Kano (band)

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Kano was a dance project formed in the start of the 1980s by Italian-based producers 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.

Unofficially known for being one of the first dance groups and artists to bring a new instrumental trend of synthesizers and a module known as the Talk Box (made more famous in the R&B world by the late Roger Troutman who formed the group Zapp) into the pop and disco mainstream, their 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 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.

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 several songs, gaining more popularity on Tag Team's early '90s hit, "Whoomp! (There It Is)".