City Centre Soul At The Black Lion Salford

Hi Woody,

Thanks for the invitation to come over to the Red Rose Country and be a guest DJ at the Black Lion, i'm really looking forward to a great night of quality Northern Soul and Motown, your reputation as a top "Soul Miester" goes before you, so i'd best start getting my record box sorted for Saturday, i have some pretty big shoes to fill.

Looking forward to seeing both you and Sue and meeting some great new people on the night, till then go steady.

Russ

The lucky bookie, on 20 February 2012 - 02:05 AM, said:

Hello Russ,
great to hear from you, realy excited & looking forward to this weekend too. Been sorting My records out as well, got some great stuff to play Saturday. Had some good comments & a nice positive reaction to our fliers for The Black Lion so hopefully we should be in for a crackin' night.
Me & Sue are realy pleased you're coming over Manchester, can't wait to hear your spot pal.
Take care Russ & keep in touch, see you soon, Woody

Hi Russ,

Was good to see you recently in Sheffield, both me and Woody were delighted you said you'd support us in a new venture....have no idea how this will go down, but worth a try we feel. Woody is on top form (well I would say that I guess...!) (but it's true!) but we are looking forward to both yours and Clarence's guest spots very much. It will be good to have the Old Black Lion rafters ringing once again to the sounds of soul. I've been in tonight to check the beer is ok (I tell Woody this is an essential element of preparation while he is stuck in Doncaster!) and its all looking good...just some DJs, vinyl and punters missing. Hopefully remedied on Saturday. Looking forward to it very much, take care Sue X

Hi Woody,

Having just read the posts for The Mexborough Civic Centre, i'd best get that record box in tip top order, only 5 days and counting! yeah like wise we're all looking forward to coming over "The Snake" [i think there's a song called that] and already you know its going to be a quality night.

Thanks once again for the invitation [there's a group nearly called that] don't worry the DJing will be to a higher standard than the puns.

Go steady

Russ

Hi Sue,

Your more than welcome and i'm sure you both would do the same for me if you're ever called to do so and perhaps because this is a new venture we can put our own slant on the music being played rather than having to follow house rules and that can't be a bad thing as long as we give the people what they want i'm happy to go with the flow ["we go to the Black Lion because they play......... you can hear them saying"]

l'm sure with your commitment this can be a great event, here's hoping.

See you Saturday.

Russ

Ps sorry this post is out of sinc, i placed my previous reply just after you placed yours, in fact i must have still been writing it, professional to the last you could say.

Hello Susan,
checking the beer is ok while I'm in Doni eh, did'nt know that was part of a P A's dutys as well ??.... (lol)
But hey thanks for all the hard work you've put in, could'nt have made this happen without you.....
As Russ say's "here's hoping", see you Friday luv, W

Woody! Hello!

Well I've got to pass the time somehow haven't I?? I like to think of it as networking but I guess in the end its just drinking beer!! Any excuse as always! What every great PA needs is an expense account though.....perhaps we need to talk about this!
Glad you are happy with the service, you know what they say...you only get out what you put in and you are a good solid investor! It really is amazing what you can find on the internet dont you think?!!
Looking forward to Saturday at the Black Lion... and Friday night at the wheel, Sue x

Hello Russ,

I know this is out of sync too...but I had to deal with the beer issue first! I like the idea of creating the 'Black lion sound' will be interesting to see how it shapes up as you say. I am sure we would be happy to support whatever or wherever we can...this is whats so nice about the soul scene, after the music its the people who make it. Thats what its all about and what was so nice about Nigels Sunday afternoon..so many good DJs and so many good records all in one place. Take care rest of the week, see you Sat. Sue (Woodys PA apparantly...not sure if thats a promotion or not lol!!)

Hi again Sue,

"Behind every great man is a great woman" so the saying goes and without a doubt the beer issue must be addressed as a priority [the mark of a top class PA and the ability to tell clients you're in a meeting and that you'll call them back as soon as you're free, but in reality 1 you're at the pub, 2 you're playing golf,fishing or at the races, 3 recovering from the night before, and never to let them know you don't really want to talk to them]

Over the years like yourself i've meet some lovley people and even today continue to do so, and they can't be that many people who can say that nowadays.

Till Saturday.

Russ ......Agh.... sit down and take a letter Miss jones

You're all mad you lot,
honestly I don't know these people, I've never met them in My life (lol). No but seriously I like the way you're thinking Russ & agree with you & Sue about sort of creating our own sound down at the Lion. Don't want to run before we can walk, but it'd be good if we Could create it would'nt it. I think we're going to be 60s/ RnB orientated with a few 70s thrown in for good measure. Thats not to say we're going play classic oldies "all night", we'll be mixing it up a little bit, there's so many great dancers to play & still being discovered out there (every time I leave the house I hear something different).
Thats just My slant on things anyway, I hope you've got all that down Miss Taylor.... (lol)

As Sue has said, Woody is at the top of his game, in my humble own, he has always been an inspiration to others, me included, especially as I was new to the NS scene 3 wonderful years ago, he always has time to speak to everyone he lifts them, and his record knowledge is immense. I am really looking forward to Sat at the Lion, if it was Anything like Mexborough, I will go home thinking what a top night. Russ, with his vast knowledge, points of view, large collection and his good humour is a welcome back and a breath of fresh air to our world, after being "gone too long" I do apologise for my puns)! I also welcome all this banter on here, nice to have friends who don't take things too seriously...apart from the music...so I will see you all Sat night..god bless.
Atb and KTF
Mick

It seems Russ has been to the same PA school as me....except my list runs like this...
1. I am in Marks and Spencers
2. I am having my nails/ hair/makeup done
3. I am recovering from the night before (usually with the boss)
4. I am very (very) busy with the boss...

I have to take down everything he says and I don't even get a beer allowance! Does this amount to exploitation I wonder?
Glad you've all got the music sorted out and there's a plan forming and a fan base....it will be good to test it all out very soon

Sue, the PA and beer tester

The lucky bookie, on 22 February 2012 - 01:11 AM, said:

Hi again Russ,
yeah must admit beer is quite high on the priority list & yeah it does need to be adressed ( & does most weekends anyway.... lol). Well you've gotta loosen up a bit have'nt you & anyway I always seem to dance better when I've had a few, think most people do actualy. By the way Russ you nearly got right, it's actually Miss Taylor.
Nice one pal, take care, speak soon, Woody

Mick Clements, on 22 February 2012 - 07:37 PM, said:

Hi Mick,
great to see down at the Civic the other night, great night. We're same as you, realy looking forward to Saturday at The Black Lion, can't wait for Russ & Clarence's spot's, we should be in for a treat. I'm realy impessed with your enthusiasm for all things Northern, you think like Me & have the same outlook on bollatics & snobbery, We don't take any notice of it. We just play what We play, know a good record when We hear one ( be it £5.00 or £500 & there will be some £500 + records being played) & won't be peached at or dictated to ( as No 6 used to say - " I Am A Free Man"). Hey, hope you've got some good jokes lined up for Saturday, got have a laugh ant we, I'll tell you the one about the P A & her boss.... lol (I'll probobly get a crack for that when Sue gets here tomoz).
Look forward to seeing you Saturday & having a catch up, God bless you too pal, Woody

soosietee, on 22 February 2012 - 11:49 PM, said:

Lol lol lol,
yeah "The Boss", I like that sentence, it has a certain ring to it don't you think Miss T (lol).
As for sorting the music out, I'm with that right now, well am doin' Me best....
Speak soon Gorgeous, The Boss Woody

Hey everybody,
don't forget tomorrow night down at The Black Lion, come & see what hapening, record dealers or anyone with any vinyl to sell or trade are very welcome. Nearly forgot Me & My P A (lol) 'll be at The Twisted Wheel tonight with our fliers if anyone wants to say hello or fancy's a chat.
See you soon folks, Woody

Had a great nights dancing last night...looking forward to another at the Black Lion Salford tonight then Sheffield tomorrow....does life get any better than that I ask myself?! As an over 50 I have lived long enough and done enough to know that truly it doesnt! Hope to see a good crowd in tonight....new ventures are always an unknown quantity but as I keep telling the boss (as if!!!) you have to speculate sometimes to reap rewards. On that premise, the rewards tonight will be brought by great guests who have enthusiastically supported the venture so far....Clarence Mitchell, well known on the Manchester scene and Russ Adams from the Sheffield scene, both of whom bring soul to the masses via local radio shows and DJ ing at regular events and of course our very own Woody. What more can I say? Great line up, great records, great people, great little place....should be a great night! Come down and join in....

Oh...and I nearly forgot.... great beer!!

Nearly time for kick-off...last minute checks tell us everythings in order. See you there later Woody ( the DJ) and Sue (the boss) X

So...now for the post party look back! The very first City Centre Soul event at The Black Lion in Salford...

A really nice turn out of friends old and new.. all enthusiastic and supportive of the new venture, appreciative of the music and very active on the dance floor. Nice mix of 60's 70's and RnB from the guests backed up by Woody's ATB approach and sincere thanks are due to both Clarence and Russ for all the efforts made. Particular thanks go to Clarence for both the excellent RnB orientated set and for expert sound engineering skills and also to the management and staff at the Black Lion. It really is a great pub in the heart of the community. A few little sound hiccups here and there but on the whole a really good night of quality soul. Hope to see everyone back next month on 24th March to help us to build the City Centre Soul crowd at the Black Lion.

KTF Woody and Sue

Posted a few pics up in the City centre Soul at the Black Lion album in the Gallery....would be good if anyone has any more to add, please feel free!

Sue

No 6 reporting here from his penthouse at Millhouses. Well its gonna be hard keeping this little gem of a pub hidden for long, the Black Lion's inauguaral soul night hit all the sweet spots, sending us to the floor.With Russ and Woody kickin of, Russ's Major Harris, and Dana Valery had all up and enjoying such classy tunes was a lovely balanced set, some corkers in theree John Miles and Wayne Fontana...well done mate! Clarence had everyone moving their feet to a few choice mod tunes rnb nice, very nice. Woody (No 1) showed us what a great dj he is. With a varied set of uptempo northern tunes, again throwing some motown down to appease what were a very nice crowd, a top night on the soul calendar, soul sans frontieres...,Doncaster. Mexborough, Manchester. Many thanks to Woody and his pa the lovely Sue see you all soon.
No.6. (you ain't sen me, roiit)
Mickey x

Hi everybody,
thanks to "everyone" who came along & supported us at our first Soul Night down here at the Black Lion, great night, great turn out, Me & Sue were realy pleased. Thanks also to our Special Guest DJ's Clarence & Russ, who both did superb spots & got everyone on their feet, nice one fellers. Special Special thanks to My partner Sue who did loads of organising, came up with loads of great ideas & did a brill job of looking after the door.
Thanks again folks, here's to the next one on the 24th of March, cheers Woody

Right then Woody....enough of the buttering me up, time to get on with the real work of getting the next top night at the Black Lion underway! Its not long until the 24th March so your PA is sharpening her pencils and polishing her specs ready to take down whatever you say!! Got some more ideas buzzing and had some good feedback from our supporters so onwards and upwards as they say!! Ive got 26 more days of beer testing to get in at least!! Thank you for the acknowledgement, means everything Mr. DJ, Love Miss T

Well what can i say that hasn't already been said? in word "nothing" is the simple answer, perhaps the only thing to do is to echo everything once again, so here goes, we touched on the subject in previously of a "Black Lion Sound" well even without trying this idea has become a reality due to the deck skills of Woody and Clarence no mean feat to create an identity after the first night but these boys have done just that, so if you like your Northern Soul with the hardest R'nB edge to it and a entwined blend of classic Motown thrown in The Black Lion has to be on you list of events to visit.

From a purists point of view this is the real deal, Northern Soul music with heavy driving beat and pure thumping bass no over production or studio overlays this is what can only really be termed as "Raw Soul" in it's purest form and perhaps the best (if not) the only way to experience where the origins of Soul Scene originated from and as a venue The Black Lion only adds to this a large Victorian pub left largely unchanged and sets the atmosphere for the night superbly as soon as you step through the door, the cushioned sounds of quality music comimg from the upstairs function room greets you and you know you're going to have a good might, then as you start climbing the stairs and the music just keeps on getting louder and then you're there almost like going back in time, this is how it was back then, no frills no nonsence and this is as it is now just the same and The Black Lion is ready to deliever a fine soul night.

Surely this is an event that can only get bigger, i must thank Woody and the lovely Sue (aka Miss Taylor) for giving me the opportunity to get behind the decks and spin a few records (and although this was a great learning experience for me) i still managed having a top night, and might i add if i'm every asked back again i will have fine tuned my set to match the discerning taste of the Black Lion Soulies, i thank everyone on the night for their support.

A big thankyou to my mate Micky "C" who sadly on this occasion sadly wasn't my warm up man but is always there whenever called upon and perhaps was subjected to the most diverse of Soul Sounds he has heard in a very long time, nice comments for a very genuine guy.

My best wishes for the Black Lion, but with Woody and Sue at the helm and the deck skills of Clarence this must surely be a formality. so until the next time (if i'm allowed back!) everyone please go steady.

Russ

soosietee, on 28 February 2012 - 12:29 AM, said:

Oooh Christ,
you can tell who's realy the Boss can't ya, she dunt let Me have a minute....(lol) Joking aside, nice one Babes, like you I'm realy pleased with how it went, can't wait to hear your ideas & thoughts for the next one. Great comments ect... from all who came along, hope to hit the mark next month too, if not better it, still got loads of great stuff (RnB / Motown / oldies / 60ts / 70ts) I want to play, all of them crackin' dancers.
See you tomorrow (I hope), love the Boss Woody

Russ youve written an essay....we need to get your words on a press release! I think we've still got a way to go to arrive at the Black Lion Sound...but we made a good start last weekend. It is difficult to keep everyone happy all of the time...there were some supporters who consider the 'raw soul' RnB end of the spectrum as too near to jazz for their liking! So all the tunes spun by all the DJs have their place and their respective fans. What's most important, especially to people like me who leave all the anoraking and categorising to the DJ's...is that the tunes make you want to dance and if I hadnt been on the door throughout your set, there were certainly some that would have done just that. Pity I didnt get released for good behaviour a bit earlier, but that's the deal if you are the hostess/ P.A/ doorperson/candle lighter/beer taster/ and all round helper!! We are very grateful for your support and interest and willingness to travel across the Pennines to the wild country....I do this trip several times some weeks along with hundreds of miles to and fro to Ormskirk for work and you have to really want to do it, to bother! I have a bit more of an incentive than most, but still....its been noted thank you! So...me and the boss (!) will be getting on with some promotion for the next night and hopefully it won't be too long before that Black Lion sound is really nailed...but I hope we would always have room for ATB sounds and aim for something for everyone. Until next time...take it easy and keep spinning the tunes!

Miss T (DJ Woody's right hand woman) x

Hi Miss T,

On reflection i have done a full critque of Saturday, as they say "why use ten words when you can ues a hundred" and blending the Music to suit all tastes is nothing short of a miracle, and i agree with you i don't want to sit and evening and discussing this musical genre over that one what is paramount is that the people have a great time and on that count the Black Lion delivered.

And perhaps as i give the mater a little more thought do you really need a "Sound as Such?" maybe the simple answer is no you don't, you often hear the phrase "Wigan Sound" or a "Blackpool Mecca Sound" and indeed the addition of "sound added to all manner of things in reality is the best way is to play a "real across the board policy" and really meam it, i can say that all the DJ sets was indeed that a real mix of tempos, styles and tastes all in a Northern Soul framework but with a distinct feel to them indeed something for everyone and with respect for Woody and Clarence they both did the same (only way better)

Lets leave the categorising to the anoraks and the soul snobs, we'll just have a good time.

Russ

Hi everyone

i've really enjoyed this topic great banter and very light hearted, i'm with you all the way Sue my fella can't function without his Miss M, so you've a kindered spirit in me.

Great idea having the events own type of sound, what's worse than going to a soul night and it's not your type of music, we've had this happen a lot or you might just like one dj spot, not all Northern Soul is the same.
That's the reason people follow a certain dj because you know what he's going to play call me old fashioned but i'm happy just to chose an event that plays the stuff i like and know a lot of the music being played.

The sound you have at the Black Lion is right up my other halfs street, raw soul with a R and B edge (Pete told me to say that) my sister lives in Eccles so as soon as we can we'll come and pay a visit.

Great to know what you're getting, and good luck with the venue.

Lynn xXx

Hi Lynn...its nice to have attracted some new voices to our discussion! Thanks for your positive comments! We will be starting to finalise the forthcoming events as soon as Woody had got us a poster up and we've agreed the dates with the pub! The Black Lion is a new venture as you can gather, and we are learning a bit as we go, but the feedback on the 1st night was overwhelmingly good and it seems there is interest in continuing...so it would be lovely to see you and Pete and of course your sister and any friends from Eccles any time you can make it. Everyone is welcome at the Black Lion, its a friendly place....and the beer is as good as I make out! Stay in touch and let us know if you need directions or anything...

Woody (The man who thinks he's the boss) and Sue (who is really)

Hi Sue,

thank for your lovley reply, I understand the feed back from The Black Lion was top class and loved the write up from Russ and the boys, it's well and truly on mine and Pete's events to visit list and we're love the idea that we have the feel of the club already as i said we don't like too many surprises so doing exactly what it says on the tin is not only excllent but outstanding!

Yeah it's a BIG yes to us all coming over Carole my older sister still likes to burn up the dance floor (but to the slower tunes nowadays) so expect us anytime in the future....and i understand there was a great mix of young and not so young people and and even mix of boys to girls now that is outstanding and a massive result to obtain that kind of crowd.

Well it's a very good night from me,talk soon as one PA to another.

Lynn xXx

Sue is your other half the same Woody from the Mexbrough Civic Centre?

The lucky bookie, on 28 February 2012 - 02:55 AM, said:

Hello Russ,
"what can I say's more like it", if Miss T's My PA you can definitely be My PR man... Absolutely blown away by all the above, especialy the brill discrition of the Lion & the night as a whole, thanks for your great enthusiasm (knocked Me out). Must admit, that was the the kind of sound I had in My head & wanted to create. The feed back problem this time sent Me off course a bit though, next time We need to play a bit more Motown, coz what We did play seemed to go down realy well.
You were star Saturday Russ & you'll definitely be back behind the decks for Us before the years out, no danger. Take care pal, see you soon Woody

Wow i just so want to come to this venue, Pete is chomping at the bit to get over there, boy will he love The Black Lion sound, can't wait

Great job there Woody (but i'm sure the real power behind the throne must be Miss T)

Love Lynn xXx

lynnissohot, on 01 March 2012 - 01:12 AM, said:

Hi Lynn
Good to see you are joining in the chat about the Black Lion and we look forward to meeting the 'Eccles and associates' part of the fanclub when you can get down there. I am not sure how to answer the question about Woody...if he owes you money for records then he is definitely not the one from Mexborough and I am pretty sure I dont know anyone called Woody, and I am definitiely not his PA!!! Oh and I don't know where he lives but its not with me cos I am in Manchester!!!! (some of the time anyway!) LOL! However, if you are just curious as to whether he is Woody one of the the DJs at Mexborough Civic Hall, then yes that's him...and I cannot claim any credit for what goes on there...I just turn up to dance and have a good time. Well sometimes I carry a record box in, but that's it! Running a new venue is a whole other ball game....I've lost more sleep over this than anything in a long time! You never know whats going to happen and how its going to go...although so far so good! Will be happier when there are a few more under us belts!! We are off to the Trades in Barnsley in a bit, so the PA will have to get the tea ready! Travelling in style on the scooter, so I have to allow extra time to get all me layers on! Not much point in doing me hair tho!!
Speak soon...perhaps at Mexborough Civic?

Sue XX (the power behind the throne) and Woody (the one usually sitting on it!)

Hi there Sue,

Spoken like a great PA (always remember don't be a yes woman when the boss says no you say no! lol, Pete leave all the sorting out to me "he says i'm better at it than him.... a likely story, we've been to the Mexbrough Civic and had some great nights there so i thought i was right with Woody, sadly we couldn't make the last one as Pete's dad is in hospitial but here's hoping we'll be at the next one so fingers crossed and we can have a larger or three together be great to have a girly natter.

Once again loving the Black Lion vibe, and the write up my sister say's this is like now wait for this "time machine soul" her phrase not mine but i love the idea of going back in time to how thing were at the start of the Soul/Mod/ R'n'B movement (but without the plumes of cigarette smoke cough cough) great job!

My mum and dad were well into all this in the 1960's and were regulars at legendry Pete Stringfellow club The King Mojo and the Esquire and Club 60, there are some great photos (somewhere) with both my mum and dad with Ike and Tina Turner and load of other big stars Rod Stewart, Joe Cocker, Dave Berry, Geno Washington, The Small Faces, i also seem to believe Muddy Waters and Howlin Wolf and maybe even Sam and Dave, so i think we got the R'n'B gene from both of them, not sure if i passed it on though!

Pete says the Black Lion sound is the really raw Northern R'n'B, boy have you done well by stamping your own identiy on an event after only one night (how many other promoters wish they could say that?) don't answer but i't a lot i bet, i hope no one minds us all going on after a week, but that means it's only three weeks to the next one.

So Lynn chief cook and bottle washer signing off for now love to you both.

Lynn xXx

Woody you're more than welcome,

And believe me when i say that every word of what i have written is the truth, we had an outstanding night at the Black Lion, great people and a venue with a special feel and to use the great phrase that Lynn has coined "time machine soul" if only the lovely "Miss T" could fix the bar prices to reflect this 60's feel i'm sure if 1/3d a pint would be more than welcomed by all that attend, so come on Sue see what you can do there.

We'll be coming over again very soon seems that you just can't get too much of this good thing, and my now my soul horizons have been broadened i shall be more even more abel to enjoy that certain Black Lion sound and feel without saying who's that then?

Talk soon

Russ