Expansion Records

Expansion Records' release of "Easy Does It" (EX7033) highlights a pivotal moment in Hutch’s career. After defining the "Blaxploitation" sound with The Mack and Foxy Brown at Motown, Hutch moved to Norman Whitfield’s label. This release captures the sophisticated, mid-tempo transition from gritty 70s soul to the polished, "two-step" groove that DJs have worshipped for decades. The Product: Willie Hutch – Easy Does It / Kelly Green Label: Expansion Format: 7" Vinyl Single (45 RPM, Remastered) Catalog Number: EX7033 Side A: "Easy Does It" Originally tucked away on the 1978 album In Tune, this track is a masterclass in "Sophisti-soul." Produced by Hutch himself, it features a subtle keyboard riff and a steady, building heat that makes it a perennial favorite for Modern Soul dancefloors. Side B: "Kelly Green" A hidden gem from the 1979 Midnight Dancer sessions. While the A-side is for the dancers, "Kelly Green" is for the late-night listeners—showcasing the smoother, more melodic side of the Whitfield Records era. Fascinating Collector’s Facts & Figures 1. The Promo-Only Mystery For years, a 7" vinyl version of "Easy Does It" was nearly impossible to find. The Figure: In the US, the track was originally released only as a promo-only 7" to radio stations to support the Midnight Dancer album. Because there was no widespread commercial 7" release in the 70s, original promo copies became highly sought-after "trophies" for soul purists. 2. The "I'll Be There" Connection Before he was a solo star, Willie Hutch was Motown's secret weapon. When producer Hal Davis needed lyrics for a backing track for a new group called The Jackson 5, he called Hutch at 8:00 PM. Hutch wrote the lyrics for "I'll Be There" overnight. It became the group's biggest hit, cementing Hutch’s status as a genius of the pen before he ever stepped into the spotlight as a performer. 3. The Norman Whitfield Era This release represents the rare "post-Motown" period where two titans met. Norman Whitfield (the man behind "Papa Was a Rolling Stone") signed Hutch to his own Whitfield Records. The Fact: This track features the "crème de la crème" of LA session musicians, including members of the Funk Brothers (Jack Ashford and Eddie "Bongo" Brown) who had followed Whitfield from Detroit to California. 4. Market Value & Scarcity While Expansion has made this accessible again, the original 1978 UK 12" (where it appeared as a B-side to "Come On And Dance With Me") remains a staple in "Organic Groove" sets. The Figure: Clean original 12" copies and the rare US promos have historically fluctuated between £40–£80 depending on condition, making this remastered 7" a vital (and more affordable) tool for working DJs. Collector's Tip: The Expansion EX7033 pressing is prized for its remastered audio quality. Unlike the original 70s pressings, which were often "thin" due to disco-era mastering, this 2018 reissue was EQ’d specifically to bring out the bottom-end bass for modern sound systems.