CHUCK JACKSON - The Best Of The Wand Years

Although Chuck Jackson had eight solo LPs on Wand,
there has never been a greatest hits compilation derived
from all of that fine label’s recordings, until now.
First known to the original mods as a singer of superb
ballads such as ‘Any Day Now’ and ‘Tell Him I’m Not
Home’, he attracted a loyal following and further releases
such as ‘I Keep Forgetting’, ‘Beg Me’ and ‘Hand It Over’
demonstrated the depth of his and Wand’s talents on
uptempo tracks. Somewhere in between rhythmically were
highlights such as ‘Two Stupid Feet’, an album-only track,
and Jackson’s Wand debut that first made his name in the
USA, ‘I Don’t Want To Cry’.
By the mid-60s it was back to ballads as a stunning
reading of the Skyliners’ ‘Since I Don’t Have You’ charted,
followed closely by Goffin and King’s ‘I Need You’. These
two sold well so it is surprising that the superb version of
the Van McCoy song ‘I Don’t Want To See You Cry’ was
never released. Vee-Jay released Jerry Butler’s version on
45 in 1965, but Jackson’s rendition tops even that.
Moving with the times, in 1965 Wand took Chuck to Detroit
for ‘Good Things Come To Those Who Wait’ which, like
‘Chains Of Love’, became firm favourites on the early
Northern Soul scene, while being largely ignored in the
States. Those rare soul fans rekindled their appreciation of
all things Chuck in the late 80s when UK Kent Records
unearthed unissued Wand recordings. They included
‘What’s With This Loneliness’ and ‘(I’d Be A) Millionaire’
which filled dancefloors with new recruits and older
originals who appreciated the easier pace and more soulful
delivery of these gems.

Vinyl release of Chuck Jackson - The Best Of The Wand Years. Released through KENT and available on LP.