Chart Hit [Level 6]
I've managed to pick up several records by John Davis & The Monster Orchestra over the past year, but was wondering if anyone knew what this groups complete discography was? Did they just release albums during the disco era, or anything else? Any details would be appreciated.
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Indie Release [Level 4]
They only released disco records.
Night And Day lp 1976
Up Jumped The Devil lp 1977
Aint That Enough For You lp 1978
Monster Strikes Back lp 1979
and the 7"/12" releases from these,
plus
Kojak Theme 7"/12" 1978,
and an Argentinean compilation lp split with half Monster and half La Pregunta, from 1982, collecting the two sides of a 1981 12" (Hangin' Out/ Drop In the Buckert) plus two additional tracks from the 1981 sessions.
Platinum Record [Level 8]
That sounds about right. Are you looking just for the Monster Orchestra alone? Or records that have them also credited as the backing group?
I also think of 'Bust It' by Craig Snyder and Lix as a John Davis Monster Orchestra track, along with La Pregunta's 'Shangri-La'. I think La Pregunta also did a version of Herbie Hancock's 'Chameleon'.
Disco Funk
Double Platinum Record [Level 9]
Originally Written by Disco Funk
I can confirm your facts DF, La Pregunta's version of 'Chameleon' is on a compilation CD I own, either 'Disco Spectrum' or 'Disco Forever', can't remember which one but it's a fab version IMO.
...ya gotta beat the street......
Gold Record [Level 7]
John Davis was involved with the 1979 Broadway show Got Tu Go Disco...
http://www.ibdb.com/production.php?id=3802
Because of the short run there was no cast album, although Pattie Brooks recorded the title song...
http://www.discomusic.com/records-more/152_0_2_0_C/
Indie Release [Level 4]
Ok, so I have half of their records. 2 down, 2 more to go!
WONDERING WHERE MY HOPES AND DREAMS GONE TO
THERE I WAS WITH NOTHING LEFT TO HOLD ON TO
Indie Release [Level 4]
If you're looking for additional John Davis productions as well as Monster Orch records, he worked a fair amount around the edges of popular disco:
Universe City's '76 lp was male-fronted vocals group and rhythm section, supported by the Phila Orch members from the Monster Orch
http://www.discomusic.com/search/?we...ll&where=title
Side 1 of Carol Douglas' '79 Burnin lp was produced by Davis (with Douglas mentor Eddie O'Loughlin) and has the lush Monster Orch sound ("Fell In Love For The First Time Today")
http://www.discomusic.com/search/?we...ll&where=title
Ruth Waters' '79 Never Be The Same lp has a lot of the lush, romantic Davis disco
http://www.discomusic.com/search/?we...ll&where=title
Mirage had a more electronic, non-orch sound in an '81 12" (Our Song/Get Down On It)
http://www.discomusic.com/search/?we...ll&where=title
Two Arthur Prysock lps (All My Life in '76 and Does It Again in '77) were probably Davis' best-selling non-Monster projects.
http://www.discomusic.com/search/?we...ll&where=title
Last edited by Bernie; May 1st, 2010 at 09:47 AM. Reason: urls
Underground Hit [Level 5]
Let's not forget "Morning Music" and "Open Up For Love" by Siren on MIDSONG
http://www.discomusic.com/records-more/5531_0_2_0_C/
and also, he did work on the Grace Jones album ... http://www.discomusic.com/records-more/2018_0_2_0_C/
Last edited by Bernie; May 1st, 2010 at 02:20 PM. Reason: url
Chart Hit [Level 6]
Thanks all for the info. Looks like I have all their LPs except for the first one.
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Indie Release [Level 4]
Something about their music is recognizable. For example, when you listen to the Up jumped the devil album, there are parts that sound like the Grace Jones album, for example. And lets not also forget that they completely did the Jet Brown record.
I have that song, "Night and Day" on a compilation CD called "Nervous Does disco". That song, night and day is one of the best songs on there.
WONDERING WHERE MY HOPES AND DREAMS GONE TO
THERE I WAS WITH NOTHING LEFT TO HOLD ON TO
Test Pressing [Level 2]
A bit of a cheat but...I have a 12 inch Acetate which contains a medley of John Davis and the Monster Orchestra tunes mixed/put together by the late Walter Gibbons. It was Walter's personal copy (the plain white sleeve contains his handwriting on the front) and probably a one off, something he pressed for his own amusement.
It's one of my more cherished posessions and certainly the rarest 12 inch I own...
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