Search - Seventh Avenue :: Midnight in Manhattan

Seventh Ave.-A Musical Journey Across The Country!

Daniel Goss | Skokie, Illinois USA | 07/21/2001

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Long before N'Sync and The Backstreet Boys there was Seventh Ave. In the late 1970's producer Ian Levine saw the potential for a couple of buff beefcake boys (who could really sing!)to conquer the "disco" airwaves. In true Ian Levine "High Energy" fashion he created a gay mini-drama of musical proportions! This disc follows the story of two men who live in New York and go clubbing every night ("Midnight In Manhattan"). Their affair is chronicled by the times (disco circa 1979) and their surroundings ("New York's On Fire"). One moves to Florida ("Miami Heatwave") but continues the affair via long distance. The other stays in Manhattan. From Florida the main character is transfered to Chicago for his job. Meanwhile his love has moved to California. Our main character realizes that his love is strong and conveys his eternal love and his intentions to reunite ("From Chicago To The Sky"). The ultimate reuniting is chronicled in the happy ending ("L.A. At The End Of The Day"). Sound obscure? Sound like an unlikely hit? Remember this was 1979 and "concept" albums were very much a part of the disco landscape. Beautifully orchestrated and arranged by longtime Ian Levine partner Fiachra Trench. This was done five years prior to thier worldwide success with Evelyn Thomas' "High Energy". Seventh Ave. has remained a "disco" fixture throughout the years with the lineup changing as often as club styles, but the marriage of gorgeous harmonies and stunning music has remained the same. Also check out [...] other Ian Levine/Fiachra Trench offerings by Evelyn Thomas, Barbara Pennington, Seventh Ave. and James Wells for more classic disco! This compact disc also contains two BONUS tracks from a later lineup of the group: "Standing By Your Side" (another uptempo club favorite!) and "Everlasting Love" (a remake of the classic R & B song). Both in their long 12" single versions."

Briliant Creative Work!

djjimmym79 | Arizona USA | 03/25/2003

(5 out of 5 stars)

"This is no doubt one of if not the best production and work of Ian Levine. Great concept LP about love that gets split by distance. Both sections are non stop suites in the classic traditional disco stlye. This is eurodisco at it's finest. Alot have said the LP has a gay theme being this love story of 2 men but its never exactly stated directly so it could be taken as one choses to. The second half of the LP which is Miami Heatwave/Chicago To The Sky/L.A. At The End Of The Day is my fave part of the LP. The hit was "Miami Heatwave" which was also released as a special 12" disco mix on its own which is the version most may be familiar with. "Chicago To The Sky" is great orchestral disco and builds up to an electronic and orchestral combo climax on "L.A. At The End Of The Day" bringing the story to a happy powerful end. If you love the eurodisco concept LP thing that was happening for example to the likes of Alec R Costandinos, then this great LP is highly recomended and you'll love every beat and min and vocal harmony."