Expansion Records

If you are a fan of Roy Ayers or the "Rare Groove" sound of the late '70s and early '80s, EX7014 is a record that represents the absolute "creme de la creme" of the Expansion catalog. Ethel Beatty was a Broadway actress and singer with a voice like velvet. Her output was incredibly limited, but what she left behind—under the tutelage of Roy Ayers—is nothing short of legendary. The Product: Ethel Beatty – It’s My Pleasure / I Know You Care Label: Expansion / Uno Melodic Format: 7" Vinyl Single (45 RPM) Catalog Number: EX7014 Release Year: 2016 Side A: "It’s My Pleasure" Produced by Roy Ayers, this is a masterclass in atmospheric Jazz-Funk. It features a hypnotic, rolling bassline and Roy’s signature vibraphone flourishes. Ethel’s vocal is understated and soulful, making it a "Two-Step" anthem and a permanent fixture in the UK's soul club heritage. Side B: "I Know You Care" A stunning mid-tempo builder. This track is highly sought after by DJs for its sophisticated arrangement and "steppers" rhythm. It captures the transition from the jazz-heavy 70s to the smoother, electronic-tinged 80s soul. Fascinating Collector’s Facts & Figures 1. The Roy Ayers "Seal of Quality" These tracks were originally released on Roy Ayers' own Uno Melodic label in 1981. The Fact: Much like the Sylvia Striplin and Eighties Ladies releases we’ve discussed, this record features the "Ayers Inner Circle" of session musicians, including the legendary James Bedford. The Figure: This specific sound—airy, rhythmic, and sophisticated—is often referred to as the "Uno Melodic Sound," and Ethel Beatty’s single is arguably its most refined moment. 2. The £300+ Original The original 1981 US 12-inch or 7-inch on Uno Melodic is a "Holy Grail" item. The Figure: A clean original 7-inch can easily command £300–£500 on the collector's market. The 45 Rarity: Because the 7-inch was pressed in much smaller quantities than the 12-inch, it is exceptionally rare. EX7014 marks the first time many collectors could actually afford to own the 45 RPM version. 3. The "Rare Groove" Renaissance "It's My Pleasure" became a staple of the London Rare Groove scene in the late 1980s. The Impact: DJs like Norman Jay and Gilles Peterson championed this record, taking it from an obscure NYC jazz-funk track to an iconic UK soul anthem. Its inclusion in the Expansion catalog was a response to decades of demand from British soul fans. 4. Limited "Uno Melodic" Label Design Expansion went to great lengths to ensure this release looked the part. The Detail: The record features the iconic blue, black, and white Uno Melodic label. The Mastering: This 2016 reissue was remastered to ensure the "vibes" (vibraphone) and the bassline were perfectly balanced for modern sound systems, fixing some of the "thin" sound found on early 80s pressings. Technical Specs for Collectors Mastering: Cut specifically for 45 RPM to maximize the "punch" of the drum track. Duration: Both tracks are the full, unedited versions, providing the complete musical journey Roy Ayers intended. Market Status: EX7014 is now considered a "back-catalog" gem. While it was more available upon release in 2016, it is becoming increasingly difficult to find as new collectors discover the Roy Ayers production tree. Collector's Tip: Ethel Beatty's "I Know You Care" is often sampled by Neo-Soul and Hip-Hop producers for its "clean" intro. If you have this record, EX7020 (Sylvia Striplin), and EX7037 (Eighties Ladies), you effectively own the "Trinity" of Roy Ayers' female-led soul productions.