WESTPORT -- DeBarge is quite opposite of what their name suggests.
The musical group has made some major changes in the last year. With a new album and several recent live appearances, the band has been moving rapidly up the musical charts. The band is scheduled to appear tonight at the dance club 18 West, located on the Post Road.
The DeBarge family is here to promote their newest album, ‘Bad Boys,’ on a new record label, Striped Horse. The group will perform without instruments, relying simply on their diverse harmonic blend and dance persuasion. The band members are James, Mark, Randy and Bobby Debarge. Bobby just recently joined the band after being part of a group called ‘Switch’ which broke up.
Previously, however, Bobby had been involved in much of the production and writing with the original group. He got into the group so they could all sign a contract together. He has a solo contract with Motown but got out of it.
The Michigan-based group, famed for such hits as ‘Rhythm of the Night,’ ‘Love Me in a Special Way,’ and ‘You Wear it Well,’ feels that their sound on the Striped Horse label has not changed very dramatically from that recorded on the Motown label.
They are still proud of their diversity and ability to reach all age groups, incorporating crossing rhythms of salsa and urban rock. Their biggest hit on the new label is ‘Dance All Night,’ which has been devoured by radio stations across the nation who were starving for a hit from the group.
Brother El left the group and set out to explore his individual music talents.
“There are no hard feelings among us. He always wanted to be the leader of the group, and I think Motown and the industry was looking for a leader to promote. It just didn’t work out,” said Mark, percussion and horn player for DeBarge.
The biggest concern of the group, according to Mark, is that they remain equal. He said everybody contributed to the writing and production of their latest album.
DeBarge will be entertaining mainly in small night clubs on this tour to be able to identify with their true fans who have stayed with them throughout the change.
“We want to be able to reach out to our fans. We’re coming back, but the most expensive part about the show is us. We want to look and feel our best. Things have to be right to do a tour,” Mark said.
DeBarge is planning a tour in the future with ex-members El, Bunny, and the youngest musical talent, now with Motown, Chico.
“That’s what we’re working towards,” said Mark.
Written by Joanne Flynn, Hour Staff Writer, 1987
Transcribed for the web by thedebarges.blogspot.com
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