Dave Hamilton’s Detroit Dancers – Various Artists LP Vinyl (Kent)

Kent have been releasing Dave Hamilton tracks on CD since 1998; several Kent and BGP singles have followed, but this is our first vinyl album. Finnish company Timmion have released individual LPs by Little Ann and O.C. Tolbert but this is the first various artists collection. What Can I Do by Little Ann starts the LP. It was the unknown artist acetate, played as Rose Valentine in the latter days of Wigan Casino, that turned it into a legendary disc. It is followed by two Topper singles which found great favour on the Northern Soul scene in the 2000s: Tobi Lark’s Sweep It Out In The Shed and Dottie & Millie’s Taking About My Baby. Big voiced O.C. Tolbert contributes with I’m Shooting High, mid-tempo 60s soul perfection, and You Got Me Turned Around, the definitive take on that Sweep It Out In The Shed backing track. Dave Hamilton’s acts were often obscure and records by James Lately and the Ravins are now so scarce they must have sold in tens rather than hundreds. They now reach four-figure prices, which is reflected in the quality. Like Little Ann, Danny Cobus is only known through unreleased tracks found in the vaults. His The Two Of Us is a fabulous piece of music, now revered. Tobi Lark was the class act of the small set-up; her Challenge My Love is a highlight of Dave Hamilton’s writing and production. Chico & Buddy were originally members of the Tokays but threw their lot in with the highly respected Dave Hamilton. You Don’t Miss Your Water is a catchy late 60s dancer with just a hint of funk that has made it very popular. J.T. Rhythm’s My Sweet Baby is the epitome of mid 60s effortless midtempo soul infused with a memorable melody. Dave’s vocals were at best charismatic and rightly confined to the call and response of tracks such as the catchy Shoop Doop: fortunately he excelled elsewhere.