I. Unwind with Leon Ware's Musical Massage: Expanded Edition
Welcome, fellow music aficionados, to a soul-stirring odyssey unlike any other. You're invited to the rediscovery of Leon Ware's timeless masterpiece: Musical Massage, now in its Expanded Edition. Embark on a journey where sensuous melodies soothe the soul, and where the very essence of musical magic is reborn. As we delve into the depths of Ware's genius, prepare to be swept away by the allure of his unrivaled artistry. From the sultry grooves to the velvety vocals, every note serves as a testament to the enduring legacy of this Soul legend. Brace yourselves for an experience that transcends the ordinary, as we unwind with Leon Ware's Musical Massage: Expanded Edition.
II. Meet the Maestro
A. Leon Ware: A Musical Genius
Prepare to be introduced to the enigmatic virtuoso, Leon Ware – a name synonymous with unparalleled musical brilliance. Hailing from the heart of Detroit, Ware's journey in the realm of rhythm and blues began with a passion for crafting soulful tunes. With his remarkable ability for songwriting, he weaved together timeless love songs that captivated hearts and minds. From penning timeless classics for the likes of Marvin Gaye to carving out his own path as a solo artist, Ware's musical touch is broad. In addition, his music has inspired great Hip Hop by the likes of G-Unit, Havoc of Mobb Deep and others. Here's a freestyle from my collection of Kanye West affiliate Rhymefest rhyming over a beat that samples Leon Ware's "Instant Love".
B. Leon's Legacy in R&B and Soul
As we navigate through music history, it becomes evident that Leon Ware's imprint extends far beyond his own discography. His contributions to R&B have left an indelible mark, shaping the music of generations to come. With his soul-stirring compositions and evocative lyrics about romance, Ware paved the way for future luminaries. Numerous talents of music have become inspired to embrace authenticity and vulnerability in their craft as Leon did. Today, his legacy lives on, reverberating through the corridors of R&B and soul. Posthumously, Leon keeps reminding us of the enduring power of love and Soul.
III. Musical Massage: The Original Gem
A. Classic Vibes Revisited
The allure of Musical Massage in its original form remains a timeless gem that continues to enchant listeners with its soulful allure. From the smooth melodies to the intimate lyrics, every aspect of this album exudes an aura of warmth and intimacy. As the needle drops and soulful sounds reach your eardrum, prepare to be transported to an audible form of therapy. With its intoxicating blend of funk, jazz, and soul, Musical Massage beckons us to surrender to its seductive embrace.
B. Initial Impact and Reception
Upon its release, Musical Massage swept across the music scene like a breath of fresh air, garnering praise from critics and fans alike. Its innovative approach to rhythm and blues challenged conventions, earning it a rightful place among the pantheon of musical masterpieces. From the groovy rhythms of "Why I Came to California" to the soul-stirring balladry of "Rockin' You Eternally," each track resonated with audiences on a profound level. With its infectious melodies and heartfelt lyrics, Musical Massage left an indelible mark on the hearts of listeners, solidifying its status as a quintessential album in the realm of R&B and soul.
IV. What's New in the Expanded Edition?
A. Bonus Tracks Unveiled
Prepare for another musical massage as we unravel the treasures hidden within the Expanded Edition. Beyond the familiar tracks that we all know and love, this edition offers a tantalizing array of bonus material. As the listener, you get a deeper glimpse into Leon Ware's creative genius with this release. From unreleased demos to alternate takes, each bonus track offers a unique perspective on Ware's artistic process.
B. An Enhanced Sonic Experience
Experience Musical Massage like never before with the Enhanced Sound Experience of the Expanded Edition. Thanks to modern remastering techniques, every note and nuance is brought to life with unparalleled clarity and fidelity. Immerse yourself in the lush instrumentation and velvety vocals as they fill the room with warmth and richness. Whether you're listening through high-quality headphones or a state-of-the-art sound system, the Enhanced Sound Experience ensures that every aspect of the album's sonic tapestry is fully realized.
This reissue will ensure that you're rocked eternally by the remastering and bonus material of music made by a master of Soul music.
As a renowned Brazilian singer, instrumentalist, songwriter and record producer of multiple bossa standards, Marcos Valle proves that the music of Leon Ware is sure to rock the world eternally as his magic touch serves as the perfect compliment to covering the smooth Leon Ware classic "Rockin' You Eternally". With the lovely voice of a female vocalist taking the lead of this pleasant Latin version, Valle's take on "Rockin'" is uplifting, refreshing and beautiful.
The Smooth Operators (Professor Eddy & Martijn Soetens) pay tribute to soul legend Leon Ware in their mix created after the day of his passing.
Tracklist:
Leon Ware - Why I Came To California (1982)
Michael Jackson - I Wanna Be Where You Are (1972)
Marvin Gaye - I Want You (1976)
Leon Ware - Inside Your Love (1979)
Michael Wycoff - Looking Up To You (1982)
Marcos Valle - Estrelar (1983)
Quincy Jones feat. Leon Ware, Al Jarreau & Minnie Riperton - If I Ever Lose This Heaven (1974)
Melissa Manchester - Bad Weather (1978)
Leon Ware - A Little Boogie (Never Hurt No One) (1981)
Omar feat. Leon Ware - Gave My Heart (2017)
Isley Brothers - Got To Have You Back (1967)
Marlena Shaw - Sweet Beginnings (1977)
Donny Hathaway - I Know It’s You (1973)
Leon Ware - Lost In Love With You (1982)
Bobby Womack - What’s Your World (1975)
Lucas Arruda feat. Leon Ware - Melt The Night (2015)
Leon Ware - The Spirit Never Dies (1972)
Chill with Louie Vega's group Elements of Life who portray the charm and joy of a child's heart. A joyful Samba groove portrays the magic of love as "I Wanna Be Where You Are" as Elements revive a Jackson 5 classic. Released on renowned Latin label Fania Records.
The Jackson 5 career infographic poster designed by Khairul Azhar
A Brazilian singer/songwriter, a funky producer with synths at his side and one legendary singer/songwriter of Motown bridge the gap between generations of music on the remix of "Melt the Night". This song is driven by each vocalists passion for injecting romance into their music as Lucas and Leon embrace the power of love and The Boogie to a thumping electro Funk groove by XL Middleton.
Order your copy of the remix 12" single here at Juno Records
"2 years after the release of his first solo album, Favorite Recordings proudly presents SOLAR, second album by acclaimed Brazilian composer Lucas Arruda, and hundredth releases of the label!!
Lucas Arruda’s born in 1983 near Rio de Janeiro. After studying electric guitar, his passion quickly turned into Rhodes and keyboards, expanding his musical range of skills. At the same time he started his own home-studio and a real musical career in Brazil, gaining great local support from people like Ed Motta, William Magalhães (Banda Black Rio), Robert Lamm (Chicago) or Hyldon.
In 2012, Fabricio Di Monaco (from Modo Solar) introduced Lucas’ music to Favorite Recordings’ head honcho, Pascal Rioux, and one year after, Lucas Arruda presented his first solo album titled Sambadi, receiving great supports from many international DJs and media, who all acclaimed his natural skills for composition and arrangement.
Following this successful first effort, here comes SOLAR, new and second solo album by Lucas Arruda, filled with his fusion style, mixing influences and elements from his Latin musical background, with his genuine admiration for Jazz, Soul and Funk music ;
On “Melt the Night” for example, Lucas asked legendary producer Leon Ware for his help, reminding his collaborations in the 80s with Marcos Valle, when they perfectly merged together the sophisticated Boogie and AOR touch from California, with the blazing sense of rhythm from Brazil. For the occasion, they also recorded a blowing version of Marvin & Diana’s classic ballad “Stop! Look, Listen (To Your Heart)“ with the help of Guida de Palma’s (Jazzinho) beautiful voice.
For “Uma Onda”, he invites Alex Malheiros, bassist of the famous Jazz band Azymuth, for a splendid tribute to their specific fusion sound and influence on the Brazilian music scene. Finally the song “Agua”, co-written with his longtime friend Fabricio Di Monaco, is a beautiful ballad which illustrates perfectly Lucas’ passion for Soul music stars such as Stevie Wonder or Curtis Mayfield.
On top of these great collaborations and a few more surprises, SOLAR also differs from its predecessor by a lot more elaborated production process, offering an authentic and warm sound. Mostly recorded at Sala A Studio in Brazil, many drums parts were also taken at the fully analog Ambience Studios in Finland. The mix was also done in Finland on a Neve 8108 console from 1978, using only analogic technology and a Studer master tape to record the final pre-master.
The result is a timeless album, which should definitely established Lucas Arruda as one of the finest and most talented Brazilian musicians these days." - Favorite Recordings
A musical journeyman who in the last 30 years as a broadcaster and writer has worked with or interviewed some of the worlds musical legends (Curtis Mayfield, Roy Ayers, Mark Murphy etc)
Writing/ broadcast credits include Straight No Chaser magazine, Virgin Radio and WCLK Atlanta, Tony Minvielle now hosts the seminal FoldedSpace on SoulandJazz.com.
As a tastemaker of soulful music by new innovative talent, Tony presents the magical sound of "Into Somethin' Vol. One". This compilation showcases Tony's sharp ear for the future of Jazz and Soul, featuring a collective of musicians who all possess a unique ability to groove you. Let the music play as a simple melody serves as the remedy to take you away, featuring Personal Life, Pat Van Dyke, Jesse Fischer, Leon Ware, Liz Elensky and more.
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