Zingara – Zingara(1981)

Biography
Ed Hogan biography of Zingara in ALLMUSIC : Motown alumnus Lamont Dozier produced Zingara’s R&B ballad single “Love’s Calling,” which featured lead vocals by James Ingram. The Los Angeles-based quartet included guitarist/singer Wali Ali, violinist Karen Coleman, drummer Minor Williams, and bassist Rick Jones (who also played on Carl Carlton’s 1981 gold LP Carl Carlton, which listed the million-selling single “She’s a Bad Mama Jama”). Released on the independently distributed Wheel label, “Love’s Calling” went to number 29 on the R&B chart in late 1980. Dozier produced the group’s self-titled LP, which was issued in June 1981. https://www.allmusic.com/artist/zingara-mn0000697934/biography

Album & Cover
Much to the pleasure of soul aficionados, Zingara’s self-titled debut record was finally reissued by Castle in 2001. Its 1981 release was highly sought after due to lead singer James Ingram’s voice on the chart hit “Love’s Calling.” Fans of Ingram’s highly polished solo productions would be well served by a listen to this record, as it demonstrates the versatility of Ingram’s voice depending on what the material calls for. Motown alumnus Lamont Dozier brings out the very gritty, raw qualities to Ingram’s voice, and the songs run from traditional quiet storm ballads to upbeat ’80s contemporary R&B. Zingara was a promising group primed for future success until its label ran out of money and folded, and Ingram was promptly signed to Quincy Jones’ Qwest label. https://www.allmusic.com/album/zingara-mw0000457552

Cover Location: Hipgnosis Studio, London, UK
Who Did What: Cover Design – Aubrey Powell. Illustration – Colin Elgie
Label: Wheel 10001(US)
Source: Vinyl. Album. Cover. Art, The Complete Hipgnosis Catalogue: Aubrey Powell

Tracklist

Credits
Arranged By [Backing Vocals] – Lamont Dozier
Arranged By [Rhythm Arrangments] – Lamont Dozier, Tony Patler
Bass Guitar, Vocals – Rick Jones
Drums, Vocals – Minor Williams
Engineer [Over-dub] – Al Schmidt Jr.
Mastered By – Chris
Producer – Lamont Dozier
Recorded By, Engineer [Mixing] – Reginald Dozier
Violin [Electric], Percussion, Keyboards, Vocals – Karen Coleman
Vocals, Lead Guitar – Wali Ali