Release Date: 06/11/26 - Spread Love (Indies Only Gold Vinyl)
This record will be released
50 years since Michael Orr and Carey Harris self-released Spread Love, this iconic underground cult masterpiece is finally getting the attention it deserved all along. A timeless release, with a sound, production and level of songwriting that could go toeto-toe with the best, it was passed over by a number of labels back in '75, leading to Michael and Carey putting it out themselves.
Artist: Carey Harris & Michael Orr
Genre: Soul
Label: Mr Bongo
Spread Love radiates with a message that is as pertinent as ever - heartfelt lyrics and soaring melodies covering a spectrum of genres including modern and classic soul, gospel, early disco, and jazz-funk. Raised in Detroit before moving to rural West Virginia, Michael learned to play piano at a young age.
Those early influences of Ray Charles, Stevie Wonder, Dionne Warwick and many more, led him to form a band who played local 'sock hops' as well as getting paid $5 a week at aged 14 to play piano for the church choir. Fast forward 10 years, and whilst working for the local county, Michael would travel back home every lunch to write songs on his baby grand in his basement. His dream was to be a songwriter, and his intention was never the limelight.
He penned 'Feelings' with Gladys Knight in mind and sent it to his childhood friend Carey Harris, who was the bassist in her band. Gladys liked it but didn't think it fit with where she was going at the time. That initial rejection sparked the idea of Carey and Michael recording it themselves. With the help of Michael's wife who sold some of her possessions to fund the studio time, they recorded the album at Agency Recording Studio in Cleveland alongside one of the O'Jays drummers Ricardo "Ricky Speed" Nixon, Adolph Burton and Bernardine Mitchell.
About the artist
Having grown up in rural West Virginia, Michael Orr is a marvelously talented musician and accomplished singer, songwriter, and producer. From the time he was placed on a piano bench as a toddler, Michael has been playing and composing music.
This 1LP Vinyl product is a:
- Limited Edition
- Coloured Vinyl
If this album is something you would like to buy when it's released, drop us a line on chat@capsulerecords.co.uk or let us know when you are next in store.
