Henry Stone Interview / History of TK Records NOW AVAILABLE

[Bernie]

Steely,

Thanks again. Unfortunately, there is no volume 2. I love volume 1 so I eagerly await #2 even though it's long overdue.

[jazz_pilgrim]

Hey Bernie,

Thanks for putting out the interview - it was really good. I have never had any idea who was behind TK Records, and found the interview really interesting. Nuggets like Tito Puente's son being part of Foxy!

They have always been my favourite Disco label, ever since I bought my first 12-inch ever, which happened to be a TK Disco 12-inch (TKD 67 - look it up!!), and I have been in love with that tropical island on the TK covers ever since! Can't wait to move in!

I didn't realize that Sunshine Sound were part of that set up. All the Jazz Pilgrims went out and bought the Modern Sound Corp 12", as Safari (part 2) was a massive club record for us.

And I have forgotten all about Jimmy mcGriff's Tailgunner! That was one of the Jazz Pilgrim's real jazz favourites! And I used to remember that the often-mentioned British DJ celebrity Greg Edwards used to plug that record a hell of a lot.

And another memory for you - At the massive Best Disco In Town in London in the late Seventies (hosted by Greg Edwards), I think that Joe Thomas' Make Your Move was about the biggest record there. When it came to the stripped down break in the record, everybody used to stamp their feet to that beat. The whole place would shake!!

I could go on for ages ...The list of classics just seems endless, doesn't it? All blessed with that Sunshine Sound. Tell you what I'm gonna do, Bernie! I am gonna dig out all my TK records and compile a TK minidisc. Just right for lying on the beach!

Cheers! :)

[in-the-groove]

Hey Bernie - I see in the 12" discography that TKD 3 is supposed to be "That's The Way (I Like It)" by KC & the Sunshine Band. I never have heard of this being pressed on an original TK 12" before... can you give us any more info on this pressing? Did Henry Stone provide you the discography info and does it really exist?

Kevin

[BrunoRepublic]

Very nice interview, Bernie. I too had no idea that the man had been around so long.

Just a couple of cheap bits to add:

- I believe the change in the numbering system coincided with the switch from cutting the 12s at 45 RPM to 33.

- I think this was also the point at which they stopped putting all 12s on TK. Tempest Trio's "Love Machine" was on Marlin, which I immediately grabbed because of the label (I think it was #406, but I don't have it anymore -- I gave it to another board member after I found the LP). And of course Jimmy "Bo" Horne's later singles were on Sunshine Sound...

- When did the whole operation wind down? I thought TK folded in 1980 or 81, but I found KC's "Space Cadet" album from 1982 and it's on TK...

[efunk_adelic]

Bernie, absolutely a fantastic interview you did with Henry... I'm sure it was a whole lot of fun.

One of my first 12" I ever bought was probably... Get Off by Foxy... and it's still my favorite one. The biggest reason I liked it was the unusual instrumental taken out at the very end. I wonder if anybody noticed that... But I dig that part... and always will.. Also, all the 12" are cut at 45rpm... I thought this was cool, it made me want to buy more 12".... At Midnight by T-Connection is also unique... by seperating the segments between the breaks on the song... I wondered who at TK thought of that?

[Bernie]

I'm really happy that everyone is enjoying the Henry Stone piece. Was nervous doing it since it covered a lot of ground so your kind words are greatly appreciated.

I recall seeing the KC 12 inch on TK a few years back, but can't recall what was on the flipside. A hard one to find for sure as I only saw it once and wish I could have bought it.

I had thought the 400 series had something to do with the switch to 33. Truth is that TK flirted with both speeds as I have a few early TK 12 inchers that are on 33. Stone claims it was someone in promotions who recommended the changeover.

Stone claims TK ceased in 1981 and the lastest TK release I have is from 8. Could very well be that the KC record was post dated. I once bought an Italian Peter Jacques Band 12 inch (Drives me Crazy) a few days after News Year's Day in 1986 and the date said 1986!

[NickNack]

Originally Posted by in-the-groove

Hey Bernie - I see in the 12" discography that TKD 3 is supposed to be "That's The Way (I Like It)" by KC & the Sunshine Band. I never have heard of this being pressed on an original TK 12" before... can you give us any more info on this pressing? Did Henry Stone provide you the discography info and does it really exist?

Kevin

Hi Kevin,

I knew I had this on 12" and went to pull it. To my surprise, it's not an original TK label like I thought. It's on TK after it was taken over by Rhino. The "A" side is "Get Down Tonight". Weird... my memory is really shot. :(

[discofrank]

Originally Posted by NickNack

Hi Kevin,

I knew I had this on 12" and went to pull it. To my surprise, it's not an original TK label like I thought. It's on TK after it was taken over by Rhino. The "A" side is "Get Down Tonight". Weird... my memory is really shot. :(

I thought HOT productions re-released the 12" in the nineties... Had no idea RHINO released vynle.. If they were reissues then why would they keep the same number(TKD3) .. very curious here.. Also, does anyone know the releases for TKD 7 - 11?? Were these promo only vynle? The earliest TK disco in my collection is Tamiko Jones (TKD 6)..

[BrunoRepublic]

Rhino is still releasing vinyl today. They just put out new pressings of Yes' early LPs.

[mixer]

I worked for Henry Stone as a recording engineer and mixer on a number of projects.He was one heck of a guy extremely nice and had a good sense of music..unlike most of the record executives today who are either lawyers or accountants he had a great ear. My experience with him and t.k. was one of the greatest in my life. This story will tell you what kind of guy he was..My studio had a major fire and Henry and Steve Alaimo immediatly called and offered us anything we needed...they were the only company to call though we worked for lots..they offered us 24 track machines anything..luckly we didn't need them. Great guy....
Gary Vandy www.garyvandy.com

[efunk_adelic]

Originally Posted by mixer

I worked for Henry Stone as a recording engineer and mixer on a number of projects.He was one heck of a guy extremely nice and had a good sense of music..unlike most of the record executives today who are either lawyers or accountants he had a great ear. My experience with him and t.k. was one of the greatest in my life. This story will tell you what kind of guy he was..My studio had a major fire and Henry and Steve Alaimo immediatly called and offered us anything we needed...they were the only company to call though we worked for lots..they offered us 24 track machines anything..luckly we didn't need them. Great guy....
Gary Vandy www.garyvandy.com

Hi mixer .... I have a question for ya...

I was wondering who did/thought of the fantastic finish on FOXY'S - GET OFF .... the part towards the end where the bass drops off?

[mixer]

Hi mixer .... I have a question for ya...

I was wondering who did/thought of the fantastic finish on FOXY'S - GET OFF .... the part towards the end where the bass drops off?[/quote]

i forget..either it was cory wade ,ish ledesma ...or myself..those mixes were done on the fly...with buttons going on and off and little pieces of tape all over the studio...

[efunk_adelic]

well at least the answer is down to 3 choices... :D