Eddie Holland

INCLUDES FREE MP3 ALBUM DOWNLOAD Plus 2 BONUS TRACKS

This quintessential LP edition includes Holland’s magnificent first and only album, the self-titled Eddie Holland, originally released by Motown in 1962. Long unavailable on vinyl, it is without a doubt, one of the finest lost treasures of Detroit soul. This album is essential for fans of early ‘60s pop-soul, and clearly demonstrates what a formidable performer Eddie was. Most of the songs were co-written by brother Brian Holland, except for the hit single “Jamie” and the lackluster “It’s Not Too Late.” Written by Barrett Strong and William Stevenson, “Jamie” featured swirling strings, The Rayber Singers, percolating rhythms, and a sterling vocal performance from Eddie. Tunes like “What About Me,” and the aforementioned “It’s Not Too Late” and “Jamie” have a Jackie Wilson or Marv Johnson sound, indicating that the gifted singer-songwriter had not yet found his own style during the late Fifties and early Sixties. These songs are not Motown classics (there’s even a bit of a wholesome teen idol tinge to some of the tracks). However, with The Funk Brothers as the session band and Eddie’s great vocal ability, they more than qualify as quality Motown sides.

In addition to the original album, this WaxTime collector’s item includes 2 bonus tracks from the same period that were not included on the LP: “You Deserve What You Got” and the gospel-soul searching of “Just a Few More Days.” All of these tunes serve as the best introduction for anyone wanting to explore Eddie Holland’s early career as a singer, and the roots of Detroit soul.

PERSONNEL:

EDDIE HOLLAND, lead vocals, plus

The Funk Brothers – probable personnel featuring:
Joe Hunter (band leader and piano), Eddie Willis, Robert White (g), James Jamerson (b),
Earl Van Dyke (orga), William “Benny” Benjamin or Richard “Pistol” Allen (d),
Jack Ashford or Eddie “Bongo” Brown (perc), Norris Patterson (sax),
Herbie Williams or Russell Conway (tp), Paul Riser or George Bohanon (tb),
Wanda Young, Georgeanna Tillman, Wyanetta Cowart, Katherine Anderson (backing vocals).
Unidentified string section.

Recorded at Hitsville USA Studio, Detroit, Michigan, between 1961 and 1962.
Produced by William Stevenson, Brian Holland and Andre Williams.

(*) BONUS TRACKS
“You Deserve What You Got”: Same personnel as above.
Recorded at a different studio in Detroit, 1962.

“Just a Few More Days”: Unidentified personnel.
Produced by Brian Holland and Lamont Dozier.
Recorded at Hitsville USA Studio, Detroit, Michigan, December 5, 1962.

SIDE 1

01 JAMIE
02 TRUE LOVE WILL GO A MIGHTY LONG WAY
03 IF IT’S LOVE (IT’S ALRIGHT)
04 WHAT ABOUT ME
05 IT’S NOT TOO LATE
06 YOU DESERVE WHAT YOU GOT (*)

SIDE 2

01 IF CLEOPATRA TOOK A CHANCE
02 TAKE A CHANCE ON ME
03 LAST NIGHT I HAD A VISION
04 A LITTLE BIT OF LOVIN’
05 GOTTA HAVE YOUR LOVE
06 JUST A FEW MORE DAYS (*)

(*) Bonus tracks.