Formed in 1979 by guitarist John Smith, Nu Shooz originated as a stage-sharpened jazz-funk band, as heard on their independently released 1982 debut album, Can't Turn It Off. The Portland, Oregon-based act underwent a major change in membership following its release, but Smith and vocalist/percussionist Valerie Day remained its core and adapted to contemporary trends with Tha's Right, a 1984 EP with songs in several styles, including pop-oriented R&B that resembled a mix of Cameo and Change. "I Can't Wait," the most distinctive inclusion, became a regional hit but didn't sprea...