Deniece Williams - Hot On The Trail (1986) LP - €10,00

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This album from R&B songstress, Deniece Williams, is a solid release within her extensive catalog. 

It immediately follows her first full length Gospel effort, "So Glad I know," and the International Pop Sensation "Let's Hear It From The Boy" When released, this album was not very well received by the general public. 

It failed to hit the pop charts and fizzed out at #58 R&B. 

Despite the mediocre chart showing, it did however spawn some wonderfully energetically charged performances. 

The lead of single, "Wiser and Weaker" is a calpso, rhythmic jam that did respectable on the dance charts (#24)(#60 R&B). 

It was produced by well known producer, Greg Mathieson, who worked with the likes of Sheena Easton Laura Branigan and Donna Summer in the 80's, amongst others). 

This tune is quite stong and if it were given the proper promotion, it could have reached the upper stratosphere of the pop and r&b charts. 

"Healing," the second and final single, from the collection, is an inspiring and moving ballad, that Niecy does all so well. It charted #76 on the R&B chart. As usual, Williams is in excellent voice here. 

Her vocals are powerful, emotive, and crystal clear. The musicianship is top notch, utlizing the best musicians in the industry at the time. 

The set suffers from a slight lack of musical direction, but boasts several noteworthy cuts. 

The metaphorical "Video" is a Latin-esque groover with a smooth sax solo by Tom Scott, and the breezy, midtempo "He Loves Me, He Loves Me Not" has a feel-good vibe. 

The problem with some of the selections is musical arrangements that get settled too soon. 

Fortunately, Williams' pensive lyrics, flowing melodies, and top-notch vocal performances rise over the dry areas, making this an enjoyable listen, if not the most memorable.

The remastering is impeccible, and there is very good continuity and flow from the beginning to the end of the original eight songs on the album. 

Side A

A1.  The Wiser Get Weaker - 5:12

A2.  Hot On The Trail - 4:19

A3.  He Loves Me He Loves Me Not - 4:29

A4.  Video - 4:18

Side B

B1.  I Feel The Night - 3:57

B2.  We’re Together - 4:09

B3.  Straight From The Heart - 4:00

B4.  Healing - 4:45

Companies, etc.

• Phonographic Copyright ℗ – CBS Records Inc.
• Copyright © – CBS Records Inc.
• Distributed By – CBS Records
• Distributed By – CBS Disques S.A.
• Mastered At – Bernie Grundman Mastering
• Mixed At – Ocean Way Recording
• Mixed At – Conway Studios
• Recorded At – Sunset Sound Recorders
• Recorded At – Music Grinder Studios
• Recorded At – Conway Studios
• Recorded At – Le Gonks West
• Recorded At – Clinton Recording Studio
• Recorded At – Evergreen Studios
• Pressed By – CBS, Haarlem – 01-26690

Credits

• Arranged By – Greg Mathieson (tracks: A1, A3, A4, B1 to B4)
• Arranged By [Vocal] – Deniece Williams
• Art Direction – Lane/Donald
• Concertmaster – Gerry Vinci
• Design – Cindi Stark
• Engineer – David Leonard
• Engineer [Additional] – Frank Wolf, Mick Guzauski
• Engineer [Assistant] – Casey McMackin, Daren Klein, Jon Ingoldsby, Paul Levy, Peggy McCreary, Rick Clifford, Stephen Shelton, Terry Bauer
• Executive-Producer – Brad Westering, Larkin Arnold
• Management – Alive Enterprises, Inc.
• Mastered By – Bernie Grundman
• Mixed By [Production] – Jay Gruska
• Photography By – Marc Raboy
• Producer – Greg Mathieson
• Producer [Associate] – Deniece Williams
• Remix – Mick Guzauski
• Remix [Assistant] – Bob Loftus

Recorded at: Sunset Sound Recorders, Hollywood, CA; Conway Recording Studio, Hollywood, CA; Starlight Studios, Burbank, CA; The Music Grinder, Hollywood, CA; Clinton Recording Studios, New York City; Le Gonk Studio, Hollywood, CA
Strings Recorded at: Evergreen Recording STudio, Burbank, CA
Mixed at: Ocean Way Recording, Hollywood, CA; Conway Recording, Hollywood, CA
Mastered at Bernie Grundman Mastering, Hollywood, CA

Notes

Released: 1986

Format:  LP, Vinyl

Genre:  Soul

Label:  CBS Records

Catalog#  CBS 26690

Vinyl:  Goed (VG)

Cover:  Goed (VG)

Prijs: €10,00