DAVID BOWIE
SIGMA SOUND SESSIONS
COMPACT DISC
Item no. :SON0389 Barcode :0823564037370 Artist :DAVID BOWIE Product type :Compact Disc Label :SONIC BOOM Release Date :11 August 2023
DESCRIPTION TRACK LIST
From its beginning, Sigma Sound was strongly associated with Philadelphia soul and, in the 1970s, the sound of Gamble and Huff's Philadelphia International Records (its driving rhythm a precursor to disco music), as well as the classic, sophisticated productions of Thom Bell. Both featured large productions with strings and horns creating what became known as the "Philadelphia Sound".
David Bowie booked two weeks at Sigma, commencing the 8 August 1974. He was accompanied by Mike Garson and David Sanborn from his touring band; new guitarist Carlos Alomar; Willie Weeks on bass (to replace Herbie Flowers who had returned home); and Andy Newmark on drums to replace Tony Newman. In addition, Ava Cherry, Robin Clark (Alomar’s wife) and their friend Luther Vandross provided backing vocals. The band rehearsed for three days, after which Bowie decided he wasn’t happy with the sound they were getting and so he flew Tony Visconti over, who immediately took charge and produced the sound Bowie was looking for.
1. Young Americans (Take One)
2. Young Americans (Take Two)
3. Young Americans (Take Three)
4. Shilling The Rubes (Demo)
5. Lazer (The Gouster) (Demo)
6. After Today (Take One)
7. After Today (Take Two)
8. Sweet Thing (With Ava Cherry)
9. Can You Hear Me? (Studio Chat)
10. Can You Hear Me? (Demo)
11. Never No Turnin’ Back (Early Demo)
12. Right (Demo)
13. Who Can I Be Now? (Outtake)
14. Somebody Up There (Likes Me) (Outtake)
15. John, I’m Only Dancing (Again) (Outtake)
16. It’s Gonna Be Me (Outtake Without Strings)
17. It’s Gonna Be Me (Outtake With Strings)
Recording took place towards the end of the booking, and a total of 10 tracks were completed during these sessions - John, I’m Only Dancing (Again); Somebody Up There Likes Me; It’s Gonna Be Me; Who Can I Be Now? Can You Hear Me; Young Americans; Right; Shilling The Rubes; I’m A Laser; and After Today. The first 7 of these were selected for inclusion on the new album tentatively titled ‘One Damn Song.’
