Originally released in 1981, “M.V.P.” was Harvey’s final LP for Arista, the follow-up to the successful GROOVIN’ YOU (SMCR 5018) and marked the introduction of bass player and singer Deon Estus (who wrote the track ‘Spell’ and co-wrote ‘We Can Start Tonight,’ which became Harvey’s highest-charting US R&B single) and singer Karen Floyd (featured on the tracks ‘Don’t Doubt My Lovin’’ and ‘Going Through The Motions’). Produced by Harvey and co-produced by his brother Kenny (co-writer of four cuts on the album), M.V.P.’s star players include Lee Ritenour, William Bryant, Sonny Burke and Michael Boddiker. M.V.P. was Harvey’s second Arista LP to make the Billboard Top 200 charts and its title (an acronym for “Most Valued Player”) was derived from Harvey’s work on dozens of recording sessions with the likes of Herbie Hancock, Aretha Franklin, Donald Byrd, James Brown and others.