Joi' - Joystick (1993)

Ah, finally back to featuring an act that there is absolutely zero info on. These mysterious artists seem to be an Isle favourite! LOL Anyway, all I can tell you about this group comes from the CD itself. Their names are Vonda, Kristi, Teresa, Kimberly and Khimberli(!!), and they likely come from Texas (where their small label was situated). Their sound is full on 'new jack swing', with some more soulful moments here and there. They were produced mainly by Bishop Burrell. Burrell worked with Luke from 2 Live Crew, and produced acts on Luke's label, including two major 'new jack' hits: H-Town's "Knockin' Da Boots" and Trellini's "I Wanna Be Yours". So what you can expect is quality R&B music, though the very cheap looking cover wouldn't give you that impression, would it? It was the tacky cover that made me save this from the dollar bin, and I was pleasantly shocked by how good the album was. One single was released, "Baby I Love You", which is a nice remake of the Aretha Franklin classic, but it was not a hit. They also do a decent version of "(You Make Me Feel Like) A Natural Woman". The rest of the album is pure new jack swing, though. It's likely their label didn't have a lot of money to promote them (again, look at the cover!), and that's too bad, as this is one of the better girl groups and albums from the new jack era, IMO. Ladies, if you're out there, please fill us in!! (By the way, I plan on featuring many more R&B girl groups and solo acts in the future. I held off because there were so many other blogs that featured those albums, but most of those blogs seem to have disappeared. And this was one album I'd never seen posted on any of them anyway!)

UPDATE: Awesomely Kristi from Joi' wrote and gave us the down-low on how the group was formed and what they've been up to since! Thanks a TON, Kristi! We're honoured and thrilled to finally know your story. xo

"Hey Nasty G :)!!! We all had auditions in Houston, TX. We were the 5 that were chosen and it had its advantages and disadvantages :). The advantages were that we got a chance to meet each other: Vonda from Austin, TX, Teresa from LaMarque, TX, Kim from Crosby, TX and Khim from Houston, TX. We performed all over the southern parts of the US and recorded a CD. Our manager and producer were married so there was a conflict of interest (smile). When they had problems it was taken out on us. Michael Bivins wanted us but we were later told the monies were not right. We were told that Luke wanted us but that is all that was said. Some kind of way we ended up with a record deal with Ichiban Records (a blues record company). I will just say when the Manager and Producer got a divorce, we were divorced from the entire situation altogether. I am now a school counselor, Vonda is a school principal, Kim is a beautician, and Khim is an administrative assistant. I also did background vocals for UGK (Pink Ring) and got 2nd place in a Budweiser Superfest Singing Competition. I sing every blue moon. Vonda sings every now and then with her mom who sings with a band all over Houston (Sambuka, etc). If you have anymore questions for me, I would be glad to answer. I hope this helps!!! -Kristi of Joi"

Download Joystick

1		I'm The Kinda Girl
2		U Said U Loved Me
3		Baby I Love You
4		(You Make Me Feel Like) A Natural Woman
5		Let's Talk About It
6		So Happy Love
7		Joystick
8		Strangelove
9		Security
10		Don't Waste My Time
11		Boyz
12		Joystick (Remix)
13		Let's Talk About It (Extended)