Laura Nyro and Labelle
Country of origin:
U.S.
Type of music generally:
Mainstream pop, R&B
Status:
Only album, Gonna Take a Miracle (1971)
See also:
The Ectophiles' Guide entry for Laura Nyro
Comparisons:
Other '60s trios and quartets
Covers/own material:
Covers
General comments:
Laura Nyro, one of the most influential singer-songwriters of the late '60s and Labelle, an all-female r&b group that recorded from 1962-1977 in various incarnations, team up for an album of covers of popular songs. (JoAnn Whetsell)
Recommended first album:
Gonna Take a Miracle is this collaboration's only release
Recordings:
Gonna Take a Miracle (1971)
Gonna Take a Miracle
Release info:
1971—Columbia Records—7464-30987-2
Availability:
Wide
Ecto priority:
Highly recommended
Group members:
Laura Nyro—lead vocals, piano
Labelle (Patti Labelle, Nona Hendryx, Sarah Dash)—vocals
Guest artists:
Jim Helmer—drums
Larry Washington, Nydia Mata—congas and bongos
Ronnie Baker—bass
Roland Chambers, Norman Harris—guitars
Lenny Pakula—organ, string and horn arrangements
Vince Montana—percussion
Tom Bell, Robert Martin—string and horn arrangements
Produced by:
Gamble & Huff
Comments:
Laura Nyro lets loose on this album, a stylistic departure for her since the album is all r&b/pop covers. (A departure, but not a leap, since r&b influenced her solo work a great deal.) Teaming up with Labelle worked magic and created the sound and feel of the kind of '60s quartets that the originals did. It has energy, great vocals, and some classic songs. Very fun. (JoAnn Whetsell)
Thanks to JoAnn Whetsell for work on this entry.
