Name: Valentine Love: The Buddah / Arista Anthology
Brand: Norman Connors

Bonus disc

Bonus disc: No

Catalogue number

SMCR5152D

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Colour

Colour details

Discogs ID

Format multiplier

Download code

Download code: No

Rough Trade Exclusive

Rough Trade Exclusive: No

Extended format

Extended format: No

Format detail

Format Music GB

Limited edition

Release date

2021-09-03

Signed copies

Signed copies: No

Supplier GB

Cherry Red (ADA)

Tax rate GB

Standard:20

UPC / Barcode

5013929085237

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Total Cap

2 / CD / Extended format: No / Rough Trade Exclusive: No / Signed copies: No

Artist

Norman Connors

Genre GB

Funk / Soul

Label GB

Soul Music

Norman Connors is an American jazz drummer, composer, arranger, producer, and artist. Born on 1 March 1947 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA, he developed a passion for jazz at a young age and began playing drums. Influenced by notable musicians such as Lex Humphries and Elvin Jones, Connors pursued his musical education at Temple University and Juilliard.

Connors' career took off when he recorded with Archie Shepp and Pharoah Sanders before signing to Buddah Records sublabel Cobblestone. He released his first album as a bandleader titled "Dance of Magic" in 1972. As the A&R manager for Buddah Records, he shifted his focus towards R'n'B material in the mid-1970s.

Throughout his career, Norman Connors collaborated with renowned artists including Carlos Garnett, Gary Bartz, Dee Dee Bridgewater, and Herbie Hancock. His work encompassed both jazz fusion and soul genres with guest singers like Michael Henderson, Jean Carn,
Phyllis Hyman,
Al Johnson,
and The Jones Girls contributing to his albums. Notable tracks from this period include "You Are My Starship" (1974) and "Captain Connors" (1977).

SoulMusic Records with Valentine Love – The Buddah/Arista Anthology, a 2-CD set by renowned musician and producer, the multi-talented Norman Connors. Covering almost a decade (1972-1981), the 34 tracks include all of Norman’s ten US charted singles; a rare 12” mix of the 1977 cut, ‘Captain Connors’; two tracks from the album, “Norman Connors Presents Aquarian Dream” (including one, ‘Once Again,’ featuring Gloria Jones); key album cuts, ‘Dindi’ and ‘Maiden Voyage’ and a musical feast of tracks featuring a number of artists who first gained prominence through their recordings with Norman such as Jean Carn, Michael Henderson, Phyllis Hyman, Prince Phillip Mitchell, Eleanore Mills, Al Johnson, Adaritha, Glenn Jones and Beau Williams.

Before he became known as a premier music man with ‘golden ears’ (for his discovery of so many great vocalists), the Philadelphia drummer served his musical apprenticeship with John Coltrane and Pharaoh Sanders before embarking on his own recording career in 1972. By 1975, Connors had achieved his first chart breakthrough thanks to the soulful pairing of Carn and Henderson on the now-classic ‘Valentine Love.’ During the ensuing years, Connors gave a then-unknown Phyllis Hyman her first taste of international success with her recording of ‘Betcha By Golly Wow’ as well as giving R&amp;B vocalist Glenn Jones his initial hit in 1980 with ‘Melancholy Fire.’ Other standouts on this superb 2-CD set include Connors’ favourites such as ‘You Are My Starship’ (Michael Henderson’s first solo hit), ‘Once I’ve Been There,’ ‘This Is Your Life,’ ‘Wouldn’t You Like To See’ and ‘I Don’t Need Nobody Else.’ Extensive liner notes by renowned UK writer Charles Waring including numerous quotes from Norman himself, long-time band members Jacques Burvick and Kenneth Nash and others; and excellent mastering by Donald Cleveland.

Valentine Love: The Buddah / Arista Anthology

Music GB