Change: The Italian-American R&B and Pop Production Collective

Change was an Italian-American studio group and production collective that became a significant force in the post-disco R&B and pop landscape of the early 1980s. Formed by producers Jacques Fred Petrus and Mauro Malavasi, the project was known for its lush, sophisticated sound and launched the careers of several notable vocalists.

Early Career

The group Change was created in 1979 in Bologna, Italy, by French-born producer Jacques Fred Petrus and Italian composer Mauro Malavasi. Their concept was to craft a state-of-the-art American-style R&B and disco sound using a combination of talented American session musicians and vocalists, recorded primarily in Italy. Their self-titled debut album, "The Glow of Love," was released in 1980 on the RFC/Warner Bros. label and featured the powerful vocals of Luther Vandross, who co-wrote and sang lead on several tracks, helping to define their initial soulful direction.

Breakthrough

Change's breakthrough was immediate with their 1980 debut, "The Glow of Love." The album's title track and the single "A Lover's Holiday" became major club hits and crossed over to the R&B and pop charts, establishing the group's signature sound. The success was solidified with their second album, "Miracles," released later that same year, which continued their run of dance-floor hits and further cemented their reputation for high-quality production.

Key Tracks

The Glow of Love - This debut single, featuring Luther Vandross on lead vocals, became an instant classic and defined the group's lush, romantic sound.

A Lover's Holiday - Another standout from the first album, this track was a massive club hit that helped propel Change to international fame.

Paradise - From the "Miracles" album, this song showcased the group's ability to create soaring, melodic dance music.

Searching - A later hit from their 1982 album "Sharing Your Love," this track demonstrated the group's evolving sound and continued chart success.

The collective saw frequent changes in its lineup of vocalists over subsequent albums like "Sharing Your Love" (1982) and "This Is Your Time" (1983), featuring talents like Jocelyn Brown and James "Crab" Robinson. Despite the shifting personnel, the Petrus and Malavasi production team maintained a consistent level of musical excellence. Their work in the R&B and pop genres left a lasting influence on the early 80s dance music scene.

Artists with a similar sophisticated R&B and dance-pop sound from the same era include Chic, who shared a foundation in tight rhythm sections and studio craftsmanship. The vocal-driven soul of Luther Vandross is a direct link through his early work with Change. The production style also parallels the work of The Jacksons during their late 70s and early 80s period.