Expansion Records

If you’re a fan of Modern Soul and Two-Step, EXUMG06 is a heavyweight addition to your collection. While Peabo Bryson eventually became a global pop-ballad superstar (winning Grammys for Disney’s Beauty and the Beast and Aladdin), soul purists know his best work was his late-70s output on Capitol Records. This release pulls two tracks from his 1978 album Reaching for the Sky, capturing Peabo when his sound was at its most soulful and rhythmically sophisticated. The Product: Peabo Bryson – Reaching For The Sky / Feel The Fire Label: Expansion / Capitol Format: 7" Vinyl Single (45 RPM) Catalog Number: EXUMG06 ### Side A: "Reaching For The Sky" The ultimate "Two-Step" anthem. This track is a masterclass in mid-tempo groove. It features a rolling, effortless bassline and Peabo’s rich, velvet-smooth vocals. In the UK soul scene, this isn't just a song; it’s a foundational record that has filled dancefloors at weekenders for over four decades. Side B: "Feel The Fire" A deep, emotive soul ballad. While "Reaching For The Sky" handles the dancefloor, "Feel The Fire" handles the "soul" in Modern Soul. It showcases the incredible power and control of Bryson's voice before the production became overly "pop" in the 1980s. Fascinating Collector’s Facts & Figures 1. The "UMG" Mystery The EXUMG prefix in the catalog number is significant. The Fact: It stands for Universal Music Group. This series was a special partnership where Expansion was granted direct access to the massive UMG/Capitol vault to create high-spec 7-inch versions of tracks that were traditionally "album-only" or only available on worn-out original pressings. 2. The 39-Year Wait for a 45 "Reaching For The Sky" was a massive album track but was never properly issued as a commercial 7-inch single in the UK during its 1978 release. The Scarcity: Before this Expansion release, DJs often had to hunt for rare US promos or lug the full LP to gigs. EXUMG06 marks one of the first times this track was available as a standalone, high-fidelity 45 specifically for the UK market. 3. The "Two-Step" Gold Standard In the 1980s, the UK developed a specific dance subculture called Two-Step. The Figure: "Reaching For The Sky" is widely cited by legendary DJs like Colin Curtis and Richard Searling as one of the "Blueprints" for the Two-Step sound. It sits at a perfect tempo (approx. 90-95 BPM) that allows for a smooth, synchronized dance style. 4. The Songwriter’s Pedigree Peabo Bryson didn't just sing these tracks; he wrote and produced them. The Fact: In an era where many soul singers were directed by "hit factories," Peabo had total creative control at Capitol. This autonomy is why "Reaching For The Sky" feels so organic and timeless—it wasn't chasing a disco trend; it was defining a soulful mood. Technical Specs for Collectors Mastering: Expansion utilized the original Capitol Records master tapes. The 45 RPM cut is significantly "punchier" than the LP version, with the bass frequencies EQ'd to stand out on modern club sound systems. The Label: The record features the iconic Capitol "Purple" label design from the late 70s, a detail that makes it indistinguishable from a vintage "stock" copy at a glance. Collector's Tip: EXUMG06 is often paired in record boxes with other Capitol legends like Maze featuring Frankie Beverly. If you are building a "Late 70s Sophisti-Soul" set, this record is your centerpiece.