BUGATTI & MUSKER – The Dukes +3 [Japanese remastered reissue] *HQ*

Dominic Bugatti and Frank Musker began their songwriting career in the ’70s as part of music publisher Johnny Stirling company, and scored several hit songs for renowned mainstream artists from Sheena Easton to Air Supply. The duo recorded their own songs – Bugatti & Musker are trained singers as well – with a self-titled private LP released in 1981.
Then with the help of acclaimed producer Arif Mardin they got a shot in studio signed by Atlantic Records next year, under the ‘The Dukes’ moniker. A great cast of L.A. Session musicians was assembled including the ‘usual suspects’ like Steve Lukather, Paul Jackson, Jeff Porcaro, Abe Laboriel, John (J.R.) Robinson, Robbie Buchanan, Robin Beck, just to mention a few.
They created this fascinating AOR / West Coast record released in 1982 on WEA which has stood the test of time and remains a true forgotten treasure.
As part of the WEA Japan ‘Exploring Forgotten Classics’ series this is the Japanese remastered CD reissue or “BUGATTI & MUSKER – The Dukes” including 3 bonus tracks previously unreleased, songs recorded by other artists but here in ‘The Dukes’ versions.

Some might argue that this West Coast, laid-back FM pop-rock music is making a comeback. Let’s just put this record in perspective though, it isn’t as mainstream-oriented as Hall & Oates’ chart-topping “H2O” album.
More sophisticated, ”The Dukes” brought forward some great musicianship, with known players such as Jeff Porcaro and Steve Lukather of Toto, but rely mostly on a catchiness that can be heard on opener Mystery Girl. This sets the mood for a truly surprising set of melodies that go from soulful ballad (So Much In Love) to hints of synth-pop (Love Dance).

At a time when Quincy Jones was the go-to producer, it’s interesting to notice that Musker moved to Los Angeles during those years and eventually worked in the studio with the man himself – and learn a lot.
With a cover that kind of epitomizes the West Coast vibe, there’s a smoothness at stake here that makes the whole thing an easy going listening experience.
Rather than aiming for the adult contemporary sound hugely popular at the time, Bugatti & Musker blends AOR soul with feel good summer groove (Thank You For The Party). A great rendition of Fate is one of the many highlights on Chaka Khan’s What Cha’ Gonna Do For Me album, released a year earlier.

”BUGATTI & MUSKER – The Dukes +3” isn’t an easy to find CD, only released for the Japanese market.
This is a record with all that early ’80s West Coast smoothness, but more ‘dynamics’ for a wider audience appeal.
Highly Recommended

01 – Mystery Girl
02 – Survivor
03 – Thank You For The Party
04 – Memories
05 – Excitement Of The New
06 – Love Dance
07 – Soul Mates
08 – So Much In Love
09 – Fate
10 – Nite Music
BONUS TRACKS:
11 – My Simple Heart
12 – Loves Fool
13 – Every Woman In The World

Vocals – Dominic Bugatti & Frank Musker
Guitar – Carlos Rios, David Williams, Paul Jackson, Steve Lukather
Bass – Abe Laboriel, Will Lee
Drums – Jeff Porcaro, John (J.R.) Robinson
Horns – Robert Mintzer, Larry Williams, Lew Soloff, Randy Brecker
Keyboards – Bob Christianson, Pete Cannarozzi, Richard Tee
Keyboards, Synthesizer – Robbie Buchanan
Percussion – Paulinho Da Costa, Steve Forman
Backing Vocals – Marcy Levy, Mark Stevens, Mary Gaglia, Robin Beck

Try here:
books.rakuten.co.jp/rb/13733569/