Desco Records
Ende der 80iger Jahre beschließt Phillipe Lehman mit ein paar Freunden in Paris für eine Party diverse obskure Funk 45's zu einer Compilation zusammen zu stellen. Die Resonanz war dermaßen überwältigend, dass schnell der Gedanke einer Fortführung dieser Idee aufkam. Um dieser Idee umzusetzen, brauchten sie eine gewerbliche Plattform um offizielle Lizenzen zu erwerben und die Vermarktung/Verkauf von Produkten zu legitimieren. Die einzige logische Folge war, eine Plattenfirma zu gründen. Pure Records wurde geschaffen, um all die alten Funk-Klassiker und Rar Funk 45iger wieder zum Leben zu erwecken. (rare reissues/ reissues) Die immer beliebter werdenden Compilations und die Nachfrage nach mehr funky Stuff der wachsenden Funk-Gemeinde war ein ausschlaggebender Grund zur Aufnahme einer Produktionsfirma. Pur Productions war geboren.
Für die nächsten bevorstehenden Veröffentlichungen suchte sich Phillipe Musiker, die zwar durchaus erfolgreich von der Hörerschaft angenommen wurden, den authentischen Funk-Sound aber nicht umsetzen konnte. 1995 verließ er Frankreich um in NYC den Sound zu finden, den er in Paris vergebens gesucht hatte.
Gabriel Roth studierte Musik und Tontechnik an der New Yorker Universität. Seine Funk-Band „Dine-O-Matic“ löste sich Mitte der 90iger Jahre auf. Daraufhin ging Gabe zu den „Soul Providers“.
Viele New Yorker Studenten kannten das Label Pure Records einschließlich Gabriel Roth. Als Gabe von dem Aufenthalt Lehmanns in NY erfuhr, vereinbarte Gabe kurzerhand ein Termin mit ihm. Nachdem gemeinsamen Mittagessen beschlossen sie in einem Keller-Studio eines Freundes eine kleine Jam-Session abzuhalten. „ Wie wussten, das die Chemie stimmt, als wir mit Sissy Strut anfingen“ erzählte Gabriel. “Phillipe und ich hatten das gleiche Gefühl, timing und den Ton, hot, nasty einfach 70iger Funk wie ihn James gemacht hatte. Beide stimmten überein, das alle Dinge die die JB´s anfassten unglaublich funky war. Auf dieser Basis entwickelte sich schnell eine Freundschaft, die in einer Zusammenarbeit mündete. Das Duo begann Sound in einem Kellerstudio. Es entstand ein regelrechtes Netzwerk an Musikern, die im Studio ein- und ausgingen. Junge und alte Musiker, Musikstudenten die direkt eingeladen wurden oder einfach nur vorbei schauten.
Phillipe Lehman und Gabe Roth (aka. Bosco Mann) gründeten daraufhin Desco Records. Pate für den Namen stand ein New Yorker Laden Namens Desco Vacuum, ein Staubsauger Geschäft in West 41st Street. Hier war die Schaltzentrale des Labels. Büro und Lager im Keller des Hauses dienten zur Verwaltung und Vertrieb der Produkte.
Descos Erfolgsrezept: Zurück zu den Wurzeln. Das Abwenden von modernen digitalen Aufnahme Methoden, hin zu der Verwendung von herkömmlichen analogen Aufnahmetechniken. Die Art der eingesetzten Instrumente von den Bands wurde begrenzt auf jene, die bis in die Mitte der siebziger Jahre zur Verfügung standen.
Hinter der Musik, finden man eine Chemie zwischen Lehman und Roth, deren Ergebnis purer funk ist! Phillipe hat den Sound und das Gefühl für das, was klassischer Funk sein sollte. Seine umfangreiche Sammlung und Arbeiten mit Pure Records ist das Fundament. Gabriel gilt an der NYU als  Musiktheorie und Techniker, der Phillipe "Vision" für die einzelnen Musiker auf ein bestimmtes Projekt perfekt umsetzen kann. Das stabile Desco-Musikerteam (Soul Providers) hat die Fähigkeit ohne Probleme zahlreiche Musiker mit einzubeziehen. Auf der Grundlage eines bestimmten Sounds nimmt Roth die Herausforderung aus Sicht der Produktion an, und fügt die Instrumente zu einer Einheit zusammen.
1997, in kürzester Zeit, ist Desco die Adresse für Funk und Soul. Die Reichweite ist auf Aufnahmen der Funk Legende Lee Fields, boogaloo Master Sugarman , Joseph Henry und der Soulful Sharon Jones, ausgeweitet worden, um nur einige zu nennen.
Die Produkte, Sounds und Verpackungen von Desco Records sind so authentisch, das selbst Funk-Sammler nicht glauben wollten, dass diese Scheiben in den 90iger Jahren entstanden sind. Der Text auf der Rückseite der Abdeckung des Soul Provider" (Don " T- Look Back) fasst die Mentalität in diesen Zeiten gut zusammen: "DESCO is seeking bands and musicians who are interested in recording HEAVY, HEAVY funk or boogaloo.
Aufgrund wachsender Meinungsverschiedenheiten trennen sich die Wege von Lehman und Roth im Jahr 2000.
Lehmann gründet kurze Zeit später mit Jeff Silverman SOUL FIRE Records.
Gabriel Roth gründet mit Sugarman 3 Saxofonist Neal Sugarman Daptone Records . Die Soul Providers lösen sich auf und formieren sich neu zu den Dap-Kings . Die Band besteht zu diesem Zeitpunkt aus Roth (Bass) und Neal Sugarman (Saxofon), ex Soul Provider -Gitarrist Binky Griptite, Organist Earl Maxton, Schlagzeuger Fernando Velez und Trompeter Anda Szilagyi.
7" 45rpm Veröffentlichungen:
Lee Fields - Let a man do what he wanna do bw/ Steam Train ( pp-005 ) (DS-1001)
Vocals: Lee Fields. Trombone, Guitar: Don Bonus. Drums: Clive Wilson. Tenor sax: Joe Hrbek. Keyboards: John freund. Guitar: Scott Mann. Bass: Bosco 'Bass' Mann.
RELAESED: 1996 Produced by Boris Johnson
Ravi Harris and the Prophets - Path of the blazing sarong bw/ Hot pants road (Gemini#13005) (DS-1002)
Sitar: Gabriel Roth. Drums: Phillipe Lehman. Bass Guitar: Mike Wagner. Overdubbed Guitar: Gabriel Roth.
RELEASED: 1996 Produced by Gabriel Roth and Phillipe Lehman.
The Other Side - You do something, I don't do nothing bw/ Diggin' up the yard (DS-1003)
Trombone, Guitar: Don Bonus. Drums: Clive Wilson. Tenor sax: Joe Hrbek. Keyboards: John freund. Guitar: Scott Mann. Bass: Bosco 'Bass' Mann.
RELEASED: 1996 Produced by Gabriel Roth and Rich Alvy.
Sharon Jones - Damn it's hot bw/ pt2 (DS-1004)
Vocals: Sharon Jones. Trombone, Guitar: Don Bonus. Drums: Clive Wilson. Tenor sax: Joe Hrbek. Keyboards: John freund. Guitar: Scott Mann. Bass: Bosco 'Bass' Mann.
RELEASED: 1996 Produced by Gabriel Roth and Phillipe Lehman.
Sharon Jones - Bump & touch bw/ Hook & Sling Funky Superfly (DS-1005)
Vocals: Sharon Jones. Trombone, Guitar: Don Bonus. Drums: Clive Wilson. Tenor sax: Joe Hrbek. Keyboards: John freund. Guitar: Scott Mann. Bass: Bosco 'Bass' Mann.
RELEASED: 1997 Produced by Gabriel Roth and Phillipe Lehman.
The Soul Providers / Boscos millionaires Earls backyard barbecue bw/ Freddies ribs (DS- 1006)
Drums, Organ, Bass, and Guitar: Bosco 'Bass' Mann. Trombone: Tenor sax: Joe Hrbek. Keyboards: John freund.
RELEASED: 1997 Produced by Gabriel Roth and Phillipe Lehman.
The Soul Providers - Soul Jasper bw/ Let the music take your mind (DS- 1007)
Trombone, Guitar: Don Bonus. Drums: Clive Wilson. Tenor sax: Joe Hrbek. Keyboards: John freund. Guitar: Scott Mann. Bass: Bosco 'Bass' Mann.
RELEASED: 1998 Produced by Gabriel Roth and Phillipe Lehman. Mastered by Don Grossinger.
Ravi Harris and the Prophets - Thunderbird bw/ pt2 ( Gemini#13007 ) (DS-1008)
Sitar: Gabriel Roth. Drums: Phillipe Lehman. Bass Guitar: Mike Wagner. Overdubbed Guitar: Gabriel Roth.
RELEASED: 1998 Produced by Gabriel Roth and Phillipe Lehman. Mastered by Don Grossinger.
Joseph Henry - Who's the King?(You know thats me) bw/ I feel right (DS- 1009)
Vocals: Joseph Henry. Trombone, Guitar: Don Bonus. Drums: Clive Wilson. Tenor sax: Joe Hrbek. Keyboards: John freund. Guitar: Scott Mann. Bass: Bosco 'Bass' Mann.
RELEASED: 1998 Produced by Gabriel Roth and Phillipe Lehman. Mastered by Don Grossinger.
Sharon Jones - You better think twice bw/I got the feeling (DS- 1010)
Vocals: Sharon Jones. Trombone, Guitar: Don Bonus. Drums: Clive Wilson. Tenor sax: Joe Hrbek. Keyboards: John freund. Guitar: Scott Mann. Bass: Bosco 'Bass' Mann.
RELEASED: 1998 Produced by Gabriel Roth and Phillipe Lehman. Mastered by Don Grossinger.
Lee Fields & The Soul Providers - "Take It Or Leave It" b/w "Hey Sallie Mae, Get Off My Feet" (DS- 1011) (Promo-1001)
Vocals: Lee Fields. Trombone, Guitar: Don Bonus. Drums: Clive Wilson. Tenor sax: Joe Hrbek. Keyboards: John freund. Guitar: Scott Mann. Bass: Bosco 'Bass' Mann.
RELEASED: 1998 Produced by Gabriel Roth and Phillipe Lehman. Mastered by Don Grossinger. Promo release for the forth coming LP.
The Daktaris - In the middle bw/ Same (Mono) (DS- 1012)
Congas, Vocals: Jo Jo Quo. Lead Guitar: Alaji Boniface Oluremi. Tenor Guitar: G.G. Vikey. Drums: Olu "Rocksteady" Owudemi. Bass: Clement Apaokgi. Alto: Joe Hrbek. Baritone Sax: Femi "Dokita" Doolittle. Trombone: Neal Pawley. Trompet: Alaji Milificent Agbede. Sticks: Abou Sylla. Keyboards: Azouhouni Adou. Shaker: Idowu Perkins. Tenor Sax: Adrian Bako. Flute: Martin Ogbene. Clarinet, Melodica, Bell: Gbenro "Mr Icee" Fakeye.
RELEASED: 1998 Produced by Gabriel Roth and Phillipe Lehman. Mastered by Don Grossinger.
Los Diablos - Los Diablos funky bw/ madre popcorn (unreleased) (DS- 1013)
Martin Perna, Gabriel Roth. Drums: Phillipe Lehman. Bass Guitar: Mike Wagner.
RELEASED: Unreleased, was thought to be bad luck. Produced by Gabriel Roth and Phillipe Lehman.
Naomi Davis & the Knights of forty first street - Forty first street breakdown bw/ Catapult (DS- 1014)
Vocals: Naomi davis. Other players include: Phillipe Lehman, Gabriel Roth, Mike Jackson, Leon Michels, Paul Brandenburg and Joe Hrbeck. Horn section: Sugarman 3.
RELEASED: 1998 Produced by Gabriel Roth and Phillipe Lehman. Mastered by Don Grossinger.
Sugarman 3 - Cherry Pickin' bw/ Turtle walk (DS- 1015)
Tenor sax: Neal Sugarman. Drums: Rudy Albin. Organ: Adam Scone. Guitar: Coleman Mellett. Flute: Daisy Sugarman.
RELEASED: 1999 Produced by Gabriel Roth and Phillipe Lehman. Mastered by Don Grossinger.
The Mighty Imperials - Kick The Blanket bw/ Toothpick (DE- 1016)
Organ: Leon Michels. Drums: Homar Steinwiess. Bass: Nick Movshon. Guitar: Sean Soloman.
RELEASED: 1999 Produced by Gabriel Roth and Phillipe Lehman. Mastered by Don Grossinger.
The Unstoppable S Robinson - Waiting for the juice bw/ Humpin' pt1 - Humpin' pt2 (DS- ?)
RELEASED: Unreleased,(3 Master Copies Only?) this was going to be 3 track 45. All 3 tunes were released on 'Spikes Choice vol2' CD, and taken from live recordings at the Galaxy Lounge in Roxanna, Ohio. Produced by Gabriel Roth and Phillipe Lehman. Mastered by Don Grossinger.
Naomi Davis - Wind Your Clock bw/ Good Thing. (DS- ?)
Vocals: Naomi davis. Other players include: Phillipe Lehman, Gabriel Roth, Mike Jackson, Leon Michels, Paul Brandenburg and Joe Hrbeck. Horn section: Sugarman 3.
RELEASED: Unreleased, this was going to be 45rpm big hole 10" super single. There is however a very small amount of white label promo copys. Produced by Gabriel Roth and Phillipe Lehman. Mastered by Don Grossinger.
LP & CD Veröffentlichungen:
The Other Side - The Other Side (DSLP/CD001)
Trombone, Guitar: Don Bonus. Drums: Clive Wilson. Tenor sax: Joe Hrbek. Keyboards: John freund. Guitar: Scott Mann. Bass: Bosco 'Bass' Mann.
RELEASED: 1998 Produced by Gabriel Roth, Rich Alvy, Phillipe Lehman and Mike Wagner. Mastered by Don Grossinger.
Sugarman 3 - Sugars Boogaloo (DSLP/CD002)
Tenor Sax: Neal Sugarman. Drums: Rudy Albin. Organ: Adam Scone. Guitar: Coleman Mellett. Flute: Daisy Sugarman.
RELEASED: 1998 Produced by Gabriel Roth and Phillipe Lehman. Mastered by Don Grossinger.
The Daktaris - Soul Explosion (DSLP/CD003)
Congas, Vocals: Jo Jo Quo. Lead Guitar: Alaji Boniface Oluremi. Tenor Guitar: G.G. Vikey. Drums: Olu "Rocksteady" Owudemi. Bass: Clement Apaokgi. Alto: Joe Hrbek. Baritone Sax: Femi "Dokita" Doolittle. Trombone: Neal Pawley. Trompet: Alaji Milificent Agbede. Sticks: Abou Sylla. Keyboards: Azouhouni Adou. Shaker: Idowu Perkins. Tenor Sax: Adrian Bako. Flute: Martin Ogbene. Clarinet, Melodica, Bell: Gbenro "Mr Icee" Fakeye.
RELEASED: 1998 Produced by Gabriel Roth, Phillipe Lehman and Mike Wagner.
Lee Fields - Lets Get a Groove On (DSLP/CD004)
Vocals: Lee Fields. Trombone, Guitar: Don Bonus. Drums: Clive Wilson. Tenor sax: Joe Hrbek. Keyboards: John freund. Guitar: Scott Mann. Bass: Bosco 'Bass' Mann.
RELEASED: 1998 Produced by Gabriel Roth and Phillipe Lehman. Mastered by Don Grossinger.
Sugarman 3 - Soul Donkey (DSLP/CD005)
Tenor Sax: Neal Sugarman. Drums: Rudy Albin. Organ: Adam Scone. Guitar: Coleman Mellett. Flute: Daisy Sugarman. Tambourine: Bosco Mann.
RELEASED: 1999 Produced by Gabriel Roth and Phillipe Lehman. Mastered by Don Grossinger.
Spikes Choice - Desco Funk 45' Collection (DSCD201)
Various Artists.
RELEASED: 1998 Produced by Gabriel Roth, Phillipe Lehman and Mike Wagner. Mastered by Don Grossinger.
Spikes Choice - Desco Funk 45' Collection 2 (DSCD202)
Various Artists.
RELEASED: 1999 Produced by Gabriel Roth, Phillipe Lehman and Mike Wagner. Mastered by Don Grossinger.
The Mighty Imperials feat. Joseph Henry - Thunder Chicken (DSCD006)
Vocals: Joseph Henry. Organ: Leon Michels. Drums: Homar Steinwiess. Bass: Nick Movshon. Guitar: Sean Soloman.
RELEASED: In small amounts by Strut records. This is in effect a bootleg as Desco never recieved payment. Originaly recorded by Gabriel Roth for DESCO records. Produced by Gabriel Roth and Phillipe Lehman. Mastered by Don Grossinger.
Joseph Henry & the Mighty Imperials - Never found a girl bw/ Matador (unreleased) (DS- 1016)
Vocals: Joseph Henry. Organ: Leon Michels. Drums: Homar Steinwiess. Bass: Nick Movshon. Guitar: Sean Soloman.
RELEASED: Unreleased, this should have been (DS-1016) in the DESCO 7" catalog. This was however on 'Spikes Choice vol2' CD. Eventualy this was released on 'Daptone Records' in 2004. Produced by Gabriel Roth and Phillipe Lehman. Mastered by Don Grossinger.
Nino Nardini & the Pop Riviera Group - Same (RM7)
Nino Nardini
RELEASED: Originaly in 1971 on Rotonde Musique. Reissued in 1997 by DESCO with psychedelic party shot picture sleeve.
Soul Providers featuring Lee Fields - Gimme the Paw... and eleven other funky favorites (LP-008)
Vocals: Lee Fields, Sharon Jones, Rhett Clarke. Trombone, Guitar: Don Bonus. Drums: Clive Wilson. Tenor sax: Joe Hrbek. Keyboards: John freund. Guitar: Scott Mann. Bass: Bosco 'Bass' Mann.
RELEASED: Circa 1996.This LP is a 'PURE RECORDS' release before Phillipe and Gabriel set up DESCO. Recorded by Gabriel Roth.
Mike Jackson and the Soul Providers - The Revenge of Mr Mopoji (ST5918)
Mike Jackson, Trombone, Guitar: Don Bonus. Drums: Clive Wilson. Tenor sax: Joe Hrbek. Keyboards: John freund. Guitar: Scott Mann. Bass: Bosco 'Bass' Mann.
RELEASED: 1996. Fake Soundtrack score. Produced by Mike Jackson. Produced by Gabriel Roth and Phillipe Lehman.
The Mighty Imperials feat. Joseph Henry - Thunder Chicken (DAP - 003)
Vocals: Joseph Henry. Organ: Leon Michels. Drums: Homar Steinwiess. Bass: Nick Movshon. Guitar: Sean Soloman.
RELEASED: 2004 by Daptone records. Originaly recorded by Gabriel Roth for DESCO records. Produced by Gabriel Roth and Phillipe Lehman. Mastered by Don Grossinger.
Ravi Harris and the Prophets - Funk Sitar Man (BBE-CD002)
Sitar: Gabriel Roth. Drums: Phillipe Lehman. Bass Guitar: Mike Wagner. Overdubbed Guitar: Gabriel Roth.
RELEASED: 1997 by BBE records. Originaly recorded by Gabriel Roth for PURE/DESCO records. Produced by Gabriel Roth and Phillipe Lehman.
Pure Funk vol 1-4
Various Artists.
RELEASED: 1998 by C&S/PURE records. Recorded by Gabriel Roth for PURE/DESCO records. Produced by Gabriel Roth and Phillipe Lehman. Mastered by Don Grossinger. These is basicly PURE/DESCO records compilations.
Soul Providers - Soul Tequilla (C&S)
Vocals: Lee Fields & Sharon Jones, Tenor Sax: Joe Hrbek, Drums: Clive wilson, Bass: Bosco mann, Guitar + Trombone: Don bonus, Guitar: Scott mann. Also Jason Papillon and Ian Carey.
RELEASED: 1997 by C&S records. Originaly recorded by Gabriel Roth for PURE/DESCO records. Produced by Gabriel Roth and Phillipe Lehman.
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