Joanna Law - First Time Ever - (1990)

ZYX Records ‎– ZYX 6371-8

Classic track alert!!

Mick uploaded this gem back in 2008. I couldn't believe I'd found it after all this time, so I owe him big time for making it available to those of us who love good music. Mick posted a rip of the 12" (which I re-upped in October 2012) and I've subsequently purchased the CD single from Discogs for a premium price... but it's worth every penny, so I'm uploading it to Soul Vendor in lovely 320 goodness.

Unlike the boss man, it was all about the Mellow Groove version for me, with its very cheeky sampling & reworking of the strangely groovy drums from Paul Simon's 50 Ways To Leave Your Lover, although the Bumpy Mix is quality in its own right.

I should also mention that haunting acapella as used to absolutely devastating effect by Coldcut on their 70 Minutes of Madness mix, a CD so awesome that you really ought to own and marvel at.

Anyway, Here's what The Man had to say about it in his original post :

"Another gem engineered by Lee Hamblin. This cover of The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face, written by British folk singer, songwriter Ewan MacColl (Kirsty's Dad) and originally sung by Roberta Flack back in 1972. Produced and mixed by Simon 'The Funky Ginger' Law down at The Fallout Shelter in February 1990.

This song is all about the beautiful voice of Ms. Joanna Law, the voice behind many a hit. Simon A. Law, her brother I believe but cannot confirm, is also playing piano with the mighty James 'JTQ' Taylor on Hammond Organ and Ross Anderson on Bass. It includes the Acappella used on the legendary Coldcut - Journeys By DJ mix back in '95. My money goes on the superb Bumpy Mix, lay back, kick it and enjoy the ride. Just under 8 minutes of gently rolling groove with an angel singing on it."

Tracklist:

1. First Time Ever (Mellow Groove)
2. First Time Ever (Bumpy Mix)
3. First Time Ever (Acapella)

Download: JL-FTE.7z | Filesize: 37.1MB

Jhelisa - Friendly Pressure - (1995)

Dorado ‎– DOR040CD

Jhelisa (Anderson), cousin of Carleen Anderson (of Young Disciples fame), was born in Jackson, Mississippi. That gospel drenched soul background is clearly evident in her vocals, although I'd argue she sounds a little sensual and raunchy in her delivery for the churchgoers!

She embarked on her remarkable musical career in London circa 1990 as the vocalist for Soul Family Sensation (I Don't Even Know If I Should Call You Baby is posted elsewhere on here and I will be adding the CDS very soon). She gained a platinum disc for her vocal work with the Shamen on Forever People and, after putting out two wicked albums in Galactica Rush and Language Electric, and then working with some of the biggest names in the industry including James Brown, one of my favourite Hip Hop bands The Roots, Michael Franti (the Disposable Heroes of Hiphoprisy and Spearhead), Bryan Ferry, Courtney Pine, Massive Attack, Chaka Khan, Roy Ayers, Nitin Sawhney, Sting and others.

Not only that, but she's been in films as well. Truly, a rare talent.

However, I digress. This track, Friendly Pressure, is an absolute stone cold classic. It's also another one featured on the obscenely brilliant Coldcut Journey By DJ album.

I've already mentioned her breathless, sultry vocals, and here she is backed up by some truly talented producers. There are seven(!) mixes on this disc, and none of them are sub-par. 

The picks for me are the Pluvio Mix, the Quiet Storm Mix and the two original versions. Pluvio is probably my fave, but it's a pretty close call.

Interesting note: The piano on the original and filter dub mixes are by the legend that is Mr Simon Law. Speaking of, watch out for the next post...

Peace & Luvizm xxx

Tracklist

1. Friendly Pressure (Radio Mix)
2. Friendly Pressure (Album Mix)
3. Friendly Pressure (The Enemy Release Mix)
4. Friendly Pressure (Pluvio Mix)
5. Friendly Pressure (Beautifully Bare Mix)
6. Friendly Pressure (Filter Dub Mix)
7. Friendly Pressure (Quiet Storm Mix)

Download: J-FP.7z | Filesize: 85.4MB