Detroit's Secret Soul Little Ann

£11.70

Genre:
Northern Soul
Label:
Kent
Format:
CD
Catalogue Id:
CDKEND 495

This product is also available in these versions:
Detroit's Secret Soul, LP (£15.80)
Detroit's Secret Soul (MP3), MP3 (£7.99)

The ultimate Little Ann collection – featuring alternate versions, rare 70s recordings, backing tracks and more.

In the last two decades, Little Ann’s music has gone from being almost unheard to celebrated widely across the world. Initially known only as a footnote for having one side of a Ric-Tic single in 1968, the discovery of her acetate of ‘What Should I Do’ at Wigan Casino in the late 70s led to her name becoming important to rare soul fans.

When Ace Records acquired Dave Hamilton’s Detroit studio tapes, more previously unheard gems came to light: eventually there were found to be nine songs recorded in 1967 and 1968 with Dave and his partner Darrell Goolsby. ‘Who Are You Trying To Fool’, ‘Sweep It Out In The Shed’ and ‘Lean Lanky Daddy’ proved to be perfect additions for the Northern Soul dance scene, while ‘I Got To Have You’ and ‘Possession’ wowed the funk crowd, and the beauty of ‘Deep Shadows’ got through to every type of soul fan.

In 2009 Finnish label Timmion Records licensed a vinyl LP of the nine songs from Ace which was well received by soul collectors around the globe, especially in the USA. Since then, further tape research has revealed a noticeably alternate take of ‘Who Are You Trying To Fool’, ‘I Got To Have You’ with added backing vocals, and a cleaner version of ‘What Should I Do’. We were also able to access Ann’s only other known recordings, which she cut under her real name of Ann Bridgeforth in Canada in 1972 and 1973, including her self-penned ‘That’s All I Want From You’, which is right up there with ‘Deep Shadows’ as a truly great ballad. These new discoveries enabled us to release our own 13-track Little Ann vinyl album in 2019.

We follow up that LP with an expanded CD featuring the same songs but with numerous new variations for her many fans. In addition to the nine original Dave Hamilton recordings, we have them all as instrumentals – showcasing Dave’s arrangements and music. There are alternate vocal versions of her two biggest dance tracks and an a cappella version of her epic ‘Deep Shadows’. The four super-rare Canadian sides appear on CD for the first time. In fact, 19 of the 25 tracks make their digital debuts. We found a missing verse to ‘Possession’ which has never been heard before, and the intended 45 mix of ‘Sweep It Out In The Shed’ is included. Most of the original vocals have been re-mastered, several from superior tapes. The sleevenotes are the most detailed yet on Ann’s short but eventually applauded career. The CD’s release coincides with the publication of Richard Gilbert’s book which covers his discovery of the identity of Ann’s Wigan Casino anthem ‘What Should I Do’ and other great Detroit soul stories.

ADY CROASDELL

 

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We offer free P&P to UK addresses. For all other territories packaging is free and postage is charged on a weight basis.

We use Royal Mail First Class for UK deliveries and standard Air Mail for all other territories, very large orders will usually be sent via parcelforce. You may cancel your order at any time prior to your order being dispatched by emailing us at orders@acerecords.com ensuring that you quote your name, address and order reference number or by telephoning +44 (0) 208 453 1311 between 9am and 5pm GMT/BST, Monday to Friday. Please note: As music downloads are dispatched immediately after purchase, there is no possibility of cancelling these orders.

In the event that any products supplied to you by us are damaged or defective, we agree to replace or repair the damaged or defective products or refund the amount you paid for such goods (including postage & packaging) providing you notify us (either via post at or e-mail: orders@acerecords.com ) and return the goods within 28 days of purchase. Physical goods should be sent back to us in the same condition you received them to: “Returns” Ace Records, Such Close, Letchworth Garden City SG6 1JF, United Kingdom. Music downloads should be returned to us via the e-mail address above including a copy of your notification.

You have the right to cancel your order within seven days of purchase, or seven days of receipt of the goods (whichever is the longer). If you choose to cancel your order, full payment will be returned to you. Returned items should be sent to: “Returns” c/o Ace Records, Such Close, Letchworth Garden City SG6 1JF, United Kingdom. Music downloads should be returned to us via the email address: orders@acerecords.com including a copy of your notice of cancellation and order number.

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