Various - Jack Ashford: Just Productions Volume 2 Various

High calibre Detroit soul from Jack Ashford’s Just Productions company, including 10 previously unissued masters.

This second and final volume of Jack Ashford’s independent soul productions, spanning 1967 to the mid-70s, is an equal to the first well-received compilation. It opens with the revered original version of Softouch’s ‘After You Give Your All’, sung by the co-writer Sandra Richardson, previously available only the 2016 100 Club anniversary single. Richardson’s great Inter Soul 45 ‘Don’t Let Me Down’, from the same 1974 session, is also included, as are Softouch themselves with their highly prized Prodigal B-side ‘Say That You Love Me Boy’. The Magnificents’ ‘I Can Fly’, from last year’s 100 Club 45, is the original version of the song Jack Ashford sang as ‘I’ll Fly To Your Open Arms’ on his “Hotel Sheet” album (this is the full version; the 45 was edited by 40 seconds). Ashford himself was a more than capable singer. Witness here ‘This Ain’t Just Another Dance Song’ and ‘Let Me Take Care Of Your Heart’. His delivery of the latter is immaculate, a real ear-opener.