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ABBAcadabra: 30th Anniversary

Posted by abohan Sabtu, 21 Desember 2013 0 komentar

In late 1984, Bonnie St. Claire and José Hoebee (who had already scored a hit ("Cassandra") as "Bonnie & José" on Holland's Top 40) were cast for the Dutch version of "ABBAcadabra", a musical based on songs from ABBA's repertoire. This ambitious project was initially French....

The original project (1983/1984)

In 1983, the members of ABBA broke up after dominating the charts for almost ten years. At the time, the media and the public were not ready for a revival of interest in the group's music. Two French songwriters and record producers, Alain and Daniel Boublil, conceived a children's musical entitled "ABBAcadabra" based on songs from the "Swedish Fab Four". Alain Boublil, the lyricist of "Les Misérables", knew the pop quartet from the days he worked for "Disques Vogues", a Parisian label which distributed ABBA records in France in the 1970s and early 1980s. He even produced the French version of "The Winner Takes it All" known as "Bravo Tu As Gagné" and performed by Mireille Mathieu (featuring Benny Andersson, Björn Ulvaeus & Frida Lyngstad as background vocalists). Boublil approached ABBA's manager Stig Anderson to ask permission for his opus. The musical was produced for French television and targeted a young public. It was the perfect program for Christmas Holidays. The first episode aired on TF1 on December 21st, 1983.

The original cast of "ABBAcadabra" (including Frida, Daniel Balavoine & Plastic Bertrand)

Daniel Balavoine & Frida

Plastic Bertrand

The story was based on classic fairy tales like "Sleeping Beauty", "Cinderella", "Pinocchio", "Snow White" and others. The original cast featured famous singers in France like Fabienne Thibeault, Daniel Balavoine and Plastic Bertrand. Frida was invited to play the part of "Belle au bois dormant" (Sleeping Beauty and recorded "Belle" (a cover of ABBA's 1976 instrumental track "Arrival") as a duet with Daniel Balavoine. A funny fact: French feminist politician and member of the Council of Paris Clémentine Autain (who was then 10 years old) was part of the cast.

"Belle" (Arrival) performed by Daniel Balavoine & Frida

"Mon Nez, Mon Nez" (Money, Money, Money) by Plastic Bertrand

A soundtrack album, entitled "ABBAcadabra: Conte musical" was released simultaneously. According to liner notes on the album cover, arrangements and musical direction were provided by Raymond Donnez and production by Alain Boublil with assistance by Donnez, Daniel Boublil and Françoise Pourcel. The album was released by WEA Filipacchi Music in France and WEA Music of Canada in Québec.

A follow-up LP entitled "La fusée de Noé" came out in 1984. It featured the legendary singer Henri Salvador, the humorist Michel Leeb and the French TV personality Stéphane Collaro.

The English version (1983/1984)

Cameron Mackintosh (who was in charge of the West End and Broadway musical "Cats") decided to produce an English version of the show with lyrics by David Wood, Mike Batt and Don Black. Benny Andersson and Björn Ulvaeus in association with Wood and Black wrote a new song "I Am The Seeker." Frida recorded "Time," the English version of "Belle"/"Arrival" as a duet with B. A. Robertson.

Frida & B.A Robertson performing "Time" (Arrival)

The musical premiered on December 13th, 1983 at the Lyric Hammersmith Theatre in London to mixed reviews and full houses for 8 weeks, closing on January 21st, 1984. Among the actors were Elaine Paige, Michael Praed, Finola Hughes, B.A. Robertson, and Jenna Russell. Elaine Paige recorded "Like An Image Passing By" a cover of ABBA's "My Love, My Life".

The Dutch version (1984/1985)

José's husband, Will Hoebee and Joost Timp translated "ABBAcadabra" in Dutch and supervised the recording sessions. Among the performers were José (Snow White), Marga Scheide (Carabosse), Bonnie St. Claire (Sleeping Beauty), Ron Brandsteder (Werewolf) and Benny Neyman (Prince). Indisc released the Dutch LP in the Netherlands and Belgium in late 1984. TROS TV channel broadcast the musical on March 16th, 1985.

José as "Snow White"

The Dutch cast including Marga, José, Ron Brandsteder, Benny Neyman and Bonnie St. Claire

Marga Scheide as "Carabosse"

José

Marga & Ron Brandsteder

The highlights of the Dutch "ABBAcadabra":

"Spiegel" (I Wonder) by José

Bonnie St. Claire & Benny Neyman: "Bij Mij" (Arrival)

The Portugese version (1984)

The musical was also adapted in Portugese.

Link: http://philippe.benabes.free.fr/abbacadabra/

Source: Discogs.com, Wikipedia, Beeld en Geluid, YouTube, KinderTV.net

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"All You Need Is Luv'" special: 35th anniversary

Posted by abohan Selasa, 19 November 2013 0 komentar

After the recent anniversaries of "You're the Greatest Lover", "With Luv" and "Trojan Horse", today it's time to celebrate another one: 30 years ago exactly, on November 19th 1978, TROS channel aired a 20 minute TV special entitled “All You Need Is Luv”. The fans remember very well this music program which was included on the "Back In Luv" DVD in 2006.

Luv’ was a visual act. At the time MTV didn’t exist. The group's management understood the power of television. This medium fit them like a glove and was one of the reason of their success. In the late 1970’s, the number of channels was limited. When an artist or a band performed on TV, they could reach lots of viewers.

The special featured videos of songs from their debut album “With Luv”:

You’re the Greatest Lover: The girls were riding a tandem, playing basket ball with a male team and singing among body builders in a gym:

· Who Do You Wanna Be: The trio was singing on a grand piano, pretending they were naked with bath mousse on them. But at the end, you can see they wore wetsuits:

· Trojan Horse: The ladies was accompanied by a fanfare and giggling while trying on hats:

· Louis Je t’Adore: Luv' was sitting on rattan chairs in an exotic interior:

· U.O.Me: Luv' was singing on motorbikes and appearing as angels:

· Oh, Get Ready: Luv' was dancing with masked men:

Source: YouTube, Beeld en Geluid (Dutch TV and radio archives)

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TROJAN HORSE: 35TH ANNIVERSARY

Posted by abohan Senin, 18 November 2013 0 komentar

After the huge success of "You're the Greatest Lover", Luv's challenge was to choose the right follow-up and to avoid being a "one-hit wonder". Fortunately, the ladies hit once again the number one spot with "Trojan Horse". The single entered the Dutch charts on November 18th, 1978 and later did the same abroad. It eventually sold one million copies.

History

After the Spanish touch of "U.O.Me" and "You're the Greatest Lover", the group's songwriters and producers, Hans van Hemert and Piet Souer, tried another kind of arrangement. That's how they came up with "Trojan Horse". This catchy pop song used a bagpipe theme. The intro was inspired by the famous "20th-Century Fox Fanfare" by Alfred Newman. The lyrics dealt with a man who acted as a "Trojan Horse" (someone who is secretive). One sentence is a shining example of "double entendre": "The gate is not yet open so the horse cannot come in". No need to explain what these words mean!

Luv' on TopPop

Thanks to this popular record, Luv's success story carried on in a large part of Continental Europe. "Trojan Horse" was even a Top 10 single in New Zealand as well as a minor hit in Canada and Australia.

It was included on the German version of their debut album "With Luv'". It later appeared on CD compilations (such as "Luv' Gold" and "25 Jaar Na Waldolala"). A 2006 Dance remix of the song by Hans van Hemert's production team was added as a bonus track to the track listing of the Box set "Completey In Luv'".

This pop standard was used for the soundtrack of the movie "Spetters" directed by Paul Verhoeven. Moreover, Luv' played a cameo role in the German movie "Cola, Candy,Chocolate" (aka "Drei Kesse Bienen auf den Philippinen") in which they performed "Trojan Horse".

Luv' in "Drei Kesse Bienen auf den Philippinen" (1979)

Chart performance & certification

"Trojan Horse" was a million seller and a #1 hit song in the Netherlands, in Belgium, and Denmark. It peaked at #2 in Austria and Switzerland, #3 in Germany, #17 in South Africa #38 in France, #6 in New Zealand, #50 in Australia and #95 in Canada. The single went platinum in Holland and reached the gold status in Austria and Belgium.

Press clippings about the release party of "Trojan Horse" in November 1978. In addition to the presentation of their Scottish-styled track, the girls received gold records for "The Greatest Lover" and "With Luv'":

Tracklisting & release

Trojan Horse

7" vinyl single (45 pm) - original release by Philips/Phonogram Records in November 1978

A side: "Trojan Horse" - 3:24

B side: "Life Is On My Side" - 2:38

Original Dutch Sleeve

German sleeve

Canadian pressing

Argentinian pressing

US promo copy

YouTube videos

Luv' on TopPop (1978)

Luv' on Rock Planet (TROS -1978)

All You Need Is Luv TV Special (Nov. 1978)

Luv' on Showbizzquiz (1978)

Luv' on Musikladen (Broadcast date: December 14th 1978)

German TV show

Luv' on Disco (broadcast date: February 19th 1979)

Cover versions

De Bumpers: "M'n Doedelzak" (Netherlands, 1979)
Siw Inger: "Komm und spiel mit mir" (Germany, 1979)
Orchester Tony Anderson: "Trojan Horse" (Germany 1979)
Disco Light Orchestra: "Trojan Horse" (Instrumental, Germany 1979)
The Golden Akkordeon Harmonists: "Trojan Horse" (Germany, 1979)
Bezinky: "Trojský Kůň" (Czechoslovakia, 1980)
Die Molly Sisters: "Im grünen Wald" (East Germany, 1979)
Luv' Connection: "Trojan Horse" (Germany, 2003).
Sheffield Jumpers: "Jump With Me" (featuring a re-sung chorus from "Trojan Horse (Netherlands/Germany, 2008). #69 on the German Media Control Charts.

Jump with me by Sheffield Jumpers (2008)

Marco de Hollander: "Hij speelde elke avond op zijn doedelzak" (2009)
Engel & Engel: "So ist die Liebe, mi Amor" (2011).

Bibliography:

• Hit-Lexikon des Rock und Pop Vol. 1 by Frank Laufenberg, publ: Verlag Ullstein

• 50 jaar nummer-1-hits 1956-2006 by Johan van Slooten , publ: Gottmer Uitgevers Groep

• De 500 Nummer 1-Hits uit de Top 40 (1997) by Johan van Slooten, publ: Gottmer Becht

• Top 40 Hitdossier 1956-2005 (9e editie) by Johan van Slooten, publ: Gottmer Bech

Source: Wikipedia, Discogs.com, Dutchcharts.nl...

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25 Jaar Na Waldolala: 10th Anniversary

Posted by abohan Kamis, 07 November 2013 0 komentar

A special Luv' compilation entitled "25 Jaar Na Waldolala" came out on October 13th, 2003. Let's celebrate the 10th anniversary of this unique release which is a must-have for any fan.

Background

Luv' was at a complete standstill in the early 2000's. Budget-priced compilations (like The Universal Masters Collection or Hollands Glorie) were released during this period. The public was longing for something more impressive. In 2003, René Moonen (founder of Luv's Official Fan Club) and Will Hoebee (José's husband) came up with a wonderful idea: to conceive a double CD with digitally remastered hits and bonus tracks to celebrate the 25th anniversary of Luv's breakthrough single "U.O.Me (Welcome to Waldolala)". That's how Universal Music (in association with CNR and Hans van Hemert Productions) put out "25 Jaar Na Waldolala" in the autumn of 2003. This anthology was inspired by three Dutch "greatest hits" albums by other major pop acts from the 1970s: ABBA's 25 Jaar na Waterloo, Pussycat's 25 Jaar na Mississippi and Boney M.'s 25 Jaar Na Daddy Cool. It consisted of eleven tracks from the Philips/Phonogram back catalogue (1977-1979) as well as twenty songs from the CNR/Carrere catalogue (1979-1981). The following bonus tracks were added:

Spanish versions of four hit singles: Eres mi mejor amante (You're the Greatest Lover), Casanova, Si, que si (Ooh, Yes I Do) and Ann-Maria.
Recordings by José Hoebee: I Will Follow Him, Secret Love and So Long Marianne (in duet with TV personality Ron Brandsteder). A previously unissued duet on CD with Hans Vermeulen was also included: I Love You (a medley of Nights in White Satin and I (Who Have Nothing).
Two songs featuring Marga Scheide: One, two, three...bananas performed by the short-lived girl group Marga & Deuce and Love Symphony (a medley of The Supremes hits).

Patty Brard was not involved in this project as she was then in conflict with the producers and the other members of Luv'. A DVD was supposed to come out simultaneously with the compilation. However, Miss Brard vetoed this video collection because of her right of publicity.

The release party of "25 Jaar Na Waldolala" was marked by the presence of Luv's "father" Hans van Hemert, Will Hoebee and two former Luv' singers (José Hoebee and Ria Thielsch (member of the 1980-1981 line-up).

René Moonen, José Hoebee, Hans van Hemert and Ria Thielsch at the release party of "25 Jaar Na Waldolala"

Scans of the CD booklet with a text written by Skip Voogd (click on the pictures to enlarge them):

Track listing

Disc one:

"My Man (Luv' song)" (Janschen & Janschens) – 3:05
"Dream, Dream" (Janschen & Janschens) – 3:30
"U.O.Me (Theme from Waldolala)" (Janschen & Janschens) – 2:55
"You're the Greatest Lover" (Janschen & Janschens) – 2:50
"Life Is On My Side" (Janschen & Janschens) – 2:38
"Trojan Horse" (Janschen & Janschens) – 3:24
"Shoes Off (Boots On)" (Janschen & Janschens) – 3:07
"Casanova" (Janschen & Janschens) – 3:48
"Marcellino" (Janschen & Janschens) – 3:14
"Eeny Meeny Miny Moe" (Janschen & Janschens) – 2:46
"I Like Sugar Candy Kisses" (Janschen & Janschens) – 3:34
"Ooh, Yes I Do" (Hans van Hemert) – 2:57
"Wine, Women And Song" (Hans van Hemert) – 3:45
"Getaway" (Piet Souer) – 3:03
"Boys Goodnight" (Piet Souer) – 2:40
"Ann-Maria" (Piet Souer) – 4:40
"Rhythm 'n' Shoes" (Hans van Hemert) – 3:07
"Cloud Nr. 9" (Hans van Hemert) – 3:25
"Stop Me" (Piet Souer) – 3:09
"My Guy" (Janschen & Janschens) – 3:49
"Daddy, What A Life" (Piet Souer) – 3:08

Information:

Tracks 1 to 6 taken from With Luv'

Tracks 7 to 11 taken from Lots Of Luv'

Tracks 12 to 21 taken from True Luv'

Disc two

"One More Little Kissie" (Janschen & Janschens) – 3:50
"Be My Lover Tonight" (Janschen & Janschens) – 3:27
"Some Call It Happiness" (Janschen & Janschens)- 3:09
"The Show Must Go On" (Janschen & Janschens) – 3:21
"Mother Of The Hearts" (Janschen & Janschens) – 3:04
"My Number One" (Janschen & Janschens) – 3:11
"Billy The Kid" (Janschen & Janschens) – 3:16
"Never Wanted to Be..." (Janschen & Janschens) – 4:34
"Song Of Love And Understanding" (Janschen & Janschens) – 3:59
"Tingalingaling" (Janschen & Janschens) – 2:30
"Eres Mi Mejor Amante (Spanish version of You're the Greatest Lover)" (Alfred Garrido, Janschen & Janschens) – 2:50
"Casanova (Spanish Version)" (Alfred Garrido, Janschen & Janschens) – 3:49
"Si, Que Si (Spanish version of "Ooh, Yes I Do)" (Alfred Garrido, Hans van Hemert) – 3:05
"Ann-Maria (Spanish version)" (Alfred Garrido, Piet Souer) – 4:04
"I Will Follow Him" (Stole, Del Roma, Plante, Gimbel, Altman) performed by José – 2:56
"Secret Love" (Fain, Webster) performed by José – 3:04
"So Long, Marianne" (Leonard Cohen) performed by José and Ron Brandsteder – 4:18
"I Love You" performed by José and Hans Vermeulen – 4:11 Nights in White Satin (J.Hayward, C.Donida, Labati, Mogol) / I (Who Have Nothing) (L.C Donida, M.Stoller, J.Leiber)
"One, Two, Three...Bananas" (Piet Souer) performed by Marga & Deuce– 3:39
"Love Symphony" (Supremes medley) performed by Marga– 3:35 Love Child (Sawjer, Taylor, Wilson, Richards) / Interlude (E. Mergency) / My World Is Empty Without You (Holland, Dosier, Holland) / Interlude (E.Mergency) / I Hear a Symphony (Holland, Dosier, Holland)/Interlude (E.Mergency) / Baby Love (Holland, Dosier, Holland)