Norma Jean - Self Titled Album - Sequel Records NEMCD 394
If there was one single act in the late seventies to early eighties that made more impact at dance floor level it had to be Chic. Underpinned and created by Nile Rogers and Bernard Edwards, and featuring Luci Martin and Norma Jean Wright on lead vocals, Chic produced an amazing amount of record sales with their ‘sound’ which has become synonymous with the greatest dance records of that era.

During the late seventies Edwards and Rogers decided to produce Norma as a solo artist and a pretty good job they did too, and whilst record sales came nowhere near to those enjoyed by Chic they were credible enough to give Norma modest hits on the US Billboard charts, and major club exposure in the UK and Europe. That alone has made this an in demand item which now sees the light of day on CD thanks to the boffins at Sequel.

Originally issued in the UK on Bearsville label a subsidiary of the giant Warner organisation I remember well to this day receiving my upfront promo  copy of ‘Saturday’ the kingpin of this CD. The dance floor reaction was phenomenal and to a certain degree still is to this day. A Chic record but in name. This track has everything that was good about disco during 1978 from the rhythm to the superb vocal performance. Album version or 12” it’s one of those songs that you can dance too forever.

The club touch is also added to ‘Having a Party’ and whilst far removed from Sam Cooke’s original early sixties side it too will have you hooked in seconds and on reflection comes across as a very strong side indeed.

Whilst Norma is unquestionably suited to the uptempo tracks this CD sees her perform three ballads in the form of
‘I Believe in You’ ‘So I Get Hurt Again’ Whatever you do check out the track entitled ‘This Is the Love’ which displays her vocal dexterity to the maximum.

Having got through these were off again on another dance trip with extended versions of now well known classics in the form of ‘High Society’ and ‘Soreerer’ and a single mix of ‘Saturday Night’ all of which carry a strong Chic styled feel to them making them instantly recognisable.

I also recall a single in 1979 by a group called Revanche entitled ‘1979 It’s Dancing Time’ issued in the UK on Atlantic. I wonder whether Edward’s/Rogers were behind this single as this was a dead ringer for a Chic track. Anyone out there got a copy to sell?

An essential purchase for those fun loving late seventies clubbers who know a good groove when they hear one. Enjoy Norma’s short lived solo fame while you can, plus some extra bonus extended mixes not found on the original vinyl LP. You can also hear Norma on other artists albums including Luther Vandross, Aretha Franklin, Randy Crawford.

Personal rating 9/10
Expect to pay around £10.00 in the UK
Released August 2000