[2018-08-31] Various Artists "Jack Ashford: Just Productions Volume 2" (Kent UK)

Linda · **Posted:** Wed Jul 04, 2018 5:26 am

Description
Featuring 11 previously unissued recordings, this second and final volume of Jack Ashford’s independent soul productions from 1967 to the mid-70s is an equal to the first well-received compilation.

It opens with the now revered original version of Softouch’s ‘After You Give Your All’ by the writer Sandra Richardson. Only previously issued on 2016’s 100 Club anniversary single, this is its first digital appearance. We also used an Ashford-produced track for last year’s 100 Club 45; an edit of the Magnificents’ ‘I Can Fly’ (the original incarnation of what Jack would sing as ‘I’ll Fly To Your Open Arms’ on his “Hotel Sheet” album) – presented here is the full version.

Thanks to DJ Roger Banks’ acetate and to Maxine Brown, we have the original Lorraine Chandler version of ‘Don’t Leave Me Baby’, the song she wrote with Jack Ashford which both Maxine and Ray Gant would cover, the latter a notable Dave Godin Deep Soul Treasure.

There are beautiful, newly discovered ballads from Billy Sha-Rae and Cecil Norman Jr but one sure to create a minor earthquake among Deep Soul fans is Eddie Parker’s 1976 updating of ‘Crying Clown’.

Parker’s overlooked Jay Walking single ‘Can’t You See (What You’re Doing To Me)’ sounds great, while label-mates Ray Gant & the Arabian Knights bring on the social comment with ‘Air’ & ‘Don’t Save Your Money’ – both excellent Ashford songs from the 70s.

Talented arranger and writer George Rountree contributed to several Ashford and/or Chandler songs in the first half of the 70s. Their Don Gardener and Baby Washington 45 ‘Lay A Little Lovin’ On Me’ was issued, but Brenda Cook’s pretty ‘Alone Again’ debuts here.

Back in the 60s, with Pied Piper gone, Jack placed a sultry instrumental workout on the Sir-Rah label which also provided a home for Al Gardner’s ‘Watch Yourself’. The Four Sonics’ bittersweet and catchy ‘Easier Said Than Done’ was from this late 60s period.

Group harmony tracks are provided by the Perfections and Four Sonics Plus One, while Billy Sha-Rae’s ‘I’m Gone’ is the great soul stomper of the set.

Tracklist
1. After You Give Your All - Sandra Richardson
2. I Can Fly - The Magnificents
3. Say That You Love Me Boy - Softouch
4. Since I Lost My Baby - The Perfections
5. Let Me Take Care Of Your Heart - Jack Ashford
6. How Long Has It Been Since You Had A Love Affair - Cecil Norman Jr
7. Crying Clown - Eddie Parker
8. The Story Of My Life - Billy Sha-Rae
9. Don't Leave Me Baby - Lorraine Chandler
10. Don't Let Me Down - Sandra Richardson
11. Don't Save Your Money - Ray Gant & The Arabian Knights
12. I'm Gone - Billy-Sha-Rae
13. This Ain't Just Another Dance Song - Jack Ashford
14. There Can Be A Better Way (Instrumental) - The Sound Of New Detroit
15. Easier Said Than Done - Four Sonics
16. I Need A True Love - Eddie Parker
17. Watch Yourself - Al Gardner
18. Air - Ray Gant & The Arabian Knights
19. Lay A Little Lovin' On Me - Don Gardner & Baby Washington
20. Can't You See (What You're Doing To Me) - Eddie Parker
21. J.C.'s Grit Gitter - J.C. Heard
22. Alone Again - Brenda Cook
23. Lost Without You - Four Sonics Plus One
24. I Found The One - Billy Sha-Rae

Amazon USA
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07F7V7TP4/?tag=imwan-20

Amazon UK
https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B07F7V7TP4/?tag=imwan-21

Linda · **Posted:** Wed Jul 11, 2018 2:21 pm

Bump: Both pre-order links in the first post are now active.

[2018-08-31] Various Artists "Jack Ashford: Just Productions Volume 2" (Kent UK)

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