THE 67th MIX FOR FSVB

Here's the 67th Mix for F.S.V.B, Featuring some Great Soul Music from the 70's & 80's. 

Its been Mixed by Heavy Soul Brutha, Its called "My Heart & Soul", there's some classic tracks on here, including Delfonics, Persuaders, Moments, Curtis Mayfield, Major Harris & Luther Ingram!

Check Out Web Page For Track Listings and Download.

My Heart & Soul! by Heavysoulbrutha on Mixcloud

MAZE ft FRANKIE BEVERLY Part 5 (& final)

In 1989, nearly 4 Years had passed since the Last "Maze" Studio Album (Cant Stop The Love) was Released, Maze had now Signed to Warner Records, and their First Release was entitled "Silky Soul"

It again Attained "Gold Status" with Chart Positions as Follows:

US Pop Number 37, US R&B Number 1 and in the UK Album Chart it Reached Number 45.

Three Single Releases saw "Cant Get Over You" (My Favorite) Reaching Number 1 in US R&B Chart, "Silky Soul" Getting to Number 4 and "Songs Of Love" getting to Number 37!

It was again, another 4 Years before the Next and Final Studio Album was Released by Maze, 1993 saw the Album "Back To Basics" Released, as usual just about all Tracks were Written by Frankie Beverly!

It Attained "Gold Status" with Chart Positions as Follows: US Pop Number 37 and US R&B Number 3.

3 Singles were Released, with US R&B Chart Positions in Brackets (The Best Track on the Album) "Laid Back Girl" (15), "The Morning After" (19) and Finally "What Goes Up" (32).

By this Last Album the Band Line-Up was as Follows:

Frankie Beverly....Lead Vocals, Synths, Percussion, Drums.
Mckinley  "Bug" Williams.....Background Vocals, Percussion.
Roame Lowry....Background Vocals, Congas.
Robin Duhe...Bass.
Ron Smith..Lead Guitar.
Billy "Shoes" Johnson..Drums.
William Bryant...Keyboards.
Phillip Woo... Keyboards

Still in the Band some 18 Years later are, of Course Frankie Beverley, Bug Williams and Roame Lowry!

In fact Maze are still Touring to this Day, they were at the "O2" in London , last April. On 31/12/2010 they are Performing in "Miami" and Next Year on 12 February, they are in Concert somewhere in "Texas"

A Few  other "Maze" Releases over the the Years, are as follows:

1996... Anthology, which attained Gold Status
1998...Greatest Slow Jams

2004...Greatest Hits

On the 12" Single Front, Funnily enough "Joy and Pain" was never Originally Released as a "A Side" back in 1980, but over the Preceeding Years, its been Released several times in Differing forms, during 1981,1989, 1995, 2001 and 2007!

During 2003 Maze also Released a Recording on DVD from the 1994 Concerts, called "Live In London"  I have this DVD, its Probably the Best Live Concert Dvd, I own!

If I had to say a Band or Singer I wished I had Seen in Concert over the Years that have Passed,  I would Probably say "Maze"

Another thing concerning "Maze"....... I cant understand why they have Released so few Albums, since 1977, its only been 8 Studio Albums, not too Many!

An All Star Tribute Album (to Maze) was Released a couple of years ago, Featuring a lot of Big Name Artists, Check It Out!

Anyway they are still going Strong, so perhaps in the Future!

Checkout a Few Maze Videos 

DownLoad Some Maze Here 

Heres the Last 2 Albums

A FEW OF THE BEST CHRISTMAS SONGS

Heres a Few of The Best Christmas Songs.

First is Mavis Staples with the Soundtrack to The Best Christmas Movie "Christmas Vacation" Must of Seen this 20 Times now, its Still Funny!



Next its Jose Feliciano with Feliz Nevada (Merry Christmas)this was Featured in the Ben Affleck Movie "Surviving Christmas"



The Drifters Featuring Bill Pinckney and Clyde McPhatter singing "White Christmas" from 1954.



Last but not least, The Boss "Al Green" Singing "What Christmas Means To Me" from 1986, I see Al Green in Concert this Year, Probably the Highlight of my Year!

THE 66th MIX FOR FSVB

Here's the 66th Mix for F.S.V.B, a Christmas Special Mix, including some Soul, Funk, Rap, Blues, Reggae and Jazz.

Its been Mixed by Stevie G, Its called "Black Christmas Part 2", there's some classic tracks on here, including James Brown, Staple Singers, The Emotions, Louis Armstrong, Jackson 5, and Jose Felicano!

Check Out Web Page For Track Listings and Download.

THE ISLEY BROTHERS 3+3.... Part 9 (and final)

In 2001, The Isley Brothers Released their 28th Studio Album "Eternal" it was 5 Years since the Last Album and the First Isley Album in over 10 Years as a Duo with Ernie joining Main-stay Ronald, Marvin had left the  Previous  Year with Diabettes (later Marvin was to lose Both of his Legs through this Illness and later Die).

The 14 Track Album was on "Dreamworks Records" (which was Part Owned by Steven Spielberg), and aimed at a Younger Audience, with "R Kelly" Writing and Producing, in fact R Kelly wrote the song "Contagious" for this Album, which turned out to be The Isleys Biggest Selling Single in nearly 20 Years!

Other Producers on the Album were Ronald Isley, Jill Scott, Jam and Lewis, Raphael Saadiq and Angela Wimbush (she had a much smaller part on the Album and by the following year, her and Ronald Isley were Divorced)

The Platinum Selling Album reached the following Chart Positions in US Pop Number 3 and US R&B Number 1.

Single Wise, there was 2 Releases "Contagious" and "Secert Lover" Contagious got to Number 3 in US R&B Charts!

A Couple of other Points concerning this Album,  A Great Cover Version of the "Chicago" Hit "If You Leave Me Now" and the Backing Singers "JS" (The Johnson Sisters) about 4 Years later "Ronald Isley" would Marry one of the Sisters!

By Early 2002, Ronald had Divorced Angela Wimbush after nearly 10 Years of Marriage! so she would not Feature on the forth-coming 12 Track Album "Body Kiss" in 2003.

The Isleys were still a Duo, but Nearly all Writing, Arranging and Production was Handed over to "R Kelly"and the Result was, The Isleys had their Biggest Album for Nearly 30 Years, it was Number One in US Pop and R&B Charts!

The Album was again on "Dreamworks" but as it turned out this would be the Last Album with them, and it Attained Gold Status!

Surprisingly the 2 Single Releases (What Would You Do and Busted), only got minor Chart Placings!

2 Tracks Featured other Notable Artists including "Busted" which Featured "JS" and "I Like" which Featured "Snoop Dogg"

During 2004, Ronald Isley was on Tour in the UK,When he Suffered a Mild Stroke, which led to the Tour being Cancelled!

In September 2005, Ronald Isley Shocked most People by Marrying one of His Backing Singers, Kandy Johnson, she was  half of the Duo "JS"  She was 28 Years of Age and Ronald by now was 63!

By 2006, The Last Isley Brothers Album to Date, was Released (unless you count His Solo Album which was Released in November of this Year), It was Entitled "Baby Makin' Music" on on the Def Soul Record Label.

After the Success of the "R Kelly" influenced Previous Album, many People were Surprised to see his only involvement on this Album, was a Duet on the Track "Blast Off"

The 11 Track Album, had Multi Producers and Charted High in US Pop (5) and US R&B Charts (1).

It contained 1 Single Release "Just Came Here To Chill" which only faired modestly in Charts.

Much of the Album was Dedicated by Ronald Isley to his new Wife!

As for other Albums Released by The Isley Brothers During the 2000's, there were Several Compilations and in 2007 there was a Christmas Release "I'll Be Home For Christmas"

As you are Probably aware Ronald Isley was Charged and Convicted of Tax Evasion about 3 Years ago, this Charge related to the Period from 1976 to 1996, He was Sentenced to Prison for 37 Months to which he served and was Finally Released on April 13th this Year.

Since His Release has he been Busy Recording His First Solo Album, which has now been Released, its called "MR I"

He was also Honoured at The Soul Train Awards 

Download some ISLEY BROTHERS
"ETERNAL"
"BODY KISS"
"BABY MAKIN' MUSIC"

Photo edit by my Grandaughter--Jessica

THE 65th MIX FOR FSVB

Here's the 65th Mix for F.S.V.B, a Christmas Special, including some Soul, Funk, Rap, Reggae and Jazz.

Its been Mixed by Stevie G,  Its called "Black Christmas Part 1", there's some classic tracks on here, including Great Tracks by James Brown, Kurtis Blow, Smokey Robinson, Temptations, Run DMC, Marvin Gaye, Otis Redding and Treacherous Three!

Check Out Web Page For Track Listings and Download.

BARRY WHITE Part 8 (and Final)

It was 3 Years since Barry Whites last Studio Album release (Put Me In Your Mix) in 1991, This 1994 Release for Barry White was his 19th and Last Album for A&M Records "The Icon Is Love" and as it Turned out, it was His Biggest Selling Album of all Time!

The 11 Track Album was Produced by several Different People including, BW, Jam and Lewis,   Chuckii Booker and Gerald Levert.

It was the Biggest Selling Album that Barry White had ever had, it Attained Double Platinum Sales in US and his First Chart entry in UK for 16 Years, and it was Generally Cited as BW's Best Ever Album!

The Chart Postitons were as follows: US Pop number 20, US R&B number 1 and UK number 44.

The Album contained 5 Single Releases with "Practice What You Preach" Reaching Number 1 in US, but the other 4 Releases did not do to well!

Love Is The Icon, Come On, I Only Want To Be With You and There It Is.

In July of 1999, 5 Years after his Last Album,  B.W released his First Album for "Private Music" it was His 20th and Final Studio Album of All Time!

It was called "Staying Power" and it again attained Gold Status and with Chart Positions as Follows: 43 on US Pop Charts and Number 13 on US R&B Charts!

It was Produced by B.W and Jack Perry.

Only 1 Single was ever Released "Staying Power" which Reached Number 45 on US R&B Chart.

A couple things were a bit different for B.W on this Album, he had a Couple of Duets with "Chaka Khan" and "Lisa Stansfield" He had only ever  Duetted with Former Wife "Glodean White" before! and He Recorded a Couple of Cover Versions from other Artists, including  "Low Rider" by War and "Thank You" by Sly Stone.

The Following Year of 2000, B.W won a Couple of Grammy's for " Best R&B Vocal Performance" and "Best Traditional R&B Performance"

After His Last Album Barry White had been Unwell for a long while,(in fact while on tour in 1999, he had to cancel several Dates through Illness)  He had Chronically High Blood Pressure, brought on through his Size and Weight, this Resulted in Kidney Failure in the Autumn of 2002, about 8 Months later he suffered a Stroke!

From May in 2003, Barry White Retired from Public Life and Sadly on the 4th of July 2003, He Died (from Complete Renal Failure) at the "Cedars-Sinai Medical Centre" in Los Angeles!

Barry White was Cremated and On 20th September 2004, his Ashes were Scattered at Sea, off the California Coast by his Family and Friends.

Barry White (Born Barry Lee) was 58, when he Died, he had Fathered 8 Kids and Sold Over 100 Millions Record Sales!

Barry White had made a lot of  Great Music in his time and made a lot of People Very Happy Listening to it, (including 

Our Friend George)............
and he was a True Legend of Soul Music!

 PHOTO EDIT DONE BY MY GRAND-DAUGHTER -JESSICA

DOWNLOAD SOME BARRY WHITE!

THE 64TH MIX FOR FSVB

Here's the 64th Mix for F.S.V.B,  Its a Frankie Beverly and Maze, there's some classic Tracks on here, Its called  Frankie Final!

Check Out Web Page For Track Listings and Download.


Track Listing

Before I Let Go
The Look In Your Eyes (Live)
Running Away
Back In Stride
Laid Back Girl
Golden Time Of Day
Joy And Pain
We Are One
After The Morning After
Happy Feelin's
Can't Get Over You
I Wanna Thank You
While I'm Alone
Silky Soul Singer (tribute to Marvin Gaye)

MAZE FEATURING FRANKIE BEVERLY Part 4

By 1982 Maze were Probably the Biggest Soul Band here in U.K, they had Sold out a 2 Night Stint at the Hammersmith Odeon, even though their Music was never played on Mainstream Radio and they had never appeared on British TV!

After the Success of the Tour, Maze returned home to start work on their New Album, by May of the following (1983) "We Are One" was Released, It was again on the Capitol Record Label, Produced by Frankie Beverly, but this was the First Maze Album, not to go Gold!

It Charted at number 25 on US Pop Charts and 5 on US R&B and 38 on UK Pop.   

It contained 4 Singles  with "Love Is The Key" being their Biggest Hit to Date. 

I think "Love Is The Key" is my Favorite Maze Track of all time!  

                                   US POP, US R&B , UK

Love Is The Key           80 ------- 5 ------- 88
Never Let You Down    0 ------- 26 ------- 0
We Are One                 0 -------- 47 ------ 86
I Wanna Thank You      0 -------- 59 -------0


During 1984 Maze had 3 Personel Changes, Phillip Woo, Keyboards, was replaced by Wayne Linsey.
Billy Johnson,  Drums was replaced by Tony St James and Ron Smith, Guitar was replaced by Wayne Thomas, an Original Maze Member, who had left 4 years previous!

By March 1985 Maze Released their Last Studio for Capitol Records,  the Result was "Cant Stop The Love" This turned out to be their first Number 1  Album (also went Gold) and their first Number 1 Single " Back In Stride" on the US R&B Charts!

The Album Charted at Number 45 in US Pop and Number 41 in UK Charts, it contained 3 Singles (Chart Positions in brackets)

                                        US POP, US R&B , UK 
Back In Stride                     88---------1---------79
Too Many Games               103--------5---------36
I Want To Feel Im Wanted   0---------28---------0
       
By 1985  Maze were Recieving Great Promotional Support from UK Club DJ's including Robbie Vincent, and during May, they Sold Out The Hammersmith Odeon, for 8 Nights Running!

I Believe Maze have appeared at The Hammersmith Odeon about 27 Times in total!

Around this Period of time Maze were Falling out with Capitol Records, Frankie Beverly saw Groups such as Earth Wind and Fire, Commodores all having Crossover Success, while Capitol were seen as not Pushing Maze enough to have a Commercial Hit Record!

The Outcome was, Maze were Contracted to Record one more Album for Capitol, So to get around this,  Another Live Album was Recorded! 

This was Recorded in 1986 in Los Angeles, It contained 9 Tracks, but 5 Tracks were included on the previous Live Album of only 3 years ago! 

Apart from reaching Number 12 in US R&B Chart, other placings were modest to Mazes usual Standards!

It would be another 3 years before their next Album Release.

Download...... All of Maze's Albums!

Watch out for FSVB Mix this week (Thurs), its a Maze Special!

THE 63RD MIX FOR FSVB

 Here's the 63rd Mix for F.S.V.B, Its been Mixed by Matthew Africa, Its a Tribute to Nile Rodgers and Bernard Edwards, there's some classic Chic, Norma Jean, Fonzi Thornton and Diana Ross Tracks from the  Late 70's / 80's on here, Its called  2 Busy Saying Yeah - The Chic Organization Pt. 1 

Check Out Web Page  For Track Listings and Download.

1981 FAMILY HOLIDAY

Readers of this blog will know, that when I once a fortnight write a Personal Life Blog Entry, I like to include some Sort of Music, well in my last entry I was going to include A piece about Smokey Robinson's Hit Single of about 30 Years ago "Being With You", thats when I remembered about our First Family Holiday back in 1981.

This Blog entry is actually going back to about 6 Months in time to the Last Entry!

It was around the period somewhere between 13 June to 25 June 1981, that we went to Butlin's in Clacton, I checked the Internet for confirmation about Smokey Robinson's Single,  because this was Number 1 in UK when we was on our Holiday!

It was me, Susan, Nathan and Natalie, my Parents and my 2 Younger Sister's and one of their Boyfriends. his name was Gary England (we still speak to him nowadays when we see him, but that is not vey often) If I remember my Parents paid for us, we just had to get Spending Monies!

It was going to be a Great Holiday, I remember them (my family) saying we will look after the kids each night, so you and Susan can go out together! this of course never Happened, the only time we went out on our own, was during the Day!

I used to have a Game of Snooker every Day with Gary, that was Great. I remember going on the Giant Scaletrix with Nathan, not forgetting going in the "Pig and Whistle" that was a pretty Good Holiday!

I remember one Day we all walked to Clacton Town Centre, I remember this because my Youngest  Sisters Boyfriend (Les Horn) never came on Holiday with us because he was Working, so we went to Buy Him an Vinyl Album, he liked Heavy Metal, so we got him, I think an "Iron Maiden" Album!

I said this was our First ever Holiday, as a Family and I believe it was my First Holiday since I went to Switzerland with the School, back in around 1972/73, and as it turned out this was also our Last Holiday together, until we went to Cornwall in 1995, some  14 Years Later! 

As I said previously between the Dates of 13/06/81 and 27/06/81 Smokey Robinson had the Number1 Single in th UK, "Being With You" this turned out to be his Last ever Number 1 as a Solo Artist in UK!

This also turned out to be SR biggest Solo Hit Ever, Worldwide!

THE 62ND MIX FOR FSVB

Here's the 62nd Mix for F.S.V.B, Its been Mixed by Vinyl Escape, there's some classic British Jazz Funk Tracks from the  80's on here, Its called Funk the British Part 1 !

It features some Level 42, Hi-Tension, Average White Band and Incognito.

Check Out Web Page  For Track Listings and Download.

Funk The British ~ Vol. 1 by Vinyl Escape on Mixcloud

THE ISLEY BROTHERS 3+3.... Part 8

2 Years had passed since the Last Album Release "Spend The Night" in 1989, The First Isley Brothers Release of the 90's in 1991, was entitled "Tracks Of Life" it Featured Ronald with Younger Brothers Ernie and Marvin, this was First Album in nearly a Decade to  include the Younger Isley's.

It also turned out to be the Last Studio Album on Warner Brothers Records and the Last Studio Album for about 5 Years, the Album included 14 Tracks (a big change from previous Releases which normally had no more than 7/8 Tracks) it was also again Produced by Ron Isley along with Girlfriend "Angela Wimbush"

It reached Number 140 in US Pop Chart and Number 19 in US R&B Chart.

It contained 2 Single Releases with US R&B Positions in brackets:

"Whatever Turns You On" (46)

"Sensitive Lover" (24)

For the next few years, Ron Isley/ Isley Brothers were very Quiet Musical Wise, in 1993 2 things happened though, firstly Warners Released a "Isleys Live Album" which included 11 Hits and a 4/5 Song Medley, this was Produced by R.I and Angela Wimbush, and the Second thing to happen in '93 was, Ron Isley Married Angela Wimbush!

1996 marked a Comeback for The Isley Brothers Featuring Ronald Isley, after no Studio Albums for 5 years, (but plenty of work Guesting on others Artists Albums) the Album "Mission to Please" was Released, it contained All Ballads (10) and  was the the one and only Album to be Released on Island Records!

It was a return to Commercial Success, with the Album attaining "Platinum" Status, their first Album in 13 years to Achieve this, it also Reached 31 in US Pop Chart and Number 2 in US R&B Chart. 

In the previous few years Ron Isley had featured on a few Tracks with R Kelly etc  this had brought The Isleys to the attention of a Younger Audience, so when this Album was made a lot of Younger Musicians amd Singers were Featured, Babyface, Keith Sweat, R Kelly etc , alongside Marvin and Ermie Isley, and of course "New Wife" Angela Wimbush!

Another thing Ron Isley had introduced in several R Kelly Single Releases was a Video Villain by the name of "Mr Biggs" this had started in the Single "Down Low" and this Character has continued for the rest of his Ron Isley's  recording career!

The Album contained several Great Ballads, including US Pop and US R&B Positions in brackets):

"Lets Lay Together" a collaboration with R Kelly (93 and 24) 

"Tears" written by "BabyFace" (55 and 12)

"Floating on Your Love" a Duet Angela Wimbush (47 and 14)

Download the Albums:

"Tracks of Life"

"Live"

"Mission To Please"

"Selection of Isley Brothers Music"

THE 61st MIX FOR F.S.V.B

 Here's the 61st Mix for F.S.V.B, Its been Mixed by Stevie G, there's some classic Soul, Funk and Hip-Hop Tracks from the 60's, 70's 80's and 90's on here, Its called Jam-the Old Skool mix !

Its features Kool and the Gang, Carl Carlton, Gap Band, SugarHill Gang, GrandMaster Flash and Lakeside!

Check Out Web Page  For Track Listings and Download.

CHRISTMAS 1981 and MASS PRODUCTION

 By Christmas 1981, we had been in the flat nearly 2 Years, can't say I remember too much actually about the Christmas Period, but the 2 things that stands out the Most around this Time are, First of all we were going to be Moving to a 3 Bedroomed House (Rented from the Local Council) and Secondly, after 9 Months of  Working at a Place I Hated, I was Leaving!

First Moving, I cant remember all the Circumstances, but what I do remember is , our 2 Kids were a Boy (aged nearly 3) and a Girl (aged nearly 2), and we lived in a 2 Bed Flat, so we Needed a Bigger Place!

Just before that Christmas, we had recieved a Letter from the Council, saying we were being Considered (along with others!)  for a Move,  and would we like to be Considered , but we knew this Meant, the House was probably ours!

We actually knew where the New House was, and during the Christmas Period we took the Kids in their Pushchair / Pram, to have a Look through the Window, it Looked Great through the Window, I can Remember a Lovely Fireplace, and I believe it was fitted with a Gas Fire!

As for Losing my Job, now Most people would have been Miserable, Losing your Job right on top of Christmas, but I was the opposite, I was Happy!

I Hated the place, what had happened was they decided to lay off Several Worker's, on the Last Come/ First Out Basis, and that was me, Sacked! (Thank God), but  I knew knew I would soon get another job!

One thing I do remember about the Last Day working (that was Christmas Week) we were all called into the Factory Manager's Office, one by one, to get our Last Wages, an explanation and some Goods!

Now the Manager's name was Fred, I can't remember his last Name, but he was a Right Tw*t, he thought he was something Higher than any of the Worker's!

Anyway to my Surprise he was Really Nice and Really Sorry about Laying me off! in fact he gave me More Wages than I should have had, plus he gave me (and the others) a Food Hamper, it had loads of different Meats , Drink etc etc!

And to Top it all off, he said I'll give you a Lift Home with all your Stuff, but I had a Bike at that time, and when I told him this, he said that's alright and put the the Bike in the Boot of his Car!

 What a Shock that all was, so we ended up having a Decent Christmas after all !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! 

Checkout the photos of Natalie, one on the Settee in the Flat (above) and the one to the Left is Natalie with Susan (at Susan's Mothers House) as I have said Previously these are the Earliest/First Photos we have, read my Earlier Blog Entry!

Music around this time, I remember the Album "Turn Up The Music" by Mass Production That was a Great Album as were all of their 8 Releases between the Years of 1976 and 1983, plus at a "Best Of"  Album in  1996.

The Best Track on the Album was the Title Track, Have a Listen! "Turn Up The Music"

THE 60th MIX FOR F.S.V.B

 For the 60th Mix for FSVB, I have a couple of James Brown Mixes,  Mixed by DJ Rom and DJ Gil Flash, both are members of the Website:
ORIGINAL  FUNK MUSIC.COM 



CHECK OUT THE "ORIGINAL FUNK MUSIC" PAGE FOR DOWNLOADS, MORE MIXES & SOME OTHER GREAT INFO!

MIXED BY DJ ROM



01 - "super bad intro"
02 – “payback”
03 – “funky drummer”
04 – “after you done it”
05 –  “cross the track (we better go back)”
06 – The JB’s “pass the peas”
07 – “more peas”
08 – “down and out in new york”
09 – “the boss”
10 –“give me some skin”
11 – “soul power”
12 – “blow your head”
13 – “king heroin”

BY GIL DJ FLASH

1- MAKE IT FUNKY
2 – THE PAY BACK
3 – PASS THE PEAS
4 – IT'S TOO FUNKY IN HERE
5 – SEX MACHINE
6 – GRAVITY (12′ INCH)
7 – LET'S GET PERSONAL
8 – GET UP OFFA THAT THING

MAZE FEATURING FRANKIE BEVERLY Part 3

Over the period of the next 2 Albums, Maze moved around the Country (USA) quite a bit (Recording Wise).

For 1979 Release "Inspiration" the Band moved to Louisiana to Record it, by this time "Maze" were known as "Album Sellers" rather than "Single Hitmakers" This and the next 2 Releases were all on Capitol Records.

The Album went "Gold" again and it reached Number 33 in US Pop Charts and Number 5 in US R&B Chart.

It contained 2 Singles "Feel That You're Feelin' ( 67 US Pop and 7 US R&B) and "Timin' (55 US R&S).

During most of 1980 Maze took a break from Touring, during this period they made a few Personnel Changes:  Ron Smith replaced Wayne Thomas on Guitar, Billy Johnson replaced Ahaguna Sun on Drums and Phillip Woo replaced Kevin Burton on Keyboards.

The Band moved again, this time to Sausulito, just outside of "San Francisco" to Record the next Album, the Album was the Great "Joy and Pain" the Title cut is Probably "Maze's" Signature / Greatest Track and the Most Requested in Concerts, but it was never Released as a Single!

The Album again went Gold peakin' at 31 in US Pop Charts and reaching 5 in US R&B Chart.

The 2 Single Releases were "Southern Girl" reaching Number 9 in US R&B Chart and " The Look in Your Eyes" reaching 29 in US R&B Chart.

During their time "Maze" have released 2 Live Recording's on Vinyl/CD, The First being in 1981,  the Album entitled "Live In New Orleans"  it as previous Albums went Gold.

It was Recorded at the "Saenger Theartre" in New Orleans on 15 November 1980, this Venue was chosen as a "Thank You" to the People of New Orleans, as this was where Maze's first Album a few years earlier had "Broken First"

Maze appeared here for several Shows, but the Album was Cut from 1 single show!

6 Live Tracks and 4 Studio Tracks were used, 3 of the Studio Tracks were released as singles with R&B Chart placings in Bracket's: "Running Away" (7)  "Before I Let Go" (13) and "We Need Love To Live" (29).

Chart Positions for the Album were 34 US Pop and 3 US R&B.

The Album is reguarded as one of the "Best" Live Albums of all time by an R&B Act, it is Rated alongside James Brown's 

"Live at The Apollo"

Download some Maze

"Inspiration"

"Joy and Pain"

THE 59th MIX FOR F.S.V.B

Here's the 59th Mix for F.S.V.B, Its been Mixed by UNIQBEAT, there's some classic Soul and Funk Music Tracks from the 80's on here, Its called Aint Nuttin Like Da Ol Skool Part 1!

Its features Dennis Edwards, Controllers, Kleeer, Fatback Band, Lillo Thomas and Cameo!

Check Out Web Page  For Track Listing.

Aint Nuttin Like Da Ol Skool Pt 1 from uniqbeat at Letsmix.com.

SPIDERMAN and SADAO WATANABE!

A couple of incidents I remember about living in the Flat, concerned Nathan!

At that particular time his Favorite Kids Cartoon was "Spiderman" so we had brought Him a Spiderman Suit including the Mask, I'm not sure whether these were Pyjamas's but I think it was a proper Spiderman Suit.

Anyway I came home from Work one Day and Susan was in a Right State, Nathan had his Spidey Suit on and was running about the Flat as he usually did, but this time he tried to open one of the Lounge Windows to Fly out of!

Normally this may have been Alright, but we lived on the Third (top) Floor of a Block of Flats!

And down below outside the Flat Window, as I have said in Previous Post, was the Local Cemetery!

We Laugh about this now, but at that time it was very Serious, so after that time we had Locks put on all of the Windows!

Another incident which Nathan was Involved in was I had Brought an Expensive 7" Single, it was on the "Champagne Record Label" and was called  "Hunt Up Wind" by Hiroshi Fukamura with Sadao Watanabe, that was a Great Track, and may have been the Dearest Single I have ever Brought!

Anyway to cut a long Story Short, the Record had been missing for a While and I had looked Everywhere, but could not find it, in fact I Believe I had given up looking for it!

Then one day I went in the Airing Cupboard looking for something else, and to my Surprise there was my Missing Single, I believe it was under a load of Clothes etc, Great I thought, until I looked more Closely, as I have said before in the Flat, our Heating System was a 
Hot Air Blowers, and the airing cupboard used to get Red Hot!

The Single was Warped from one side to the other , it was Ruined, in fact it had Cracked, right across the middle, in fact I still have the Single, checkout the Picture above!

I can also remember another time, when somebody spilled a Full Cup of Coffee over a pile of my 7" Singles, luckily that time only the Sleeve's were Ruined!

Kid's are Great!