Rare and Obscure Music

Tuesday, June 11, 2013

Garry Glenn

Garry Glenn (born on May 12, 1955 in Detroit, Michigan) was an R&B singer and songwriter from the 80s.

He was the brother of gospel singer Beverly Glenn and as a teenager, he went on tour with her. By the late 70s, Garry turned his attention to songwriter and by the 80s, he was a frequent songwriting partner with Dianne Quander.

Garry has written songs for artists such as the Emotions, the Dramatics, Earth, Wind & Fire, Eddie Kendricks, Jean Carne, R.J.'s Latest Arrival, Freddie Jackson, Pieces of a Dream and Anita Baker (whom he wrote the song "Caught Up in the Rapture" for her 1986 debut album "Rapture.")

In 1980, Garry released his self-titled debut album on PPL Records. It's unknown how or if the album was successful.

In 1987, Garry released his sophomore album "Feels Good to Feel Good" on Motown Records which peaked at #70 on Billboard's R&B Albums chart. On the album, he wrote or co-wrote all of the songs (including four songs with Dianne Quander).

The first single from the album "Do You Have to Go" peaked at #37 on Billboard's Hot Black Singles chart, staying on the chart for 11 weeks.

The title song featuring Sheila Hutchinson from the Emotions, peaked at #37 on Billboard's Hot Black Singles chart, staying on the chart for 13 weeks.

Sadly on September 27, 1991, Garry passed away from kidney failure at the age of 36. Garry's songs have continued to be recorded & sampled by other artists.

Garry's song "Intimate Friends" (which was recorded by Eddie Kendricks) was sampled on Sweet Sable's song "Old Time's Sake" in 1994 and in 2005, Alicia Keys sampled the same track on her song "Unbreakable" which was nominated for 2 Grammys and won 2 NAACP Image Awards.

To see a fan-made video for "Do You Have to Go," go to:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JHZzmMHD9Bg

Family Dream

Family Dream were an R&B trio from Los Angeles, California that consisted of singers The Robin, Tish Jones and Big Bert (who also played percussion). The group was produced by Rudee Pardy.

In 1987, the trio was featured on the "Police Academy 4: Citizens on Patrol" film soundtrack with the song "Rescue Me" which managed to peak at #75 on Billboard's Hot Black Singles chart, staying on the chart for 7 weeks.

After that, it seemed as if Family Dream faded into obscurity. Nothing much has been heard from them since.

To see a fan-made video for "Rescue Me," go to:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cbqYxW04Mx0

Lil Soldiers

Lil Soldiers were a short-lived hip-hop/rap duo from Asbury Park, New Jersey that consisted of siblings Ikeim and Freequon.

The duo was signed to Master P's No Limit Records record label. They made their first appearance on No Limit labelmate Steady Mobb'n's 1998 album "Black Mafia" on the track "Lil' Niggas."

In 1999, Lil Soldiers released their only album "Boot Camp" which peaked at #80 on the Billboard 200 and #22 on Billboard's R&B Albums chart.

The boys were 9 and 7 years old respectively when the album was released. "Boot Camp" featured minimal explicit content and didn't receive a Parental Advisory logo.

The album wasn't commercially successful and the singles released from the album "Close 2 You" and "Where Da Lil Soldiers At?" failed to make the charts at all.

After the release of their one and only album, Lil Soldiers were dropped from their record label and faded into obscurity. Two years later, No Limit Records gained better success with then-child rapper Lil' Romeo.

These days, Freequon (now Ockey Bama) continues to make music, but it's unknown what his brother is up to.

To see the music video for "Close 2 You," go to:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RSpQRqFxjlQ

To see the music video for "Where Da Lil Soldiers At?," go to:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t6vXQ4C0ZKQ

[updated on 06/20/13]

Saturday, June 8, 2013

Waterlillies

Waterlillies were a male-female dance/electronica/pop/trip hop duo from the '90s that consisted of instrumentalist/producer Ray Carroll and singer Jill Alikas St. Thomas.

In 1992, the duo released their debut album "Envoluptuousity" on Sire Records. It's unknown how or if the album made any impact on the charts at all.

The only single released was "Tired of You." It's unknown how the song charted, but a music video was made for it.

In 1994, Waterlillies released their sophomore album "Tempted" which didn't appear to make the Billboard 200 at all.

The title song managed to peak at #4 on Billboard's Hot Dance Music/Club Play chart.

The second single, a remix of the song "Never Get Enough" by music producer Junior Vasquez topped Billboard's Hot Dance Music/Club Play chart for a week in April of 1995 and #40 on Billboard's Hot Dance Music/Maxi-Singles Sales chart.

After that, it seemed as if Waterlillies faded into obscurity.

These days, Jill is the head of the music department at the HSBAcademy in Nosara, Costa Rica. She has been in various music projects such as The Flower Sermon, Suicide Lounge, Lizard's Lounge and most recently Sonic Fleur.

Before working at the HSBAcademy, Jill worked in the United States as a teacher's aid for Kindergarten through 2nd grade with a focus on advanced reading & comprehension, & has also worked as a cheerleading and vocal coach for 15 years. She is also active in fundraising and coordinating events for eco-based initiatives.

Ray Carroll has produced music for artists such as Madonna and Depeche Mode, but nothing much has been heard from him since 2005.

To see the music video for "Tired of You," go to:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z5_5nZYN_NM

To see a fan-made video for "Never Get Enough," go to:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1KknOm1Xl_I

To see a fan-made video for "Tempted," go to:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O28sWwsxW4c

Spirits

Spirits were a male/female dance music duo from England that consisted of Osmond Wright and Beverly Thomas.

In 1995, the duo released their debut single "Don't Bring Me Down" which peaked at #31 on the U.K. Singles chart and topped Billboard's Hot Dance Music/Club Play chart for 2 weeks in February of that same year.

Their follow-up single "Spirit Inside" peaked at #39 on the U.K. Singles chart and #12 on Billboard's Hot Dance Music/Club Play chart.

After that, Osmond joined downtempo music group Zero 7 before going solo.

Since 2005, Osmond (who now goes under the name Mozez) has been working as a solo artist & producer, touring & recording with his own band. He recently formed his own record company, Numen Records and is producing a stable of new artists for the label.

Mozez's music has been used for soundtracks to various films such as "Running For Time" and the CBS television series "CSI: Miami."

He recently completed the production of the soundtrack for the documentary "No Way As Way" which celebrates the 40th anniversary of Bruce Lee's "Enter the Dragon." His next album "Absolute" is scheduled to be released this summer.

As for Beverly Thomas, it is unknown what she is up to today.

To see Mozez's official website, go to:
http://www.mozez.co.uk

To see Mozez's official Facebook page, go to:
https://www.facebook.com/MozezMusic

To see the music video for "Don't Bring Me Down," go to:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Gu3_G1t2bBA

To see the music video for "Spirit Inside," go to:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PS6FuZ4StK8

Wednesday, June 5, 2013

Rare and Obscure Albums Available on Funky Town Grooves

Tuesday, June 4, 2013

Opus III

Opus III was an English dance/techno music group that consisted of singer Kirsty Hawkshaw (born on October 29, 1969 in London, United Kingdom) and musicians/producers Kevin Dodds, Ian Munro and Nigel Walton. Kirsty is the daughter of British music composer/producer Alan Hawkshaw.

The group promoted a strong environmental & feminist message through their lyrics, liner notes and photo & video imagery.

The group was formed in 1991 when Kirsty was noticed by Ian, Kevin and Nigel during a rave event who were known at the time as A.S.K. (which was an offshoot of the Spiral Tribe).

In 1992, the group released their debut album "Mind Fruit" which didn't appear to make the Billboard 200 or U.K. Albums chart.

The first single "It's a Fine Day" topped Billboard's Hot Dance Music/Club Play chart for a week in August of 1992, #12 on Billboard's Hot Dance Music/Maxi-Singles Sales chart, #30 on Billboard's Modern Rock Tracks chart and #5 on the U.K. Singles chart. The song was also moderately successful in Austria, France, Germany, Ireland, Italy and Spain.

The song was originally recorded in 1983 by Jane, but Opus III's version used only of the first verse & chorus of the song.

The song is considered a housem music classic and is the basis for electronic/dance music band Orbital's 1992 song "Halycon."

The follow-up single "I Talk to the Wind" peaked at #52 on the U.K. Singles chart, but failed to chart anywhere else.

In 1994, Opus III released their sophomore album "Guru Mother" which also didn't appear to make the Billboard 200 or U.K. Albums chart. The album contains positive lyrics and integrates strands of Eastern spirituality with ecology.

The group scored another number-one dance hit with the single "When You Made the Mountain" for a week in July of 1994. The song also peaked at #71 on the U.K. Singles chart.

The follow-up single from the album "Hand In Hand (Looking For Sweet Inspiration)" peaked at #14 on Billboard's Hot Dance Music/Club Play chart, but missed the charts in the United Kingdom.

After the release of their follow-up album, Opus III disbanded. One of the reasons was because Kirsty was worried about the project becoming too commercial.

Kirsty went on to pursue a solo career and today, she is still considered a major presence in dance music.

She has lent her vocals to various electronic & dance music tracks & artists such as Delerium, Silent Poets, DJ Tiesto and with Orbital.

To see Kirsty's official website, go to:
http://www.kirstyhawkshaw.co.uk/shop

To see the music video for "It's a Fine Day," go to:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TjIPzyVlK60

To see the music video for "When You Made the Mountain," go to:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x7zjMDKqFYw

To see the music video for "I Talk to the Wind," go to:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y6JANtiUDSk

To see the music video for "Hand in Hand (Looking for Sweet Inspiration)," go to:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nYEi_JO0XgM

Saturday, June 1, 2013

Leisa Dove

Leisa Dove was a dance/R&B singer from the 80s. Not much information is given about her, but she was signed to Scorpgemi Records.

In 1982, she released the song "I'll Fight (Fire With Fire)," but it's unknown how it charted.

In 1985, Leisa released the single "I Wish That I Were Older." It's unknown how or if the single charted.

After that, it seems as if Leisa has faded into obscurity. Nothing much has been heard from her since.

To see a fan-made video for "I Wish That I Were Older," go to:
http://www.wat.tv/audio/leisa-dove-i-wish-were-older-4c23x_2eytt_.html

To see a fan-made video for "I'll Fight (Fire With Fire)," go to:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=whUxRQ9yArc

Diva

Diva was a female freestyle/dance trio from the 80s. Not much information is given about them, but they were signed to PKO Records.

In 1987, they released their only single "I Wanna Break Night With You" which didn't appear to make the charts.

After that, Diva faded into obscurity. It's unknown what they are up to today.

To see a fan-made video for "I Wanna Break Night With You," go to:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U9KGGLzi21U

Leather & Lace

Leather & Lace were a female freestyle/dance trio from the 80s that consisted of Arlene Ramirez, Lottie "Lottie Dah" Lachica and Miriam Mercado. The trio was formed by Lottie, who helped develop the first Latina girl group to introduce freestyle music.

In 1985, they released their first single "Tender Heart (Do What's Right for Me)" which didn't appear to make the Billboard charts.

A year later, Leather & Lace released two more singles: "Let Your Body Go" and "Rock Me Shake Me" which also didn't chart. After that, the group faded into obscurity.

These days, Lottie continues to be active in the music business and resides in New York. She has been a radio host, worked in artists management and obtained a certificate in Digital Media Arts as a sound engineer. She is also the C.E.O. of her own production company Beauty & Brains Productionz and plans on operating her own recording studio & record label.

Arlene and Miriam released a few solo singles in the late '80s/early '90s, but it is unknown what they are up to today.

To see a fan-made video for "Tender Heart (Do What's Right)," go to:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rJXFy8AxNyI

To see a fan-made video for "Let Your Body Go," go to:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zEZskGH0pFg

To see a fan-made video for "Rock Me Shake Me," go to:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j4GtiasrJH8

[Updated on 08/28/2018]

Allison Angel

Allison Angel was a female freestyle singer from the 90s. Not much information is given about her, but she was signed to Musicworks Records.

In 1993, she released the single "Turn Me Off." It's unknown how or if the single made the charts. After that, Allison faded into obscurity. Her whereabouts are unknown.

To see a fan-made video for "Turn Me Off," go to:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Vg4JiPRBokE

[Updated on 08/28/2018]

Mantra

Mantra was an R&B/funk band from Orlando, Florida that consisted of singer Roger Harris, guitarist Paul Drennan, trumpet player David Webber, trombone player Henry Cleveland, keyboardist Eric Alexander and drummer Bobby Lovelace.

In 1981, the band released their only self-titled album on Casablanca Records. It's unknown how or if the album ever charted, but the album was produced by Larry Blackmon (the founder of R&B band Cameo).

The first single "Doin' It to the Bone" peaked at #79 on Billboard's Hot Soul Singles chart, staying on the chart for only 4 weeks.

The follow-up promo single "Action" didn't appear to make much impact on the charts and after that, it seemed as if Mantra faded into obscurity.

In late 1982, Bobby Lovelace later became the drummer for R&B group Midnight Star and continues to perform with the group sporadically.

Roger Harris became the founder for funk band L.A. Connection. Henry Cleveland played trombone on various jazz and gospel music tracks during the 90s.

As for the other members, it's unknown what they are up to today.

To see a fan-made video for "Doin' It to the Bone," go to:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9foUBbCms5c

To see a fan-made video for "Action," go to:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fvElm3cRrp8

Komputer Kid

Komputer Kid (born Victor H. Vick Jr.) was a male R&B singer from the 80s. Not much information is given about him, but he was signed to Jones Records.

In 1983, he released his only album "Victor Vick" which didn't appear to make the Billboard album charts.

The only single released was "Video Jones" and it is unknown how or if the single ever made the charts.

After that, it seemed as if Komputer Kid has faded into obscurity. Nothing much has been heard from him since.

To see a fan-made video for "Video Jones," go to:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1AL6hxEGMLY

Tuesday, May 28, 2013

Phil Storm

Phil Storm (born in Harlem, New York) was an R&B singer from the 90s. Not much information is given about him, but he released two albums before fading into obscurity.

In 1996, Phil released his debut album, "Til the End of Time" on Somethin' Serious Records. It's unknown how or if the album was successful or not.

In 1998, Phil released his follow-up album, "Quiet Storm" on Forty Street Records, which peaked at #50 on Billboard's Heatseekers Albums chart and #59 on Billboard's R&B Albums chart.

The only single to chart was "Let Me" featuring Kim Smith, which peaked at #62 on Billboard's Hot R&B Singles chart, staying on the chart for 13 weeks.

After that, it seems as if Phil has faded into obscurity. Nothing much has been heard from him since.

To see a fan-made video for "Let Me," go to:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-bBBbPQpvXk

Melissa Rowan

Melissa Rowan (born Beth Rowan Metzler in Mahopac, New York) is a former dance/pop singer from the 80s. She has been a songwriter since her high school years.

In 1988, Melissa released the single, "Somebody Like You" which appeared on the soundtrack to the Gregory Hines film, "Tap." It's unknown how or if the single made the charts.

Her follow-up single, "I Just Wanna Get Your Loving" was released, but once again, it's unknown how or if the single was successful.

Melissa published two songs: "As We Reminisce" and "Fear" which were released on the "Artist For a Cure" CD for the National Cystic Fibrosis "Great Strides Campaign" which became a number-one seller on CD Baby.

These days, Melissa (now Maggie Row) is a Christian/Inspirational music artist and two of her songs: "You Make Sense to Me" and "Did You Pray Today" made the Classic Rock and Top 10 Pop Religious charts respectively.

As of 2007, Maggie has been working on a Christian music album, but nothing much has been heard about it since.

To see Maggie Row's Broadjam.com profile, go to:
http://www.broadjam.com/maggierow

[There are no videos available for this entry]

Street Fare

Street Fare were a New York R&B trio from the late 80s that consisted of singers Manzel Lamar, Paul Christopher and Sandi Alexander.

Not much information is given about them, but they were signed to Atlantic Records.

In 1987, the trio released their self-titled debut album. It's unknown how or if the album ever made the charts.

The lead single, "Come And Get This Love" peaked at #47 on Billboard's Hot Black Singles chart, staying on the chart for 15 weeks.

The follow-up promo single, "Out of Reach" was released, but didn't appear to make the charts at all. After that, it seems as if Street Fare has faded into obscurity.

To see a fan-made video for "Come and Get This Love," go to:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sXGq5ooTKWw

To see a fan-made video for "Out of Reach," go to:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8WvqKkHZIkc