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| LUV YOU MADLY ORCHESTRA |
| Concept albums and tributes are not exclusive to disco music, nor was this the first or last of that type in the disco genre. The collective of session musicians and singers on this album was given the moniker "Luv You Madly Orchestra" based on the closing phrase that Duke Ellington used for more than thirty years of performances. The "Luv You Madly Orchestra" album is a tribute and concept album featuring 14 Duke classics and one newly written tribute song. Produced and conceived by Stephen James and arranged and conducted by Kermit Moore, the duo lovingly discotize Duke's best. It's all here from the 1916 debut of "Soda Fountain Rag" to the 1969 "Moon Maiden" written to celebrate the landing of America on the Moon. Naturally Ellington evergreens "Satin Doll," "Take The 'A' Train," "Caravan" and "Mood Indigo" are here. Also the lesser known songs like "Lotus Blossom" and "Fleurette Africaine" are well presented. It's easy to make a quality album when you have such outstanding material. But then add singers like Marcy Olive, Debbie Andrews and Alfa Anderson (former Chic-stress) on vocals and it soars. And sprinkle in the cream of New York's studio musicians and top it all off with a 12" single remix by Walter Gibbons of "Moon Maiden" and "Rocket Rock" and you have a piece of disco history. The Salsoul release features commentary and liner-notes by Ruth Ellington and unlike most disco tribute albums it gives a track by track story about each and every song. This 1978 recording is often overlooked, partly because of the lack of an identifiable group and a followup hit. Nonetheless it remains a vital piece of disco history and an all around great album. It's relatively hard to find now and has yet to be re-issued on compact disc, so find this and enjoy it if you can. |
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