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| Lime Denis & Denyse LePage |
| Contrary to much information out and about...Lime was Denis and Denyse LePage...not the cutesy Joy Dorris and Chris March. Yes Chris and Joy toured the world as Lime, but the real voices and talent behind Lime were the Canadian husband and wife team of Denis, a longtime arranger and producer, and his songwriting wife Denyse. Their unlikely career began in 1980. Denis, already known in the Canadian music circles for his incredible horn and string arrangements on hits by Kat Mandu, France Joli, Geraldine Hunt, and Freddie James, to name a few, decided it was time to branch out into a full fledged production. By the summerl of 1980 Denis had compiled, with Denyse's help, a list of songs for them to record. With fellow studio wizards Joe La Greca (Carol Jiani's mentor and producer) and George Cucuzzella they entered Montreal Sound Studios for work on what would be the first of many albums. The first 12" single released was the now classic "Your Love." A snappy uptempo number that immediately started charting on it's original Matra Records pressing. Within weeks of it's release and it's intial showing on American club charts it was licensed by struggling independent label Prism for it's domestic release. After a strong showing it was remixed and re-released furthering it's chart life. The album, "Your Love," followed and eventually between Matra and Prism all the tracks were released on 12" singles. Garnering them hits with "You're My Magician," "(Baby) I'll Be Yours," "It's You" and "Agent 406." This album was also unique in that it was the only album to feature Denyse on the cover. All subsequent albums contained paintings or drawings. After riding the crest of their first album to it's maximum, their second album "Lime 2" debuted in July of 1982. Once again on Matra Records, the formula was the same for writing, producing and mixing duties. And once again all the tracks appeared on 12" singles as either A or B sides. The 12" singles of "Babe We're Gonna Love Tonight," "Wake Dream" and "Come And Get Your Love" were all consumed by a ravenous high energy dance audience and immediately went top ten. Once again Prism picked up the tracks for American release. By now Lime had become their 'cash cow' and literally kept the label afloat. As each 12" was released and became a hit on Matra, Prism would follow suit and then release a remixed version which guaranteed their domination of the club charts throught the entire year. This confirmed a trend associated with Lime for their next several releases. This album also was the first to feature the artwork (cover) of Studio Graffiti, whom would do all of their remaining covers. The unusal paintings became one of the groups trademarks. By 1983 Lime was at the pinnacle of their worldwide success. "Lime 3" released that spring would prove to be their most universal album. The success began with the first 12" single. "Guilty" with its somber and dark overtones, was a different release from their previous bubbly bouncy numbers. 12" number two, "Angel Eyes," was less dark and moody and the most romantic number on the harshly synthesized album. While the third single was the most universally popular, crossing ethnic, racial, and sexual club lines. "On The Grid" led many to speculate about its meaning, truth is plain and simple, it's about the then current video game craze The album was their first to be completely recorded with Roland, Juno and Jupiter synthesizers, all programmed and played by Denis. Denis also assumed full producer status and even dabbled in the mixing process. The album was also the only one to credit all vocals to Denis and Denyse, previous and subsequent releases made no mention of vocal credits. The medley remixed 12" of "Guilty/Angel Eyes" was never released on any of their albums. |
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| Sometime around 1982 or 1983 Lime had become so successful that demands for personal appearances was enormous. Denis and Denyse chose not to tour for several reasons. Their age was one factor, neither cared to schlep around the globe doing one-night stands. Another was that though both are attractive for their age group, their looks weren't exactly in-sync with their audiences. After lengthy auditions two attractive blondes with similar vocal ranges were recruited to tour as Lime. Joy Dorris and Chris Marsh fit the bill and although I had the pleasure of meeting and working with them in 1984 I can offer no formal information on the two. Despite worldwide touring the groups 1984 album "Sensual Sensation" produced no blockbuster hits. The album's only 12" singles "I Don't Wanna Lose You" and "My Love" were only moderate hits. And the album found no American distributors. |
| The group toured the world during 1983 and 1984, receiving numerous awards. American fans were delighted by their personal club appearances. Disc jockeys, despite knowing the truth seemed to embrace Joy and Chris, even welcoming them to the annual Billboard Disco Forums. While appearing live the duo did sing live to prerecorded tracks and so many believed that they were in fact the original singers. Much to their honor they did not lipsynch like another popular 1980's duo (Milli Vanilli).
1985 was a year for the husband and wife team to reflect and and while putting new material together Matra hired New York whiz kids Morales and Munzibai (M & M) to remix the back catalogue of material for an album release, "Lime-The Greatest Hits." The "Greatest Hits" album shot to the top of the charts and renewed interest in the group. 1985 brought a new album with a slightly new sound and a very different feel. "Unexpected Lovers" was the albums title and also it's first 12" single. The Matra remix pressing took off in the clubs and was quickly licensed by TSR Records for its American distribution. Both Matra and TSR followed that with "Do Your Time On The Planet" however this one stalled in the lower regions of the charts. While both Matra and TSR release the album and both 12" singles Matra chose to release a third single of "Alive And Well" backed with "I'm Falling In Love" in early 1986. Both tracks did well on the club scene and helped the album go Gold. By 1986 the group was ready for their seventh release. "Take The Love" was the albums title and first Matra 12" single. It received mixed reaction and was not a wise choice for the lead single.The second 12" "Golddigger" which although down in tempo proved to be their biggest hit since "Unexpected Lovers." It garnered enough attention to spark another American distribution deal with TSR Records, Both labels then released the double sided hit of "Cutie Pie" and "Did You See That Girl." With TSR Records faltering, the Atlantic distributed Critique Records picked up the album and third 12" single for wider distribution. By 1989's release "Brand New Day" the husband and wife team had created an empire that had a life of it's own. Denis and Denyse did contribute to the album but had already distanced themselves from the whole scene and turned the production over to Richard Buck. Vocals were also split with Joy and Chris for the actual recordings. This was about to be the end of the road for Joy and Chris as well as Lime as hitmakers. Two 12" singles "Please Say You Will" backed with "Brand New Day" and "Sentimentally Yours" were released on Karisma Records and would both chart high on club playlists. The album did not enjoy the same attention and was not picked up for American release. Perhaps it was the lack of total commitment from LePage or the uneveness of the material and singers but in any event it slid into the cut-out bins quickly. During this period Jeff Streger and several rotating females toured as Lime. The first female Kim Cermank is now married to Art Garfunkel. With the lack of any solid hits, touring for the faux pas Lime quickly dried up and they were soon off the circuit. Denis and Denyse returned wholeheartedly in 1991 to write, perform and produce the groups nineth album "Caroline." This would be their last hit of any note. The oddley sounding "Caroline" was done in the current New-Jack sound and despite several versions it failed to capture the glory of their heyday. The album had other strong material as well. Tasty selections like "Never Say Never" and "Web Of Desire" fortified the albums sales. But tastes and styles had changed and Lime was no longer the group de jour. As of 2002 they have released a new album "Love Fury." I have not had a chance to review it personally but with titles like "Dance, Dance, Dance," "No Other Love (I Need It Bad)" and "Takin' The Night" it sounds promising. Fortunately Unidisc, the parent company of Matra, has re-released their entire catalogue on compact disc. These treasures contain the complete original albums plus each release has the remixed 12" single versions of the albums hits. Though a bit pricey at around $18.00 a disc it's a solid investment for any high energy disco fan. Perhaps with their new release we'll see more Lime in the future. Denis still continues to arrange and work with other artists most notably Los Del Mar and Ouba. EDITOR'S NOTE: I'm always amazed at the viewers of my website......it's so cool! JOY.... what a classy lady! Message From Joy Dorris/Lime : I just came across your web site and thought I would email you myself and say hello. My years spent touring as Lime were some of the funniest,totally craziest years of my life. I am curious as to who you are and where we met. Regardless, we had the pleasure of working with some great dj's in some terrific clubs. I'm glad you were there for the ride. Best wishes, Joy Dorris |
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