“I Can’t Let Go” is the first ever compilation of Brooklyn singer Evie Sands’ 60s recordings, containing all 26 tracks from her first 14 singles released between 1963 and 1970. Many tracks make their official CD debut, including unique mono 45 mixes unavailable since their original release.
Singing from her pre-teens and first working in the studio at a tender age, Sands’ powerful and mesmerising voice belied her youth and featured on classic 45s cherished by soul and rock collectors alike, as well as girl group and femme pop aficionados.
After fledgling releases on ABC and Gold, Sands teamed up with the writing, arrangement and production team of Chip Taylor and Al Gorgoni in 1965 for a series of excellent, and frequently astounding records on the Blue Cat, Cameo and A&M labels, culminating in her much admired first LP. Along the way she cut the original (and definitive) versions of ‘Take Me For A Little While’, ‘I Can’t Let Go’, northern soul floor filler ‘Picture Me Gone’, and the stately ‘Angel Of The Morning’, and watched on in disbelief as they all became hits for other artists. Finally achieving a sizeable hit of her own in 1969 with ‘Any Way That You Want Me’, she followed a short retirement in the early 70s with a well-received comeback LP, “Estate Of Mind” and a brace of US Top 50 hit singles.
Honing her production and writing skills along the way led to a veritable who’s who of pop royalty queuing up to work with her and record her songs; Barbra Streisand, Dusty Springfield, Karen Carpenter, Dionne Warwick and later Missy Elliot all covered Sands’ compositions and Elvis very nearly did too…
“I Can’t Let Go” has been compiled by Jai Rathbone with the full co-operation of Evie Sands who shares her thoughts and insights on this early part of her career. Lavishly illustrated this is a must-have purchase.
Marvel again (or for the very first time) at the versatility of one of the 60s best kept secrets; the rich, emotional and truly distinctive voice of Evie Sands.
