Scepter Singles 62-73

From the moment she burst onto the music scene in 1962 exhorting "Don't Make Me Over," Dionne Warwick has been a musical force with which to be reckoned. The legendary singer blended elegant pop and deeply felt soul in a fashion which remains unrivaled today for its sophistication and polish; her signature songs such as "Walk On By", "I Say A Little Prayer", "Alfie", and "I'll Never Fall In Love Again" have all become cornerstones of the new American songbook.

Those songs were all co-written and co-produced by the team of Burt Bacharach and Hal David; Warwick has often described her relationship with them as 'the triangle marriage that worked'. Last week, Bacharach passed away at the age of 94, prompting the singer to reflect, "Burt's transition is like losing a family member. These words I've been asked to write are being written with sadness over the loss of my dear friend and musical partner". Hal David died in 2012 at 91.

Yesterday, Real Gone Music announced the release of a long in the works compendium that definitively celebrates 'the triangle marriage that worked'. "The Complete Scepter Singles 1962-1973", due April 7th, 2023, on a 3 CD set, is an album which Dionne fans have long been waiting for, a complete collection featuring the a and b sides of every one of her classic Scepter Records singles, plus 2 bonus sides originally issued on the Musicor label. A total of 74 songs are featured including all of the classic original Bacharach and David productions, as well as deep cuts such as "Slaves", "Amanda", "He's Moving On", "Walk Little Dolly", a favorite of Bacharach collaborator Elvis Costello, and many, many more,

A total of more than 30 entries on the Hot 100, 7 of which hit the Top 10, not to mention plentiful ac and r'n'b smashes. "Message To Michael", "Do You Know The Way to San Jose", "Promises, Promises", "Trains And Boats And Planes", "This Girl's In Love With You", and the Andre and Dory Previn penned "(Theme From) Valley Of The Dolls" are just a few of the timeless gems heard here as they were first heard on AM radio in the 1960's and far beyond. The set follows Real Gone Music's 2013 release of Warwick's "Complete Warner Bros Singles".

Every track on this anthology is presented in its original mono single mix, except for a few later titles originally issued as stereo singles. Mike Milchner at Sonic Vision has remastered the singles from original tape sources, while veteran music journalist Paul Grein has provided liner notes. John Sellards has designed the package, which includes rare photos of Warwick in the 28 page booklet.

Eagle eyed readers might remember that this collection was originally offered under the title "The Complete 1960's Singles Plus" by TJL Productions in 2018 as a Public Television pledge premium. This 1st time release to general retail features new design elements and is limited to just 3 000 units.
Dionne Warwick's "The Complete Scepter Singles 1962-1973" is a remarkable and comprehensive tribute to the singer's enduring collaboration with the late Burt Bacharach and Hal David. It hits stores on April 7th, 2023, from Real Gone Music.