Winter 1985–1986: Celebrating 40 Years of "Red Light" — Patty Brard’s Album, including Forgotten Pop Gems

Front cover of the "Red Light" album by Patty Brard

Forty years ago, Patty Brard aimed to strengthen her recording career with the release of her third studio album, "Red Light", a dance-pop–driven project that captured the mid-1980s sound. The album was launched alongside its lead single, "Red Light," released simultaneously, and was later supported by two additional singles in 1986: "Tender Lover," a collaboration with Eddy Kendricks (formerly of The Temptations), and "Over My Head." In early 1985, the "Woman In Love" single was released as a foretaste of "Red Light".

Today, we celebrate the 40th anniversary of Patty Brard’s Red Light era.

History

Following her departure from Luv' in the summer of 1980, Patty pursued an active solo career, aiming to establish her individual success. Supported by her influential husband, Italian music publisher and record producer Carlo Nasi, she released several solo records. Among these, "Hold On To Love" achieved notable success as a hit single in the Netherlands, Belgium, and South Africa in 1981. However, subsequent releases did not replicate this success.

Patty Brard in 1981

Between 1983 and 1985, Patty transitioned to television, co-hosting the popular Dutch hidden-camera show "De Bananasplit Show" with Ralph Inbar on TROS. She also presented the 1985 edition of the "Sanremo Festival" on RAI Uno in Italy alongside Pippo Baudo. Although she sought a breakthrough in Italy, she did not achieve it.

Patty Brard & Ralph Inbar on "De Bananasplit Show" (TROS, 1983)

Pippo Baudo & Patty Brard on the Sanremo Festival (RAI 1, 1985)

After relocating to Los Angeles, California, with Carlo Nasi, Patty explored opportunities in the American entertainment industry. She was rumored to be considered for roles in American television series, including a sequel to "Charlie's Angels" and "Falcon Crest." However, these projects did not come to fruition.

In late 1985, Patty and Carlo established a record label named "Striped Horse," a division of Allegiance Records. This label released her "Red Light" album, as well as exclusive material by Ike & Tina Turner.

An article published in the Dutch newspaper Limburgs Dagblad on December 21, 1985, provided details about Patty's latest record. Carlo enlisted prominent session musicians for the album, as he had for her previous projects. Richard Page and Steve George of the American rock band Mr. Mister contributed background vocals to several tracks. Eddie Kendricks, formerly of The Temptations, performed a duet titled "Tender Love" with Patty. Greg Mathieson managed the arrangements, while Trevor Veitch co-produced the album with Carlo Nasi. Veitch, who was highly active in the 1980s, had previously worked with artists such as Toni Basil ("Mickey") and Laura Branigan ("Gloria"). The "Red Light" album also included the single "Woman In Love," which had been released earlier in 1985 when Patty presented the Sanremo Festival.

The album featured "Red Light" as its lead single, written by Trevor Veitch and Jai Winding. Jai Winding subsequently served as the musical director for Madonna's world tours "Blonde Ambition" (1990) and "Girlie Show" (1993).

Article published in Limburgs Dagblad on December 21, 1985

Click here to read the article online

Another significant aspect was the music video for "Red Light," directed by Dutch filmmaker Allan van Rijn in Frascati, near Rome. The video featured extras who had previously appeared in Federico Fellini's films. According to Van Rijn, it was the most expensive music video ever produced for a Dutch artist.

In addition to her musical activities, Patty was often invited to public events. In January 1986, she was one of the guests of the Horecava, a Dutch annual hospitality trade fair held at the RAI Amsterdam Convention Centre. She promoted several products, including milk and the Pit-Pat game (a combination of pool (cue sports) and minigolf).

De Telegraaf - January 7, 1986: Patty promoting milk at the Horecava

Click here to read the article online

Patty Brard and State Secretary for Economic Affairs Piet van Zeil at the Horecava (RAI) on January 6, 1986

De Telegraaf - January 11, 1986: Patty showing the Pit-Pat at the Horecava

Click here to read the article online

Two additional songs from the Red Light album were released as singles later in 1986: "Tender Love," featuring Eddie Kendricks, and "Over My Head," a cover of a minor hit by Toni Basil. Basil’s original version reached No. 81 on the US Billboard Hot 100 and No. 4 on the US Dance Chart in early 1984.

Over My Head by Toni Basil (1983)

The Red Light LP also featured a cover of "Dancing In The Dark," originally performed by Kim Wilde. The original single reached #67 in the UK, #26 in Germany, and achieved Top 10 status in Denmark, Finland, and Switzerland in 1983.

When Patty promoted her records in the media, she expressed her intention to have an international career. She wanted to be part of the "American dream". Red Light didn't achieve the desired results. Due to its lack of popularity, Patty put her music career on hold for several years and focused on TV projects.

Release and reissue

The "Red Light" album was initially released on vinyl and cassette. In the 2000s, the now-defunct Dutch website Fonos.nl sold unofficial digitized and restored copies on CD.

Currently, the LP is available on the major digital platforms (including Apple Music, Amazon Music, Deezer, YouTube, and Spotify).

TV performances

• The German program "Bitte umblättern" on Südwestfunk/ARD featured a report about Carlo and Patty filmed in late 1985-early 1986 on the Côte d'Azur. It included excerpts from "Isn't It Everything" and "Red Light".

• On January 1, 1986, Patty sang a Dutch duet "Toen het vuurwerk in Abcoude werd ontstoken" with Willem Ruis on VARA's program "Sterrenshow". She also performed "Red Light".

• On January 4, 1986, Miss Brard performed "Red Light" and "Tender Love" (with Eddie Kendricks) on Veronica's talk show "Tineke".

• The singer performed "Red Light" on two NCRV shows: "Los Vast" on January 21, 1986, and "Popsjop" on February 11, 1986.

• The "Red Light" music video was broadcast on Veronica's music show "Countdown" in early 1986.

Red Light music video on Countdown (1986)

• In 1986, Patty sang "Red Light" on RAI 1's music show "Discoring" in Italy.

Patty on Discoring (RAI UNO, 1986)

Red Light (single): chart performance

The song had everything needed for success: strong production, a catchy tune, and a great video. Still, Red Light was only a minor hit in Holland. It did not make the Dutch Top 40 and reached just #48 for a week on the Nationale Hitparade in early February 1986.

Releases - tracklisting

* Red Light (album)

Original release by Striped Horse in late 1985 on vinyl and cassette

Red Light album (back cover - vinyl edition)

A side:

1 Red Light

Arranged by Jai Winding

Backing Vocals – Alex Brown, Stephanie Spruill, Vesta Williams

Bass – Abraham Laboriel

Guitar – Paul Jackson Jr.

Keyboards, Synthesizer – Greg Mathieson, Richard Gibbs

Mixed by Joe Chicarelli

Written by Jai Winding and Trevor Veitch

2 Isn't It Everything

Backing Vocals – Jim Gilstrap, Jon Joyce, Kevin Dorsey

Bass – Jimmy Johnson

Guitar – Lee Ritenour, Paul Jackson Jr.

Keyboards, Synthesizer – Greg Mathieson, Richard Gibbs

Percussion – Lenny Castro

Saxophone [Solo] – Doug Norwine

Written by Craig Safan, James Lipton, and Mark Mueller

3 Crimes Of The Heart

Backing Vocals – Dobby Martin, Jon Joyce, Tommy Funderburk

Bass – Neil Steubenhaus

Guitar – Paul Jackson Jr.

Keyboards, Synthesizer – Greg Mathieson, Richard Gibbs

Percussion – Lenny Castro

Saxophone [Solo] – Tom Scott

Written by John Bettis, John Lind, and Phil Pickett

4 Tender Lover

Arranged by Randy Kerber

Bass – Abraham Laboriel

Guitar – Paul Jackson Jr.

Keyboards, Synthesizer – Randy Kerber

Percussion – Paulinho Da Costa

Vocals - duet with Eddy Kendricks

Written by Greg Mathieson and Trevor Veitch

5 Dancing In The Dark

Backing Vocals – Alex Brown, Carmen Twilley, Stephanie Spruill

Bass – Kerry Hatch

Guitar – Paul Jackson Jr.

Horns – Chuck Finley, Gary Grant, Gary Herbig, Jerry Hey

Keyboards, Synthesizer – Greg Mathieson, Richard Gibbs

Written by Nicky Chinn and Paul Gurvitz

B side:

1 Over My Head

Backing Vocals – Julia Waters, Maxine Waters, Stephanie Spruill

Bass – Jimmy Johnson

Guitar – Paul Jackson Jr.

Keyboards, Synthesizer – Greg Mathieson, Richard Gibbs

Saxophone [Solo] – Doug Norwine

Written by Fran Golde and Sue Schifrin

2 Mystery Theme

Backing Vocals – Richard Page, Steve George

Bass – Abraham Laboriel

Guitar – Lee Ritenour

Keyboards, Synthesizer – Greg Mathieson

Percussion – Paulinho Da Costa

Written by John Liotine, Patty Brard, and Pete Escovedo

3 Roses

Backing Vocals – Julia Waters, Maxine Waters, Stephanie Spruill

Bass – Abraham Laboriel

Guitar – Paul Jackson Jr.

Horns – Chuck Finley, Gary Grant, Gary Herbig, Jerry Hey

Keyboards, Synthesizer – Greg Mathieson

Percussion – Lenny Castro

Written by Michael Leeson and Peter Vale

4 Woman In Love

Backing Vocals – Richard Page, Steve George

Bass – Abraham Laboriel

Guitar – Lee Ritenour

Horns – Dave Boruff, David Woodford, John Liotine, Slide Hyde, Steve Madaio

Keyboards, Synthesizer – Greg Mathieson, Michael Boddiker

Saxophone [Solo] – Gary Herbig

Written by Flores, Pino Donaggio, and Trevor Veitch

5 Safe In My Lover's Arms

Backing Vocals – Cap Martin Community Choir

Bass – Abraham Laboriel

Guitar – Paul Jackson Jr., Trevor Veitch

Keyboards, Synthesizer – Greg Mathieson, Richard Gibbs

Written by Chris Bennett and Donna Fein

Recorded at The Sound Factory, Sunset Sound, Starlight Studio, Music Grinder Studios, Capitol Studios, Cherokee Studios in Los Angeles, CA

Mixed at Ocean Way Recording, Capitol Studios, United Western Studios,

Mastered at Capitol Studios in Los Angeles, CA

Arranged by Greg Mathieson

Art Direction – Béla Stamenkovits

Drums – Carlos Vega

Mastered by Wally Traugott

Photography by Jurriaan Eindhoven

Producers – Carlo Nasi, Trevor Veitch

Recorded by David Leonard, Joe Chicarelli, Joe Robb, Peter Doell, Stephen Shelton, and Tchad Blake

Recorded and mixed by Don Murray

Trevor Veitch appears courtesy of Slapshot Music

Paulinho Da Costa appears courtesy of Pablo Records

Richard Page, Steve George appear courtesy of RCA Records

Lee Ritenour appears courtesy of GRP Records

Abraham Laboriel appears courtesy of MCA Records

• Woman In Love (single)

Released as a 7" vinyl single (45 rpm) by Striped Horse in early 1985

• A side: Woman In Love

Written by Flores, Donaggio, Veitch

• B side: Mystery Theme

Written by Liotine, Brard, Escovedo

Produced by Carlo Nasi and Trevor Veitch

* Red Light (single)

Released as a 7" vinyl single (45 rpm) by Striped Horse in late 1985

Front cover of "Red Light" (single)

• A side: Red Light

Mixed by Joe Chicarelli

Written by Trevor Veitch and Jai Winding

• B side: Room 999

Written by Steffan, Brard, Donaggio, Veitch

Produced by Carlo Nasi and Trevor Veitch

* Tender Love (with Eddy Kendricks)

Released as a 7" vinyl single (45 rpm) by Striped Horse in 1986

• A side: Patty Brard & Eddy Kendricks: Tender Lover

Written by Greg Mathieson and Trevor Veitch

• B side: Patty Brard: Mystery Theme

Written by Liotine, Patty Brard, and Pete Escovedo

Produced by Carlo Nasi and Trevor Veitch

* Over My Head (single)

Released as a 7" vinyl single (45 rpm) by Striped Horse in 1986

• A side: Over My Head

Written by Fran Golde and Sue Schifrin

• B side: Woman In Love

Written by Flores, Pino Donaggio, and Trevor Veitch

Source: Luv' weblog archives, Discogs.com, DutchCharts.nl, YouTube, Delpher.nl, 45cat.com...