Like sneaking an extra scoop (or two) of ice cream for dessert, what do you do when you know something's bad for you, but its vice-like nature makes it all the more irresistible? Vega Records explores this conundrum in its latest release, "Can't Let You Go" by the late, great Loleatta Holloway.
"Can't Let You Go" is one of the last unreleased recordings Loleatta completed before her passing in 2011. In the main mix, she addresses a relationship she knows she should end but can't bring herself to leave because the lovin' is just too good: "I keep coming back time and time again," she ruminates with raw emotion. "We got to make things better or we got to do whatever to make it right. oh, let's make it right, 'cause I can't let you go."
For the unfamiliar, Loleatta Holloway, a.k.a. the "Queen of the Night," is a bona fide disco and soul icon. The singer behind successful singles such as "Hit and Run" and "Love Sensation," she is one of the most sampled artists from the disco era.
The posthumous single was written and produced by prolific artist Yvonne Turner, whose resume includes production and remix credits for music greats such as Whitney Houston, Willie Colon, and Jeffrey Osborne; as well as mixes for Lenny Kravitz, Lalah Hathaway, Mica Paris, and more. Providing subtle, smooth background vocals for the track, she allows Loleatta's belting vocals to be the star of the percussive house groover; while Vega Records boss Louie Vega offers a "Roots" mix and emotion-charged "Soul House" mix. Louie Vega also invited his vocalist friends Tawatha Agee (of seminal R&B and soul group Mtume) and Cindy Mizelle (Louie Vega's longtime collaborator) to add powerful hooks and new background arrangements, enhancing the track with some call and response to Loleatta's adlibs during the vamp. Gene Perez on Bass, Axel Tosca on Fender Rhodes, and Roberto Quintero on percussion. In all, the record is club-ready catharsis made for dancing all your troubles away.
"Loleatta Holloway was one of the most dynamic vocalists of our time," says Yvonne Turner. "She was blessed with the gift of song and her energy was electric! Loleatta's passion and artistry is on full display as she masterfully interprets a lyric then delivers her signature adlibs, which never disappoint. To describe her in a few words, Loleatta Holloway was the truth... my friend... extraordinary!"
Adds Louie Vega, "Loleatta Holloway has had a huge impact in my life as a DJ, producer, and clubber. She touched me in many ways through my music-making and even style of DJing; to this day, I still play many of her songs and acapellas. This is just our little way of saying thank you so much for what you've done for so many lives with your beautiful voice, you've affected us all!!!"
The record's cover artwork is a mural of Loleatta Holloway created by Richard Wilson, a London-based artist who takes inspiration from DJs and producers from the house music and disco scene. Last month, Louie traveled to Liverpool, England for the mural's unveiling.
To celebrate the new single, Louie Vega is taking his infamous Flashback party to Miami Beach's Yuca Lounge on March 18 for a night of throwback classics in disco, house, Latin soul, and more. Head here for tickets and more information: http://bit.ly/2mG4QX4
Loleatta Holloway "Can't Let You Go"
Yvonne Turner Version Credits
Produced and Written by Yvonne Turner (Yoruba I Music BMI) for Peace Pipe Productions
Mixed by: Yvonne Turner
Associate Producer and Programming: Alan Friedman
Recorded at Axis Studios (NYC)
Recording Engineer: Rodney Ascue
Mixed at Bass Hit Studios
Mix Engineer: Dave Darlington
Keyboards: Lenny Underwood
Horn Arrangement: John Van Eps
Background Vocals: Yvonne Turner
Mastered by: Herb Powers, Jr. at Powers Mastering, NJ
Louie Vega Version Credits
Louie Vega Roots Mix & Louie Vega Disco Bass Dub:
Remix by: Louie Vega
Lead Vocal: Loleatta Holloway
Background Vocals: Cindy Mizelle, Tawatha Agee
Original Chorus Backgrounds: Yvonne Turner
Keyboards, Fender Rhodes: Axel Tosca
Shakers, Tambourine, Percussion: Roberto Quintero
Mix & Recording Engineer: Yas Inoue
Recorded & Mixed at Daddy's Workshop, NJ
Louie Vega Truth Dubs 1 & 2:
Remix by Louie Vega
Fender Rhodes & Synth on Truth Dub 1: Josh Milan
Synth Bass on Truth Dub 1: Louie Vega
Keyboards & Synth Bass on Truth Dub 2: Louie Vega
Recording & Mix Engineer: Yas Inoue
Recorded & Mixed at Daddy's Workshop, NJ
Special Thanks to Yvonne Turner, Matt Signor, Above Board UK, Zuleica Martins, Anané & Nico, Richard Wilson, Michael Weiss & Sam Records.
Loleatta Holloway (RIP), your music lives with us always!!!
