This single CD by the Buddy Rich big band has seven of the eight selections from The Roar of '74 and five of the eight numbers from a slightly later Groove Merchant CD. The earlier set features tenor saxophonist Pat LaBarbera among the soloists while the later band (which has completely different personnel) includes Steve Marcus (soprano and tenor) and tenorman Bob Mintzer among the key players. Highlights include Don Menza's "Time Check," "Nuttville," "Senator Sam," "Three Day Sucker," and a medley from "Tommy." The reissue itself is barebones but the music is often quite intriguing, making this a decent budget release. ~ Scott Yanow, All Music Guide
Charles Camilleri (Trumpet), Alan Kaplan (Trombone), Pat La Barbera (Sax (Soprano)), Barry Maur (Trombone), Buddy Budson (Piano), Steve Marcus (Sax (Soprano)), Keith O'Quinn (Trombone), Ross Konikoff (Trumpet), Ben Brown (Bass), Tony Levin (Bass), Lloyd Michaels (Trumpet), Lloyd Michels (Trumpet), Larry Hall (Trumpet), Pat La Barbera (Sax (Tenor)), Steve Marcus (Sax (Tenor)), Ray Armando (Conga), Sonny Lester (Producer), Cornell Dupree (Guitar), Sam Woodyard (Percussion), Danny Hayes (Trumpet), R. Lieb (Arranger), Bill Blaut (Sax (Alto)), John Laws (Sax (Baritone)), Bob Martin (Flute), John Hoffman (Trumpet), Wayne Wright (Guitar), Bob Mintzer (Sax (Tenor)), Buddy Rich (Percussion), Richard Hurwitz (Trumpet), Cliff Morris (Guitar), Gerald Chamberlain (Trombone), Bob "Mink" Martin (Sax (Alto)), Roger Rosenberg (Sax (Baritone)), Anthony Salvatori (Trombone (Bass)), Joe Beck (Guitar), Bob "Mink" Martin (Flute), Charlie Davis (Trumpet), Greg Hopkins (Trumpet), Greg Kogan (Piano), Bob Martin (Sax (Alto)), Joe Romano (Flute), John Leys (Trombone (Bass)), Buddy Rich (Drums), Bob Crea (Sax (Tenor)), Pete Yellin (Sax (Alto)), Joe Romano (Sax (Alto))
The 1978 duet was released as the theme song of the 1978 film adaptation of The Wiz (itself an adaptation of The Wonderful Wizard of Oz), and produced by Quincy Jones. The Charlie Smalls–composed tune was an R&B re-interpretation of both "Follow the Yellow Brick Road" and "We're Off to See the Wizard" from the 1939 version of The Wizard of Oz. In the song, Dorothy (portrayed in the film by Ross) and the Scarecrow (played by Jackson) dance their way down the Yellow Brick Road and give each other words of encouragement.
"Ease on Down the Road" is performed four times in The Wiz: once by Dorothy and the Scarecrow, once by the two of them and the Tin Man (played in the movie by Nipsey Russell), by the three of them and the Cowardly Lion (played by Ted Ross), and finally during the end credits. In the album version, Jackson and Ross sing by themselves. The recording was one of Jackson's first collaborations with Quincy Jones, who became his main producer during the late 1970s and 1980s.
In 1980, Jackson was a guest on Kraft Salutes Disneyland's 25th Anniversary and, along with Disney characters (Mickey Mouse, The Seven Dwarfs, Donald Duck, Minnie Mouse, Chip 'n' Dale, Pluto, Winnie the Pooh, The Three Little Pigs and Goofy), performed the song in a medley with the Disney signature song, "When You Wish Upon a Star". This was the only song re-sung by Michael Jackson without former label-mate Diana Ross.
Released as a single by MCA Records in late summer 1978, the song missed the U.S. Top 40 by one position, peaking at #41 on the Billboard Hot 100. It reached #17 on the Billboard Hot Soul Singles chart the same year.
The song was a number-one disco hit for five non-consecutive weeks in a recording by the disco studio group, Consumer Rapport. The Consumer Rapport version hit the Billboard Soul Singles chart, peaking at #19 and the Hot 100, peaking at #42.[1]
1990: "I'm Still Waiting (re-mix) 1991: "No Matter What You Do" (with Al B. Sure!) · "When You Tell Me That You Love Me" 1992: "You're Gonna Love It" · "The Force Behind the Power" · "One Shining Moment" · "If We Hold on Together" 1993: "Heart (Don't Change My Mind)" · "Chain Reaction '93" · "Your Love" 1994: "The Best Years of My Life" · "Someday We'll Be Together" (re-mix) · "Why Do Fools Fall in Love" (re-issue)/"I'm Coming Out" (re-mix) 1995: "Take Me Higher" · "I'm Gone" 1996: "If You're Not Gonna Love Me Right" · "I Will Survive" · "Voice of the Heart" · "In the Ones You Love" 1999: "Not Over You Yet" · "Sugarfree"
