I-Level - I-Level (1983) (vinyl Lp) - €8,00

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I-Level were a British post-disco, R&B band, known for their underground UK club tracks "Minefield" and "Give Me" (also released as "Give Me What You Can't Get Back"). 

Under license to the US label Epic Records, the band had some chart success in the UK and US. 

Sam Jones met Joe Dworniak at Music Works, Holloway Road Studio, where the latter worked as an audio engineer. 

At the time Jones was a member of the band Brimstone, and later they went on to form I-Level with Duncan Bridgeman. 

They were signed to Virgin Records in 1982 by Mick Clark and were signed to a publishing deal with April Music by Lucien Grange. 

They went on to release two albums and eight singles and were awarded 'Most Promising Newcomers' by the readers of the music magazine Blues & Soul in 1982.

I-Level's self-titled debut album, released in 1983, is a collection of soulful, melodic funk and early 80s pop, blending various styles like dancehall, post-disco, electro, and new wave. 

According to Amazon UK, it's a gem that evokes nostalgic memories of the early 80s, with tracks like "Give Me," "Teacher," "Treacle," and "Minefield" still sounding fresh. 

The album is known for its melancholic feel, reflecting the unease and exploration of youth in that era, while also capturing the energy of partying and romance. 

The album successfully blends diverse musical styles like dancehall, post-disco, electro, and new wave, creating a unique sound. 

Despite the upbeat elements, there's a sense of melancholy and introspection that resonates with the experiences of young people in that period. 

Songs like "Give Me," "Teacher," "Minefield," and "Treacle" are highlighted for their soulful melodies and funky basslines. 

The album is considered a prime example of 80s pop music, with tracks like "Stone Heart" showcasing the percussive, Simmons-drum driven sound of the era. 

"Mindfield" This track, with its jazz-funk bassline, is specifically mentioned as a highlight and a potential hit. 

In 1985, I-Level disbanded and the members worked on music projects with other musicians. All three band members continued their music careers as record producers.

Side one

1.  Minefield - 6:57

2.  Treacle - 3:23

3.  Heart Aglow - 3:25

4.  Stone Heart - 4:40

5.  Woman - 3:34

Side two

1.  Give Me - 5:45

2.  No. 4 - 5:03

3.  Teacher - 4:27

4.  Music - 3:02

5.  Face Again - 4:03

Companies, etc.

• Phonographic Copyright ℗ – Virgin Records Ltd.
• Copyright © – Virgin Records Ltd.
• Distributed By – Ariola Group Of Companies
• Printed By – Mohndruck Graphische Betriebe GmbH
• Recorded At – Music Works
• Mixed At – Music Works

Credits

• Arranged By [Horns] – Hugo Delmirani
• Arranged By [Strings], Leader [Strings] – Graham Preskett
• Backing Vocals – Dorothy & Jennifer
• Design [Styling], Art Direction – Karl Adams
• Engineer, Music By – Duncan Bridgeman, Jo Dworniak
• Lyrics By [All Lead And Backing Vocals], Music By – Sam Jones
• Percussion – Danny Cummings, Mikey Nelson
• Photography By – Gered Mankawitz
• Producer – I-Level
• Producer, Arranged By [Strings], Arranged By [Horns] – I-Level
• Saxophone – Ray Carless
• Trombone – Nathaniel (Nat) Augustin, Vin 'Trummie' Gordon
• Trumpet – Canute (Ken) Wellington
• Trumpet, Trumpet [Solos] – Eddie 'Tan Tan' Thornton

Recorded and mixed at 'The Music Works', London, January & March 1983
Backing tracks arranged at 'The Chapel', Lincolnshire, November 1982
Lyrics reproduced by kind permission of April Music Inc. © 1983

Notes

Release:  1983

Format:  LP, Vinyl

Genre:  Post-disco

Label:  Virgin

Catalog#  205 542

Vinyl:  Goed (VG)

Cover:  Goed / kleine inkeeping linksonder (G)

Prijs: €8,00