Sean Hampsey

Absolutely thrilled to be able to tell you about the next release on the revived and revered ‘Deep Soul’ label through Ace Kent: the legendary Holy Grail ‘But If You Must Go’ by Eddie Parker. I can assure you that the title is not being rush-released to coincide with the United Kingdom’s exit of the EU, nor has it anything to do with England’s woeful football team being dumped out of the Euro’s, nevertheless, the timing of this incredible 45 is right on cue and really can’t come soon enough for Deep Soul lovers everywhere, I’m sure. The record is the epitome of tear-filled, tortured, dramatic and emotional, deep soul music and the original 45 has been in demand in the UK, Europe and Japan for several decades. Having finally been made available on the Jack Ashford ‘Just Productions’ CD through Ace Kent, earlier this year, there’s bound to be a rush for the vinyl. A 45 of ‘But If You Must Go’ is something that every fan of the deeper shades of soul will want to possess. Originally issued on the US Mam-Miko label, there simply aren’t enough copies to go around, so it’s very fitting that ‘But If You Must Go’ is to appear on the newly invigorated Dave Godin logo over here. I well recall putting the track on a tape for Dave 20 odd years ago and he loved it. He and I had founded the miniscule ‘Deep Soul Appreciation Society’ in 1988 and had ambitions to release obscure and wonderful titles such as this. In hindsight it’s a good job we didn’t, as at the time there was very little interest from others, and the project most likely would have bombed. But the time is right, right now, and more especially as the flipside is the absolutely stunning, previously unreleased, Debbie Taylor ‘All That I Have’ which Kevin Briscoe once told me was one of the best things I’d ever shared with him. And that should be recommendation enough for anyone. Release of Deep Soul – 03 is scheduled for end of July 2016. Eddie Parker 'But If You Must Go' B/W Debbie Taylor 'All That I Have' Buy it and weep! Sean Hampsey X