First of all a big thank you to Captain Morgan for inviting us a long to the Taste of Honey at the Hell Fire Club, secondly a big thank you to all the wonderful friends we had the pleasure to share the day with.

It's probably the first time I've walked in to a place and was speechless, it's still makes me smile while I'm writing this, check the photos out you'll know what I mean. If you've not been to the Hellfire Club then go, life will never be the same again, a great spooky place with the strangest of managers I've come across, however he did work his nuts off and tried very hard to accommodate everyone, which he accomplished with ease, no complaints about the service from anyone, he also made the most terrific chicken and stuffing baps.

The music and atmosphere were relaxed with a party spirit, we had loads of laughs, listened to great tunes and we will definitely be going back to visit this place again. Also a big thank you to Willie West, who gave me 4 cd's of really nice tunes to go home with, it really is refreshing when people like Willie come along and say listen to these, he has a great knowledge of the music and wants to share it with others. That really is the essence of this great music, it inspires you and others to listen and carry it on further. Well done and thank you to all who made this a memorable day.

Here's what I played in no particular order

Dynamics – You make me feel so good – RCA
Voltaire's – My, My, My Baby – Bacone
People's Choice – Savin' My Lovin' For You – Palmer
Ringleaders – Baby, what has happened to our love – M-PAC
Little Dooley – If ever I needed you – Koko
Eli "The Prophet" – Take a little give a lot" – ALA
The Soul City – I shot for the moon – Mercury
El Anthony – We've been in love to long – La Cindy
Lee Fields – Take me back – Angle 3
Volcanos – Your number 1 – Arctic
Herman Hitson – Yes you did – Minit
Ster-phonics – Don't leave me – Mas-tok
The Moments – You said – Deep
Barbara Mason – You better stop it – Arctic
Temptones – Girl I love you – Arctic
Archie Bell – A thousand wonders – Spanish Atlantic
Delegates of Soul – I'll come running back – Up-look
Intrigues – Fly now-pay later – Janus
Natural Four – I thought you were mine – ABC
Stratoliners – What do you want with my love – Federal
Claude Huey – Why would you blow it – Galaxy
Wil Collins & Will Power – Anything you can do – Bareback
Soul Suspects – Funky Drop – Black Prince
Willie and the Magnificents – Funky 8 Corners – All Platinum

Without doubt last night was the real deal!!! If Carlsberg did all-nighters they would surely put their name on this one. The Lifeline DJ’s served up an absolutely terrific serving of soul, tune after tune, rare, quality soul and then some more.


It just seemed as though the soul scene has been moved on to another level and the people were united in one place giving it a 100% vote in favor of the move.



For me the spot of the night was from Butch, I’ve been listening to his selection of music closely over the last twenty so years and now he really is on top of his game. Tune after tune, he just blew me away and that’s not to say the others didn’t. When you think some of who I would personally put in the top ten DJ’s bracket in the country if not Europe was on the bill at Lifeline, it really is hard to choose between them. Andy Dyson is right up my street when it comes to soul music, you can tell every 45 is carefully chosen for his spot at Lifeline, Arthur Fenn and Soul Sam again another two who are ahead of their game and let us not forget Chalky, Cliff, Mick H and Rob Smith who are the essential ingredients for this mix that works so right.



Comedy moment – Mace getting bit on the finger from something lurking in a record box, it’s just goes to show when a man delves into the unknown in search of treasure you just don’t know what you may find, the odd chip and more.



Here’s looking to 2011 at Lifeline, it just gets better and better.

Thank you to the promoters Pete Best and Chic for putting on a great show at J17. Albeit a slightly quieter night purely down to the amount of events on and quite a lot of people away either due to other engagements or record hunting in the States, it was still quality all the way and very enjoyable. The new sound system, venue, large dance floor and great punters make this place ideal for a proper soul night.

Unfortunately we missed Pete's spot but got there in time to listen to Jim Smirk, Geese, Kenny Onions and Chic. A really nice set from Geese was followed on by Kenny Onions who as always comes up with the goods, then to finish off the night was Chic, who as always is very modest about his collection, but boy has he got some big tunes in his collection. Hopefully the DJ's will post their playlists so you will see for yourselves the kind of tunes that were played.

I'm glad to say that the venue that was originally started by Ann and Steve has been left and taken on in fine style in the very capable hands of Pete Best and Chic. Don't miss the next one, Saturday 6^th November 8 till 1am with guest DJ's Carl and Maria Willingham, Kev Spittle, Dawn Carmen, Pete best and Chic, now that's a great line up for a quality soul night and only £4 to get in. A not to be missed night I think, keep up the good work, here's looking forward to the next one.

First time visit to this fantastic event, first impressions when you walk in is the outstanding building and design, next is the sheer amount of soulies that attend, I was told that there was in excess of 2,500 people.

The main room dance floor is huge and the DJ's kept the floor full at all times with ease. Musically in the main hall it was almost all Wigan oldies with a bit of Twisted Wheel and Mecca tunes etc thrown in for good measure, all in all a cracking atmosphere that takes you back to the days when politics and who played what didn't matter. Everywhere I looked there were people having a great time, singing, dancing, stomping and clapping. It's been many years since I've seen people dancing on the balcony, this place had it all.

We soon started exploring the other rooms and decided to spend the weekend between the Rare Room, the Mod R&B and the main room. The Modern Room and Club rooms were also good and packed with an electric atmosphere; however the Rare Room and the Mod R&B ticked our boxes.

John Parker, Tony Hatfield and co from the York Soul Club kept everyone entertained with no end of quality rarities, many of which you just don't hear played out, also there were some excellent quality new rarities that were well worth putting on the wants list. The guests who played in this room really did have to play there best sets to keep up to the mark. I certainly will be putting the York Soul Club on the place to visit in the next year.

The Mod R&B room, what a great selection of music everything from gritty R&B tunes to Northern monsters, well worth a visit, a nice size room off the main balcony.

There were not many record dealers which was unusual considering the size of the event, also the 2.30 finish was a bit strange but seemed suited to this type of nostalgia weekend.

Sunday night was the big finish that went on and on, the last four records Dean Parrish - I'm on my way, Tobi Legend - Time will pass you by, Bobby Sheen - Something new to do and finally at least I think it was because we left after the second time of playing this was Jimmy Radcliffe - Long after tonight is all over.

The weekend next year will undoubtedly be sold out again, if you've not been to Bridlington put it on your to do list, it took us three and half hours to get there, however it was worth the journey, we did the weekender and then stayed a few days over to do some sightseeing around York and Whitby, this place has so much to offer.

This place has really gone from strength to strength. What's unique about it is that the emphasis is on the collector and what you've got interesting to play, so there is no real pressure to fill the dance floor, although it's always good to see the dance floor full with punters enjoying themselves.

A nice relaxed atmosphere with plenty of great music, put it on your list of places to visit.

Saturday was a great night with people travelling from far and wide, thank you to everyone especially Ann and Steve for sticking with it and making this a top soul night and letting me loose on the decks, it's always a great pleasure to do J17. Also a special mention to Kenny Onions and John Pugh for all their support, these guys are way ahead, great to see them on Saturday.

All the DJ's as usual were on top form, Chic, Pete, Steve and Mick all were superb. Top marks all round

What I played in no particular order

ROGER PACE – THE MINUTE MY BACK WAS TURNED – SELECT
BILLY SOL –TIME, TIME – DOMAR
ISONICS – SUGAR – KAMMY
BARBARA CARR – MY MAMA TOLD ME – CHESS
CLAUDE HUEY – WHY WOULD YOU BLOW IT – GALAXY
LEE FIELDS – TAKE ME BACK – ANGLE 3
DELEGATES OF SOUL – I'LL COME RUNNING BACK – UP LOOK
JIMMY REED JNR - I AIN'T GOING NOWHERE – MERCURY
CAROL ANDERSON - TAKING MY MIND OFF LOVE – WHIP
GWEN DAVIS – MY MAN DON'T THINK I KNOW – SOUND STAGE 7
BARBARA CARR - YOU BETTER STOP IT - ARCTIC
TURNPIKES - CAST A SPELL - CAPITOL
OSCAR WRIGHT - FELL IN LOVE - FAIRMOUNT
CALIFORNIA ROCK CHOIR - WHOEVER YOU ARE - CYCLONE
HERB WARD - STRANGE CHANGE - ARGO
PAT & THE BLENDERS - JUST BECAUSE - FAST EDDIE
WILLIE & THE MAGNIFICENTS - FUNKY 8 CORNERS - ALL PLATINUM
EDDIE HILL - YOU'VE GOT THE BEST OF ME - THELMA
DANNY WOODS - YOU HAD ME FOOLED - CORREC-TONE
WADE FLEMMONS - JEANETTE - RAMSEL
ATHENS ROGUES - SHE COULD LOVE ME - STOP
LEE FIELDS - TAKE ME BACK - ANGLE 3
RUBY - DECIEVED - GOLD TOKEN
ROY ROBERTS - YOU MOVE ME - HOUSE OF THE FOX
SAM DEES - LONELY FOR YOU BABY - P-VINE ALT TAKE
GARLAND GREEN - AIN'T THAT GOOD ENOUGH - REVUE
VOLTAIRE'S - MY, MY, MY BABY – BACONE

I think that was it, once again thank you to all especially all the people that came and made it such a memorable evening.

One guy in particular that needs a mention was Mick Welsh, this guy is a collector and it was his first time behind the decks anywhere, even though he was nervous before hand, he played a blinder. I'm sure Geese has him down for his soul night shortly, it'll be well worth going and giving him a listen.

Next month Neil Felton is among the guests at J17 so go and give him your support. I'll be there as usual if everything goes to plan.

Just a quick reminder that Bidds All-nighter is on next Saturday 8th May, great line up, don't miss it.

Jerry Brown and the legacy of the yellow labels

I thought I may be too late to get this in the next edition of Soul Up North so I thought I would post my short tribute to Jerry in my blog.

Now I probably didn't know Jerry for as long as some of you, just a couple of years or so, but every time we bumped into one another he made me laugh. I remember him coming up to me at what was the DDA at Lowton sitting down beside me and saying "I really enjoyed your spot here a few months ago, I don't care what the others thought about you, I thought you were good, what's your telephone number". Just one of many one liners I heard him come out with, he also told me about the yellow labels being good and you know what, he may have had something there! Out of the ones that went in the bin here's a few that I've still got and surprisingly I keep finding more!

El Anthony – We've been in love too long – La Cindy

The Vows – Tell me – V.I.P.

Sandi Sheldon – You're gonna make me love you – Epic

Ike & Tina Turner – Somebody needs you – Loma

Delegates of Soul – I'll come running back – Up look

Danny Woods – You had me fooled – Correc-tone

Willie & the Magnificents – Funky 8 corners – All Platinum

Carol Anderson – Taking my mind off love – Whip

California Rock Choir – Whoever you are – Cyclone

Lillian Dupree – Hide & Seek – D-Town

Ebonies – You got what I want – Midwest

Pat & the Blenders – Just because – Fast Eddie

Philharmonics – I need, I need your love – Soulin

Ringleaders – Baby, what has happened to your love – M-pac

Claude Huey – Why would you blow it – Galaxy

Chimes – The beginning of my life – Down to earth

Major Harris – Call me tomorrow – Epic

Younghearts – A little togetherness – Canterbury

Vibrations – Cause you're mine – Epic

Johnny Guitar Watson – Ain't gonna move – Jowat

Parliaments – Heart trouble – Golden World

Al Gardner – Sweet baby – Gooda Mooga

Skip Jackson – I'm on to you girl – Dot-Mar

Vows – Tell me – V.I.P.

Jerry was a real nice guy and it was always a pleasure to spend time and have a natter with him, the last time I saw him we shook hands said our goodbyes and he said "I just might ring you and scare you". Sadly that was to be the last time I saw him, I still miss seeing his smiling face.

P.S. Have a look through your box and see how many yellow labels you can find, you may be surprised.

Underplayed 60s/ 70s Northern, Rhythm and soul, Crossover, Deep funk, Ghetto grooves, rare soul, Beat ballads.

The Blue Parrot, Manchester Piccadilly Gardens, DJ's on the night Paul Grant, Karl Heard, Tony Foster, Paul Sadot, George Mahood, Wayne Dearman, Steve Cato.

Thank you to Steve and everyone at Soul or Nothing for a terrific night of soul music. A really nice venue, great people and a music policy that's really up to date and forward thinking for the soul enthusiast.

All the DJ's on the night played something in their sets that made you sit up and listen, I came away with a few more on my wants list which is always a good sign of a good night. There were some very good cover ups played by Big George that really caught my ear, some of which were outstanding.

This is definitely not a same old venue playing the same old tunes, it's a forward thinking up to date promotion run by and attended by devoted soul folks who have got a feeling for music. There are no boundaries set on what can be played just as long as it comes from the heart and the music inspires you to move. One I will definitely plan to attend again in the future.

Just a quick mention for Wayne Dearman and Paul Grant, these two pulled some great 45's out their boxes, keep watching and listening to their inspiring sets.

Once again thank you to all everyone for making it a very memorable night.

Tony

BIDDS, QUALITY & RARITY Finally we managed to fit a Bidds all-nighter in and wow did we have a cracking time. Loads of familiar faces and welcoming arms, it was just superb. The venue itself has a large wooden dance floor, a very late bar and ample parking facilities, just what you need for a successful all-nighter. The music policy is basically rare quality soul with a hint of R&B and some really nice Latin movers, many of which would be on everyone's wants list. All the DJ's played superb sets, Roger Banks, Mace and Rob Smith really played sets that were of a great liking to my personal tastes. Johnny Beggs played some of the finest Latin and soul tracks I've heard in a long while. Alex Jones and Killa played interesting sets, unfortunately we missed Ted Couldstone but I could well imagine he would have blended it all together nicely. This all-nighter does exactly what it says on the tin with the emphasis being on quality. How could you not want to go to a venue that plays tracks like these, Royal Robins – Something about you that sends me, Sparkles – Try Love, Brooks Brothers – Looking for a woman, Hector Rivera – A chance for romance, Harvey Averne – Never learned to dance, Fascinators – In other words, Thornton Sisters – I keep forgetting, Bobby Valentin – Use it before you lose it, an alternate version of the Tranells – Blessed with a love that was better than the released cut and the Kinetics plus loads more. Will we be going back for more on May 8^th with guests Andy Dyson and Mick H, you bet we will. Thanks to Mace and all for a terrific night, get a long and give them your support on May 8^th, put it in your diary, stick it on your fridge and on your note book, don't miss this upfront all-nighter.