So what is 'Yacht Soul'? Smooth, well-crafted, super-engineered with the sprinkling of perfect musicianship: Yacht Soul is where soul music from the late 70s and AOR collided to create a perfect blend which has stood the test of time - thanks in large parts to the meticulous songwriting and producing of the era. An elite group of musicians which included members of Toto – Steve Pocaro, Jeff Pocaro, Mike Pocaro, Steve Lukather, David Paitch along with other well respected session musicians such as Paulinho DaCosta, Greg Phillinganes, Louis Johnson, members of Average White Band and finally Jerry Hey, Larry Williams & Kim Hutchcroft of Seawind Horns. Song writers included David Foster, Jay Graydon, Bill Champlin and Rod Temperton. Yacht Soul has more synthesizer and horns with less emphasis on rock guitars. Lyrics are a little more romantic, a little more sensual. The players are rooted in R&B, jazz and soul - it’s all very smooth.
https://www.podomatic.com/podcasts/soulguru
Soulguru Podcast 44 - Wayne Henderson Special
Wayne Henderson sadly passed away this week and because I am such a huge fan of his wonderful contribution to the music which I love I decided to create a podcast celebrating his work. I start off with where it all began and some of his jazzier moments with The Crusaders and going solo... I follow this up with 3 great tracks which he recorded with Roy Ayers in that fruitful late 70s period... Next up I look at a further 3 tracks which feature his unique trombone playing, classic solos which light up the songs... The final section includes 3 well known soul cuts from his At Home Production stables. I round off the podcast with a well known anthem that was his first foray into the realms of production, Ronnie Laws and the aptly titled 'Always There'. RIP the great Wayne Henderson!
Where it all started ... Jazzier Numbers
Keep That Same Old Feeling - The Crusaders (1976 Those Southern Knights)
I'm Staying Forever - Wayne Henderson (1977 Big Daddy's Place)
Rainbow Visions - The Crusaders (1975 Chain Reaction)
Roy and Wayne - Prime Time!
For Real - Roy Ayers & Wayne Henderson (1978 Step In To Our Life)
No Deposit No Return - Roy Ayers & Wayne Henderson (1978 Step In To Our Life)
Thank You Thank You - Roy Ayers & Wayne Henderson (1980 Prime Time)
Trombone Wonderland - 3 cuts featuring Wayne
Pete's Crusade (feat Wayne Henderson) - Light of the World (1980 Round Trip)
Love On A Summer Night (feat Wayne Henderson) - The McCrarys (1982 All Night Music)
Listen to Me (feat Wayne Henderson) - Narada Michael Walden (1979 Awakening)
At Home Productions - 3 rare groove killers
Hollywood Dreaming - Father's Children (1979 Father's Children)
Midnight Lover - Side Effect (1981 Portraits)
S.O.S. - Esther Phillips (1978 All About Esther Phillips)
A little something extra ... At Home Productions opening number!
Always There - Ronnie Laws (1975 Pressure Sensitive)
RIP Big Daddy!