Information/Write-up
The Jay Anthony Years and Late '70s Releases (1977)
In 1977, Joey Gregorash reinvented himself under the alias Jay Anthony (Joey Anthony Gregorash) and signed with RCA Victor. Under this name, he released two singles: "Baby, Is There Something Going On b/w Would You Take it Nice" and "Love Lost Woman b/w Bad Time Girl".
These records showcased a different side of Joey’s musical influences, drawing on funk and soul elements rather than his folk-rock roots. However, the project was ultimately unsuccessful, and Joey later expressed mixed feelings about the production.
"I wanted Would You Take It Nice to have more of a Paul McCartney & Wings feel, but they layered on this big Motown-style arrangement. It just wasn’t what I envisioned. But I always loved Baby, Is There Something Going On."
Years later, Joey nearly had a second chance with Baby, Is There Something Going On. His former manager, Ben Kaye, who had gone on to work with Céline Dion, considered pitching the song for one of her albums. However, industry politics intervened.
"Céline had just released Falling Into You, and for the next album, the label was charging ‘presentation fees’ to even consider songs. The fee for me would’ve been about 30 grand. I just didn’t have the money. So that was the end of that dream."
Following these two releases, Joey stepped away from music as a performer, shifting his focus toward radio and television, where he would soon find a new audience.
This is Joey's favourite of his two final singles released on RCA and ended his music recording career before re-emerging in the late 80's and 1990's. 'Would You Take It Nice' is the remastered version sent to me by Joey Feb, 2025.
-Robert Williston
Arranged and conducted by David Van de Pitte
Produced by Ben Kaye
Engineered by Dave Vande Pitt (Shaft album)
Recorded and engineered in Detroit, Michigan, USA
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