Ingram
Ingram is a family soul group from Camden, New Jersey, led by brothers including Norman "Butch" Ingram. They transitioned from a prior band called The Ecstasies after Butch's basketball injury prompted a full-time music focus. Encouraged by their minister father, a Philadelphia DJ, the family members taught themselves instruments and recorded together.
The core lineup featured: Norman "Butch" Ingram (bass, trumpet, leader); James "Jimmy" Ingram (vocals, keyboards, sax, flute, main songwriter); Billy Ingram (guitar, bass, trombone); John Ingram (drums, lead vocals, tuba); Timmy Ingram (drums, percussion, trumpet); Additional singers: Barbara, Francis, Edith, and Virginia Ingram.
Ingram debuted with Ingram's Kingdom (Nashboro, 1976), selling 25,000 copies independently. They signed to H&L for That's All (1977), featuring the cult UK track "Mi Sabrina Tequana." After label issues, they released Would You Like to Fly (Mirage, 1983) with "Smoothin' Groovin'" charting in the UK Top 75, followed by Night Stalkers (1984).
The group backed artists like The Stylistics and Blue Magic while Butch coached basketball. James produced The Sweethearts (1985), and John debuted solo with "Can I Take You Home Tonight." Note: This family differs from the unrelated solo artist James Ingram (1952-2019).
Night Stalkers
Written-By – James Ingram
5:34
A2 With You
Written-By – James Ingram
4:50
A3 Drivin' Me Crazy
Written-By – John Ingram, Robert Ingram
3:30
A4 When You're Hot You're Hot
Written-By – John Ingram
5:49
B1 Just For You
Written-By – James Ingram
4:46
B2 I Like It
Written-By – Butch Ingram, John Ingram
3:52
B3 Fantasy
Written-By – William Ingram
4:52
B4 Hot Body
Written-By – Robert Ingram
5:37
Label: Mirage – 90150-1
Format: Vinyl, LP, Album
Country: US
Released: 1984
Genre: R&B Soul, Funk
Style: Eighties Soul, Disco, Boogie
Ingram's 1984 album, Night Stalkers, is praised as a strong, underrated electro-funk/synth-funk record, blending smooth vocals with infectious synth basslines and solid arrangements, especially for fans of early 80s modern soul, though some note lyrical dips in the more overtly suggestive tracks like "Hot Body". Key highlights include the smooth ballad "Just For You," the grooving "With You," and the sweet "Fantasy," showcasing great production and Ingram's distinctive vocals, making it a worthwhile listen despite minor remastering complaints on some reissues.
The album fully embraces the early 80s electronic sound with prominent synthesizers, synth bass, and drum machines. The Ingrams' signature strong, smooth vocals remain a highlight. Tracks like "With You" are noted for being deep, infectious grooves. Features soulful ballads ("Just For You") alongside upbeat funk tracks.
Standout Tracks:- "Just For You": An infectious, dreamy ballad with ethereal vocals, a standout on the album; "With You": A well-loved, groovy track perfect for modern soul fans; "Fantasy": Described as "sweet" and a strong part of the album's appeal.
Praised for bringing a classic album to CD, adding bonus tracks like extended mixes. Some fans noted the omission of original album interludes, which helped the flow, and minor sound quality issues on certain digital masters compared to the original vinyl.
Overall, Night Stalkers is considered a gem of its era, offering excellent production and strong performances that capture the essence of early 80s funk and soul, making it a must-have for fans of the genre.