Kent 354 - Love And Desire - The Patrice Holloway Anthology (2011) - Rare Soul (FLAC)+++Artwork

Patrice Yvonne Holloway was born 1951 passed 2001. The youngest of three children, Patrice is the younger sister of Motown artist Brenda Holloway. Patrice also had a contract with Motown, recording songs such as "The Touch of Venus" and "For the Love of Mike", none of which were released. She recorded a few minor singles for the Capitol Records label during the mid-1960s, notably "Love And Desire", "Ecstasy" and "Stolen Hours", which became popular on the Northern Soul scene in the 1970s. She sang background vocals with her sister on many records for other artists, including Joe Cocker and the Grease Band's 1968 cover version of The Beatles' "With a Little Help from My Friends", later the theme song to the 1980s television series The Wonder Years. Patrice also recorded the soul classic, "Stay With Your Own Kind", which was noteworthy for its direct treatment of inter racial relationships at a time when this was highly controversial. Patrice also co-wrote 'You've Made Me So Very Happy', which in 1969 rose to No. 3 on the Billboard Hot 100 when the band Blood Sweat & Tears covered it, two years after it was co-written and originally recorded by her sister Brenda. “Patrice was beautiful, she was sassy. She was extraordinarily creative and way ahead of her generation. I loved her very, very much.” said Motown producer Frank Wilson. Kents guy who did the research and wrote the Booklet included here, had the opportunity to immerse himself in the life of this fascinating unsung artist through interviews with a host of her legendary colleagues, stellar session vocalists such as Clydie King and Edna Wright(Sandy Wynns) as well as Motown icon Brenda Holloway, Patrice’s sister. What emerged was a portrait of a singularly talented, spirited and fascinating young woman who was truly beloved by all who knew her. What didn’t emerge was the answer to an age-old riddle. Who sang backup behind Diana Ross on ‘Someday We’ll Be Together’? Brenda Holloway clearly hears her sister on the track, and Merry Clayton shared a vivid anecdote about rehearsing and recording it with Patrice. After the notes were sent to the printer, Motown stalwart Gloria Jones insisted that she had cut the vocals with Carolyn Willis and Patrice. Of course, the late producer Johnny Bristol claimed it was the Waters. File this one under Unsolved Mysteries. But here’s the biggest mystery. How did Patrice Holloway not become a superstar? “Love & Desire” showcases this brilliant vocal stylist on 25 rare tracks bursting with charisma and personality. Her complete output for Capitol is here, nine tracks released on five singles during two tenures with the label. ‘Stolen Hours’, ‘Ecstasy’ and ‘Love And Desire’ have long been Northern Soul favourites, and 1971’s ‘Evidence’ and ‘That’s The Chance You Gotta Take’ personify the “value for money” single. Another highlight is 1967’s ‘That’s All You Gotta Do’, written by future Motown luminary Willie Hutch. Did I say Motown? An excursion into the Hitsville vaults has yielded a treasure trove of exciting rarities. A few have sneaked out on compilations in recent years, such as Patrice’s original version of ‘The Touch Of Venus’, her duet with sister Brenda on ‘Come Into My Palace’ and her seldom-heard double-sided tribute to her teenage heartthrob, ‘Stevie’ and ‘The Boy Of My Dreams’. (Incidentally, Brenda spills the beans in the booklet notes on her little sister’s romance with young Mr Wonder.) Ten Motown tracks see light for the first time anywhere. There’s further flirtation with Stevie on a lively cover of his ‘Surf Stomp’, a Smokey-produced version of the Miracles’ ‘All That’s Good’ and an authoritative take on Mary Wells’ ‘My 2 Arms – You = Tears’. Barely in her teens when she committed these tracks to tape, Patrice is yearning and tender on ‘Love Walked Right In’ and boisterous on ‘Flippitty Flop’. Versatility abounds over a wide variety of styles including doo wop (‘Crying’), mid-60s pop (‘The Go Gang’) and testifying soul (the powerful ‘I Got To Change’). As I previously stated, everyone who knew Patrice loved her. Interesting to note that patrice was a member of the following groups-Josie And The Pussycats,The Belles,The Brothers & Sisters, The Four J's,The Ikettes(Unofficial),The Sequins, & The Wooden Nickels. Names familiar to fans of Northern soul & Collectors in General. A superb album & such a shame this very talented Lady is no longer with us.

AMM 

                                                         Review Courtesy Of Oldsoulrebel                  

                                                                         The Taster!

                                                                  Tracks Below (FLAC)