics by Michael Sadler, music by Jim Crichton, Michael Sadler, Peter Rochon
  2. Humble Stance – lyrics by Jim Crichton, music by Ian Crichton, Jim Crichton, Peter Rochon, Michael Sadler
  3. Climbing the Ladder – lyrics by Michael Sadler, music by Ian Crichton, Jim Crichton, Peter Rochon, Michael Sadler
  4. Will It Be You (Chapter Four) – lyrics by Jan Crichton, music by Ian Crichton, Jan Chrichton, Steve Negus, Peter Rochon, Michael Sadler
  5. Perfectionist – lyrics by Jan Crichton, music by Jan Crichton, Michael Sadler
  6. Give ‘Em the Money – lyrics by Jan Crichton, music by Jan Crichton, Michael Sadler
  7. Ice Nice – lyrics Jan Crichton, music by Jan Crichton
  8. Tired World (Chapter Six) – lyrics by Jan Crichton, music by Ian Crichton, Jan Crichton, Steve Negus, Peter Rochon, Michael Sadler

Jay McShann: The Last Of The Blue Devils

In March 1978, “Atlantic” label released “The Last of the Blue Devils”, the 14th Jay McShann album. It was recorded June – July 1977, at “RCA Recording Studios, Studio B” in New York City, and was produced by İlhan Mimaroğlu.

Personnel:

  • Jay McShann – vocals, piano, electric piano
  • Paul Quinichette, Buddy Tate – tenor saxophone 
  • Joe Newman – trumpet
  • John Scofield – electric guitar
  • Milt Hinton – bass
  • Jackie Williams – drums

Track listing:

  1. Confessin’ the Blues – Jay McShann, Walter Brown
  2. ‘Tain’t Nobody’s Bizness If I Do – Everett Robbins, Porter Grainger
  3. Hootie Blues – Charlie Parker, Jay McShann, Walter Brown
  4. Blue Devil Jump – Paul Quinichette
  5. My Chile – Jay McShann
  6. Jumpin’ at the Woodside – Count Basie, John Hendricks
  7. Just for You – Pete Johnson, Herman Walder, Leo Corday, Booker Washington
  8. Hot Biscuits – Jay McShann
  9. ‘Fore Day Rider – Jay McShann, Walter Brown
  10. Kansas City – Jerry Leiber, Mike Stoller

Roy Harper: Bullinamingvase

On February 11, 1977, “Harvest” label released “Bullinamingvase”, the ninth Roy Harper studio album. It was recorded in 1976, in Hereford, England, and was produced by Peter Jenner and John Leckie.

Personnel:

  • Roy Harper – vocals, guitars, orchestra arrangements
  • Henry McCullough – guitars
  • Andy Roberts – guitars, backing vocals
  • Jimmy McCulloch – guitars
  • B.J. Cole – pedal steel guitar
  • Alvin Lee – guitar
  • Dave Lawson – keyboards, effects
  • Max Middleton – keyboards
  • David C. Drill – bass guitar
  • Percy Jones – bass
  • Ronnie Lane – bass
  • Dave Cochran – bass
  • John Halsey – drums
  • Herbie Flowers – bass
  • Steve Broughton – drums
  • Skaila Kanga – harp
  • Dave Plowman – euphonium, trombone
  • The Vauld Symphony Orchestra
  • Dave Lawson – orchestra conductor
  • Linda McCartney – backing vocals
  • Paul McCartney – backing vocals
  • John Leckie – engineer
  • Mark Vigars – engineer
  • Nick Webb – mastering
  • Hipgnosis – design, photography

Track listing:

All tracks by Roy Harper.

  1. One of Those Days in England Part 1
  2. These Last Days
  3. Cherishing the Lonesome
  4. Naked Flame
  5. Watford Gap
  6. One of Those Days in England Parts 2–10