SHALAMAR Song of the Day. Take That To The Bank

SHALAMAR Take That to The Bank

Shalamar hit single "Take That To the Bank" featured Gerald Brown, Jody Watley and Jeffrey Daniel in 1978. They received a disco award in Australia for the single.

Original member Jody Watley and Gerald Brown accept disco award in 1978 in Australia

 Shalamar originals Gerald Brown and Jody Watley  accept disco award in 1978 in Australia

Shalamar Take That To The Bank

SHALAMAR | Adventures In The Solar System

Blues and Soul Magazine No. 353 April 6 - 19, 1982

SHALAMAR, Jody Watley, Jeffrey Daniel, Howard Hewett, Blues and Soul 1982 Feature

Shalamar in many articles seemed to be be on the defensive to be taken seriously as a group and not a "contrived" overly commercial act as highlighted in this article from Blues and Soul before the album "Friends" would make give them one of the biggest albums of 1982 in the UK and solidify them a a pivotal musical act.

Blues and Soul 353

Adventures In The Solar System

As the official biography clearly states: Shalamar is a dance band…"But as a dance band they do one hell of an impression of a vocal trio!"

Shalamar -- the name literally means living beautifully…vibrant … a flower in bloom  - first came to public attention in 1977 with the Motown medley dance floor hit "Uptown Festival". In actuality, Shalamar as an entity didn't really exist at that time. They were simply session musicians put together by Dick Griffey and Don Cornelius of Soul Train fame and co-owners of Soul Train Records, as a vehicle for the Motown medley idea - which of course was an instant success in America whilst at the same time creating a considerable buzz on the dance floors of the world via import record sales.

The subsequent success of the record prompted Griffey to increase his label activities and thus The Sound Of Los Angeles Records (SOLAR) was born.

Griffey's immediate priorities were two-fold: to secure a house producer for the newly formed label and, secondly to secure an act to fi the Shalamar bill! For his first requirement, Griffey turned to the multi-talented Leon Sylvers III (mentor of the Sylvers family aggregation) and for the other half of his initial quandary he selected two young dancers from Don Cornelius' Soul Train Dance Troupe - Jeffrey Daniels and Jody Watley.

Daniels and Watley together with Shalamar's first lead vocalist Gerald Brown, thus assumed the identity of Shalamar and begun a successful recording career resulting in a spate of hit singles - "Take That To The Bank", "Second Time Aroind", "Full of Fire"m etc. together with a series of top selling album releases. "Uptown Festival, Disco Gardens, Big Fun, Three for Love, and Go For it.

Although Daniels and Watley retained their first team place for the duration, Gerald Brown was replaced in 1979 as lead vocalist by Howard Hewett and it was this lineup which recently paid a visit to the UK to make their performing debit and to speak with the  British music press.

Shalamar's current single is "I Can Make You Feel Good" taken from their new album "friends" - the groups first album under the label's new licensing agreement with Elektra Asylum (WEA) and it as this initial topic which opened our meeting with the trio.

"To be perfectly frank with you" replied a suitably relaxed and smiling Howard, "we believe the album is our most commercial to date and the single choice could have been any one of a number of the tracks from the album." "We, in an agreement with Leon, wanted to finish up with an album that gave the listener something good wherever they happened to drop the needle on the record, and we all think that we have achieved that aim pretty well."

We pointed out that this particular choice just happened to be co-written by Howard, but this presumably was merely coincidence? 

"Writing is an important ingredient of Shalamar's future" retorted Howard (with nodding approval from Jeffrey and Jody) "and we all have ambitions in this area, not only for ourselves but for other acts too. This is partly what is so good about the Solar system in that it gives everyone a chance to expand in a all areas of creativity.

"Dick really is an amazing person when it comes to this. He has decided that it is mutually beneficial for the acts on Soar to be as constructive and creative as possible and gives everyone connected with the label a lot of creative freedom."

Jeffrey took up this particular  theme and added with some enthusiasm and added "Yeah, a lotta people have knocked the system but it definitely works. We for instance have a lot of choice in all aspects of our career..the show design, repertoire selection, production, touring. It's all very democratic. Solar is a young company and growing all the time. We just figure to be a part of that growth." We decided that the single selection was just co-incidence and passed onto other matters.

The album Friends is, without doubt, outrageously commercial  and looks set to endorse the groups faith in its commercial aspect. The fact that the album is the first under WEA banner obviously hasn't impeded its progress and although all three members of Shalamar are reluctant to discuss any political implications - "We're just glad to be with Solar" - it is clear that Griffey's negotiations with the company have achieved what he obviously required from the outset -  lot of dollars poured into the label and a lot of WEA muscle and clout lured into the Solar acts.

I pointed out to our three interviewee's that there had been one or tow negative reactions to their British performances. In fact, the percentage was considerably higher than this, but we do try to be positive…

"I don't know about that" flared Jody, who decided that she had spent sufficient time manicuring her nails. "I can tell you what the reaction of the audiences were and they were very positive..very receptive. I guess it's part of the game to have critics knock your performance." Well, yes, Jody I'm afraid it is, and as an artist you have to accept the criticism with the accolades. After all, being a third of a highly successful recording act does have it's compensations..right?

Jeffrey and Howard (gallant gents that they obviously are) rallied to Jody's defense and both confirmed the lady's statements as to the public response. But then I never doubt a lady's word anyway.

I (tentatively) queried as to whether or not the visit was an advance scouting party for a fully fledged Solar package later on during the year - a possibility which in fact had been mentioned by Griffey himself during a brief rap with B&S during his visit last year to set up the UK part of his deal with WEA.

"Not really" advised Jeffrey. "although the idea is still very much a possibility as far as Solar is concerned The US Galaxy of Stars tour was very successful and instrumental in getting the overall SOLAR sound and image across to our domestic market, and I think that Dick is still keen to do a European equivalent. The only thing is that no one knows exactly who will be on the tour..

"As for ourselves…although we will always want to be a part of the Solar label we want to develop our own individual image and be accepted for what we are - now doesn't that sound kinda like a cliche?"

Just a bit Jeffrey, just a bit, but we catch your drift…

Whilst on the subjects of cliches we mentioned the old chestnut of "Shalamar being a contrived act: a Griffey creation. The expected outburst never happened! Instead I was given a resigned look by all three and the following answer…

"I suppose because of the circumstances of  our formation, there will always be those who will say that Shalamar is a contrived act - people just love to put a label on you, particularly if you don't happen to fall into any of their categories y'know?

"We happen to believe that we were selected because we had a measure of talent and feel that we have all improved with experience. The important thing as far as we're concerned is that we know who we are and our audiences know who we are -- the origination thing is not important."

Despite the existing limitations of Shalamar, and in all fairness, Shalamar themselves appear to realize this, all three are equally convinced that the group continue to flourish and prosper..to live beautifully ..to be vibrant..to bloom! (BK) 

SHALAMAR | Tossin' Turnin' Swingin'

The most dance oriented incarnation of Shalamar included Brown, Watley and Daniel. To view click the link:

http://youtu.be/UVz4UKXSYXM

SHALAMAR with Gerald Brown, Jody Watley and Jeffrey Daniels

Jeffrey Daniel, Jody Watley, Gerald Brown in 1978

Shalamar became a real group with the addition of Gerald Brown for the 'Shalamar Disco Gardens' album. Mumford

had been primarily a studio singer with the first Shalamar album "Uptown Festival" being recorded by session singers.

Watley and Daniel were brought in by Don Cornelius recognizing his Shalamar concept for Soul Train Records would need charisma and marketable personalities according to archived interviews. Because of the popularity, already recognizable from the Soul Train television show and potential marketability of the dancing duo; Cornelius recalled it made perfect sense. Gerald Brown was taken from the singing group "The Soul Train Gang", the first act signed to Soul Train Records and added to Shalamar. Brown would depart after one album due to a contractual financial dispute, once the label was turned to Solar Records  and taken over by Dick Griffey.

SHALAMAR Get Your Nightlife with Originals Jody Watley and Gerald Brown on Soulbounce

From respected blog music blog  Soulbounce: Jody Watley brought the noise, funk and attitude that dominated the late 70's and all of the 80's. First with Shalamar and then as as a solo act, she paved the war for many of the female acts who came after her..the exciting twist features the original Shalamar co-lead singer Gerald Brown.. read the rest after the jump on:  Soulbounce

Jody Watley and the concept of "Nightlife" helps keep the Shalamar name alive and relevant  into the 21st century and the first Shalamar duet since 1983. "Nightlife" debuts on Music Week at Number 20 in Great Britain, always a strong market for Shalamar.

SHALAMAR Gerald Brown and Jody Watley Receive Disco Award

Original members Gerald Brown and a teen-aged  Jody Watley Disco Award Recipients in 1978

SHALAMAR Two Originals Reunite for New Single

Shalamar originals Jody Watley and Gerald Brown have reunited for a new duet, their first since 1978's hit "Take That To The Bank." Watley's "Nightlife" features Brown on backing vocals and the new remix produced by Dave Doyle takes us back while keeping us firmly embedded in the present with this danceable soul groove.

To listen click this Youtube link: http://youtu.be/60yF-BaptBE


Here's a photo of Gerald and Jody receiving a Disco Award in 1978

Gerald Brown and Jody Watley pictured in 1978 receiving disco award 

SHALAMAR REUNION WITH TWO ORIGINALS

Original lead singers of Shalamar Jody Watley and Gerald Brown have been making some noise. First, Gerald Brown of "Take That To The Bank" fame surprised Watley by showing up to one of her concerts this summer. the two had not performed together in 35 years. Afterward, they reunited again onstage at Essence Festival in New Orleans, at Watley's invitation. Brown, who has been absent from the music scene since his fast departure in 1978, joins Jody Watley on her new single that's making waves, 'NIGHTLIFE."

Read Reviews and Hear the song for some of that classic Shalamar flavor with a fresh new spin.


Centric TV

OkayPlayer

Soulculture UK

Soulbounce

Singersroom

SHALAMAR: Gerald Brown, Jody Watley, Receive Disco Honors in 1978

SHALAMAR receive disco award in 1978 in Australia for "TAKE THAT TO THE BANK"

Jody Watley and Gerald Brown Take It To The Bank at Essence Music Festival 2013

SHALAMAR Disco Gardens

Disco Gardens is the second album by American R&B group Shalamar, released in 1978 on the SOLAR label. It features the line-up of Gerald Brown, Jeffrey Daniel and Jody Watley, and was the only Shalamar album on which Brown appeared.
Disco Gardens was less successful than Shalamar's debut Uptown Festival, peaking at #52 on the R&B chart and #171 on the Billboard chart, although it is considered a superior recording to its predecessor, and contains early indications of what was to become the distinctive "SOLAR sound", most notably on the single release "Take That to the Bank".

SHALAMAR Receive Disco Award In Australia 1978

Shalamar's Gerald Brown and Jody Watley Accept Disco Award in Australia

SHALAMAR Catapults to Gold-Record Heights

Jeffrey Daniel, Jody Watley, Gerald Brown

SHALAMAR Promotional Black and White Photograph 1978

Jeffrey Daniel, Jody Watley, Gerald Brown

SHALAMAR On The Scene in 1978

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Jeffrey DanielS, Jody Watley, Gerald Brown March/April 1978: On The Scene Magazine Cover Story.

"On The Scene" Magazine March/April 1978 article from cover story "Shalamar Out To Do It All" for second album "Shalamar Disco Gardens." The album went on to produce one of the groups biggest singles "Take That To The Bank."  

Excerpt: "Jeffrey Daniels, Jody Watley and Gerald Brown comprise Shalamar, an exciting new vocal/dance trio distributed by Solar Records, distributed by RCA Records. The world may best know Shalamar for "Uptown Festival," the avant garde disco hit that took the nation by storm.." "Now Shalamar welcomes you to "Shalamar's Disco Garden," an invigorating illumunious musical fantasyland of an LP that establishes this band as more than one hit wonders. And don't use the word disco too loosely here, for Shalamar offers the fluttering essence of contemporary music -- lively R&B/pop mixtures and sultry ballads." "Many may doubt Shalamar's musical credibility because of it's storybook beginnings. Nevertheless, what you see is but a small portion of what you get." "Personally", beams Jeffrey, " I'd would like to become an entertainment standard--one of those entertainers known for giving us a lifetime of showbiz..I'd like to develop my skills as a songwriter and musician. Shalamar will give me that chance." "Gerald would also like to further his experience in entertainment, for him Shalamar is the topping of a singing career that began at thirteen. Jody, probably the most business minded of the troupe dreams of a chic dress shop to open after her career is in full swing. Those things are in the future. Right now the musical threesome is eagerly looking forward to the thrills, spills, and excitement that come along with being a group as fresh, new and exciting as Shalamar"

SHALAMAR Take The Soul Train In 1978

Gerald Brown, Jody Watley, Jeffrey Daniel On stage at Soul Train Television Show. The group performed the hit single "Take  That To The Bank" and "Tossin', Turnin', Swingin" from the album "Shalamar Disco Gardens."