Ladies Night: Expanded Edition - Fun Party Music for Women's Night Out, Girls' Get-Together & Dance Events

Kool and the Gang’s “Ladies Night” was released in 1979 as the Disco craze was coming to an unfortunate and artificially induced end. Kool and the Gang was an established multi-platinum band who scored plenty of hits through the early part of the 70’s. The second part of the 70’s saw the band’s momentum stall and despite their “Open Sesame” being included in the “Saturday Night Fever” soundtrack, it did little to revive Top 40 interest in the group’s career. The problem might have been uncertainty and lack of direction. Disco was dominating the airwaves but Kool and the Gang was not a Pop group. Nor were they R&B. Kool and the Gang were a hybrid of Jazz, Funk, Rock, and R&B. In the late 70’s, that could get you critical respect but not record sales. A hit record was needed, meaning some changes had to be made.Enter Eumir Deodato, Brazilian wunderkind producer and a hit maker in his own right. With Deodato handling production duties, first order of business was bringing in an identifiable lead singer that would take Kool and the Gang into a new yet radio friendly direction. With a velvety yet emotionally powerful voice and movie star good looks, James “J.T.” Taylor was a perfect fit for the group.The album opens in a big way. Title track is a bona fide Disco classic. With its’ persistent base line and killer groove, “Ladies Night” is everything that a night out at the Discotheque is all about. Crossover was what the band needed and they got it in a big way as “Ladies Night” became a Top 10 hit on Top 40, R&B and Disco charts. The remaining 5 tracks on the album do not disappoint. “Hanging Out” also became a Top 5 Disco and R&B hit and with good reason. “Got You Into My Life” sounds like a prelude to Kool and the Gang’s later hit “Joanna” but it’s far funkier. Speaking of funk, Kool and the Gang did not forget their funk roots. “Tonight’s The Night” kicks up the funk and received plenty of club play throughout 1979. “If You Feel Like Dancing” continues the party theme and also became a club favorite.While most of “Ladies Night” is geared towards the dance floor, its album closer “Too Hot” that is a true masterpiece here and finishes the album in grand style. A heartbreaking story of a lost love, “Too Hot” gave Kool and the Gang another Top 5 Pop and R&B smash and became an eternal Quiet Storm classic. James “J.T.” Taylor’s aching vocals are a marvel and his emotional pleadings towards the song’s end are unforgettable. The one two punch of the title track and “Too Hot” gave Kool and the Gang exactly what they needed: Two Gold Singles, a Platinum Album and commercial and critical acclaim. In 1979, that was a good place to be in the music industry.Big Thanks as always must go to Big Break Records for re-mastering “Ladies Night”. As is customary with any BBR re-master, the sound is great, the liner notes are fascinating and informative and there are 6 Bonus tracks here and they are a treat. “Ladies Night” and “Hanging Out” are presented here in their very rare 12” Disco Versions and are also available here in their Single versions. The album’s sexy and chic original album cover art front and back is preserved as well. A must have for any Disco/R&B lover and collector.