“That's Enough For Me (Singles and Unreleased Recordings)” (1973 - 1984 / 2025)

A restored and remastered collection of singles and previously unreleased recordings spanning from 1973 to 1984 that highlights the range of eclectic but always individual styles of Long Island R&B singer and bandleader Kip Carmen. Starting with tracks from Kip's ultra-rare 1973 single "That's Enough For Me" and "Loving in the Morning," this collection also includes the crate-digger favorite "This Island Is Our Home" (recorded with session legends Cornell Dupree and Morris Goldberg), newly discovered tracks from a late 70s recording session at Dawn Studios in Farmingdale, NY, and Kip's last single from 1984.

“Just For Tonight” (1980)

Kip’s debut full-length album, with sessions recorded over several years during the mid-70s at Royal Studios in Memphis, Opal Studios in New York City, and Rockin’ Reel Recording Studios in Long Island. Musicians featured on the record include Cornell Dupree (guitar), Jerry Jemmott (bass), Chris Parker (drums), James Allen Smith (keyboards), Danny Horton (guitar), Lenny Albergo (alto sax), Tony Catanzaro (bass), Michael Rubin (keyboards), Rik Sherry (drums), and more.

Kip originally self-released the album in 1980 on his own label Long Island Sounds Records, and in 2024 the album was remastered and made available on all major streaming platforms.

“This Island Is Our Home / Might as Well (Give It Up)” (1980 / 2020)

German label Music Take Me Up reissued the long out of print single “This Island is Our Home” on deluxe 12” 45rpm vinyl in the Fall of 2020. These songs are also from Kip’s late 70s / early 80s collaboration with Danny Horton, which (much to Kip’s surprise) gained popularity among DJs in Europe and elsewhere around the world (and became highly sought-after by collectors) decades after its initial release. This reissue marks the the first time these songs have been made commercially available since 1980. More information at Music Take Me Up.

Credits

Originally produced by Ogden Fell, and arranged and directed by James Allen Smith, for Reveille Records.

Kip Carmen - guitar and vocals; James Allen Smith - keyboards; Cornell Dupree - guitar; Danny Horton - guitar; Stanley Banks - bass; Charles Collins - drums; Crusher Bennett - percussion; Morris Goldberg - saxes and flute.

“Macon Woman Blues / I Must Be Losing You” (1974)

Kip’s 45 single recorded under contract with Hi Records (released through a Hi Records subsidiary called Mach Records). Recorded at the legendary Royal Studios in Memphis and produced by Hi Records co-founder Bill Cantrell (formerly a songwriter and session musician at Sun Records). These two songs feature Kip’s own rhythm section (including Ben Ninmann on piano and James H. Walker on drums), along with Hi Records staples Rhodes, Chalmers & Rhodes and the legendary Memphis Horns, longtime backup musicians for Al Green and other Hi Records artists.

Credits

Produced by Bill Cantrell; Kip Carmen - guitar and vocals; Ben Ninmann - keyboards; Mark Ryan - lead guitar; Pete Bartarsh - bass; James H. Walker - drums; Rhodes, Chalmers, & Rhodes - backing vocals; Memphis Horns: Wayne Jackson - trumpet; Andrew Love - tenor sax; Jack Hale - trombone; James Mitchell - baritone sax and horn arrangement. Memphis Strings arranged by James Mitchell.

“I’m Coming Home To You” (1972)

Kip’s first record. He recorded this single with his trio at Soundview Studios on 132 Riviera Drive in King's Park, NY, and Musicor Records bought the recording to release as a single. Prior to release, Musicor producer Danny Jordan added production effects, background vocals. and arrangement by Rupert Holmes at Groove Sound Studios in NYC. Musicor then insisted that Kip use the name "Kip Carson" instead of his own name, a reference to a 50s TV show called "The Adventures of Kit Carson."

Credits

Kip Carmen - guitar and vocals; Ben Ninmann - keyboards; James H. Walker - drums. Additional production by Danny Jordan and arrangements by Rupert Holmes.