Eloise Laws
Eloise [Expanded Edition CD]
Funkytowngrooves LTD. (UK) / Original album release: 1978; CD reissue: 2010 / FTG-223
CD in jewel case with liner notes
Arranged and conducted by Gene Page
Personnel:
Drums: James Gadson, Ed Greene
Bass: Henry Davis (Courtesy of A&M Records), Scott Edwards, Wilton Felder
Keyboards: Reginald "Sonny" Burke
Congas: Paulinho Da Costa (Courtesy of Pablo Records)
Guitars: Jay Graydon, Marlo Henderson, Rick Littlefield, Ray Parker Jr., David T. Walker, Wah-Wah Watson
Concertmaster: Harry Bluestone
Harp: Stella Castelucci
Trumpets: Oscar Brashear, Ollie Mitchell
Woodwinds: Gene Cipriano, William "Bill" Geen, Terry Harrington, Jackie Kelso
Trombones: George Bohanon, Lew McCready
Background vocals arranged by Tom Bahler
Tenor and Alto Sax solos by Ronnie Laws
Arp solo by Lonnie Jordan
Reissue producers: Tony Calvert, Donald Cleveland
Production manager: Matt Murphy
Package design: Anna Forrester (Almac Design)
For Funkytowngrooves Ltd. 2010
Special Limited Edition
- Baby You Lied 5:06 Eloise Laws
- His House and Me 4:11 Eloise Laws
- 1000 Laughs 3:28 Eloise Laws
- Someone Who Still Needs Me 3:36 Eloise Laws
- Love Is Feeling 3:16 Eloise Laws
- Number One 3:06 Eloise Laws
- You're Incredible 4:28 Eloise Laws
- Love Comes Easy 4:48 Eloise Laws
- Forever Now 5:55 Eloise Laws
- Number One [Extended 12"] 6:02 Eloise Laws
- 1000 Laughs [Extended 12"] 6:58 Eloise Laws
Reissue label, Funkytowngrooves is back with another release aimed at the collector. Eloise Laws is the sister of Hubert Laws and Debra Laws and she released Eloise in 1978 on the ABC Records label. It features a mix of ballads and upbeat soulful tunes with a Disco vibe. Very solid effort with a who's who of studio musicians. If you enjoy the music of Phyllis Hyman, Denice Williams or Patrice Rushen then you'll probably enjoy this Eloise Laws album which is taken direct from the master tapes.
Buy from:
Amazon.com (US)
Amazon.co.uk (UK)
Submitted by DiscoMusic.com (3705)
Eloise Laws' eponymous album is an excellent cycle of tuneful, soulful, and melodically complex songs. Much of this can be credited to the participation of Linda Creed, who is famous for her work with Thom Bell on the first three Stylistics albums, amongst other achievements.
In fact, "Eloise" contains a version of "Love Comes Easy," a song also recorded by the Stylistics on their third album, "Rockin' Roll Baby." It is nearly impossible to claim which version is better, as each production brings a unique and singular feel to the tune. Other songs, such as "Baby You Lied" and "His House and Me" have that unmistakeable melodic complexity and freshness of the best Bell/Creed productions, as if they were meant for one of those amazing Stylistics collaborations.
In addition, the upbeat songs like "Number One" and "1000 Laughs" marry danceable rhythms with intriguing melodies that result in a sophisticated dancefloor feel in the vein of the productions of Larry and Fonce Mizell.
I would highly recommend this record for the best of soulful ballads, uplifitng vocals and pure emotion in music.