Sandy Barber - A Profile Of...

Sandy Barber is best known to modern soul aficionados for her 1978 album only tracks "Don't You Worry Baby (The Best Is Yet To Come)" and "I Think I'll Do Some Steppin' on My Own" from her only album "The Best Is Yet To Come" released on Olde World and produced by Clyde Otis.

"Don't You Worry Baby (The Best Is Yet To Come)" was written by Clyde Otis and Herman Kelly and was first recorded by Bessie Banks in 1976 on Quality.  It was featured in the Bessie Banks Discography posted last year, which was only updated yesterday with the missing piece, the flip to her final single "Baby You Sure Know How To Get To Me", "Do You Really Want To Be Right" (a pretty rare record as the flip only appears on the scarce issue and not on the more common promos) provided by reader Yves.

I've had this post drafted for months, I just haven't got around to posting it until inspired to do so today with the play of "The First Time" by Gary Van Den Bussche on his Starpoint Radio lunchtime show. A stunning ballad.

Sandra Barber was born in New York in 1955. she was spotted at an appearance at Talent Night at the Apollo Theatre in Harlem which won her an audition with producer David Jordon. Clued up readers will already know that David Jordan was a writer/producer who co-wrote J.J. Barnes superb "Got To Get Rid Of You" (among many other songs) and co-produced his debut album "Born Again" on Perception with the genius Patrick Adams.

Her audition with Jordan resulted in her singing lead on Rare Pleasure's modern soul classic "Let Me Down Easy" released on Cheri in 1976 (posted elsewhere on this blog as it has recently been reissued). The song was also recorded by Philly's First Choice in 1978 on their 'Hold Your Horses' album on Gold Mind in 1978, but it never saw a 45 issue.

Not content with singing with a group, she was introduced to Clyde Otis who went on to produce her first (and only) album "The Best Is Yet To Come" released on Olde World Records in 1978. The two tracks referred to above were picked up on by the UK's modern soul scene and were album only tracks. Only one single got released from the album "Wonder Woman" (an ode to the TV series staring Lynda Carter which ran from 1975-79) flipped with a non-album track  "Remember Me" written by Clyde Otis and Van McCoy.

She didn't release another solo recording until 1987 but was a member of the group Chew who released an album and two singles in 1983. Her Olde World album has been subsequently reissued several times with additional tracks and several of the tracks have been subjected to various remixes.

Around 1992 she changed her name to Sandy B and focussed on house material. Below is her full discography prior to that.

Rare Pleasure [1976] - Let Me Down Easy (Disco Version) [Cheri #DV-CHE-505]

Her first recording was as lead vocalist on Rare Pleasure's 'Let Me Down Easy' on Cheri in 1976. The song was also recorded by Philly's First Choice in 1978 on their 'Hold Your Horses' album on Gold Mind in 1978, but it never saw a 45 issue.

Sandy Barber [1978] - The Best Is Yet To Come (Deluxe Edition) [Olde World #OWR 7701]

Originally released in 1978 with the first eight tracks but extended and reissued in 2011 by BBE.

Sandy Barber [1978] - Wonder Woman / Remember Me [Olde World #OWD 002]

Both tracks available on the album above.

Chew [1983] - See The Light [Capitol #ST-12231]

Barber was a member of a group named Chew who released one album and two singles in 1983. The album isn't available on Spotify but here's a  YouTube playlist for the album.

Sandy Barber [1987] - The Real Deal [Vinylmania #VMR 008]

Sandy B  [1994] - Back Together [King Street #KSS-1013]

Sandy Barber [2015] -  I Think I'll Do Some Stepping on My Own B/W Don't You Worry Baby Mixes

Sandy Barber [2015] - I Think I'll Do Some Steppin' (On My Own) - Opolopo Rework [BBE]

Digital only except for a very limited single-sided acetate pressing commissioned by BBE, cut at The Carvery.