Angela Bofill - Angie (1978)

Angela Bofill was born to a Cuban father and a Puerto Rican mother. She performed with Ricardo Marrero & the Group and Dance Theater of Harlem chorus prior to being introduced to Dave Grusin and Larry Rosen (of the jazz label GRP Records) by her friend, the jazz flautist Dave Valentin. “Angie” is the first album album recorded by the Latina R&B vocalist Angela Bofill. It was produced by the GRP Records label heads Dave Grusin and Larry Rosen. Angela Bofill's voice is a true wonder. Exotic and exhilirating, sweet and soothing, picturesque and inviting. She conjures vivid imagery with her interpretations. I discovered "Angie" about five years ago not too long after I started college. I picked up a vinyl copy, and I have been in love with Angela ever since. This beautifully packaged reissue truly does the album justice. "Under the Moon and Over the Sky" is a jazz/fusion delight; it's Afro-Cuban rhythms are intoxicating. The highs and lows Bofill hits will give you chills. It is that kind of drama that makes this record a compelling listen. Her definitive take on "This Time I'll Be Sweeter" is a joyous, moving masterpiece. He pleas of "have faith in me" are almost palpable. But in my opinion, the best track is "The Only Thing I Would Wish For." The jazzy vocal arrangement and flute work by Dave Valentin paint a real picture of what GRP was all about in its infancy.

Track listing

01.  "Under The Moon And Over The Sky"   (Angela Bofill)  - 5:45
02.  "This Time I'll Be Sweeter"    (Gwen Guthrie, Patrick Grant)  - 4:21
03.  "Baby, I Need Your Love"   (Angela Bofill)  - 4:14
04.  "Rough Times"   (Ashford & Simpson)  - 4:41
05.  "The Only Thing I Would Wish For"   (Angela Bofill)  - 4:26
06.  "Summer Days - 5:09
07.  "Share Your Love"   (Derrik Hoitsma)  - 5:14
08.  "Children Of The World United"    (Angela Bofill)  - 5:51

Credits
Angela Bofill - lead and backing vocals
Dave Grusin - electric piano, piano, percussion
Eric Gale - electric guitar
Buddy Williams, Steve Gadd - drums
Dave Valentin - flute bass guitar
Richie Resnicoff - acoustic guitar
George Young - alto saxophone
Ralph MacDonald - Roger Squitero - percussion
Eddie Daniels, George Young, Howard Johnson, Jim Pugh, Irvin Markowitz, Marvin Stamm, Michael Brecker, Philip Bodner, Walt Levinsky - horns
Barry Finclair, Charles Libove, Charles McCracken, Diana Halprin, Emanuel Vardi, Harry Cykman, John Pintavalle, Jonathon Abramowitz, K. La Mar Alsop, Matthew Raimondi, Max Ellen, Paul Gershman, Richard Sortomme - strings
Arthur Woodley, Cheryl Freeman, Clara Antoine, Members of the Dance Theater of Harlem Choral Ensemble, Irma LaGuerre, Lorraine Baucum, Raj McIntyre, Stacy Gaines, Sylvia Bhourne, Wilbur Archie - choir
David Nadien - concertmaster
Gwen Guthrie, Patti Austin, Vivian Cherry - backing vocals
Producer - Dave Grusin and Larry Rosen

Notes
Recorded at: Electric Lady Studios & A&R Studios New York City, New York
Genre:  Soul
Length:  39:35
Label:  GRP Records

© 1978