In 1971, Minneapolis-based soul group The Valdons released what almost became their only 7” record. However, as fate would have it, our work on 2012’s Twin Cities Funk And Soul compilation connected us with the group as the record included several of their tracks. To celebrate the compilations release we reunited the group for a string of live performances, which quickly lead to producing new recordings.
The lineup included original members Clifton Curtis, Maurice Young, and Monroe Wright III, along with Secret Stash label-mate Sonny Knight. The Lakers, best known for backing Knight both in-studio and on-stage, served as the backing band. The sessions, produced by Secret Stash founder and Lakers drummer Eric Foss and engineered by John Miller, featured three compositions that resurfaced when Wright brought a collection of 1970s demos and rehearsal tapes to the Secret Stash offices. Label staff spent countless hours repairing and digitizing the tapes, revealing sketches of the songs. With the help of The Lakers, The Valdons completed full arrangements, rescuing the songs from obscurity.
Since then, all 3 recordings, especially Whatcha Gonna Do, have gone to become staples of the scene. At one point used copies of Whatcha Gonna Do were trading hands for hundreds of dollars, and as of writing this it has hit 11 million streams on Spotify. Not exactly a platinum record, but also not nothing for a song no one had ever heard of by band only known by a hardcore record collectors.
Today we’re excited to make available for the first time ever instrumental mixes of all three recordings. While there is no denying that the singers are what make these tracks so special, instrumentals can provide a fun look behind the sonic curtain. We hope you enjoy it!