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Keni Burke
Changes [Import]
Changes [Import]
Be With Records | CAT #: BEWITH134LP
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KEY FEATURES
KEY FEATURES
- 2023 Reissue Edition
- 1xLP pressed on 140g black vinyl
- Featuring the eternal club classic 'Risin' To The Top'
DETAILS
DETAILS
ARTIST: Keni Burke
LABEL: Be With Records
CAT NO: BEWITH134LP
RELEASE DATE:
EST. SHIP DATE:
GENRE / STYLE:
- Funk / Soul
RELEASE DESCRIPTION
RELEASE DESCRIPTION
Keni Burke's seminal Changes yielded the eternal club classic 'Risin' To The Top'. You need this record for this iconic steppers anthem alone. However, it's crucial to acknowledge that the whole of Changes, first released in 1982 on RCA but now a tricky one to find is something truly special. It's a masterpiece of sophisticated 80s groove, containing a first-class funky soul that sounds as fresh as ever. This is multi-tempo soul music conceived in heaven.
Ace bass player, songwriter, arranger, and producer, Keni Burke was discovered by Curtis Mayfield a childhood member of the Five Stairsteps. Emanating from that magical 81-83 era and pristinely recorded at Philadelphia's legendary Sigma Sound Studios, his third solo album Changes really perfected Keni's groove. It incorporated tight, snappy rhythm arrangements which, despite the era, featured *real drums* courtesy of Steve Ferrone (from Average White Band) to compliment Keni's meaty bass lines. With Dean 'Sir' Gant on synths and keyboards and Ed Walsh handling the Vocoder-OBX and Prophet 5, wonderful lines from Earth, Wind & Fire's legendary horn section and hooky rhythm and lead guitar riffs courtesy of Ed 'Tree' Walsh, Keni was truly spoiled for excellence. With Doc Gibbs on percussion and Vince Montana on vibes elevating the sensational writing and arrangements, Keni couldn't really go wrong.
“Risin’ To The Top” is undoubtedly the defining crown and lasting legacy of this album. With its instantly captivating bassline, slowly creepin' groove, and uplifting lyrics, it was a favorite among both the 80s soul steppers and hip-hop crowd and remains canonical to this day. Written by Burke, Allan Felder, and former Chic member Norma Jean Wright, it incredibly failed to garner much American radio play or really trouble the soul charts. Whilst it was an instant classic in the U.K., in the States it took the hip-hop generation and later R&B and hip-hop samples of the tune to finally make it popular, many years later. Of note, Big Daddy Kane sampled it for 'Smooth Operator', LL Cool J for 'Around The Way Girl', Pete Rock & CL Smooth for 'Take You There', and O.C. with 'Born 2 Live'.
But the highlights are not restricted to this one behemoth. For example, the track that precedes 'Risin'' on Side B is another steppers favorite. 'One Minute More' is a perfect mid-tempo ballad and the epitome of deep modern soul. A truly timeless work of genius. We, for one, struggle to think of a better song segue than the moment you're still reeling from the intense beauty of 'One Minute More' and 'Risin'' elegantly stirs into action. Frisson in excelsis. The propulsive, bass-heavy opener 'Shakin' is an indisputable cracker, and it's followed by the timeless mid-tempo class of 'Hang Tight'. Just gorgeous. Next up, 'Can't Get Enough' is another emotional, horn-heavy chugger. The side closes with the sparse, tender, floating sl-o-o-w jam 'Who Do You Love'; a truly divine ballad. The B-side begins with the title track, 'Changes', a squelchy, melodic boogie banger with fantastic keys, incredible vocals, ace shuffling percussion, and spacey synths. It's followed by the ultimate one-two in 'One Minute More' and 'Risin'' before this sensational set closes with the glorious easy glide 'All Night'.
An absolutely essential record for fans of deeply soulful modern funk, Changes was mastered for vinyl by Simon Francis and cut by Cicely Balston for Alchemy at AIR Studios. The artwork was restored at Be With HQ over many painstaking months so, hopefully, this fresh new edition ensures this long-lusted-after album is no longer so awkward to find.
TRACKLIST
TRACKLIST
1. Shakin'
2. Hang Tight
3. Can't Get Enough (Do It All Night)
4. Who Do You Love
5. Changes
6. One Minute More
7. Risin' To The Top
8. All Night
LISTEN
LISTEN
CREDITS
CREDITS
ABOUT THE ARTIST
ABOUT THE ARTIST
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from 30 reviewsI got this for my husband as a gift and he really loved it. Great sound and beautiful color. I’m so glad I got this vinyl.
Beautiful vinyl. Good price. Came packaged well.
Really happy with the vinyl box set. It was sent quickly, well packaged and made it to Australia unscathed 😊
Came exactly as described and in perfect condition, the best shipment service on vinyls I’ve ever had. Fast and accurate, I’ve had records ordered for almost a month with another store and these guys continually beat out all other stores for shipment. I just ordered again from them, highly recommend.
The album arrived well packaged, in impeccable condition. Love the service. Love this album!
Great shop, I can only recommend it.
I finally received it. It came well packaged and secure. The customer assistance was great and helpful with my queries.
honestly i was very happy to have this poster come in, and imma buy a frame for it later. the poster is really beautiful and i love it, there was a slight defect to it, no fault to the company, but the mailing service itself, but it doesnt really bother me at all since it’s barely noticeable, i am just so happy to own it!!
Beautiful packaging and lovely sonic excursions abound from this vinyl. Thank you !̦ Helix.
Excellent album. I had never purchased from this vendor before and I was initially leary (this album is sold out on bandcamp and Materia Collective's site, and I'd never heard of Helix). But the album arrived quickly and was packaged very securely. I wish the "gold swirl" was a touch more apparent but I understand that each record will look different. Wonderful release from Rozen overall.
Great album that been on list for a while,had to grab for this great price! And shipping was pretty fast as well ,will definitely recommend and shop again.🙏🏽
Awesome addition to my collection.
Vinyl came in great shape and plays well!