Ernie Watts - Chariots Of Fire (1981)

Great album. Ernie's proficiency comes through on Chariots of Fire followed by other funk-jazz infused tracks, obviously with Quincy's production influence. A delightful listen overall! ~ Pa Colin, Amazon.com. 

On this album saxophonist Ernie Watts blows in all directions and can easily be considered one of the masterpieces of Qwest Records led by producer Quincy Jones. The theme was the title song composed by Vangelis for "Chariots of Fire" which won the Best Picture Award at the 54th Academy Awards, and arranged by Michael Omartian. Ernie is joined by some great musicians including: Keyboardists Richard Tee, Don Grusin, Greg Phillinganes; guitarists Steve Lukather, David E. Williams, bassist Neil Stubenhaus and drummer John Robinson to name a few. Overall, a disco-fusion flavoured sound that will entertain even the most discerning of listeners, Enjoy! 

Qwest Records, QW 56 982, 1982
Qwest Records, WPCR-28018, 2014
Recorded 19th-31st October, 1981 at Westlake Audio, Los Angeles, California 

Musicians:
Ernie Watts - Alto Sax, Tenor Sax, Flute, Percussion, Vocals
Larry Hall - Trumpet
Jerry Hey - Trumpet, Flugelhorn, Horn Arrangements
Bill Reichenbach Jr. - Trombone, Trumpet
Don Grusin - Keyboards, Piano [Electric], Synthesizer
James Ingram - Keyboards, Rhythm & Vocal Arranger, Vocal Effect, Vocals
Michael Omartian - Keyboards, Piano, Strings, Arranger
Greg Phillinganes - Synthesizer, Synthesizer Bass
Richard Tee - Keyboards, Piano [Electric]
Ian Underwood - Synthesizer
Steve Lukather - Guitar
Carlos Rios - Guitar
David E. Williams - Guitar [Rhythm]
Neil Stubenhaus - Bass
John "J.R." Robinson - Drums
Paulinho Da Costa - Percussion
Quincy Jones - Percussion, Rhythm Arrangements
Howard Hewett, Phillip Ingram - Vocals 

Tracks:
A1. Chariots Of Fire [Theme] (Dance Version) {Vangelis} (5:55)
A2. Hold On {James Ingram, Quincy Jones} (4:25)
A3. Lady {Lionel B. Richie Jr.} (3:49)
A4. Gigolo {Quincy Jones, Merria Ross} (4:36)
B1. Valdez In The Country {Donny Hathaway} (5:14)
B2. Abraham's Theme {Vangelis} (3:46)
B3. Five Circles {Vangelis} (3:40)
B4. Chariots Of Fire [Theme] (Slow Version) {Vangelis} (4:27) 

Total Time: 35:56 

Credits:
Producer, Liner Notes - Quincy Jones
Recording & Mixing - Bruce Swedien [Acusonic]
Mastering - Bernie Grundman
Art Direction & Design - Art Sim [11:24 Design]
Photography - Bobby Holland 

UK 12" Special Dance Mix

Randy Crawford - Secret Combination (1981)

It is little wonder that Secret Combination remains Randy Crawford's most successful album in the UK. It is a superb collection of well-chosen material, expertly played by the cream of L.A session players and sung with great conviction. Macon, Georgia-born Crawford had first risen to prominence in the UK as the featured vocalist on the Crusaders' Street Life in 1979, and enjoyed her first solo hit the following year with One Day I'll Fly Away. Secret Combination, released in May 1981, was the album that capitalised on this success. Although Crawford had previously been an earthy jazz singer, Secret Combination barely breaks a sweat. Produced by Tommy LiPuma (the man responsible for turning George Benson from a jazzer into a commercial superstar) and it is consistently pleasant, radio-friendly pop-soul. What bite there is can be found on lead single You Might Need Somebody, a Hollywood-softened dirty blues and the album's closer, Trade Winds. Crawford imbues everything with a honeyed experience - none more so than on the title track where her quiet steadfastness retains the love of the song’s hero. Secret Combination’s covers excel: Crawford's version of Tony Joe White's A Rainy Night In Georgia may lack the despair of Brook Benton's famous reading, but sweetens the longing. That's How Heartaches Are Made (made famous by 'Baby' Washington/the Marvelettes) makes the song's desperation almost playful. In 1981, Secret Combination seemed to be everywhere. It spent 60 weeks on the UK charts and reached No. 2. And in 1982, she won the Best Female Artist award at the Brits on the strength of this record. It remains a delightful time-capsule, perfect for sunny Sunday mornings. ~ Daryl Easlea, 2009, BBC Review. 

Warner Bros., 7599-23541-2, 1990?
Recorded and Mixed at Sound Labs and Capitol Recording, Hollywood 

Personnel:
Randy Crawford - Vocals
Ernie Watts - Flute, Solo (#B1)
Chuck Findley - Horn
Gary Herbig - Horn
Larry Williams - Horn
Bill Reichenbach Jr. - Horn
Jim Horn - Horn
Leon Pendarvis - Piano, Keyboards, Arranger [Rhythm]
Neil Larsen - Organ (#A2,B3,B5), Keyboards
Dean Parks - Guitar
Robben Ford - Guitar, Guitar [Electric] (#A4)
Steve Lukather - Guitar
Abraham Laboriel, Sr. - Bass
Jeff Porcaro - Drums
Lenny Castro - Percussion
Marti McCall - Vocals [Background]
Petsye Powell - Vocals [Background]
Alfie Silas - Vocals [Background]
Phyllis Saint James - Vocals [Background]
=============================================
Arranger [Strings] - Nick DeCaro (#A1,A3,A4,B1,B2,B4,B5)
Bill Reichenbach - Arranger [Horns] (#A1,B3)
Dale Oehler - Arranger [Strings] (#A2,A5)
Arranger [Horns] - Larry Williams (#B3) 

Tracks:
A1. You Might Need Somebody {Tom Snow, Nan O'Byrne} (4:19)
A2. Rainy Night In Georgia {Tony Joe White} (4:22)
A3. That's How Heartaches Are Made {Ben Raleigh, Bob Halley} (2:57)
A4. Two Lives {Mark Jordan} (3:47)
A5. You Bring The Sun Out {Tom Snow, Jesse Dixon} (3:23)
B1. Rio De Janeiro Blue {Richard Torrance, John Haeny} (4:18)
B2. Secret Combination {Tom Snow, Frannie Golde}  (3:24)
B3. When I Lose My Way {Turley Richards} (3:44)
B4. Time For Love {Leon Russell} (4:15)
B5. Trade Winds {Ralph MacDonald, William Salter} (4:55) 

Total Time: 39:28 

Credits:
Producer - Tommy LiPuma
Recording & Mixing - Al Schmitt
Assistant Engineer - Stewart Whitmore, Don Henderson
Production Coordination - Noel Newbolt
Original Mastering - Mike Reese
CD Remastering - Lee Herschberg
Art Direction - Richard Seireeni
Photography - Phillip Dixon 

Secret Combination on Two Ronnies Show