Frontline

Description

Frontline is the sophomore studio album by the American instrumental jazz-rock group Koinonia, released on Sparrow Records in 1986. Also manufactured by MCA Records. The album was produced by Koinonia and Greg Mathieson with the band arranging. The basic tracks were recorded by Don Murray at Sunset Sound in Hollywood, California; with additional recording at Room 335 in Hollywood and Peace In The Valley Recording in Arleta, California. Mixed by Rik Pekkonen and Koinonia at Mama Jo’s Recording Studio in North Hollywood.

‘Frontline’ was the third album for the band formed in 1980 and reflected a style of jazz funk akin to more commercially successful artists like Weather Report, Alphonse Mouzon, Lee Ritenour and The Crusaders. Koinonia’s line up featured some of the era’s top session musos including bassist Abraham Laboriel, drummer Bill Maxwell, guitarist Hadley Hockensmith and woodwind virtuoso Justo Almario. The combination of sheer talent and imagination always made Koinonia albums a joy and ‘Frontline’ was no exception. From the funky workout of «Chuncho» to the rockier vibe of the title cut or the easy listening feel of «Greatest Love», it always felt as though the band could turn their hand to anything. Other highlights were the Laboriel penned «Senor», a rare song featuring vocals while the opening groove of «Gazoot» is another gem. [Mike Rimmer, Cross Rhythms, December 2010]

> Apple Music (https://music.apple.com/us/album/frontline/1100230804)

LP tracklist:

Side One
A1. “Gazoot” – 4:30
A2. “Chuncho” – 6:20
A3. “Greatest Love” – 4:48
A4. “Frontline” – 5:13

Side Two
B1. “Señor” – 4:21
B2. “You Can’t Hide” – 4:34
B3. “Around The Corner (Runt Hornet)” – 3:55
B4. “Easy Morning” – 4:22
B5. “Making Room” – 4:09

Note: Simultaneously released on cassette, 12-inch vinyl LP, and CD by Sparrow Records and MCA Records, the latter version featuring the bonus track “Lovely One” (4:43).

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CREDITS. Produced by Koinonia and Greg Mathieson. Arranged by Koinonia. Head recording engineer: Don Murray. Head mixing engineer: Rik Pekkonen. Basic tracks recorded at Sunset Sound, Hollywood, CA. Assistant Engineer: Paul Levy. Additional recording at Room 335, Hollywood, CA, and at Peace In The Valley Recording, Arleta, CA. Additional engineering by Hal Sacks and Joe Bellamy. Mixed by Rik Pekkonen and Koinonia at Mama Jo’s Recording Studio, North Hollywood, CA. Assistant Engineer: Todd Van Etten. Mastered at Bernie Grundman Mastering. Photography by Vladimir Lange. Album Jacket Design by Stan Evenson Design Inc. Executive-Producer: Greg Mathieson.

Musicians: Harlan Rogers (Keyboards), Justo Almario (Saxophone, Flute), Hadley Hockensmith (Guitars), Abraham Laboriel (Bass), Bill Maxwell (Drums, Percussion), Alex Acuna (Drums, Percussion). Synthesizer programming: Greg Mathieson and Smitty Price. Vocals on “Señor”: Tata Vega, Abraham Laboriel, Howard Smith, Harlan Rogers, Alex and Diana Neciosup-Acuña. Vocals on “Making Room”: Abraham Laboriel and Tata Vega.