Artist:Ecstasy, Passion & Pain
Song:Ask Me
Album:Ecstasy, Passion & Pain
Ask Me was one of four mid 70s R&B hits for Ecstasy, Passion & Pain (EPP). They only recorded one album. The leader of EPP was lead singer, guitarist and songwriter Barbara Roy. She was born Barbara Gaskins in Kinston, NC. In the 60s, she recorded with her niece as Barbara and Brenda. After releasing a few unsuccessful singles, Brenda quit the music business. Barbara moved to New York and became a session musician. She formed EPP in 1973 and signed with Roulette Records. Though EPP was a band, they didn't play on the 1974 album Ecstasy, Passion & Pain. Barbara was sent to Philadelphia to work with veteran Philly Soul producer Bobby Martin. He used his usual musicians like Bobby Eli and Norman Harris on guitar, Ron Kersey on keyboards, Ronnie Baker on bass and Earl Young on drums. That's MFSB. Barbara wrote about half the songs on the album including Ask Me. It reached #19 on the R&B Singles chart. Four singles were top 20 R&B hits. This album was rereleased in the mid 90s by the British label Stateside and it's available as a digital download. I'm sure the band was unhappy about not playing on the album. So they all left. Barbara formed a new EPP. But when the first two singles didn't do well, she ended the band. Barbara topped the dance charts with the 1986 single Gotta See You Tonight. Barbara is now a minister based in Washington, DC and she released a gospel album in 2012. Here's Ecstasy, Passion & Pain performing Ask Me on Soul Train 1974. You gotta love Barbara's afro.
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