Change - Hold Tight 1981 from the CD Miracles

I recently received an email from two sister's in Baltimore and Maryland repectively regarding 80's groups they felt stole much of 'Chic's' material and made their own.

In **** I was employed by an American Airbase during the height of the disco era and subsequent proliferation of 80's Funk, Soul, Boogie for 5 years. American GI's went mad with this stuff, and base clubs filled with a vibrant essence, wishing you were there. 

It was the first time I witnessed two important groups; 'Nicholas Ashford' & 'Valerie Simpson' and the 'Chi-Lites', like passing through the mall, but did not actually see the performances because of age. Having not thought much about music, because like many youngsters I was into basketball and chasing girls, and worked the club in the day arranging tables, chairs and the bar, all at the tender age of **.

Although I exhibited a love for soul and disco the early 80's euphoria was not as powerful and only came 1-2 years later when the music began its deadly onslaught on both mind and spirit - I was hooked. 

Fast forward; the group 'Change' along with lead vocal singer 'James Robinson' appeared live at a music venue. Before submission, the only place I found was the balcony, peeping through a massive gap of bodies; it was PACKED! They played the hits.  

What sent me into a frenzy when bass guitarist 'Timmy Allen' stood front stage and played 10 straight minutes of instrumental joy, 'Heaven Of My Life' and 'The Very Best in You'. 'James Robinson' proceeded to grab the microphone and sang lyrics to 'The Very Best In You', accompanied by the delicious and deadly 'Deborah Cooper.

You could close eyes, turn your back and be unable to distinguish between studio and live performance, it was that good. 

When you look at the 'Sharing Your Love' 1982 album/CD cover, this is how they stood at the end. I could go on.... 

Important memories will never fade.

Having said all that; before committing to said comment through influence and swayed opinion, talking 'Chic' rip off and stuff like that, think again.... 

The music industry is full of phantom styles, cover's and creativeness, you follow the money.  But the group 'Change' modifed and developed its own unique production style, and if anything bolstered so eloquently the rhythm and sounds 'Nile Rogers & Bernard Edwards' did well.

📋 'Hold Tight, If You Want To Make This Feeling Stay'...💙