BOHANNON

Country:

USA
Genre:
Funk / Soul,Electro
Style:

Disco, Breaks

VIDEO
"Let's Start The Dance"
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rSrB3nvVxy4

STOP & GO (1973)

Credits:
Bass - Eddie Watkins/Electric Piano - Rod Lumpkins/Engineer - Craig Barksdale /Guitar - Wah Wah Watson , Ray Parker/Guitar, Bongos, Spoons - Leroy Emanuel/ Organ - Mose Davis /Percussion - Leslie Bass /Producer, Arranged By, Conductor [Directed By], Drums, Percussion, Written-by - Hamilton Bohannon/ Saxophone [Tenor], Flute - Danny Turner /Violin [Electric] - Travis Biggs /Vocals - Haywood Singers, The

Tracklist:

01 The Stop And Go (3:32)
02 Getting To The Other Side (3:15)
03 The Pimp Walk (4:01)
04 Run It On Down Mr. D.J. (6:39)
05 Save Their Souls (4:51)
06 Singing A Song For My Mother (6:24)
07 It's Time For Peace (2:21)
08 Happiness (3:57)

Link to download:
http://rapidshare.com/files/63016383/b-stop_go.rar.html

"A killer bit of early funk from the great Hamilton Bohannon -- and quite possibly his best album! The album's much better than some of his later LPs -- with a slower funk sound than Bohannon's fast disco of the late 70s, and a wild approach to rhythm that mixed together scatter-shot drums with funky wah wah guitar, organ, and hard-plugging basslines. All cuts are instrumentals, save for a few chorus vocals -- and players on the album include Wah Wah Watson, Ray Parker, Travis Biggs, and Mose Davis. Bohannon's on drums and percussion -- and titles include "The Pimp Walk", "Stop & Go", "Getting to the Other Side", "It's Time For Peace", "Save Their Souls", and "Singing a Song for My Mother"."
(http://www.dustygroove.com/item.php?id=ttmtrr27rj&ref=browse.php&anchor=355062)

"Right on the opening title track, Bohannon lays out the approach that would define his career: uptempo, bare-bones dance tracks with scratching guitars and a minimum of vocals, or anything else really. The simplest tune, "The Pimp Walk," is the best of the bunch. Side Two, though, pursues a direction Bohannon would never explore again: murky tunes with slow blues licks recalling Funkadelic's first album ("Singing A Song For My Mother"). Some of them also feature female vocals singing positive lyrics in a strikingly negative tone ("Happiness"), reaching for the sort of blunted irony found on There's A Riot Going On. Often it's affecting ("Save Their Souls"), and even when it isn't ("It's Time For Peace") at least it's unusual. "Run It On Down Mr. DJ" (written with Ray Parker Jr.) combines both approaches, with a slow, low-down feel but dance instrumentation and lyrical concept. (DBW)
(http://www.warr.org/bohannon.html)

"I really enjoy this album a lot, especially the pimped out gospel cut "Save our Souls" I have to admit I slept on this for a while, because I absolutely despise the rest of his work. It has the kind of uninspired mid-70s Bohannon-Beat that sold a million records but now sounds tired and dated. The work on this album is original and it sounds at times like a great blaxploitation soundtrack. Check out "Pimp Walk," and the even better "Getting to the Other Side."" (http://www.indiana45s.com/indiana45s_reviews.php)

KEEP ON DANCIN (1974)

Tracklist:

01 Rap On MR. D.J. (3:00)
02 Keep On Dancin' (5:00)
03 Truck Stop (7:34)
04 Dance With Your Parno (3:57)
05 Have A Good Day (8:30)
06 The Fat Man (2:39)
07 Red Bone (3:02)
08 South African Man (7:00)

Link to download:
http://rapidshare.com/files/63192338/b-_keep_on_.rar.html

Hamilton Bohannon's finest record concocts sensuous funk grooves from daring arrangements boasting tripped-out wah-wah guitars, punishing basslines, and massive drum breaks. In short, a sampler's wet dream. While later Bohannon discs would veer too far into the realm of up-tempo disco, Stop and Go favors slower, sexier rhythms. Add in the chorus vocals of the Haywood Sisters on tracks like "Run It on Down, Mr. D.J." and the remarkable "Singing a Song for My Father," and the end result is the kind of uncommonly lush and tactile funk album R. Kelly would skip recess to make.

INSIDES OUT (1975)

Credits:
Artwork By - Artie Patrick /Bass - Fernando Saunders/ Guitar - LeRoy Emmanuel /Keyboards - Mose Davis , Rod Lumpkin , Van Cephus/ Mixed By - Glen Meadows /Orchestrated By [Horns, Strings] - Herbie Williams/ Piano - Harold McKinney /Producer, Arranged By, Written-By - Hamilton Bohannon

Tracklist:

01 Foot-Stompin Music
02 East Coast Groove
03 Disco Stomp
04 Love Is Fading
05 Thoughts And Wishes
06 Keep On Being My Girl
07 Happy Feeling

Link to download:
http://rapidshare.com/files/62727966/b-_insides__out.rar.html

"Insides Out was Bohannon’s third album. Amazingly enough there’s actually some variety here. The miss-titled Disco Stomp is based around a Bo Diddley riff. Love Is Fading and Keep On Being My Girl are slow songs, Happy Feeling is kind of a Caribbean sounding tune, and the laid back Thoughts And Wishes contains a piano lined used as an interlude by Digable Planets on their first record. "

"Bohannon's distinctive sound is in place from the opening moments of "Foot-Stompin' Music": two rhythm guitars playing cross rhythms over a steady bass and drum vamp, and not too much else. "East Coast Groove" is similar, but less original, borrowing its groove from the distinctly West Coast "Dance To The Music." Side Two is mostly turned over to near-instrumental slow ballads ("Thoughts And Wishes," "Love Is Fading"), with Bohannon's thin voice piping out the leads, such as they are... it's the sort of piano-led light fusion you might hear on contemporaneous work by, say, Ramsey Lewis, and successful in its small way, though I'd be a lot happier if the tunes averaged three minutes rather than six. The concluding "Happy Feeling" blends both styles, with a midtempo dance beat and a curiously dissonant keyboard line. As with nearly all the records to follow, everything was written, arranged, directed and produced by Bohannon. The band is Fernando Saunders (bass); Leroy Emmanuel (guitar); Mose Davis, Rod Lumpkin, Van Cephus and Harold McKinney (keyboards). (DBW) "

BOHANNON (THE MIGHTY) (1975)

Credits:
Backing Vocals - Carolyn Crawford/Bass - Ted 'Sticky Fingers' Waterhouse/Engineer - Milan Bodgan/ Guitar - LeRoy Emmanuel , Rick 'Funk Box' Rouse/ Keyboards - Mose Davis , Nimrod 'The Grinder' Lumpkin/ Percussion - Lorenzo 'Mr. Rhythmn' Brown/Producer, Arranged By, Technician [Directed By], Written-by - Hamilton Bohannon

Tracklist:

01 Bohannon's Beat (Part 1) (7:49)
02 Funky Reggae (6:08)
03 The Bohannon Walk (4:49)
04 Can You Feel It (8:25)
05 Gentle Breeze (8:29)
06 Think Of Me (9:08)
07 The Day To Remember (6:00)

Link to download:
http://rapidshare.com/files/63009965/b-mighty.rar.html

"In a relatively short period of time beginning in the mid-1970s Hamilton Bohannon, a drummer from Georgia, released an amazing amount of records. He began as the drummer for Stevie Wonder and later went on to be the bandleader and arranger for various Motown tours. Where all that talent went though I don’t know because after listening to a few of his albums you realize that almost all of his work relies on only one riff with hardly any changes. With most tracks clocking in at 5, 6, 7, 8 even 9 minutes long, that leads to some very monotonous music. Bohannon came right in the middle of this deluge so you get a lot of very long and droning songs."
(http://www.soulstrut.com/reviews/list.php?category=Disco)

"Wicked uptempo funky instrumentals from the great Hamilton Bohannon! The record captures him at a perfect point -- when he was taking advantage of the changing dancefloor scene to open up his groove a bit, but before he got lost in some of the triple-time tempos that ruined later albums. Titles include "The Funky Reggae", "The Bohannon Walk", "Bohannon's Beat Part 1", and "Gentle Breeze". (This copy has a light warp but still plays fine. About an inch of the cover is stained and wavy along the opening.) "

"Dedicated to metronomic simplicity, Bohannon tends to walk the line between hypnotic and robotic: the opener "Bohannon's Beat Part I" is a great example of the former, with a simple scratch guitar line that breeds tense excitement, but "Funky Reggae," a one-chord workout with no development or discernable melody - or reggae, for that matter - ends up on the wrong side of the line. Carolyn Crawford - who had also been with Motown in the mid-60s - adds wistful vocals to the bluesy, atypically slow "Can You Feel It." Again, Side Two is ballads, and this time around they're even slower and longer ("Gentle Breeze," with the simple theme stated by sparely used strings), though "The Day To Remember," based on a blues guitar riff, does feature very tasty organ from Lampkin. Several lineup changes: Ted Waterhouse replaces Saunders, Rick Rouse joins Emmanuel on guitar, and Lorenzo Brown adds percussion. (DBW)"

GITTIN' OFF (1975)

Credits:
Bass - Ted Waterhouse /Engineer - Tony Reale /Guitar - Leroy Emmanuel , Rick Rouse/Keyboards - Mose Davis /Percussion - Lorenzo Brown /Producer, Arranged By, Written-By, Vocals - Hamilton Bohannon/ Trumpet - Herbie Williams , Maurice Davis

Tracklist:

01 Gittin' Off (4:44)
02 Feel Good At Midnight (5:05)
03 Let's Rock The Band (6:36)
04 South Africa 76 (5:31)
05 Come Winter (7:13)
06 Don't Be Mad At Me (5:33)
07 I'm In Love (4:43)

Link to download:
http://rapidshare.com/files/63001277/b-gittin.rar.html

"If nothing else, Bohannon was consistent. Gittin Off was released in 1976, but it could easily have been any of his other albums. Amongst these one-riff wonders, Bohannon actually created one catchy song in South Africa 76, if only it was a little bit shorter. "

"No straying from the formula here; the title track is a virtual rewrite of "Bohannon's Beat," while "South Africa '76" is an undisguised, if effective, remake of "South African Man." "Feel Good At Midnight" is a standout, though, with a terrific guitar riff. On the slow side, "I'm In Love" is fine mellow jazz, with a bouncy guitar line and a nice vibraphone solo, while "Come Winter" is a standout in the other direction, an atrocious ballad with a smarmy vocal from Bohannon. Some more lineup shuffling, with Rouse, Waterhouse, Brown, Emmanuel and Davis remaining; Herbie Williams and Maurice Davis added trumpets on "Let's Rock The Band." (DBW)"

DANCE YOUR ASS OFF (1976)

Credits:
Bass - Ted Waterhouse /Engineer - Milan Bogdan /Guitar - Leroy Emmanuel , Rick Rouse/Keyboards - Mose Davis /Percussion - Lorenzo Brown /Producer, Arranged By, Conductor [Directed By], Written-by - Hamilton Bohannon/ Saxophone - Dangerous Dan/ Woodwind - James Patterson

Tracklist:

01 Dance Your Ass Off
02 Spread The Groove Around
03 The Groove I Feel
04 Bohannon's Theme
05 Zulu
06 Trying To Be Slick
07 Party People
08 Bohannon's Beat
09 The Bohannon Walk
10 Can YouFeel It

Link to download:
http://rapidshare.com/files/63001106/b-dance_as.rar.html

"Dance Your Ass Off is basically the same tried and true formula that Bohannon followed on the rest of his releases, but he added two elements to spice it up a little. The first was strings to give a more contemporary feel, and the second is more refined solos. Still, the songs are too long and lack variation to really catch your attention. The one thing that does stand out is the drum break at the beginning of Groove I Feel. "

"One of Bohannon's uptempo classics, with a lot of cool funky instrumentals that move at a pace that's very favorable to a lively dancefloor. Includes the cut "Zulu", which has always been a favorite here in Chitown, plus "Party People", "Dance Your Ass Off", and "Bohannon's Theme". (Cover has edge & ring wear.) "

"As usual for early Bohannon, one-chord, rhythm guitar-led grooves ranging from entrancing ("Bohannon's Theme") to trying ("Spread The Groove Around," with clichéd disco strings). In some ways, it's more bare than ever, with hardly any vocals (apart from the title chant) or variety, though there is an extended sax solo and (eventually) a chord change on "The Groove I Feel." Though most of his 70s albums feature a ballad side, there's dance music on both sides here, with just one change of pace: "Trying To Be Slick," with a laid-back but flavorful flute solo. So the medium-strength cuts like "Zulu," which make up most of the LP, deplete their goodwill through minute after minute of maddening sameness. (DBW)"

ON MY WAY (1977)

Tracklist:

01 Come Dance With Me
02 Maybe You Can Dance
03 I Found My Love On A Saturday
04 Git On Up
05 You And I
06 I Got To Stay Funky
07 On The Weekend

Link to download:
http://rapidshare.com/files/62767736/b-_on_my_way_.rar.html

"Again, the production is sleek and stylish, but this time the songwriting is thin. "Maybe You Can Dance" has a good groove, but doesn't develop, and at nearly thirteen minutes it becomes an ordeal. The other lengthy track, "I Got To Stay Funky," is not as drawn out but its relentless eighth-note synth line becomes aggravating. On the other hand, the mellow instrumental "I Found My Love On A Saturday" is lovely, the bluesy "On The Weekend" is a nice change of pace, and "Git On Up" is a standout dance track. Mostly the same cast as before; Ragin's distinctive lead guitar is particularly prominent. As usual, written, arranged, directed and produced by Bohannon; Johnny Allen and Herbie Williams contributed one string arrangement each. (DBW)"

PHASE II (1977)

Credits:
Bass - Ted Waterhouse Jr./Engineer, Remix - Milan Bogdan/ Guitar - Melvin "Wah Wah" Ragin , Ray Parker Jr. , Rick Rouse /Orchestrated By [Strings] - Herbie Williams (tracks: 02, 05) , Johnny Allen (tracks: 01, 03)/ Percussion - Lorenzo Brown /Piano - Harold McKinney (tracks: 01 to 03, 05) /Strings - Ben Picone And The Atlanta Strings/ Written-By, Arranged By, Producer - Hamilton Bohannon

Tracklist:

01 Andrea (6:15)
02 But What Is A Dream (5:16)
03 Daddy's Little Son (5:42)
04 Bohannon's Disco Symphony (6:39)
05 Isn't It A Beautiful Morning (4:45)
06 Just Doing My Thing (4:38)
07 Moving Fast (3:25)

Link to download:
http://rapidshare.com/files/62736127/b_-_phase_.rar.html

"With one foot firmly embedded in the monstrous disco movement and the other continuing to tickle the jazz sensibilities, Hamilton Bohannon's Phase II was yet another blissfully orchestrated funk exploration in what some could say was becoming a series. And like the other albums before it, Phase II wouldn't earn any glittering feathers on anyone's cap; its one break-away single, the captivating "Bohannon's Disco Symphony," only came to rest at number 67 on the R&B charts. It wasn't until the following year's "Let's Start the Dance" that he would crack the Top Ten — for the first and last time.
What made Phase II most interesting is that the album became a reunion of sorts for Bohannon. With guest appearances by old bandmates Melvin Ragin and Ray Parker, Jr., a spark was ignited and duly kindled across the set. "Isn't It a Beautiful Morning" was an odd blend of disco guitar surrounded by what only could be described as music for a never-ending elevator ride. It's bizarrely bad, yet incredibly compelling. Elsewhere, Bohannon and company get their groove on across the slightly smarmy and Shaft-like opener, "Andrea," and the instrumental "Moving Fast." It was the funk-affected "Just Doing My Thang," though, with its great background vocals and punchy arrangement, that hit the high point in this set. That Hamilton Bohannon is an incredibly gifted musician is a fact; that he got sideswiped by disco is another. This album certainly wouldn't knock your socks off, but still it's an easy listener and as wallpaper it's quite magnificent. "

"
The title either refers to Bohannon's switch from Brunswick to Mercury, or to the birth of his son Hamilton F. Bohannon Jr. In any case, there's finally a change in the approach, as the midtempo opener "Andrea" is relatively complicated and lushly orchestrated (by Johnny Allen, another Motown vet). "Daddy's Little Son" - with "Isn't She Lovely"-style crying from little Hamilton - is similar but less memorable. The funky dance tracks are on Side Two this time, starting with the single "Bohannon's Disco Symphony," and even that features some pseudo-Romantic piano along with the usual guitar scratching. McKinney is the album's featured soloist, playing piano on four of the seven tracks, and he makes good use of the opportunity, finding different approaches each time. The core band is the same; guest guitarists Melvin "Wah Wah" Ragin and Ray Parker Jr. thicken the stew, which is particularly helpful on the less developed numbers ("Just Doing My Thang"). (DBW)

























SUMMERTIME GROOVE (1978)

Credits:
Engineer - Joe Neil Lead/ Vocals, Backing Vocals - Caroline Crawford/ Producer, Arranged By, Directed By, Written-By - Hamilton Bohannon

Tracklist:

01 Let's Start The Dance (5:30)
02 Listen To The Children Play (4:22)
03 Me And The Gang (5:16)
04 Let's Start The Dance (Finals) (1:08)
05 I Wonder Why (3:18) Strings - Johnny Allen
06 Summertime Groove (8:10)
07 The Street Dance (7:55) Backing Vocals - Sonia Rossman

Link to download:
http://rapidshare.com/files/62746404/b_-summertime.rar.html

"One of the biggest albums ever for Hamilton Bohannon -- filled with quirky rhythms and really unusual grooves! Bohannon was one of the key forces in setting the scene for disco in the early 70s -- and by the time the rest of the country was hitting the dancefloor in the middle part of decade, he was still moving forward, into a whole new realm of groove! The tracks on this set have some really mad rhythms -- skittish and scattered, still with a dancefloor approach, but with lots of odd touches that set them apart from the rest of the pack. A key example of this is the great tune "Me & The Gang", which has this off-key piano loping out over chunky beats -- but the whole thing's great, with a lot more of a sly edge than you'd expect from the cover. Titles include "Summertime Groove", "The Street Dance", "Let's Start The Dance", "Listen To The Children Play", and "I Wonder Why"."

"The place to start with Bohannon, from what I've heard so far. Crawford became part of the band here, and she adds a lot of energy to the proceedings: "Let's Start The Dance" is probably Bohannon's best known tune, and it's one of the few great clavinet-driven tracks not featuring Billy Preston or Wonder. And most of the album is up to the same standard. The title track is one of Bohannon's heaviest, most stripped-down funk numbers. "I Wonder Why" is a wistful instrumental. And "Me And The Gang" is a boisterous dance track that's only partially spoiled by a coda in which the band members introduce themselves in as corny a manner as possible ("My name is Hamilton Bohannon, but you may call me Bo-HAH-nnon"). (DBW)"

"Drummer/band leader/vocalist Hamilton Bohannon's modus operandi was shuffling, syncopated grooves that made you boogie to the beats. "Summertime Groove" exemplifies the Bohannon sound, as does the funky, potent "Let's Start the Dance," featuring Carolyn Crawford on vocals. "Me and the Gang," "The Street Dance," and the lesser of the rump-shakers, "Listen to the Children Play," continue the party atmosphere. This is pure uncut boogie music. The only ballad is a wistful winner titled "I Wonder Why." As innovative as Bohannon's sound was, it never really captured the fancy of record buyers and only enjoyed a cult following." ~ Andrew Hamilton, All Music Guide

CUT LOOSE (1979)

Credits:
Backing Vocals - Gwen Joy Kreger , Liz Spraggin /Bass - Ted Waterhouse Jr./ Engineer - Joe Neal , Milan Bogdan , Tad /Guitar - Leroy Emmanuel , Rick Rous/ Keyboards - Mose Davis , Rod Lumpkin /Mastered By - Glen Meadows /Percussion - Lorenzo Brown/ Producer, Arranged By, Directed By, Written-By - Hamilton Bohannon

Tracklist:

01 Cut Loose (7:44)
02 The Beat (Part 2) (6:24)
03 Mighty Groovy (4:31)
04 Let Me See How You Do It (7:15)
05 At Night Fall (4:23)
06 That's The Way It Goes (5:16)

Link to download:
http://rapidshare.com/files/62733796/b-_cut_loose.rar.html

"Energetic and entertaining like Summertime Groove, though Crawford doesn't sing as much apart from "Mighty Groovy." The title track has a heavy keyboard/bass riff and "The Beat (Part 2)" is similarly engaging. Throughout, Waterhouse plays more prominent, intriguing bass lines than usual, adding an ominous yet danceable touch to "Let Me See How You Do It." Bohannon closes the disc with a couple of boring underwritten grooves, though - "At Night Fall" and "That's The Way It Goes" - and since there are no slow numbers, you don't get the full spectrum of his abilities. (DBW)"

TOO HOT TO HOLD (1979)

Credits:
Engineer - George Pappas , Joseph Neil , Tad Bush , Tom Race /Engineer [Re-mix] - Joseph Neil /Orchestrated By [Strings] - Johnny Allen /Producer, Conductor [Directed By], Arranged By - Hamilton Bohannon /Vocals [Featuring] - Carolyn Crawford/Written-By - Hamilton Bohannon , Leroy Emmanuel (tracks: 03) , Melvin Ragin (tracks:03)

Tracklist:

01 The Groove Machine (6:05)
02 The Boogie Train (7:15)
03 Stop And Go (5:03)
04 I'll Be Here For You (5:42)
05 The Time Is Now (5:18)
06 Andrea (5:18)
07 Love Floats (2:40)

Link to download:
http://rapidshare.com/files/62752895/b_-_too_hot_.rar.html

"One of the most full-on funk albums that Bohannon recorded for Mercury -- a set done with a sextet of additional players, in a groove that's much more in the ensemble mode of other funk acts on the label! The usual Bohannon drive is still in full effect, though -- and Hamilton's rhythms are as compelling as ever, served up with his usual percussive undercurrent, and plenty of extra work on bass, guitar, and keyboards. Carolyn Crawford sings ovcals on most numbers, and titles include "Groove Machine", "The Boogie Train", "Andrea", "The Time Is Now", "Love Floats", and a remake of "Stop & Go". (Cover has a cutout hole, some ringwear, with a bit of peeling.) "

"Sonically much like Summertime Groove - Crawford's still on vocals, and "The Groove Machine" even sounds like "The Street Dance" - only more stripped down, with less prominent strings and next to no keyboards. And he's short of compositions again. Despite Ragin and Crawford's best efforts, "The Boogie Train" isn't a song, it's just a chord and a catchphrase. Two slow numbers ("I'll Be Here For You," "The Time Is Now") don't measure up to previous efforts, and the best numbers are remakes: "Andrea" and "Stop & Go." He does get credit for trying something new with the drumless flute fantasy "Love Floats," though it's ultimately insubstantial. (DBW)"

MUSIC IN THE AIR (1980)

Tracklist:

01 Feel Like Dancin' (7:22)
02 Baby I'm For Real (5:10)
03 The Hammer (7:05)
04 Turn The Record (0:37)
05 Thoughts And Wishes (5:40)
06 The Funk Walk (6:02)
07 Spring Is In The Air (6:15)
08 Hurry Mr. Sunshine (5:49)

Link to download:
http://rapidshare.com/files/62729689/b-music_.rar.html

"Elizabeth Lands (another Motown vet) replaced Crawford here. Includes a remake of "Thoughts And Wishes" and a cover of the Originals' "Baby I'm For Real." (DBW)"

ONE STEPS AHEAD (1980)

Tracklist:

01 Dance Dance Dance All Night Vocals - Caroline Crawford
02 Throw Down The Groove (Part 1) Vocals - Keisa Brown
03 Is It Real Strings - Johnny Allen Vocals - Keisa Brown
04 Thinking Of You
05 April My Love (Part 1) Vocals - Liz Lands
06 Do What Cha Wanna Do Vocals - Caroline Crawford
07 Throw Down the Groove (Part 2)

Link to download:
http://rapidshare.com/files/62746606/b-one_step_.rar.html

"The first release on his Phase II Records label. Bohannon had his hands full with vocalists by this point: Crawford goes way over the top on "Dance Dance Dance All Night," though she's fine on "Do What Cha Wanna Do." Lands is more bizarre, screeching inappropriately on "April My Love (Part I)" (a mellow tribute to his newborn daughter). Keisa Brown acquits herself best, ranging from tender crooning on the ballad "Is It Real" (strings by Allen) to heavy belting on the dance tune "Throw Down The Groove (Part I)." Otherwise it's mostly standard middle-period Bohannon, with decent but unexceptional boogies and schmaltz. The pleasant exception is the bouncy pop song "Thinking Of You," with a swinging (if uncredited) electric piano solo. (DBW)"



ALIVE (1981)

Credits:
Bass - Ronnie Harville /Engineer - George "The Greek" Pappos , Tom Wright /Featuring - Lalura White , Odell George , Primis James /Guitar - Leroy Emmanuel , Wah-Wah Watson , Rick Rouse/Keyboards - Mose Davis , Rod Lumpkin /Piano - Jimmy Jackson , Oliver Wells /Producer, Arranged By, Written-By - Hamilton Bohannon/ Trumpet - Louis Smith/ Vocals - Jean Carn , Keisa Brown , Liz Lands , Louise Freeman , Teresa Hightower

Tracklist:

01 Let's Start The Dance Part II (6:40)
02 Take The Country To New York City (5:40)
03 Let's Start II Dance Again (7:39)
04 A Happy Song For You Part I (4:47)
05 You're The One (5:40)
06 Take The Country To New York City (Instrumental) (4:47)
07 A Happy Song For You Part II (4:33)
08 Start The Dance (Inserts) (2:30)

Link to download:
http://rapidshare.com/files/62753771/b-alive.rar.html

"The songwriting is sketchier than ever: three more remakes of "Start The Dance," and two each of "A Happy Song For You" and the familiar funk jam "Take The Country To New York City" ( featuring Maceo Brown and Fred Wesley regurgitating horn charts originally written for P-Funk). So you'll almost literally not hear anything you haven't heard before, but on those terms it's fairly decent: "Let's Start II Dance Again" is livened up with frantic rhythm guitar, female vocals, and a rap from Dr. Perri Johnson. The instrumental version of the pleasantly dippy "A Happy Song For You" spotlights an endless trumpet solo, and the ballad "You're The One" features unpredictable vocalizing from Lands. (DBW)"

GOIN' FOR ANOTHER ONE (1981)

Tracklist:

01 The Happy Dance (4:12)
02 Goin' For Another One (5:51)
03 Do The Everybody Get Down (5:23)
04 Don't Be Ashame To Call My Name (5:02)
05 Symphonic March (8:13)
06 Thank You For Lovin' Me (7:12)

Link to download:
http://rapidshare.com/files/62760176/b-_goin_for.rar.html

"A step up (sorry) from the preceding releases: the title track is positively florid compared to his usual work, with plush keyboards, and even a modulation on the bridge. "Do The Everybody Get Down" - featuring the Originals - is kinetic funk, and "The Symphonic March" is similar apart from the orchestral opening and closing. Only "The Happy Dance" is close to Bohannon's normal speedy disco, and even that's set apart by some unusually prominent rhythm guitar improvisation. "Thank You For Loving Me" is a slow romantic number, as you might imagine, with Hamilton singing lead. In case you don't get the title's implication, the cover photo features Bohannon's two children. (DBW)"

FEVER (1982)

Tracklist:

01 The Party Train (Parts I, II, III) (8:56) Vocals - Gary Shider* , Ray Davis
02 She's A Boogie Woogie Freak (7:55)
03 Thoughts And Wishes (3:45)
04 What Is A Dream (Part II) (5:14)
05 I've Got The Dance Fever (7:10) Rap - Rick Alston

Link to download:
http://rapidshare.com/files/62758638/b-_fever.rar.html

"Shifting to full-on, post-disco dance funk, "The Party Train (Parts I, II, III)" features a full horn section, squiggly synth, and guest vocals from Ray Davis and Gary Shider. It doesn't help, and the similar, catchphrase-heavy "She's A Boogie Woogie Freak" is downright annoying. "I've Got The Dance Fever" - a single - not only sports dated synth and crashing drums, but a rap intro from Rick Alston. Just two slow tunes, and they're both remakes ("Thoughts And Wishes," yes, again; "What Is A Dream (Part II)"). Cynical and mechanical, there's nothing to recommend this one. (DBW)"

THE BOHANNON DRIVE (1983)

Tracklist:

01 Rock Your Body (8:04)
02 Wake Up (5:30)
03 Running From Your Love (6:15)
04 Do It Good (4:35)
05 Let's Start The Dance III (7:09)
06 Tell Me You'll Wait (4:30)
07 Enjoy Your Day (4:48)

Link to download:
http://rapidshare.com/files/62766012/b-_drive.rar.html

"Less offensive than Fever, but in a similar style and no more original: there's yet another version of "Let's Start The Dance" (an instrumental with programmed drums that make it sound like a Prince demo) and apparently "Tell Me You'll Wait" and "Enjoy Your Day" are cannibalized from late 70s tracks he produced for Crawford. But "Rock Your Body" is a decent dance track, and "Running From Your Love" is livened up by a lengthy timbales break courtesy of Sheila E. As usual, everything's credited to Bohannon; Ragin gets a co-write on "Wake Up." Crawford, Rouse, Davis, Emmanuel and Lumpkin are on hand, plus Maceo Parker does his thing (and does it well) on "Do It Good." (DBW)"

MAKE YOUR BODY MOVE (1983)

Tracklist:

01 Make Your Body Move
02 Wrong Number
03 Don't Leave Me
04 B.T. Is Doing The Raggae
05 School Girl
06 Funkville
07 Come Back My Love
08 Make Your Body Move (Instrumental)

Link to download:
http://rapidshare.com/files/63185037/b_-_make_your_.rar.html

"Title track (in vocal and instrumental versions) written by Ray Parker Jr., who also co-wrote several of the other tracks with Bohannon. Parker brings the project farther into the pop-funk mainstream, covering the usual bases like gimmicky makeout tunes ("Wrong Number," with an insistent ringing phone), squiggly synth licks (title track), and a lifeless attempt at synth-reggae ("B.T. Is Doing The Raggae"). But none of the compositions are remotely memorable, far inferior to the tunes he gave Diana Ross the same year. Bohannon's own work is more in his usual vein, with a spare funk instrumental ("Funkville") and a yearning, underwritten ballad ("Come Back My Love"). (DBW)"

HERE COMES BOHANNON (1989)

Credits:
Bass - Fernando Saunders /Engineer - Ron Christopher/ Executive Producer - Levi Bohannon /Guitar - Ricardo Rouse /Keyboards - Vance Taylor /Percussion - Lorenzo Brown , Pete Escovedo , Yon Rico Scott/ Producer, Lead Vocals, Percussion - Hamilton Bohannon/ Written-By - E.Y. Harburg (tracks: 6) , Hamilton F. Bohannon* (tracks: 1 to 5, 7 to 9) , Harold Arlen (tracks: 6)

Tracklist:

01 House Train (5:28)
02 Dance And Shout (6:04) Backing Vocals - Morehouse College And Spelman College
03 The Gang's All Here (5:10) Backing Vocals - Pier Cook Mehrvarz/ Rap - Thomas "Hit Man" Hearns
04 The House Over The Hill (4:46) Saxophone - Larry Jackson /Vocals - The Sensational Alltrena Graceson
05 One For Levi (4:30) Rap - Dee Perry /Vocals - Myra Walker
06 Over The Rainbow (5:11) Vocals - The Sensational Alltrena Graceson
07 I Ain't Got No Money (3:29)
08 Bring Back Yesterday (4:49)
09 Fun And Play (3:58) Saxophone - Larry Jackson

Link to download:
http://rapidshare.com/files/63185280/b-_here_comes.rar.html

IT'S TIME TO JAM (1990)

Credits:
Bass - Fernando Saunders , Ted Waterhouse /Guitar - Leroy Emmanuel , Ricardo Rouse /Keyboards - Mose Davis , Rod Lumpkin /Percussions - Lorenzo Brown /Vocals - Carolyn Crawford/Written-By, Drums, Percussions, Vocals - Hamilton Bohannon

Tracklist:

01 Let's Start II Dance Again (6:50)
02 Foot Stompin' Music (5:30)
03 Throw Down The Groove (Instrumental) (3:34)
04 Let's Start The Dance (Remix) (8:00)
05 Rock And Groove Your Soul (8:40)
06 Throw Down The Groove (Vocal) (4:30)
07 Dance Fever (8:42)

Link to download:
http://rapidshare.com/files/63008787/b-its_time.rar.html

"Bohannon wasn't going down without a fight: he adapted quickly to house music, with ultramodern synth sounds and drum programming, and chicken-scratch guitar from Rouse ("House Train"). "The Gang's All Here" even has a rap, from Thomas Hearns. The best track, "The House Over The Hill," mixes live bass, live multi-tracked guitars, and the very live Alltrena Graceson on vocals; unfortunately, she totally oversings a cover of "Over The Rainbow," sounding like Patti LaBelle gone mad. The rambunctious "Fun And Play," with enjoyable keyboard and sax interplay, is the runner up. Though it's hard to hear them, Brown and Saunders are around somewhere, as is percussionist Pete Escovedo. (DBW)"

FOOTSTOMPIN' MUSIC - THE BEST OF

Tracklist:

01 South African Man Listen Listen
02 Foot Stompin' Music Listen Listen
03 Keep On Dancing Listen Listen
04 Truck Stop Listen Listen
05 Red Bone Listen Listen
06 Rap On Mr DJ
07 Pimp Walk
08 Stop And Go
09 Disco Stomp
10 Bohannon's Beat
11 Bohannon Walk
12 Dance Your Ass Off
13 Can You Feel It
14 Zulu

Links to download:
http://rapidshare.com/files/62993453/b_-_footstompin_a.rar.html

http://rapidshare.com/files/62994411/b-footstompin_b.rar.html


"Killer funky instrumentals! Although Hamilton Bohannon later went onto make a lot of weak disco records, his early work for the Brunswick label was incredible -- a mad bunch of rhythms with a pace that's unlike any other funk we can think of. Bohannon really had a way with a beat -- coming up with skipping grooves that pushed the boundary of funk, taking things to a new level with strange syncopations supporting trimmed-down instrumentation -- all in a mode that made for some lean, clean funk with a very unusual edge! This set brings together 14 of the best cuts from those years -- and nearly all of them are tight little groovers, with a good uptempo funky feel. The set includes loads of classic funky 45 tracks -- like "The Pimp Walk", "South African Man", "Stop & Go", "Bohannon Walk", "Zulu", "Truck Stop", and "Rap On Mr. DJ". Very tasty -- and quite hard to find!"

"Hamilton Bohannon was born on March 7th, 1942 in the small Georgia town of Newnan, about an hour's drive southwest of Atlanta. Hamilton grew up in a working class family of middle income. After high school Bohannon attended Clark Atlanta University where he graduated with a B.A. degree in musical education. Upon graduation he began teaching before accepting a job as drummer for a band that included Jimi Hendrix in it's line-up. He came to the attention of Stevie Wonder, who appointed him drummer in his touring band in 1965.Bohannon relocated to Detroit and worked for Wonder from 1965 to 1967. Over those two years Bohannon's style impressed the hierarchy at Motown Records to such an extent that they made him top bandleader, responsible for live arrangements for all Motown's top acts. When Motown relocated to Los Angeles, Bohannon stayed in Detroit, assembling his own band. He signed with Dakar/Brunswick in 1972 and by early 1973 he had his first release with the album "Stop And Go." Five more albums for the labels followed: "Keep On Dancin'" (1974), "Mighty Bohannon" (1975), "South African Man" (1975), "Inside Out" (1975), and "Dance Your Ass Off" (1975). Although several singles did well in the U.K.it wasn't until 1975's "Foot Stompin' Music" that he began to make waves in the American club scene. Oddly enough during the disco boom of 1973-1978 Bohannon's career was relatively quiet compared to others that struck disco gold in that period, yet he churned out album after album. His contract with Brunswick/Dakar ended in 1976 and with out missing a beat he signed with Mercury and released "Phase 2" in 1977. That year he scored hits with "Disco Symphony" and "Andrea." His second release for Mercury was 1978's "Summertime Groove." "Summertime Groove" exemplifies the Bohannon sound, as does the funky, potent "Let's Start The Dance." This song propelled the album to the top of the charts and was a huge summer smash thanks to Carolyn Crawford's vocals (He subsequently produced Crawford's solo release, "Coming On Strong," that same year),."Me And The Gang," "The Street Dance," and the lesser of the rump-shakers, "Listen To The Children Play," continue the party atmosphere. This is pure uncut boogie music. The only ballad is a wistful winner titled "I Wonder Why." He followed this with four more releases for Mercury, "On My Way," "Cut Loose," "Too Hot To Hold" and "Music In The Air." Bohannon albums carbon each other: all have shuffling grooves, heavy rhythms, and quality ballads; the only things that change are the personnel and the song titles. Liz Lands replaces Carolyn Crawford as the feature vocalist on his final 1980 Mercury release. Both recorded at Motown and, despite making good records, failed to scale the charts at Hitsville U.S.A. Lands' vocals elevate "Music In The Air" above the mediocre level. Lands has an amazing vocal range that reminds me of a singing flute.She does an admirable job on the Originals' classic "Baby I'm For Real"; her finest moment occurs on "Thoughts And Wishes," a song with jazz roots — her soprano soars to crystal-shaking heights as she rips into the lyrics. As always, Bohannon has some dance grooves to shake your booty too; "The Funk Walk," "The Hammer" and "Feel Like Dancin'" will get you up and down on the dance floor. Unfortunately, like most Bohannon releases, this one appealed to the hardcore Bohannon fans and didn't find a broader range of fans and buyers. He started Phase II Records in 1980, he also switched to recording under the simpler banner of Bohannon. He scored another chart topper with a reworking of "Let's Start The Dance" in 1981."Let's Start 2 Dance Again" featured Atlanta rapper Dr. Perri Johnson, with his 15 minutes of fame, rapping over the instrumental passages. A remix of the remix followed and then a 1983 attempt at reworking the reworked hit with "Let's Start The Dance 3." Needless to say at this point it had run it's course. His albums from 1981 to 1984, "Goin' For Another One," "Alive," "One Step Ahead," "Make Your Body Move" and "Bohannon Drive" produced nine R&B charters, but none matched his 1978 pop success. Bohannon dominated the clubs and R&B charts in disco's heyday, but found the going tougher in the 1980's. By the time of his 1989 session, his one and only for MCA Records, there was a whole new sound among dance fans. House, techno, and British and European dance was lighter, faster and not as rhythmically heavy as the music that Bohannon championed."Here Comes Bohannon" put as much emphasis on Altrinna Grayson's vocals as Bohannon's arrangements. She was a fine singer in the genre, but Bohannon didn't make much impact with this one. One 12" single, "House Train," gained little club play and for all purposes it seemed that club music had passed Bohannon by. He has spent the recent years resting happily in Atlanta with his family and past earnings (he wrote, arranged and produced all of his albums, maximizing his take of the proceedings) until a wave of sampling sparked renewed interest in his work.His work has been sampled by Richard "Humpty" Vission, That Petrol Emotion, Jose Melendez, Jay-Z, DJ Lynnwood, DJ Irene, and Class A Felony to name a few. Compilations of his past glory were quickly assembled, and now most of his best moments are available on CD for all to enjoy. "
(http://www.thefunkstore.com/CurrentCDs/D-01.htm)


Biography:
Drummer Hamilton Bohannon (born March 7, 1942) was among the top bandleaders, percussionists, and producers in '70s disco/dance music. Bohannon grew up in Newnan, GA, and was drumming in a high school band while an elementary school student. After earning a music degree from Atlanta's Clark College, he was hired as a drummer by Stevie Wonder and moved to Detroit, where he was a bandleader and arranger for Motown tours until he joined Dakar/Brunswick in 1972. Bohannon perfected his formula of heavy, thudding bass accents and aggressive rhythms while recording for Dakar. He had several songs that were successful club records, but only mild R&B hits, among them "South African Man," "Foot Stompin' Music," "Disco Stomp," and "Bohannon's Beat." He moved to Mercury in the late '70s and scored a major hit with "Let's Start the Dance" in 1978, Bohannon's only Top Ten R&B release. The song featured vocalist Carolyn Crawford. He subsequently produced Crawford's solo release, "Coming on Strong," that same year and continued working with her into the '80s. Bohannon kept recording for Mercury, though barely getting light chart action in 1979 and 1980. He started Phase II Records in 1980 and recorded there until 1984. Bohannon introduced another vocalist, Liz Lands, on a remake of the Originals' "Baby, I'm for Real," which was included on the 1980 LP One Step Ahead. He signed with MCA in 1984 and recorded several albums. His 1989 release Here Comes Bohannon featured another fresh female voice, Alltrinna Grayson.
(http://www.allmusic.com/cg/amg.dll?p=amg&sql=11:9kevad5kv8w3~T1)

ALBUMS
Stop And Go 1973
Keep On Dancin 1974
South African Man 1975
Mighty Bohannon 1975
Inside Out 1975
Gittin' Off 1975
Dance Your Ass Off 1976
Phase 2 1977
On My Way 1977
Summertime Groove 1978
Cut Loose 1979
Too Hot To Hold 1979
Music In The Air 1980
One Steps Ahead 1980
Goin' For Another One 1981
Alive 1981
Fever 1982
Bohannon Drive 1983
Make Your Body Move 1983
Motions 1984
Here Comes Bohannon 1989
It's Time To Jam 1990
Footstompin Music 1998


More info:
http://www.discomuseum.com/HamiltonBohannon.html

http://showcase.thebluebus.nl/pages/511/Bohannon.html

http://www.londonlee.com/2006_03_01_londonlee_archive.html

http://www.disco-funk.co.uk/b/BOHANNON.HTM

http://soulcrates.com/page/2/