quête:ashford

We are excited to announce the release of a limited edition green vinyl pressing of Ashford & Simpson ” It Seems to Hang On” remixed by Joaquin Joe Claussell. Following the rapid sell-out of his Deodato Whistle Bump 12”.

'It Seems To Hang On' by Ashford & Simpson remixed by Joaquin Joe Claussell should not be mistaken for one of his highly sought-after Edits & Overdubs Series. 'It Seems To Hang On' is a full-on remix produced and carefully crafted directly from the actual multi-track resulting in an unreleased instrumental version that breathes a different perspective into the classic composition. The record is housed in a special Japanese thick Cardboard 7" Jacket along with the Promo one-sheet representing the special Warner Disco 12 inch Promotional Copies from back in the heyday of the legendary Disco Promos. Tested for several years on dance floors across the globe, the record is finally here.

Following the overwhelming response to the Warner remix series produced by Joe Claussell, with copies disappearing in hours-another Stella remix package steps forward. This is not part of the Edits & Overdubs series. No loops. No shortcuts. Like the previous release, Ashford & Simpson’s “Stay Free” was rebuilt straight from the original 48-track 2-inch multitrack tapes, resulting in two fully realized remix versions designed for the floor. The A-side delivers a 14+ minute deep, extended journey-patient, evolving, and powerful, injecting new life while honoring the soul of the original. The B-side flips the script with an Alternate Instrumental, stripped back and ready for late-night moments. Cut, tested, and refined on dance floors worldwide over several years, these versions have already proven their weight in real club settings. Pressed on green vinyl, housed in a heavy Japanese-style cardboard sleeve, and accompanied by a Warner-style disco promo one-sheet and bumper sticker-a nod to the golden era of 12” promos.

Limited to 300 copies. Similar to the Deodato Whistle Bump 12” - No repress. No extras.

Though Al Gardner’s Detroit 60's soul classic ‘Sweet Baby’ was issued in France as well as on a now expensive Sepia release in Detroit, it has never had a UK 45 release until now. The flip is a terrific previously LP-only track by Jack Ashford – the producer and writer of both sides of this 45. Best known for his percussion work at Motown, Pied Piper and Just, he shows he has a good voice on this great, now popular, song.

Limited Edition Transparent Black Vinyl Version - 500 Units Only

There are few people across the globe, who will have not been touched by the work of Frankie Knuckles. Forever regarded as ‘The Godfather of House’ for his unrivalled contribution to the house music we know today; what started as an underground movement in Chicago has grown to international heights thanks to Frankie. His records earned him recognition on a global scale, allowing him to work with some of the globes biggest names including the likes of Diana Ross, Whitney Houston and Michael Jackson.

Five years ago, Frankie passed away in Chicago on 31st March 2014 leaving behind one of the greatest house music legacies spanning almost four decades. Now he is commemorated by long time writing and production partner Eric Kupper. Eric, himself a seasoned DJ producer and writer, has worked on over 116 Billboard #1 Dance Records and played a pivotal role in a many of Frankie’s productions. Having both worked together for many years they established themselves at ‘Director’s Cut’ from 2011 and set about producing original releases and remixes based on the classic ‘Def Mix’ sound while sharing equal credits for their creations.

Together they re-produced and re-purpose classic cuts for modern dancefloors, with reworks including tracks from Marshall Jefferson, Ashford & Simpson, Artful & Ridney and The Sunburst Band, alongside Frankie Knuckles originals. These releases have now been brought together by Eric to feature on special album called ‘The Directors Cut Collection’ on SoSure Music. It includes the Director’s Cut reworks of Frankie’s classic cuts such as ‘Your Love’ and ‘Take You There’ with Jamie Principle, alongside Frankie’s first #1 single - ‘The Whistle Song’ on which Eric shares writing credits.

Within a multitude of classic reworks, highlights include a previously unreleased version of Ashford & Simpson’s ‘Bourgie Bourgie’ and a huge Director’s Cut Retro Signature mix of Marshall Jefferson’s The House Music Anthem (Move Your Body) featuring Curtis McClain.

The Director’s Cut Collection is a fitting tribute to commemorate the fifth anniversary of Frankie’s passing whilst giving Eric a platform to tell his side of the creative story. This album is to be released in collaboration with The Frankie Knuckles Foundation who work to continuing Frankie’s legacy well into the future.

There are few people across the globe, who will have not been touched by the work of Frankie Knuckles. Forever regarded as ‘The Godfather of House’ for his unrivalled contribution to the house music we know today; what started as an underground movement in Chicago has grown to international heights thanks to Frankie. His records earned him recognition on a global scale, allowing him to work with some of the globes biggest names including the likes of Diana Ross, Whitney Houston and Michael Jackson.

Frankie passed away in Chicago on 31st March 2014 leaving behind one of the greatest house music legacies spanning almost four decades. Now he is commemorated by long time writing and production partner Eric Kupper. Eric, himself a seasoned DJ producer and writer, has worked on over 116 Billboard #1 Dance Records and played a pivotal role in many of Frankie’s productions. Having both worked together for many years they established themselves as ‘Director’s Cut’ from 2011 and set about producing original releases and remixes based on the classic ‘Def Mix’ sound while sharing equal credits for their creations.

Together they re-produced and re-purposed classic cuts for modern dancefloors, with reworks including tracks from Marshall Jefferson, Ashford & Simpson, Artful & Ridney and The Sunburst Band, alongside Frankie Knuckles originals. These releases have now been brought together by Eric to feature on special album called ‘The Directors Cut Collection’ on SoSure Music.

For the third volume classic cuts such as Inaya Day & Robin S. - Right Now (A Director’s Cut Master) and Marko Militano - Good People (Director’s Cut Signature Mix) are nestled alongside equally absorbing Directors Cut mixes of Vintage Lounge Orchestra covering 'Dreams' and Art Department pres. Martina Topley Bird feat. Mark Lanegan & Warpaint covering 'Crystalised'.

The Director’s Cut Collection is a fitting tribute to commemorate the seventh anniversary of Frankie’s passing whilst giving Eric a platform to tell his side of the creative story. This album is to be released in collaboration with The Frankie Knuckles Foundation who work to continuing Frankie’s legacy well into the future.



DJ Feedback:

Dixon - 5/5 - "Classic"

The Black Madonna - 5/5 - "Love you Frankie!!!"

Laurent Garnier - 5/5 - "“niiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiice OHHHH SOOOOO NIIIIIIIIIIIIICE !!!!!”

Honey Dijon - 5/5 - "Iconic!!!!!!"

Axel Boman - 5/5 - "It's all about love - not about emotions!!!!

Adam Beyer - 5/5 - "<3"

Space Dimension Controller - 5/5 - "Always"

Tensnake - 5/5 - "Classic Love It"

Jonny Rock - 5/5 - "Hot!!!"

Prins Thomas - 4/5 - "very nice! fresh take on an all-time classic"

Len Faki - 5/5 - "It's been a while listening to this masterpiece - and yes - it's timeless and I love the new touch on the new version. thanks Frankie!"

robdabank (Radio 1) - 5/5 - “One of my all time faves and great mixes here!”

Severino Panzetta (Horse Meat Disco) - 5/5 - "OH YASS!!"

Matthias Tanzmann - 5/5 - "Can't believe it has been five years already. Legendary

Michael Serafini - 4/5 - "Excellant Retouch on this!!!"

Ease-Nightmares On Wax - 4/5 - "Timeless classic for a true legend RIP x"

Timo Maas - 5/5 - "well...classic!"

Tiefschwarz - 5/5 "bless Frankie Knuckles!!"

Red Rack'em - 4/5 - "Love this new version. Really tasteful. Well done!"

The Spice of Life, released in November 1969, stands as Marlena Shaw's second--and final--studio album for Cadet Records, produced and arranged by the renowned Richard Evans and Charles Stepney. From the opening, Shaw's voice--both playful and powerful--cuts through the lush yet tight-knit arrangements, weaving together a vibrant tapestry of soul, proto-funk, jazz, gospel, and blues. The album features two defining classics: her deeply resonant original of 'Woman of the Ghetto' and a signature take on Ashford & Simpson's 'California Soul', both staples in sampling culture (you'll probably find that you're more familiar with Shaw's material than you thought.) Evans and Stepney's arrangements are far from mere support--they're panoramic and inventive. You'll hear kalimba flourishes, psych-tinged guitar accents, and bongo-fueled organ textures that elevate each track, keeping the atmosphere rich but never overwhelming. Moments like the Bacharach-styled 'Looking Through the Eyes of Love' or the dramatic flair of 'Stormy Monday' showcase their widescreen sensibility and Shaw's versatility. Beneath its musical elegance, "The Spice of Life" carries a weighty current of social commentary. Tracks such as 'Woman of the Ghetto' and the succinct, fierce 'Liberation Conversation' bring political and feminist themes into a soulful, expressive framework--adding unexpected depth to the sophisticated sonic palette. This album offers an immersive journey through soul-jazz mastery, one that rewarded listeners with sampling gold for decades to come. Reissue on 180g vinyl.

Repress!

Louie Vega remixes the seminal Sam Records Disco hit 'Bourgie', Bourgie'' by John Davis & The Monster Orchestra.
12' vinyl release on Nurvous Records on Sept 9, 2016
House Music legend Louie Vega continues to light fire to select tracks from the Sam Records 1970's Disco Catalogue. He previously remixed Vicky D's 'This Beat Is Mine' and Convertion's 'Let's Do It.' Now he has added his unique and legendary production skills to a remix of the Ashford & Simpon penned 'Bourgie', Bourgie'' by John Davis & The Monster Orchestra.
Originally released on Sam Records in 1979, 'Bourgie', Bourgie'' also features background vocals by Ashford & Simpson.
Louie Vega continues to be one of the most dynamic and respected dance music producers in the world. With a body of work that combines his timeless and trend-settings production with Kenny Dope as Masters At Work, and his own distinctive and equally impactful Louie Vega productions, he has always had a great knowledge and respect for the R&B and Disco music that laid the foundation of the current soundtrack of nightlife. The Sam Records catalogue is owned and administered by Nervous Records, with which Louie has a long history, dating to his creation with Kenny Dope of the label's signature tune, The Nervous Track by Nuyorican Soul. The distinctive string sections of 'Bourgie', Bourgie'' along with the Ashford & Simpson lyrics caught Louie's ear, and he has created a remix that has been destroying dancefloors and festival summer.

NOW Music is proud to present the third in our ongoing series of vinyl compilations, NOW That’s What I Call 80s Dancefloor. Each edition features an essential collection of tracks representing key genres of 1980’s Dance music. This volume, featuring 30 tracks across 2 LPs pressed on flaming yellow and orange vinyl, presents the best from the era of Soul and Disco.

The first LP kicks off with Tina Turner's landmark remake of ‘Let's Stay Together,’ a testament to her timeless vocal prowess. Jocelyn Brown’s ‘Somebody Else’s Guy’, brings a fabulous fusion of Funk and Soul, followed by Gwen Guthrie’s anthem ‘Ain’t Nothin’ Goin’ On But The Rent. Womack & Womack's ‘Teardrops’ blend of captivating lyrics and rhythm, leads into Joyce Sims' ‘Come Into My Life’, before the Stock Aitken Waterman written & produced ‘Say I’m Your Number One’ from Princess. Loose Ends' ‘Hangin' On A String’ offers a smooth, jazz-infused sound, echoed by Will Downing's very first hit, ‘A Love Supreme’, which closes this side.

Side B takes you on a whirlwind trip around the dancefloor with Whitney Houston's ‘How Will I Know,’ showcasing her stellar vocal range. Alexander O'Neal’s ‘Criticize’ and Aretha Franklin's ‘Who's Zoomin' Who?’ bring a blend of irresistible beats. Lionel Richie's ‘Dancing On The Ceiling’ makes you want to move, and Laura Branigan’s ‘Self Control’, alongside Imagination's debut single, ‘Body Talk’, offers a cross of Hi-NRG Disco with a sensual groove. Hi-Gloss's ‘You’ll Never Know’ is a gem of smooth, elegant Soul to finish the first LP.

Side A of LP 2 begins with the iconic duo Ashford & Simpson's ‘Solid,’ a celebration of enduring love. Up next is the #1 Disco anthem ‘Fame’ from Irene Cara, and Diana Ross's ‘My Old Piano’ - showcasing her unique ability to blend Pop with Soul on this Chic-produced classic. Donna Summer's Grammy-nominated single ‘Love Is In Control (Finger On The Trigger)’ fuses Disco with a Funk edge, while Odyssey's ‘Inside Out’ provides a smooth, and melody filled dance. Terri Wells's ‘I'll Be Around’ is a soulful delight, and Hall & Oates' ‘I Can't Go For That (No Can’t Do)’ mixes Rock with Soul, and became a hugely sampled and influencial track. The side ends on a romantic note with Fat Larry’s Band's ‘Zoom’.

The final side opens by showcasing Rufus and Chaka Khan’s ‘Ain’t Nobody,’ a masterpiece of Funk and Soul synergy. Womack & Womack make their second appearance with ‘Love Wars’, followed by Steve Arrington's ‘Feel So Real’ - a true example of the era's crossover with Disco and Soul. Miami Sound Machine's ‘Dr. Beat’ injects Latin-infused Pop rhythms, while Jermaine Stewart's biggest hit ‘We Don't Have To Take Our Clothes Off’ became a global dance-floor smash hit. Billy Ocean's Grammy award winner, ‘Caribbean Queen (No More Love On The Run)’, blends Soul, Disco and Pop, and Sister Sledge's ‘Thinking Of You’ is the perfect closer, uplifting and full of joy.

A Limited edition pressing, and an essential addition to any collection. Perfect for collectors, DJs, and anyone who loves to get down to the greatest dance-floor-fillers of the ‘80s. NOW That’s What I Call 80s Dancefloor: Soul & Disco is released on February 23rd 2024.

Late Night Tales reissues the classic and hard-to-find
‘Late Night Tales: Jamiroquai’, compiled by none other
than Jay Kay himself. The 10th edition of what is now
a classic series of compilations was originally released
20 years ago, and hasn’t been available on vinyl for
over 15 years. A blissful collection of soul, disco, jazz,
rare groove, and funk, this collection is an electrifying
journey through the aural influences of one of the UK’s
most seminal jazz bands.
Jay Kay showcases a wealth and breadth of inspiration
that wouldn’t be amiss on the late-night dancefloors
of the Loft (or Giant Steps, for that matter). From The
Pointer Sisters’ uplifting and soulful ‘Happiness’ and
jazz funk legend Johnny ‘Smith’ Hammond’s ‘Fantasy’
to the anthemic ‘Stay Free’ by Ashford & Simpson and
mellifluous ‘Music Of The Earth' by Patrice Rushen,
these two discs form a rite of passage into the creative
mind of a true musical legend.

Repress!
It's always great to have access to quality masters from some of the world's greatest-ever artists and Gladys Knight hits that spot, especially via the original 12 inch version of Love Is Always On My Mind is another one of those impossible rare Buddah 12 inch from the mid-70s.

This is really a 10 minute plus tour-de-force of relentless Disco with Gladys's impassioned vocals doing their usual superlative job. Mint 12 inch copies are reputedly worth £200 but the fact is that there's no mint original ones left anymore. Until now. Additionally we've cheated slightly by including one of Gladys Knight & The Pips in-demand Columbia recordings on the flip - the Ashford & Simpson penned classic Bourgie Bourgie on which Gladys laid down the definitive vocal to this club classic on the full 4.37 original 12 inch mix.

Two definitive dance-floor gems on one 180 gram 12 inch pressing mastered from the original tapes. What more could you want

There are few people across the globe, who will have not been touched by the work of Frankie Knuckles. Forever regarded as ‘The Godfather of House’ for his unrivalled contribution to the house music we know today; what started as an underground movement in Chicago has grown to international heights thanks to Frankie. His records earned him recognition on a global scale, allowing him to work with some of the globes biggest names including the likes of Diana Ross, Whitney Houston and Michael Jackson.

Five years ago, Frankie passed away in Chicago on 31st March 2014 leaving behind one of the greatest house music legacies spanning almost four decades. Now he is commemorated by long time writing and production partner Eric Kupper. Eric, himself a seasoned DJ producer and writer, has worked on over 116 Billboard #1 Dance Records and played a pivotal role in a many of Frankie’s productions. Having both worked together for many years they established themselves at ‘Director’s Cut’ from 2011 and set about producing original releases and remixes based on the classic ‘Def Mix’ sound while sharing equal credits for their creations.

Together they re-produced and re-purpose classic cuts for modern dancefloors, with reworks including tracks from Marshall Jefferson, Ashford & Simpson, Artful & Ridney and The Sunburst Band, alongside Frankie Knuckles originals. These releases have now been brought together by Eric to feature on special album called ‘The Directors Cut Collection’ on SoSure Music. It includes the Director’s Cut reworks of Frankie’s classic cuts such as ‘Your Love’ and ‘Take You There’ with Jamie Principle, alongside Frankie’s first #1 single - ‘The Whistle Song’ on which Eric shares writing credits.

Within a multitude of classic reworks, highlights include a previously unreleased version of Ashford & Simpson’s ‘Bourgie Bourgie’ and a huge Director’s Cut Retro Signature mix of Marshall Jefferson’s 'The House Music Anthem (Move Your Body)' featuring Curtis McClain.

The Director’s Cut Collection is a fitting tribute to commemorate the fifth anniversary of Frankie’s passing whilst giving Eric a platform to tell his side of the creative story. This album is to be released in collaboration with The Frankie Knuckles Foundation who work to continuing Frankie’s legacy well into the future.

Soundtrack-LP mit Originalsongs aus den Staffeln 4, 5, 6 der erfolgreichen Netflix-Zeichentrick-Serie BIG MOUTH, geschrieben und komponiert von Mark Rivers. Das Album enthält Gesangsdarbietungen der angesehenen Besetzung, darunter Nick Kroll, Maya Rudolph, Andrew Rannells, John Mulaney, Crissy Guerrero, Jason Mantzoukas, Paul Pell, Jon Daly, Joe Wengert u.v.m. Rotes Vinyl.

Collins and Collins were the American brother and sister duo (Bill & Tonee) who released the self-titled album in 1980, which was their first and final release. The soul/two-step classic "Top Of The Stairs" was written by the Songwriters Hall Of Fame duo Nicolas Ashford & Valerie Simpson. The single was released as a promo and commercial 7" single and became a massive hit in the UK soul scene. The album also contains other great soul, disco and boogie tracks by the duo, such as the cover of Harold Melvin's "You Know How To Make Me Feel So Good", "Please Don't Break My Heart" and "Do You Wanna Dance". The 8 track-set was produced by American disco producer John Davis.

For the first time, this sought-after album is being reissued on vinyl.

Fifth Anniversary reissue of William The
Conqueror’s debut album, ‘Proud Disturber of the
Peace’, featuring all-new mixes by Joseph Lorge
(Hiss Golden Messenger, Blake Mills, Phoebe
Bridgers et al) and new artwork by Australian
design studio Headjam.
The album includes fan favourites ‘Tend to the
Thorns’, ‘Cold Ontario’ and ‘Sunny is the Style’,
delivered with bluesy, alt-rock swagger and wry,
cerebral lyrics that find the band in the same lane
as Built to Spill, Spoon and Pavement.
Tourdates - October 12 Southampton Joiners, 13
Tunbridge Wells Forum, 14 Cambridge Portland Arms, 16
Liverpool Jimmy’s, 17 Manchester Night & Day, 18
Glasgow Attic, 19 Todmorden The Golden Lion, 20 Stoke
Sugarmill, 21 Sunderland Pop Records, 22 Scunthorpe
Café Indie, 23 London The Lexington, 25 Ashford The
Glass House, 26 Bristol Thekla, 28 Falmouth The Cornish
Bank.

Second volume of this collection of pure Funk, Afro Beat and African Funk music is out!
This chapter, as previous one, includes highly respected artists such as Mandrill, The Wild Magnolias, Manu Dibango, Fela Kuti, Tony Allen, Buddy Miles and many others, but also includes the very rare and exclusive long version of “Sangadongo” from Niagara.
All these artists guarantee the high quality of this collection, a record that any funk lover can’t miss: the real funk from the origins and the groove in its free form.

Bossk are a metallic post-everything band from Ashford, Kent, England. In many ways all of us are migrating. To who, or from, is unique to the individual. "Migration" from Bossk is a soundtrack to that herculean journey we all take. Opener "White Stork" is a haunting swirl of analog synth noise and guitars, painting an ominous and fantastic atmosphere. "Menhir" then kicks open the door as a sludge-metal giant of a track, featuring guest vocalist Johannes Persson of Cult Of Luna. Machine-like "Iter" serves as an otherworldly interlude, a pathway to the post-metal masterpiece "HTV-3". Featuring Palm Reader vocalist Josh Mckeown, the song conjures the spirit of Tool and even late-era Faith No More in its sonic twists and turns. Experimental "Kibo" offers a deeper glimpse before fading into the horizon. "Lira" then emerges, a towering giant of a song (nearly 10 minutes in length) that contains one of their most unforgettable riffs to date. All of this leads to the epic "Unberth". A beautiful slow-build closer that brings to mind Pink Floyd in its vast sonic expanse.

The incredible production. opus - complete with a stunning diva lead vocal, incredible scurrying strings,and an irresistibly catchy song that sounded like it was the equivalent of Ashford & Simpson on steroids -became me a massive disco anthem when released on the United Artists label. It was loved so much on both sides of the Atlantic that Ian uses the same backing track some time later to record a male vocalversion for AVI by LJ Johnson. Compared to the all conquering Barbara Pennington gem it went under the radar of everyone except the disco cognoscenti, despite being rather good in its own right.Now after tracking down the original 24 track studio masters, the two versions have been remixed by Paul Mooney to create a unique boy-girl duet.It sounds like it should have been done in the first place, and dare we say even better than the original “solo” versions.

Joey Negro! Michael Gray! Moplen! Massivedrum! David Penn! Mighty Mouse! Ben Liebrand! They are all there!

Thirty-Five years after the release of Volume 4, High Fashion Music are back with the aptly named – Vol 5! And Ben Liebrand returns once again to flawlessly mix these remixed pieces together in one continues mix.

“High Fashion Dance Music” mix-albums were incredibly popular in the during the ’80s, showcasing essential cuts from legendary dance artists from the time.

Volume 5 is back pumping and loaded with the recent remixed and timeless cuts from Blueboy (David Penn remix), T-Connection (Moplen remix), Karen Young (Joey Negro remix), Disco Dandies, Ashford & Simpson (Joey Negro remixes) and Johnny Guitar Watson (Ben Liebrand remix) are joined on the Dancefloor by hot new versions of classics like Bucketheads’ “The Bomb” and is the at the same time presenting the new and upcoming singles from contemporary artists including S.O.S Band (remixed by Ben Liebrand), Bucketheads (Remixed by Massivedrum) HP Vince, and Who’s Who (remixed by Mighty Mouse).

Volume 5 also has the eye-catching retro styling with detail from OG’s in the scene. Curated by experts, Volume 5 will also be available on various music formats, each having it’s unique playing-time, including Vinyl LP, Compact Disc, the good old MusiCassette and even on DCC! (Such in close cooperation with the DCC Museum in Los Angeles)

Mix Tracklist:
A-1 The S.O.S. Band – Just Get Ready (Remix – Ben Liebrand) 4:29
A-2 Delia Renee – You're Gonna Want Me Back (Remix – Joey Negro) 5 :49
A-3 Disco Dandies – Inside Your Love 1:36
A-4 Johnny Guitar Watson – Real Mother For 'Ya (Go To A Disco) (Remix – Ben Liebrand) 3:30
A-5 Advance – Take Me To The Top (Remix – Michael Gray) 3:28
A-6 T-Connection – Do What You Wanna Do (Remix – Moplen) 5:16
A-7 Ashford & Simpson – Over & Over (Remix – Joey Negro) 3:34
A-8 Roog – If Everything Went My Way (Remix – Earth N Days) 2:52
A-9 Blue Boy – Remember Me (Remix – David Penn) 3:49
A-10 Ashford & Simpson – Found A Cure (Remix – Joey Negro) 4:29
B-1 Brooklyn Express – Sixty-Nine (Remix – H.P. Vince) 3:17
B-2 Viola Wills – If You Could Read My Mind (Remix – Massivedrum) 5:43
B-3 Karen Young – Hot Shot (Remix – Joey Negro) 4:10
B-4 Michael Gray – The Weekend (Remix – Michael Gray) 5:28
B-5 Ashford & Simpson – Love Will Make It Right (Remix – Joey Negro) 4:25
B-6 Johnny Hammond – Los Conquistadores Chocolates (Remix – Moplen) 4:02
B-7 The Bucketheads – The Bomb (Remix – Massivedrum) 3:19
B-8 Who's Who – Palace Palace (Remix – Mighty Mouse) 3:25
B-9 H.P. Vince – We Came Here To Party 2:47
B-10 Delia Renee– You're Gonna Want Me Back (Reprise) (Remix – Ben Liebrand) 1:40

2LP Set With 19 Classic Tracks From One Of The Most Beloved Singers Of All Time In One Of The Greatest Soul Acts.
Gladys Knight & the Pips remain, without doubt, one of the greatest acts of the soul era. With powerful lead vocals supported by ultra-smooth harmonies delivering a catalogue of hits, their mark on the charts alone is impressive enough. Add in their remarkable fashions, memorable choreography & collaborations with some of the greatest songwriters of all time, and you have the
definition of iconic artist right there.
Breaking through in the late 50’s on Jackie Wilson’s Brunswick label, first serious chart success came soon after signing to Buddah in 1973 and the release of a Jim Weatherly number, ‘Where Peaceful Waters Flow’. Their second release for Buddah took them into the pop stratosphere. ‘Midnight Train to Georgia’ - another Weatherly composition - landed them a US No.1 and UK No.10 hit.
And then classic hit after classic hit flowed. ‘Best Thing That Ever Happened To Me’ (Weatherly), ‘Baby Don’t change Your Mind’ (Van McCoy), ‘Make Yours a Happy Home’ (Curtis Mayfield), ‘Baby, Baby Don’t Waste My Time’ and ‘Bourgie’ Bourgie’’ (both Ashford & Simpson) all feature here among many others as a slice of the group’s huge repertoire.
After the group amicably disbanded in 1989 Gladys continued to record and
perform, including her joining the select band of superstars to have performed
a James Bond theme, with her unmistakable ‘Licence to Kill’. Still performing
solo to this day, “The Georgia-born ‘Empress of Soul’ reigns supreme,” wrote
The Times of Gladys as recently as 2019. But it will be group’s golden era from
the early-70’s to the mid-80s catalogued here that Gladys Knight & the Pips will
always be most fondly, and recognisably remembered.

These two tracks have been around since their first releases on Kent LPs in the late 80s. Taken from the Scepter/Wand tapes, the artists had one release each on those labels. Maurice Williams’ ‘Look My Way’ was recorded at the same session as the two songs issued on his Zodiacs-billed Scepter 45, although it outperforms them both.

It was assumed that ‘Not Now But Later’ by Walter Johnson was also an unreleased number, but a few years later, a Wand DJ copy was discovered in the home of the producer Billy Jackson, when the singer’s true identity was found to be Walter Wilson. However, Billy stated that it was an alias for Tommy Keith, who wrote and recorded some excellent soul music. It is a beautiful self-penned ballad in the Ashford/Simpson mould.

STEAL VYBE revises the beloved soul classic “IT SEEMS TO HANG ON” by ASHFORD & SIMPSON with STEPHANIE RENEE & CHRIS DOCKINS. This Disco anthem is filled with colorful riffs & melodies that will give your spirit chills & connect you to the music. Includes 3 different mixes!

There are few people across the globe, who will have not been touched by the work of Frankie Knuckles. Forever regarded as ‘The Godfather of House’ for his unrivalled contribution to the house music we know today; what started as an underground movement in Chicago has grown to international heights thanks to Frankie. His records earned him recognition on a global scale, allowing him to work with some of the globes biggest names including the likes of Diana Ross, Whitney Houston and Michael Jackson.

Five years ago, Frankie passed away in Chicago on 31st March 2014 leaving behind one of the greatest house music legacies spanning almost four decades. Now he is commemorated by long time writing and production partner Eric Kupper. Eric, himself a seasoned DJ producer and writer, has worked on over 116 Billboard #1 Dance Records and played a pivotal role in a many of Frankie’s productions. Having both worked together for many years they established themselves at ‘Director’s Cut’ from 2011 and set about producing original releases and remixes based on the classic ‘Def Mix’ sound while sharing equal credits for their creations.

Together they re-produced and re-purpose classic cuts for modern dancefloors, with reworks including tracks from Marshall Jefferson, Ashford & Simpson, Artful & Ridney and The Sunburst Band, alongside Frankie Knuckles originals. These releases have now been brought together by Eric to feature on special album called ‘The Directors Cut Collection’ on SoSure Music. It includes the Director’s Cut reworks of Frankie’s classic cuts such as ‘Your Love’ and ‘Take You There’ with Jamie Principle, alongside Frankie’s first #1 single - ‘The Whistle Song’ on which Eric shares writing credits.

Within a multitude of classic reworks, highlights include a previously unreleased version of Ashford & Simpson’s ‘Bourgie Bourgie’ and a huge Director’s Cut Retro Signature mix of Marshall Jefferson’s 'The House Music Anthem (Move Your Body)' featuring Curtis McClain.

The Director’s Cut Collection is a fitting tribute to commemorate the fifth anniversary of Frankie’s passing whilst giving Eric a platform to tell his side of the creative story. This album is to be released in collaboration with The Frankie Knuckles Foundation who work to continuing Frankie’s legacy well into the future.

The first vinyl LP on our specially created Pied Piper imprint - featuring established favourites, recent discoveries and other rarities from the Detroit-based production company.

First northern soul collectors scoured the junk shops, charity shops, deletion bins and mail order lists for records by their favourite artists. Next they tried other discs on labels for which their heroes appeared. Later came the search for titles by songwriters such as Van McCoy, Popcorn Wylie and Ashford & Simpson and the work of producers, arrangers and the companies they worked for.

Pied Piper was a Detroit-based production company with a big enough catalogue to have been a successful indie label in its own right. Apart from their own short-lived Giant imprint, they were credited on another 20-plus 45s and three LPs issued on various other logos. Even more impressive was the music they left on master tapes. Around 50 finished tracks have emerged over the last 20 years and it has been Kent's honour to release them on our specially created Pied Piper label. This is our first vinyl album taken from that catalogue.

Included are perennial favourites such as 'I'm Not Built That Way' by the Hesitations, 'That's When I Need You' by Freddy Butler and Mikki Farrow's 'Set My Heart At Ease', which we've mixed with recently discovered soul sensations 'Voo Doo Madamoiselle', 'More Than A Memory' and 'We Go Together'. As a bonus, the version of the Cavaliers' 'We Go Together' is a completely different take to the one on our first Pied Piper CD, featuring a rap intro all serious fans will need. Nancy Wilcox's opening track 'More Than A Memory' is a superior sounding master taken from a recently discovered tape and there are alternative original takes of Lorraine Chandler's 'I Can't Hold On' and 'You Only Live Twice'. Classy rarities from Tony Hester, September Jones and Rose Batiste complete the collection.

Ady Croasdell