Written by Attitudes/B.J. Cook & Eric Mercury

At the dawn of 1975, the great George Harrison (1943-2001) was about to start the recording of his new album Extra Texture (Read All About It). He decided to follow the advice of legendary drummer Jim Keltner who suggested David Foster’s name as a smart addition to the album’s line-up. The former Beatle immediately called Foster and asked him to join them for those sessions. As a result, Foster and Keltner apperared on several tracks of the album along with a young bass player named Paul Stallworth.

Soon after, those three talented cats with the great Danny Kortchmar on guitar,  became the group Attitudes that recorded two albums for Harrison’s Dark Horse label. Their debut, simply titled Attitudes, was also released in 1975 and presented an interesting mix of funk, rock and soul.  Unfortunately, Attitudes went unnoticed. The material included was good, but not great even though the group’s superior musicianship and masterful arrangements still gave listeners plenty of reasons to enjoy the effort.

For this week’s review, the pick is “You And I Are So In Love,” a soulful ballad co-written by singer/songwriter Eric Mercury with Foster’s then-wife, B.J. Cook.

“You And I Are So In Love,” was preceded by an instrumental titled “A Moment” that showcases Foster’s skills on electric piano and goes into the smooth ballad that features Stallworth’s tender and melodious vocal performance. Stallworth said in an interview that he became the group’s main singer only by chance when it was needed to add vocals to the intrumental tracks. It must be said that he did an excellent job and added the right amount of soulfulness to this song. “You And I Are So In Love” was also a nice listen for Foster fans because it featured his great work on the electric piano and synths. The arrangement was a fine example of sophisticated pop/soul. It could even be said it gave a good preview of Foster’s fantastic work for acts including Hall & Oates, Earth, Wind & Fire and Boz Scaggs.

For those interested, there’s a review in the archives of “Ain’t Love Enough,” another track from Attitudes that’s absolutely worth a listen.

Listen

• Lead Vocals & Bass: Paul Stallworth
• Keyboards: David Foster
• Guitar: Danny Kortchmar
• Guitar: Jesse Ed Davis
• Drums: Jim Keltner
• Backing Vocals: Carmen Twillie, Venette Gloud & kathryn Collier
• Arranged by Attitudes
• Produced by Lee Kiefer & Attitudes

Lyrics

No lyrics

Written by David Foster, Paul Stallworth, Jim Keltner & Danny Kortchmar

David Foster’s stint with Skylark brought him from Canada to LA at the dawn of the Seventies. The rock/R&B combo, Attitudes, was Foster’s second band after his time with Skylark. Foster with fellow band-mates Danny Kortchmar who played guitar and sung vocals, Paul Stallworth who played bass and also sung vocals and Jim Keltner who played the drums were all red-hot commodities in the session arena. They got together around 1975 under the late, great George Harrison’s wing.

The legendary former Beatle signed Attitudes to his Dark Horse label and the all-star group released two records, the self-titled Attitudes and Good News. Those albums went unnoticed by the powers that be although both were solid efforts that cleverly mixed pop, funk, soul and rock. Good News, the 1977 sophomore release of the quartet, especially sparkled with its meaty sounds and rich arrangements.

For this Song of the Week, the spotlight is turned on the opening track of Good News entitled “Being Here With You.” Co-written by the above mentioned four gentlemen, “Being Here With You” was a mostly instrumental, funky tune with an irresistible beat, top-notch playing and horn-laden arrangement that sets the up-beat, groovy mood of the record. Musically, it’s not too far from the classic jams of bestselling acts like The Commodores and Average White Band. The backing track smoked thanks to the rock-solid rhythm section, some hot guitar playing by Kortchmar and Waddy Watchel, while Foster added his swinging organ and keyboards. The icing-on-the-cake was the amazing Tower Of Power horns that almost steal the show with their potent, cohesive playing under Greg Adams’ fantastic guidance. Adams rivaled Jerry Hey as the most inventive and talented horn arranger of those days. TOP’s line-up of Adams, Emilio Castillo, the late Mic Gillette, Stephen Kupka and Lenny Picket stood as one of the best ever sounds. Also check out Pickett’s spectacular sax solo on “Being Here With You.” Good News was produced by Jay Lewis and Attitudes and engineered by the famed Keith Olsen. The album was a treat for the lovers of rare grooves with plenty of cool stuff to notice. Good News should be made available on cd to obtain the appreciation it fully deserved.

During those same years, the Tower Of Power horns worked extensively with Foster on Jaye P. Morgan’s self-titled album.  Jaye P. Morgan was another hidden gem that stands as one of Foster’s most soulful works.

Listen

[audio:https://www.fozfan.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/03/Attitudes-Good-News-01-Being-Here-With-You.mp3|titles=Being Here With You|artists=Paul Stallworth]

Lead Vocals, Backing Vocals & Bass: Paul Stallworth
Keyboards, Synthesizer & Backing Vocals: David Foster
Guitars & Backing Vocals: Danny Kortchmar
Drums, Percussions & Backing Vocals: Jim Keltner
Rhythm Guitar: Waddy Watchel
Horns: Tower Of Power Horns
Horns Arranged by Greg Adams

Produced by Jay Lewis & Attitudes

Lyrics

No Lyrics

written by John Lennon

The late Keith Moon was the incredible drummer of the legendary UK rock band, The Who. Moon, with his partners, Roger Daltrey, Pete Townshend and Roger Entwistle, brought on the charts timeless rock anthems like “My Generation,” “The Kids Are Alright,” “I Can’t Explain,” “Baba O’Riley” and “Who Are You.” The Who were also famous for their explosive live shows and for releasing, in 1969, the first rock opera, the extraordinary “Tommy” that will become a movie in 1975 directed by Ken Russell and starring Daltrey alongside Elton John and Tina Turner.

That same year saw the release of Moon’s solo album entitled “Two Sides Of The Moon.” The drummer presented a collection of pop/rock covers written by big names like Brian Wilson, Paul McCartney, John Lennon and his band mate, Townshend. Moon sung all the material even though he really didn’t have a distinctive voice and played drums on just three songs. Musically “Two Sides Of The Moon” has more shadows than lights but it was well performed by an endless number of top players and includes an impressive list of guests like Ringo Starr, David Bowie, John Sebastian and Harry Nilsson. Among the best tracks there’s a rendition of an obscure Lennon composition called “Move Over Ms. L.” Originally the b-side of the former Beatle’s single “Stand By Me,” “Move Over Ms. L” is an energetic track with very powerful guitar playing by Joe Walsh of the Eagles, strong horns and some nasty piano playing by a young but already amazing, David Foster. Moon’s voice here is pretty good compared to other weak performances on the album and the overall result is a pretty good rock song. This version of “Move Over Ms. L” was also a b-side included on Moon’s single “Solid Gold.”

Listen

[audio:https://www.fozfan.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/08/move_over_ms_l.mp3|titles=Move Over Ms. L|artists=Keith Moon]

Lead Vocal: Keith Moon
Drums: Keith Moon & Ron Grinel
Bass: Paul Stallworth
Piano: David Foster
Guitar: Jesse Ed Davis
Guitar & Solo: Joe Walsh
Horns: Ollie Mitchell & Steve Douglas

Horns Arranged by Mal Evans
Basic Tracks Produced by Mal Evans
Produced & Directed by John Stronach & Skip Taylor

Lyrics

Well, now the underground and overjoyed, they come out just the same,
don’t wanna get to real man, just wanna play the game.
I guess you knew it all along we was singing in the rain,
can’t get to hipped to the down trip, the ship is sailing yet,
and if it sinks you know, that all you really get is wet.

Move over, Ms L.
You know I wish you well.
Move over, Ms L.
You know I wish you well.
Move over, Ms L.
You know I wish you well

(Guitar solo)

Now to err is something human and forgiving so divine,
I’ll forgive your trespasses if you forgive mine.
Life’s a deal you knew it when you signed the dotted line,
they nail you to the paper put a rope around your neck.
And so we sing along the boy stood on the burning deck.

Move over, Ms L.
You know I wish you well.
Move over, Ms L.
You know I wish you well.
Move over, Ms L.
You know I wish you well

(Guitar Solo and Sax Solo)

Well now momma poppa told me son you better watch your head,
your head is full of snakes boy you’re better red than dead.
They’re starving back in China that’s what they always said.
Can’t get head in the head shop yer jeans is full of crap,
you’re full of beans you’re in your teens,
you lost your Momma’s road map.

Move over, Ms L.
You know I wish you well.
Move over, Ms L.
You know I wish you well.
Move over, Ms L.
You know I wish you well
 

In 1977, the group Attitudes prepared its sophomore effort eventually entitled “Good News.” This new record by session masters David Foster, Jim Keltner, Danny Kortchmar and Paul Stallworth was again released on George Harrison’s Dark Horse label. “Good News,” produced by Jay Lewis with the band, is pretty superior to their 1976 self titled debut with richer musical textures and better funky/pop compositions. Notable guests like Jay Graydon, Ringo Starr, Booker T. Jones and the smoking Tower Of Power horns added their tasty sounds to the final recipe. There are several good songs on “Good News” like the reggae influenced “Drink My Water,” written by Brian and Brenda Russell and the funky, energetic title track. “Sweet Summer Music” is a breezy number that was released as a single and became a minor hit on Billboard’s Hot 100. Another winner on “Good News” is the elegant ballad, “Change.” Graydon’s guitar and Foster’s keys enrich the track that showcases Stallworth’s smooth singing. “Change,” also written by the band’s bass player, presents the elegant musical seeds of what will soon became the trademark Airplay sound. “Good News” makes for a very interesting listening experience for fans who want to enjoy Foster’s impressive developing talents and the great musicianship of this band.

Listen

[audio:https://www.fozfan.com/archives/clips/change.mp3|titles=Change|artists=Paul Stallworth]

Lead Vocals & Bass: Paul Stallworth
Keyboards: David Foster
Drums: Jim Keltner
Guitar: Danny Kortchmar & Jay Graydon
Backing Vocals: Attitudes, Donny Gerrard & Chuck Higgins jr.
Produced by Jay Lewis & Attitudes

Lyrics

NO LYRICS

Attitudes was formed in 1975 right after its members, all noted session aces, played on George Harrison’s album, “Extra Texture (Read All About It).” The former Beatle must have been quite impressed by the quality of their talents and musicianship; he encouraged them to form a group and eventually signed them to his “Dark Horse” label. Jim Keltner was probably the most famous name in the band at the time. His drums have appeared on records by Bob Dylan, John Lennon, James Taylor and countless others. David Foster on keys and Danny “Kootch” Kortchmar on guitar were the up and coming stars of the recording studio while Paul Stallworth on bass had the right voice to perform their blend of soul/funk and pop/rock.
Their debut was simply titled “Attitudes” and was released at the end of 1975. The material included wasn’t that memorable, but the inventive arrangements and stellar playing made this album quite appealing for fans of slick productions like The Doobie Brothers or Boz Scaggs. One of the best moments is the opener, “Ain’t Love Enough” co-written by Foster with Brian and Brenda Russell. Sung nicely by Stallworth, this up-tempo light funk track is spiced up with a Caribbean-flavored arrangement.
Kortchmar wrote and sang three songs that spotlighted his guitar and have a bit of a rock edge. The best one is “Honey Don’t Leave L.A.” that James Taylor would later cover on his 1977 “JT” album. There are also a couple of instrumental fusion jams, “Squank” and “First Ballad,” co-written by the band members that are fine examples of their superior playing. Add to the mix “You And I Are So In Love,” a pretty soul ballad co-written by B.J. Cook and “Lend A Hand” both with Foster’s keyboards and Stallworth’s mellow voice running the show.
A couple of years later, Attitudes made another good but “unknown” record, “Good News,” with guest appearances by Ringo Starr, Booker T. Jones and the Tower Of Power horns. Right after “Good News” was released, the group disbanded. Foster and “Kootch” would go on to become two of the most respected and successful producers in the pop world while Keltner continued with his incredible career as a session player. Paul Stallworth moved to San Francisco and still plays in local bands today.

Listen

[audio:https://www.fozfan.com/archives/clips/ain_t_love_enough.mp3|titles=Ain’t love enough|artists=Paul Stallworth]

Lead Vocal & Bass: Paul Stallworth
Keyboards: David Foster
Guitar: Danny “Kootch” Kortchmar
Drums: Jim Keltner
Congas: Pat Murphy
Background Vocals: Carmen Twillie, Kathryn Collier, Venette Gloud, Chuck Higgins jr.
Arranged by Attitudes
Produced by Lee Kiefer & Attitudes

Lyrics

NO LYRICS