Expansion Records

If you are a fan of high energy Boogie and the sophisticated sound of the early 1980s, EXS035 is a pivotal 7 inch. Jerry Bell was a vocalist of immense pedigree, serving as a member of both The New Birth and The Dazz Band, but his solo work on the MCA label is where he truly shines for Modern Soul collectors. The Product: Jerry Bell – Tell Me You’ll Stay / (Call Me) Any Time Label: Expansion / MCA Format: 7" Vinyl Single (45 RPM) Catalog Number: EXS035 Release Year: 2021 Side A: Tell Me You’ll Stay Originally from his 1981 album Winter Love, this track is the definition of a Modern Soul "dancer." It features a driving, synthesized bassline and a crisp 80s drum snap that perfectly complements Jerry’s powerful, soulful tenor. It is a staple at UK soul weekenders and is highly prized for its "feel good" energy. Side B: (Call Me) Any Time A mid tempo, melodic soul gem. While the A side is the floor filler, this track showcases Jerry’s ability to deliver a sophisticated, "Quiet Storm" style vocal over a polished West Coast production. Fascinating Collector’s Facts & Figures 1. The Philip Bailey Connection This record features a massive amount of "star power" behind the scenes. The Fact: The album was produced by Philip Bailey of Earth, Wind & Fire. The Figure: You can hear that distinct EWF influence in the vocal arrangements and the precision of the horn section. This high budget production is why the record sounds so much "bigger" than many independent soul releases of the same era. 2. The 40 Year Wait for a 45 "Tell Me You’ll Stay" was a huge club track, but it was largely an "album only" treasure for decades. The Scarcity: Original US 7 inch copies are incredibly rare and were mostly distributed as radio promos. Before the EXS035 release in 2021, most DJs were forced to play the track from the LP. The Expansion Debut: This was the first time this track was available on a high quality, remastered 45 for the general public. 3. The Dazz Band Pedigree Jerry Bell’s voice is iconic to fans of 80s funk. The Impact: Shortly after his solo stint, Jerry joined The Dazz Band, contributing to their legendary electronic funk sound. Collectors hunt for his solo material because it captures his voice in a more traditional, "organic" soul setting before the full transition into 80s electro-funk. 4. The "MCA Blue" Label Expansion went to great lengths to ensure the aesthetic matched the era. The Detail: This release features a recreation of the classic MCA "Rainbow" label, which was the standard for the label's 1980s output. Technical Specs for Collectors Mastering: Expansion utilized the original MCA/Universal masters. The 45 RPM cut is noted for its "loudness" and "clarity," making the bassline punch through much more effectively than on the original 1981 vinyl LP. The "Two Step" Appeal: While "Tell Me You’ll Stay" is an uptempo track, its rhythm makes it a favorite for the UK Two Step scene, as it allows for a smooth, synchronized dance style. Collector's Tip: Jerry Bell is the brother of Archie Bell (of Archie Bell & The Drells). If you love the sophisticated dance sound of the early 80s, this record is the perfect companion to other Expansion hits like Future Flight (EXS040).