PERSIA - INCH BY INCH

Persia were Andy Milukoff, Mike Millwood, David Morby and Zell Black on vocals. They were signed to Casablanca Records, and released their only LP (self titled) in 1979. That's about as much info as I can find on them. Overall it's a fairly average by the numbers disco record...except for Inch By Inch, the first track on side B which is an absolute cracker. Zell Black's sultry vocals ride the groove perfectly in one of disco's most underrated gems.


Persia - Inch By Inch

JAMES MASON - I WANT YOUR LOVE

Here is another epic. I Want Your Love by James Mason is a slow burning jazz-funker of the highest order that was originally recorded quote "for record industry decision makers to judge the worthiness of my efforts versus their risk in financing another album recorded by me." Suffice to say the record execs got it wrong, and didn't give him another album contract. But, being such a great song, I Want Your Love eventually saw the light of day getting released on 12" in 1996 and 2000. More recently, it was featured on an excellent compilation, Maiden Voyage - A Journey Into The World Of Soul And Boogie.


James Mason - I Want Your Love

SPLICE OF LIFE - SO SPECIAL

Splice Of Life were Richard Yori & Alan Russell, UK dance music producers who released a handful of 12"s during the 90's but also contributed remixes for the likes of Marshall Jefferson and Tommy Musto. Released in 1995, So Special was written by New Jersey House writing & production team Blaze, and it appeared on their 25 Years Later album in 1990. It's a nice remake, and quite faithful to the original. However, tucked away on the B-Side is the Jazz 'N' Groove Dub which is one of my favourite tracks ever. Jazz 'N' Groove (duo Brian Tappert & Marc Pomeroy) strip the song right down then slowly build it back up using piano, keyboards and snippets of the vocal before exploding into a funky organ crescendo. Simply uplifting. Best of all, a decade and a half later it stills sounds as fresh as it did when it was released...Enjoy


Splice Of Life feat. Gina Foster - So Special (Jazz 'N' Groove Dub)

KANO - CAN'T HOLD BACK (YOUR LOVING)

Kano were formed in 1979 by Luciano Ninzatti, Stefano Pulga and Matteo Bonsanto. They were essentially an italo-disco outfit but had an interesting sound that transcended disco and also served as a bridge to electro and breakdance later in the 1980's. To make things still more interesting, tracks like It's a War and Ikeya Seki lean towards a more electronic, Giorgio Moroder/cosmic disco bent, whereas songs like Dance School and Can't Hold Back (Your Loving) have a lot more of a US Disco influence. Especially Can't Hold Back, which is the best Change song that Change never made. It's got a beautiful melody, catchy lyrics and a great hook. I've loved this song from the moment I first heard that piano and bassline let rip. Hope you guys dig it too...


Kano - Can't Hold Back (Your Loving)