The Sound Council continues to dig deep and unearth music that deserves the light of day and regarded as essential listening. Their latest from LA’s Creative Power is just another in their growing catalog of releases that are sure to fill your crates.
Creative Power was a Los Angeles based R&B group from the late 1980s, led by visionary Ernie Benzor and known producer Arthur Brown of the band KIDDO. In 1986, Creative Power recorded their first self-titled single, a release that has since become sought after by DJs and collectors alike.
The following year the group returned to the studio to record what would become a stunning R&B/Dance anthem: “Special Love.” Rich in melody and driven by the distinct, heartfelt vocals of Stacy Collins, the single carried all the makings of a breakout record. The track had everything- except a system to carry it forward. With no major label support or promotional budget, only 20 copies were pressed up and circulated as a demo among a handful of local DJs- in hopes of sparking interest.
Without the means to push the project, “Special Love” quietly slipped through the cracks of time- an extraordinary recording lost to circumstance, waiting to be rediscovered. Decades later, a copy resurfaced in Orange County, California, tucked away in a dusty crate at the Golden West Swap Meet. That discovery set off a chain reaction- leading back to Arthur Brown and the original creative director Ernie Benzor, who had luckily preserved the masters.
This special release marks the first official 7” 45 RPM pressing of a record that was never fully realized- until now.
Thank you for taking the time to rediscover this exceptional work. We hope you too will be moved by the beauty and strength of Creative Power.