Kano (band)

Kano was a post-disco music project formed in 1979 by Italian-based producers/musicians Luciano Ninzatti, Stefano Pulga and Matteo Bonsanto who helped usher in a style of dance music called Italo-disco, a blend of 1970s disco and funk with the addition of synthesizers made by artists and producers in Italy.

History

The project was unofficially known for being the first group to incorporate a new instrumental trend of electronics and synthesizers (including a module known as the Vocoder) with certain elements of funk to the evolution of dance music, a trend that would be called "Italo-Disco". The Vocoder modulates synthesizer tones with spoken human vocal input through a microphone or a tube. Originally designed for the vocally impaired, this instrument--also known as the "talk box" in the Rock music circuit--was made even more famous in the R&B world by late Parliament-Funkadelic member Roger Troutman (who went on to form the group Zapp).

Kano's revolutionary sound was first heard on radio stations and in dance clubs around the world with their debut hit single, 1980's "I'm Ready", from their self-titled debut album (which also included the minor hits, "It's a War" and the overlooked instrumental track "Cosmic Voyager"). It not only started Italo-Disco, but also helped paved the way for the growth of hip-hop culture, as "I'm Ready" became an instant breakdance classic. "I'm Ready" also peaked at #21 on the Black Singles chart. The project went on to record two other albums, including 1981's "New York Cake" (which included the minor hits "Don't Try to Stop Me", and "Can't Hold Back") and 1983's "Another Life" (including the title track and "I Need Love") which introduced West Indian-born singer Glen White. Their last song was 1985's "This Is the Night".

"I'm Ready" was later used as a sample on a few songs, such as Gigolo Tony's 1986 hit "Hokie Pokie" but gained the most popularity on Tag Team's 1993 hit, "Whoomp! (There It Is)"."Another Life" was remixed by Master Blaster featuring in their 2003 album "We Love Italo Disco". "Another Life" was also sampled in the 2005 track "Discopolis" by Lifelike & Kris Menace. "Ikeya Seki" was sampled by the French electro artist Kavinsky for his track "Grand Canyon", which appeared on his 2007 EP, 1986.

ingles

* "I'm Ready" (1980)
* "It's a War" (1980)
* "Now Baby Now" (1980)
* "Ahjia" (1980)
* "Cosmic Voyager" (1980)
* "Baby Not Tonight" (1981)
* "Don't Try to Stop Me" (1981)
* "Can't Hold Back (Your Lovin')" (1982)
* "Another Life" (1983)
* "I Need Love" (1983)
* "China Star" (1983)
* "Ikeya Seki" (1983)
* "Queen of Witches" (1983)
* "This Is the Night" (1985)
* "Another Life (Remix '91)" (1991)
* "Another Life 2000" (1999)
* "We Are Ready (a reworked version of "I'm Ready")" (2006)

Albums

* 1980: "Kano" – Black Albums: #26
* 1981: "New York Cake" – Black Albums: #53, Pop Albums: #189
* 1983: "Another Life"
* 1990: "Greatest Hits"