La Toya Jackson CD

2009 reissue of the debut solo album from this member of the talented Jackson clan, recorded in 1980 and produced by her brother Michael Jackson. The album features Stevie Wonder guesting on harmonica plus the track 'Are You Ready For Love' written by Billy Ocean. Eight tracks. Cherry Pop.

Personnel: LaToya Jackson (vocals); Greg Poree (guitar, Spanish guitar); Mario Henderson, Ray Parker, Jr., David E. Williams (guitar); Paul Jackson, Jr. (acoustic guitar); Stevie Wonder (harmonica); Buddy Collette (woodwinds); Don Myrick (soprano saxophone, horns); Arthur Maebe, Gary Herbig, George Bohanon, John Kelson, Jr., Tom Washington, Henry Sigismonti, Alan Kaplan, Lenny Pickett, Michael Davis , Oscar Brashear, Stephen "Doc" Kupka, Billy Page, Ollie Mitchell, Maurice Spears, Louis Satterfield, Mic Gillette (horns); Clarence MacDonald, Sylvester Rivers, Larry Farrow, Patrice Rushen (keyboards); Kim Bullard (synthesizer); Gary Coleman (vibraphone); Ollie E. Brown (drums, percussion); James Gadson, Jeff Porcaro, Raymond Lee Pounds (drums); Eddie "Bongo" Brown (congas); Arnell Carmichael (hand claps, background vocals); Danny B. Harvey, Dorie Pride, Cheryl Brown, Janet Jackson (hand claps); Paulinho Da Costa (percussion); Deborah Thomas, Marva Holcolm, Darren Carmichael, Josie James, Lynn Davis , Bill Champlin (background vocals).
Audio Mixers: Humberto Gatica; Rik Pekkonen.
Audio Remixer: Ollie E. Brown.
Photographers: Shayne Fair; Bobby Holland.
Arranger: Larry Farrow.
Boosted heavily by the presence of renowned players like Ray Parker, Jr., Patrice Rushen, Stevie Wonder and Emilio Castillo, LaToya Jackson became the fifth family member to record solo with this generally satisfying 1980 LP. She does best with uptempo numbers, with the straightforward romp "If You Feel the Funk" and the peppy "Save Your Love" serving as highlights. "If You Feel the Funk" is a well-chosen opener, with its enticing vocal arrangement, sturdy rhythm patterns and a memorable guitar solo from Parker seeping into the brain instantly; "Save Your Love" picks up the pace a little but is more concentrated melodically. Another primer is "Nighttime Lover," a softly seductive, simultaneously kinetic number produced by brother Michael. Otherwise, there aren't any other equally strong moments, though the snappy "Are You Ready," co-written and also recorded by Billy Ocean, is fairly impressionable. Vocally, Jackson doesn't have a lot of weight, but she has an obvious enthusiasm for the songs that comes through consistently. That factor, along with the strong cast of musicians and some memorable tunes, makes this an overall enjoyable set. The filler material is worth skipping past to soak in the finer moments. ~ Justin M. Kantor