Tavares
This US group was formed in 1964 in New Bedford,
Massachusetts, USA. The line-up consisted of five brothers, Ralph, Antone ‘Chubby’,
Feliciano ‘Butch’, Arthur ‘Pooch’ and Perry Lee ‘Tiny’ Tavares.
Originally known as Chubby And The Turnpikes, the group assumed its family’s
surname in 1969. Although they lacked a distinctive lead voice or a
characteristic sound, Tavares’ undemanding blend of light soul and pop
resulted in several commercial successes. The brothers’ early run of R&B
hits culminated in 1975 with ‘It Only Takes A Minute’, a soul chart-topper
and a US pop Top 10 entry. The following year the group scored their sole
million—seller in ‘Heaven Must Be Missing An Angel’ before enjoying
further success with one of their strongest songs, ‘Don’t Take Away The
Music’. Both of these singles reached number 4 in the UK where Tavares
enjoyed an enduring popularity. ‘Whodunit’ (1977) was another major
release, while ‘More Than A Woman’ (1978), a song from that year’s
box-office smash, Saturday Night Fever, gave
the group their last significant hit. Tavares continued to reach the R&B
lists until 1984, but their safe, almost old-fashioned style gradually fell
from favour.
Albums: Check
It Out (1974), Hard Core Poetry (1974),
In The City (1975), Sky High! (1976), Love Storm (1977),
Future Bound (1978), Madam
Butterfly (1979), Supercharged (1980),
New Directions (1982). Compilation: The
Best Of The Tavares (1977).
"Don't take away the music" was the first commercial 12" on Capitol. "Whodunit" is not available on US 12" although it can be found on a UK 3-track EP. The disco activity on the Capitol label changed to a more soulful sound, although the brothers were back on the floor after a brief signing to the JDC label in 1979.
Check it out (Capitol LP, 1973) Sky High (Capitol LP, 1976) Love storm (Capitol LP, 1977) Future bound (Capitol LP, 1978) Madame Butterfly (Capitol LP, 1979)