Soul Source Guidelines and Rules -why ?

Sometimes do get feedback from members questioning why there is a need to have or indeed apply rules to the forums on here

Have put together a quick explanation on why do have such things. Basically as a reply and as a reference that the mods can point to the next time the question is asked.


The main aim of all moderation on Soul Source is to help provide a enjoyable and worthwhile forum all about rare/northern soul music

We use the use of Rules/Terms Of Use/Guidelines to help try and achieve this as per the below factors

1. Keep things enjoyable and worthwhile

Navigation/Content
Members should be able to get to quickly the subjects that they wish to read/discuss
When clicking on a subject in a certain forum they should get what they expect, given that it is soul source, the subject title and the actual forum the post is in

Avoid Abuse
The forums should be enjoyable to all members
There is a wide range of members (various ages, tastes, race, sexes, orientations, nationalities or religions) on soul source.
The content should reflect this and members are expected to respect all other members at all times

2. Legal issues

The site does have legal responsibilites.
If aware of any concerns we do have to take action if felt they are needed
All very well saying "see me in court" if anyone complains about your post, however if we do not take action when aware and felt needed,
we could then very well end up standing next to you.

3. Moderation effort

We try and keep all moderation low key and to a minimum.
We have no wish to run around chasing people all day and night for over the top signatures, uploading mp3s, posting in the wrong place and all the rest
We have the rules/guidelines etc to help inform/remind people what they have agreed to do when joining.
That should be enough and indeed is as has been proven over time for the vast majority of all members
However if seems to be needed we will use the warning sytem to try and remind members just what is and what isnt acceptable.


The current rules/terms of use/guidelines can be read via the links at the bottom of every page

Please also be aware that mods cannot be everywhere, posts and conduct that may be inappropriate may get missed or seem to get no action.
We do rely a lot on members helping by making us aware of such by using the report post feature.

Hopefully the above answers the sometime asked question, if do still have any concerns/questions then please feel free to ask below

Thanks
Soul Source Site Team


moved from feedback forum

Hi y'all,

another brand new downloadable podcast available - for free!

http://mattfox.podomatic.com

Subscribe via iTunes possible right in the middle of the website (on the right side)...just click the iTunes button!

Playlist - I'm Such A Lonely One:

01. The Volumes - Ain't Gonna Give You Up
02. The Ascots - She's So Indifferent To Me
03. The Exits - Under The Street Lamp
04. Johnny Nash - Don't Take Away Your Love
05. The Yum Yums - Gonna Be A Big Thing
06. Lenny Curtis - Nothing Can Help You Now
07. Oxford Nights - I'm Such A Lonely One
08. George Byrd - I'm Available
09. The Rivieras - You Counter Feit Girl
10. Dynamite Singletary - The Same Way You Love Your Man You Can Love Me
11. Tyrone Davis - Where Have You Been
12. Eon - We'll Go On
13. The Younghearts - All The Love In The World
14. El Shobey & Co - Never Missed What You Got
15. Flowers - For Real
16. Bessie Banks - Don't You Worry Baby The Best Is Yet To Come
17. Life - Tell Me Why
18. Two Fellows - Stop (Don't Give Up Your Loving)
19. Anita Humes & The Essex - What Did I Do
20. Linda Elliot - A Little Girl Grew Up A Little Last Night
21. Eddie Hill - Nothing Sweeter
22. Lee Williams & Cymbal's - A Girl From A Country Town
23. Eddie Bo - You Are Going To Be Somebodys Fool Too
24. Friends Of Distinction - And I Love Him

In memory of my beloved mom - see you in heaven!

More slanted towards new (2011) tunes in the latest mix - #49 - but they all have that old school, or rather timeless, soul quality to them
and I believe they sit nicely alongside the oldies, you judge for yourself:

BRET LOVER - Time To Make Love (1990)
CHARLES DRAIN - I'm Gonna Stay (1976)
GREG ADAMS - I Hope (2009)
CHI-CHI FAVELAS AND THE BLACK AND WHITE BAND - Give It To Me (1978)
IAN VIDAL - Live Life (2011)
JEFF LOGAN - Smoothology (2011)
DAVID ANTHONY - You Fooled Me For The Last Time (2011)
COCO BROWN - I Never Knew (2011)
BILLY TOWNES - Please Be My Lover (2004)
DIVINE NATURE - The Way You Make Me Feel (1999)
DW3 - I Got You (2011)
KEN ARLEN ORCHESTRA - Do I Do (2001)
GORDON JAMES - A New Kind Of Love (2011)
TYRESE - Stay (2011)
EMANUEL - Long Lost Lover (1976)
EDDIE GIP NOBLE - Don't Want To Be Alone Tonight (2011)
HONEY & THE BEES - What About Me (1970)
JASMIN BAILEY - Deep In My Soul (2011)

Audio link:
http://www30.zippysh...74450/file.html

Hope you enjoy those tunes

Best,
M

Just sitting here on my day off, meant to have been doing some work on the computer, but as always logged onto Soul Source and got distracted.

I've been reading Ian Dewhirst's thread about having enough money to be a top northern dj, mmm interesting.

Let's be honest if money was no object, the majority of people would go and buy whatever their heart desired or dreamt of, wherever that be records, cars, houses, clothes or whatever. As for wiinning the lotto or Euromillions, you'd buy your own venue and wouldn't need to worry about anything at all, you could play your 50k set and pay other dj's to play their 50k sets, it's obvious (or hypothetical). All the thread seems to have done for me is just recycle all the old chestnuts that resurface from time to time, oldies v newies, preplanned set v reading a floor, originals v boots, collectors v dj's

As for money, it's all relative. If you're unemployed or earning £40k+ a year however much you spend on records is purely up to you! Who are we to condemn someone for buying a £5 reissue/boot rather than spending £100+ on the original. Morally for instance, is the person buying a new Kent release of (for arguments sake) The Hesitations - Is This The Way and playing that out rather than the GWP release, not doing more to benefit the Artists/Writers etc., than the person who pays £50 for a secondhand GWP original, which benefits no-one only the seller?

I'm just content to spend a little each month on one or two bits of vinyl, lately it's ranged from the odd recent Kent release to the oldie that I've always liked or even Mary Wells Sounds Superb LP from the local car boot sale. My only gripe is that I buy on payday (as impatience or bills mean I can't delay), then 2 days later there's a list on here containing something else I would have preferred to buy!

PS Still not missing going out.

THE MAGNIFICENT 7 – THE “X” FACTOR & NORTHERN SOUL



Don’t worry this is not somedaytime television style look into the role that Northern Soul has played inthe development of the musical tastes of Simon Cowell, Yul Brynner and Louisthe Leprechaun. Not such a bad idea though, come to think of it.

As any real Northern Soul fanwill be well aware, certain records are different to others. They stand outfrom the rest. A great record can send a shiver down the spine and touch anerve deep within the Soul. When you hear a record for the first time and youdesperately need to know who it is by, what label it is on and what it iscalled then that record has made an impact on you. More than that, it makessuch a deep connection with you that it becomes a part of you. When thishappens you know that a record has gotten under your skin. It is not justanother “okay” record that perhaps gets your feet a tapping. It is indeed muchmore than that when the lyrics of the song ring true and when the earnestsincerity of the vocal delivery is so completely believable that it touchesyour very Soul. Then the record could I guess, for want of a betterdescription, be said to have the “X” factor.

This “X” factor effect was the feeling thatmany Northern Soul fans became addicted to, and it was the seemingly endlessstream of so many newly discovered great records that really did give NorthernSoul fans that feeling, keeping the Northern Soul scene healthy, alive andvibrant, from the “golden age” of The Torch, Mecca, Casino, Cleethorpes,Stafford etc to today.

However, there is an old adagethat still rings very true and that is “time will tell”. It is only over timethat the litmus test of the quality of a truly great record can be measured. Longevityis very important if a record is to achieve the accolade of being truly deemeda “classic”. Only if after a period of five, ten, twenty or thirty years andthe record still sends a shiver down your spine you can safely say, that foryou personally, it is indeed a classic. Then such a record can be deemed tohave the “X” factor.

Of course the “X” factor effect doesnot only apply to out and out Northern Soul stompers. It is very often the midtempo or beat ballad number that gives you that rush. OK, preamble over…

One such record that instantlyhad and continues to give me that “X” factor feeling is a record that I firstheard way back in 1974 when it came to me in a batch of 45s from a guy inBuffalo, USA who I had managed to get in touch with.

Back then on my council estatenobody even had a phone in the house so it was a hike to the phone box to ringthe States and to ask the guy if he had any Soul records. This particular guysaid he had a pile of old soul / R&B 45s that I could have for $1 each. Ithink at the time I was working on some building sites in Kirby and taking homeabout 10 measly quid a week. Over the next few weeks I scrimped, saved andmanaged to scrape together a few quid and went into the local bank to ordersome USA dollars. It took about a week for thebank to get them in stock in those days. Eventually they arrived. $30 in $5notes. I eagerly and carefully wrapped them and posted them off to the guyhoping that I would soon be receiving a parcel of “Out On The Floor” styledanceable soul 45s that I was so desperately hungry for.

The weeks passed by and soon amonth had gone by. Sheeesh have I wasted my time? And more to the point have Iwasted my money? Eventually a parcel arrived and I quickly unwrapped it andlegged it upstairs to my bedroom to play them and to hear just what goodies hehad sent me from across the Atlantic Ocean.

As I remember The Marvelettes, “PaperBoy” was in there, a record that I hadn’t heard before. It was okay, but onlythat, yet at least it was on the Tamla label so surely the guy knew the kind ofsound I was looking for and hopefully there would be some Northern Soul stylesounds amongst the batch of 45s. I also remember pulling out a record onWheelsville and I recognized this logo as I had heard and loved “Cracked UpOver You” by Lee Rogers, I think when spun by Mike Pace of The Soul Spinners 4at Burscough Football Club. Imagine my disappointment when it turned out to bea slowish track by Steve Mancha called “Did My Baby Call”. I liked it but itwas way too slow to fill a dance floor, at least in those days it was. It wasfrom Detroit so another good reason for optimism. Ifiled Steve Mancha with my then small but growing collection of Detroit Soul 45s.

Getting deeper into the parcel, yikes, JamesBrown, Brook Brenton, not at all what I was hoping for and the parcel proved tobe sadly bereft of what back then was termed as out 'n’ out Northern Soul. Thankfullythough, one particular record for me really did stand out, in the words ofPatti Young, “head and shoulders above the rest”. It was down in tempo but withan intriguingly different vocal delivery. The lead singer had a very nasalvoice that grabbed one's attention. The backing singers were strong and thetrack meandered in and out, from being laid back and mellow in parts tosections of increased intensity. I was hooked. It was a Soul record out of leftfield and a special Soul record at that.

The lyrics were something else “Soclose a breeze can’t come between us. So tight you couldn’t part us with atommy gun. We’re standing in the need of one another. Like a flower standing inthe heat of the sun”

The record in question was “NeverWill I” by The Magnificent 7 on the Dial logo.

But who were The Magnificent 7?? Where theythe same group that recorded a record that was a huge Northern Soul monsteraround that time on Dee Gee by The Magnificents called “My Heart Is Calling”, Iwondered but no. They turned out to be - Thurman 'Ray' Ramsey, James Pleasantand two ex members of The Dukays - RichardDixon and Clarence Jasper.

Some time later one of John Manship’s listdropped through my letterbox and I noticed a record by the same The Magnificent7, this time on the Eastern label called – “She’s Called A Woman”. I had neverheard this and it was, at that time, quite expensive for me but I did alreadyown “The Real Thing” and “You’re Absolutely Right” by Tina Britt on the samelabel so I was sure it would be a winner. I ran again to the same phone box in Richmond Avenue and pushed button A and got through toreserve it. A week or so later it arrived and it was a stormer indeed. It was awhite demo as well and that may have been the start of another obsession, butthat is another story.

A year or so later I came acrossanother 45 by the Magnificent 7. It was a reasonable version of Marvin Gaye’s'Stubborn Kind Of Fellow' and I also got around that time a batch of 45s fromLew Stanley in the States and within the parcel was a 45 on Capitol called “MuchMuch More Of Your Love” by The Magnificent Men. The group sounded a little likeThe Magnificent 7. Could they be the same group? Back in those days you couldn’tGoogle a name and get a mass of information, it was not that easy and much moremysterious, but with the aid of a subscription to Discoveries, a USA magazineand UK magazines such as Chris Savory’s Hot Buttered Soul, Soul Cargo etc I wasable to gradually gain some insight.

I did read somewhere that The Magnificent Menon Capitol were most definitely a white group. My word they didn’t sound likeone! In time I bought a couple of LP’s by the Mag. Men from the sates, on thestrength of their Capitol 45’s that I had collected, and seeing the coverpicture of them proved that statement to be true. There are some superb non 45tracks on their albums by the way. But what about The Magnificent 7? Who werethey? Going by the vocals they could surely not be the same group, or couldthey? Surely they could not be white, orcould they? Is there anything worse than unanswered questions?? And the milliondollar question is who sang that distinctive lead vocal???

The years went by and my copy ofthe 45 was upgraded to a white demo, won in an auction from a rock and popdealer somewhere in Cornwall but little info on The Magnificent 7 came to light.

I remember playing the track toPete Lawson during one of his many visits to trade, play and talk about records.Pete was adamant that the singer was “deffo not white”. I was running Soul Filemagazine back then and we both used to search for group line-ups for inclusion.We both tried with various USA contacts but neither of us could come upwith any tangible or relevant information regarding the group or any of itsmembers.

I also remember having a debatewith my old buddy John Cloynes back in the early eighties as to whether TheMagnificent Men were actually the same group as The Magnificent 7 or not, andwe had a session in the Croston Soul kitchen playing all my records by bothgroups, yet no clear decision could be arrived at. Probably due to Johnbringing round a stack of those cans of strong lager.

Since then, due in no small partto the wonders of the world wide web, I have learned a lot more about the groupand shock horror, The Magnificent 7 were indeed originally an all white group,although they were certainly not the same group as The Magnificent Men whohailed from Pittsburgh.

It was in Lexington Kentucky, during 1959 that a young guy calledTony Stallard put together a group / band of musicians. He was a very talentedindividual as he played guitar and hammondorgan, plus he was the original leadvocalist for the group. He had also been given the benefit of being taught toplay the piano from the age of seven.

The group where originally called TheTemptashuns and the original line up in the late fifties consisted of TonyStallard, lead guitar/vocals; Shelby Lorrison, rhythm guitar, Wendell Sams,organ/vocals, Doug Hammonds, tenor sax; Larry Kelley, drums; and Earl Morgan,bass. This morphed later into - The second lineup of Tony Stallard, Hammond organ/vocals, Shelby Lorrison, guitar;Doug Hammonds, tenor sax; Larry Kelley, drums; John Page, bass; and Larry Orr,lead vocals.

By 1963 the line up was - Tony Stallard,Hammond organ/vocals, Doug Hammonds, tenor sax, John Page, bass, Larry Kelley,drums, John Burrows, trumpet/flugelhorn, Larry Orr, lead vocals, Carter Hackneylead guitar; and Mickey Levy, lead and background vocals.

Around this time the groupbecame much more influenced by the emergence of the R&B and Soul styledartists. Tony sites:- James Brown, Otis Redding, Wilson Pickett, The Mar-Keys,Little Milton, Gene Chandler, Marvin Gaye and many others from the Motownstable in particular.

They also often gigged in the style of theBritish bands during the “British invasion” that swept across the USA via The Beatles, Rolling Stones, Kinks,etc., but as he said “We never drifted far from what brought us to the dance…rhythm& blues. Soul material was what we did best and we rode the Night Train towhere the tracks led." The Beatles were huge in their influence butLexington seemed to be, as it had been for a longtime, an R&B town due in large part to its proximity to Cincinnati, long a center for R&B music, fromHank Ballard to James Brown.

On September 22nd 1963 they undertook their first recordingsession at the Lemco recording studios in Lexington, Kentucky. The studio was owned by the group’smanager Cecil Jones and this session resulted in a release on Lemco 877 as TheTemptashuns. – Autumn Love c/w The Big B. Both sides of this 45 wereinstrumentals. The group were gaining a good reputation locally and supportedacts who toured the region, such as The Shirelles, The Coasters and TheChiffons

In February 1964 they cut – Sexy Ways c/w Strawberry Man and that release cameout on Lemco 878. The top side was a version of the Hank Ballard classic andthe flip was a groovy mod style organ instrumental that was written by TomStallard, but to me it sounds to have been more than a little influenced by “WatermelonMan”.

The groups third session was on June 4th 1964 and thiswas recorded at the King studios inCincinnati, Ohio with production from Syd Nathan and GeneRedd as recording engineer and sound technician. Here they re-cut “Sexy Ways” but this time it was called Pretty Ways and they also re-cut Strawberry Man. These two were both released on Federal 12530.Two other recordings were done at the same time. You’re Gonna Cry and LoveGone, Love Return. These two tracks were both written by Tony Stallard and featuredhim on lead vocals. These however remained unreleased.

Later that year, in factNovember 29th, at the same studios they cut a version of Marvin Gaye’s - StubbornKind Of Fellow. This was “enhanced”, if that’s what you call it! By having alive audience track dubbed over it. The audience track used was actually fromthe James Brown Live At The Apollo album recordings. This was paired withanother Tony Stallard composition – “In Mist And Rain”, recorded the next dayand these were released on Lemco 882. Lead vocals on both tracks are said to beby blue-eyed Soul singer, Larry Orr. This single came out in 1965 and it provedto be the group’s best seller and was very popular in Detroit and across the mid west throughout 1965,but it didn’t make it onto the Billboard top 100.

Despite this glimpse at the possibility atleast of success a number of lineup changes occurred before they next recorded.The then line up of :- Tony Stallard, Hammond organ/vocals, Doug Hammonds,tenor/baritonesax; John Page, bass; John Burrows, trumpet/flugelhorn; Larry Orr, lead vocals;Carter Hackney lead guitar; and Meade Brown, drums was gradually changed intothe new line up of - Randy Evans on organ (he was later replaced with RichardPeck and eventually Tom Martin for a brief time, Charlie Shuck on lead vocals. BobMcCaw on lead guitar and vocals (he was later replaced with Les Taylor on lead guitar and vocals), Roger Daneon trumpet. Earl Grigsby on bass and vocals and Meade Brown remained on drums.

By 1966 Soul music was gaininghuge national success via Motown, Atlantic etc. and in the Summer of 66 theywere back in the Lemco studios in Lexington, Kentucky again where they recorded in much moreof a “Soul” style. It was on this session that they recorded four trackswritten by one Archie Himons, best known as Little Archie.

Archie was from Virginia and he was a singer himself who had beenin various Doo Wop groups in the late fifties and early sixties in New York. These included a group called TheParliaments, although these were not the legendary George Clinton led Detroit group. The Magnificent 7 were by nowmost certainly a Soul styled band. They cut Archie’s the uptempo mover – “She’sCalled A Woman” and it was leased out to Juggy Murray’s Sue label and came outon their subsidiary, Eastern 611.

This track has had spins on the Northern Soulscene at various times since the mid seventies and it was backed with “SinceYou’ve Been Gone So Long”. The group had one other single leased from thesesessions to Sue, also in 1966, this time it came out on Symbol 221- Take Me On /Skokie Drive. The flip was an instrumental similar to the early work provingthat the group was for the most part an accomplished backing band with varioussingers fronting at various times over the years.

At long last we arrive backwhere we started and the record, that still has that ”X” factor for me. It isnow 1968 and the story that I have heard is that Archie Hilmon / Little Archiewas resident inNashville by this time. He had written and cut Never Will I (Make MyBaby Cry) with the group at the Lemco studios, then it was re cut at TheColumbia Records Studio in Nashville. Little Archie / Himons already had asolo single out on Dial in 1967 and he had another in 1968. The Magnificent 7release on Dial was sandwiched between these two. The other side was a greatversion of Smokey Robinson's Motown opus, "Ooh Baby Baby". The finefalsetto lead vocals on this side were actually from Charlie Shuck but who hadsang the distinctive lead vocal on ”Never Will I”?

Rumors have been around for manyyears that it was Little Archie himself. I spent some time listening closely toLittle Archie’s solo recording of “I Am A Carpet” and the flip side, “I NeedYou”, also on Dial, I did seem to detect some very slight similarities in thevocal delivery to that of the lead singer on “Never Will I”. Especially duringthe last third of “I Need You”.

As a result for some time I havebeen leaning toward the conclusion that the lead singer on “Never Will I (MakeMy Baby Cry)” is none other than Little Archie, all be it with a cold………….,

No no, hold the press, after allthese years and thanks to the power of the internet, I recently managed totrack down Charlie Shuck and today he confirmed by email that he was in factthe lead singer on “Never Will I (Make My Baby Cry)”.

Record case closed.

Sheffield Wednesday takeover, excellent news, a Saudi Billionaire? Er no....it's Milan Manderic. Oh well, at least he was the best option at the time and, we are fairly debt free. Bye Bye Co-op bank.

Got a really busy December with gigs in Stoke at the Queens, Basford on Saturday December 4th, the Christmas Party at the Westgate Suites,Westgate, Long Eaton, then the All Nighter at the Kings Hall Stoke 24 hours later on the 11th and back to the Queens,Basford for a Sunday Soul Session on the 19th.
Final gig of the year is New Years Eve back at the Westgate Suites,Long Eaton.
Details can be found at http://www.goldsoul.co.uk/ .

My colleague Richard Searling is launching the new Go Ahead label this week with two fabulous singles.
Both available through Expansion Records. A series of cd's too. I wish him all the best.

Where did all that snow arrive from? Oslo is warmer!
Looking forward to the New Year as my web sites are getting a makeover- plus we are working on new events in Blackpool, Weston Super Mare.

I will keep this month's blog to a minimum as I know planning the Festive Season is both joyous and tiresome at the same time.
Hopefully we'll run into each other at one of the Soul events listed above.

Have a great Christmas.

Until next time...Stay well.

Keep in touch via all the usual media..... Facebook(Kev Roberts) Twitter(Kev_Roberts) Web site: http://www.kevroberts.com/ Business site: http://www.goldsoul.co.uk/ Radio: Signal 2, 1170AM, DAB Saturday's @6pm and Solar on Sky Channel 0129 http://www.solarradio.com/ Saturday's at 10am
Enjoy the History of Northern Soul on line. New Episodes every month. Http://www.buzzsprout.com/251

These days with my memory failing a little I'm not exactly sure when it was that I started collecting records, I'm fairly sure it was '67, or '68? Why I was drawn to records of a certain style is a mystery to me, the area I grew up in had it's share of West Indian families, so music best described as 'non pop chart black music' was always around. Why records at all I dunno, perhaps my mom's obsession with Tom Jones, or more likely my mates Mom, who was mad on Tamla type tunes?

Most of my early successes came from local junk shops and second hand outlets of which there were lots within my walking area, and my favourites were full of reggae and soul. All I really remember was that there were these great looking labels with artists like Laurel Aitkin (which almost always disappointed me when I heard the songs) and boring looking plain labels with great songs by names I'd equally never heard of. Never judge a book by it's cover became my watchword when buying, and my tastes grew as my senior school life blossomed and I met like minded kids.

My other fascination as a kid became speakers, and because most of my early record buying was from one of the local second hand shops which had loads of old stripped down radiograms scattered around, I'd come home with a new speaker almost every Saturday (to go with my "new" vinyl, Black Atlantics & TMG's, from three for a florin!)

I'd string these new speakers all around my bedroom, wiring them with any old bit of wire I could find. Looking back now it seems so obvious, but in my defence I was only a kid, and I hadn't yet worked out that more speakers didn't mean more volume

With advice from the various shop owners (several of whom were DJ's) I slowly learned how to get the sound levels I was looking for, if not the exact quality. This proved to be a turning point for me. With this large increase in volume my parents kindly decided I should go share my music with the world, rather than just them and our immediate (complaining) neighbours in a half mile radius!

I'd already got quite a few record decks which I'd experimented with, (all acquired from old 'grams, except one battery operated record player with really poor sound) None of my equipment had been put together for moving around, just for my bedroom, so early excursions to share my tunes with others relied on me taking my records to mates houses and being allowed to use their parents 'gram. As you can imagine this wasn't an ideal situation, but it gave me a taste of something…

My luck changed when my Mom gave me a chore and sent me to her wealthy young friend's shop. This shopkeeper friend of my mom was the very epitome of 60's style, complete with up-to-the-minute hairstyles and fashions, and I was quite in awe of her. She was always covered in gold jewellery ("blinging" decades before rappers ever thought about it) Although probably only in her early 20's, she seemed to have everything, including if memory serves a brand new Rover 3500 and a Spitfire Roadster.

Maybe I was asked to go make her a cup of tea or something, but somehow I ended up in the rear of her cake shop. Whilst there I noticed this red leather cased portable radiogram sat in the back of the shop. I was filled with an incredible lust, for this was a thing of beauty to behold, and when I touched the leather, well that's a different story !

When I asked about it, the lady told me it was only being used for the radio as the deck had stopped working. It took a while but I persuaded her to let me take it home to have a look at it, to see if it could be fixed. I remember it was extremely difficult to get into, but once I got it open the problem was obvious. The drive from the motor wasn't so much a belt as a cord, and it had simply come off the pulley. It took seconds to fix, but that created it's own quandary. Although I'd had a 'girlfriend' or several by then, this was definitely my first real love, and I didn't want to give it back. Unlike my existing portable player this had superb sound, and to top it off it had a connection to connect it to an amp and speakers.

Time went by and I still hadn't given it back. Whenever my mom asked me if I'd fixed her friends machine I'd tell her I still hadn't found out how to get it going. I managed to keep this ruse going for quite a while.

As you've probably guessed by now, I was sneaking this machine, plus speakers, amp and records, out of the house to wherever my mates would gather. My Dad's old Navy kitbag was perfect, big enough and strong enough to transport my early attempt at what the world came to know as a mobile disco. These impromptu discos accompanied virtually every activity that young lads (and lasses) get up to, and every location from park to pub back room. Often if an adult saw it they'd offer to buy it from me, such was it's desirability.

I obviously didn't realise it at the time but my desire to share my music choices with the world at large had been well and truly born. As my collection of records grew I had to stop lugging the extra large speakers, but I still took the lady's portable with me everywhere, including school for lunchtime record sessions.

In the end I had to give it back. I think she probably guessed that I'd been using it all these months but she still gave me money for fixing it (which I immediately converted into more vinyl. "While You're Out Looking For Sugar" was the hot import everybody was after at my school, and I got one, yay !) Years later I got roped into helping her family pack as they were moving house. Even though I'd got several joined together Discatron's by then, I still lusted after the red leather beauty, and her Dad sold it me for exactly the same as he paid me for 3 days hard graft helping them pack and move. I discovered that it had been a 21^st birthday gift for her and had cost a fortune, brought over from abroad (Switzerland possibly) - no wonder I'd never seen anything like it.

The Discatron portables played in sequence lasted okay for a short while, but eventually I got my own decks. Funnily enough they were housed in red also, except this time it was Formica (and my Dad's electrician mate called the wiring of these first decks " a death trap waiting for a fool to switch them on") and I loved them also, just not quite as much as "my" red leather portable (** see end)

If you're wondering how any of this relates to last Saturday at Rugby then let me enlighten you. People, especially but not exclusively men, often ask you questions relating to numbers. "How many records have you got?", "How long have you been collecting?" and the one that's relevant here " How long have you been DJ'ing?". This question had been on my mind ever since it came up around the time of the Stafford reunion. These days rather than try to remember years I relate it to events, and I came up with 1970 when I first took my portable set up to a local pub back room (The Squirrel) which allowed us kids in (it helped that my then best mates Dad ran it at the time) So now my answer snappily comes back "40 years" (with a wink and a grin) whenever I'm asked this question.

Now I'd been looking forward to playing in the freestyle room at Rugby for ages because much as we all like to play big rooms full of dancers, it does mean compromising our wilder tastes. A large percentage of my record buying tends to be of the 'new to me' variety, rather than only buying the 'well known/super rare/ in demand/classics'. so having somewhere to share them like the freestyle room is fantastic for us vinyl nuts. The issue in my head became should I just go to freestyle and play my usual eclectic mix of semi known's and forgotten Stafford tracks, or should I do something to mark my "40 years". The more I thought about it the more I leaned in the direction of trying to do something special, or at least out of the ordinary. After all I'd got two sets to fill, so why not? If I did something celebratory in one set, I could do my usual in the other, right?

A few ideas came, most were quite confusing and unworkable like "I'll play one tune that broke big from every year", or "nothing but B-sides of tunes that were originally huge hits on the scene for their A-side". Once you start with these ideas, lots more come along, "Only records with Green labels" or "Tunes recorded in 1965 or 1969" ( two of my favourite years btw) One mad idea, only records with a Bell Sound Stamp, especially for the members of R.O.G.(e)R., a semi secret society of "Run Out Groove Readers, {European branch}"

From somewhere in the back of my brain I remembered going to some random Oldies nite years ago when one of the old early years guys had been asked to come do a guest spot, and as I sat listening I realised he'd played about eight records on the trot from the same label. I asked the folk I was near to, and no-one else seemed in the slightest bit interested, so I wandered up to the decks. My rare soul radar had been right, he'd played exactly what I'd thought, and when I asked him about it he said he'd taken the booking before knowing it was Oldies only, and the only Oldies he owned anymore were in his label collections, hence his deck choices. As I stood and watched for a while I think he only played three different labels in total all the way through his hour set. Talking afterwards in the bar/record bar area it was obvious that nobody had noticed, and even the DJ himself was surprised that I had - I put it down to anorakitis (which comes on whenever I'm so bored with "same old same old" nites) and filed it away in a dark corner of my brain.

Now I've a confession to make, like some other collectors I could name, I suffer with a type of label collecting O.C.D., inasmuch as I want to have all of each type on similar styled labels. What this means in practice for example, is that because my first Loma was a white demo, all subsequent ones have to be white demo's (yes, except the good dancer which is issue only - I wouldn't go so far as to miss out a great tune because of my O.C.D., but I do hide put it at the back of the box) If my first purchase on label is an issue then all following ones have to be issues, etc.

So my current wave of thinking was to play a set with just, let's say for arguments sake, only white Loma demo's on the right hand deck and another label set on the left hand deck. Problem though was I'd got too wide a choice, so I needed to bring it down to a manageable size.

In the end I settled on another of my favourite labels - RCA Victor (and my reasons were based on sound principles, or so I thought. It's a vast label so there's something for everybody, whichever type of northern they prefer, possibly..)

I'm not the best at filing stuff away after I've had them out, so my RCA box looked decidedly empty and it took a while to get them all back together. My first thought was "I should be able to get 20 mins of good 70's, 20 mins of good 60's and 20 mins of good early R'n'B/Popcorn out of my humble label collection". I got a large mug of coffee, dived into the box and started to put a few on the kitchen turntable, building a pile of possible's and probable's as I went.

All was going well and ideas flooded my brain. Instead of 3 lots of 20 minutes each based on style, how about splitting them up into tempo, and have so many stompers, so many mid-tempo, and a few Big City Beat Ballads.

I decided the easiest way was to pull out my favourites onto the table and leave the remainder in the box and shut the lid. Then next was to put back any tunes I would, or have, played in the main room (I dunno if this is correct, but my idea of the freestyle room is that you should only play tunes in there which you normally wouldn't play in the main room?)

Having sorted out a few off the table, they went back into the box. My table pile was still too large, so I left it for a few days to see if it got any easier with time - and also to see which tunes kept coming back to me in the following days, always a good sign if you catch yourself whistling some lesser known days after you played it in the kitchen !

So there I was, basically I'd got my head around playing one hour of forgotten Stafford era 'faves' and lesser-known's, and one hour of RCA's of mixed style and tempo. Much as I fancied playing both sets of just RCA's I thought two hours was too big a risk if folk didn't go along with the idea.

Then Sian shouts up to say she's had to reorganise the set times, and would I like todo an early hour, plus a later hour and a half set. Was this a sign Immediately I knew this made my oddball idea easier, if one hour was a bit too short to fit in all my choices, and I was worried about playing two hours of just one label, then a 90 minute set might be just perfect. And of course it meant I could do the early set with my 'Stafford and friends' types.

As each day went by I grew to really like the idea, but I decided to keep it to myself, just in case it fell flat and I had to change it part way through. I did discuss it with my mate Ken, but other than him no one else knew. I've developed a theory that when I join in with a thread saying "yes I'll definitely be there " something crops up and forces me to miss out, which in a way fed into my decision to keep the RCA idea off the forums and F/B.

It got to a few days before, and I knew I had to make a decision on which to take, so having cleared out my small two lane box I filled one side with the Stafford stuff, and just started almost blindly putting RCA's into the other lane. I'd drawn up a list of things I personally like but it was over heavy with Newies, especially in the R'n'B and 70's areas, so I had to balance them out with some more classic styled dancers and soon the lane was full. I looked at what I was leaving at home and considered getting one of the bigger boxes out, but decided against that (my theory is that if you can't play a decent set out of a 150 box then taking a 600 size box is gonna make it four times worse, not better - plus carrying a great big box looks foolish these days imho)

I must confess to changing a couple of the RCA's, well maybe five, on the Friday, but pretty much that was that, the punters would decide if it was a stupid idea. Onward and Upward, or something like that.

Arriving at Rugby Niter without much time to spare, Kyp was creating a good buzz in the F/S room, and I'd have happily left him at it if it were my venue, but needs must and all that. Fortunately for me, he ended his set with an old Stafford fave The Ad-libs "Johnny My Boy" (covered by Guy as The Magnetics " Maybe Baby") so it worked perfectly for me to start with a couple of similar TOTW era tunes. My standout tracks would have to be Marv Johnson's "With All That's In Me" which sounded brilliant played loud, plus the Johnny Preston which I've been plugging away with. As usual I wandered off the plot a little but managed to keep it roughly where I wanted it to go. I think my mind was already on my decision to stick to the RCA's only, and wondering if I'd bottle it and end up playing from the Stafford & Rare side of the box instead. Perhaps this was why the first set seemed to be over in a matter of minutes?

Catriona followed me with a cracking set, very reminiscent of happier times for me personally, when we might have had less folk on the scene, but boy did the scene dig out and break a few great tunes (virtually every week I might add) There was something very nice she played which I didn't recognise, an album track I think, which I meant to ask her about but forgot - until now. Like a few others, she really should DJ out more often, quality tunes played properly. I hope a play list appears (hint)

Anyway, I'd promised my lad his supper up the road at Mickey Dee's as he'd volunteered to help me and had missed his tea, so we snuck out for a while (actually ended up with KFC instead) but returned in time to hear most of Phil's first set. Phil's sets are always my sort of soul, first rate rare soul, top man Mr Shields!

With a full looking record bar I desperately wanted to spend time mooching through the sales boxes but I don't like to spend long out of a room where I'm gonna play later, just in case you get that "Oi, that tunes already been played mate" complaint, so I had a quick look and scampered back to the Freestyle Room, via the Main room for a brief listen.

By now Kyp was giving it plenty, I don't think I've had the pleasure of listening to him before tonight's two sets, but I certainly would make the effort again if I see his name on a flyer in a room near me. I love enthusiastic DJ's who don't follow every other bugger and think for themselves. Well done Kyp !

Not sure if it was his last record, but near the end of his set he dropped on a lovely white Ric-Tic demo Laura Lee, which made me smile. The reason for my mirth was that amongst the five I'd changed at the last minute for "more obvious, so presumably more popular" RCA's, was a Canadian green RCA copy of Laura Lee ! Great minds obviously, but even if I'd have asked the other DJ's to leave their RCA's alone so I could have a free run at them no-one would have expected me to want to play Laura's Detroit bomb.

I'd originally thought to start my sojourn in the land of RCA Victor with some 70's, kinda get them out of the way, then everything else pretty much flows together be they 60's, classics or R'n'B, being my thinking. I looked at the dancers enjoying Kyp's last couple and I thought 'this ain't the time to go jumping from his strident 60's stuff into 70's mid-pacers, so I changed my mind and went with one of my all time favourites, Dynamics " I Need Your Love". Over the years I've always thought of this tune as not just a truly great record, but a gateway record, an equal opportunity winner, which goes down equally well with the rare fans as the oldies only crowd, but at the same time doesn't lock you into playing one particular style as it allows you to come out of it in any direction you like, up-tempo, mid-tempo, classic, etc.

I won't bore you with all the details track by track, for those interested I'll add a play list, but I'd just like to mention several tunes in particular. For many years I've always wanted to air The Metros version of "Let's Groove". Yes it is as mental as a boxful of frogs, but if you can ignore the barmy parts it's a fantastic slab of soul, northern style. If ever there was a 60's side that would have benefited with a remix this has got to be it, perfect F/S fodder. The difficult Bobbettes "Having Fun", sounded perfect northern to my ears. Roger Troy staked a claim for more regular spins (please DJ's) and while Freddie Paris probably won dance floor winner of the night, it was Judy Freeman's pleading heartfelt classic which resonated with everybody present. As true today as when she made it, when the world is in trouble we all need to hark to Judy's tune.

Now if I'd not said I was gonna do something different would anybody have noticed? Who can say, but from my perspective it worked. I dug out and dusted off some of my favourites that have not seen daylight in many a year, and played them as they were intended, LOUD and to a dance floor ! From my original list of choices I missed out on playing fifteen tracks, but I did include my first two black RCA's which started me off down this road many years back. Aah well there's always next time for the ones I missed !

Thanks Sian & Co for the opportunity to do something a little bit different. Thanks too for the kind compliments, both on the night and later. One of the things which persuaded me to do this daft idea was the fact that the decks are low and can easily be seen in the F/S room, which meant folk could if they so wanted, take advantage and have a little peak at one of my O.C.D. obsessions, Black RCA's in all their finery. Deck Clocker's of the World, I salute you ! Hope you enjoyed it as much as I enjoyed sharing with you.
Final congrats to Taff who sussed out what I was doing, it showed somebody had their brain switched on, you are a top man !

We only managed a little while longer before we had to leave but by then Phil Shields was treating the dancers and the listeners alike to some fine rare soul Free Style, style Despite being completely knackered afterwards I think I enjoyed this set more than 90% of those in my 40 years. I'm still buzzing now !

For those who enjoy play lists, here goes -

Black RCA's set - (not quite in order, and not all there, a bit like me)

DYNAMICS - I NEED YOUR LOVE

LORRAINE CHANDLER - SHE DON'T WANT YOU

SUSAN BARRETT - WHAT'S IT GONNA BE

BOBBETTES - HAVING FUN

LUCY CAMPO - EVIL EYE

VARETTA DILLARD - THAT'S WHY I CRY

JIMMY WITHERSPOON - WHO BABY WHO

JESSE PEARSON - I GOT A FEELING I'M FALLIN'

CLEO JOHNS - WHY DON'T YOU DO RIGHT

TONI HARPER - HEAVENLY LOVE

ROY HAMILTON - YOU SHOOK ME UP

LORRAINE CHANDLER - WHAT CAN I DO

LORRAINE CHANDLER - I CAN'T HOLD ON

RAY PAIGE - AIN'T NO SOUL

WILLIE KENDRICK - WHAT'S THAT ON YOUR FINGER

WILLIE KENDRICK - GIVE ME LOTS OF LOVIN'

WILLIE KENDRICK - CHANGE YOUR WAYS

JUDY FREEMAN - HOLD ON ( a cheeky yellow 'un)

ROGER TROY - DON'T PUT THE BLAME ON ME BABY

MIDNIGHT - KEEP ON WALKING BY (a cheeky Australian)

KENI BURKE - LET SOMEBODY LOVE YOU

LEE ANDREWS - QUIET AS IT'S KEPT

BOBBY DAY - PRETTY LITTLE GIRL NEXT DOOR

DELLA REESE - A CLOCK THAT'S GOT NO HANDS

GALE GARNETT - I'LL CRY ALONE

H. B. BARNUM - IT HURTS TOO MUCH TO CRY

DON RAY - BORN A LOSER

ROBERT WALKER - STICK TO ME

PAUL ANKA - WHEN WE GET THERE

METROS - LET'S GROOVE

METROS - SINCE I FOUND MY BABY

CAVALIERS - I REALLY LOVE YOU

WILLIE KENDRICK - YOU CAN'T BY PASS LOVE

ROY HAMILTON - CRACKING UP OVER YOU

LAURA GREENE - MOONLIGHT MUSIC IN YOU

FREDDIE PARIS - THERE SHE GOES

TONY MASON - TAKE GOOD CARE

The first set : Stafford & friends -

SONNY CHILDE - LOVE IS IN THE AIR (MUSIC FACTORY DJ)

LITTLE JOHN - HEARTBREAKING TIME (MARTAY)

EDDIE HOLLAND - ON THE OUTSIDE LOOKING IN (MOTOWN)

SKYLINERS - EVERYTHING IS FINE (JUBILEE)

JOHNNY APPALACHIAN - UP IN SMOKE (GOLDIE)

MARV JOHNSON - WITH ALL THAT'S IN ME (UNITED ARTISTS)

GENE HOLIDAY - SCRATCH MY NAME OFF THE MAILBOX (JOHNSON)

FREDDIE HOUSTON - SOFT WALKING (TOTO WDJ)

JOHNNY PRESTON - IVE GOT MY EYES ON YOU (HALLWAY WDJ)

GARLON DAVIS - DON'T WORRY ABOUT DANCING FOR ME (KICK OFF)

J.C. DAVIS -THE SPLIB PART 2 (ARGO WDJ)

JAMES BROWN - OUT OF THE BLUE (SMASH WDJ)

JOHNNIE TAYLOR - STRANGE THINGS (STAX WDJ)

DONALD HEIGHT - YOU CANT TRUST YOUR BEST FRIEND (OLDTOWN)

SUE ROSE - LUCKIEST DAY OF MY LIFE (BRENT WDJ)

ILA VANN - I GOT THAT FEELING (ROULETTE WDJ)

SOUL SET FEAT NORMAN SELDIN - I DON'T WANT HER BUT I NEED HER (JOHNSON WDJ)

RAYFORD TUCKER - IF YOU NEED MORE TIME (SANDPIPER)

LARRY BROWN - BREAKING TRAINING (FIREWORKS)

MESSIAHS OF GLORY - THANK YOU (SKY HERO- played at minus 4)

RAY J & NORMA JEAN - THIS IS OUR SONG OF LOVE (HEP'ME)

HOLLYWOOD SAXONS - LOVING YOU (ACTION PAC)

BROOKS O'DELL - WATCH YOUR STEP (GOLD RECORDS)

　

**A sad footnote to this tale is that last year I had to scrap the red leather portable player, it was beyone saving after I'd repaired it many times over the years - and within a week I heard my mom's friend passed away from Cancer.

　

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

Surfing round some Belgian popcorn sites listening to tracks, my jaw hit the ground when I heard this one. An absolutely awesome, haunting mid-tempo tune.Obviously I’d never heard it before and in my ignorance knew nothing about it. Knowing my unfailing ability to go for expensive records I reluctantly reached foe JM’s guide to see [...]

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Along this road of life no matter what background we all as individuals have, no matter what our gender, race,views,loves and dislikes, We will encounter many trials, tribulations,and experiences that make us the people we are, most of us learn from our experiences and our mistakes, we don't always get it right in the beginnig, but because of who and what we are and our beliefs we strive to get it as right to the best of our abilities..............Note l said "most of us", unfortunately there is a small percentage who don't, Why!!!, well l don't know the answer to that, however l can make a few guesses, maybe it's a case that their brains synapses don't connect in the correct way, maybe they are genuinely slower at catching on, or is it that some just think it's acceptable to bulldoze their way through life without a thought for others and their feelings along the way !!!..,.......The ones like this really get my blood boiling, because when things they do are mentioned in public they are the 1st to turn a situation (they created and blame it on YOU and OTHERS).

Right thats just a little intro for my Blog update, a little taster if you like, because over the past not sure how many months we (Thats Mr and Mrs Harpin lol, and friends) have encountered people like these, Stangely enough though, more often than not, it's the same people making the same "mistake's", or "NOT", and still no sign of making a situation better. In fact on the soul scene recently l and many others have heard names mentioned on a monumental scale........and l thought l was the one most spoke about

So where have we been, what have we been up to !, Not too many places around the West Midlands, for the exception of Bishops Wood All-nighter, and Lifeline All-nighter, a few venues we have attended in the Mids to give support to the promoters and D.J.'s.

one being Blackheath Disciples of Soul promoted by Mr and Mrs Soul, John Weston and Co, This was their 1st niter and l know Lou was very apprehensive about how the night would pan out, she need'nt of worried, for a 1st nighter as new venues go these day they had a fantastic response and it was well attended, having two rooms, the music on the whole was quality soul (exception of a few dodgy ones, but is'nt that par for the course?), Dave Welding was on fire ...AGAIN , so was john Weston, l even had to let Lou know that her spot was the best l'd ever heard her play, l don't mean that in a nasty way, l mean Lou and l don't always share the same taste in music,and she grabbed my full attention.
Len Cook did a fantastic set and so did the Irish guy(soz 4got his name), in fact everyone did good, l must also mention Sean, a few Peeps came over to me while he was d.j.ing and asked who he was, so well done Sean x.

Mick H, god bless him, l love him to bits and l'm sure he's a bit weary of me, he has'nt yet figured me out, then l did wave a bra at him during his set at Bishops wood some months back, he looked quite shocked, l did however tell him that it was'nt my bra it was HARPO'S .....Mick played a record and l swear to god it sampled "Blue Velvet", he was not amused when l mentioned it to him, he was more than not amused when l started singing "She wore blue velvet etc etc ...." having a titter to myself l went out for a ciggi, some time later Paul told me that Mick had requested over the mic for all to hear that Paul "Harpo" should come and sort me out, and tell me to calm down.........., how cute, l was'nt even in 1st gear, l showed him mercy however and did'nt say owt about the comment ,.................................not till later, much later while he was bidding everyone goodnight and god bless, I just asked him not to send my lovely husband to sort me out in future, it's not fair, Paul has to live with me lol......He Patted me on the back and said"oh Sandi you are funny"..."yes Mick and you're scared"......, only jesting with you Mick l think you are a super guy x.

Remember "The few folk!" l will from time to time keep mentioning, well suprise suprise some made an appearance, l totally ignored them unless any spoke to me, yet by the end of the nighter l was sick of hearing one particular name/person mentioned, I can only comment that l'm glad l'm not they, some feathers have been truely ruffled and l think it will all end in tears .

We went along to Brum to support Sean when he put on a venue there. This was the second venue we'd been to, the 1st being Neil Rushtons All-dayer at Rugely's Lea hall, somewhat of a poor turn out, however the music was exceptional, Rob Haige d.j.ed, and it's the 1st time in years l'd heard him d.j., good to know he aint lost it, still has the music in his soul, belting spot from Rob . I must also mention that although the music was great l was'nt too happy, l am convinced it was a conspiracy against me, l was on crutches after just coming out of hospital where l'd had an operation and skin graft on my leg...... all the tunes l love being played and me not able to dance.....well l had a bloody good go, cruthes and all.
Ted massey blew me away with his set, again it's a conspiracy, l said to Ted "you're doing this on purpose cus you know l love what you're playing, and can you play em when l loose my sticks??".....I bet he don't .
My Hubby also played a great set and l was supposed to but stepped down (if you pardon the pun),due to my gammy leg.
It's a shame when promoters put on excellent nights and not many turn up, sometimes it's a case of the low rate venues pull the crowds and the top rate ones fail, l have my own theory why this happens, anyone out there have their own ??, l'd like to hear em if you do.
We made our way over to Brum, because Paul was booked to d.j. , which was a shame really because l'd of loved to of stayed, in comparison to music quality Brum would'nt deliver like it was at Rugely,it was the place to be.
The Brum venue, when Paul was asked originally if he'd d.j. there was as far as we could make out going to be a late "soul nite", so some weeks after when Sean called at our house with a bundle of flyers asking if we'd distribute them for him at venues he knew we would be attending,places other than local midlands venues, we agreed. A couple of days later, while reading one of the flyers l was a little if not quite suprised even shocked at the way the flyer had been worded.
1stly, it was now being promoted as a "Poma Tribute", because of it being Robs birthday on aug 15th, l dont have any issue with remembering Rob, l loved the guy he was one of my oldest dearest friends, and the way l look at it is by all means remember and pay tribute, not for his birthday but for the way he lived his life , the way he affected so many people, and the unfairness of his untimely death, or rather pay tribute that on that sad day we lost a major family member of the scene. It's time to let go and let him rest in peace. It's not my intention to upset people, especially Robs family, l dont need a tribute nite to remember, he's in my heart and will never be forgotten, along side many others we have lost along the way.
2nd, the d.j.'s for the nite were referred to as "Vinyl Carvers"......., what was that all about ??, Vinyl Carvers is a company that carves tracks onto vinyl mainly c.d. tracks and for a great deal of money, l don't know about you but it implied to me that all d.j.'s on the nite would be playing "Bootlegs", as a member of this elitist scene l know that a lot of stigma is attached to "Bootlegs", and most venues are strict about them not being played at all. D.J's such as Steve Whittle, and Harpo who both d.j.ed on the nite certainly do not have "Bootlegs" or indeed "vinyl Carvers".......Sean whoever came up with that idea needs sacking or shooting .
3rd,Damage on the door ???, Why !, again a negative use of words in my most humble opinion to promote a venue with the hope it will take off....damage implys paying for a 3rd rate night out.

Yet after saying all that, and l believe it had to be said, the night was a pretty good one, dance floor busy all nite and a good turn out, however not as good as the 1st few tributes to Rob.
Paul was on last, and dilivered an outstanding set.....or should l say did his best to under the circumstances, about 20 mins into his set, lights go on, and Sammy and Lanky Paul start to dismantle the equipment from around Paul while he endeavoured to keep his composure and patience.
That to me was totally unexceptable, do these people forget, do they not have any respect!, Harpo is one of the old Wolverhampton crew who when everyone else was doing "other stuff" kept the soul scene alive in Wolverhampton and influenced alot of D.J.'s over the years, not to mention the records he broke onto the scene, along side Pep, Neil Rushton, he put the midlands back on the map, they all deserve more respect than what they get, am l saying this because Paul is my Husband ......NO far from it, l say it because l was there and it happens to be true.

Remember "Them Folk", one of them made a comment quite openly very recently that Paul is a "Puppet", said that everyone on the scene pulls his strings...Do you think this person should be named and shamed ? l do, but not yet.

Going to backtrack a bit now, l went along for the "unveiling" of the plaque for the Catacombes, l expected the Mayor to be there and all sorts of important people (I mean officials), this was'nt the case, just a decent sized crowd, some of whom "l was there" were original Catacombes people, many more who attended were'nt including me, l'm sad to say the place had closed 6 months before l was old enough to go, plus my dad was still alive and he'd of bloody well killed me if l'd gone .
There was a gezza from the express and star l believe, must of been, seeing it was in the paper on the following monday lol.
To be honest l think it was a bit of a anti-climax, yet Neil Rushton yet again pulled off a fantastic night later at Great Wearly with the Cat's Revival, absolutely packed out.

Going back yet a bit further,the news about Max, we were at Rolls Royce when we heard, apparently suffering a heart attack after finishing his set at Brookfields, nothing could prepare anyone there when about an hour later it was confirmed that Max had died. Everyone shed a tear or more, people were genuinely in shock. It really brings it home when something like this happens it reminds us that we all are here on borrowed time. So if l have something to say l say it, it will be too late when l'm dead.

Max's funeral was very fitting to a man who gave us all so much, many many people turned out to say a final goodbye, and as the funeral procession drove away everyone started to applaude, how much was that man loved?, yet "Not All Folk", it is of no importance the ones that did'nt ,fade into the background and eventually disappear.

Our Wedding Day was fantastic and everyone who attended came for one reason only and that was to help us celebrate our special day, it was a very informal occassion, no set seating, no long winded speeches, hey not even a bust up ,just a great day shared with great family and friends.
The all-nighter at Bishope Wood after, that we had arranged, payed for and organised, was a fitting end to the perfect day.....what more could any bride want ?

Isnt it funny how even "Some Folk" when invited to a private function, ignore the host's (bride and groom)on their way in and make straight for the record bar!,
Now luckily for them there were some record dealers at our wedding niter reception purely because we asked them if they wanted to bring their sales boxes with them, not visa versa. One of these two "Folk" made a comment about the lack of dealers being at the niter, adding that is'nt that what nighters are all about.....well not in my world, yes l love my music and we collect records but they failed to understand that this although was a niter it was our niter and our wedding reception.A GOLD STAR FOR THE PERSON WHO CORRECTLY IDENTIFYS THE "ONE" WHO IT WOULD APPEAR IS NOT JUST CLUELESS BUT ALSO BRAINLESS.:hypocrite::hypocrite:Soz got carried away with the icons


Most newly weds go home and do what newly weds do , however this is us we are referring to, no not us, we had a house full of friends who were as keen as us to keep the party going. Just when life gives you a boat load of happiness somone or something or "Both" comes along and tries snatching it away.
BETRAYAL comes in many forms and l never expected it to come from someone l considered to be a very good friend, yet shit happens, usually l cope and handle it, but the day after our wedding, and that person being a guest also it knocked me for six, l dont give in to tears , it takes a lot to make me cry, yet this was the final outcome.

How would you feel if you also was put into this position, You have a houseful of guests, all who are not local to our area, all are having a good time and are truely happy for us, we have one guest who is a very special person to us and happens to be quite poorly,he's attended the wedding and it's took it's toll, so as caring friends we are looking after him and making sure he's ok. Then along comes trouble with a capital T, Wlatzing around our house helping ones self to not 1 but 2 bottles of our wine out of our fridge without so much as a by your leave( one other guest addressed him for doing that but to no avail) pouring almost the entire bottle into one of our pint glasses and then sitting down next to me drinking it. I asked what was in the glass and when told wine, l initially thought that this person had been to the pub and walked up the road with it.
I have no problem with giving anyone a drink in our house or offering them something to eat, but this was just disrespectful, that was the beginning of a string of events that eventually lead Paul to ask this person to leave, this was not the 1st visit of the day, we had 2 or 3 more after that. This person seemed to have a problem with DRUGS and those who take Drugs on the scene, however it was'nt mentioned until after this person had had their fair share.
What else....Threats of violence towards at least 2 of our guests, unwanted touchy feely advances towards a member of the opposite sex, nasty hurtful comments regards a friend no longer with us, declaration of love and friendship for another dear departed member who this person when alive, slagged off,talk about two faced.There are also some things l won't mention because it would be too embarassing, not for the said one, but for our other friend who was very upset by the actions taken.


All in all, we have been busy, but thats just regards our involvement on the scene, our private lives have also been very busy.......but thats another story for another time

Hiya Soulie's

I just wanted to know how many of you out there attended any of the Oddfellow's niters? I would be really interested to read about your experiences there and your favourite memory?

It was where it all began for me........... and has never stopped being part of me !!!

I missed the twisted wheel and the torch and wigan casino. That has never done my head in because the memories I have are just as good to me as those memories you have of wigan etc.......

My first ever Niter was at the Electric Theatre in Leicester before Ali moved it to the Oddfellows..... That's where I first saw Mud dance and I was mesmerised by his soulfulness and by the way he danced. R.I.P Mud.... I miss you x x

So if you have a spare moment.... Wanna share a memory?

Keep the Faith

Soul Sister Jane

xxxxx

After our recent foray into Mace Land, Bidds and Stoke that is, we are pleased to be getting back to the Stables. Many thanks to Mace and Chris for the help last time out.

Anyway we have a fantastic all-nighter planned (well I think so). Along side the resident rascals of Butch, Andy Dyson, Mick H, Soul Sam, Cliff Steele and myself (Chalky for those who need reminding ) we have Karl Heard, one of the Countries most popular DJ's right now. If thats not enough we have Kev Murphy spinning his wares to kick off proceedings, probably playoing stuff he rarely gets the chance to play....it will all be good stuff And as usual to send you home hopefully wanting more is Nottingham's Legendary Rob Smith.

So hopefully we will see you all there on a balmy (or should that be barmy?) hot summer night to hear some of the finest in Rare Soul Music.

If you can't wait that long I've started a podcast to highlight the DJ's and the records you are likely to have heard or hear at Lifeline. The first one is courtesy of Lifeline main man Andy Dyson (hopefully his co promoter Mick H next).

The Podcast can be found >>>>HERE<<<<

THE LIFELINE SOUL CLUB
presents
The Real Deal Rare Soul All-Nighter
At
The Brookfields Club (The Stables),
Cannock Road, Shareshill, Wolverhampton, WV10 7LZ.
(Directions: Just off the M6 junction 11, A460 towards Wolverhampton then 400 yards on your left).
August 28th 2010
9pm till 7.00am, a tenner gets you in!
Resident rascals are the Countries TOP Rare Soul DJS
Butch, Andy Dyson, Mick H, Cliff Steele, Soul Sam & Chalky
This month's special guest
KARL HEARD
In addition, this months Collector opening the night will be
KEV MURPHY
and as usual closing proceedings Nottingham's
ROB SMITH
As for the music, the emphasis will be on the 60's but as usual Lifeline will feature the very best in 70's and crossover plus the odd track from across the Soul years. In short the very best DJ's playing the very best in the rare, obscure, forgotten and underplayed soul music from a fiver to £15000!!!
In short all Dj's playing the very best in the rare, obscure, forgotten and underplayed soul music!!
For further information
Andy Dyson @ Dysonsoul@aol.com or telephone 01302 744927
Mick H @ Trentsoul@aol.com or telephone 07968 030464
Chalky @ chalky@mailme.co.uk or telephone 07743 863 523

[attachment=94531:Lifeline August 2010.jpg]

Source: Lifeline Bank Holiday Weekend Bonanza

“Movin On” in Barcelona is a club that’s become well established in the last couple of years. And so I was delighted to be offered a booking here. A quick hop over on Easyjet from Stanstead (well who actually wants to travel using R-Air :no: ), and I found myself in Barca on a Friday night, armed with my 100 count record box. I replace all the cardboard covers with paper sleeves meaning I can squeeze about 120 discs in! :ph34r: Got a cab to my hotel (price E.30) and got on the “Dog & Bone” to Edu one of the organisers of “Movin On” to tell him to lock away your women, I’ve arrived in Barcelona! Within no time I was in another cab, being whisked down to the old town, where I met Edu, Marcos, and Argentina’s only soul fan (we think!), who was over for the summer. Interesting conversation about Argentinian soul. Plenty of good records came out there, but today……there is a small reggae scene and believe it or not an outpost of the ‘Deep funk’ scene, but no northern or soul scene at all to speak of. Good steaks though as anyone who has visited the “Goucho Grill” can testify.

We headed off to a club where Edu & Marcos do the warm up, playing soul from midnight to 3 a.m. (yes Barcelona really is a late town!). By 3 a.m. the place was buzzing and the main club DJ took over. At this point we left, there was a sizeable queue outside and, being well past by bedtime I went back to my hotel.

Saturday morning came and went, mostly went, and I went back downtown, this time on the subway (I always like using public transport in foreign countries) to meet Edu, Marcos and Polly, Edu’s girlfriend. Having looked around the antique market, we went for a lovely meal at down by the harbour at Con Manel. This is a very nice restaurant, which Marcos’ family have been coming to since he was a “nipper”; in fact it had been open since 1870! After the meal we took a stroll to admire the beach “scenery” (well I was :rolleyes: ), and then went onto Bar Las Guindas. This was a warm up session, where some of the arriving Spanish soul fans meet up. It was a 5-9 p.m session in a long thin bar with a friendly lady manageress and I did an hour there later on (7 pm-8 pm) before going back to my hotel to change, freshen up etc.

Bar las Guindas – my spins
Norma & Heartaches "Nice N Slow"
Wendy Lynn "I can remember"
Arthur Foy "Love dreams"
X Ta C "Squeeze"
Executive Force "Midnight Lovin"
The Reason Why "Step inside my world"
Toll Darkness "Just what I've been looking for"
Jones Brothers "Stop your calling" (unissued)
Peoples Choice "All I want is you"(unissued)
Carol Anderson "Holding on"
Gorgeous George "Strange book"
Albert Jones "Monkey boogaloo"
Black Rock Educators "Isn't it nice"
Flashlight "Take me away"
Johnny Scott "Let me be a winner"
Pleasure Seekers "Come inside"
Merv Murphy "it's growing"
Frankie Kar'hl "Don't fan the flame"
Richard Marks "Did you ever lose something"
Douglas & Loreno "This time"
Natural Impulse "She went away"
Halo "Let me do it to you"
Chuck Cockerham "Have I got a right"


Cristina came and picked me up at 11.30 p.m for the main event “Movin On” held at the Jazz Room in a bit of an out of the way part of Barca, sort of north of the downtown area. It was a smallish / medium sized club, with modern décor and a quite low ceiling. Not low enough for Peter Crouch to bump his head on while pogo-ing to the Pistols, but fairly low……Anyway I must mention Cristina’s car parking skills, which were exceptional, parking her car in a space I’d struggle to fit a motor bike into. We went for some tapas in the upstairs bar and a quick beer, before Cristina played her opening set in the club. Great sound system, something that is sometimes missing in the UK – and it makes all the difference. By 1.15 there were about 35 soul fans in the place and I was starting to get a tad worried. No need - by 2.15 there were 170 in, and the place was rocking. Edu worked his magic with things like The Exits, followed by another guest – Josep A. from Valencia who played a highly credible northern and crossover set, Jimmie Ellis being a highlight for me. I had three sets, which was great as it allowed me a chance to mix in some different stuff with the floor fillers. At 5 a.m. when we played the last tune (“Love stormy weather”), it was still very busy. Fabulous.

On Sunday Cristina again picked me up at my hotel and we went down to Edu’s flat for the barbeque party on the terrace. It was raining (I’d bought some English weather over with me) but that didn’t spoil things. Had some great food here and I also managed to squeeze in another hour of records….I left about 6 p.m. and then went and did a bit of sightseeing – well why wouldn’t you? Barcelona is a lovely city.

Monday morning saw me take the train out to the Airport for the pricely sum of E. 3 (Boris Johnson take note!) – a thirty minute journey for less than £2, and less than it costs to go one stop on the Central Line in London.
What a great weekend this was! Top people, such a friendly crowd and as always, that’ll dance to good music, whether they’ve heard it before or not.

Movin On Saturday (3 sets) and BBQ Sunday

Spencer Wiggins "I'm at the breaking point" (Kent)
Buddy Connor "When you're alone"
.....a little out and out funky.....
Groove Merchants "There's got to be someone for me"
James Brown "Money won't change you"
King George "Baby I've got it"

....a clutch of cover ups.......
Veda "How long" (cover up)
Guitar Ray "I wouldn't change a thing" (cover up)
Hands of Time (cover up)
Black Nasty "Make believe girl" (cover up)
Kashif "Won't you be my lady" (cover up)

Vee Gees "Talkin"
Double O Demingos "Color one tear black"
Hard Drivers "Since I was a little girl"
Wally Coco "Message to society"
Ramsey & Co "Love call"
Jesse James "(I can feel your love) Changin" (Soul Junction)
Sex "It's you, baby it's you"
Doc Peabody "Here without you"
Bojack Thomas "Hear me now baby"
Veda Brown "I had a fight with love"
Anderson Bros "I can see him loving you"
Tolbert "I got it"
Fourth Day "You turn me on"
Volumes "Ain't gonna give you up"
Chico Lamarr "What do you think I am"
Appointments "I saw you there"
Nurons "All my life"
Detroit Sounds of Friction "I'm leaving you"
Rhonda Davis "Can you remember"
Ralph Soul Jackson "Set me free"
Barbara Hall "Tell me tell me tell me"
Dennis Lee & Notables "Sunday afternoon"
Willie Feaster "Voices"
Bob Relf "Girl you're my kind of wonderful"
Sugar Bears "Nothing I can do"
Charles Mintz "Running back"
Willie Tee "Funky funky twist"
Hill SIsters "Gonna get even"
Eddie Holloway "Poor boy"
Sisters Love "Give me your love"
Pinch of Perfection "All that's left is memories"
Pretenders "Just be yourself"


Party Set 4.15 - 5.a.m at Jazz Bar
Bobby Patterson "I'm in love with you"
Bill Harris "Am I cold am I hot"
Gil Scott Heron "The bottle" (ha ha!)
Edwin Starr "Running back and forth"
Differences "Five Minutes"
Tony Drake "Suddenly"
Barrett Strong "Is it true"
A J Brown "Making love together"
J Jocko "I'm getting over"
Mark IV "If you can't tell me something good about my baby"
Flowers "For real"
Timeless Legend "I was born to love you"
2nd Ressurection "Don't let the daylight catch you"
C Coulter "Can't fight the feeling"
Melvin Brown / James Matthews "Loves stormy weather"

It really is a privilege to be able to write this Blog entry, because it's about the 18^th Cleethorpes Weekender, and it was the 18^th Cleethorpes Weekender that I've attended, and it was one of the best !

As usual, Johnny Weston was my travelling companion for the journey up the Motorway, and as usual, he was an hour late picking me up, but knowing John's timekeeping, I'd allowed an extra hour when we agreed the time anyway. A trouble free journey saw us arrive at the gates of the Beachcomber at around 2.30pm. A rather poignant moment for me simply because Margie wasn't going to be here this year. She's attended 15 of the previous 17 weekenders, and really loved coming to Cleethorpes. Sadly there's nothing I can do to change this, but I, and I'm sure several others, raised a glass in her memory over the weekend. I'd also like to say thanks to all the kind people who enquired how I was over the weekend.

Having set the stall up it was time for the first beer of the weekend. Duly bought, and part consumed, the door from the record bar to the pool was opened so that we could sit in the sun, have a cigarette, and just chat. This was a cue for the Bar Manager to appear and give us a bollocking because you couldn't sit on the poolside of the fencing when the pool wasn't open, and as there was no life guard on duty the pool wasn't open ! Now I understand the need for Health & Safety regulations, but it's not as though we were going swimming ! (The problem was solved later by Mick the Security Supervisor who erected a couple of fences which separated the smokers from the pool.)

So we retired to the bar, only to be given another bollocking by the same Bar Manager for going outside for a smoke without a plastic glass ! The event hadn't actually started yet, and I'd been told off twice !!! Lucky she didn't catch me with the donation from the toilet roll suppler, who shall remain nameless

The talk before the event had been about the lack of caravans on the Beachcomber site itself, with Ady having to block book a load of caravans on Thorpe Park next door for the DJs and staff. To my joy, and the gnashing of teeth from Jenny Banks and Mick Smith, who I was standing with, discovered that I was booked in on the Beachcomber site, and not only that, but we had four keys to the caravan. The down side of course being that we had to give Johnny Boy a key of his own. However, as John Mills had wimped out of the Weekender it meant we had a spare bed, so Johnny Fingers was offered accommodation for the weekend.

As I had been booked to do the opening spot of the weekender it was time to be sensible and get something to eat, so it was off to the chip shop, and then back to the caravan to get changed.

A mixture of Oldies, R & B, and just stuff that I'd bought recently seemed to go down rather well, and that was the first spot over with. The rest of the evening was spent chatting with mates, drinking, trying to sell a few records, drinking, laughing at Lou Woods, who entered the dancing competition at least three times despite not getting through any of the various rounds, drinking, and occasionally, more drinking. As usual, I had the best intentions of pacing myself and going to bed early on the Friday night, so the reports of me being seen at 6.20am with a full pint are probably untrue, but as I have no recollections after about 4.00am I'm unable to categorically deny them.



Saturday morning arrived, and I remembered why we had offered Johnny Fingers accommodation, he had brought coffee with him ! Several cups of coffee later it was time to go and open up the stall. Business had been reasonable Friday night, but this afternoon it was slow, still it meant I had time to listen to the line up of International DJs, starting with Kenny from Outer Mongolia, via Tottenham, and Jessica from Wales, via New York. (You have to understand Ady's mentality to understand that bit !). Jenny Banks kindly provided me with a really nice ham cob to keep me going, so it was just a case of having a laugh with mates again, and the occasional drink, until 5pm when I thought I'd better get something to eat before the match.

Hmm choices, shall I watch the match in the caravan, or in the bar ? For once, I took the sensible option and watched the match in the caravan, with a few cans. The elation of the early goal soon turned to ashes following the most basic of goalkeeping errors. Johnny Weston rolled up just before the end of the game. It was the first time I'd seen him since Friday teatime, turns out he'd been lodging in Mick H's caravan, eating whatever was offered and minesweeping all the half empty glasses of booze !

Saturday night. Originally Tobi Lark / Legend was supposed to be the live act, but kept messing Ady about, so when she cancelled he moved swiftly and acquired the services of Spencer and Percy Wiggins. As soon as I saw the new live acts I thought it was the better deal, and how right I was.



Percy was on first, and although his voice was pleasant, there was always a lighter edge to his performance. Spencer Wiggins though….Wow, he roared, screamed, pleaded, cajoled, and just tore the roof off with a top class Southern / Deep Soul performance the like of which the stage at Cleethorpes has never seen before. Truly brilliant.



I packed the stall up shortly after the live acts and wandered upstairs to where Tef was holding court with about twenty DJs all playing five records each. Sadly, as mentioned by other people, the sound system just didn't do it justice, so by 5am I was back downstairs for another hour, and then eventually staggered off to bed around 6am.

Sunday, my favourite day of the weekend, although sometimes you get the feeling of relief that it's not another allnighter. Opened the stall up at midday, and struggled to get the first pint down me for a while. Jenny Banks turned up with another couple of cobs, so once I'd eaten them I was feeling in fine fettle and ready for a few more beers. This was possibly not the best tactic bearing in mind that Roger and I still had the quiz to present, but never mind.

The usual chaos ensued, with fourteen out of the twenty forms given out being returned, I've listed all the questions below, with the answers, so you can have a look at the heights on Soul knowledge we trawled this year. The funniest thing of all though, was whilst Ady was giving out the proper prizes, Roger and I were giving out our own prizes that we had found behind the stage. Third place got a broken wheelchair (Which in fairness to Jessica, she actually took back to her seat, admittedly with a slightly puzzled look on her face), Second Place got a Fishing Plaque, and the winners got a Golf Plaque. Again both teams took their prize away with them, I just wish I could have seen their faces when they realised what they had been given.

Next job was to pack the stall away in a thunderstorm, and then meander over to the pub for a cavery meal.

We said our goodbyes to Woody & Lou at this point because they both had work on the Monday, and then I went to get showered and changed ready for the Sunday night.

Sunday night is traditionally the night off for the record dealers, and those of us who stay make the most of it. I DJ'ed for the first two hours, double decking with Mick H, and then went and sat with the Rugby crowd for the rest of the night. Much alcohol was consumed (Well there's a change), and apart from a failed attempt in the Ritual DJ Humiliation (Which was musical chairs again) have very little recollection of the rest of the night. Suffice to say, I had a great time and staggered off into the night at 3am when the lights eventually came on.

Ady, you managed to provide a blinding weekends entertainment, so my thanks to you and all those who worked with you.

Finally, I can only echo the sentiments expressed by others; This was one of the best weekenders in quite a few years. I want to thank all the friends who spoke with me, laughed with me, even those who laughed at me, and drank with me. Your company lifted my mood, and whilst other Weekenders may be great, ensured that Cleethorpes is still SPECIAL.

So here are the quiz questions and answers:

Cleethorpes Soul Mastermind Quiz 2010

Q1: Name two labels that when you put the names together you come up with a '70s aftershave

A1: Hai (Hi) - Karate

Q2:: Percy & Spencer Wiggins started singing in a family Gospel; group. What was the name of the group

A2: New Rival Gospel Singers

Q3: The MGM logo is associated with the lion. On MGM demos a cartoon lion holds a record, but what three items of clothing is he wearing ?

A3: Jacket, Shirt, Tie

Q4: Shout, the label, is being shouted by what animal ?

A4: Parrot

Q5: How many releases did Spencer Wiggins have on the Goldwax label

a) 0, b) 5, c) 8

A5: 8

Q6: How many releases did Percy Wiggins have on the Goldwax label ?

a) 0, b) 5, c) 8

A6: 0

Q7: Which cities were these labels based in

a) Arctic, b) Boom, c) Home Of The Blues, d) Ru-Jac

A7: a) Philadelphia, b) New York, c) Memphis, d) Baltimore

Q8: Name a label featuring a horse on the label ? Possible 10+

A8: Bronco, Mustang, Stallion, Bareback, Derby City, Colt, Charger, Crazy Horse, etc

1 Point for each correct answer

Q9: What label features a peacock on it's logo ?

A9: Peacock

Q10: Two classic early Chicago labels feature a falcon on the logo, what are they ?

A10: Falcon, Abner

Q11: On this day, June 13^th, in 1960, Clyde McPhatter signed for Mercury Records. Which group was he a member of on Atlantic Records ?

A11: The Drifters

Q12: Name the authors of these two books:

a) Northern Soul Stories, b) Groovesville USA

A12: a) Neil Rushton, b) Keith Rylatt

Q13: Which famous New York label features a clown on it's logo ?

Prompt: Kent released 3 Cds on this label

A13: Carnival

Q14: What is the best selling drink at the weekender ?

A14: Draught lager

Q15: Name two labels that Johnny Sayles recorded for ?

A15: Any two from: Mar-V-Lus, Chi-Town, Minit, St Lawrence, Chess, Dakar, Brunswick, DHC, New Sound

Q16: How many singles on the Big Wheel label were The Falcons the named artist ?

A16: Seven as the Falcons, One as backing vocals on Sandy Hollis

Q17: Who is going to win the world cup ? As far as I'm concerned there is only one correct answer !

A17: England

Q18: How many toilet rolls are used over the weekend in the ladies and gents in the main building

A18: 36 / 40

Q19: What is this artist's real name, and who is it ?

(Play Little Charles & The Sidewinders)

A19: Charles Walker

Q20: What is the average quiz score at the weekender ?

A20: 15+


As a footnote, literally, Sian from Rugby is notorious for leaving shoes behind at venues, so it was no surprise to get a phone call on the Monday morning asking if I would go and ask in the venue about a pair of shoes she had left in there. So I go straight away (I was in the cafe having breakfast when she rang), but it's all locked up with no sign of life. Being the kind hearted soul that I am, I try again as we are leaving, and it's still all locked up.

Good thing too really, I get a text off Sian in the afternoon "Found my shoes in the car" !











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iam sad to anounce the death of clark vincent joseph aka clarkie his fruneral will be held at oldham crem 1pm 28th may 2010 thanks to everyone whp supported me especailly mr ste proudlove peace god blees you

Start Time: Saturday, November 28, 2009 at 5:00pm
End Time: Sunday, November 29, 2009 at 2:00am
Location: Marlborough Club
Street: The Broadway
Town: Didcot, United Kingdom
Phone: 07778 217 406
Email:gallagher.j6@sky.com

9 hours of non stop Jazz funk & Soul music with DJs Chris Bangs, Chris D Smith, Shaun Gallagher, Jim Jackson, Mark Whiffin, Chris Beggs plus Guests to be confirmed!

The last two have been sell-out's, the atmosphere has been fantastic, the music superb, and the bar prices are so cheap it's like being back in the eighties again!!!

Ticket info gallagher.j6@sky.com or call 07778217406.

This really is an essential date on the soul calender, be part of it. Back together again 28th November, remember we have a limited capacity, and turned alot of people away last time, so please try and get your tickets well in advance. See you there!!!

Please send a stamped self addressed envelope with a cheque for however many tickets you require, made out to J Gallagher, send to 10 East Street Didcot Oxon OX11 8EJ.

Overnight Accomodation
Southern Wood Guest House
info@bandbdidcot.co.uk Tel 01235 212202
Rooms from £30/ngt
(literally a 5min walk from the venue - less than a minute by car if you're really LAZY!!)

Premier Inn - Oxford South (Didcot)
Milton Heights
Milton
Nr Didcot
Oxfordshire
OX14 4TX
T: 08701 977 073

well Ted how was it for you, cos it was great for us,what no-body realizes the logistics of getting us all to-gether in one place, because at first me and woody just could not afford to go, as with everybody monies an issue, but after alot of hoo har and endless texts and phone calls it all went to-gether with military precision!from the onset after being picked up by Ted, with John Pugh, Kenny onions and Martyn Bradley already comfortably sitting, was I ready for this, Woody already went 2 hours earlier with Weston Col and Dave Rimmer,to the blue post first, for some serous drinking,but going out the house at 6PM, is far to early for a young woman of my age, but, I thought this is a treat for me, siting in with some very knowledgeable people, wot snippets of info can I learn,labels, records,etc! with- in the first 5 seconds having decided wot hole to use, mine or kens , amid fits of laughter, from 4 blokes, it soon became apparent, that this was not going to be the case, and conversations of childhood memories etc,became the topic there and back, which I will go into laters,

Always had a lot time for Ted,remember he has been around for a great number of years,and sold various collections which I would have loved to have seen let alone have. It was well time he graced the decks of the 100 club, and boy I don't think he let us down, playing some of his big tunes,getting the dance-floor rocking, being on with the likes of Butch and Mick, with the great Keith money, he slotted in perfectly, and thoroughly enjoyed him self in the process as we did,he could have played any number of sets,and could have gone anyway he wanted, but the west midlands had that corner of the room in the 100 club last nite, we came we danced and hopefully every body else enjoyed it as much as we did,well done Ted,hope we did you proud too, it took a lot of hard work to bring us all down and would do it all over again, and as I said when I got out of the car, where we goin next week ! one thing puzzles me though, why on earth in there some graffiti in the ladies toilets that spells WOODY
and besides I want more stories from John and Kenny about stealing fags and monies from ya grandparents , John as always, what wonderful tales he tells, honest and truthful, such a pleasure to be in this kind of company, I was honored to be part of it, we were in stitches on how he rifled the money to buy the cards you got when you where a kid, the ones with a small slice of bubbly gum in em, what was it, ten bobs worth, but they all had the same picture in..do you know woodsy has still got some in the loft, if it makes you feel any better, you can have em,bazooka Joe, Aztec bars, we reminisced bout every thing, we came we danced, we laughed, we chatted, and then we went home, and as I walked up in the morning daylight,to my house, I noticed that the doors were wide open next door, all the lights on, now we have 2 old people next door who both have Alzheimer's, and they must have been on one of their adventures, whilst I had been on mine, they often do it, last time, they were found in walsall, on a bus, she with her slippers on, oh well what could I do, no doubt the police would bring them back as they often do.
later on, while I was cookin the dinner, woody still in bed, cos he did not get home till much later than me, a knock on the door,, it was the wondering couple from next door, hello there they said, and in the mans hands was a curry with a mug of tea, on a tray, this is for you he said, they told me to bring it for your dinner, its not mine its yours I said, (the carer who comes in 4 times a day, had made it for his dinner!!)after a lot of persuading I managed to get them back in their own house, do you live both sides of us they asked I have lived next door to you for 15 years I said, but they had not a clue who I was whats the point of me telling you this when the blogs about Ted's soulful 100 debut, you may be thinking, the point is my friends..for gods sake , please enjoy your self where ever you lay your soulful hat, for life is a precious brittle thing.and while we are driving up and down the country to any soul venue, one day that could be me or you in the future so if anyones asks me wot I did this weekend, how can I put that in one clear sentance!
I took plenty of photo,s, and will post them up in the weeek asap

thanks Ted for letting us be part of your big soulful adventure

The week leading up to the recent back holiday I came down with a 'flu' bug, although it didn't prevent my attending – or enjoying, to the full – both the Lifeline 'Niter at The Stables and the following day's Lifeline 'Dayer, in Nottingham.

When I woke on the Monday, though, I thought that proverbial Steam Roller had run over me during my sleep. Obviously the over indulgence over the two day's of Souling, I quickly realised, had actually put me back !!

NOT a good thing when, the coming Friday should have seen me, first.. Doing an early doors attendance at The City Club in Peterborough, followed by an hour or so's journey further up the A1 and across the M62 to partake in the Wilton 'Niter for the duration of the night. Secondly.. The Saturday would see me travelling southward (for a change) to partake in the 30^th Anniversary celebrations of the famed 100 Club 'Niter.

By time Friday came around I was still not feeling too good so took the decision to avoid ALL travels and venues that night. Instead, believing I should conserve what energy I had to be okay to travel to London's Oxford Street. I already had purchased my ticket at the 100 Club 's previous date so - out of the available Soul options over the Friday & Saturday – the 100 Club was defo the priority.

Not to be though.. Even allowing myself a midnight cut off deadline, to see if fit enough to venture out, I had to take the (inevitable) decision that it would be more sensible to not go out at all and benefit, instead, from the additional rest this weekend of non-soul music would provide.

Not until last Thursday did I start to feel I'd 'turned a corner' with an annoying chesty cough being the only remnant of my sickness. I was pleased about that !! If I had to go another weekend without a Soul fix I would've topped myself !! As it was – my poor wife & daughter had to endure my 'hump' mood for three solid days.. So they were probably more relieved, than I was, that I'd be heading off on my usual weekend quest of Soul.

Rugby Soul Club's Benn Hall 'Niter, on Saturday, was the promotion of choice for me this time around. With the knowledge that, if this 'niter's sociability factor was a lager, it would probably be the most sociable lager in the entire world !! Just what I needed to get back into 'the groove' of things.

One thing my night at the Benn Hall wasn't, was disappointing – everything but !!

I spent most of this great night of Soul Music entertainment keeping my sales boxes company, in the bar/lounge area, whilst I attempted to ply my wares.. When I finally packed them, away Ady was already half way through his excellent offerings, But – instead of ensconcing myself within the confines of the Main Hall – I ended up spending most of the time that was left (of this latest offering of Top Notch music & Top Class sociability at the Benn Hall) in the Freebasing Room. Right up until the lights came on to signal that the 5am finish was, regrettably, upon us. My attendance in this room being broken only by my (fairly regular) ventures outside.. To partake in my required inhalation of 'own rolled' smokes whilst also indulging in light-hearted claptrap pleasantries with the constant flow of Soulie peeps that turned 'the outside area' (immediately in front of the entrance doors and to the sides) as a sort of, 'extension' to the 'Niter – a kind of 'venue within a venue' type thing – where the average 'attendance' was at least, predominantly, around the 20 mark throughout.. With extra 'company' provided courtesy of the 'Snack wagon', parked out front, that offered hot food, tea's/coffee's etc. for most of the night's festivities.

Reason for the majority of my 'music' time being spent in the alternate room was simple.. DJ DIVA DI !! I (obviously) missed her first set due to my 'retail sales commitments' (gutted, too, reading the spins I missed !!) but, after taking a loo-break - just as DI was about to commence her Turntable Management duties – I walked back in the room to find at least DOUBLE the amount of interested Soulies than had been present when I headed off to the latrine. Not a reflection on the DJ prior to this Lady's set.. More a reflection of just HOW good a job DI actually did !! I didn't speak to, or hear, anyone - that witnessed this hour of musical delights - that had anything but praise for DI 's set. I had to agree with them entirely !! Quite a few of her offerings were 'up my personal street' anyway.. But aside from that fact the quality of her selections – coupled with how she 'slung them together' - demonstrated not just an ear for a 'good tune' but also that enviable quality of successfully achieving those very important elements of continuation & fluidity, which she managed effortlessly. In a word.. 'SUPERB' !! I'll be paying future close attention to any gigs where I see this Lady of Soul on the DJ line-up. With any such promotion being automatically included on my list of options for that particular weekend.

What little I did catch of the DJ that preceded Di also 'rocked my personal boat' as this guy – 'Tom H'. - was offering some brilliant 'cover' versions of some well established 'standards'. Having a personal penchant for alternate versions of things myself I just stood at the rear of the room - full of quiet jealousy that I didn't have the things he was playing whilst, at the same time - 'pleased' for the guy.. For owning them. Respect was unequivocally automatic and, as with Di, I would welcome the opportunity to hear – uninterrupted - a 'full' set.

I also caught most of the Freebasing room's last hour of offerings.. Courtesy of yet another DJ that 'did the biz' on the night.. (and who's name has completely gone from my mind as I write this !! My humble apologies). Again I was treated to an abundance of tunes that titillated my Soul tonsils and appealed, greatly, to my liking for 'early soul'. With some excellent N.York produced things played - early 60's N.Y. soul being my fave of faves !!

Suffice to say, and other than 30 mins of Ady and a few of Mr Shields plays, I didn't clock too much of the action in the Main Hall.. But I did overhear two or three people commenting as to how much they enjoyed Ken's set so, 'Well Done' !! that man.

Considering the place was still heaving 10 mins after the last play of the evening - on this occasion Jimmy Wallace's Alpha 45 of 'I'll be Back' - usually, the end of a Benn Hall Session of Soul is signalled by Mr Rimmers' playing of (what has now become the 'signature ender' record at Benn Hall 'Niter's) the superb Big Apple sound of 'The Drifter'.. But, Dave being Dave, he managed to squeeze an extra 45 in to assist the departing attendees.. As they made their way out of the venue & on with their homeward-bound journeys.

In keeping with the extended hospitality ALWAYS offered by, and courtesy of, the Rugby Soul Club promotion duo of Sian & Dean.. Another 'extension' to the 'niter could be found back at their house - where refreshments flow in abundance.. As do the varied selections of (hot !!) nibbles and confectionery - and where extra hours of good company rounds the 'night' off in 'PERFECT' fashion.

Only one 'down side', for me personally (and nothing to do with the promotion..). Despite, even, receiving assurances via e-mail mid-week.. I was let down YET AGAIN !! A debt owed for records taken (and overdue) that was to be satisfied this evening. Guess what ?? 'NO SHOW' !! Bad enough in itself, but (again) - and not through my own doing – I'VE been placed in a position where I am now letting someone else down on the back of it - a fact that the purchaser was completely aware of !!

[I go into this 'problem' in more detail below - after the Rugby Review & under the heading of 'Dilemma' - I'll start it as a thread, proper, in the 'About Soul' Forum and will post a link here when done. Subject to what happens the following few days after, I will - if necessary - be updating the thread with NAMES of those causing me severe grief]

Other than that.. A 'Top Night', with masses of the friendliest bunch of Soul Music loving attendees you could ever wish for at a 'Niter.

NOW - The countdown for next Saturday's United Sound Of Soul begins..



BRING IT ON !!


DILEMMA

This 'Non-Payment' situation I'm suffering at present.. What would YOU do ??

In thirty years of selling records this is the worst year, EVER, for people giving me the run around concerning agreed payments of outstanding amounts.

I, purpously, ALWAYS ensure – before doing a 'deal' – to make sure that the purchaser is happy with whatever deal we are discussing. My philosophy is simple.. So long as both parties are entirely are happy then a deal can be agreed. Where 'friends' are involved I will go out of my way to offer a decent saving, where possible, and extend more generous 'payment terms' to accommodate them simply because they are 'mates'

I will go to great lengths to explain the negative sides (for both parties) of agreeing a dea, and payment terms where appropriate, if the buyer knows – from the offset – that they will be unable to comply with what we are agreeing. S'long as our 'terms' are adhered to it is'nt a problem.

I'd be interested to know how others would view my current predicament.. And what remedies they would choose in attempting to resolve the situation.

It isn't just one deal I'm referring to here.. And the payments I've been let down on are from people that I have considered as 'friends'. What really pi**es me off is the blatant lack of respect and total disregard for our 'friendship' by NOT making any sort of contact if there is a problem their end !!

I provide a landline number that goes straight to an ansaphone, my mobile number, and (at least) one email address that I use on a daily basis – so it's not as if they don't have contact details.

If it was me, and I was experiencing a problem, the FIRST thing I would do would be to make contact and let them know, so that they are aware. I, even, STILL give them the benefit of the doubt – in the short term – as there may well be a legitimate reason as to WHY they will NOT be turning up to make the agreed payment.. Things can, and do, happen – such is life. But to make NO CONTACT WHATSOEVER.. Does my head in !!

The worst of this is how it effects my future dealings with other people that would NOT let me down, and go out of their way to satisfy their commitments as agreed – they will suffer 'cos I'll be loathe to carry on getting kicked in the teeth !!

I've already made my decision as to what action I'll take next – should the current defaulters not make contact in the next few days – I'll, first, be naming and shaming them utilising any and all media's availble - so that others are aware NOT to deal with them. The final part of the remedy is 'drastic', and something I would rather NOT have to undertake to get what is rightfully mine (the records or the cash..) but – it's painfully obvious – these people I refer to don't give a FLYING F**K about the position they place me in by their actions of default.. And the consequences that I have to endure on the back of it, so.. NO !! I'm certainly NOT gonna be losing any sleep – or feeling ANY remorse in the slightest – if I DO have to undertake the remedy I've decided upon. Who needs enemies with mates like that !!!

So.. What would YOU lot do ?? I'd be interested, and grateful, to receive feedback from others as to just WHAT they might suggest in this situation.

I knew by the glorious sunshine on the way to Cleethorpes that the weekend was gonna be a blinder. I wasnt wrong. Kylee and I had a pretty easy journey to Lincolnshire and in fact, chatted so much we were there before we knew it. After the usual shinnanigans of who was sleeping where we got to the venue about halfway through Sue Brick's and Amanda's set. That started us off in great style, fantastic set girls Friday night is great for "settling in" - meeting all those folks from various locations far and wide, getting a feel for the place, you know....but this year I was tempted early on onto the dancefloor (after you had infiltrated the wall of people packing the floor) I love to watch the dancers at Cleggy - its like all the best ones are there and when you stand back and look at em it looks fantastic...all that passion....great stuff. Simsy also presented Bearsy with his SSFFL winner's medal and his beaming face when he got it had me laughing. Classic tune after classic tune and about 10 pints later we fell giggling into the caravan about 4.00am - having decided to take it easy the first night! Karime nearly made it to bed...the top half of her body on the bed....her legs on the ladder of the bunk-bed!!! where she happily snoozed!!

Saturdays hangover started about 10 and we managed to crawl round to the cafe (sunglasses firmly glued on), eat their excuse for a breakfast and fall back into bed again.. As usual I missed all the daytime offerings opting to save myself for the niter session....so we chilled and swapped stories happily til it was time to go out again.

Saturday night was even more buzzing, we were all dancing, and warming up ready for the performers to come on. Jesse Davis wowed us with a few numbers. I loved his version of Stormy and he sang Hang on in there girl (one of my faves) without one note out of place. He went down a treat. He was followed by the beaming smile that is Melvin Davis who equally wowed us with his offerings. It seemed the singers were on for no time at all because I was enjoying it so much. Afterwards all I remember is dancin me socks off and getting totally obliterated.....I think we left about 4.30 while we could still walk

Sunday was chill out time, again, there was no way I was leaving my bed... so left the partying til the evening . Kylee and I got dressed up as the "soul police" complete with various tools of our trade...a tape measure to see if the djs had 7 inches or 12 and to check for "regulation" flares! talc for the floor, a beer towel to mop sweaty brows, a magnifying glass to check for boots, and of course, 6-inch stillettos!!and various other things....the boys seemed to favour the latex gloves and ky jelly the most - funnily enough When we came out of the ladies we walked slap bang into Melvin, Jesse and entourage who laughed with us (or maybe at us!) and were pleasantly surprised how many had taken up the fancy dress challenge. Even Ady who was dressed as a bear and little Sonny in matching outfit!! He was adorable - the baby that is....later saw the rest of the croasdell bear family dressed in pink. We did a bit of detective work as we were on duty, (although we were happy to be bribed with drinks!) checked out Dave and Rogers records with great care!! Measued flares and coshed various criminals with our pink squeaky trunchons!! Most blokes asked to be handcuffed but we preferred the "old style" of policing by giving them a clip round the ear. We had great fun all evening but found dancing in those shoes quite a hazardous task! By 12 oclock the magic fairy came and took away my magic dancing feet and gave me my bad back again so I retired for the evening.

Many thanks to Ady for putting all this together (and every one else involved) Its like getting the whole soul family out together - fantastic.

But my special thanks go to Karime, Kylee, Ian, Paul and Derek who made perfect trailer companions.

Roll on next year!!

Denise xx

I could'nt believe it: there I was round at me Mum & Dads for Sunday tea, sat there with abeer reading the local rag; The Stourport News and Kidderminster Times. Thereon page 14 was the big story of the week that even The Express & Starseemed to have missed.

Below is an extract from last week's paper:

Reports are coming in that a local Gangland or Mafia style'hit' was carried out on a local business man last Tuesday. Francis T, full name has not released byPolice, was involved in a 'hit and stop' incident in Church Road,Kidderminster. Mr T was hit by aspeeding car, believed to be travelling well above the limit, 38mph andsustained serious damage to not only himself but the road surface and thevehicle in question.

The vehicle, a Vauxhall Viva purchased some months before froma Ludlow man was found to be driven with no Road Tax and steering wheel, thedriver has not been named.

Church Streetwas closed for over 90mins as firemen and ambulance crews battled to free Mr Tfrom the front of said Viva. Mr T hassince been reported as being in a comfortable position in hospital on Wednesdaynight and Sunday afternoon, staff at the Worcesterhospital have offered more pillows.

A local friend, Shel B, has commented that this incidentcould have a serious effect on the local economy; "Mr T's Shop is a centre ofactivity in these parts and if Mr T carn't open up we may have to walk anextra 500yards to get similar goods and service, we’re thinking of starting acampaign! yam yam yam ......"

Insiders within the Kidderminster and Stourport area haveexpressed some concerns recently and this Reporter has been supplied with interestingfacts that may lead to some mis-conclusions and wrong reporting: It is believed that a local 'vinyl pressing' war may have spilled out onto the streets of Kidderminster. Francis T, who co-owns and runs a verylucrative 'vinyl recording' company with world wide distribution, was taken 'out' by local reveals. Names in theframe so far but not currently available for comment (mainly cos I can't be ar'edto phone them and the bacon butty has just arrived and I've a deadline to workto you know..) are John "Johnny The Concrete" Barker, Michael "Mr Mow Town" Bennett and an un-named third party, believed to be supplying the money (petrolmoney only) from the Malvern area in South Worcestershire. Currently Mr T is being held on a secret wardat a Worcester Hospital, next to the Hawks Ward, security has been organisedand supplied by Farrell & Hurcomb Vinyl Security Services but where notavailable for comment today; their out of office message said something aboutgetting back to you once "they'd done Cleethorpes"; this firm it would seemcover more than just the Worcester Area!

Now to say I was shocked is a understatement, to say it's all made up, well nearly!; Get Well Soon Francis, we'll miss your sales box and company over the next few months while you recover. Worcester Soul nights, including this Fridays SoulfulSessions will be a little bit quieter