Classics West Coast Music
The late seventies and early eighties are sometimes referred to as “The Golden Age” of West Coast Music, and the contrast to so much of what the nineties have offered us musically is remarkable.
Lots of studio recordings, especially in the Los Angeles area and with several artists or bands that released a few albums, some only a debut album and never had a follow up, also some artists moved to another music direction.
At this list you can see a selection of albums that are worthy a listening.
John Palumbo - Innocent Bystander
Lifesong 1978
John Parr - Running The Endless Mile
Atlantic Records 1986
Paul Parrish - Song For A Young Girl
ABC Records 1977
Dolly Parton - Dolly Dolly Dolly
RCA Victor 1980
Stella Parton - Love Ya
Elektra Records 1979
Passage - S.T.
A&M Records 1981
Tracks: Have You Heard The Word, You Can't Be Livin', Faith Walking People, I See The Light, The Great Flood, Open Up Your Heart, Power, Love Eyes & The Son Will Come Again.
Musicians on the Passage album: Richard Heath, Louis Johnson, Valerie Johnson, Raymond Crossley, Greg Moore, Rene Moore, Curtis Nolen, Ricky Lawson, Al Perkins, Michael Perkins, John "JR" Robinson & David Wolinski.
Leon Patillo - Love Around The World
Myrrh Records 1985
Leon Patillo - The Sky´s The Limit
Myrrh Records 1984
Leon Patillo - I´ll Never Stop Lovin´You
Myrrh Records 1982
Leon Patillo - Don´t Give In
Myrrh Records 1981
Henry Paul - S.T.
Atlantic Records 1982
Pearl - S.T.
London Records 1977
Tracks: Nobody Home, Love In Your Life, Two's A Party (Three Is A Crowd), All I Really Want Is You, It's All Gonna Come Back, Spending The Night Alone, Everybody Needs Somebody, You're My Joy, Makin' Music & Benediction.
Musicians on the Pearl album: Debbie Pearl, Leslie Pearl, Dan Dugmore, Victor Feldman, Hodges, James & Smith, Mark Levine, John Lombardo, Russ Kunkel & Dean Parks.
Leslie Pearl - Words And Music
RCA Records 1982
Tracks: Let's Go To Bed Early And Stay Up All Night, If The Love Fits Wear It, You Never Gave Up On Me, Look Before You Love, Love Makes Better Lovers, The Ones Who Turn Me On, You Can Do Better Than That, There's Nothing So Expensive, As A Woman Who's Free For The Night, Anything But Yes Is Still A No & You're The First Thing I Want But The Last Thing I Need.
Musicians on the Words And Music album: Leslie Pearl, Nick Brown, Andrew Gold, John Tropea, George Wadenius, David Hungate, Will Lee, Chicao Rindner, John Hobbs, Robert K. Landrum, Paul Shaffer, Michael Baird, Chris Parker, Scott Scheer, Victor Feldman, Jimmy Maelen , Christine Faith, Kathy Ingraham, Edy Lehman, Helen Miles & Annette Saunders.
Mark Pearson with McCoy - Between Friends
Music Is Medicine 1981
Danny Peck - Heart And Soul
Arista Records 1977
Tracks: Halo Of Fire, Looking So Hard, The Smoke Is Rising, Dream Girl, Brother Of Mine, This Could Be A Real Nice Place, I Do, Take Your Baby Home, That's The Way It Is & Where Is My Heart.
Musicians on the Heart And Soul album: Danny Peck, Larry Carlton, Jay Graydon, Jay Lewis, Steve Lukather, Eddie Patterson, Henry Davis, Tony Duma, Robert Popwell, Mike Porcaro, David Foster, David Paich, Harvey Mason, Willie Ornelas, Jeff Porcaro, Victor Feldman, Tom Scott, Ernie Watts, Bob Findley, Jim Horn, Steve Madaio, Bruce Paulson, Jay Lewis Background vocals : Bill Champlin, Venette Gloud, The Brooklyn Dreams & Carmen Twillie.
Herb Pedersen - Sandman
Epic Records 1978
Tracks: Sandman, When She Makes Love To Me, Cora Is Gone, Is That Any Way To Love You, Fair And Tender Ladies, Tennessee Sal, About Love Again, Bring Back The Smile, My Little Man & If I Lose.
Musicians on the Sandman album: Herb Pedersen, Larry Carlton, Dan Ferguson, Stephen Geyer, Lowell George, David Lindley, Chris Smith, Lee Sklar, Larry Muhoberac, Gary Coleman, Lowell George, Linda Ronstadt, Dolly Parton, Johnny Rivers, Linda Ronstadt & Joey Scarbury.
Herb Pedersen - Southwest
Epic Records 1976
Dan Peek - Doer Of The Word
Home Sweet Home Records 1984
Dan Peek - All Things Are Possible
Lamb & Lion Records 1978
Perry & Sanlin - For Those Who Love
Capitol Records 1980
Steve Perry - Street Talk
Columbia Records 1984
Bernadette Peters - S.T.
MCA Records 1980
Greg Phillinganes - Pulse
Planet Records 1984
Tracks: Behind The Mask, Won't Be Long Now, Playin' With Fire, I Have Dreamed, Come As You Are, Lazy Nina, Signals, Countdown To Love & Shake It.
Musicians on the Pulse album: Greg Phillinganes, Dennis Herring, Robbie Nevil, Carlos Rios, David Williams, Nathan East, Brian Banks, Michael Boddicker, Anthony Marinelli, Howie Rice, Bo Tomlyn, John "JR" Robinson, Carlos Vega, Paulinho Da Costa, Jerry Hey, Jackie Jackson, Maxi Anderson, Steve George, Howard Hewett, James Ingram, Phillip Ingram, Clydene Jackson, Gwen Matthews, Richard Page, Phil Perry, Greg Phillinganes, Daryl Phinnessee, Julia Tillman Waters & Maxine Willard Waters.
Greg Phillinganes - Significant Gains
Planet Records 1981
Tracks: Girl Talk, Baby I Do Love You, Takin´It Up All Night, Forever Now, Big Man, I Don´t Want To Be The One, Maxxed Out, Do It All For Love & The Call.
Musicians on the Significant Gains album: Greg Phillinganes, Raymond Pound, Marlo Henderson, John McClain, Mike Sembello, Greg Poreé, Paul Jackson Jr., Nathan Watts, Freddie Washington, Herbie Hancock, Ronnie Foster, Paulinho Da Costa, Ndugu Chancler, Sadao Watanabe, George Benson, Patrice Rushen, Carolyn Dennis, Lynn Davis, Angela Windbush, Cheryl Lynn & Bobby Martin.
Leslie Phillips - Black And White In A Grey World
Myrrh Records 1985
Leslie Phillips - Dancing With Danger
Myrrh Records 1984
Michelle Phillips - Victim Of Romance
A&M Records 1977
Shawn Phillips - Transcendence
RCA Records 1978
Shawn Phillips - Spaced
A&M Records 1977
Phillips/MacLeod - Le Partie Du Cocktail!
Polydor Records 1979
Pieces - S.T.
Libery Records 1979
Tracks: Dances So Good, Magazine Lover, That's Way Of Love, Love's Winning Me Over, Heaven Must Have Made You, Who You Benn Doin', You Made Me Believe, Can't Turn Down Love & Where Did Our Love Go.
Musicians on the Pieces album: Geoffrey Leib, Kenny Lee Lewis, Larry Lingle, Mike Lingle, Lenny Castro, Barry Fasman, Steve Forman, Robbie Robinson, Sid Sharp & Dianne Steinberg.
Pierce Arrow - Pity The Rich
Columbia Records 1978
Tracks: Now I Can Hear The Music, She Got The Rhythm (Memphis Woman), Maybe Tomorrow, Desperately, Mony Sail. Can't Break The Habit, Wanton Woman, Julie Anne (Magnolia Wind), Angel Eyes & Pity The Rich.
Musicians on the Pity The Rich album: Robin Batteau, Dave Buskin, Werner Fritzsching, Jeff Kent, Doug Lubahn & Bobby Chouinard.
Pierce Arrow - S.T.
Columbia Records 1977
Tracks: You Got To Believe, Stargazer, I Love You More Each Day, If I Could Be With You, Robber, Hot Summer Night, Still I Love You, Ain´t The Sky Just Like A River, Crazy ´Bout That Music & Take This Heart.
Musicians on the Pierce Arrow album: David Buskin, Robin Batteau, Bobby Chouinard, Werner Fritzsching, Jeff Kent & Doug Lubahn.
Michele Pillar - Look Who Loves You Now
Sparrow Records 1984
Michele Pillar - Reign On Me
Sparrow Records 1983
Michele Pillar - S.T.
Sparrow Records 1982
Pointer Sisters - Black & White
Planet Records 1981
Tracks: Sweet Lover Man, Someday We´ll Be Together, Take My Heart Take My Soul, Slow Hand, We´re Gonna Make It, What A Surprise, Got To Find Love, Fall In Love Again & Should I Do It.
Musicians on the Black & White album: Pointer Sisters, John Robinson, Nate Watts, Mike Porcaro, Paul Jackson, Tim May, James Newton Howard, John Barnes, Greg Phillinganes, Danny Faragher, Ed Walsh, David Foster, Mike Cotten, Paulinho Da Costa & Trevor Lawrence.
Pointer Sisters - Special Things
Planet Records 1980
Tracks: Could I Be Dreaming, He´s So Shy, The Love Too Good To Last, Eveil, Save This Night For Love, We´ve Got The Power, Where Did The Time Go, Special Things & Here Is Where Your Love Belongs.
Musicians on the Special Things album: Pointer Sisters, Ollie Brown, James Gadson, Raymond Pounds, Ricky Lawson, Nate Watts, John Pierce, James Jamerson, Paul Jackson Jr., Tim May, Marlo Henderson, Ben Bridges, Mark Goldenberg, David Williams, Clarence McDonald, Greg Phillinganes, Tom Snow, John Barnes, Burt Bacharach, Michael Boddicker, Lance Ong, Paulinho Da Costa, Chuck Findley, Steve Madaio, Don Myrick, Jay Hutson, Bill Reichenbach & Gary Grant.
Pointer Sisters - Energy
Planet Records 1978
Tracks: Lay It On The Line, Dirty Work, Hypnotize, As I Come Of Age, Come And Get Your Love, Happiness, Fire, Angry Eyes, Echoes Of Love & Everybody Is A Star.
Musicians on the Energy album: Pointer Sisters, Jeff Porcaro, Rick Jaeger, Mike Baird, David Hungate, Eddie Watkins, Michael Porcaro, Gerald Johnson, Abe Laboriel, Waddy Wachtel, Danny Kotchmar, Fred Tackett, Randy Bachman, Davey Johnstone, David Paich, Jai Winding, Steve Porcaro, James Newton Howard, Jimmy Phillips, Lenny Castro, Richard Perry & Bryan Cumming.
Dave Pope - It Only Goes To Show
Myrrh Records 1979
Robyn Pope - Let Them Know
Rooftop Records 1986
Tom Powers - Love And Learn
Big Tree Records 1977
Andy Pratt - Shiver In The Night
Nemperor Records 1977
Andy Pratt - Resolution
Nemperor Records 1976
Preview - S.T.
Geffen Records 1983
John Prine - Pink Cadillac
Asylum Records 1979
John Prine - Bruised Orange
Asylum Records 1978
Peter Pringle - S.T.
Reprise Records 1976
Lisa Price - Priceless
Mirus Records 1983
Prism - Beat Street
Capitol Records 1983
Flora Purim - Carry On
Warner Bros 1979
Flora Purim - Everyday Everynight
Warner Bros 1978
Puzzle - The Second Album
Motown Records 1974
Tracks: You Took Me Wrong, Mary Mary, State Of Mind, Everybody Wants To Be Somebodny, Haiku, My Love, Now That You Love Me, Concept Of Her a) Prelude - b) A Moment's Rest - c) Visions & N.Y.C.
Musicians on the Second Album: John LiVigni, Anthony Siciliano, Robert Villalobos, Joseph Spinazola, Lawrence Klimas & Ralf Richert.
Puzzle - S.T.
Motown Records 1973
Tracks: On With The Show, Lady, You Make Me Happy, Never Gonna Leave Again, The Grosso, Brand New World, Suite Delirium, It´s Not The Last Time & Don´t Know Where I´m Gonna Be Today,
Musicians on the Puzzle album: John LiVigni, Anthony Siciliano, Robert Villalobos, Joseph Spinazola, Lawrence Klimas & Ralf Rickert.
Quarterflash - Take Another Picture
Geffen Records 1983
Quarterflash - S.T.
Geffen Records 1981
Racing Cars - Downtown Tonight
Chrysalis Records 1976
Chris Rainbow - White Trails
Crystal Records 1979
Chris Rainbow - Looking Over My Shoulder
Polydor Records 1978
Bonnie Raitt - Nine Lives
Warner Bros 1986
Tracks: No Way To Treat A Lady, Runnin' Back To Me, Who But A Fool (Thief Into Paradise), Crime Of Passion, All Day All Night, Stand Up To The Night, Excited, Freezin' (For A Little Human Love), True Love Is Hard To Find & Angel.
Musicians on the Nine Lives album: Bonnie Raitt, Charles Fearing, Ira Ingher, David Kitay, Michael Landau, Ian McLagan, Dean Parks, Johnny Lee Schell, Earl Smith, Ray Chara, Nathan East, Ray O'Hara, Lee Sklar, Neil Stubenhaus, Eric Kaz, David Kitay, Richard Kosinski, Ian McLagan, Guy Moon, Bill Payne, J.A.C. Redford, Johnny Lee Schell, Russ Kunkel, John "JR" Robinson, Carlos Vega, Ian Wallace, Lenny Castro, Rob Fraboni, Emilio Castillo, Richard Elliot, Stephen Kupka, David Woodford, Greg Adams, Lee Thornburg, Rosemary Butler, Max Carl, Blondie Chaplin, Eric Kaz, Christine McVie, Ivan Neville, Stephen Ross, Johnny Lee Schell, Todd Sharp, Earl Smith & Sippie Wallace.
Bonnie Raitt - The Glow
Warner Bros 1979
Bonnie Raitt - Sweet Forgiveness
Warner Bros 1977
Reba Rambo - Confessions
Light Records 1980
Elliott Randall - Elliott Randall's New York
Kirshner Records 1977
Lou Rawls - Love All Your Blues Away
Epic Records 1986
Lou Rawls - When The Night Comes
Epic Records 1983
Dave Rayner - Rain Or Shine
First American 1980
Tracks: The Way It Used To Be, Leave Me Alone Tonight, Stay Here Tonight, Rain Or Shine, Slip Away Tonight, I Can't Take It, You've Got It & Little Ones.
Musicians on the Rain Or Shine album: Dave Rayner, Frank Butorac, Terry Lauber, Rob Moitozia, Gary Ruhl, Stacy Christenson, Kenny Day, George Merrill, Michael Kinder & Seattle Strings Ensemble.
John Reid - Facade
Columbia Records 1976
REO Speedwagon - Hi Infidelity
Epic Records 1980
Ressurection Band - Colours
Light Records 1980
Ressurection Band - Rainbow´s End
Star Song 1979
Ressurection Band - Awaiting Your Reply
Star Song 1978
Restless Hearts - S.T.
RCA Records 1985
Rhythm Heritage - Sky´s The Limit
ABC Records 1978
Tracks: Sail Away With Me, Had To Fall In Love, Skippin', Language Of Love, Theme From Starsky And Hutch, Holdin' Out (For Your Love), Hedge Hog, Float On By & Sky's The Limit.
Musicians on the Sky´s The Limit album: Scott Edwards, Victor Feldman, Jay Graydon, Ed Greene, Michael Omartian, Chuck Findley, Jim Horn, Steve Madaio, Ray Parker Jr., Fred Selden, Sid Sharp, Julia Tillman Waters, Ernie Watts & Maxine Willard Waters.
Rhythm Heritage - Last Night On Earth
ABC Records 1977
Tracks: Theme From "Rocky", Dance The Night Away, Disco Queen, Medley : Do It Again/Cisco Kid, Theme From "Lipstick", Part 1 : Angry World, Part 2 : Anytime Anyplace & Part 3 : Last Night On Earth.
Musicians on the Last Night On Earth album: Scott Edwards, Ed Greene, Jay Graydon, Michael Omartian, Bob Walden, Steve Barri, Chuck Findley, Steve Madaio, Michael Price, Fred Selden, Sid Sharp, Stephanie Spring, Dan Walsh, Luter Waters, Oren Waters & Ernie Watts.
Rhythm Heritage - Disco-Fied
ABC Records 1976
Tracks: Disco-Fied, Caravan, Baretta's Theme (Keep Your Eye On The Sparrow), Theme From S.W.A.T., Blockbuster, My Cherie Amour, (It's Time To) Boogie Down, Three Days Of The Condor & Disco-Fied (reprise).
Musicians on the Disco-Fied album: Scott Edwards, Ed Greene, Michael Omartian, Dean Parks, Ray Parker, Ben Benay, Lee Ritenour, Victor Feldman, Paul Hubinon, Tony Terran, Tom Scott, Ernie Watts, Fred Seldon, Lew McCreary, Oren Waters, Luther Waters & Michael Price.
Allan Rich - Glass Heart
Columbia Records 1976
Cliff Richards - I´m No Hero
EMI Records 1980
Randy Richards - S.T.
A&M Records 1978
Turley Richards - Therfu
Atlantic Records 1979
Tracks: You Might Need Somebody, All Over the World, When I Lose My Way, Baby Please Don't Go, Climb Up the Steeple, Stand By Me, I'm Comin' Back Home (With a Little Bit of Luck), Can't You Hear Them Crying, It's All Up To You & There's Something Wrong.
Musicians on the Therfu album: Turley Richards, Dan Ferguson, Steve Gibson, Jon Goin, Todd Sharp, Turley Williams, Paul Worley, Reggie Young, Bob Welch, Jack Williams, David Briggs, Jay Gruska, Shane Keister, Tom Snow, Mike Fleetwood, Kenny Malone, Farrell Morris, Bill Jones, Roger Williams, Ava Aladridge, Cindy Richardson & Marie Tomlinson.
Turley Richards - West Virginia Superstar
Atlantic Records 1976
Tracks: I Will, Happy, New Ray Of Sunshine, Love Is On The Line, Going Home, West Virginia Superstar, From Dust To Blood, Play Me, Reflections Of Me And You & What Does It Mean In The End.
Musicians on the West Virginia Superstar album: Turley Richards, Jesse Boyce, David Briggs, Johnny Christopher, Dan Haerle, Teddy Irwin, Shane Keister, Tim Krekel, Jack Lane, Kenny Malone, Norbert Putman, Donald Sanders, Chuck Smith, Reggie Young, Lea Jane Berinati, Ginger Holladay, Janie Fricke & Charnissa Butts.
Carla Riehl - Alien
Window Records 1985
Minnie Riperton - Minnie
Capitol Records 1979
Tracks: Memory Lane, Love And Friend, Return To Forever, Dancing & Actin' Crazy, Love Hurts, Never Existed Before, I'm A Woman & Light My Fire.
Musicians on the Minnie album: Minnie Riperton, Oscar Castro Neves, Marlo Henderson, Mitch Holder, David Hungate, Abraham Laboriel, Chuck Rainey, Victor Feldman, Jeremy Lubbock, Alex Acuna, Leon Chancler, Harvey Mason, Paulinho Da Costa, Victor Feldman, Steve Forman, Henry Gibson, Tom Scott, Kim Hutchcroft, Vincent DeRosa, David Duke, Bill Green, Jerry Hey, Bill Reichenbach, Sidney Barnes, Venetta Fields & Dani McCormick.
Rockie Robbins - I Believe In Love
A&M Records
Rick Roberts - She Is A Song
A&M Records 1973
Tracks: Westwind, She Is A Song, Lights, Four Days Gone, Company, Sweet Maria, The Captain, She Made Me Lose My Blues, Old Songs & Glad To Be Goin´.
Musicians on the She Is A Song album: Rick Roberts, George Grantham, Joe Vitale, Al Perkins, Joe Walsh, Kenny Passarelli, Chris Hillman, Steve Fromholz, Paul Harris & Joe Lala.
Rick Roberts - Windmills
A&M Records 1972
Tracks: Deliver Me, Davy McVie, In My Own Small Way, Sail Away, Two Lonely Women, In A Dream, Drunk And Dirty, Pick Me Up On You Way Down & Jenny's Blues.
Musicians on the Windmills album: Rick Roberts, Don Henley, Dallas Taylor, Bernie Leadon, Al Perkins, Marc Benno, Randy Meisner, Chris Hillman, Lee Sklar, Jane Getz, Mike Utley, Joe Lala, Jackson Browne & David Crosby.
The Jess Roden Band - Keep Your Hat On
Island Records 1976
Jess Roden - Stonechaser
Island Records 1980
Jess Roden - The Player Not The Game
Island Records 1977
Kenny Rogers - They Don´t Make Them Like They Used To
RCA Records 1986
Kenny Rogers - The Heart Of The Matter
RCA Records 1985
Kenny Rogers - What About Me?
RCA Records 1984
Scott Roley - Within My Reach
Refuge Records 1984
Gregg Rolie - S.T.
Columbia Records 1985
Ronin - S.T.
Mercury Records 1980
Diana Ross - Ross
RCA Records 1983
Rozetta - Where´s My Hero
20th Century Fox Records 1980
Rufus - Seal In Red
Warner Bros 1983
Rufus - Party ´Til You´re Broke
MCA Records 1981
Rufus - Numbers
ABC Records 1979
Runner - S.T.
Prologue Records 1984
Runner - S.T.
Island Records 1979