Deniece Williams - Free: The Columbia / Arc Recordings 1976-1988 (Clamshell) [CD]

pstrongSoulMusic Records is very proud to present a deluxe box set of the 11 Columbia and ARC albums by award-winning icon Deniece Williams released between 1976-1988. A constant presence on the contemporary music scene as a soul pop and gospel best-selling artist and distinguished songwriter lsquoNiecyrsquo (as shersquos been known since her early lsquo70s tenure with Stevie Wonderrsquos female background vocalists Wonderlove) has racked up over 25 charted hits all of which can be found on the eight discs that comprise this first-of-its-kind full showcase of Deniecersquos distinctive and influential music.strongp pstrongProduced by SoulMusic.com founder David Nathan ldquoFree The ColumbiaARC Recordingsrdquo includes an outstanding in-depth essay by distinguished US writer Justin Kantor with 2021 direct comments from Deniece herself along with interview quotes from the legendary Johnny Mathis as well as an array of producers songwriters and collaborators involved with some of Niecyrsquos albums such as Nathan East Bill Neale Greg Mathieson Monte Moir Michael Jeffries Diane Warren and Michele Val Jean specifically for this project. With stunning artwork by Roger Williams and first class mastering by Nick Robbins this beautifully-packaged set boasts 115 tracks that display Denice Williamsrsquo soulful artistry as a pre-eminent hitmaker and creative mainstay with a global audience. strongp ul listrongDisc 1 Combining her 1976 gold-certified debut solo LP NIECY with the follow-up SONG BIRD (1977) ndash the former produced by the late Maurice White (of EWampF fame) and the late Charles Stepney the latter produced by White ndash the 15 tracks include the timeless classic lsquoFreersquo and Niecyrsquos long-time show closer lsquoGod Is Amazingrsquo.strongli ul ul listrongDisc 2 An expanded edition of THATrsquoS WHAT FRIENDS ARE FOR 1978rsquos international best-selling LP of duets with the iconic Johnny Mathis and three bonus tracks the across-the-board global No. 1 lsquoToo Much Too Little Too Latersquo as well as versions of The Bee Gees-penned lsquoEmotionrsquo and a 1984 rendition of Major Harrisrsquo lsquoLove Wonrsquot Let Me Waitrsquo.strongli ul ul listrongDisc 3 WHEN LOVE COMES CALLING (1979) with production by Ray Parker Jr. and David Foster includes the RampBdance hit lsquoIrsquove Got The Next Dancersquo and 1981rsquos MY MELODY teams Deniece with legendary Philly soul producersongwriter Thom Bell resulting in charted singles lsquoSillyrsquo and lsquoItrsquos Your Consciencersquo. strongli ul ul listrongDisc 4 Deniece and Thom Bell followed up with 1982rsquos NIECY included one of her biggest hits a cover of The Royalettesrsquo lsquoItrsquos Gonna Take A Miraclersquo while the 1983 set IrsquoM SO PROUD marked the beginning of Niecyrsquos work with late