Monday, 10 May 2021

Gems For Jem [1993] - Time For Love / Even When You're Gone [E-Zee #EZY 1204]


Whilst we're waiting for some quality new releases to appear, I thought I'd post this great UK double-sider by Gems For Love which I was reminded of, coincidentally, twice last week from different sources.

Both tracks were written by Darren Pearce and Steven McCutcheon who is the son of producer and one of the founders of Shakatak, Les McCutcheon with Nigel Wright and Kev Roberts (a reknowned figure on the UK Northern Soul scene). The group's name is derived from Record Shack record store in London's Soho.

The  lead singer is Tracy Ackerman who was also one of the singers in the 'cheesy' group Enigma who recorded disco medleys in the early 80s (produced by Les McCutcheon). She also sang on many of the 80s Shakatak albums.

As far as I can tell, these two tracks were only released on a 12" single originally, although they have both appeared on a couple of compilation CDs since. 'Even When You're Gone' on 'Supreme Soul Vol 1' in 1997 and 'Time For Love' on 'Supreme Soul Vol. 2' in 1998 (which is where I have it from). They are both 4 CD sets, well worth picking up if you see them. They both seem to sell for around £15-£20 these days, which still isn't bad for 50 relatively obscure, mainly 90s, tracks on each. I'll have to dig the CDs out again and see if there are any more hidden 'gems' on them as it's many years since I've listened to it.

Most of Gems For Jem's (and Pearce/McCutcheon) other releases are house/techno/hardcore tunes. 'Even Though You're Gone was also released a year earlier on the flip of 'Inspiration'.

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Details
Rating: 8.6
Genre/Style: Modern Soul
Format: Single
Media: 12"
Label: E-Zee
Cat No: EZY 1204
Year: 1993
Key/BPM: 5A/98 : 3A/97
Value: £15-£20 (approx.)

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