Ila Vann (Ila Harriet Fields) was discovered by Mahalia Jackson when she was 8 years old. She has sung with Staples Singers, Sam Cooke, The Blind Boys of Alabama, Clara Ward and Louis Armstrong. She released around 8 45s between 1963 and 1972 as Ila, Ila Van and Ila Vann. She has 2 brothers involved in music, Hampton Carlton sings with The Mighty Clouds Of Joy and Paul Vann was with Andre Crouch but has also released 5 45s (1967-69) (3 on Sound Stage 7) which are a mix of Northern and Deep soul. 'One Track Mind' on Chance is one of his best known on NS scene. His 45s have that Stax/Atlantic mid 60s Sam & Dave, Otis Redding, Wilson Pickett, Arthur Conley type of sound.
As Ila Van, she had a big Northern Soul tune played in the early days 'Can't Help Loving That Man Of Mine' (an uptempo and contemporary arrangement of a well known show song) which got a UK release on Pye Disco Demand in 1974 (as 'Can't Help Loving Dat Man') - one of 18 45s released to 'cash in' on the rising popularity of Northern Soul since the opening of Wigan Casino in Sep 1973.
There was another Disco Demand series (the 2000 series) which released 'tailor-mades' (only 7 got released) and also 2 compilation albums released 'Disco Demand's Solid Soul Sensations' and 'Great Disco Demands'.
Ila Vann [1972] - My Mother Said [P.I.P. 4553]
This is the official A side which has started to get spins on the Sunday ciricuit.
Ila Vann [1972] - You Made Me This Way [P.I.P. 4553]
This is generally the 'in-demand' side that is only available on the rarer stock copy, as the promo has My Mother Said on both sides. It has been rising in price in recent years and at time of writing only 2 were available for sael on Discogs for £450.
No comments:
Post a Comment