Little more than a footnote in the Jobriath catalog, the once, highly touted glittery androgyne, is reported to have committed some disco-flavored material in demo format, fleshing out a transition that began with some of the shelved third album's leanings. Although he was estranged from manager, Jerry Brandt, who still maintained "ownership" over previous royalties from his Elektra output, these recordings are said to have been a noted departure from his glam rock opuses. Sometime during 1975, Jobriath is known to have written and recorded two disco songs in the privacy of his own home:
1.) Philly, Philly
2.) Disco Saturday Night
It has also been rumored that a disco version of "World Without End" exists somewhere in the shuffle of unreleased projects, although this is yet to be determined as fact.
If Jobriath had remained with his fellow Creatures, perhaps
he would have been singing material pitched for
Gregg Diamond's Bionic Boogie disco extravaganza.
Cole Berlin Work and Miscellaneous Projects
In 1976, Jobriath adopted the moniker "Cole Berlin," and began generating a rapidity of piano-laden, Broadway-themed musicals, which are currently held in private archives. At the time of his death, he appears to have completed at least three musical works, accompanied by dozens of revisions. Jobriath's first musical, 'Sunday Brunch', was a comedy piece, loosely based on the play/film, 'Dinner at Eight.' Writing of material would extend for the next three years. In 1981, Jobriath was filmed for a BBC Documentary on the Chelsea Hotel, where an excerpt of the title song was featured.
At some point during 1977, Jobriath started developing another solo musical ventur called 'Popstar.' With several revisions to arise in the years before Jobriath's death, the first completed version was auditioned for theatre director, Joseph Papp, at New York's Public Theatre, but was rejected. Jobriath continued to scribble drafts of the musical into the early eighties, evidently recording a studio score as well.
While in ill health, Jobriath recorded songs on a private casstte tape for a friend, with the following compositions:
1. Shelter Me
2. Someone To Fall Back On
3. No Matter What You Do
4. Feel Like A Waltz
5. You've Got A Lover
6. This Is Our Time
7. Dancing In Eternity
Joseph Papp also commissioned Jobriath to work on a muddle adaption of 'Moliere's Misanthrope.' Jobriath hastily put together over twenty songs which were incorporated for a two month run, never to be revived. A few titles are recognized:
1. Be Witness to My Madness
2. The Choosing Song
Two final songs penned during Jobriath's twilight years, are also worthy of mention; the first one was submitted to Frank Sinatra, inquiring of a possible collaboration.
1. The Heart is Like a Jazz Musician
2. Happy New Year, Let's Dance!
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