Clarity - The Way U Make Me Feel (Bpop Records 1985)
From 1985
a very rare record by Clarity on the obscure british Bpop label. Really great funk Listen to 'The Way U Make Me Feel'
in the likes of Universe and The UK Players. 'The Way U Make Me Feel' is a bright song that has
good vocals and musically very well arranged too. On the b-side there's the title 'Turning Over'
which is the instrumental version of 'The Way U Make Me Feel'. Produced by Alan Weekes.
Interview with Alan Weekes, producer of Clarity
Danceclassics.net:
'Clarity - The Way U Make Me Feel'. Not many people may know this great production,
but those funkateers who do hear it for the first time are, without exception, stunned by it.
And that's because it has everyhing that makes a tune stand out from the rest; great bassline,
melody, and excellent vocals. Today I talk with the producer of Clarity, mister Alan Weekes.
Hello Alan, how are you?
Alan Weekes:
Hi Ed, I am well thanks.
Danceclassics.net: Alan Weekes:
I am from London, my parents are from Barbados and I was born in 1958. I play guitar, Jazz, Reggae, R&B, Danceclassics.net: Alan Weekes:
I was experimenting, I like a lot of different styles, including Hip Hop. Danceclassics.net: Alan Weekes:
Clarity were a gospel group and the song was eventually meant to be a gospel song. My cousin Ralph Weekes (R.I.P.) was Danceclassics.net: Alan Weekes:
The song was written by Simon Wallace, but I played a heavy part in the arrangements. Danceclassics.net: Alan Weekes: Danceclassics.net: Alan Weekes:
Yes. We did some other stuff on the Bpop label like La Famille which was a band I created. La Famille's 'Lost in Paradise'
So you are the guy that produced one of my favorite records, i'm happy to be able to ask you about the band and the music.
But first tell me, where are you from and what is your musical background?
Pop, Rock. I appeared on TV with Sugar Minott's 'Good Thing Going' with the legendary Jackie Mittoo from Jamaica.
I went on to write and produce many of the Lovers Rock artist in Britain and R&B.
What i understand from your website is that you are in essence a SKA/Reggae producer right?
Were you more into soul and funk back in the days or were you just experimenting?
Who were the other members of Clarity and where did you get to know eachother from?
instrumental in setting up a label and asked me to produce them. So Bpop Records was my cousin's label with him as executive
producer and me as music producer. The Clarity band used to attend the same church as us so that's where we met eachother.
The main band members were: Simon Wallace (lead vocalist), Paul Powell (bass guitar), and me on lead and rhythm.
There were other musicians as well but I can't recall everybody in the band, not everyone played on the
recording of 'The Way U Make Me Feel'.
Can you tell me how you came about to record 'The Way U Make Me Feel'? Did you write the words and music?
What equipment did you use for the music?
And for extra vocals I brought in background vocalist Esta Benjamin.
Was this the only song you recorded with Clarity?
We released a track called 'Lost in Paradise' featuring Cleveland Wakiss. I also produced two other singles
for La Famille, but not on the Bpop label. The tracks are called 'Dancer' featuring Caron Wheeler and 'All Night Long'
also with Caron Wheeler. She later went on to sing with the hitgroup Soul To Soul.
Danceclassics.net: Alan Weekes:
No, I don't know because my cousin Ralph died in 1991 and the company went into closure.
Danceclassics.net: Alan Weekes:
Both I presume, we would have wanted to go world wide.
Danceclassics.net: Alan Weekes:
I don't remember it being picked up quickly by DJ's or radio. Danceclassics.net: Alan Weekes:
It was solely a studio project for me. Danceclassics.net: Alan Weekes:
I am surprised at the response. I am proud and pleased that it still has interest after all this time. Danceclassics.net: Alan Weekes:
I haven't seen them since the 80's, mainly because I am not a church goer anymore *****
'Dancer' is a great track and very rare too on the original label!
Do you know how many copies were pressed of the Clarity record?
Was 'The Way U Make Me Feel' only intended for the local market or was it also exported?
How was the response upon your record, was it picked up quickly by the radio DJ's?
It was very difficult at the time for British R&B or black music from England.
Did you perform live with Clarity or was it solely a studioproject?
But the band Clarity performed in church as they were basically a gospel group.
What do you feel about the record and to know that it's so indemand? People pay up to 300 GBP for it.
You must be proud of it.
And I didnt know it was a sought after record, it is really amazing!
Do you still see the other members of Clarity?
If you do, send them my best wishes for 2011. I want to thank you for this interview.
You gave Funk lovers something that will be appreciated for many years to come.
Thank you Alan..
and most of them have left the bussines. I have heard that Simon the lead vocalist is a pastor now.
Paul the bass player still plays i think. He was a great player and collaborated with me on the production
and wanted to make sure I was the right producer for his band. Thank you very much for the interview
too and all the best for you in 2011. Cheers.
Alan Weekes. (www.alanweekes.bandvista.com)
December, 2010
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