André Cymone: Difference between revisions
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|introduction = [[André Cymone]] is an American bass player, songwriter and record producer. Born Andre Simon Anderson, Cymone | |introduction = [[André Cymone]] is an American bass player, songwriter and record producer. Born Andre Simon Anderson, Cymone was a bass player in [[Prince]]’s touring band, from 1979 to 1981. Cymone’s stage name comes from a variation of his middle name, Simon; he added an accent on the "e" of his first name and turned it into "André", the french spelling of "Andre". | ||
After leaving [[Prince]] | After leaving [[Prince]]’s band, he signed a deal with Columbia and began a solo career. Between 1982 and 1985, he released three albums. Of them '''[[Album: A.C.|A.C.]] ''', released in 1985, was most successful, with the help of the single [[Single: The Dance Electric|The Dance Electric]], a [[Prince]]-penned song. The single reached number 10 on the Billboards R&B charts. | ||
In the | In the 80’s and 90’s, André Cymone also co-wrote and produced songs for other artists, such as Pebbles, Lalah Hathaway, Jermaine Stewart and Adam Ant. He also produced several hits for Jody Watley: "Looking for a New Love" (US #2, #1 Dance, #1 R&B, UK #13), "Still a Thrill" (US #56, #3 R&B #1 Dance) and "Real Love" (US #2, #1 R&B, #2 Dance, UK #31). | ||
|early life = Andre Simon Anderson grew up in Minneapolis Minnesota with [[Prince]]. They met in the 7th grade at Bryant Junior High School. In his early teens [[Prince]] lived with the Anderson family at 1244 Russell Ave N. for a while. | |early life = Andre Simon Anderson grew up in Minneapolis Minnesota with [[Prince]]. They met in the 7th grade at Bryant Junior High School. In his early teens [[Prince]] lived with the Anderson family at 1244 Russell Ave N. for a while. | ||
|before working w/prince = | |before working w/prince = | ||
<b>Grand Central</b><br> | <b>Grand Central</b><br> | ||
While in high-school [[Prince]] (keyboard and guitar) and [[André Cymone|André Anderson]] (bass) with [[Prince]] | While in high-school [[Prince]] (keyboard and guitar) and [[André Cymone|André Anderson]] (bass) with [[Prince]]’s second cousin, [[Charles Smith|Charles 'Chazz' Smith]] on drums formed a band. They initially did not have a name, but when Terry Jackson (percussion) joined they briefly went by Charles; Cousin & Friends, Phoenix, Sex Machine, finally settling for '''Grand Central'''. [[André Cymone]]’s sister Linda Anderson (keyboard) and soon after William "Hollywood" Doughty (percussion) also joined the group. They rehearsed at Terry Jackson’s house (next to the Anderson’s house where [[Prince]] and [[André Cymone|André]] lived) and primarily played at local community centers and high school dances. By late 1974 drummer [[Charles Smith|Charles 'Chazz' Smith]] was replaced by [[Morris Day]] after a recording session at the [[Cookhouse Studios]] (Minneapolis, Minnesota). As time went by Grand Central started playing original music. They were sometimes referred to as 'Grand Central Corporation' after [[Morris Day]]’s mother started managing them. | ||
<br> | <br> | ||
In | In early 1976 André, [[Prince]] and [[Morris Day]] recorded a demo at [[ASI Studio]], a 16-track facility in north Minneapolis, Minnesota, where they cut six original songs: | ||
* [[39th St. Party]] | * [[39th St. Party]] | ||
* [[Lady Pleasure]] | * [[Lady Pleasure]] | ||
* [[Machine]] | * [[Machine]] | ||
* [[ | * [[You’re Such A Fox]] | ||
* [[Song: Grand Central|Grand Central]] | * [[Song: Grand Central|Grand Central]] | ||
* [[Whenever]] | * [[Whenever]] | ||
<br> | <br> | ||
<br> | <br> | ||
<b>Shampayne</b><br> | <b>Shampayne</b><br> | ||
Around this time the band name evolved into Shampayne (sometimes spelled 'Champagne'). (the band’s name was changed partly to avoid confusion with [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Graham_Central_Station Graham Central Station] and conflicts with [[Charles Smith|Charles 'Chazz' Smith]]). [[Prince]] went on to play with [[Sonny T.]]’s band ''The Family'' a.k.a. ''Back To Black''' | |||
In Spring 1976 they did more recording at Moonsound, an Eight-track studio located in Lake Nokomis, south of downtown Minneapolis. The studio was owned by [[Chris Moon]] who approached [[Prince]] and proposed a collaboration, which [[Prince]] accepted. Shortly after [[Prince]] left the band to go solo. Terry Jackson went to play with a band called Cohesion, while Andre continued to work with Shampayne. Andre Lewis was recruited to take in [[Prince]]’s position as guitar player; Shampayne disbanded altogether in 1978. | |||
|work w/prince = | |work w/prince = | ||
<b>The Imperials Sessions</b><br> | <b>The Imperials Sessions</b><br> | ||
In February | In February 1978, Pepe Willie recruits André and [[Prince]] as studio musicians for Tony Sylvester. They recorded four songs for "The Imperials" project, a band Tony Sylvester was considering producing, at Sound Palace Studios in New York: | ||
* [[One Man Jam]] written by Pepe Willie | * [[One Man Jam]] written by Pepe Willie | ||
* [[If You Feel Like | * [[If You Feel Like Dancin’]] written by Pepe Willie | ||
They also used the occasion to record demos for [[With You]] and [[Do Me, Baby]], | They also used the occasion to record demos at Music farm Studios in New York for [[With You]] and [[I Feel For You]] (written by [[Prince]]) and [[Thrill You Or Kill You]] and [[Do Me, Baby]], both written by André. | ||
<br> | <br> | ||
<br> | <br> | ||
<b>Joining [[Prince]]’s band</b><br> | |||
During the summer of 1978, [[Prince]] started to assemble a backing band. André (on bass guitar) was the first member recruited. Auditions and rehearsals went on during summer and autumn 1978 at Del’s Tire Mart, where a rehearsal space was rented, while [[Bobby Z.]](drums), [[Gayle Chapman]] (keyboards), [[Dez Dickerson]] (guitar) and [[Matt Fink]] (keyboards) joined the band. | |||
After having rehearsed for a few month André plays his first concerts as [[Prince]]’s [[Early Prince Band|Band]] bass guitar player; they performed two shows in Minneapolis: | |||
*[[05_January 1979|5 Jan. 1979]] Minneapolis (MN), USA - [[Capri Theater]] | |||
*[[06_January 1979|6 Jan. 1979]] Minneapolis (MN), USA - [[Capri Theater]] | |||
<br> | |||
<b>The Rebels sessions</b><br> | <b>The Rebels sessions</b><br> | ||
In June 1979 André began rehearsals with the [[Early Prince Band| | In June 1979 André began rehearsals with the [[Early Prince Band|Prince’s band]] in the University Warehouse building in south Minneapolis. From 10 to 21st July 1979, [[Prince]] organized a 12 days recording session in Mountain Ears Studios in Boulder, Colorado for the [[Early Prince Band|band]], renamed [[The Rebels]] for the occasion. The sessions, which were a group effort, was an opportunity for André to write his own songs; 9 tracks were recorded: | ||
* [[Too Long]] written by Dez Dickerson | * [[Too Long]] written by Dez Dickerson | ||
* [[Disco Away]] written by Dez Dickerson | * [[Disco Away]] written by Dez Dickerson | ||
* [[ | * [[Dez & Mother Plucker]] written by Dez Dickerson | ||
* [[Thrill You Or Kill You]] written by André | * [[Thrill You Or Kill You]] written by André | ||
* [[ | * [[Dumb-ass Cock Sucker Blues?]] written by André | ||
* [[U|You]] written by [[Prince]] | * [[U|You]] written by [[Prince]] | ||
* [[If_I_Love_U_2_Nite|If I Love You Tonight]] written by [[Prince]] | * [[If_I_Love_U_2_Nite|If I Love You Tonight]] written by [[Prince]] | ||
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[[Prince]] also uses André and [[Early Prince Band|the band]] when 2 videos for [[Video: I Wanna Be Your Lover|I Wanna Be Your Lover]] and [[Video: Why You Wanna Treat Me So Bad?|Why You Wanna Treat Me So Bad?]], two singles from the forthcoming [[Album: Prince|Prince]] eponymous album, are shot. | [[Prince]] also uses André and [[Early Prince Band|the band]] when 2 videos for [[Video: I Wanna Be Your Lover|I Wanna Be Your Lover]] and [[Video: Why You Wanna Treat Me So Bad?|Why You Wanna Treat Me So Bad?]], two singles from the forthcoming [[Album: Prince|Prince]] eponymous album, are shot. | ||
André joined the [[Prince Tour]] as bass player in [[Early Prince Band| | André joined the [[Prince Tour]] as bass player in [[Early Prince Band|Prince’s band]]; it was launched in Los Angeles with a show at [[The Roxy Theatre]] on [[26 November 1979]] followed by 5 other performances in [[28_November 1979|Denver]], [[29_November 1979|Burleson]], [[01_December 1979|Houston]] and [[02_December 1979-1|Avondale (show #1)]], [[02_December 1979-2|(show #2)]] and [[06_December 1979|Philadelphia]]; the remaining dates of the tour had to be canceled due to [[Prince]]’s health issues. | ||
In January 1980, André taped his very first performances with [[Early Prince Band| | In January 1980, André taped his very first performances with [[Early Prince Band|Prince’s band]] for American television: "The American Bandstand" performance was aired on [[16_December 1979|26 January 1980]], "The Midnight Special" was aired on [[08_January 1980|9 February 1980]]: | ||
* [[16_December 1979|16 Dec. 1979]] Hollywood (CA), USA - [[ABC Television Center Studios]]: Stage 55 (American Bandstand) | * [[16_December 1979|16 Dec. 1979]] Hollywood (CA), USA - [[ABC Television Center Studios]]: Stage 55 (American Bandstand) | ||
* [[08_January 1980|8 Jan. 1980]] Burbank (CA), USA - [[NBC Studio]] 2 (Midnight Special) | * [[08_January 1980|8 Jan. 1980]] Burbank (CA), USA - [[NBC Studio]] 2 (Midnight Special) | ||
In early February 1980, the [[Prince Tour]] was re-launched for an 8 concerts schedule before being enlisted as warm-up act for the [[Rick James Tour | In early February 1980, the [[Prince Tour]] was re-launched for an 8 concerts schedule before being enlisted as warm-up act for the [[Rick James Tour ’80]]; they play around 40 performances on the tour from late February to late April 1980. | ||
<br> | <br> | ||
<br> | <br> | ||
<b>The [[Dirty Mind Tour]]</b><br> | <b>The [[Dirty Mind Tour]]</b><br> | ||
In early December 1980, after the release of [[Prince]] | In early December 1980, after the release of [[Prince]]’s third album [[Album: Dirty Mind|Dirty Mind]], André goes back on tour with [[Early Prince Band|Prince’s band]]; they play 11 dates for the [[Dirty Mind Tour]]. | ||
In mid February 1981, André and [[Early Prince Band| | In mid February 1981, André and [[Early Prince Band|Prince’s band]] are enlisted for the shooting of [[Video: Uptown|Uptown]] and [[Video: Dirty Mind|Dirty Mind]] videos in Hollywood. They also perform [[Partyup]] on "Saturday Night Live": | ||
*[[21_February 1981|21 Feb. 1981]] New York (NY), USA - [[NBC TV Studios, RCA Building]] (Studio 8H) (Saturday Night Live) | *[[21_February 1981|21 Feb. 1981]] New York (NY), USA - [[NBC TV Studios, RCA Building]] (Studio 8H) (Saturday Night Live) | ||
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<br> | <br> | ||
<b>Assembling [[The Time]]</b><br> | <b>Assembling [[The Time]]</b><br> | ||
In April 1981, André get involved into [[The Time]] project while developing his own project of an all-female band "The Girls". Unhappy about his position in [[Prince]] | In April 1981, André get involved into [[The Time]] project while developing his own project of an all-female band "The Girls". Unhappy about his position in [[Prince]]’s band and his output not being acknowledged enough, André decided to leave [[Prince]]’s camp and pursue a solo career. He nevertheless accepted to participate the already scheduled European Gigs. | ||
<br> | <br> | ||
<br> | <br> | ||
<b>1981 European Mini-tour</b><br> | <b>1981 European Mini-tour</b><br> | ||
André and [[Early Prince Band| | André and [[Early Prince Band|Prince’s band]] leave the USA on late May 1981 for a 3-gigs promotional tour of Europe: | ||
*[[29_May 1981|29 May 1981]] Amsterdam, | *[[29_May 1981|29 May 1981]] Amsterdam, The Netherlands - [[Paradiso]] | ||
*[[02_June 1981|2 Jun. 1981]] London, England - [[Lyceum]] | *[[02_June 1981|2 Jun. 1981]] London, England - [[Lyceum]] | ||
*[[04_June 1981-am|4 Jun. 1981 (a.m.)]] Paris, France - [[Théâtre Le Palace]] | *[[04_June 1981-am|4 Jun. 1981 (a.m.)]] Paris, France - [[Théâtre Le Palace]] | ||
When he returns from Europe, André plays one last time a couple of songs with [[Early Prince Band| | When he returns from Europe, André plays one last time a couple of songs with [[Early Prince Band|Prince’s band]] at [[Dez Dickerson]]’s wedding: | ||
*[[06_June 1981|6 Jun. 1981]] St. Paul/Minneapolis (MN), USA - ? | *[[06_June 1981|6 Jun. 1981]] St. Paul/Minneapolis (MN), USA - ? | ||
|after working w/prince = | |after working w/prince = | ||
<b>Columbia deal</b><br> | <b>Columbia deal</b><br> | ||
After leaving [[Prince]] | After leaving [[Prince]]’s camp, André signed a deal with Columbia and developed his own sound, a mix of funk, new wave, hard rock and pop through two albums: | ||
* | * Livin’ in the New Wave (1982) | ||
* | * Survivin’ in the 80’s (1983) | ||
André also wrote and produced four songs for Evelyn “Champagne” | André also wrote and produced four songs for Evelyn “Champagne” King’s 1983 album Face to Face (including the Top 30 R&B single “Teenager”). | ||
In 1983, he assembled his own all-female band, "The Girls": Sheila Rankin, Germain Brooks, and Doris Rhodes. The band had a sexy image, R-rated lyrics, and sounded Minneapolis-style. André succeeded in getting them a deal with Columbia in 1983; he wrote or co-wrote all of the material, including the single " | In 1983, he assembled his own all-female band, "The Girls": Sheila Rankin, Germain Brooks, and Doris Rhodes. The band had a sexy image, R-rated lyrics, and sounded Minneapolis-style. André succeeded in getting them a deal with Columbia in 1983; he wrote or co-wrote all of the material, including the single "Don’t Waste My Time.", and produced the band’s debut: "Girl Talk" (1984). The album didn’t sell well and the Girls were dropped by Columbia just before splitting up in 1985. | ||
<br> | <br> | ||
<br> | <br> | ||
<b>The Dance Electric</b><br> | <b>The Dance Electric</b><br> | ||
After [[Prince]] recorded [[The Dance Electric]] on [[Prince_Vault:Selected_anniversaries/August 17|17 August 1984]] 1984 at [[Flying Cloud Drive Warehouse]], Eden Prairie (MN), USA he decided to give the song to André. [[André Cymone|Cymone]] | After [[Prince]] recorded [[The Dance Electric]] on [[Prince_Vault:Selected_anniversaries/August 17|17 August 1984]] 1984 at [[Flying Cloud Drive Warehouse]], Eden Prairie (MN), USA he decided to give the song to André. [[André Cymone|Cymone]]’s lead vocals were overdubbed at some point between late 1984 and Summer 1985, and the song was released on his 3rd solo album: | ||
* [[Album:_A.C.|A.C.]] (1985) | * [[Album:_A.C.|A.C.]] (1985) | ||
Released as a single, [[Single: The Dance Electric|The Dance Electric]] became | Released as a single, [[Single: The Dance Electric|The Dance Electric]] became André’s biggest hit, reaching number 10 on the Billboard Black Singles Chart and number 8 on the Billboard Hot Dance/Disco Chart. | ||
André also guested on stage during [[Prince]] shows on a few occasions in [[Year 1986|1986]] ([[01 February 1986|1 February]], [[23 May 1986|23 May]] and [[07 June 1986|7 June]]). | André also guested on stage during [[Prince]] shows on a few occasions in [[Year 1986|1986]] ([[01 February 1986|1 February]], [[23 May 1986|23 May]] and [[07 June 1986|7 June]]). | ||
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<b>Producer</b><br> | <b>Producer</b><br> | ||
In 1987 André wrote and produced James | In 1987 André wrote and produced James Ingram’s single “Better Way”. He produced Jody Watley’s debut album, for which he contributed 6 songs. The pair collaborated extensively until 1993. | ||
In 1988, André produced three tracks and co-wrote the track "Under My Skin" for Phil | In 1988, André produced three tracks and co-wrote the track "Under My Skin" for Phil Thornalley’s 1988 solo album "Swamp". He contributed to Pebbles' debut album with the song “Love/Hate” and worked briefly with Phil Thornalley, producing the single “Love Me Like a Rock” and contributing the song "Under My Skin" for his debut album "Swamp" (MCA). He was credited as keyboards player and producer of Pretty Poison’s 1988 album “Catch Me I’m Falling”. | ||
In 1989 André composed, performed, mixed and produced 12 out of 13 songs of Jody | In 1989 André composed, performed, mixed and produced 12 out of 13 songs of Jody Watley’s second album "Larger Than Life". | ||
In 1990, André produced Adam | In 1990, André produced Adam Ant’s comeback album and first new release in five years "Manners & Physique", contributing music for "Rough Stuff", "Manners & Physique", composing "Room At The Top" and "Piccadilly", and performing multiple instruments on each song. | ||
In 1991 he wrote and produced Jermaine | In 1991 he wrote and produced Jermaine Stewart’s single "Say It Again" (on his album "Say It Again" on Arista). He also composed, arranged, performed and produced 5 songs for Jody Watley’s third studio album "Affairs of the Heart". | ||
In 1993 André composed, performed, mixed and produced 4 songs for Jody | In 1993 André composed, performed, mixed and produced 4 songs for Jody Watley’s fourth studio album "Intimacy". | ||
In 1994 he wrote and produced the song "Something For Your Head" on Tom | In 1994 he wrote and produced the song "Something For Your Head" on Tom Jones’ "The Lead and How to Swing It" album, for which he also contributed backing vocals. | ||
In 1995 he composed one song to Jody | In 1995 he composed one song to Jody Watley’s fifth studio album, "Affection". | ||
From the mid-‘90s onward, Cymone wasn’t as visibly active. He worked with independent artists, including [[Paul Peterson|St. Paul Peterson]] (Blue Cadillac 1996), Angel Sessions (Introducing 1998), and Jody Russell (Just in Time 1999). | From the mid-‘90s onward, Cymone wasn’t as visibly active. He worked with independent artists, including [[Paul Peterson|St. Paul Peterson]] (Blue Cadillac 1996), Angel Sessions (Introducing 1998), and Jody Russell (Just in Time 1999). | ||
|current work = On August 27th 2011, The Minneapolis Urban League organized a Minneapolis Family Day party with live events and workshops. The "Arms around the Northside" concert featured Minneapolis 94 East, Marshall Thompson & Chi-Lites, André Cymone and [[Bobby Z.]]. | |current work = On August 27th 2011, The Minneapolis Urban League organized a Minneapolis Family Day party with live events and workshops. The "Arms around the Northside" concert featured Minneapolis 94 East, Marshall Thompson & Chi-Lites, André Cymone and [[Bobby Z.]]. | ||
On 6 September 2012 André released a digital single, titled "America", in aid of United States President Barack | On 6 September 2012 André released a digital single, titled "America", in aid of United States President Barack Obama’s re-election campaign with all proceeds from the sale of the digital single being donated to the campaign. The digital single was made available through [http://andrecymone.bandcamp.com/track/america andrecymone.bandcamp.com]. A new song titled ""American Dream", was made available from 26 September 2012 onwards as a free download on [http://andrecymone.bandcamp.com/track/american-dream andrecymone.bandcamp.com]. | ||
On [[26 October 2012-am|26 October 2012 (a.m.)]], André performed [[The Dance Electric]] with [[Prince]] in The Sayers Club, Los Angeles (CA), USA. | On [[26 October 2012-am|26 October 2012 (a.m.)]], André performed [[The Dance Electric]] with [[Prince]] in The Sayers Club, Los Angeles (CA), USA. | ||
On 9 March 2013, André | On 9 March 2013, André played play at the 2nd Annual Benefit 2 Celebrate Life held in First Avenue, Minneapolis (MN), USA. | ||
André is currently recording a new album expected in 2013 | <!--André is currently recording a new album expected in 2013 --> | ||
<!-- live section --> | <!-- live section --> | ||
|first live appearance = [[05_January 1979|5 Jan. 1979]] Minneapolis (MN), USA - [[Capri Theater]] | |first live appearance = [[05_January 1979|5 Jan. 1979]] Minneapolis (MN), USA - [[Capri Theater]] | ||
|performed regularly on = [[Prince Tour]]: band member | |performed regularly on = [[Prince Tour]]: band member | ||
*[[Rick James Tour | *[[Rick James Tour ’80]]: band member | ||
*[[Dirty Mind Tour]]: band member | *[[Dirty Mind Tour]]: band member | ||
|performed occasionally in = [[All_Concerts#1979|1979]], [[All_Concerts#1980|1980]], [[All_Concerts#1981|1981]], [[All_Concerts#1986|1986]], [[All_Concerts#2012|2012]] | |performed occasionally in = [[All_Concerts#1979|1979]], [[All_Concerts#1980|1980]], [[All_Concerts#1981|1981]], [[All_Concerts#1986|1986]], [[All_Concerts#2012|2012]] | ||
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*<b>Self productions without [[Prince]]</b>: | *<b>Self productions without [[Prince]]</b>: | ||
:Albums | :Albums | ||
::1982 ''' | ::1982 '''Livin’ in the New Wave''' (Columbia) | ||
::1983 ''' | ::1983 '''Survivin’ in the 80’s''' (Columbia) | ||
:Singles: | :Singles: | ||
::1982 ''' | ::1982 '''Livin’ in the New Wave''' (Columbia) | ||
::1982 ''' | ::1982 '''Kelly’s Eyes''' (Columbia) | ||
::1983 ''' | ::1983 '''Survivin’ in the 80’s''' (Columbia) | ||
::1983 '''Make Me Wanna Dance''' (Columbia) | ::1983 '''Make Me Wanna Dance''' (Columbia) | ||
::1985 '''Satisfaction''' (Columbia) | ::1985 '''Satisfaction''' (Columbia) | ||
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::2012 '''American Dream''' (Bandcamp) | ::2012 '''American Dream''' (Bandcamp) | ||
|see also = [[Album:_A.C.|A.C.]] album<br> | |see also = [[Album:_A.C.|A.C.]] album<br> | ||
[[File:Ac album.jpg|100px|link=Album:_A.C.]] | [[File:Ac album.jpg|100px|link= Album:_A.C.]] | ||
* [[Single: The Dance Electric|The Dance Electric]] single<br> | * [[Single: The Dance Electric|The Dance Electric]] single<br> | ||
[[File:Thedanceelectric_single.png|100px|link=Single: The Dance Electric]] | [[File:Thedanceelectric_single.png|100px|link= Single: The Dance Electric]] | ||
<!-------REFERENCES -------> | <!-------REFERENCES -------> | ||
|references = [http://andrecymone.tumblr.com/ André Cymone official website]; [https://twitter.com/andrecymone Twitter account]; [http://andrecymone.bandcamp.com/ AndreCymone @ Bandcamp] | |references = [http://andrecymone.tumblr.com/ André Cymone official website]; [https://twitter.com/andrecymone Twitter account]; [http://andrecymone.bandcamp.com/ AndreCymone @ Bandcamp] |
Latest revision as of 12:46, 18 October 2024
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