Sssence [1979] - What Love Has Joined Together / If You Want Me [Lance #LR 302] PLUS Discography

This is a superb version of the Smokey Robinson & Bobby Rogers song recorded by several Motown artists such as Mary Wells (1963), The Temptations (1965) Smokey Robinson & The Miracles (1970), Syreeta (1972) and a previously unreleased version by Barbara McNair surfaced in 2004.  Queen Lafifah recorded it in 2007 and Dobby Dobson in 1970. 

Sssence were a West Chicago group who started out as The Turbulations who i believe became The Age Of Bronze, both groups had a single release on Guava (the only two releases on the label).  They then became Essence who released a single on Ronn followed by  four on Epic. Their final release was this release on Lance around 1979.

The original Essence group members were Marzette 'Slim' Griffith, Marcus Robinson (Alexander?), Fred Smith, Anthony 'Butch' Redmond, and Bob Taber.  By the time they became Sssence they had lost two members Anthony 'Butch' Redmond, and Bob Taber.

There is no date for this release but I would guess it's very late 70s (i.e. 1979) or possibly early 80s.

Sssence [1979] - If You Want Me [Lance #LR 302]

Discography

The Turbulations

Out of Marshall High on Chicago's west side The "Original" Turbulations were Thomas Griffith (Marzette's older brother), Willie  Lawson, Donald Wright, Michael McElroy & Anthony Redmond.

1969 - I'm In Love / Everything Seems To Change [Guava #101]

A: Sweet Soul Harmony

B: ?

The Age Of Bronze 

1970 - I'm Gonna Love You / Everything Seems To Change [Guava #G-102]

A: Northern Soul

A: ?

Essence

1973 - Black Reflections / Broken Promises [RONN 70]

A: Funk

B: Sweet Soul

1975 - Sweet Fools / Ride The Music [Epic #8-50133]

A: Deep Soul ballad

B: ?

1976 - Lovin' You Comes Naturally / I Got The Chicago Blues [Epic #8-50202]

A: Skip-A-Long Chicago stroller

B: 70s Modern Soul with a bit of a Philly feel.

1976 - I Ain't Much, But I'm All I Got / Brother John [Epic #8-50293]

A: ?

B: ?

1977 - Relax, It's Just Like Dancin' / Standin' Here With My Love Wide Open [Epic #8-50377]

A: Sweet Soul ballad

B: 70s Soul/Funk

Sssence

1979 - What Love Has Joined Together / If You Want Me [Lance #LR 302]

A: Modern Soul

B: Modern Soul