Rita Wright Years: Rare Motown 1967-1970

Description

2016 collection. One of Motown's best loved female acts of the '70s and '80s finally receives a long overdue overview of her first recordings from 1967-70. These tracks were recorded when Syreeta was still being marketed by Motown as Rita Wright. Only two were issued at the time of recording. A formidable 17 are seeing the light of day here for the first time. She was teamed with many of Motown's top producers of the period, including Ashford & Simpson, Holland-Dozier-Holland, Hal Davis, Hank Cosby and her future husband Stevie Wonder. All brought top-drawer material to the table in the hope of finding her a hit. The CD includes what appears to be a completed and shelved 1970 album for Motown's Mowest subsidiary, featuring her versions of Motown classics by the Miracles, Chris Clark and Marvin Gaye, among others. Continued interest in Syreeta Wright's later Motown material is sure to fuel strong demand for this strong package. It features a detailed note and comprehensive annotations from acknowledged Motown expert Keith Hughes. Review: So Glad that this has been released - Kent Records is really making a name for itself remastering and packaging many obscurities from the vast vaults of a Motown Records. This collection shines a much appreciated light on Syreeta "Rita" Wright in the earliest phase of her much respected recording career. Wright passed from cancer in the early 2000's and is probably best known for her lovely #1 duet with Billy Preston - "With You I'm Born Again". Although perhaps perceived as a one hit wonder, she actually has a deep and sophisticated catalog. Wright is also well credited for co-writing a number of historic hits with her ex-husband Stevie Wonder. 'The Rita Wright Years' brings into view her early singles, demos and unreleased recordings from the end of the 60s when Motown was trying to figure out how make a hit on her. Possessing a strong set of pipes that are close in timbre to Diana Ross but equipped with more range and soulful feeling, it proved difficult finding a formula that could connect with the public. Syreeta could handle a wide breadth of material and worked with the best Motown had on offer, including Stevie Wonder, Holland Dozier Holland, Frank Wilson, Marvin Gaye, etc. - yet nothing really clicked at the time. As was a common practice at Motown, many of the tracks she was first to cut were recycled and given to other Motown artists, occasionally becoming hits, particularly for Ms. Ross. The collection as a whole is well curated and a pleasure to listen to - they're really no fillers. While much of the material would be considered b-reel material ( album cuts, b-sides, etc.), Syreeta's vocal performance really elevates the material with which she is given, the musical accompaniment is top notch and very representative of the late 60s Motown sound. I am so glad to be able to listen to these sides - kudos to Kent Records. Review: Another great ACE/KENT CD release - Another excellent CD featuring rare Motown from the wonderful ACE/KENT organization in London. Because of their efforts we are finally getting to hear a lot of unreleased excellent music that was never released by the great Motown Records of Detroit, Michigan. There are some really great songs in it that you would have never heard if this CD was never released. Thanks to ACE/KENT for their herculean efforts.