First Listen: Fantastic "lost" songs from The Spinners released

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    (February 28, 2020) Those who know me know that The Spinners are at the top of my all-time list of vocal groups. During the 1970s, teamed with legendary producer Thom Bell, they released some of the most glorious adult soul albums ever, and carved for themselves a permanent place in soul music history.

    By the end of the 1980s, The Spinners' hitmaking days were done, though they continue to perform to this day, led by group co-founder and last surviving original member Henry Fambrough.

    (February 28, 2020) Those who know me know that The Spinners are at the top of my all-time list of vocal groups. During the 1970s, teamed with legendary producer Thom Bell, they released some of the most glorious adult soul albums ever, and carved for themselves a permanent place in soul music history.

    By the end of the 1980s, The Spinners' hitmaking days were done, though they continue to perform to this day, led by group co-founder and last surviving original member Henry Fambrough.

    What we didn't know is that in 1991, the Spinners (then with the lineup of Bobby Smith, Henry Fambrough, Billy Henderson, Pervis Jackson and John Edwards) went into the studio with noted songwriter and producer Preston Glass to record a series of songs that never saw the light of day...until now. The EP Leap Year Extra has just been issued (Soul Music Records / Platinum Garage Recordings), featuring a trio of songs from this recording session, and they are an absolute treat. The featured song is the upbeat "A Good Woman Is Hard To Find," but for my money, the Sam Cooke-influenced midtempo "Classic," and the sweet ballad "Put The Romance Back" are the hidden gems here.

    It is quite a surprise in 2020 to unearth this recording session of an all-timer group, and even better for the music to sound this good. Check out Leap Year Extra below and tell us what you think!

    By Chris Rizik