Odyssey

The 1980s were the Glory days for Odyssey one of the top vocal groups of that era The band was undoubtedly, one of the most successful soul/disco acts in the USA and Britain with a string of memorable hits, starting with the chart topper  “Use It Up And Wear It Out”, scoring several other Top Ten hits in the UK and around the world.

The group actually started out being billed as “The Lopez Sisters” when there were three of them – Lillian, Louise, and Carmen.  An agent spotted them at a concert and booked them for a five month European tour.  When they returned to the States, Carmen left the trio to marry, but Lillian and Louise resolved to continue, and so recruited Tony Reynolds as a replacement.

From their debut album emerged their first smash single – “Native New Yorker”, an international hit late in 1977. Additionally, Lillian’s eldest son, STEVEN COLLAZO had become part of Odyssey behind the scenes, recording as a background vocalist, journeyman session musician and musical director for their live performances and tours.  A couple of years later, the group cut their “Hang Together” album.  It contained “Use It Up And Wear It Out”, while the flipside, “Don’t Tell Me, Tell Her” received major airplay on US Black Radio. In the UK, “Use It Up” shot to the top ten, followed by “If You’re Looking For  A Way Out”, “Inside Out”, and the Lamont Dozier classic “Going Back To My Roots”, among others.

Performing around the UK, Europe and The Middle East through the 80’s and into the 90’s, the journey continued. In 1994, Steven moved up to co-front the group and produce new versions of the Odyssey classics while appearing with Lillian on television, touring the arenas, top hotels, clubs, major holiday resorts and festivals throughout the UK and Europe.

STEVEN COLLAZO continues the family legacy, taking their “odyssey” forward and further as a brand with an array of talented singers, musicians, DJs and producers.

It’s said that “old skool” is today’s “new skool” and Steve’s been working to combine the best of both worlds into today’s Odyssey. Currently, Mr Collazo is teamed up with co-producer Andy Williams, aka YamWho? and ISM records. YamWho’s? impressively extensive track record of re-mixes and old school live recording with modern treatment, have introduced Odyssey to a whole new generation of enthusiasts who grew up with their music while remaining faithful to the group’s more mature, core audience. With remixes from such superstar DJs as John Morales, Rahaan, Louie Vega, Ashley Beedle, Joey Negro and others, the journey continues into the 21^st century while keeping an eye towards the classic sound which made ODYSSEY famous.