John Warren

Origin: Los Angeles (USA)

JOHN WARREN

John Warren

Discography:

Take me back- 1988 (with lyrics)

Private motion- 1989 (with lyrics)

One heart- 1990 (with lyrics)

Notes:

- Fans of West Coast, AOR and pop should find a few spare bucks and invest in a few CD's from a chap called John Warren. If you're into late eighties music in the mould of Chris Eaton, Richard Marx and Tim Feehan, then Mr Warren is worth a bit more investigation. Unusual in a sense, in that all of Warren's CD's were Japan only, released on the Funhouse label. Previously his albums were only known about in West Coast circles, but upon listening you'll find it has much broader appeal. Prior to his solo recording career, John was a studio vocalist based in Los Angeles. His first crack at the big time came with a smalltime recording called 'Advance Warning', released in 1983 on Condor Records. His 1988 EP 'Take Me Back', was a 6-track album which was very successful in Japan. This album 'Private Motion' followed a year later. Though released for the Japan market, it was recorded at Capitol Studios in Los Angeles.

The material here is all very hi-tech West Coast/AOR. Probably not as classy as Chris Eaton's all-time genre classic 'Vision' but is pitched in the same ballpark comparison wise. Warren gives us nine tracks, some of which are very nice. The delicate strains of 'Watching Maria Dance' is a great prelude. The title track is fast-paced stuff.. like Worrall meets Richard Marx. It is music like this that will appeal to AORsters at G-DAZE. 'Higher Power' combines hi-tech and West Coast with saxophone solos, but the track generally is probably the weakest on the album. 'Quiet Time' is the sort of AOR that Michael W Smith used to deliver, and on 'Turn On The Light', Warren shares vocals with fellow studio/session vocalist Beth Anderson, albeit the track is very lightweight though. Back into pure AOR territory we go with 'Away So Long', aah this is more like it! Despite the appearance of various percussion instruments and flamenco guitar, 'I'll Take You In My Arms' is a pleasant summertime departure. 'She Is A Friend Of Mine' focuses on vocals more than most, while the Chris Eaton like hi-tech nature reappears on the closer 'Any Day Now'.

The following year, Warren followed up this effort with 'One Heart', more of an AOR record than this one, with well-known artist Andrew Gold producing and playing all the instruments on the album. John is currently based in the songwriting capital of the USA.. Nashville TN, and is still involved with writing and singing projects. A talented guy, worth having a look for his three solo albums at least. Fans of Chris Eaton should investigate immediately! - 

(Notes by http://www.glorydazemusic.com/articles.php?article_id=2242)