Shalamar

Los Angeles based disco band. Recorded "Uptown festival" for the Soul Train label before the band was even named. (They were apparently named after a brand of perfume - Shalimar). "Uptown festival" was disco styled medley of 1960's Motown hits, and became an instant success internationally in discos. A proper front for the group was then brought together so the band could appear live.

Their next success came with their album "Shalamar disco gardens" and the extracted single, "Take that to the bank" - very popular on the UK disco scene. Later, Shalamar were to shape the SoLAr sound (Sound of Los Angeles Records) and influence the sound of other groups on the label, including the Whispers and Lakeside. Records like "Right in the socket" are typical of SoLAr releases around this period. Another big UK hit was "I can make you feel good" in 1982. But now we're getting into the breakdance era...

  • Uptown festival / Simon's theme (instrumental) (Soul Train 12" 10906, 1977)
  • Take that to the bank / Shalamar disco gardens (Solar 12" 11354, 1978) - promo
  • Take that to the bank / Tossing turning and swinging (Solar 12" 11354, 1978) - commercial
  • Right in the socket (Solar 12" 11930, 1979)
  • I owe you one (Solar 12" 12051, 1979)
  • Full of fire (Solar 12" 12153, 1979)

  • Uptown festival (Soul Train LP, 1977)
  • Shalamar Disco Gardens (Solar LP, 1978)
  • Big fun (Solar LP, 1980)
  • Three for love (Solar LP, 1980)
  • Go for it (Solar LP, 1981)