 The first hit single for Deep Purple was a version of the song Hush . Their then bass player Nick Simper told Mojo Magazine recently "the version Ritchie (Blackmore) and I heard was by Kris Ife, in Manchester at a discotheque called the Phonograph. I had a friend in a ballroom band who taught us the song." The Kris Ife version , released in 1967 was a top discotheque spin then, and has become a club fav today, original copies of the single now commanding decent prices on ebay. Kris Ife had been in the harmony rock band The Quiet Five (see RPM 308) and was asked by a producer to sing a soulful version of this country pop song written by Joe South. On the session was also keyboard genius Alan Hawkshaw. It sold well in Germany and the Uk.. As the boundaries between rock and soul blurred during the late 60's Ife recorded more in that vein through the period. There were singles for the Uk white soul label Music Factory, a take on the Righteous Brothers in the duo Jackson & Jones , and swamp rock as Judd for an album in the style of Tony Joe White for Larry Page and Penny Farthing Records. The latter's UK rock soul credentials were enhanced by the addition of Madeline Bell and Doris Troy on soaring backing vocals. All is collected here with excellent track-by-track notes from Kris Ife, and photos from his personal archive.Hush - Kris Ife / Spectator - Kris Ife / This Womans Love - Kris Ife / Give And Take - Kris Ife / Redman - Kris Ife / All Right - Judd / Merrilee Thompson - Judd / Do I Still Figure In Your Life - Judd / Odd Job - Judd / Let's Work Together - Judd / Daylight - Judd / The Days Of Flesh And Blood - Judd / Down On The Corner - Judd / Stronger Than A Man - Judd / Until Tomorrow - Judd / Louisiana Sunday - Judd / Thee - Judd / Snarlin Momma Lion - Judd / I'll Be Gone - Judd / Louisiana Woman - Judd / Still, Still, Still - Judd / Make No Mistake - Jackson & Jones / Hard Loving Fast Moving Woman - Jackson & Jones / Walk The Tightrope - Jackson & Jones / Bring Back Those Happy Days - Jackson & Jones
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