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Soul Satisfaction 5 A Review By Eddie Hubbard
In my review for the recent Chuck Jackson and Kim Weston CD's, I begged the question, what would Motown /Universal release next, to keep up the momentum of what has been a wonderful year for Motown collectors. The result? A fantastic collection of under exposed Motown sides, as compiler Jo Wallace digs deep into the vaults, and emerges with 24 super sides that have appeal right across the Soul spectrum.
Beginning with the early pioneering sounds of Barrett Strong's " You knows what to do " , The Marvelettes fantastic album only take of Smokey's " Way over there " and Stevie Wonder's in demand " Contract on love " , into the " classic " Motown sound of Smokey and The Miracles " My baby changes like the weather " , Earl Van Dyke's hammond organ version of Martha /Vandellas mega classic " Nowhere to run " , the floor filling " Why when love is gone " by The Isley Brothers , the super cool finger clicking sound of Marvin Gaye, with " Tear it on down " , before moving seamlessly into the crossover / 70's era with equally great sides such as the beautiful " Something on my mind " by Diana Ross, the unissued and wonderful " Life Beats " by The Supremes, the in demand, and epitome of crossover Soul that is Thelma Houston's " Nothing left to give ", and the personal faves of " I will never let you get away" by Jimmy Ruffin and the Soul heaven of The Originals with " Good lovin ' is just a dime away " The CD ends with The Dynamic Superiors version of Ace Spectrum's " Don't send nobody else " , maybe not as good as their version, though still a very interesting listen .An unreservedly recommended collection , with appeal right across the board , an essential purchase .
Eddie Hubbard
Leeside Soul : New Website
Can also view all the playlists from the radio show.
The Soul Source Rare and northern soul web links contains over 200 of some of the best soul links around and can be found here
Northern Soul & Motown Bar in Tenerife
Monkey Allnighter and Soul Nites Amlwch and Llandudno Dates 2006
After some sorting, re-orging and stuff can now (at last) push out the dates for the main 2006 DMSC dates.
Main thing is that the Amlwch nighter is under the Monkey banner, and as such now have dates for the Amlwch nighter and the Llandudno soul nights for 2006!
Yep dates not only for the next month but for the whole of the rest of the year ...........
which has to be a first for the monkey and maybe a bit frightening !
Heres the dates, full score, more news and info be following sharpish
Monkey soul nights
Old Hall Llandudnogoing strong for 4 or 5 years now but with a new spring in the step since recent move to new venue
Feb 4th (2 rooms)
April 8th
June 10th
August 12th
October 14th
Dec 30th (all above saturdays)
Amlwch Allnighter
Buzzing after the last one, great venue, great soul and now great banannas as well
February 25th Saturday
May 28th Sunday/Monday Bank Holiday 1st Anniversary
July 1st Saturday
December 16th Saturday
drunken monkey - events that smell of banannas
Latest Northern Soul news from Ireland
Grapevine - George Jackson in Muscle Shoals
Grapevine - George Jackson in Muscle Shoals GVCD3003
This long-awaited album is a unique collection of twenty previously unissued tracks by legendary southern soul singer and hit songwriter George Jackson. Produced by Jackson with Jimmy Johnson and the Muscle Shoals Sound Rhythm Section at the world-famous Muscle Shoals Sound studios in Sheffield, Alabama.
All tracks have been digitally remastered from the original analogue tapes by Paul Mooney at South Union.
The eight-page booklet features biographical info and artist interview courtesy of John Ridley, Martin Goggin and Garry J. Cape read more tracks
1. Help Me, I'm In Need
2. Sweet Things
3. If I Could Open Up My Heart
4. Messin' With My Mind
5. Can't Let My Family Down
6. Searching For The Right Words
7. Love, I Thought I Would Never Find Love
8. Cheatin' In The Next Room
9. Since You Came Into My Life
10. When Love Is For Real
11. Nothin' But A Good Love
12. It Takes A Storm To Make A Rainbow
13. The Weekend
14. Slippin' On Your Love
15. Unlock Your Mind
16. For The Sake Of You
17. I Don't Do Windows
18. Make You Mine
19. Down Home Blues
20. A Kn../../../../uploads/img436faf758d9bb.gifight In Shining Armour
Keeping The Faith Calendar 2006
Interview with Ike Turner on Bluespower
John Rhys/BluePower.com interview can be heard at the bluespower site link below
http://bluepower.com/index.html
Chuck Jackson And Kim Weston The Motown Anthologys By Eddie Hubbard
Two more fabulous releases from Universal , timed to perfection , as both of these prolific Artists have appeared live at weekenders in the UK recently , puting in powerhouse performances , and leaving us with great memories .
The Chuck Jackson 2 CD collection contains his 3 albums for Motown
' Arrives ' , ' Goin Back to Chuck Jackson ' and ' Teardrops keep fallin ' on my heart ' [ which actually appeared on V.I.P in the USA ] , giving the listener the opportunity to enjoy fantastic sides like ' Ain't no sun ' , ' What am I gonna do without you ' , ' Girls ,Girls ,Girls ' , A brilliant cover of Aretha's ' Cry like a baby ' , ditto Tyrone Davis's ' Can I change my mind ' , ' Just a little love ' ' Two feet from happiness ' and the personal favourite ' Theres a rainbow in your heart ' plus many more top notch tracks .Also included are 12 rare or unissued tracks , including covers of The Fantastic Four's ' Pin point it down ' Kim Weston's ' Helpless ' , The Temps ' Who you gonna run to ' and personal faves like ' Thanks but no thanks ' which Chuck actually performed at the Northampton weekender , plus the brilliant ' At last I found a true love ' which is one of the best sides to ever emerge from the Motown tape vault in my view .
The barely readable artwork that has spoiled recent Motown CD's has gone thankfully , the informative sleeve notes this time around are an enjoyable read , as is a superb essay from Chuck himself , charting his ' road to Motown ' , with scans of his Motown albums on each page .
The Kim Weston release is also a 2 CD set , this release intended as a companion volume to her ' Greatest hits and rare classics ' set , so there are no duets with Marvin Gaye , but so prolific was Kim's output for Motown , that this barely matters , as this wonderful collection is bursting with fantastic unissued sides like
' You hit me ' [ in stereo for the first time ] , ' I'm gonna make it up to you ' , ' I got a weak heart ' , ' Fancy meeting you here ', ' Any girl in love ' , ' Absent minded lover ' and the unbelievably brilliant ' You can do it ' all of which are as good as any of Kim's released tracks for Berry Gordy's empire , plus a host of alternate mixes and versions of well known tracks like ' Helpless ' and ' Take me in your arms ' .As with the Chuck Jackson release , the packaging and sleeve notes are of a wonderful quality , very informative , with great archive photo's and mouth watering label scans to accompany .
This has been a brilliant year for Motown releases , with the first Monday of the month being ' Motown Monday ' , these two releases are essential for your colection , what will they come up with next !! ?
Eddie Hubbard
Kell Osbourne interview on Steve Propes Weekly WPMD show
Attention - A Tribute To Jermaine Stewart
Fleetwood line-up and timings for the Nov 11-13 Weekender
Peterborough Soulie in Hospital
RnB Indies Volume Two Now Available E-L
An icon from Casino passes on
Soul Or Nothing 26 November Manchester
Return of Soul Connection on WireFM - North West
Prestatyn Modern Act Confirmed
The Northern Cowboys 2 Rooms Boxing Night Allnighter Manchester
2 ROOM BOXING NIGHT ALL NIGHTER Manchester
Room One:
Guy Hennigan, Mick H, Dean Anderson, Karl Rhodes, Johnny Beggs, Colin Law,Des Parker, Chalky, Marco Santucci and Steve Thomas.
Room Two: Modern 9 till 2
Dave Thorley, Andy Whitmore, The Soultown Three, Davie, Eddie and Jayne
The Young Guns Room Two: 2 till 8
James Trouble, Richard Bergman, Matt Bolton, Rich Buckley, Baz Bond and Jamien Hartford.
For info and Tickets contact Chris 07989 415991 or buy online (save £2 per ticket) via our website http://www.newcenturysoul.co.uk
Club Emporia Whitworth Street West (opposite Deansgate Locks, Manchester. 9pm till 8am £10 ticket £12 OTD.
[read more for flyer] [img width=600]http://www.newcenturysoul.co.uk/images/cowboys600.jpg
Leighton Buzzard Reunion April 2006
Wilton Allnighter Dates 2006
Nolan (N.F.) Porter For Prestatyn Weekender 2006
Northern radio Leeside soul bros on air tonight 6-8 and repeats
Marva Whitney at the Jazz Cafe London tomorrow (sunday 23 oct)
Joe Bataan at Jazz Cafe London Jan 2006
Motown Legends, Hemsby (Great Yarmouth) 2005
WHAT A WEEKEND ! Following on from our inaugural event at Hemsby last year we were looking forward to this Motown themed event with much anticipation.
Last years stunning performances from our acts The Vel-Veletttes and The Miracles (in my top 5 all-time live shows) would take some following. We also released that we were picking up a lot more bookings from the rare/northern crowd than we did the previous year. This could be that everyone who went from "The Scene" came back raving about it and most re-booked or that this years event wasn't held at half-term so discouraged a lot of "normal" punters just there for the commercial soul we offered.
Of the 1,100 people who attended about 300 were there for the commercial soul so we moved that room from the main arena in to our second room "Grooves". The atmosphere in this room was superb, with most of the crowd there for the "good time soul" and Motown which was programmed over the 3 days all up and dancing to the classics. DJ 's
Steve Fletcher, Bernie O,Brien, Snowy and Dave Tidswell all did excellent work behind the decks, blowing the dust off their boxes and reliving their "youth club" days !
On the Northern front the larger arena proved perfect for dancing, holding about 1,000 people and the room split 50/50 dance floor &seating area provided the perfect venue for a "Nighter". This arena also holds the stage where our acts would perform.
Our Third venue The Broadside is situated in a Prestatyn style Queen Vic Pub and covers the widest selection of soul music during the weekend. With rare Motown , rare 60s Northern, Crossover sets and Modern Soul. Plus special events like Chris Forrest doing the ultimate Motown trivia quiz and Troy's Magic show !(ask Snowy)
Friday night brought our "Bonus" act THE INVITATIONS to our main arena stage, after 33 years absence they were back ! Stalwarts of the early soul scene at clubs like the Twisted Wheel, The Dungeon and Golden Torch the Guys walked out on to the stage with new "guest" Invitation Richie Pitts (taking the place of Billy Morris who passed away last year) all immaculate in Black stage suits. Their set was a mixture of their own records and Motown covers. "My Girl", "Reach out" and the stunning "Ask the lonely" all had the packed crowd dancing and singing along. Their own numbers "they say the girls crazy", "what's wrong with me baby" and "skiing in the snow" had the dancers moving in the corners! Slick moves, changing lead vocalists, tight harmonies and superb sound all showed these guys knew how to cut the mustard. A truly great show.
We then carried on with our vinyl sets and had the all-nighter crowd swaying until 7 am with sets of rare northern and classic sounds in equal measure.
In the Broadside the tempo changed and Modern Soul/ crossover ruled the waves, a mini 'nighter until 4.30am got under way with d j s doing 30 min sets and doubling up. Steve Hobbs, Tats, Chris Forrest Conrad Boole and Mick Farrer each doing great sets that packed the dance floor all night. A special moment came when the Invitations walked in the room at 2.30am and Hobbsie whipped on the decks their Silver Blue sides "They say the girls crazy" and "look on the good side" . They were up and dancing away !
"Perks of the Job" : Rob Wigley and Francis Nero
photo by Mike Critchley
Saturday brought a glorious sunrise and fabulous weather ! Which gave a "Rimini" feel to the site and whole weekender ! The Broadside opened at 11.00am and was buzzing throughout the day. Chris Forrest's Motown quiz and Steve Fletcher's Motown album track sets were the standout events. Over 100 people were outside on the decking just drinking and talking and listening to the sounds !
On to Saturday night and our main show of the weekend, Kim Weston ,Francis Nero and Brenda Holloway . Three Motown "Diva's" for our entertainment. The personalities of these wonderful ladies were marvellous and so friendly that they just loved the crowd and ever minuet of the weekend. The stage was set and at 11pm sharp Kim Weston took to the stage with a Rip roaring "I got what you need" that took the crowd by storm, the Midnight hour soul band were as tight as usual and she held the crowd spell bound with her stage presence. Lots of talking from Kim in between numbers and classic tunes "Helpless", "looking for the right guy" and "take me in your arms" had everyone singing along. The final number she was joined on stage by Richie Pitts for "It takes two". Richie had seen Kim at the Apollo Theatre in 1964 and had wanted to perform with her for over 40 years ! A dream come true !
When Francis Nero came on stage the sheer adulation from the crowd was overwhelming she started her set with her top 20 hit "Footsteps" kept the Motown hits theme going with "You are the sunshine of my life" and then ripped the place apart with "Keep on loving me" a quick bow and all too soon she was gone !
Enter stage right the one and only Brenda Holloway. For those of you have never seen Brenda perform live (as I hadn't) if she's over again JUST GO ! Her set was stunning, "Just look what you have done " is a killer "Starting the hurt all over again" a tribute to her old friend Mary Wells included "My guy and Two lovers", the Ultra rare "crying time" and "lonely Boy" which she had never sung live and finishing off with "when I'm gone" and "Every little bits hurts" the place was in uproar. We brought Brenda back on for the last track the Northern classic "Reconsider".
The roof was lifted as we bought all the artists back for a final bow and they were joined by the Invitations for a off the cuff rendition of "dancing in the street". Phewww on with the nighter again !!!
We made off to the Broadside for Karen's birthday party with Fridays jocks being joined by Cliff Steel and Eric Duncan for a full night of fun ! When the venue closed it was back to the main hall until 7.00 am, it was still going strong when we staggered of to bed !!
Sunday brought more glorious sunshine and early doors at the pub many people were having a Sunday roast and a few pints before setting off home early afternoon. I picked up an extra spot in the pub and played some 70s tunes inc Eddie Billuphs, Nickey Newarkers
Flowers and Straight Jacket .before handing over to local lads Kev Laws and Mobbsy to
run into the evening sessions.
Our party night finale was to take place in the main room with the other two venues closed down by 9.30 pm about 600 stayed for the Sunday late session, featuring commercial soul and Motown until 11pm then Northern Classics until 3 am. Richie Pitts did his One man show at 10pm featuring classic soul tunes from 4 decades, Kim Weston was down on the front row looking up in adoration--a 40 year turn around for Richie !!
Brenda was also in the room dancing with fans and having a great time.
We called it a day at 2am with Steve Whittle and Brian Rae in full swing !
A great weekender, we'll miss the Hemsby site next year when we move the event up to Prestatyn, but we need the bigger stage and the travelling is easier for most people to get there. A special thanks to everyone who came and made this event so special and to everyone who was involved in the planning, especially John Poole and Mark Fletcher
Angie &Karen and Mick and Maxine, Dave Tidswell, Bernie O'Brien and the band. South West Audio and all our Djs and mates who helped.
PRESTATYN 29TH SEPTEMBER-2ND OCTOBER 2006 HERE WE COME !!!!!!
Amlwch Allnighter Sat Nov 26th Full info
Amlwch Port Amlwch, Anglesey
9.00pm till 9.00am
£9.00 OTD,NO ENTRY AFTER 1.30am
DJs:ROGER BANKS NCS DES PARKER NCS KARL RHODES NCSSTEVE THOMAS NCS David Miller (Edinburgh)Paul Davis (Dublin) JOHN DUNNE (Dublin)
ACCOMPANIED BY NORTH WALES RASCALS:CHICO , MARK SPEAKMAN, JIMBO&RICHARD, MIKE HUGHES, RICHIE ANDREWS, JOHN ELIAS AND JOHNNY CHICK CHICK JONES!!read more for flyer, directions, accommodation and more directions/map at end
LL68 9LH is post code
Discount has been sorted for local hotels, which will do a special "daytime" bookingJust quote "Amlwch All Nighter"ZPhone numbers for hotels.Kings head. Amlwch: 01407831887
B&B £15 Room only £10Dinorben Hotel :01407830358B&B £25 Room only £20Liverpool Arms 01407839396 Trecastell hotel Bull bay 01407830651 www.trecastellhotel.co.uk Room only £18 quote gareth CONTACT Steve Thomas 07952 737443
Directions
HEADING WEST : WHEN YOU COME OFF THE MENAI BRIDGE TAKE B5025 TO AMLWCHTRAVEL APROX 19 MILES AND YOU WILL COME TO A ROUNDABOUT WITH A GARAGE NEXT TO ITTAKE 3RD TURNING OFF IT TOWARDS AMLWCH PORT THERE WILL ALSO BE A SOUL EVENT SIGN AT THIS ROUNDABOUT FOLLOW THIS ROAD TILL YOU COME TO A FORK IN THE ROAD GOING LEFT ALSO THERE WILL BE A SOUL EVENT SIGN HEREYOU THEN WILL COME TO A CROSSROAD GO STRAIGHT OVER IT AND FOLLOW THE SIGNSFor more info
Contact Gags 01407831599
Steve 07952737443
Jimbo 01407832359 on night..
Friday 4 Nov - Union 4th Anniversary will be the last one
FROBISHER 10 YEAR ANNIVERSARY ALLNIGHTER
Important Info Birchfield is on 28 Oct not 21 Oct
Last Ever Northern Soul @ The Plinston Event!, It's All Over - Thanks for the memories
Despite we still have 200/250+ in we can no longer keep running at a loss and so I am closing the doors after 3 years.
It's been a fun time and have enjoyed it, at times!, and hope that as many of you as can make it will come along to the Nov 4th farewell night and see us out in style. The Big O (orig posted in forum)
Dome ALLDAYER This Saturday 22nd October
Hilton Smooth FM Luxury Soul Weekender 6th Jan - 8th Jan
Hilton Hotel
Blackpool
Friday 6th, Saturday 7th, Sunday 8th January 2006
Live acts:
Lenny Williams
Maysa Leak
Ledisi
Adriana Evans
Steve Harvey
Full DJ line up and rooms t.b.a.
£169 per person
more info -read more The booking number for full accommodation: 01253 754403
Hilton Hotel rooms sold out but rooms still available at THE IMPERIAL, THE
DEVERE and THE BIG BLUE.
Weekend passes - £59 each. There will be no SATURDAY ONLY passes.
Soul related art print sale this Sunday in London
Best Wishes from Oscar
Oscar Romp Soul Artist (read more for flyer)
Ace 30 Years Birthday Celebration 1975-2005 - Soul and Funk
Ace 30 Years Birthday Celebration 1975-2005 - Soul and Funk
Its Soul-Funk time as Ace DJs and compilers Ady Croasdell and Dean Rudland force you to put on your dancing shoes and shake out some talc on the floor for a smooth ride into the heart of soul....
read more for tracklisting and info ..........It opens with the 'freshly minted to record for the first time' Dave Hamilton instrumental Brother Ratt - vibes, guitar and a funky drummer; what more could you ask for. Well you could ask for another 19 cuts as good as this and that's what you get. Kicking into the sublime Make Me Yours from Money Records' Bettye Swann and following with the cool cool sound of Mary Love's Tam-la-like Stoney Face. Some Northern, courtesy Bobby Angello and Toby Lark, some Psychedelic soul by Phillip Mitchell, and back to basics with the Johnny King and Fatback's Peace, Love Not War and really, you cannot argue with facts like that. Oh and it doesn't get any worse - the Diplomats Here's A Heart is guaranteed to tug those strings like few other records. The luscious sounds of Millie Jackson drop effortlessly into the street-wise reality of Anne Alford's search for employment. Oh and there is one of the finest from Memphis finest the late and indubitably great Mr James Carr. Have mercy and as the Ikettes suggest - be thankful.
CATALOGUE NUMBER CDCHK 1079
Track Listings
1. Brother Ratt - Dave Hamilton 2. Make Me Yours - Bettye Swann
3. Hey Stoney Face - Mary Love
4. Too Much For You - Bobby Angelle
5. Happiness Is Here - Tobi Lark
6. I Can't Take Any More - The Persians
7. I'll See You In Hell First - Phillip Mitchell
8. Peace Love Not War - Johnny King &The Fatback Band
9. What You See Is What You're Gonna Get - Brenda George
10. Momma, Momma - Betty Barney
11. Here's A Heart - The Diplomats12. It's Not That Easy - Reuben Bell
13. Angel In Your Arms - Millie Jackson
14. Got To Get Me A Job - Ann Alford
15. My Jealous Girl - Clay Hammond
16. Pouring Water On A Drowning Man - James Carr
17. Have Mercy Someone - Z Z Hill
18. Soul Feeling (Pt 1) - Eddie Giles
19. I'm So Thankful - The Ikettes
20. Careful Man - John Edwards
more info
http://www.acerecords.co.uk/
Stand Up Monkey! Fri 28 Oct 2005 - News, info and all that
Friday 28 Oct being the date , 8 -2am being the time and 5 quid being the price
Guest dj for this one is Roger Banks and along with the regs we reckon it be another good night at the third one at this new venue. As always just doing things our own way and be offering a quality soulful mix of current and revivals that you wont get anywhere else
Full line up
Roger Banks, Steve Thomas, Mark Speakman, Phil Blacknel, Chico, John Elias and Mike Hughes
The venue
is a large listed 16th century manor hall here, and while on the
outside it looks just like that, once inside the building there is a
bit of a tardis effect. The dance complex part is purpose made for such
an event, dj booth, a unusual floor and layout, all a bit different
from the usual but sort of tailor made if know what I mean,
Directions:
can be found on this page, along with maps, traffic camera and so on
Address is
Penrhyn Old Hall/Penrhyn Old Rd,
Penrhyn Bay,
Llandudno,
LL30 3EE
contact
email: monkey@soul-source.net
mobile/text: 07849255499
more info :
subscrible for monkey
Mobile phone that be on door is
07849255499
mobile phone (wap/pda)- if on the move can get all monkey event info (and others) via event guide, just enter n your phone/pda
plays
as always will be pushing out some plays from the djs before the event, first off a selection of current spins from Steve Thomas
THE NOMADS- THE LOVE I MISS - C/U
1984 LOVE MACHINE - YOUR BREAKING MY HART -EX DONNA COLMAN FIRST PLAYED BY YOURS TRULY.
CHRIS CLARK - SOMETHINGS WRONG - UNISSUIED TAMLA
HARVEY AVERNE DOZEN- NEVER LEARED TO DANCE-FANIA
POP TOPS - I WANT TO MAKE IT WITH YOU -SOUNDS INTERNATIONAL
THE LYRICS- PICK OF THE WEEK- CRACKERJACK
THE BRYM_MARS- KEEP ON GOIN - EEE
DELEGATES OF SOUL - TO MAKE YOU MINE - C/U
RAY JIMENEZ- I,LL KEEP ON LOVING YOU/ LEAVE HER ALONE -COLUMBIA
THE INTERNATIONALS- BEAUTIFUL PHILOSOPHY- DA`R
JOHNNY COOPER - THE FALLOUT- BARRINGTON
text messages - usual text messages be sent out today
accommodation - as always email us if need help on this, loads of hotels, guestys etc
dmsc section - can read stuff like last lookback at the last monkey and all past reviews news and views in the dmsc section on soul source
Next Monkey Event is a Xmas blast
16 December - At the Old Hall and start of the two room season - yep two rooms offering the best in current and revivals and as got a scary extension reckon its going to be uproar
January 2006 should at long last see the long overdue and anticpated Monkey nighter underway more details on this soonest.
As always thanks to all those who have supported us past, present and future, many similar independant clubs nowadays just doing their own thing and also like to pass on thanks to each one for all their support !
Till that friday then
stand up monkey!
dmsc team
Sleepless Nights Oct Newsletter
Valatone Soul Sessions (29th Oct)
Jimmie Raye and the keys to the city
Getting his key back By Denise Jewell Wednesday, October 05, 2005
Jimmie Raye was on his way home to Los Angeles when he lost his key to the city of Niagara Falls back in 1981. A gift from then-mayor Michael O’Laughlin, the brass key was in the soul singer’s luggage when it disappeared. “I never did find out what happened to it,” said Raye, who grew up in Niagara Falls before touring the country and gaining the nickname “Mr. Soulspectacular” for .........
full article and photo here
link no longer valid
Lifeline Real Deal All-nighter
On the Scene is looking for record reviewers
KINGS HALL, Stoke, Stoke on Trent NEW YEARS
Soul Or Nothing This Saturday 8th October
Fortnum and Thorley @ RSG Friday 14th October
Sharon Jones and Dap Kings - Manchester, Glasgow, Gateshead
Northampton Weekender Review 2005
Its whats in the groove that counts errr dunno about that after this weekend.
Several months ago Paddy from Nton who Id done some work for in that past asked me if I'd do a weekender for him with the highlight being some live USA acts, I agreed but advised him I could only two sessions as a weekend of NS would do my head in.
As the gig approached and the news of the live acts became known I was looking forward to my first ever 'weekender' appearance and watching some live stuff. The announcement that the Just Bros had been cancelled was a huge disappointment however the replacement group left me literally counting the hours back in August, the Might yMasqueraders were coming to the UK and I'm on the same bill!!!!!
Its now I should tell you that How is one of my all time favourite records, not a classic but a record that imho epitomises 1960s soul, its so atmospheric you can smell the Ford car plant in Detroit, who ever sang that record had a voice that has lived with me since the day I heard ˜how' for the first time, would they sing it, would they remember the words ¦we would find out/
FRI
So off I trundles off from my Peterborough home with my bother Mick who had recently come back from the States telling me about chats he had with Popcorn Wylie, Laura Lee, Little Jimmy Scot to name but a few we arrived at the Moat House though we couldn't understand why the exit barrier wouldn't go UP'¦lol. Into the reception area where people were congregating after their evening meal, a shower and in Tony Dellars case a '2hr nap'..Met some of the old lads I hadn’t seen for Donkeys a few beers and watched this 70 year old black bloke sipping from a pint of lager grey goatee beard probably no more than 9st and the biggest cowboy hat you've ever seen, I turned to my brother and said..'look at that ole bugger I bet he's the drummer in the backing band'it was then my turn to play a few, The Cautions, Dicky Wonder, Lada Edmund Jnr, Brice Coefield, Marie Knight, kept those that wanted to dance busy, 45 mins up and I made way for Rob Moss who played some nice un-released Detroit stuff then the backing band for Saturdays main event took to the stage, wow!!! One of the tightest soul bands I think I'd ever heard, the lead vocalist was fantastic not only did he look like Edwin Star he sounded remarkably like him, it was then Paddy told me he was in fact Edwin Stars younger brother…
SAT
Me and Brookey turned up at 8pm again had a few with friends I hadn't seen for years such as Bickers, Evo, Glen Bellamy, Mark Freeman, Katrina, Cliff Steel and before we knew it my ole mucker Tony Dellar was on, SAM WILIAMS, RUTH REECE, some R&B thing which filled the floor but was actually quite appalling, Tony was followed by the delectable Jo Wallace who I had never met before, what a breath of fresh air this lass was behind the decks, smash bang wallop, 'you will f***kin dance geezer' was her attitude, a spot full of diversity from'''˜she blew a good thing to gonna be a big thing she also played a record which I used to play and clear the floor too in 1976 a gritty up-tempo number on Nu-tone but me and Brooky couldn remember who it was buy?? We did ask her to play The Magic Night and The Philharmonics for us but she forgot :~)
Evo followed Jo with a typical Evo spot, I actually think Dave is technically one of the greatest NS jocks ever, with the emphasise on jock, it was then Brookey asked me what I was going to play, it had been agreed prior to the gig that I would do a TORCH spot as it was OCT 1st 1972 that myself and three other guys from Peterborough gained entrance to that converted cinema in a Tunstall back street, but I had to wait until the live acts were finished I was looking forward to saying tongue in cheek, thanks Chuck Jackson for an excellent 60 mins as if Id just followed Pat Brady at Keele
The room was hardly crammed but a nice atmosphere was building up, me I was dead excited would the Masquerders do How..Enter Rob Moss who did an excellent job compeering the first part of the show, introducing the Adorables who waded into Oh Boy the left the stage for them to be hauled back on individually, Pat Lewis sang cant shake it loose, enter her Sister Diane who brilliantly sung her Wand recording I thank you kindly and enter a very nervous Betty Boo who did her very best to sing say it isnât so a bloody difficult song to sing at the best of times but with a few yells of “go on Betty go†from the crowd she got through it to rapturous applause, it was then it dawned on me just how good the backing band were, I turned to Brookey and said “you know what mate, HOW is a real possibilityâ€
Next on Stage was Barbara Mercer who sang liked shed been doing the circuit for the last 40years, Im sure she sung “happiness is here but I had to go off to the bogs for wee as my prostrate had gone into overdrive for some bizarre reason, my it was looking forward to the Masqueraders as much as I were.
Enter Rob Moss again a great intro to the Maskies telling us how he met them in Memphis etc and all of a sudden they were on stage¦and bugger me the old black dud with the goatee we had seen in the bar was one of them not only that but he was the lead singer on their first number HOW the place went wild, I had goose bumps on my bell end, well I think they were goose bumps…one with I got the Power and then a slow un and finishing with Do you love me baby†awesome, they sounded as if they were miming to the record they were that good.
A short break to refuel with Kalibar and Chuck Jackson entered, a master of deliverance, described as Mr Everything by someone who I thought was the compeer off Phoenix Nights.
He did a 90 min set churning out all his classics whilst interacting with the crowd telling them stories about Ready Steady go and the Rolling Stones, Edwin Starr and Smokey Robinson a truly wonderful showman however I could have done with a 60min set and more than four songs from the Masquerders they were so good.
Chuck Jackson finally left the stage singing Love lights it then dawned on me I had a job to and how the hell do I follow that, decided to stick with me guns and do me Torch spot
FIDELS-TRY A LITTLE HARDER
CINDY SCOTT-I LOVE YOU BABY
ALICE CLARK-YOU HIT ME
THE VIBRATIONS-SURPRISE PARTY
EARL WRIGHT-THUMB A RIDE
THE SUPERIORS-WHAT WOULD I DO
THE TYMES-WHAT WOULD I DO
BOBBY PATTERSON-MY BABYS COMING BACK
MAXINE BROWN-ONE IN A MILLION
CHARLES WRIGHT-KEEP SAYING
MR FLOODS PARTY-AND COMPARED TO WHAT
THE MOB-OPEN THE DOOR TO YOU HEART
THE OLYMPICS-THE SAME OLD THING
LORENZO MANLEY-SWOOP DOWN ON YOU
JEAN CARTER-LIKE ONE
And as I was so happy I finished with William Bell, superb night.
I can't go without praising the lads who promoted the weekender, they went out on limb with this and although I got the impression numbers could have been more the organisation, equipment we had to use plus the facilities were first class.
Well done to everyone and here's to next year.
Paul D
Oct 2005