Norman Connors
Norman Connors is an American jazz drummer, composer, arranger, and producer renowned for blending jazz with R&B, particularly through romantic ballads. Born on March 1, 1947, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, he began playing drums and writing songs at age five and later studied at the Juilliard School of Music and Temple University.
Connors idolized Miles Davis from age 13 and recorded with Archie Shepp in 1967 before playing with Pharaoh Sanders. He released his debut album as a leader, Dance of Magic, in 1972 on Cobblestone Records, followed by Dark of Light in 1973.
In the mid-1970s, after signing with Buddah Records, Connors shifted toward R&B and scored hits like "Valentine Love" (#10 R&B, 1975, with Michael Henderson and Jean Carn) and his signature "You Are My Starship" (#4 R&B/#27 Pop, 1976, with Henderson vocals). He collaborated with vocalists including Phyllis Hyman, Dee Dee Bridgewater, and Herbie Hancock, producing platinum albums like You Are My Starship.
Connors formed the Starship Orchestra and discovered artists such as Phyllis Hyman, Jean Carn, and Norman Brown while producing for others like Aquarian Dream and Al Johnson. His fusion style bridged jazz improvisation with accessible R&B, influencing romantics and jazz enthusiasts alike.
Passion
Bass – Kevin Jenkins
Drums – Paul Mills
Guitar – Rhon Lawrence
Percussion – Steve Thornton
Written-By – Jacques Burvick, Marion Meadows
6:04
A2 You're My One And Only Love
Percussion – Daoyde Woods
Written-By – Jacques Burvick, Marion Meadows
4:40
A3 Heaven In Your Eyes
Drums – Leon Chancler
Keyboards – Jerry Peters
Percussion – Myoungo Daryl Jackson
Programmed By [Keyboards] – Diane Louie
Written-By – Gerald Veasley, Mark Knox
4:31
A4 Private Stock
Guitar – Nate Winfield
Programmed By [Keyboards] – Diane Louie
Written-By – Jacques Burvick, Kristan K. Alexander
4:41
A5 Passion
Guitar [Acoustic, Electric] – Freddie Ramos
Keyboards [Electric] – Joey Melotti
Percussion – Myoungo Daryl Jackson
Written-By – Joey Melotti, Marion Meadows
5:15
B1 Lovin' You
Drums – Leon Chancler
Keyboards – Jerry Peters
Percussion – Myoungo Daryl Jackson
Programmed By [Keyboards] – Diane Louie
Trumpet, Soloist – Duke Jones
Written-By – Minnie Riperton, Richard Rudolph
5:06
B2 Shabba
Guitar, Soloist – O'Donnell Levy
Percussion – Steve Thornton
Written-By – Jacques Burvick, Marion Meadows
3:45
B3 That's The Way Of The World
Guitar – O'Donnell Levy
Percussion – Steve Thornton
Written-By – Charles Stepney, Maurice White, Verdine White
5:13
B4 Welcome To My Life
Percussion – Steve Thornton
Written-By – Jacques Burvick, Marion Meadows
6:07
B5 Samba For Maria
Guitar [Acoustic, Electric] – Freddie Ramos
Percussion – Adam Rudolph, Myoungo Daryl Jackson
Trumpet – Charles Moore
Trumpet, Soloist, Featuring – Freddie Hubbard
Vocals – Norman Connors
Written-By – Jacques Burvick, Norman Connors
4:45
Label: Capitol Records – C1-48515
Format: Vinyl, LP, Album
Country: US
Released: 1988
Genre:R&B Jazz, Soul
Style: Soul-Jazz
Norman Connors' Passion album (1977) is a beloved fusion of jazz-funk and Quiet Storm, praised for its sensual vocals (especially by Spencer Harrison on "That's the Way of the World" & "I Am Your Melody"), smooth grooves, and strong musicianship featuring guests like Freddie Hubbard; it's considered a must-have for collectors, balancing upbeat tracks with soulful ballads, showcasing Connors' skill as a bandleader.
Spencer Harrison's vocals on tracks like "That's the Way of the World" and "I Am Your Melody" are frequently highlighted as deeply affecting and a major draw.
A blend of jazz-funk, soul, and smooth R&B, fitting the Quiet Storm genre, with a focus on strong melodies and grooves that demonstrate Connors' talent for bringing together top musicians to create a cohesive sound.
Fans consider it a valuable addition to any Norman Connors or 70s jazz-funk collection, often hard to find but worth seeking out.
While some find it leans more mid/up-tempo than his other albums, the overall musical experience is consistently positive. The album delivers on its title, offering a warm, passionate, and often sexy musical journey.
In essence, Passion is celebrated as a quintessential Norman Connors record, offering deep grooves, stellar vocals, and that signature blend of jazz and soul that defined his successful career as both a drummer and producer.