Plunky & Oneness Of Juju - 1980 - Make a Change

Plunky & Oneness Of Juju

1980

Make a Change

01. (Family Tree) Make a Change

02. Run Away Bay

03. Love's Wonderland

04. Every Way But Loose

05. Higher

06. Always Have to Say Goodbye

07. Every Way But Loose (Extended Studio Version)

08. Run Away Bay (Extended Studio Version)

09. Plastic (Previously Unreleased Version)

10. Time (Extended Studio Version)

11. Always Have to Say Goodbye (Extended Studio Version)

Originally released in 1980.

Backing Vocals – Lady Eka-Ete, Judy Spears, Muzi Nkabinde, Plunky Nkabinde, Veronica "Nilaja" Jones, Virtania "Cookie" Tillery

Bass, Handclaps – Muzi Nkabinde

Clavinet – William "Bill" Joyner

Drums, Congas, Timbales – Kevin Davis

Electric Piano [Fender Rhodes], Synthesizer, Organ – Weldon Hill

Guitar – Ras Mel Glover Jr.

Lead Vocals – Lady Eka-Ete, Plunky Nkabinde, Virtania "Cookie" Tillery

Percussion – Muzi Nkabinde, Plunky Nkabinde

Piano – William "Bill" Joyner, Weldon Hill

Rhythm Guitar – Marcus Macklin, Ras Mel Glover Jr.

Saxophone [Tenor, Soprano], Flute, Leader – Plunky Nkabinde

Talking Drum – Okyereme Asante

The definitive edition of a 1977 classic, Plunky & Oneness Of Juju’s ‘Make A Change’ album featuring the international hit ‘Every Way But Loose’ and five previously unheard studio takes across an expanded 2lp release.

Recorded at Omega studios in Maryland, the album marked a transition for the band with lead vocalist Jackie Eka-Ete recording her last sessions with Plunky and Virtania Tillery taking over lead vocal duties.

“‘Make A Change’ was always designed as a slightly more commercial entry in our discography,” says Plunky. “We approached the sessions in the same way that we had approached all of our music since the early ‘70s. We played extended jams because we would always find something within those explorations. The songs had enough organic qualities to be considered R&B and enough rhythm to be Afro funk.”

After catching fire in Washington DC clubs through local record pools, the dancefloor favourite ‘Every Way But Loose’ famously became an anthem for Larry Levan at New York’s Paradise Garage, kick-starting international success for the track. Other album cuts like funk workout ‘Higher’ and the wistful stepper ‘Always Have To Say Goodbye’ have remained staples among soulful DJs worldwide, the latter surfacing in a new Kon edit. “The songs and lyrics on this album have come back around full circle,” continues Plunky. “With songs like ‘(Family Tree) Make A Change’ and ‘Every Way But Loose’, we don’t have to change one word for them to be relevant all these years later. The positive messages are universal and timeless.”