Member Since: 7/6/2006
Band Website: www.francejoli.net
Band Members:
Influences: In the late 1970s, France met producer and songwriter Tony Green at a talent show. Frances meteoric rise to singing stardom would arrive seemingly seconds after the two first shook hands. Taking Joli under his guidance, Green wrote, produced, arranged, played instruments and even lent his voice to Frances demo sessions. Soon after shopping the masters around to record labels, Prelude quickly signed the Joli/Green team and in late 1979, Frances debut LP was released upon an unsuspecting public. It should be quickly noted, although not as an afterthought, that Dennis LePage arranged strings and horns instruments for Jolis LP. LePage would best be known for his work with dance duo Lime.
France recorded four tracks for her debut album, Come To Me, Let Go, Don't Stop Dancing and Playboy. The first single chosen was the most obvious, Come To Me, a disco classic in every sense. Beginning with an ever-seductive femme fatale voice guided by slow string arrangement, and picking up a discoized tempo just after the close of the first verse. Horns, strings, a driving beat and Jolis powerhouse voice all lent to the makings of a definitive classic.
Frances eminent stardom was put into full-throttle when she took to the stage in a Fourth of July weekend event on New Yorks famed Fire Island. With fellow disco queen Donna Summers impromptu cancellation at the last moment, France was called upon to fill the vacant spot and as legends go, she stole the show. Word spread of Jolis amazing appearance and vocal talents and Come To Me the debut single, began an impressive ascent up the charts.
Through the 1980's, France continued to gain popularity on the underground dance floors with her follow-up LP Tonight. The biggest hit out of this session was The Heart To Break The Heart, another jewel in the classic disco sense. Emotionally slow opening followed by a strong dance beat after the introduction. This track also featured an unaccredited vocal performance by Tony Green.
Each follow-up album deftly showcased Frances wide vocal talents although, none of her 80s albums would prove as successful as her debut, and the material she chose would show a talented young lady blossom into a fiercely driven talent and emotionally open woman.
On her 1982 LP Now!, was a showcase celebrating her independence. She parted professionally with Tony Green and with new record producers; the goal was to aim for an urban audience. Despite a rather down tempo album on the whole, France still found time to record the dance classic Gonna Get Over You, which was so successful in Latin America, she recorded a Spanish version of the hit.
1983s Attitude marked another musical change. France had left Prelude records and signed to Epic Records and brought in famed team Pete Bellotte and Giorgio Moroder. The duo had helped helm Donna Summers career in the 70s and the hope was their magic touch would rub off on this LP. Unfortunately, the team was no longer at the top of their game and success never found this album either. Much is to be admired with this album, success not withstanding. A delicate mix of pop, rock and a minute dash of euro flavor flow throughout the record. The inspired Four Tops cover Standing In The Shadows Of Love featured the acclaimed The Pips (of Gladys Knight & The Pips glory) on backing vocals. Had The Pips been backing Joli throughout the sessions we would have had the perfectly titled France Joli and The Pips. Brilliant title if ever there could have been one. Also of note to check out Girl In The 80s and Dumb Blonde, two fantastic tracks in their own right.
For her 1985 LP, Witch Of Love, France pulled out all the stops. The maturity and growth in Frances voice on this record is never more evident. Entranced in George Dukes synthesized productions the sound is dated now but discounting the age of the piece, the magical elements combine together perfectly to present one of the best records of that year if not commercially successful. Although this album ranks as one of the most pleasing in Jolis 80s output, the promotion and support from Epic was unquestionably lacking. In an industry where youre only as good as your last hit, Jolis recording career was put to bed. This does not mean she was down and out.
Throughout her tenure away from the recording studio, France stuck to touring, and making personal appearances. She was still in top demand at dance clubs and disco revival tours where her loyal legion of fans would arrive in droves to see her perform.
Things would come full-circle in 1997 when surprisingly, by most accounts, France Joli would return to the recording studio and find herself on the comeback trail. Signing to Popular Records in the US, she re-teamed with Tony Green and found success with a new generation of music fans. Touch is one of those classic disco songs; a slow building opening followed by a frenetic dance beat after the introductory verse. Touch is a definitive slice of euro flair complete with hard driving keyboards and swirling faux strings and, of course, Frances stronger than never before voice. The follow-up, Breakaway repeated Touchs formula and both singles made their way up the dance charts. The 1998 comeback album is full of rich material featuring varying sounds of r&b, pop, dance, reggae, and emotionally wrought ballads.
Type of Label: Major