Spring Originals – Various Artists CD (BGP)

This new series looks at the convergence of southern soul and funk. Our first volume focuses on the sound of Atlanta labels Hotlanta and Aware and their sister operation out of Birmingham, Alabama – Clintone.

Last year Ace Records (in collaboration with Acid Jazz) shone a new light on Spring Records’ illustrious catalogue with their “Spring Revisited” project, which opened up the label’s vaults to some of the most credible names in dance music to work on new versions of records that had lit up their life.

A New York label, Spring developed alongside the NYC club scene, from underground loft parties, through disco super clubs and on into hip-hop and the Paradise Garage. In short order an illustrious collection of producers, including Dimitri From Paris, Kenny Dope, Dave Lee, Joe Claussell were turning in mixes that filled floors. Dimitri and Joe’s mixes topped the UK vinyl charts and others were close behind.

Now, with “Spring Originals”, we are spotlighting the original versions of the songs that were reimagined on the 12”s and the compilation album that accompanied them. We went back to the original tapes and unearthed not just the commercially released versions, but mixes that have either never seen the light of day, or remained on rare original promos or B-sides. So, Millie Jackson’s ‘We Got To Hit It Off’ – which Dimitri reworked – is here in its Jim Burgess mix, only previously available on a rare promo 12” back in the day. The same is true of Joe Simon’s ’Love Vibration’, where the disco mix was hidden on the flip of a 7”. With Fatback Band’s ‘Night Fever’ we unearthed a previously unheard full-length version that begins with an insane percussion break – perfect for mixing.

The album comes with exceptional artwork that mirrors the “Spring Originals” sleeve so that you can complete the set, and an in-depth note by Frank Tope. – Ace Records