Previously unreleased disco songs from original disco era

[discosavvy]

I am researching previously-unreleased disco songs that were recorded in the 1970s or early 1980s but never released until recently. We often hear about hidden treasures in the vaults of record companies, like the unreleased Johnny Mathis recordings produced by Nile Rodgers and Bernard Edwards, but some of these sorts of materials are actually now getting released (though the Mathis project may never get released because he doesn't want it to).

Some examples I'm aware of:

1. The disco song "Dancin' Lady" by Mystique featuring Ralph Johnson was not included on the 1977 album "Mystique", but was released by Sequel Records in 2000 and by ZOMBA Records GmbH in 2001 as bonus tracks on the re-issue of this CD. And Mystique's "Spoiled Like a Baby", also previously unreleased, has some disco moments mixed in with soul.

2. The disco version of Frank Sinatra's "All or Nothing At All" was included on CD #16 of the 20-CD set "The Complete Reprise Studio Recordings" in the 1998 pressings by Reprise Records and Warner Music Group Germany, but first released on the limited-edition 1995 pressings. It was recorded in 1977. (The disco version of "Night and Day", meanwhile, was already released back then.)

3. There are said to be one or more previously-unreleased songs by C.J. and Co. on their compilation album "USA Disco" (Westbound, 1998). Are there any disco songs among them, and if so, which ones are they?

4. The 1979 Ethel Merman Disco Album was unfortunately just re-released this month on CD. It will get its general release next year. Based on the content of the rest of her album, I assume the previously-unreleased song "They Say It's Wonderful" will be disco styled also.

Does anyone know of other examples of disco songs from the original disco era which are only just now released -- or any which are coming next year?

[Bernie]

Interesting topic indeed. I'll add the Salsoul Gold Master Series Volumes 1, 2 and 3. It feature some unreleased original Disco remixes that only recently saw the light of day. Some sound like rough mixes, but they are good and worth checking into. Tracklisting at:
http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/AS...rniesdiscomusi
http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/AS...rniesdiscomusi
http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/AS...rniesdiscomusi

As for the great CJ & Co. compilation CD it contains two tracks that were originally unreleased and they are "USA Disco" and "The Golden Touch." Complete tracklisting at
http://www.amazon.co.uk/exec/obidos/.../discomusiccom

[hotdiscomix]

Unidisc's CD Gayle Adams - Love Fever included two previously unreleased songs:
"Emergency" and "Love Attraction"

[JussiK]

The recent LATIN DISCO cd/lp has "Latin Disco" by The Counts. The notes say this colossal Mike Theodore-style semiorchestral track with awesome bass lines, a classic girl chorus and heavy vibes was never out before now. Trust me you cannot do without "Latin Disco". Also, Salsoul Gold has a long version of Charo's quilty pleasure "Dance A Little Bit Closer" which ritzy mamboes on a whole lot longer than the lp version we all love. The same cd/vinyl lp contains great previously unrealesed versions of "Salsoul Hustle" and Loleatta Holloway's anthemic "Dreaming" so there's another must-have for you if yoiu don't own it already, or what?

[discosavvy]

Jussi, thanks for the info. But as far as the song "Latin Disco" by The Counts is concerned, it appears that the compilation CD "Latin Disco" was released in May 2002 by Music Club/Nascente/Edel Distribution GmbH. There was also a Japanese release in July 2002. However, the same Counts track appeared on the CD "Alright! Black American Dance Music from the Disco Era", released by BGP (Beat Goes Pub) in November 2001. So who was really the first to release it? Was there a previous issue of the "Latin Disco" CD prior to 2002?

FYI: The "Latin Disco" CD can be purchased at the following link:
http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/AS...rniesdiscomusi
and "Alright! Black American Dance Music from the Disco Era" CD can be purchased at:
http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/AS...rniesdiscomusi

[JussiK]

Yep, you're right of course, it was "Alright!" that first got it out!

[discosavvy]

I just discovered a new example of a disco song from the '70s that hasn't been released till now. On the October 2002 "70's Anthology" by The Supremes (on the Universal label), there's a disco song called "Bend a Little". Some people like it and are wondering why it wasn't released by Motown as a single back in the original disco era.

[Cory Ander]

I just discovered a new example of a disco song from the '70s that hasn't been released till now. On the October 2002 "70's Anthology" by The Supremes (on the Universal label), there's a disco song called "Bend a Little". Some people like it and are wondering why it wasn't released by Motown as a single back in the original disco era.

Well, if you keep checking out the series of previously unreleased compiliations called "A Cellarful of Motown!" you'll find several previously unreleased disco era songs. In fact, label compilations similar to this one would always be good places to look.

[Disco Funk]

These I think are bootlegs, not official releases (and mainly philly productions):

Jimmy Ruffin - two mid 70s, Richie Rome-produced singles with three tracks in total including 'I Finally Found Out' and 'Leading Lady'. Not the best quality, but it's interesting to hear these rare philly productions.

Sons of Robin Stone - I'm Ready To Give Up b/w longer version of It Only Happens In The Movies: another bootleg 45, I think, put out by Goniff. Recorded in the same sessions as the Epic single Let's Do It Now, which had the short version of It Only Happens In The Movies on the flip.

Jermaine Jackson - Good For The Gander - was put on one of the volumes of Spirit of Philadelphia, from an unreleased Norman Harris produced album in '76.

Creme De La Creme - both philly-themed volumes, put out by WEA in the EU, also contained tracks that were previously unreleased.

Not really unreleased songs per se, but there was a Goldmine or Goldsoul CD compilation that featured a number of very rare or alternate mixes of a couple of tracks - Brothers Guiding Light's 'Getting Together' with the original group, the Dreamlovers, doing the vocals on the track; and a rough mix of 'Midnight Lady' by David Morris, even though it's not credited as such on the CD.

Another bootleg 12" of alternate mixes previously unreleased was one by Wood Brass & Steel. Funkanova was on one side, I forget what was on the other. Funkanova was interesting because it had vocals, which aren't on the original version.

There probably are a tonne of previously unreleased tracks from the disco era just sitting gathering dust in the vaults around the world. Not just singles or tracks not included on albums, but probably whole albums that were scrapped. Whether they'll ever see the light of day is anyone's guess.

Disco Funk

[disco-disc]

Hi Guys, And especially DiscoFunk...I read about a Jermaine Jackson LP in a column from 1976 or 1977...but I cannot find ANY info. on it, so presume it was never released :icon_confused:
Apparently it was called -Jermaine Jackson - "do unto others" - could this be the unreleased album you mention :icon_question::icon_question:
ANYBODY KNOW ANYTHING ABOUT THIS PLEASE :icon_question:

[Dansez!]

Tom Moulton produced an entire album with singer Julie Budd in 1979 that was never released.

Not growing up here, I hadn't hear of Julie Budd before. I was at Medium Rare Music in San Francisco a couple years ago and she was there as a guest artist, signing a her new CD. She sings standards and some jazz music. She has a beautiful voice, which can also be very powerful (like Shirley Bassey). I not only bought the CD, I met her (she's very kind and very funny too), went to her concert and became a fan for life.

Sometime later, I was back at Medium Rare to buy her other CD's and started talking with the owner, who is a friend of hers. He said that he was surprised, with my passion for disco, that I didn't know of Julie Budd, since she had a Top 10 disco single in 1976 (One Fine Day). He informed me of her brief disco history and since, I have collected everything I can by her, including her TK Disco 12" "Music To My Heart" (which is one of my all-time favorite disco songs) and "Someone To Light Up My Life". And I also discovered that she's in a picture I have of Grace Jones' birthday party at Studio 54, along with Divine and Nona Hendryx!

Apparently, as a teenager, she was always on American TV, performing on shows like Merv Griffin, Johnny Carson and Ed Sullivan, though out the 70's. She was often compared to a young Barbra Streisand and although younger Julie Budd may have had a similar tone to young Barbra, I don't feel they sound anything alike now. And I actually prefer Julie's voice (at least compared to the Barbra of the past 15 years or so).

He also told me of an album that Tom Moulton produced for Julie that was never released. One side was a 3 song medley : Dance To Your Very Own Music/What Love Won't Do For A Lady/All Night Man. He said that this was released as an acetate promo to some DJ's, which he said he was lucky to have come across. After much pleading with him, I got to hear it and it is amazing!! Beautifully arranged (I assume by John Davis) with great breaks and wonderful vocals.

I love Loose Change's version of "All Night Man" but after hearing Julie's, I prefer her version more. Something about her vocal that draws you in and her passion near the end is incredible!

I guess she also recorded a cover of Judy Cheeks' "Darlin' That's Me" and some other songs, which were meant for the B side. Hearing what I've heard, I can't believe this was never released. If these songs were remastered and released, it would be amazing! I feel it's like a crime when music such as this is not heard and shared. Perhaps one day, Mr. Moulton will decide to share more of his wonderful artistry and history with us and we'll all get to enjoy this great music.

Also, we know there are countless Tom Moulton mixes that haven't been released but I now wonder, how many other Tom Moulton produced projects were never release?

Julie has her own web site www.juliebudd.com and on You Tube, Jimmy M did a mix of one of "Dance To Your Very Own Music", which is great. I wish he'd do "All Night Man" so I can hear that again. There is also a video of a career montage of Julie which is wonderful.

[DISCODISK]

Hi Guys, And especially DiscoFunk...I read about a Jermaine Jackson LP in a column from 1976 or 1977...but I cannot find ANY info. on it, so presume it was never released :icon_confused:
Apparently it was called -Jermaine Jackson - "do unto others" - could this be the unreleased album you mention :icon_question::icon_question:
ANYBODY KNOW ANYTHING ABOUT THIS PLEASE :icon_question:

actually it was from 1975 it would have made release number MOLP 0234 and would have been released in may 75 he also had another unissued album 'living' that would have fitted in between oct 78 and feb 79

[Disco Funk]

He also told me of an album that Tom Moulton produced for Julie that was never released. One side was a 3 song medley : Dance To Your Very Own Music/What Love Won't Do For A Lady/All Night Man. He said that this was released as an acetate promo to some DJ's, which he said he was lucky to have come across. After much pleading with him, I got to hear it and it is amazing!! Beautifully arranged (I assume by John Davis) with great breaks and wonderful vocals.

I love Loose Change's version of "All Night Man" but after hearing Julie's, I prefer her version more. Something about her vocal that draws you in and her passion near the end is incredible!

Perhaps it would have been Thor Baldursson working with Tom on that LP and the medley you heard? They seemed to work a lot together in that '78/'79 period, and put together the A-side medley's on the Fame and Muse LPs by Grace Jones. I think Thor also worked with Tom on the Loose Change record, but I don't know if he was involved in the TJM project.

I'd love to hear an alternate version of All Night Man. I like the Loose Change version (there are three mixes floating around out there, including the 45-only instrumental), but I find the vocals a bit too shouty on it.

Disco Funk

[Westwood]

Interesting topic indeed. I'll add the Salsoul Gold Master Series Volumes 1, 2 and 3. It feature some unreleased original Disco remixes that only recently saw the light of day. Some sound like rough mixes, but they are good and worth checking into. Tracklisting at:
Amazon.com: Salsoul 12" Gold Master Series, Vol. 1: Various Artists: Music
Amazon.com: Salsoul 12" Gold Master Series, Vol. 2: Various Artists: Music
Amazon.com: Salsoul 12" Gold Master Series, Vol. 3: Various Artists: Music

As for the great CJ & Co. compilation CD it contains two tracks that were originally unreleased and they are "USA Disco" and "The Golden Touch." Complete tracklisting at
Amazon.co.uk: USA Disco: CJ & Co.: Music

These cds sound great, however before I buy them, have these versions been released on subsequent salsoul/suss'd releases or not?

[DonaldCleveland]

actually it was from 1975 it would have made release number MOLP 0234 and would have been released in may 75 he also had another unissued album 'living' that would have fitted in between oct 78 and feb 79

disco-disc was right. So were you DISCODISK. The original recording dates and the subsequent release WERE slotted and then RESCHEDULED. That is what disco-disc is referring to reading about so he is not incorrect, but then neither are you.

Motown was incorrect for never releasing the album- Original Tracklisting

Do Unto Others
50/50
Lucky Charm
Hide and Seek
Just Cant Get Around You
Somewhere From Now
Keep Our Fingers Crossed (my personal fave)
Startin' Out On The Wrong Foot
Two Is Company
Whats Good For The Gander
Home
Win Or Lose

[Disco Funk]

disco-disc was right. So were you DISCODISK. The original recording dates and the subsequent release WERE slotted and then RESCHEDULED. That is what disco-disc is referring to reading about so he is not incorrect, but then neither are you.

Motown was incorrect for never releasing the album- Original Tracklisting

Do Unto Others
50/50
Lucky Charm
Hide and Seek
Just Cant Get Around You
Somewhere From Now
Keep Our Fingers Crossed (my personal fave)
Startin' Out On The Wrong Foot
Two Is Company
Whats Good For The Gander
Home
Win Or Lose

Motown's been putting out a number of their 70s releases onto CD via the Hip O Select line. They've included unreleased material in many cases. It would be awesome if they could release this record!

Besides Jermaine Jackson, what other obstacles could there be to releasing an entire previously unreleased LP? Would people who worked on the album, for example, claim for certain fees that would have been paid to them back in '76? And would they have to receive interest on that as well, since the LP wasn't released until over 30 years later?

I take it you've had a listen to the entire record from the vaults? Was the mixing for the record completed, or was it still only in rough mix form when it was cancelled? Did they have the album artwork also finalized? And why was it cancelled? Because of The Jacksons working with Gamble & Huff? If that was the case, then wouldn't the Eddie Kendricks/Norman Harris albums also have been cancelled?

Disco Funk

[DonaldCleveland]

Motown's been putting out a number of their 70s releases onto CD via the Hip O Select line. They've included unreleased material in many cases. It would be awesome if they could release this record!

I take it you've had a listen to the entire record from the vaults? Was the mixing for the record completed, or was it still only in rough mix form when it was cancelled? Did they have the album artwork also finalized? And why was it cancelled? Because of The Jacksons working with Gamble & Huff? If that was the case, then wouldn't the Eddie Kendricks/Norman Harris albums also have been cancelled?

Disco Funk

I was told it was a rough mix. It sounds finished to me. But the difference between finished and unfinished to the original producers might mean the lowering or raising of a flute (as an example).

It was cancelled because it was cancelled. The Stevie Wonder produced Michael album was cancelled too. You ever read how many albums Motown cancelled on just about every single artist?

Your last questions are confusing. Everything is not connected or actions taken therefore punitive. ("You did this, so I'm gonna do THAT~!! Nyah Nyah Na Na Naaaa") One thing has NOTHING to do with the other. And if it did....then the Eddie Kendricks came out ANYWAY didnt it??

What you might want to consider is what Philly tracks got CUT from the Eddie Kendricks (?).....the Jermaine list is 12 tracks. Even if it were released in whole form and not combined with the work of another producer, it would have had at MOST 8-10 tracks (remember the era).
Wouldn't it be a blast to learn that "Nights Over Egypt" was originally a rejected Eddie Kendricks song? Ah...the wonders of IMAGINATIONLAND~!!

[Disco Funk]

I was told it was a rough mix. It sounds finished to me. But the difference between finished and unfinished to the original producers might mean the lowering or raising of a flute (as an example).

It was cancelled because it was cancelled. The Stevie Wonder produced Michael album was cancelled too. You ever read how many albums Motown cancelled on just about every single artist?

Your last questions are confusing. Everything is not connected or actions taken therefore punitive. ("You did this, so I'm gonna do THAT~!! Nyah Nyah Na Na Naaaa") One thing has NOTHING to do with the other. And if it did....then the Eddie Kendricks came out ANYWAY didnt it??

What you might want to consider is what Philly tracks got CUT from the Eddie Kendricks (?).....the Jermaine list is 12 tracks. Even if it were released in whole form and not combined with the work of another producer, it would have had at MOST 8-10 tracks (remember the era).
Wouldn't it be a blast to learn that "Nights Over Egypt" was originally a rejected Eddie Kendricks song? Ah...the wonders of IMAGINATIONLAND~!!

Sorry for the confusing question. I was just going in circles. I guess there doesn't necessarily have to be a good reason for an LP to be cancelled. It just happens. Wow, are you saying that Nights Over Egypt was originally a Norman Harris produced cut sung by Eddie? Was it from the He's A Friend or Goin' Up In Smoke sessions? I think if someone did a Philly themed Motown release on CD, where they put all of the Jermaine Jackson and unused Eddie Kendricks material out on one set, that would be awesome! Yeah, but that won't happen in a million years. Are the tapes at Sigma Sound or are they stored at some studio that houses Motown tapes? Disco Funk

[DonaldCleveland]

Wow, are you saying that Nights Over Egypt was originally a Norman Harris produced cut sung by Eddie? Was it from the He's A Friend or Goin' Up In Smoke sessions? I think if someone did a Philly themed Motown release on CD, where they put all of the Jermaine Jackson and unused Eddie Kendricks material out on one set, that would be awesome! Yeah, but that won't happen in a million years. Are the tapes at Sigma Sound or are they stored at some studio that houses Motown tapes? Disco Funk

I am NOT going to let you off the hook.:icon_twisted:

You know DAMN WELL I didnt say that, brother~!!

("Wouldnt it be a blast to learn" is like saying wouldnt it be nice IF this happened.) You DO know that right?
C'mon now calm down...I get excited talking about music TOO. But when I start misinterpreting too much....time to increase the medication. Or stay away from it completely~!!:icon_lol:


BTW- even if I answered that question about the tapes, that STILL does not mean there would NOT be copies in other places.
Like if I said "Motown had it"...that does NOT mean that Sigma would ALSO not have a copy. And which one had the second generation? Who had the safety reels? Who had the multitracks? Who had the copies of the multitracks?

(This is an insider joke...sort of.... the answer would be Tom Moulton at any point over the last 15 years.)

I never saw the tape boxes, so I can't answer that question. But I heard them.

[Disco Funk]

I am NOT going to let you off the hook.:icon_twisted:

You know DAMN WELL I didnt say that, brother~!!

("Wouldnt it be a blast to learn" is like saying wouldnt it be nice IF this happened.) You DO know that right?
C'mon now calm down...I get excited talking about music TOO. But when I start misinterpreting too much....time to increase the medication. Or stay away from it completely~!!:icon_lol:


BTW- even if I answered that question about the tapes, that STILL does not mean there would NOT be copies in other places.
Like if I said "Motown had it"...that does NOT mean that Sigma would ALSO not have a copy. And which one had the second generation? Who had the safety reels? Who had the multitracks? Who had the copies of the multitracks?

(This is an insider joke...sort of.... the answer would be Tom Moulton at any point over the last 15 years.)

I never saw the tape boxes, so I can't answer that question. But I heard them.

Ahhh, you were really just jesting! My bad and too bad! I was hoping that was a wink wink, nudge nudge.

Yeah, I guess Tom probably has copies of everything that passed through Sigma, LOL! I bet he has high level access to all the tapes! Maybe if they did eventually put out some unreleased Sigma Philly stuff that was from Motown (or from any label), he'd be the first person they call.

Disco Funk