Deep Groove Encyclopedia

Tavares

Extremely underrated family group from Cape Verde who originally scored with ballads like "Check It Out" and the original "She's Gone" before changing direction under Freddie Perren, who pushed them towards a firmer disco-oriented style. The obvious reference point was the success of acts like Double Exposure on Salsoul, and the result was a top 10 smash in "Heaven Must Be Missing An Angel." I personally prefer the followup "Don't Take Away the Music," although "Whodunit" was a bigger hit. They also cut a version of "More Than A Woman" that is definitely more soulful than the Bee Gees. Kashif came on board for "Loveline," their last notable cut. They still tour.

Tavares' Deepest Grooves

Check It Out (Capitol, 1974)

Hard Core Poetry (Capitol, 1975)

In the City (Capitol, 1975)
The final Lambert-Potter album features "It Only Takes A Minute," a preview of how effective their voices could be when applied to uptempo material.

Sky High (Capitol, 1976)
"Heaven Must Be Missing An Angel" borders on sappy on the lyrical front, as Freddie Perren lyrics are wont to do, but the vocals rides in on a strong drum pattern and plenty of Philly disco flourishes.

Capitol Gold: Best Of (Capitol, 1994)
Compilation bringing together both sides of Tavares: the deep soul balladeers and dancefloor artists. Not many acts could flow between the two so easily. They are the forgotten Philly soul act.