Since hipping you to the last Gem Of A Jam, I have been on a real 80s R&B kick these days--but more specifically, R&B music made between 1980 and 1982. I have to single out that small amount of time because by 1983, music had become more synth and "keytar" laden than ever and the R&B music made in those initial three years of the '80s still had residual Disco in them. I LIVE for Disco. But that's another G.O.A.J. entry. Without further ado, "Entre vous Lady T." Teena Marie, the brilliant multi-instrumentalist with a voice spanning 4 octaves, was a musical force to be reckoned with. This, of course, is an understatement. I'm not sure there are enough adjectives one could use to describe this truly unique artist--an artist in every sense of the word. In today's musical world, where country kitties and pop prepubescents think playing an instrument means pushing a button on a drum machine, Teena Marie played everything, produced her albums, and made music from her gut, her passion and her emotion. She wasn't concerned with hits or whatever was "hot." She did her own thing, on her own terms... and went thoroughly unrecognized for it.
Mary Christine Brockert rechristened herself "Teena Marie" (she went by the nickname "Tina" as a child) and released her first song and album in 1979. "Wild And Peaceful" had Teena teaming up with her mentor Rick James (who called her "Lady T") on the lead single "I'm A Sucker For Your Love." Teena had substantial radio play and success with that single but "Lady T" is the album that would introduce her to the masses and surprise many. The cover of T. Marie's first album didn't have her face on it, so most who heard her material assumed she was black. "Lady T" changed the perception of the color of Funk and R&B. Teena always referred to herself as "a black artist with white skin." Regardless of racial applique, Teena Marie created some of the finest grooves in history.
February 14, 1980 got a little sexier when "Lady T" was released. The album was produced by Richard Rudolph, the husband of Minnie Riperton (who died in 1979 at age 31)--an inspiration of Marie's and the singer to which Teena dedicated this record. Together, Richard and Teena would create some explosive tracks that, if you ask me, will have you two-stepping in no time. Thankfully most of Teena's work has been remastered and re-released via iTunes and CD. I'm grateful that this album in addition to "Irons In The Fire" and "It Must Be Magic," have been remastered and expanded. These three albums I call her Trilogy of Jams--they are my absolute favorite records of her career, and will definitely be outlined in future Gem Of A Jam entries.
"Behind The Groove" is one of my favorite songs ever. With a bass line and backbeat that actually beg you to get behind it, this song is one of the best dance tracks ever written. Who doesn't love an ode to a groove? Teena Marie was the Queen of the groove.
One of the best examples of Teena's ability to show her softer side is "Now That I Have You," a serene-stringed ballad written by Richard Rudolph and sung to perfection by Tee.
Another favorite of mine off this record is "Aladdin's Lamp," a jam so luscious I melt each time I hear it. Teena's voice is in full effect here; passion intact, she goes from lows to highs and holds notes for lengths of time that'll have you gasping for air.
"Why Did I Fall In Love With You" is a mid-tempo jam with a vocal arrangement that is a singer's dream. It's a delicious blend of Soul and Jazz, with a touch of a 60s girl-group as evident in the layered harmonies.
If you want to hear a 7-year-old Maya Rudolph, daughter of Richard Rudolph and Minnie Riperton, "Too Many Colors (Tee's Interlude)" has Maya asking "Teena what would the world be like if everyone saw with their hearts, instead of their eyes?" Maya was somewhat instrumental in the making of this album--she helped her father transcribe lyrics to the song "Behind The Groove" while on a car ride to Teena's Laurel Canyon house.
Never one to let error go uncorrected, I have to make the case for the voice of Teena Marie. Never is she credited as one of the greatest singers to have ever recorded--not even on a Rolling Stone List of Singers! She had such a powerhouse voice that was so malleable and capable of anything: a sultry chanteuse, a badass rock chick, an operatic diva, or a bombastic belter. It's a shame that she's not wider known these days to the younger generations--Ariana Grande is the perfect example of a disciple of Lady T, although Ariana may be unfamiliar with her--leaving her with "one more problem." See what I did there?
As Lady T said "So get on up and shake your body, open up and take the music in...Get behind the groove!" Oh, and get this Gem Of A Jam "Lady T."