Item ID:
EX7026
Royal Mail
International Shipping
The 2017 release of "What's Your Name" by the incomparable Leon Ware on Expansion Records (catalogue number EX7026) is a quintessential "Modern Soul" 45. It pairs two tracks from his 1979 masterpiece, Inside Is Love, in a format that had been surprisingly difficult to acquire in its full glory. The Release Details Format: 7" Vinyl, 45 RPM. Release Date: 10 November 2017. Side A: "What's Your Name" (4:10). Side B: "Inside Your Love" (4:35). Why This Release Is Significant Whilst "What's Your Name" was released as a single back in 1979 (on the Fabulous label), the original seven-inch pressings often featured truncated or edited versions. The Full Experience: This Expansion reissue is highly prized because it presents the full-length album versions of both tracks on a seven-inch single for the first time. The B-Side Gem: "Inside Your Love" is Leon Ware's own interpretation of a song he famously co-wrote for Minnie Riperton (featured on her album Adventures in Paradise). His version is a masterclass in the "sensual soul" sound he pioneered. The "Messenger of Love": Released just months after Leon Ware's passing in February 2017, this record served as a poignant tribute to his enduring influence on the genre. About Leon Ware Leon Ware was a titan of soul music, perhaps best known for producing and co-writing Marvin Gaye's seminal 1976 album, I Want You. The Architect of Smooth: His solo work, particularly from the late 1970s and early 1980s, defined the "Quiet Storm" and "Modern Soul" sounds—sophisticated, harmonically rich, and deeply romantic. Expansion Connection: Expansion Records has long been a champion of Leon's catalogue, having reissued several of his albums and rare singles, including "Why I Came To California" and "Rockin' You Eternally." The Sound "What's Your Name": A floor-filling disco-soul anthem with a driving bassline and Leon’s signature breathy, effortless vocals. It remains a staple for DJs at soul weekenders across Europe. "Inside Your Love": A smoother, mid-tempo groove that showcases his intricate arrangements and the sultry atmosphere that became his trademark.