Partners is a 1979 album by Scherrie & Susaye released on Motown Records. Following the disbanding of the Supremes in 1977, former group members Scherrie Payne and Susaye Greene recorded the album, sharing songwriting, arranging and production duties. Ray Charles performed on "Luvbug" whilst Joyce Vincent Wilson (formerly of Tony Orlando and Dawn) is featured on background vocals.
"Leaving Me Was the Best Thing You've Ever Done" was released as the album's only single. In 2014, the album was re-released on CD and to digital music stores and online streaming services.
Critical reception
In an AllMusic review, Ed Hogan noted 'the overall smooth, intelligent tone of the album', describing Partners as 'a quiet storm precursor'. Hogan expressed "Luvbug" featuring Ray Charles is 'thick and funky' and 'sophisticated slow jams like "You've Been Good to Me," "Another Life From Now," and mellow treats like "In the Night" and "Your Sweet Love" were ahead of their time'. Meanwhile, "Leaving Me Was the Best Thing You've Ever Done" and "I Found Another Love" 'satisfy their dance fans'.
A contemporary Billboard review praised Scherrie & Susaye's 'strong, soulful' vocals and described the album as an 'interesting, if occasionally uneven, package of mostly upbeat songs', citing "Storybook Romance", "Your Sweet Love" and "Luvbug" as the 'best cuts'. The Bay State Banner wrote that "the songs Scherrie (Payne) wrote are standard housewife soul sung by two voices acting as one in the manner of any back-up singers."
In an interview with Blues & Soul, Payne recounted " I remember first meeting Luther Vandross. We were at a session. Quincy Jones called Susaye and me into a session with Luther, James Ingram, and I can't remember who else [...] Luther was so excited to meet Susaye and me, and when he said he loved Partners and just when on and on about it, it really made me feel good.
Track listing
Out-takes Several tracks recorded during the sessions for 'Partners' did not make the final cut. These include "We'll Get By", "The Fantasy", "Slow Dance".
Personnel
Musicians
Backing Vocals – Scherrie Payne, Susaye Greene-Brown, Allen L. Greene III, Bill Champlin, Carmen Twillie (Arranger), Ed Brown, Gene McDaniels, Jim Gilstrap, Joyce Vincent-Wilson, Kathy Collier, Roy Galloway, Venette Gloud Baritone Saxophone, Tenor Saxophone – Kim Hutchcroft Bass – Abraham Laboriel, Ed Brown (tracks: "Your Sweet Love", "Luvbug", "In The Night") Drums – Steve Schaeffer Electric Piano [Fender Rhodes], Piano [Acoustic] – Leon Pendarvis, Randy Waldman Guitar – Alan Silvestri, Jeff Mironov Percussion – Paulinho Da Costa Piano [Acoustic], Synthesizer, Clavinet, Keyboards [Arp] – Odell Brown, Susaye Greene-Brown ("When The Day Comes Every Night") Synthesizer – Craig Hundley Tenor Saxophone – Gary Herbig Tenor Saxophone, Alto Saxophone, Flute – Larry Williams Trombone [Alto], Bass Trombone, Tenor Saxophone – William Reichenbach Trumpet, Flugelhorn – Gary Grant, Jerry Hey
Technical
Arranger, Co-Producer – Scherrie Payne, Susaye Greene-Brown Co-producer – Ed Brown Concertmaster – Gerald Vinci, Bill Nuttycombe Coordinator [Production, Assistant] – Lori Nadlman Coordinator [Production] – Cyndi James-Reese Engineer [Assistant] – Bill Battrell, Bill Stern, Bino Espinoza, James Warmack Executive-Producer – Suzanne de Passe Le Mat Mastered By – John Matousek, Russ Terrana Mixed By – Milt Calice, Russ Terrana Producer – Eugene McDaniels Product Manager – Suzanne Coston Recorded By – Milt Calice
Artwork
Art Direction – John Cabalka Calligraphy [Lettering] – Vigon Nahas Vigon Design – Ginny Livingston Photography By – Claude Mougin
Singles "Leaving Me Was the Best Thing You've Ever Done" b/w "When the Day Comes Every Night" (US, CAN - Motown 1473), (UK - TMG 1167), (PRT - IM-26010)
References