Magazine

Soul Source music magazine feature.

Northern Souls Classiest Rarities CDKEND192
Adey admits in his introduction that there isnt one outstanding label or theme to this compilation, other than it simply being a bunch of NS tunes that Ace/Kent have had kicking around for ages but had yet to Utilise...nothing wrong with that! Every NS fan will find plenty theyd like within the 24 tracks for sure, as it covers many a soul-genre which all go to make up the wide and varied Rare Soul scene in the year 2001.
Most folk will be pleased to see a couple of ex Casino Searling spins, Mr.Souls "What happened to yesterday", and The Imaginations "Strange neighbourhood", or "Maurice McAllister" and "Ray Pollard & The Wanderers" as they were first spun as! Plenty of dancefloor favourites from the 80s and 90s scenes as well, with Eddie Whiteheads "Just your fool", the jazz tipped Karmello Brooks "Tell me baby", Jimmy Seals "Yesterday of our love" (or "The Moving Parts as Keb once named it!) and the striding New York City soul sound of The Diplomats "Cards on the table".
One of todays surprising big spins has to be the C&W flavoured "Ill be all alone" from Barbara Redd. which has proved to be very popular for Alan Handscombe at The Dome in London over the last year or so, and gave birth to a new soul-genre, "Tumbleweed Soul!"
From 72 is the beautifully polished "Yes Im in love" by the Unique Blend which has been an on off spin since the 70s, and if you like that youll probably already in love with the cross-over sound of The Joytones "This love", also included. Kent also treat us to a few previously unissued tracks, the way they do, with The Delfonics, "Youll get enough", Bettye Swanns belting uptempo version of "I think Im falling in love", and finally Audrey Matthews (daughter of Johnnie Mae) version of "I have no choice" ..brilliant discoveries, and what we all love Kent for!
For lovers of the earlier 60s sounds, The Rockmasters "Raining teardrops" (sharing the same backing track as The Sapphires "Who do you love", and championed by Scotlands Keith Money) and Joe Simons skippy and light "I see your face" should satisfy, as should Charlie Richs big beat ballad, "Dont tear me down" and Johnny Wyatts Popcorn favourite, "I wouldnt change a thing about you".
Other tracks include, The Millionaires "And the rains came" (beautiful), Charles Lamonts "Ive got to keep movin" (never really lives up to its strong intro), Claude Hueys "Why would you blow it" (superb), Pat Powdrills "Do it" (too fast, still!), Denita James "I have feelings too" (inferior to its 45 flip, "Wild side"), Lil Bobs version of Billy Blands "My heart is on fire" (highly recommended ex Keb spin), and a couple from the Elf label, Clifford Currys "Aint no danger" (flip to "I cant get a hold of myself") and Dan Folgers "The way of the crowd" (popular cross-over from the last few years), and thats it.......another fine NS CD compilation from Kent that belongs on most soul fans shelves!
David Flynn
CSC
http://www.capitolsoulclub.homestead.com/

By Mike in Articles · August 16, 200123 yr

More up todate info thanks to David Flynn, DJ, Collector and man behind top informative all things vinyl web site

Classiest Northern Soul - CDKEND 192 - destined for August 28th...looks luverly! :-)

ALSO......the next King NS CD compilation (vol.2.)......release date 24.9.01.

AND......."Birth of Soul vol.III"...........DUE OUT 24.9.01

Classiest Northern Soul - CDKEND 192 -

Just Your Fool - Eddie Whitehead

Ive Got To Keep Movin - Charles Latimore & The Extremes

Strange Neighbourhood - The Imaginations

Why Would You Blow It - Claude Huey

Yes Im In Love - Unique Blend

And the rains came - Millionaires

Tell Me Baby - Karmello Brooks

Youll Get Enough - The Delfonics

Aint No Danger - Clifford Curry

Do it - Pat Powdrill

I think Im falling in love (fast version) - Bettye Swann

Dont Tear Me Down - Charlie Rich

I Wouldnt Change A Thing About You - Johnny Wyatt

Cards On The Table - The Diplomats

The Yesterday Of Our Love - Jimmy Seals

Raining Teardrops - The Rockmasters

Ill Be All Alone - Barbara Redd

I have feelings too -Denita James

What Happened To Yesterday - Mr Soul

I See Your Face - Joe Simon

My Hearts On Fire - Little Bob

The Way Of The Crowd - Dan Folger

This Love That Im Giving You - The Joytones

I Have No Choice - Audrey Mae Mathews

PLEASE NOTE...it does not feature the following tracks which were originally
advertised as being included.

You Cant See - Five Stairsteps

Dont Stop Now - The Mayfield Singers

Trusting In You - The Fascinations

Whilst were at it, here are the other two line ups due out soon.......

King Northern Soul - Vol 2 - CDKEN 201 - Out 24th Sep 01

Aint You Glad - Mill Evans / Ive Got To Live While I Can - Freddie
Williams / Let Me Be A Steppin Soul - Charles Spurling / Mr Goodtime -
James Duncan / It Must Be Love - Dan Brantley / I Dont Have To Worry - Lori
& Lance / Your love - The Statoliners / (Need Somebody To Help Me) Keep Up
With My Man - Gloria Edwards / Someone To Treat Me (The Way You Used To) -
The De Vons / She Made A Mistake - Connie Austin / Ill Be Leaving You
Soon - Peggie & Artie / Youve Got Love On Top Of Love - Charles Spurling /
Mr Cool - Charles Spurling / Heres My Heart - The Solars / One Hundred
Years - Freddie King / It Wont Be This Way (Always) - The King Pins / So
Many Days - The Vonns / Theyre Trying To Tear Us Apart - Mary Moultrie /
Daddys House - Marie Qeenie Lyons / The Harlem Clown - Our Brothers
Keeper / So Many People - Billy Soul / Helpless Baby - Regina Sherard / Once
I Had A Love - Fabulous Denos / What Can I Do - Donnie Elbert.

The Birth Of Soul - Vol 3 - CDKEN 189 - Out Sep 24 2001

Help Me - The Diplomats / You Were All I Needed - The D C Playboys / Have
Love Will Travel - Richard Berry And The Pharaohs / Big Lover - The Blenders
/ Watch Your Step - The Blenders / I Need Your Loving - Don Gardner & Dee
Dee Ford / Theres Something On Your Mind (Part 2) - Bobby Marchan / The
Palm Of Your Hand - Chuck Wright / Talk To Me - Sunny & The Sunliners / The
Rains Came - Big Sambo & The House Wreckers / Play It Again - Pat Lundy / A
Quiet Place - Garnet Mimms & The Enchanters / She Put The Hurt On Me -
Prince La La / Its Gonna Work Out Fine - Ike & Tina Turner / The Teacher -
The Falcons / You Cant Run Away From Me - The Wanderers / Dont Stop The
Wedding - Ann Cole / Baby Bay All The Time - The Superbs / Its Too Late -
Wilson Pickett / I Will Never Turn My Back On You - Chuck Jackson / People
In Love - The Taylor Brothers / Untie Me - The Tams / Thats What Girls Are
Made For - The Spinners / Dont Feel Sorry For Me - Jimmy Ruffin / If Your
Mother Only Knew - The Miracles / When Someones Good To You - Carolyn
Crawford / I Wanna Thank You - The Enchanters / If You Gotta Make A Fool Of
Somebody - James Ray With The Hutch Davie Orchestra / Shortys Got To Go -
The Impressions With The Riley Hampton Orchestra.

By Mike in News Archives · August 16, 200123 yr

Friday 17th August at Notre Dame Hall,
DJs Andy Rix, Chris Dale, Dawn Brown and Nick Driveller Brown with special guest TONY
5 Leicester Place,
London WC2,
9.00-2.00, £6,members, £7 non-members.
DJs Andy Rix, Chris Dale, Dawn Brown and Nick Driveller Brown with special guest TONY
SMITH.
100% Real Deal Rare 60s and Northern Soul in Londons most stylish ballroom. Licensed bar
at around pub prices, gorgeous sprung maplewood dancefloor, fantastic atmospheric venue 50 Heres a reminder of a few sounds to watch out for on the night:
CINDY SCOTT: In One Ear And Out The Other (Virtue)
KENNY LEWIS: Shes Not The Marrying Kind (Audio)
JIMMY RADCLIFFE: The Thrill Of Loving You (Jaysina)
AL WILLIAMS: I Am Nothing (La Beat)
ARTHUR WILLIS: The Hurting Is Over (Mars La Tour)
LARRY WRIGHT: Its OK With Me (A Go Go)
CLEVELAND ROBINSON: Love Is A Trap (Nosnibor)
GENE TOONES: What More Do You Want (Simco)
TOMMY RIDGLEY: My Love Gets Stronger (International City)
SPARKELS: Try Love (One More Time) (Old Town)
TIMI YURO: Itll Never Be Over For Me (Liberty)
PIC AND BILL: What Does It Take (Charay)
DOC & THE INTERNS: The Love That You Give (Edgewood)
SHIRLEY EDWARDS: Dream My Heart (Shrine)

By Mike in News Archives · August 14, 200123 yr

Had some figures in of attendance at some of the big events, which makes

impressive reading, wonder what the average monthly figure of soul fans attending Northern

events is nowadays?

Highest ever ?

1. Togetherness All-Nighter July 28,Kings Hall,Stoke (1,400 in)

2. Blackpool Soul Weekender(2,200 sold out)

3. King Georges Hall,Blackburn,Sat Sept 22(Wigan Casino Anniversary plus Modern) Expected

usual attendance around 1,600.

By Mike in News Archives · August 6, 200123 yr

Here you go the last one, the playlist from the guest DJ for the nite, top man Ian Cunliffe.
Thats the whole nite covered now!
As always thanks to all the djs taking time and effort in passing on their playlists, to me stuff like this always appreciated as gives such a insight to the nite to both those who attended and those that are just interested in the current scene. And as such has gotta be a good thing!
Nothing to unusual or obscure just 100% rare northern soul to keep the dancers dancing and listeners happy ,several requests in that lot.......Regards Ian C..

BLUE JAYS--POINT OF VIEW JAY
BROOKS BROS--LOOKIN FOR A WOMAN--TAY
VONDELLS--HEY GIRL YOU,VE CHANGED---AIRTOWN
LOVERS--WITHOUT A DOUBT--FRANTIC
FREDDIE BUTLER--SAVE YOUR LOVE FOR ME--WHEELSVILLE
RINGLEADERS--ALL OF MY LIFE--ACETATE
SOUL SET---WILL YOU EVER LEARN--BI-ME
LONNIE RUSS--SAY GIRL--KERWOOD
APPRECIATIONS---IT,S BETTER TO CRY--SPORT
KNIGHTS--I,VE GOT THE FEELING--USA
SHERRI TAYLOR---HE,S THE ONE THAT RINGS MY BELL--GLORECO
JOYCE TAYLOR--MEAN MIS-TREATER--WAL-LY
DUSTY WILSON--CAN,T DO WITHOUT YOU--BRONSE
NOLAN CHANCE---JUST LIKE THE WEATHER--CONSTELLATION
CASHMERES---DONT LET THE DOOR HIT YOUR BACK--HEM
LARRY LASTER--GO FOR YOURSELF---LOMA
IVORYS--PLEASE STAY--DESPENZA
DONI BURDICK--I HAVE FAITH IN YOU--SOUND IMPRESSION
LITTLE JOHNNY HAMILTON--OH HOW I LOVE YOU---DORE
BONNIE HERMAN--HUSH DONT CRY---COLUMBIA
RICHARD ANTHONY--KEEP ON LIVIN ON--VIRTUE
TOMMY TURNER --LAZY--EL-BAM
WILLIE&THE MIGHTY MAGNIFICENTS--CHECK IT BABY--ALL PLATINUM
ANTHONY & THE DELSONICS--EVERYTIME--EMERGE
JOHNNY MAE MATHEWS--I HAVE NO CHOICE--BIG HIT

Capitol SC

By Mike in News Archives · August 2, 200123 yr

alan h plays from ...

darlene love- too late to say your sorry-

reprise

jennifer wells- dining in chinatown- genuine

gerri grainger- aint it funny- bigtop

barbara redd- ill be all alone- spqr- tumbleweed connection

eskew reeder- undivided love- instant

judy clay- do think thats right- ember

carl underwood- aint you lying- merging

ronnie savoy- big hand little hand- philips

tommy navarro- i cried my life away- de jac

four arts- who do you think you are- shee

rosalind madison- neighbourhood girl- liberty

the fawns- nothing but love can save me- capcity

big dons rebellion- it was true- ethon

don and ron- im so so sorry- white cliff

allen sisters- downtown crowd

delores clark- livin to please- antares

tami lynn- runaway- french atco ep

syng mcgowan- thats what i want- hope

the dynels- come on little darlin- natural

mousie and the traps- how about you- toddlin town

the tiaras- loves made a connection- seton

billy hambric- i found true love- drum

lee shot williams- love now pay later- gamma

and last but not least the Isonics- sugar on kammy a nice bit of latin tinged
soul to round of the set-

all the best alan h

Capitol SC

By Mike in News Archives · August 2, 200123 yr

Soul Satisfaction 02 - The Motown Connection Cd Review

At first glance the design and presentation of the
CD earns full marks with a breezy design and the front cover also doubles up
as a 8 sided informative pullout. Each track being allocated, first a brief
description by Jo Wallace, using her own unique style of description,
which anyone who has had the pleasure of hearing her Dj will be familiar with
. Who else would use the term "Moist Motown" ! And then
following these lyrical descriptions, a potted factual history for each track
for the info freaks, as in release date, details, numbers and origins. Always
can tell how good a insert is by the amount of times you find yourself reading
it and so far this one is well on its way to being well thumbed.

On to the tracks themselves, well the listing was
previewed earlier on Soul Source but just to refresh you its repeated below,
as you may spot not strictly a Motown one but sweeps up and includes a few
tracks from labels that later came under Motown. The track order follows
a loose time structured format apart from just a few skips back and
forth. The opening tracks finds us in the time of 1963 and the end ones has
us finishing in 1973 and the styles follow suit, with early Detroit first, leading
us into the labels golden age and then finishing just before (to me when
the label lost it self) the mid 70s. Trackwise, well as said Jo Wallace
comments and the info facts do each track justice, but as you cant read them
without buying the Cd have just added my scribbles on a few of the tracks.

Junior Walker - Good Rockin

First track always a important one on a cd as its the one that sets out the
stall, and this one takes us back to the Harvey Label in 63 with a well
raucous opener, Mr Walker certainly gets you up and taking notice with this
one. Will just say this had the whole household up and rocking this
morning, all brushing our teeth in time to this one.

Marvelettes - Goddess of love

Carolyn Crawford - Forget about me
Still in 1963 and well just say ... perfection
Earl Van Dyke - How Sweet it is

A track that works so well down at "These Old Shoes" and seems to be
made for that style of venue

Billy Eckstine - I wonder why nobody loves me
Another floor filling track thats been in demand for a fair while
now and its good to see it on CD.

Tammi Terrell - I cant believe you love me

Smokey Robinson and Miracles - Can you love a poor boy

Martha Reeves - My baby loves me
One track which seems to have always been overlooked due to its commercial
success, always been a constant dig out and play through the years for
myself.

Fantastic Four - Just the lonely

Fantastic Four - Cant stop looking for my babyBoth sides of this Ric Tic outing are on here and deservedly so, always good

to hear those classic opening lines of "another two dollar room
thats never seen a broom....."

Monitors - Say you

Temps - Hey Girl

Jimmy Ruffin - Everybody needs love
Current the last play at these old shoes nites and surprisingly I read its the
flip of " I passed this way before", which sadly is one that must
have lived in my shoe box for years unappreciated.
Gladys Knight & Pips - Hes my kind of fellow

A LP track which is another one that has been in
demand recently and yet another one thats worth the cd price alone.

Four Tops - Im Grateful

Edwin Starr - Dont tell me Im crazy

Spinners - Shes gonna love me at sundown

Edwin Starr - Running back and forth
Flip of his popular Time and another one which makes you wonder why
stuff of this calibre was ignored on initial release and why you didnt pay
more attention to those flips.

Martha Reeves - Love, guess whoA first hear for me from 1970 and one that will definetly be played again.

Edwin Starr - There you go

Stevie Wonder - Light my fire

Gladys Knight - Who is she
Original of the Creative Source outing and a stop off on this trip to
those funky psychedelic early 70s

Eddie Kendricks - Date with the rainFrom 1972 comes one which found fame later in 80s on the rare groove side, and

still works well in 2001

Marvin Gaye - Come get to this
The one that earned the title "Moist Motown" and a great way

to finish with the master and a track combining the magic of his 60s stuff
with the feel of his classic 70s epics. Proves the top tip "Always finish
on a high!" correct.

Well there you go, as said just a few notes on some of the tracks, looking back at the Cd

overall, it was a great journey, from
those long far away days of 63 where both throbbing uptempo and girl soul
sounds started us off, right up to the smooth hazy days of those
early 70s, with stops off at a wide range of different Motown stops,
ranging from the well known in demand tracks to little heard overlooked
potential classics.

To me thats the one thing that makes the cd stand out from the crowd, its not
just a collection of thrown together tracks, but you can feel the thought and
effort that has gone in to planning this journey, its a
collection that you can listen to from the start to end with no need to keep
hitting that jump track button that some comps suffer from, which proves
the attention paid to the track choices.

The final word, A top selection of tracks, a great mix of in demand
items, little heard potential classics and just some cracking soul music. Its
a good one and well recommended.

In the shops date as soon as get it

Universal - 013215-2 being the number

By Mike in Articles · August 1, 200123 yr

Word from Michelle of update to La Pelle Nera
New updates feature a new section dedicated to soul artists pictures
Cd Reviews, and a radio section featuring our weekly show on a national network,
Come and have a look at our playlists. Last Guest from Uk was Derek Pearson.
We are also on our way to the 100 club anniversary and will have a special report with
exclusive pictures...
come and visit us!
Michelle
www.lapellenera.com takes you there...

By Mike in News Archives · August 1, 200123 yr

More info passed on, heres the playlist for Stuart Tylers spot on Friday. As you may know the CSC give the first hour of the night over to, up and coming local DJs and heres a example of the quality soul that is dished out in these "warm up" spots
Irish Gregs and David Flynns full playlists have been added to review lower down
Belita Woods Magic Corner Moira
Marva Josie Dont UA

Sandy Winns Ill Give That To You Simco
Exits I Dont Want To Hear It Gemini
John Bowie At The End Of The Day Merben
Holidays I Lost You Groove City
Cathy&Bootleggers Dont Count on Tomorrow Discovery
Marion Stewart I Must Be Losing You R
Sharon McMahon Love Is Wonderful Karen
Dave Hall Look At Me Sound
Sam Williams Love Slipped Through My Fingers Tower
Pamela Beatty Talking Eyes Tip 1018
Martha Starr Love Is The Only Solution Thelma
Dickie Wonder Nobody Knows Golden Triangle 101
Jades Im Where Its At NiteLife 70002
Startones Loving You Bille Fran 1
Cautions No Other Way Shrine
Jimmy Mack My World Is On Fire Palmer
Delites Lover Cuppy 101
Hattie Littles Love, Happiness, Misery and Pain Jobete Acetate

Capitol SC

By Mike in News Archives · August 1, 200123 yr

Weekend nearly here and if you have a look at the Top Events bit its a busy one rare soul wise.
London sees the Dome on Friday, guest Ian Cuncliffe and regular crew ensuring its going to be a cracker, followed by the first of a new Niter in South London which sounds a good one with a strong line up Shifty, Roger Banks and more, plus if still alive theres a dayer on at Brighton on Sunday. On the more modern side - Chocolate Soul is on friday, plus a event at Croydon next day.
Up North sees Togetherness Oldies at Stoke with all the big Togetherness names, Derek P talked about Bradford event with guests Dave Rimmer, Mick Howard, Ronnie Pedley, Bishop Auckland as well is doing the works with guests Keith Money, Dean Anderson and Andy Dyson.
Friday also sees The Viaduct on with Kenny B and Keith Money guests.
Phew! Whats the saying..... so much soul, so little time (or petrol)
check out events for more details

By Mike in News Archives · July 26, 200124 yr

Busy times, heres a few scraps of news, thanks to David F and Neil The Motown Connection Cd complied by Jo Wallace is due out soon,
Junior Walker - Good Rockin
Marvelettes - Goddess of love
Carolyn Crawford - Forget about me
Earl Van Dyke - How Sweet it is
Billy Eckstine - I wonder why nobody loves me
Tammi Terrell - I cant believe you love me
Martha Reeves - My baby loves me
Smokey Robinson and Miracles - Can you love a poor boy
Fantastic Four - Just the lonely
Fantastic Four - Cant stop looking for my baby
Monitors - Say you
Temps - Hey Girl
Jimmy Ruffin - Everybody needs love
Gladys Knight&Pips - Hes my kind of fellow
Four Tops - Im Grateful
Edwin Starr - Dont tell me Im crazy
Spinners - Shes gonna love me at sundown
Edwin Starr - Running back and forth
Martha Reeves - Love, guess who
Edwin Starr - There you go
Stevie Wonder - Light my fire
Gladys Knight - Who is she
Eddie Kendricks - Date with the rain
Marvin Gaye - Come get to this

Ripped from echoes

The Motown Connection Vol 2
These Old Shoes co-promoter and DJ Jo Wallace has put together an excellent
collection of less well-known Motown treasures which is due out soon on
Universal. Almost every track is a must have addition to any serious Detroit
fans collection, with many gracing the silver disc format for the first
time. With everything from NS crowd pleasers to rare grooves this collection
has something for everyone.
Jo and fellow Shoes sideick Paul Thomas-Peter came into the soul 24-7 studios
as guests of the Bee Cool show back in March, when the album was due for
imminent release. despite a petulant mimi disc player that seemed to select
tracks in a random fashion, we managed to give many of the cuts an airing and
during the broadcast Jo and Paul did their best to fill the enforced gaps
with informed background information. However, as these things tend to
happen, the release date was pushed back and now looks like the CD will be in
the shops in early August. But rest assured, its well worth the wait.
Still
a guaranteed floor filler, Junior Walkers Good Rockin dates back to 1963
when it first appeared on Harvey Fuquas eponymous label. A no-nonsense
belter. Then theres Gladys Knight&The Pips Who Is She And What Is She To
You which, although later covered by Creative source, is still damned funky.
The 80s rare groove crowd are well catered for with Eddie Kendricks Date
With The Rain from his 72 album People Hold On, and Stevie Wonders Light My
Fire which first appeared on his My Cherie Amour LP. Jo has managed to pull
together some not so obvious contenders such as Billy Eckstine,Earl Van Dyke,
Tammi Terrell, Martha&The Vandellas,The Fantastic Four, and the Monitors AD
truly one for the Tamla connoisseur. With any luck, a more detailed review
will be in the next issue.

motown music

By Mike in News Archives · July 26, 200124 yr

Latest news of what Kent is up to, thanks to Mr Flynn, who as you may know besides being one of the regular DJs at the CSC Dome, and involved with Soul talk List also runs great site Anorack Corner New Cd out now

New Breed R&B - Various Artists - CDKEND 199

Listing and review by David F below

Out Next Month

Classiest Northern Soul - CDKEND 192 - Out July 30th 2001-listing in earlier post

The Birth of Soul III -
no track listing yet

New Breed R&B - Various Artists - CDKEND 199

Ive Been Hurt So Many Times - Larry Davis / No More Doggin - Z.Z. Hill /
Love You Baby - Bobby Blue Bland (Vocal) And Ike Turner And His Orchestra
/ Tired Of Walkin - Little Joe Hinton / Long Gone Baby - B. B. King / Stand
Up Straight And Tall - Jackie Shane / Dixie Woman - The Newports / Stuffed
Peppers AKA Humpin - Frank Armstrong / New Figure - King Solomon / Yea,
Yea, Yea, Yea, Yea, Yea, - Terry & The Tyrants / Baby Youre The One -
Marvin & Johnny / You Gotta Bend A Little - Larry & Tommy / You And Me
Together - Vernon Garrett / Just To Hold My Hand - Vernon & Jewel / The New
Breed - Jimmy Holiday / Me And My Chauffeur - Big Mama Thornton / Let Your
Hair Down - Arthur K Adams / Take Your Shoes Off (Part 1) - Booker T
Averhart & The Mustangs / Lovin Touch - Lowell Fulsom / Aint Givin Up
Nothin - Al King / Find Another Woman - Willie Headen / Hes The One - Ike
& Tina Turner / Move A Little Closer - Mary Love / I Got Eyes For You -
Jimmy McCracklin.

Hit read more for review.............CDKEND 199

24 tracks "New Breed RnB.........Soulful 60s Blues for todays dancers"

Its good time dance music, upbeat on the whole and makes for a great party cd! Aimed at

the 2001 RnB scene which dips its toes into the NS, Mod and Blues scenes, this cd is

sprinkled with flavours from all of genre.........and should appeal to fans of all of em

as well.

Larry Davis Stafford fave "Ive been hurt so many times" is actually from

69....didnt realise it was that "late", and the Tommy in Larry & Tommy is actually

Tommy Bush........didnt know that either. Not mentioned in the sleeve note but it suddenly

clicked for me on listening through, was the fact that Marvin & Johnnys "Baby youre the

one" shares the same backing track as Ruby Rowes "We need each other" on

Resist........and Ive had both 45s in the past! Really liked Jackie Shanes slick

"Stand up straight and tall", and was pleasantly surprised how smooth King Solomons

vocal delivery was for once, on the jazzy finger snapping "New figure".

If you appreciate a groovy instrumental then Booker T.Averharts "Take your shoes off"

and Frank Armstrongs "Stuffed peppers" hit the spot. One track that stands out for me

because of its great swinging Chicago style male group harmonies, is Terry & The Tyrants

"Yea, yea, yea, yea, yea, yea", anyone know anything about them?

One of the current popular spins on this "new scene" is the Newports "Dixie

woman"...........yep, its not offensive and as mentioned in the sleeve note (entertaining

and informative as usual with Kent) these kinda sounds have been popular on the popcorn

scene for many a year....NS influenced but not necessarily the "traditional NS dance

beat"....more bluesy or "early", if you know what I mean? To me, these style of tracks

have loitered in my collection over the years cuz they are good records, but not necessarily

NS ones....almost there but rejected for a non-soulful delivery or elongated guitar

break......but kept as they have a certain quality, if you know what I mean again?!

Eventually I would turn the discs around as I couldnt afford to keep/hoard

everything........money/space wise, so its always a pleasure to get a cd dedicated to this

musical genre!

On the whole, most tracks are hard edged gritty and bluesy......and danceable. Id

recommend it to anyone into 60s soul/rnb for sure, and theres gonna be a series of

these kinda releases to look forward.

David

By Mike in News Archives · July 17, 200124 yr

Continuing the weekend soul feast and here's something we have not done for a while audio wise, yeah bang back up to date and back to todays current Rare Soul Scene
Its the DJ sessions; and this one sees the return of Pete Coulson whos last lot seemed to have gone down well.
From the North West, have caught his sets at Tonys and Llandudno recently and did good things to my ears. You can catch him at
next Saturdays niter at Llandudno. Pete also runs the fanzine Northern Essence ( see mag section in topics for more info)
Quality stuff and big thanks to Pete C for and all the others keeping things fresh and moving
Read more for track list and Petes track info
Take it away Pete ..................
inc Doc+interns, Mighty Marvellows, Four Pros, Bonnie Brisker and more!!

Doc and Interns - Baby I know -Now
Out of Hollywood California, I think this is just right for today, pounding beat, great breaks and superb vocals with the backing running alongside the lead singer. This could go big if enough jocks started playing it. Thanks to Barry James for putting me on to it
Johnny B Goode - Im willing - Ember
On Ember records out of New York arranged and conducted by Dave Cortez. A bit more on the R+B side. Only just got this so Ive not played it out yet probably try it at Tonys in a couple of weeks. Thanks again to Barry
The Mighty Marvellows- This Towns To Much - ABC
Another one out of New York. My wife Viv has been raving about this for a couple of weeks after hearing Brian Dunne play it at Lowton, I heard Brian play it at Cleethorpes and I knew what the fuss was all about a wonderful piece of soul music and set to go massive
Maurice and the Radiants - Baby You've Got It - Chess
I have been playing this for a couple of months now and am getting a big response to it. I believe it got played at Stafford - always a good recommendation - I think the time is right for it again. Thanks to my mate Horse for putting me on to it.
The Four Pros - You Cant Keep A Good Man Down - Carla
Arranged by Mike Terry the production has got everything and you notice something new every time you play it. Another one thats got a few plays at Stafford but didn't make it at the time, it could be time now. Thanks again to Horse
Bonnie Brisker - So much Lovin-Magic City
Defiantly one for the dancers 100mph Northern on the R+B side. I never thought I own one of these , its took me two years to get one and I have only ever seen two other copies, Im sure there are more out there, but staying in collectors boxes I think. Absolutely awesome, never fails to get me dancing
site note :
six pack can now be found in refosoul 6 pack section

By Mike in News Archives · July 15, 200124 yr

CSC Dome Fri 27 Jun 01 Afterwords
Well my plans to get there early went straight out of the window due to a 2 hour jam, on the M bloody 6, so missed Stuart Tyler doing the “opportunity knocks” opening spot, but heard it went down well. Turned up at about 1030 with still a sizeable queue outside, thru the doors and into the cauldron, it was hot!
Sounds wise, spent most of first half just catching up with people, so not many details from the first lot of sets, though dancefloor was busy and stuff like Downtown Crowd and Barbara Redd from Alan H were doing their work and building the temperature up even higher. As always the CSC DJ rotation policy was in effect, with the regs doing 2 spots each with a different order than last one and guest doing the one long one. Ian Cunliffe from the North
West was the guest DJ arriving with a CV of being one of the top respected DJs up there, and he quickly put his credentials on the decks with a cracking set which included tracks such as:
Mean Mis Treator - Joyce Taylor – Wally,
Richard Anthony -Keep On Livin On–Virtue
Tommy Turner-Lazy
plus I Have No Choice, Go For Yourself, I Have Faith in you, Hush Don’t Cry, (Don’t forget you can hear 2 great sessions from Ian C featuring some of the tracks, in soul sessions page )
Carl F was up next and some of his delights included: Springers – Nothings Too Good For My Baby, Esther Grant-Lets Make The Most Out Of Love-Wilstone, Vickie Baines - Country Girl – Parkway, Martha Starr-Sweet Temptation-Chara Eddie Billups – Ask My Heart –Peachtree
Onto David Flynn- he threw our way gems such as
I Need A Man -Precious Three Ref-O-Ree
Somethings Bad – Nomads Mo-Groove
My Proposal - Soul Inc - Coconut Groove
Oxford Nights - Im Such A Lonely One –Delphi
Sidney Barnes- Youll Always Be In Style- Red Bird
This Ones For You My Love- Benny Spellman –Alon
Baby Yes I Do – Temptones – Unissued Version
Rodd Keith & Raindrops - And The Lord Said – Preview
Sidney Barnes- Safety Zone – Jobette Acetate
(Check video clip of Benny Spellmans effect on dancefloor and Sidney Barnes live at a earlier dome in the soul sounds section in topics.)

Irish Greg – up next with the end spot, Carl F had to leave early and he dished out quality rare soul with the likes of
Did My Baby Call – Steve Mancha – Wheelsville
Anita Anderson - Secretly - Contact
Tomangoes - I Really Love You –Washpan
Judy Freeman – Hold On Test Lp Version -Rca
Jackie Wilson – Because Of You - Brunswick
John And Weirdness- Can’t Get Over These Memories –Tie
Virginia Blakely -Let Nobody Love You
Cliff Nobles – My Love Is Getting Stronger – Atlantic
Jimmy Raye – Philly Dog Around The World – Kkc
Jesse Davis- Gonna Hang On In There Girl- Era
Moses Smith– Girl Across The Street – Dionn
Tangeers - Let Your Heart And Soul Be Free - Okeh
Four Tops – Lonely Lover - Unissued
Jimmy Ricks –Oh What A Feeling – Festival (Unofficial Dome Ender)
And As A Encore - Trends – Thanks For A Little Lovin - Abc
ok that was just a brief selection from the latter sets, hopefully will get fuller ones inlater,
Crowd wise, well as said it was a packer, seems like every one turned up for this one,
Loads of the regular suspects all turning up, too many to list, but nearly everyone was there, plus loads from all over the UK, NW, SW, SE, Scotland, Wales, as said all over. Quick name check for some who put the miles in were Pete Coulson , plus wife and gang from the NW, and as always Julie G made the trip down from there, bringing Kev and Steve with her , plus good to see a few recognisable “new” faces there for first time Russ Vickers and Pete Smith.
Record bar had usual lot in attendance Roger Banks, Andy Dyson, Mark Hanson,
Rob Messor. International wise Pete Morgan (ex North Wales) and gang from Australia,
Leonardo and his mates from Italy, Germany was represented by Gerhard and mates from Frankfurt and also the Berlin gang were there in force as well. Long bus ride home or what.
As always a well-mixed crowd, which gives the event a well unique feel.
So that was that, top sounds, top crowd, end result a top nite. One of the best just got better.
Of course this is just my own view on it all, though everyone have spoke to on the nite and after has said it was a top nite. If you haven’t made it there yet, well check the playlists, check the sound clips, check the video clips, check the reviews on here and other web sites, plus in many mags and fanzines and if it seems that its your cup of tea, get your arse down there and give yourself a enjoyable quality rare soul nite.
Mike

By Mike in Articles · June 29, 200124 yr

THE MAGIC TOUCH a review by Winston
A couple of weeks ago I was given a video called The Magic Touch.
It is basically three hours of dance footage, shot at various venues across the country and its been painstakingly put together by a lad called Andy Holroyd, who lives in the Nottingham area. For the last year or so, Andy has been filming the dancers at every venue he has visited, he must have had hours and hours of tape, and hes edited what he considers the best of it together, to produce Touch.
The video starts off with some stills from the 1999 dance competition held at Alfreton and then moves onto the real thing. Ive watched various videos over the years, from This England to Swons but for me none of them have ever quite captured what the scene is about, DANCING. Quite simply, I like to watch people dance and Ive always been of the opinion, that most punters are the same. My favourite sequences in This England were of the dancers, but the programme had other messages to put across, plus it was only half an hour long. Swons (the unabridged version) was well over twelve hours long, but contained very little footage of the dancers, although allegedly some ninety hours were shot. For me it was too preoccupied with the Blackpool Mecca and its influence on the soul scene, and whilst it cannot be denied that it had a major impact, I found the film to be a little too self indulgent, but thats another story.
The Magic Touch never proclaims to be anything other than a tribute to the dancers, who are currently gracing the scene. Sometimes the filming is a little shaky (but overall pretty good) but Andy never claims to be anything other than an amateur. Being first and foremost a dancer himself, his appreciation of other dancers shines through. Andy and his trusty camera visited venues up and down the country, amongst them were: Keele, Skegness weekender, Blackpool weekender, Brighouse Ritz and Alfreton and he got good footage from all of them. Many of the well-known dancers, currently on the scene are included, Andy Riley, Carl, with his brilliant acrobatic displays, (a winner of many dance competitions) Sandie Gilvear (runner up at this years Cleethorpes) all from the Nottingham area. Tall Paul from Manchester, (who could spin for a living) Caz from Bolton (who won the Togetherness weekender dance comp) Panch and Karen, just to name but a few.
In truth I dont think that Andy ever set out to make a tribute video to the best dancers on the scene, it just so happens that some of them were at the venues where he was filming. Overall the film is just paying homage, to those that I consider the mainstay of the Northern Scene, dancers in general. Without these willing souls, where would the scene be? Watching people sweating buckets, whilst retaining a smile on their face, or seeing them singing along with their favourite record, with all the passion of the original artist, is and always will be inspirational to me. Personally Ive never experienced the out and out joy thats created by the Northern scene anywhere else, and here it is on video, for me to relive in my dotage. 🙂 And just how I want to remember it, distinctive, energetic, passionate, and intense, enjoyed by a crowd of friendly people, a cut above the norm.
This isnt meant to sound pompous, those are into rock and roll may share the same feelings towards their music, as in the future, so might those that are currently into house and garage. But I havent been into either, so I can only comment on my perception of the Northern Scene. The last couple of hours of the video were shot at Winsford in February, at the venues 6th anniversary. It seems to me to be quite apt, Winsford was on the downward spiral, attendance wise, (musically it was superb) and had just been taken over by Sam Moore. Sam had set about promoting Winsford very heavily, sometimes flyering three different venues in a single night. Subsequently the turn out at the anniversary was excellent and Andy was there to catch it.
The footage produced, in my opinion, captures the atmosphere, and the fervour of the Northern Soul scene, in its entirety. I was there on the night and vividly remember most of it, but watching Andys video pricks the memory and helps me to remember that it wasnt a dream, it really was that good of a night.
So for those who prefer shorter reviews, 🙂 three hours of some of the dancers currently adorning the scene, with Northern Soul music pounding over the top, in buying it you will have instant visual access to your past.
You know you really “Cant get over these memories”, and all this for a measly fiver, cant be bad. 🐵
KTF. Winston
Video online...

By Winnie :-) in Articles · June 27, 200124 yr

Word of a new kent cd Northern Soul's Classiest Rarities- CDKEND 192 - Out July 2001 tracks

Strange Neighbourhood - The Imaginations

Just Your Fool - Eddie Whitehead

This Love That Im Giving You - The Joytones

My Hearts On Fire - Little Bob

Cards On The Table - The Diplomats

The Way Of The Crowd - Dan Folger

Aint No Danger - Clifford Curry

What Happened To Yesterday - Mr Soul

Why Would You Blow It - Claude Huey

Tell Me Baby - Karmello Brooks

IllBe All Alone - Barbara Redd

Raining Teardrops - The Rockmasters

I See Your Face - Joe Simon

Something About - The Royal

I Have No Choice -Audrey Mae Mathews

Youll Get Enough - The Delfonics

The Yesterday Of Our Love - Jimmy Seals

I Wouldnt Change A Thing About You - Johnny Wyatt

Ive Got To Keep Movin - Charles Latimore & The Extremes

Yes Im In Love - Unique Blend

You Cant See - Five Stairsteps

Dont Stop Now - The Mayfield Singers

Trusting In You - The Fascinations

Dont Tear Me Down -Charlie Rich.

By Mike in News Archives · June 27, 200124 yr

Yet another Top Nite in London
A cracking nite at the Notre Dame, if you were after a good time then this was the place to be this weekend. Great music, great crowd, great venue (air-conditioning!) what more do you want!
Must say thanks to promoters and DJs - Nick and Dawn Brown, Andy Rix, Chris Dale and guest from Bradford way - Derek Pearson for such a top nite.
Few bits of trivia -
Russ Vickers, along with Dave Rimmer are the confirmed guests at next Saturdays 100 club niter.
CSC Dome going monthly next year plus free 50 tapes at Jul event
Latest copy of Soul Renaissance issue 5 was out
There was also some interesting reading going around, copies of recent remarks that a DJ made over the internet slagging down London venues, Djs, promoters etc and a reply to those remarks!

By Mike in News Archives · June 24, 200124 yr

Cleethorpes - Aftermath
First from Pilar who along with Elena was on the decks, and a view from Heikki from Finland who must have visited every venue going in that week
Just to help some of you who were there to refresh your braincells, (or for those like me who couldnt make it ) aware of what we missed, here,s a couple of reports on the weekender from the halls of Soul-Talk
Pilars bit
A bit late I know but all though I arrived to Valencia on Monday I just really landed yesterday!
Here it is the playlist Elena and me played on our set, we played together in the Spanish hour, do you remember two girls with the same t-shirt? those were us!!
H.B. Barnum - It hurts too much to cry - RCA
Joan Baker - Everybody´s talking - Diamond
Patti Austin - You´re too much a part of me - Coral
Priscilla Page - I´m pretending - Topper
Freda Payne - Sad September - MGM
Anna King - Mama´s got a bag of her own
Susan Rewis - They say you have found a new baby - Columbia
Martha Starr - No part time love for me - Thelma
Ojay´s - I´ll never forget you - Imperial
Jo Ann Garrett - A whole new plan - Chess
Ruby Winters - Better - Diamond
Jackie Wilson - Because of you - Brunswick
Patti Austin - I´ve given all my love to you
Billy Eckstine - I wonder why - Motown
Vernon Green - Look at me, look at me - Minit
Tommy Frontera - You are my leading lady - Hi- Lite
Big Joe Turner - Two loves have I - Philips
John Bowie - You are gonna miss a good thing baby - Merben
Ruby Andrews - Just loving you - Zodiac
Marv Johnson - With all that´s in me - UA
Patrice Holloway - Stolen hours - Capitol
Tony Clarke - A wrong man - M-S
Esther Philips - Just say goodbye - Atlantic
Carolyn Crawford - Forget about me - Motown
Betty Swan - Kiss my love goodbye - Atlantic
A strange mixture but it worked! We were really scared as the Irish guy who was playing before us made an incredible set (I don´t know his name) and we weren´t on time to hear Greg Tormo, sorry. Thanks to everybody who gave us their support and congratulations, we were very happy to make it and couldn´t believe that we could pack the dancefloor at 2 p.m.!!!! See you next time! Best! Pilar
Heikki there to the finish Back to normal again after a great Weekender, my daily rhythm was a right mess on Tesday and Wednesday, kept waking up in the middle of the night and falling asleep during the day...
The live acts were both a lot better at Cleethorpes than at the 100 Club, Hoagys mike technique was still poor. Sidney barnes really is THE MAN, a top performer with a very professional touch. The crowd especially liked the bits when he told us how much he appreciates the northern scene & keeping the music alive even if many of the artists are long gone. Cant really remembe what was being played on Friday, Roger Banks was good with a very different style to others as usual, Andy the feet Rix was goodalso, I was supposed to go to get some sleep after his set but Dave Rimmer kept me on the dance floor for quite a while with some of my favourites incl. Cody Black - Slowly Molding. Saturday afternoon session was brilliant, I agree that the djs can be a bit more adventurous because theres no pressure of filling the floor. I walked in during Gregs set (didnt know it was you though), really top tunes I must say!
All of the international sets were good so I cant name the best one, it was weird dancing in the daylight, but it was nice to have plenty of room. Sunday day session was about as good as the Saturday one, Dave Rimmer was great, Irish Greg was brilliant but my vote goes to Jo Wallace, she played a set with balls! 8-) It was great to hear The Poets - She Blew a Good Thing, group soul doesnt get much better now does it?
Sunday night was something special of course, I dont think you can get that atmosphere anywhere else, it was even better than I remembered from last year. I could just stand and watch the mass of bodies dancing to the music with a big smile on my face. The record bar was very busy all the time, it was difficult to move around! Spent more money on a single record that I have ever done, got a nice copy of Bobby Williams - Ive Only Got Myself to Blame, Manship had it for a surprisingly reasonable price.
All the best to everyone out there
Heikki

event-reviews

By Mike in Articles · June 20, 200124 yr

LIFE & SOUL IV FRIDAY 15 JUNE 2001 - ROZEL HOTEL WESTON SUPER MARE
A few words on fridays event from promoter Mike L. Mike L says...

As usual quality sounds were played all night from the popular, to the rare and some just a little bit different
All DJs did excellent and varied sets and maybe they will send me there playlists for me to post. Thanks to Dave Farrell for his debut set standing in for Simon Green at late notice, Ross with his usual expertise for hitting the right spot, John Nightingale for his brand of 70s Northern, a surprise (and sadly short - due to time) set by Phil Merrell - who actually djed at the Twisted Wheel -and Mark for a stonking ending.
Big thanks to all who came - (and Im bound to miss people here, my apologies) - especiallyPaul OBrien from deepest Devon, and his mates from Cheltenham and elsewhere, Neil Selffrom Cheltenham, Phil and Dawn from Barnstable, All those from Cornwall - Falmouth and Newquay - good on ya for travelling so far, it is much appreciated..
My two short sets included:-
Ballads - I cant see your love
Bobbie Brown - I gotta have you
OV Wright - Love the way you love
Three Karats - Yes I Will
Variations - Yesterday is gone
Geraldine Hunt - Just believe in me
Inez&Charlie Foxx - No stranger to love
Third Guitar - Sad Girl
Johnny Sayles - I cant get enough
Temptations - I gotta find a way
Smokey&Miracles - Soulful Shack
Soul Children - Were getting too close
Johnny Copeland - Suffering City
TSU Toronados - What Good am I
Patrice Holloway - Thats all you got to do
Buckner Brothers - A change is gonna come
Al Greene - Dont leave me
Johnny Taylor&Carla Thomas - Just keep on loving me
Second set:-
Irma Thomas - What are you trying to do
Kitty Clark - Big Wheel
Moses Smith - Girl across the street
Jesse Boone - I got to love you
Billy Butler - Cant live without her
Barbara Mercer - Hey
Capreez - Soulsation
Bobo Mr Soul - Hitch hike to heartbreak road
Otis Redding - Demonstration
Despite our biggest promotion exercise numbers were unfortunately a bit down, although there were sufficient through the door to have a good time -thanks to them.
We posted details on about 8 web sites, were on 2 Northern chat groups, we dropped flyers at Cheltenham, Cardiff, Gloucester, Barnstable, 100 Club, we
advertised in local press, and put posters up all around town, plus Blues and Soul.
We also spread the word by talking to people, emailing and telephone - feedback received was promising generally. We had good reviews on several websites and Soul Up North magazine. We didnt clash with anything nearby, we co-operated with local promoters but hey, we all had a good time.

Weve set up this venue on the basis of what people have told us they want. However, if Weston is wrong or the venue is wrong or the format please let me know. Were taking a break now until the Autumn because venues are difficult through the summer, and then well be back.

Our residences at Brannigans in Bristol and Neptunes Nook will continue, as will our Summer Soul event in Bordeaux in August.
Mike

www.lifeandsoulpromotions.co.uk

By Mike in News Archives · June 18, 200124 yr

More new stuff - Here is quick report inc playlists on last Fridays soul nite at the Ritz in Brighouse, thanks go out to Dave M

Dave M just dashed a quick report on last nites Brighouse, so here you go

Yes - I went to Brighouse

Carl Willingham and Soul Sam were the guest DJs and it was a typical

oldies session although Soul Sam can still clear the dancefloor with some

of his plays!. Carl W played things like;

Spiral Staircase - More Today Than Yesterday - Columbia

Eddie Bishop - Call Me - Abc

Soul Bros Six -Ill Be Loving You - Atlantic

Ramsey Lewis - Wade In The Water - Cadet

Checkerboard Squares - Double Cookin - Villa

Invitations - Whats Wrong With Me Baby - Dynovoice

Love,Love,Love - Bobby Hebb - Phillips

Landslide - Tony Clarke - Chess

Rose Batiste - I Miss My Baby - Revilot

(Have you listened to the Revilot story on

href="http://www.wfmu.org/Playlists/Finewine/">http://www.wfmu.org/Playlists/Finewine/

? - brilliant!)

Duke Browner - Crying Over You - Impact

Velvelettes - These Things Will Keep Me Loving You - Soul

Patti&The Emblems - Im Gonna Love You A Long Long Time - Kapp

Johnny Caswell - You Dont Love Me Anymore - Decca

Major Lance - You Dont Want Me Anymore - Okeh

Marvelettes - Ill Keep Holdin On - Tamla

Supremes - Back In My Arms Again - Motown

Jackie Wilson - Because Of You - Brunswick

Jimmy Burns - I Really Love You - Erica

The Du-Ettes - Every Beat Of My Heart - Mar-V-Lus

Carstairs - It Really Hurts me Girl - Red Coach

Soul Sam tends to play a strange mix of classic oldies and more modern

stuff in batches of three records.

He played things like;

Dells - Run For Cover - Cadet

(Opened with this - he knows how to get the Brighouse crowd on side!)

The Ringleaders - Baby What Happened To Our Love - MPac

The Group - I Dont Like To Lose - Prophonics

Bobby Hutton - Lend A Hand - Abc

Willie Hutch - Love Runs Out - Dunhill

(You dont think he played these two off the same 70s reissue on ABC do

you?)

Christine Cooper - Heartaches Away My Boy - Parkway

Bobby Hutton - Come See, Whats Left Of Me - Phillips

(One of my current home listening faves!)

Al Williams - I Am Nothing - La Beat

Eddie Foster - I Never Knew - IN

Mr Soul - What Happened To Yesterday - Genuine

Temptations - Truly Yours - Motown

Jimmy Ruffin - I Got To Let You Go - Motown

Jimmy Ruffin - He Who Picks A Rose - Motown

Jimmie Bo Horne - I Cant Speak - Dade

Bernie Williams - Ever Again - Bell

Ann Sexton - Youve Been Gone Too Long - Impel

(A BIG Brighouse fave)

Terry Callier - Look At Me Now - Cadet

Wade Flemons - Jeanette - Ramsel

(Play this if you want a Ritz instant floor filler!)

Betty Wright - Man Of Mine - Alston

Im not that au fait with a lot of the modern stuff that Soul Sam plays.

He did play - Bull - Let Bygones Be Bygones - which was a first airing

supposedly, after being played by Tim Brown on Jazz FM

Tony Banks is the resident DJ and host and usually plays stuff from his

current playlist;

A C Reed - My Babys Been Cheatin (I Know) - Cool

The Vibrations - Cause Youre Mine - Epic

Gloria Jones - Come Go With Me - Uptown

Millie Jackson - A House For Sale - Spring

Junior Walker - Tune Up - Soul

Junior Walker - Aint That The Truth - Soul

(Believe it or not - a couple actually line danced to this - and they

didnt look as stupid as you might have expected!)

Tommy Navarro - I Cried My Life Away - Dejac

Etta James - Seven Day Fool - Argo

Ace Spectrum - Dont Send Nobody Else - Atlantic

David Ruffin&Eddie Kendricks - I Couldnt Believe It - RCA

I think Ive credited most of the tracks to the relevant DJ, but one or two

may be mixed up and perhaps I imagined I heard some - I didnt take notes!

Just listening to Kev Roberts on the Big AM - we dont get much feedback

on

this show do we? - its a good 2 hour soul show .

Hes just playing Channel 3 -The Sweetest Thing This Side Of Heaven - Dakar

Whilst Ive been typing hes moved on to Ernest Moseley - Stuborn Heart -

La-Cindy

Not bad eh!

David M

By Mike in News Archives · June 17, 200124 yr

Friday 15th June, just been to one of the best Northern Soul nights ever. Its funny but having been out of the (scene) for more years than I care to remember, I was overwhelmed at the East Midlands Soul Club abillity to find a venue that has everything perfectly suited for a stomping night.

The place was easy to find with a large lit car park, a warm welcome on the door and drinks at 1/2 what I normally pay. The music started with a mixture of r&b, old soul and crossover which was a pleasant mixture and started the feet tapping.

After about 9 the music really started having an effect, the quality of the sound system is one of the best I have heard and I made my way to the floor. Here I found a not only polished wood, but sprung floor, I was going to enjoy this. The music variation for the rest

of the night was mainly requests and the people voted with their feet as to the acceptance of the sounds, I can honestly say that for the next 4 hours I only heard one duff 45.

Although at midnight I stifled a yawn, I was on the floor till 1 with almost all of the crowd who were so friendly, held every month, guess where youll find me on 20th July.

By Mike in News Archives · June 16, 200124 yr

Ive just come across a copy of Wheelsville 104. Has anyone
ever seen this before - Debora Healy - "I Cant Erase My Old Loves Face"?
The other side is "Dont Do Nothing I Wouldnt Do"
Its the same as the issue on Chrysler, but with a different spelling for Debora and no credit to The Magic Tones.
The master numbers are MW 618 and MW 617.
Any info on Wheelsville 105?
posted via Irish Greg (I think)
updated 2019

By Mike in News Archives · June 15, 200124 yr

Dug this out when revamping content, reckon worth yet a other "bump" up as enjoyed re-reading it

Trivia of a vinyl kind Posted on Wednesday, April 25 2001@ GMT Standard Time by mike h

Vinyl trivia as you may have spotted get quite a bit of vinyl trivia and info, most of it was thrown up on main page and as it gets updated a lot may get missed, so have thrown all bits up here, not going for a well smart layout just a online scrapbook of fascinating facts!!

info on jimmy radcliffe acetate once featured on sounds page from chris

That Is Indeed A Very Cool Jimmy Radcliffe Track. I Beleive It Was Recorded In 1966. In fact The Producers Of The 1997 Film "Eves Bayou" Starring Samuel L. Jackson And Lynn Whitfield Liked The Song So Much The Included It The Film And On The Films Soundtrack Album The Featured Tracks From: Erykah Badu, Bobby "Blue" Bland, Ray Charles, Johnny Ace, Sugar Boy Crawford, Geno Delafose, Etta James, Louis Armstrong With Velma Middleton and A Score From Terence Blanchard. Eves Bayou Movie/Soundtrack Actually The Film Had Two Of Jimmys Recordings The Other One Was A Song Called "Sit Down Sunshine" But The Producers Of The Album Thought That It Was To Close In Feeling To Ray Charles "Dont Let The Sun Catch You Crying" so It Was Left Off The Album.

Info from andy rix on the robbie lawson acetate featured on site its a 7" acetate that simply says "Mr Misery"...when Pat played it at Stafford he called it Robbie Lawson as nobody knew what/who it was.....the copies that surfaced by the Padded Cell are the same vocalist etc...but its the finished track, slightly different vocal take, with strings which ruins it for me cos it makes it real girly and as its a record of despair the sparce backing on the acetate is spot on....
I still call it Robbie Lawson to differentiate the acetate from the vinyl but in reality it is Padded Cell

dave flynn gives the gen on current floorfiller "Baby Yes I Do" recorded at the Virtue Studios at 1618 N.Broad St, Philadelphia on Dec 7th 1966. produced by Jimmy Bishop. band members were Barry Glazer, Ken Halpern, Brian Utain and Daryl Hall. (note John Oates was not in the group at that point). Ive got a few takes of it, but the one I play is the most complete - shame they never got around to adding brass or vibes. Ive always thought that the piano in it is very reminiscent of Damon Foxs classic "Packing up".
Ive also got an earlier "bar bones" take both as an instrumental and vocal, of one of their released Arctic discs, "Girl I Love you", which I might play at the next Dome.
Other sleepers from the same source include alternate takes of house hold favourites by Moses Smith, Kenny Gamble and The Kayettes! Hope that was of interest, and Im glad you like it.
However, you wait till you hear the unissued September Jones Kapp tracks - ouch theyre hot!!!

more from andy rixs keyboard.....

bit of info on andys current spin, Jimmy Radcliffe - The thrill of loving you - Jaysina its a 10" Jaysina Publishing acetate and as far as Im aware its the only known copy...I found this on my USA trip last year in Rose Marie McCoys basement...when I took it upstairs for its first play I instantly thought "this is ace..lovely mid-tempo New York production...and that voice". The voice was so familiar (no label credit) but I just couldnt place it....Rose couldnt remember either but it was a guy that used to cut lots of demos for people....this track was a demo for the Drifters but I dont think they ever recorded it. I get back to the UK and ring a friend of mine in London who is a long-time New York collector...before the first line is finished he says Jimmy Radcliffe...so obvious really. (new 2003 bit since then Colin Wood found another version of "The Thrill is Gone" on Smash that was unknown even to Rose M)

Just as a point of interest anybody who has a copy of Chubby Checker You cant lose something you never had on Kent given out at one of the 100 Club Anniversaries should note that this is also Jimmy...listen to it again and youll see
mikes bit on subject of jimmy radcliffe, have a great track by him called Ill pretend Im loving you - Jimmy Radcliffe - acetate its up on site hit play to hear it, anyone any info as does a lot for me email me please if you have ought on it

back to andys overheated keyboard

When in New York in 98 i met up with Edward Lewis who co-wrote Love slipped through my fingers....he told me that he wrote this song whilst in a jungle in Vietnam and sent the lyrics over to his brother and Marion Farmer to finish off the music and tidy up. I asked him about Sam Williams and the name meant nothing at all to him...as far as he was concerned the version he knew was the one they did on Nate Adams...he had no idea that Sam recorded it, nor the Ohio Players, and had never heard the songs until I sent him a tape...he did tell me they recut the song for Brite-Lite Records in the early 80s on that group who did If you cant tell me something good...my mind has gone a complete blank on the group name...I think that version remains unreleased...was it Major IV... Talking of sam there is a long held belief that Tony Williams of the Platters is Sam Williams but there was another NY based singer called Sam Williams who moved to the West Coast in the ?early 70s so there may be room for confusion here...anybody have any thoughts on this...Ive listened to their voices and Im not that convinced that Sam & Tony are one and the same....anybody ever seen an issue of Sam Williams ?

yet another snip of info from your man

I was thrilled to get the new Marvelettes CD that has just come out on Spectrum..compiled by our cuddly friend Chris King and ably supported by a Motown trainspotter mate of mine called Chris Jenner this is a CD that I strongly suggest you all purchase...details from where later. From a Northern point of view it has some crackers.....I just cant let him down..On the other side of town (a Lowrie spin)...Because I love him ( big for Ginger)....Sugars never been as sweet as you (in stereo)...Boy from Crosstown (Brill)...and my fave Finders Keepers Losers weepers.
There are other previously unreleased tracks of a more melodic, as opposed to four-beats-to-the-bar driven, which are great plus some standard stuff like Reaching for something...Danger heartbreak...I need someone etc... I can recommend this CD and the best bit is it only costs £5.50...you can order i tfrom Jim Stewart at jim@soulsearchingplus.co.uk my bill including P&P using VIsa came to £6.69...bloody bargain

Andy first bit to start off is a brief history of all those unreleased motown tracks, then a bit on vala reegan,

from andy rix

The first batch was from the acetates Tom DePierro got when researching the From the Vaults LP...following his death a tape of part of this find arrived in the UK...this was the first significant collection of unreleased Motown to surface...top tunes from those tapes were Marvin Gaye - This loved starved heart & Lonely lover Originals - Suspicion Gladys Knight - Its too late Temptations - Forever in my heart & Angel doll Martha/Vandellas - Spellbound Marvelettes - Boy from crosstown & Sugars never been as sweet as you Kim Weston - Absent minded lover ....the following were part of that batch but didnt make anthem status Stevie Wonder - I gave up quality for quantity Holland & Dozier - In the neighborhood a.k.a On the avenue Velvelettes - Love is good & Let love live & Beating around the bush Kim Weston - Build up my baby & Any girl in love & After the rain & Look my way Eddie Holland - Twin brother & Welcome back Creations - In the dark ...another tape arrived a little while later...sounds on this were Downbeats - You say you love me Hattie Littles - You got me worried Creations - Say say baby Martha / Vandellas - Keep stepping & Im willing to pay the price Kim Weston - I got a weak heart Shorty Long - A woman just wont do right Velvelettes - Somethings happening & Thats a funny way & Twilight time ...

I think I got the order right but it was a long time ago Then Pete Lowrie scored in Detroit but he wasnt the only one I have to say...these acetates were apparently from out of the Woodward building which had been closed down and had found there way to a local record dealer...in addition there were tapes and that is where the biggest of all came from.. Brenda Holloway - Think it over (before you break my heart)...the original working title of this was Ill meet you halfway...Pete called it Reconsider ..over a period of time Pete got more stuff so the goodies were...note that other people got some of these titles as well, there appeared to be multiples of some tracks... Jimmy Ruffin - I know how to love her Ivy Hunter - Where were you Tommy Good - I gotta get away Sidney Barnes - safety zone Marvelettes - Because I love him & The other side of town Brenda Holloway - Lonely boy & My world is crumbling & Im on the right track Norma Jenkins - Try love (one more time) Liz Lands - Midnight Johnny...alt take Jimmy Ruffin - I gotta let you go Saundra Edwards - True fine boy ..inst ... the next good batch were first played by me..these were Monitors - Crying in the night Kim Weston - You hit me where it hurt me & Gonna make it up to you baby Brenda Holloway - Ill be alright Marvin Gaye - Lucky lucky me Brenda Holloway - Dont turn your back on me Miracles - My business your pleasure Monitors - I cant get along without you that was it until Chris King hit the vaults and as much of that stuff are monster plays at the moment I wont bother to list them

Andy next bit was a reply by andy to a message claiming barbara banks and vala reegan are the same person, as "living in past" was b side of fireman and river of tears I talked to Herb Bernstein about this a while ago and he said that living in the past was one of his fave tunes/compositions...he said something like "when we put that record out we decided to use LITP again cos it was such a good tune". Id always assumed he meant they re-recorded the song with Barbara.. Ive never compared the two versions...he was obviously being literal meaning they used the track again. Vala was actually lead vocalist with a group called the Hi-Fashions and was spotted by Herb at a Laura Nyro recording session...Im fairly confident that they are not the same person as Herb talked about Vala and Barbara as seperate individuals and never said/suggested they were one and the same.
Andy

pat brady just gave me some info on one of the sounds that made my "jaw drop":

Regarding The Chandlers, I was always credited as the guy who "discovered" it & it was me who first played it at an all-nighter but in fact, a guy called Andy Riding played it at The Irish League in Nelson for a couple of months before I prized it out of him for 20 quid! (quite a lot of money then in 1976...)

By Mike in Articles · June 15, 200124 yr

A review from 2001 by Katrina Dixon about souling it in Oslo and Berlin
Oslo, Berlin and Scotland - Katrina 2001
A short, few words (NOT) about souling it in Oslo and Berlin last week, of interest to few probably but Ill witter on anyhow, so hit delete now if you dont want to scroll thru an essay Friends in Oslo took me along to a club with the cool name of the Beat Basement held in the small back room of a very fine bar called Mono.
Even tho theyre not into the garage punk, soul sounds played, they knew itd be right up my street, so they kindly put up with me going on about every single garage punk sound played during the first hour or so when there was only us, a few other bemused Oslo scenesters and about five mods huddled near the elevated djing area (who, when I got talking to them later, turned out to be almost the entire local mod scene) and then me diving off to dance to the unexpected avalanche of northern soul, including the Metros and Charles Sheffield (later discovered from the guy spinning Charles Sheffield that hed bought it from Irish Greg - small world ) - and that the guy spinning the Metros had a picture cover version issued in Germany that he got for about £20 - swine ). The place got pretty packed out, mainly, in fact almost all normal punters just out to dance, but it was a really friendly atmosphere, even if there were drinks on the dancefloor (no talc needed, just slipping around in the puddles ) and the sounds moved between northern 6ts, 7ts (but some nice 7ts have to admit) and funk) till 3am.
A solid nights dancing basically. On to Berlin, after a 17 hour train journey (soul all the way thanks to tapes by AlanH - thanks loads) through slabs of Swedish countryside (counting the red barns) via Gothenburg and Malmo (time for a swift taste of the Swedish national schnapps in a bar and a chat with a local about the Swedish drinking culture - ie drinking to get drunk and no other reason). Thanks to my mighty hosts, Max (huge thanks too...) and Franz, I got a solid taste of Berlin soul, from watching them djing (and pulling faces at each other ) a couple of nights at the Dom De Lion bar (wall-attached lava lamps, leopard print bar stools, soul albums on the walls, cone-shaped dj box in the centre of the bar, again decked in leopard print). I nbetween getting quizzed by Marc Forrest (pleasure to meet you, sir) about my top 5 rnb and current fave sounds - arrrgh, failed anorak, my mind goes blank and Ive just remembered another I didnt mention - The Phonetics: Just a Boys Dream! - and chastised by Max for not remembering labels (good grief ) there were hours of great sounds:
Barbara Mason: Aint Got Nobody, Irene & the Scotts: Im Stuck On You Baby, Some Other Guy by, ah, you wouldnt believe it if I told ya , Tony Middleton: Till The Ends of the Earth, Nancy Wilcox: My Baby, Tommy Navarro: I Cried My Life Away (aaaaah, soooo good), Del-Chontays (up the DCDL!), Thee Midnighters - Evil Love.
More Berlin soul at Marc Forrests Hip City Soul Club on Saturday via a strange night at Ankerklause on Thursday with Max, where we came in to Charles Sheffield (a track that seemed to trail me across northern europe) and left to the strains of MC Hammer. Huh? Hip City has a dancefloor about the size of TOS, and usually just as busy, but that night numbers were down - we all reckoned because of the disaster in America. Im not sure if it was the same over here or in other countries but it seemed like, fewer people were out or up for dancing - understandably.
Still, those that turned up made the most of it and both Franz and Marc played cracking sounds from 10 till just before 5 (Marc "just two more and then Ill finish"... yeh sure ) Marc, Id forgotten Dr Truelove is such a great tune (real cha-cha-cha...) and that Curly Moore is truly el magnifico, as is the Four Tops: Cant Seem To Get You Out of My Mind (right title?). Hopefully I can get back to Hip City at a time when life is a bit more normal, and experience it at its more typical busy best but I had an excellent time - fantastic rare soul sounds all the way (plenty of rnb, and plenty I hadnt heard before), lovely wall-hangings of soul stars, Marc singing along to records like a karaoke pro (if they come out, the pictures are going up online ;)). Lots of chat (only a little in German tho - apologies for my pathetic school standard German-speaking), laughs and dancing, all with great people.
Cant ask for more, really.
Katrina Dixon
The place to be if you wanna talk about soul!

event-reviews

By Mike in Articles · June 15, 200124 yr

Sidney Barnes + Hoagy Lands live at the 100 07 Jun 01
As Thursday saw weekender live guest act stars Sidney Barnes and Hoagy Lands make a pre-weekender appearance at the 100 club.
read more for brief details......and then write down somewhere "order next years tickets asp"
Yeah well last Thursday everyone's mind may have been focused on the big vote....which going by figures seems was the choice between the teacher or the hairdresser and not the other two. But come Thursday night the chance was to forget it all and catch soul legends Sidney Barnes and Hoagy Lands live. For those who weren't doing Cleethorpes it was a great opportunity to catch these two names from yesteryear.
Dj prior to the acts, apologies but have lost the name but he had a t-shirt with Chancer on, so undoubtedly someone can put me right, put down a good mix from opening time to the live acts starting, anyone who plays OC Smiths version of Color Me Father, automatically gets a tick in the box from me.
Come around 1030 the place had filled up and Hoagy Lands took to the stage, joining the 5 piece and 2 backing singers band, he delivered a strong set, (memory and lack of familiarity stops me giving a full blow by blow listing), starting with a couple of 60s tracks, then slowing it down to a ballad which included a well loud drop to the knees. Onto a couple of 70s tracks and then finishing with the classic that's been played since the days of the wheel - Next in Line. He gave a well "from the soul" performance, the sweat pouring off testimonial to the effort put in, unfortunately there seemed a few sound probs from where I was standing, which took the edge of it a bit with the band seeming just a bit too loud.
After that a few minutes break and then the return to London to Sidney Barnes, now those who caught him at Dome were expecting a great show and what did we get.... yep a fantastic set. On stage he come with a bit of change in is outfit from the last time we saw him, with a Stetson, a shiny suit, and trendy vest, looking the part he launched into his set, which as said was fantastic, every track was something he had an involvement in, as in writing, performing etc and this was the real McCoy, he knew what the audience wanted and he delivered it big style, tracks delivered included
Talkin Bout A Shindig
Youll always be in style
Great Version of Billy Prophets - What Can I do
I'll Bet you
I'll Hurt On the Other Side
Think about the good times
Well after a couple of encores, that was that, two legendary names from the past in the year 2001 performing in the heart of London, from a Mr Soul type performance to a Mr Performer type performance, great stuff, and as writing this envy starts to creep in of those catching the acts at Cleethorpes right at this moment. Top stuff. Night continued with Ady C underlining the nite with a great selection. of 45s.
Also available on the nite was a great Sidney Barnes CD - titled "Then And Now" it features 15 tracks from your man from 1960- 1999, haven't had time to catch up with all tracks but a quick skip through sounds good. Not sure if plans are in place to sell it online or mail order but once find out and listen more will pass on.
And also don't forget the Jazz FM clips up on site featuring Richard Searling and Sidney Barnes with great tracks and great background info

By Mike in Articles · June 7, 200124 yr

It was a very bad time for the conservative anarchist but nevertheless, Martin, Aubrey and I (and a few occasional 'also rans') formed into a gang of nocturnal amphetamine road-beasts. As the WSF (Wagnerian Soul Fraternity)...
Reverbstorm: Savoy, Soul and Suicide
b y P a u l T e m p l e
A clip of an article from Headpress mag issue 7, can read in full on Savoy website (link at end)
Headpress magazine, No 7, 1993
It was a very bad time for the conservative anarchist but nevertheless, Martin, Aubrey and I (and a few occasional 'also rans') formed into a gang of nocturnal amphetamine road-beasts. As the WSF (Wagnerian Soul Fraternity), we spent months and months travelling to Northern niters in a beat-up car, with Bruckners IVth, or the Solti version of Die Walküre blasting out of the windows. Faster faster, louder louder. With the north winds blowing through our scurf at 120mph, reeking of chemicals and Juicy Fruit, hitting Niters and living furiously. We developed our own language, and we all spoke in this thick Edinburgh-ese (five years on and I still can't shake it off).
For two years I never read a paper or saw a television. We became aesthetites and energy obsessives, but would pursue any old head-fuck for a laugh. Our heroes were Wilhelm Reich, Franz Antoine Mesmer, G.I. Gurdjieff (who, legend has it, could suck enough energy out of a room to kill a yak at a hundred paces. Though I didn't know it at the time, Martin's brother was part of a Gurdjieff group in California). The fetish for mass-free primordial energy was also reflected in our taste in music: total amphetamine Northern, Mighty Phil Spector and 19th Century classical God-head bangers. We hated house-music and referred to ravers as acid- cripples.
The niter scene was for toxic avengers only. The newies scene was past its prime due to the ritual slaying of its chief exponent DJ Keb Darge, but it was still very vicious and intense. An outsider could be kicked in the face if he danced like an on-location rare groover. Or he could be spat at, or worse, laughed off the floor. Quite right too. We could be in some God-forsaken place like Chesterfield Conservative Club, or a barn somewhere in Scotland, and the atmosphere would be formidable, Nothing short of Total Commitment was the thing. Total Commitment and Total Human Electricity. A normal person didn't stand a chance, it was too intimidating. The dance floor was more like a damn bull-ring than anything. You'd see the most beautifully elegant dancer, and he'd be a steel-worker or something. With a complete empathy for the music. I remember watching this stocky brick ####house going through his paces to Ends Of The Earth by Tony Middleton. When the record was just about to peak, he mimed a noose going round his neck. When the almighty climax was delivered, he gave the invisible rope a sharp yank and hung himself
The WSF invariably turned up like a trio of quarter-tipped tornadoes. We were the absolute best dancers. Martin used to do this slow drag number across the floor, like a rabbit with mixamatosis. Approaching the middle-eight, he'd generally lean back on his worn heels, go quick as a whip into a 360 degree spin then WAP! He'd clap so hard his hands would bleed.
Aubrey was the very model of a human jack-hammer, his bug-eyes trembling with the paranoia of future busts, but deep down not caring too much. His stomp-favour generally leaned toward an On Broadway chord sequence which would ejaculate over Orangemen drums and hysterical Psycho soundtrack strings.
Myself, I favoured a shifty, shifty side thing, one hand on hip, followed by a hi-kick on a peak, a jenny-like spin on a drum-roll, a side WAP on a beat-drop, plenty of flambé hand-gestures and orange squash between very violent numbers like With These Eyes by The Fabulous Peps on Wee Records, Take It Baby by the Showmen on Swan, If You Ask Me, Jerry Williams on Calla, and Where Can She Run To by the Jammers on Loma. The more unrestrained the music, the wilder the life.
AFTER MONTHS OF MOTORWAY MAYHEM, I fell into an extreme state of love with a girl called ..........
visit savoy website out for full article, background and more
http://www.savoy.abel.co.uk/HTML/recart.html

By Mike in Articles · June 7, 200124 yr

Keb Darge Words

So I started a scene going there, and eventually it got to the point where we had all-nighters in Aberdeen, around 77, with about 800 people. And they wanted to hear what theyd been hearing at Wigan. So I had to get the tunes that were played there so you know, I remember going to The Mecca. And there was this record, Ron Holden, in this guys box for 7 pounds. And I remember thinking Shite! Thats a weeks wages for christs sake! And it was then! - I must have it. So I walked away, then I saw some other cunt going up and pulling it out, so ran back - 7 pounds. So on the way back, I thought my motherll kill me. But when I went to this club in Aberdeen and I played the fuckin thing, and the response was like Fucking hell, hes got Ron Holden! I thought hmmm, I like this feeling.

So from then on I was going to Wigan and I got to meet all the big dealers and Right, I want all the big tunes, and that was after I was into it for about three years. And then I sussed that if you really want to get noticed, youve got to find tunes of your own, youve got to find new discoveries, ken. And I started talking to folk, and finding out Oh, we go to Detroit, and theres this guy called the Coachman, who used to be a gangster in the sixties, a fucking drug dealer and pimp and all that, and he knows all the fuckin folk whove got all the records. So I thought Ill go to Detroit and meet this Coachman, ken, so I got all the numbers and I went out there, and I found records, and I did Chicago, all the fuckin places, ken, and then I was playing stuff from there." "All Northern, aye. Funk, when I went out I didnt know much when I started. And you would look at labels, and the fuckin title, and the artist, and think yeah, cos there were no Soundburgers, no portable record players in them days, which makes it so much easier because otherwise youre just buying blind. But everything was 50-75 cents. So anything that looked good, youd buy it. And youd get home and listen to the fuckin thing: Shite. Shite, shite, funk, shite, shite, funk, shite, Ooh, Northern! And I got a great buzz when I played my first discovery, you know, boom. First time out in Britain for this thing. And it was the Scottish crowd that heard it first, I just got the buzz. Im making this big, this is my tune! And that was it, whoom, I must find new discoveries, ken."

"And the DJs, Winstanley and the likes at Wigan were playing absolute shite, there was only a few playing good stuff. But because Wigan had such a hold, every club started playing shite cos of the Mods, and so the shite was played. About 1980, I met this guy Guy Hennigan, and we said Fuck it, no ones doing anything about this, wed better do something. So me and him made this decision. We said Look, were going to play nothing but new discoveries, sixties and that, and if people dont like it were gonna tell them to fuck off, get out the fuckin scene." "So wheres your rare stuff? That is my rare stuff. No, you know, the obscure ones. I thought What the fuck are you on about? I was limbing over these things trying to get to the good stuff in America. Whatre you on about, son? So I said look, whats the biggest tune on this Rare Groove scene. And this was like at the start of it, 1982. He says Oh, you wont know it. Just tell me what it is. Oh no, Ive got the only copy. He says its a tune called "Gwan". I said Oh, on Wingate, number 106 He pulls it out the back of the shop, and he was like Fuck Me! I says how many copys do you want? And it was a bit of a fluke cos my mate had been over in Detroit with fuckin Popcorn Wylie and his mates who had owned this label, and they had about 800 copies that they didnt know what the fuck to do with. So I gave the number to fuckin Roy the Roach, and he was like Oh my Fuck! So from then, he was coming round here every week, and Norman Jay used to come round here, ken, and I didnt care, I was just looking for Northern. All this funk, seventies soul, I didnt care for it at the time, because I didnt listen to it properly, so I was A pound; fifty pence and they were going fuck, whats this, Leroy and the Drivers, fucking hell. And away they went.

history

By Mike in Articles · June 6, 200124 yr

An old article from the late 70s. Originally in a fanzine called North Wales Soul Review in late 70s and republished in Soul Notes Fanzine 20 or so years later on
North Wales Soul Review
The following are extracts taken from issue No. 1 of the North Wales Soul Review which dates from January 1979. We think that this is the only issue that was produced, but if anyone has any other issues or can give us some background information on this fanzine please let us know. Thanks to Brian Rae for bringing this publication to our attention.

What Happened In 78 (Author Unknown)
1978 was both a good and bad year for Soul Music in North Wales. After a long period of non-activity, Bob Brady started the Colwyn Bay all-nighters at the Dixieland Showbar. After a slow start these became very popular. Being held on Friday - Saturday they began to pull many from outside the North Wales area. Both the atmosphere and the music were appreciated and though both Soul Sam and Siz provided great times, much of the success can be put down to the local jocks - Benny, Pete Morgan, Mike Stoko and Gaz Jones. Although not as well known, they spun some great sounds. Alas, as things began to take off, the all-nighters were stopped. The official reason was a change of management, I wonder if we will ever find out the truth?
1978 also saw the birth of Bangor Soul Club. Started in August, nobody could have anticipated how quickly it would grow. By the end of 1978 its membership was just over the 600 mark. From the humble beginnings at the Library Hall, Bangor, it now has regular all-dayers at both Bangor and Llangefni plus regular weekly Northern nights at the Town Hall, Llangefni. The success of the club really became apparent at their second all-dayer when they brought together, for the first time in North Wales, a DJ line up that included Russ Winstanley, Dave Evison, Soul Sam and Siz. Apart from the music side, the club also runs weekly coach trips to Wigan Casino and there are plans for trips to Yate and Cleethorpes.
During the latter part of '78, the scene was given another boost with the emergence of SNOB promotions. Putting on a Northern night at Rhyl Town Hall they brought, for the first time to North Wales, Wigan's top DJ, Richard Searling. Also they provided all-dayers at Prestatyn and Connahs Quay. Things are certainly looking up for the Northern scene in North Wales and, after such a long time of inactivity, that can only be good news.
2nd Bangor All-Dayer - December 7th 1978. (Author Unknown)
The second all-dayer, held at the Bangor Technical College, proved to be a great success both in terms of attendance, which reached the 500 mark, and the atmosphere, which was missing at the first all-dayer. This could probably be put down to two things - the influx of Northern fans from far afield and the line up of DJs, which surely must have been the best ever assembled in North Wales.
The local jocks, Les, John, Mike, Royston, Pete and Benny provided some good sounds ranging from Bunny Sigler to the Newbeats and in general the dance floor was kept full. Around 3 o'clock saw the arrival of Russ Winstanley who continued to pack the floor with all his big sounds. Russ was followed by Soul Sam who made an immediate impact by playing Bobby Paris - 'I Walked Away'. He continued to turn out his usual high standard of well knowns and newies. Eight o'clock arrived, and on went Siz to play his usual good sounds, including his No. 1 cover-up Suzie Stevens.
The dance floor was really in full swing, and the biggest cheer of the day greeted the arrival on the decks of the one and only Mr Evison. Dave carried on through to the close with all the top class oldies such as Don Covay, L.J. Johnson, Eddie Foster etc.
All in all quite a memorable day and I'm quite sure that the B.S.C. all-dayers are now firmly established.
Rhyl Town Hall, 8th December, 1978 by Pete Morgan
This was the first venue which had been arranged by Siz and Tony Just. Unfortunately this evening was poorly attended, therefore the nostalgic atmosphere which could have been achieved was lacking, although all those who attended thoroughly had a good time (I think).
The evening started off with the Colwyn Bay all-nighter (ex) jocks Mick and yours truly. The music was quite well accepted even though the crowd was limited. Mick's playlist was a mixture suiting the fast stompers and the not so energetic dancers (like me!). The best records to his credit that night were John Bowie, Gerri Thomas, Chapter 5 and Stemmons Express apart from the more 'poppy' records e.g. Sue Lynne and Casino Classic crap (which were requested). 1 followed playing some Soul and then came Wigan's top DJ, Richard Searling.
Up to this time the atmosphere was thin but when Richard started off with Betty Boo the atmosphere started to flourish and it became a great evening with Richard playing some brilliant Soul records, which are very much lacking in the present scene. His most popular records of the night were Joe Matthews, Velvelettes, Construction (alias Del Capris), Bobby Franklin, Delites, Randolph Walker, Vicki Baines etc. His spot was very much appreciated by everybody present and proved that Soul thrives in North Wales.
Connahs Quay Civic Hall, 15th December 1978 by Pete Morgan
After the coach drive, we dived straight in and got pissed and were followed by 60 others who all had the same idea! The hall was brilliant, (reminiscent of the Ritz), really SNOBBY. It was the type of place that you felt relaxed in.
Siz started off playing his top records which packed the floor, then Benny, myself and Stoko had a spot which went down quite well.
Then Soul Sam (alias Martin Barnfather) came on and played some incredibly soulful sounds, which were very much appreciated by the crowd. The best records of the evening, which Sam played, were Jay Traynor, Jackie Forrest (love it), Delites, Jimmy Burns, Larry Clinton, Tina Mason and the Bell Boys (c/u).
Then, after Sam's great spot, Siz returned playing classics like Donna King and J.J. Calvier and usuals like Suzi Stevens, John Drevas (c/u) and Sue Lynne etc. After Siz came Tony Just who ended the evening by playing some great oldies e.g. Major Lance, Johnny Caswell, Tempos, Robby Lawson.
1 reckon that this venue was much more appreciated than Rhyl and had a better atmosphere (probably coz we were all pissed, especially Chigley!)
Anyway that's the end of the reviews for now and don't forget that the most important thing in Northern is the word SOUL.

By Mike in Articles · June 4, 200124 yr

Recently being hearing good thing about a event up in Bradford, called the Beehive.
As with a lot of similar events, they look after the soul fan well, one feature is the free regular publication of a newletter, featuring news, playlists and so on. Thank to Derek P have three from events this year, which give a far better idea of why the nite is getting good reviews

" The Beehive could be called Son Of Wilton as our music policies are in line with theirs, a mixture of rarities, semi knowns from the 60s & 70s, some R&B, a dash of crossover and some class oldie"
As with a lot of similar events, they look after the soul fan well, one feature is the free regular publication of a newletter, featuring news, playlists and so on. Thank to Derek P have three from events this year, which give a far better idea of why the nite is getting good reviews
Next Beehive is on Saturday 28 July with guests Ronnie Pedley from York and Mick Howard from Heywood
To the organisers and DeeJays - you know who you are -a great big thank you for providing another buzzing night at the Beehive - Great music, great people, great atmosphere . :-) Cant wait for the next one. Shirley

Bradford Beehive - Saturday 26 May 2001 - Newsletter Three

Once again welcome to another soul session down here at the Beehive, once again we have guests who know what soul is and arent afraid to play it. We hope were attracting the kind of people that want a bit more from their music than regular played out stuff. We could go really obscure and alienate all but the hard core chin strokers but where would that get us. Wed like this club to have longevity to be able to expose a wide range of tracks from the rare oldies to the up n coming next biggie.
If you always do what youve always done - you always get what youve always got Tonights DJs "Intended Ten" - records theyd like to play but as all DJs know - what youd like to play and what you actually play are often 2 worlds apart.

Roger Banks:

Charmaine "Standing in need of love" (unissued);
Kim Weston "Look my way" (unissued);
Denita James "Wild side" (Flip);
Paulette "Love you babe" (Contact);
Jackie Wilson "Stop lying" (Brunswick LP);
Jesse Johnson "Left out you bastard" (Old Town);
Persians "Why you said lets get married" (Gold Dust);
Mary Johnson "These tears" (Queen);
Maxine Brown "In my entire life" (Epic LP);
Leon Haywood "Consider the source" (Capitol).

Dave Box:
Paul Thompson "Special kind of woman" (Volt);
Natural Four "Hanging onto a lie" (Boola Boola);
Houston Outlaws "Aint no telling" (Westbound);
Icemen "Its time you knew" (Ole 9);
Otis Brown "Southside Chicago" (Ole);
Patti & Emblems "Its the little things" (Congress);
John Wesley "Love is such a." (Melic);
Chubby & Turnpikes "I didnt try" (Capitol);
King Diamond "Black woman" (Powerhouse);
Johnny Moore "Cant live without you" (Jadan).

Chris Shepherd:

Whispers "Cant see myself leaving you" (Soul Clock);
Ebonies "Im so glad Im me" (Phil Int LP);
James Lately "Love friends and money" (Temple);
Billy Kent "Take it all the time" (Expo);
Sonny Till "I gave it all up" (Clown);
David Dee "Message to you" (ICA);
Minnie Jones "You get to me" (Sugar);
Jimmie Ellis "Happy to be me" (Century City);
Ann Bogus "Dont ask me to love again" (Statue);
Nate Adams "Why is it taking so long" (Atlantic).

Derek Pearson:
International GTOs "I love my baby" (Rojac);
Mill Evans "Why why why" (King);
Gloria Scott "What am I gonna do" (Casablanca);
Bobby Reed "Time is right for love" (Bell);
Keni Lewis "Whats her name" (Buddah);
Kenny Carlton "Lost and found" (Blue Rock);
Enticers "Calling for your love" (Cotillion);
Originals "Dont stop now" (Soul LP);
Toni Basil "Breakaway" (A&M);
The Caressors "I cant stay away" (Ru-Jac) on loan.

Dave Guiry:
Disciples Of Soul "Together" (Phantom);
Syl Johnson "Ive got to get over" (TMP-ting);
Vanguards "Gotta have love" (Lamp);
Rosebuds "Say youll be mine" (Tower);
Ray & Belaires "Blames on you" (ARV);
Sonny Bryant "Grapevine" (Roulette);
The Mark Five "Gone" (Sagport);
Talmedge Armstrong "Gi Gi" (Spindle Top);
Claude Huey "Drifting" (MIOB);
Soul Notes "How long will it last" (Way Out).
Tony Coleby: Irma Thomas "Good things dont come easy" (Chess);
Jimmy Hughes "Neighbour neighbour" (Fame);
Ben E.King "Dont drive me away" (Atco);
Ron Holden "I tried" (Challenge);
Bobby Womack "Tried and convicted" (Minit);
Charmaine "Send my baby back" (Temple);
Joe Simon "The girls alright with me" (SS7);
Sensations "Lonely world" (Way Out);
Clarence Carter "What was I suppoused to do" (Ronn);
Juanita Williams "Baby boy" (Golden World).
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- ---------------- Potential Monster waiting to Explode. Last night I went to the New Beehive do in Bradford. Typical old style Northern venue in a cellar under a pub. Nice low roof and a sort of grubby feel that always works for Northern. The place is quite reminiscent of the Cats or LAmbassador. Spinners were Bob Hinsley, Derek Pearson, Dave Guiry and Roger Banks. I have to say that the overall quality of records played was very very good, and despite the line up hardly any out and out RnB stuff. For pure music content its the best night Ive been to for ages. Description of the March 24ths Beehive Session by Kevin Schofield aka Kegsy
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Bradford Beehive - Saturday 24 March 2001 -
Newsletter Two Welcome to this fourth session of rare soul here at the Beehive in Bradford. Due to landlord Williams instillation of a new sound system (two brand new Technics 1210s and a sound system specially designed for the room no less) it will be like Woodstock without the hair. Thanks to the Wilton chaps for their previous loan of their equipment. I imagine this Cellar Bar to be just like the soul clubs in the sixties which originally kicked off this scene of ours. Dark, underground and reeking of that thing we call atmosphere. Small intimate clubs like this can warm up and reach boiling point quite quickly. The DJs are so close to the dancers we can smell them. So lets go for it. Lets dance like crazy and remember those days when we first started going out. Drink, dance and be merry. Enjoy yourself thats why youve left the house. Tonight youll see some real vinyl heavy weights behind the decks - once again we put the DJs under pressure and ask them to name records they intend to play. This evidence has been documented for future use.
Bob Hinsley:
Skull Snaps "Didnt I do it to you" (GSF); Psychodelic Frankie "Putting you out of my life" (Hi Speed); Betty Everett "My love to lean on" (Sound Stage 7); Richard Caiton "Take a hold brother and sister" (Up Tight); Bobby Rich "Theres a girl somewhere (for me)" (Sambea); Gladys Tyler "A little bitty girl" (Decca); Tommy Turner "Lazy" (El Bam); Ree Flores "Look into my heart" (M&H); T.C.Lee & Bricklayers "Up and down the hill" (King); Wayne Anthony "Blow me a kiss" (Walana).
Roger Banks:
Bradford Beehive Basement Biggies

Mill Evans "Aint you glad" (King unissued); Vernon Garrett "Im guilty" (Kent unissued); The Dells "You belong to someone else" (Cadet); Mack Starr & Mellows "Drifting apart" (Cub); Jimmy Ellis "Putting it on your mind" (Salem); Beverley McKay "Say it with feeling" (Old Town); Milton Grayson "Your old standby" (Derby); Gene McDaniels "Hang on a little bit longer" (Liberty); Billy Barnes "Until" (Liberty); Larry Laster "Thats just what you did" (Duo Virgo).
Andy Dyson:
David Rhodes "Hung up in mid air" (Chi City); Doc Oliver "Going through a change of love" (Lucky); Jackson Brothers "Ive got to hear it from you" (Providence); Bobby Patton "Keep calling me" (Hilton); Winfield Parker "I love you just the same" (Rujac blue); Bobby Montgomery "Make me yours" (Generation); Mathew Brown "Love me just a little bit" (Sew City); Mary Wheeler & Knights "I feel in my heart" (Atom); Turbines "We got to start over" (Cenco); Homer Banks "Sweetie pie" (Genie); Exceptionals "Baby you know I need you" (Groovey Grooves)

Derek Pearson:

Moses Dillard "Ill pay the price" (Mark V); Little Dooley "If ever I needed you" (Ko Ko); Jackie Edwards "I feel so bad" (French Vogue EP); Johnny Gilliam "Roomfull of tears" (Cancer); Jack Montgomery "Take a chance on me" (Revue); Soulful Twins "I cant let you go" (Sable); Irma & Larks "Without you baby" (Priority); Tommie Young "Hit and run lover" (Soul Power); Willie Hobbs "Till I get it right" (SS&); Otis Leavill "Keep on loving" (Columbia); Duke Turner "Babysitter" (Spinning Top); Shirley Lawson "One more chance" (Backbeat).

Chuddy:

Detroit Spinners "I just want to fall in love" (Atlantic); Elvin Spencer "Lift this hurt" (E.S.Cozy); Little Dooley "Its got to be now or never" (North Bay); Exsaveyons "I dont love you no more" (Smoke); Modulations "Your love has me locked up" (Buddah); Ruby "Decieved" (Gold Token); J.J.Barnes "Got to get rid of you" (Volt); Major IV "This little girl of mine" (Venture); Creations "Footsteps" (Zodiac); Ella Woods "I need your love" (Margin). Tony Coleby: Sylvie Varton "Ive made my choice" (RCA) courtesy of Ron Ped; Rosetta Johnson "That hurts" (Atlantic); Charmaine "Send my baby back to me" (Temple); Vicky Anderson "Wide awake in a dream" (Deluxe); Joanne Garrett "One woman" (Duo); Jimmy Ruffin "Boy from Mississippi" (Chess); Barbara Lynn "Dont spread it around" (Jamie); Bobby McLure "Dont get your signals crossed" (Checker); Billy & Essentials "Baby go away" (Smash); Margo Thunder "Mama youre alright with me" (Haven).

Next session at the Beehive will be on Saturday 26 May - DJs so far confirmed include Frobishers finest Dave Box and Chris Shepherd the man with a Rochdale FC season ticket.

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Beehive Saturday 27 January 2001

Newsletter One Thanks for coming tonight and we hope you enjoy yourself, you might hear some music that goes straight on your wants list, then again you might hear some stuff you think is rubbish, hopefully youll hear some different things. And thats what its all about. Keep it moving forward. If you can get the right people in the right club anything is possible. Read any fanzine and when they talk of progressive venues the same 3 names always crop up.
The 100 Club, Albrighton and the Wilton. Think how proud Chris Pelle and Mouse must be for flying the flag up north for so long. The Beehive could be called Son Of Wilton as our music policies are in line with theirs, a mixture of rarities, semi knowns from the 60s & 70s, some R&B, a dash of crossover and some class oldies. Just as the scene needs large venues catering for the big attendances of 500 to 1000 people we need smaller more intimate clubs like this. The larger clubs generally have spacious dance floors which need filling or the promoters panic. This can limit the DJs choice of music as oldies dominate to fill the floor. At smaller clubs DJs can be more creative by taking chances and gambling. These tiny venues are like seedbeds where the forgotten and over looked sounds from yesteyear can take root, before spreading out like ripples on a pond to mass acceptance. Tonights twenty pound sound youre hearing could be next years hundred pounder.

Tonights DJs "Intended Ten" - records theyd like to play but as all DJs know - what youd like to play and what you actually play are often 2 worlds apart.

Roger Banks:

George Cameron "My heart tells me so" (Portrait); Douglas Banks "Aint that just like a woman" (Guyden); Lamont Dozier "Your dearest one" (Melody); Willie Jones "Wheres my money" (Mister Peacock); Joe Arnold "No clouds in the sky" (Two Spot); Bobby Guy "Good enough" (APT); Azie Mortimer "Lips" (Big Top); Jimmy Wallace "Ill be back" (Alpha); Lost Souls "Secret of mine" (Raven); Jimmy Merritt "Ill forget about you" (Crackerjack).

Steve & Heather Dowling:
Deena Johnson "The breaking point" (Wild Deuce); Barbara Redd "Ill be alone" (SPQR); Blue Jays "Point of view" (Jay); Escorts featuring Goldie "I cant be free" (Coral); Eskew Reeder "Undivided love" (Instant); Chuck Wright "Love I wont be your fool anymore" (Ember); Jean Trevor "Get outta my heart" (Norman); Garland Davis "Dont worry about dancing for me" (Kick Off); Marv Johnson "With all thats in me" (U.A.); Kenny Lewis "Whats her name" (Buddah); Eddie Bo "Lucky in love" (Bluejay); Demures "Raining tear drops" (Brunswick).
Ron Pedley:
Tony Clarke "Love must be taboo" (Fascination); The Fenways "The fight" (BlueCat); Mousie & Traps "How about you" (Toddlin Town); The Butler Bros "Reputation" (Academy); George Freeman "Why are you doing this to me" (Jay Boy); Johnny Moore "Cant live without your love" (Jadan); Bill Spoon "The one who really loves you" (Hense Forth); Jackie Forrest "Show me how to love" (Platinum); Nate Adams "Im gonna be good" (Atlantic); The Golden Boys "I dont want you no more" (Mainstream). Dave Guiry: Ray & Belaires "The blames on you" (ARV); Dynamics "You make me feel so good" (RCA); Sammy Bryant "Grapevine" (Roulette); Talmadge Armstrong "Gi Gi" (Spindle Top); Cynthia & Imaginations "Is there anyone" (Magic City); Pauline Shivers "Tell him no" (Opex); Sinceres "Girl I love you" (Pzazz); Stereos "Dont let it happen to you" (Val); Continental Showstoppers "Not too young" (SS7); J.J.Daniels "Mr Lonesome" (Sureshot).
Derek Pearson:
Choice Of Colour "Your love"(Apt); Maxine Brown "Let me give you my loving"(Wand); Clarence Hill "Whole lotta loving" (Mainstream); Rose Brooks "Im moaning"(Soul City); Stewart Ames "Angelina" (J&W); Vanguards "Good times bad times" (Lamp); Connie Laverne "Cant live without you" (GSF); Ray Pollard "This time"(Shrine), We The People "Making my daydream real"(Lion); Jesse Boone "I got to love" (Soul-O-Potion); TSU Toronadoes "I still love you"(Ovide)
Tony Coleby:
William Hunt "Would you believe" (Stream Side); Tom Emanuel "Why the knower" (Golden Three); Willie Harper "But I couldnt" (Alon); Troy Keyes "You told your story" (ABC); Sonny Daye "Long road to happiness" (Power); Jimmy McFarland "Lonely lover" (RPR); Gino Washington "Like my baby" (Mala); Clyde McPhatter "I never knew" (Mercury); Originals "Ooh you put a crush on me" (Soul); Tobi Lark "Happiness is here" (Topper).

We must be doing something right as DJs have now started asking us for guest spots. Thanks to all the above DJs for their time & effort and to the Wilton for loan of their equipment. Next Beehive on Sat 24 March features the DJing talents of Mister Bob Hinsley Review of The Beehive, Bradford 28 October 2000 by Dave Rimmer in Soulful Kinda Music issue 44 (Dec 2000) "What a wonderful venue this is; a pub cellar bar with a low ceiling, dance floor at one end and lots of little alcoves with seats and tables at the other.
Music policy was clear from the line up, Roger Banks, Andy Dyson, Dave Rimmer, Derek Pearson and Tony Coleby. Sixties newies, R&B, a few seventies and some class rare oldies. A crowd of about 150 turned up and enjoyed themselves so much that the landlord actually let it run over by half an hour. Recommended if you live anywhere in Yorkshire or even further afield". Mark Hanson also gave Octobers Beehive a good write up in Soul Up North #31.
Derek Pearson 26/1/01
A previous club at the Beehive was called The Underground Set - neat little name me thinks. ------------------------------------------------------------

event-reviews

By Mike in Articles · June 4, 200124 yr

Ronald McCoy - Come Back Boo
Keeping things up todate, have had sent in a sample of what Ronald McCoy (Ex-Topics) is up to nowadays.
Track showcased here is called Come Back Boo written by Ronald McCoy and Andrew Hamilton (song writer and article writer with articles featured in AMG , SKM, Soul Source and elsewhere)
Andrew H asked me to put it up just to see how it goes, Ronnie is looking for a possible deal and the song is open for recording by others. Have similar quality tunes available.
Anyway - have a listen, and am sure a bit of response/reaction using the comments feature will be well appreciated by Ronald and Andrew who have been involved in some great sounds.
Agent 22 and Deer Foot Music B.M.I.
Agent 22 Music (B.M.I)
PO Box 604118
Cleveland
OH 44104
216-299-8809
fax number: 760-875-7292.
BkAgent22@excite.com
Agent22@writeme.com
above repaired/updated 2019 - video clip below added

By Mike in News Archives · June 1, 200124 yr

Greg just passed on his playlist from the last dome, so just to let you know what top quality sounds as always went down last week, read on.....

Royal Robbins - Something about you sends me - Truglotown

Cliff Nobles - My love is getting stronger - Atlantic

Fascinators - In other words - Bombay

New wanderers - Aint gonna do you no harm - Ready

John & The Weirdest - No time - Tie

Tokays - Baby Baby Baby - Brute

Dee & Flo - This Or That - Dee Wolf Prod.

Lonnie Russ - Say girl - Kerwood

Honey &The Bees - Dynamite Exploded - Arctic

Wilson picket - Baby dont you weep - Double (LP)

Gene Toones - What more do you want - Simco

Anita Anderson - Secretly - Contact

4 Tops - Lonely Lover - Unissued

Tony Clarke - Wrong Man - M-S

Cookie Jackson - Do you still love me - Progress

Charles Sheffield - Its your Voodoo Working - Excello

Gladys Tyler - Little bitty girl - Decca

Ty Karim - You really made it good to me - Romark

Little Ann - Long lanky daddy -Kent

Karmello Brooks - Tell me Baby - Milestone

Capitol SC

By Mike in News Archives · May 24, 200124 yr

After the feedback on how many enjoyed Sundays Rarest Of the Rare Special on Jazz Fm asked one of the guests Andy Rix for a few quick words on how it all went,

Well it was only a 4 hour show but getting ready for it seemed to have taken forever.
Trying to choose tracks that qualify as the Rarest of the Rare is not an easy task and one made even more difficult by trying to have a few never-heard-before tunes to give people that something extra.
Between us I think we managed to put something of interest together and it was great getting instant feedback via the e-mail that was coming in.
We had a laugh and at the end of the day having a good time is what we all do it for ....
gonna have to find some new records for next year tho

Andy Rix

By Andy Rix in News Archives · May 9, 200124 yr

"Had news from up North that on Sundays Jazz FM radio show, Richard Searling had a right go at Internet Soul Chat Groups, as someone had sent in some postings off one particular chat group, think words such as "need to get a life " "old woman" and similar were used before he threw the post in the bin! etc etc"

Unfortunately I dont get show down here, but was told that basically the way it come over was he tarred all lists with the same brush. I feel disappointed at this, because where certain groups are based around idle chat, the list I help moderate, "Soul Talk" is 100% on-topic only and is a place to share knowledge and discuss Rare Soul related topics only all in a friendly no abuse way. I know for a fact that the World-wide membership and the moderators like nothing better than to "talk soul and nothing but soul" and enjoy sharing their collected knowledge. Im sure if Richard saw the posts from the top collectors, DJs and indeed by some of the artists themselves hed realise the internet can be a positive thing too for the scene. Anyway enough crap back to soul, and Jazz Fm, been told that the guest was Keith Money

fresh from doing a superb set at the 100 club, and heres some of the stuff he played, courtsey of Dave M, with finer details from some Soul Talk members David and Mark - which was all posted originally on Soul Talk!!!
Sounds like a right rare soul feast

George Hobbs - Let It Be Real - Sound City
Chris Bartley - My Heart Still Belongs To Only You -Acetate
This is actually a emi disc as Andy Dyson has the original copy as is infact
and is Timothy Wilson on April & Blackwood acetate.
Ann Byers - Im Not Going To Cry - Academy Acetate
Soul Incorporated - My Proposal - Coconut Groove
Bill Bush - Im Waiting - Ronn
Carl Hall - She Doesnt Love Me - Cover Up
Deon Jackson - Someday The Sun Will Shine - Unissued Carla/ALantic recording
Spidels - Dream Girl - Providence
Vicky Labatt - Got To Keep Hangin On - Shagg
New Sound - Dont Take Your Love - Turbo
New Sounds Turbo LP or Jap reissue LP
Embers - Someday Youll Be Aware Of Love -E
JJ Barnes - Gotta Get Rid Of You - Volt
Bobby Reed - Time Is Right For Love - Bell
Black & Blue - b side of What I got - Mercury
Joe Valentine - Ive Lost The Only Love I Ever Had - Val
Mark Lloyd - When Im Going To Find Her - Parlophone
Imperial Cs - Someone Tell Her - Phil L A Of Soul
Bob & Fred - Ill Be On My Way - Big Mack
Don Hysong - Soul Searcher - Bard
Linda Lloyd - Breakaway -Columbia

By Mike in News Archives · May 1, 200124 yr

Ok day 1 the doors are open! After revamping and moving everything across, I never want to see a bloody computer again........ Hopefully you agree with me when I say that the new format seems to be a vast improvement and has a lot of potential. As always appreciate any feedback, so let me know your thoughts.
The main thing that I like about the new format is that anyone can post up, you can
either post up news, reviews, events,etc into the soul vault, and it will automatically add them to front page or can just comment on some of the posts.Plus have sussed a lot of other new features and yeah theres more to come.

Apoligise if as busy over last couple of weeks have missed answering some emails, or contributions, ask to send again, know I lost a few, as you do and had no joy trying to get back to some.On site content ok as day one the order is a bit jumbled as it works on a date thing, and thats why some of the old sounds and articles have come up as latest news, it should sort it self out as stuff gets posted. Plus still a bit behind on putting up events and similar.

Anyway enough crap, gotta go as overdosed on pcs, just say if you got ought to spread just post it up!
Cheers
mike

By Mike in News Archives · April 29, 200124 yr

The next soul filled night at THE NEIGHBOURHOOD! takes place on Saturday 12th May from 7.30pm - midnight (by-law!!!!!!) at the Football Club in Hitchin, Herts. The last one saw around 100 brothers and sisters from across the UK ....
Jane Oppegaard
READ MORE FOR PLAYS CURRENT TIP TOP TUNES
Sue Ann Jones - Ill give you my love
Bonnie Bombshell Lee - My mans coming home
Allen Sisters - Im in with the Downtown Crowd
The Contours - Its growing
Teddy Pendergrass - I just called to say
Nolan - If I could only be sure (lp version)
Jimmy Beaumont - I pretend Im loving you
Carl Holmes - Soul dance No 3
Jimmy Ruffin - He who picks a rose
Gladys Knight - If you ever get your hands on love
John Wesley - Loves a funny thing
The Sequins - Take back all these things
Gloria Gaynor - Lets mend whats been broken
Judy Freeman - HOld On (lp version)
Bill Spoon - The one who really loves you
Mary Saxton - Losing Control
plus loads more you all know so I wont bother telling you! Nay! sas

By Mike in News Archives · April 29, 200124 yr

Had word of what is a very unusual thing that's been set up on internet........
Yep believe it or not someone has had the audacity to set up a website that is northern related... but is funny as well, no theories here on why modern soul is etc etc but just one hell of a laugh, its well funny
Soul Patrols the name and its here
http://members.tripod.com/knipper3/
recommended big time

By Mike in News Archives · April 29, 200124 yr

Couple of big ones on ebay - Patrinell Staten - little love affair about 20 hours to go and at $2,325.00............

Just setting up me software to do last minute sniping on it... yeah in my dreams.
Word was springers were up at opening bid of $4000 but then mysterily the link went down and no sign of it in searches!

Noticed that theres been a few Oxford Knights knocking around.

Back to internet things, what is it with people, can you inagine standing up in front of 100s of people in the street or a pub and start slagging down someone you obvisouly dont know or havent met , nah dont do it meself, but give some people a keyboard and whooosh off they go, abuse, false facts and so on, ..... wonders of the internet, bet you crank phone calls have died down over last 5 years, they all went out and bought a computer !

By Mike in News Archives · April 29, 200124 yr

George Jackson, Al's Bar, London. April 7th, 2001
One of the regular highlights of the month for Dawn and me is our visit to the George Jackson club at Al's Bar in Farringdon, so for Dawn to be invited to play a spot there as part of the April line-up made our last visit there a particularly special one.
For those of you who haven't been, this place really is a must-go for anyone with an open mind and a sense of wonder at just how TASTEFUL great Soul music can be. Strict-tempo Northern Soul oldies-fascists would hate it, but if you can gasp at a record without needing to dance to it, if you can ignore the era, the tempo and the zip code on the record label and just marvel at the sheer Soul content, then this is a club you will thank the Lord for.
George Jackson is not a Northern Soul club - but they do play Northern Soul records. It's not a Southern Soul club - they play plenty of records from North of the Mason-Dixon line. It's not a Sixties Soul club - they play Soul from way before and way after the big Seven-Oh, and it's not a Deep 'n' Slow club - they play plenty of really danceable stuff, especially towards the end of the night. George Jackson is just...George Jackson, a club where great Soul gets played, no matter what.
For anyone used to scenes stifled by rules and regulations about 'correct' tempos and 'the way things used to be when people did it by the book', George Jackson is a breath of fresh air, a determined tearing up of all available rulebooks and a return to seeing both the wood AND the trees. Sixties Deep Soul ballads rub shoulders with 70s butt-shakers, harmonising Sweet Soul honeydrippers with mid-60s finger-clickers, and cracked-voiced country grinders with supercharged Big-City epics, the overriding factor in all cases being the Soul content. You don't get many Xylophone Oldies, but you do get virtually everything else. The one thing you'll never get is a Pop Stomper.
The quality of the sides played on Saturday was staggering, with tracks like Bill Brandon's "Rainbow Road" and Eddie Jones' Let's Stop Fooling Ourselves" standing out from a lorryload of devastating slowies, and selections by Willie Tee, Purple Mundi, Syl Johnson and Eddie Giles getting the feet shuffling later on. Connoisseurs and complete strangers to Rare Soul got swept up in the mood, and by the end the 'intimate' (ie tiny) floor was heaving with everything from Northern Soul die-hards to Southern Soul purists and 'just passing by' members of the general public just shaking it to the sounds on a Saturday night. Finally, the lights went up and one of the aforementioned complete strangers rushed breathlessly up to the DJs and gasped "That was fantastic - what WAS that stuff you were playing?" Now THAT's what I call a job well done.
As of next month, George Jackson will be moving to the Smersh bar at 5 Ravey Street, London EC1, which I think will be a much better place for them than the quarry-tiled, thru-lounge sized venue they've occupied up till now, and the Smersh regulars should be more in sympathy with what the club is trying to achieve than the sometimes rather hit-and-miss passers-by who have occasionally stumbled in on the club at Al's bar. I, for one, can't wait until May 19th for my next fix of rule-book-free Soul. Conveniently, it's the same night as May's 100 Club, so anyone from out of town can check out what it's about, too. See you there!
Nick Brown.

event-reviews

By Mike in Articles · April 27, 200124 yr

Mary Love has now been active in the music business for almost thirty years and her recording career over much of this period has not been as prolific or successful as she deserved. However, she continues to produce new work and to her credit still retains a positive attitude to the possibility of future success.
Mary was born in Sacramento, Mary Ann Allen (Hal Davis came up with her stage surname in 1964), but her family moved to Los Angeles when she was still a young child. She sang in church and when she got out of High School she met and became friends with a guy from the group, The Vows (V.I.P. release later). Mary began rehearsing with the group and they worked together on one particular song in which Mary took a major vocal role. The groroguen_storiesup secured a booking at the California Club and Mary was asked to go along to perform the song they had worked on together. She did this and J.W. Alexander, Sam Cookes manager, happened to be in the club. He liked what he saw and asked her to come over to a studio on Hollywood Boulevard the next day to cut some demos. This she did and it resulted in her cutting a demo with Sam Cooke of "Talking Trash" a song destined for Betty Everett and Jerry Butler. They liked the way she worked and so she was used to cut numerous demos.
She eventually ended up cutting demos for Jobete, one song she was the first to cut being "A Touch Of Venus" which was produced by Marc Gordon. The demo version turned out so well that the song was much in demand with various artists wanting to release it. However, the winning version fumed out to be one of Marys friends, Sandy Wynns. Mary believes her demo version is still locked in the Jobete / Motown vaults, she certainly doesnt possess a copy of the cut or any other of her demo performances Her sterling efforts on demos were soon rewarded, as again with Marc Gordon producing a number of mainly Frank Wilson penned songs were cut with a view to landing Mary her own recording contract. Arthur Wright was the arranger on the work and although Mary was still very young and unschooled in studio techniques with the help and encouragement of the talented team around her the tracks that resulted were of a very high quality.
Marc Gordon secured Mary a deal with Modem Records and her 1st single "You Turned My Bitter Into Sweet / Im In Your Hands" (Modem 1006) was released in 1965. This was an instant hit, first locally and then nationally and its success led to it being released overseas. However, Mary wasnt aware of this or the fact that 2 of her later 60s singles were also released in the U.K. and was most intrigued when shown copies of her releases on U.K. King and Stateside. Mary really enjoyed this period of her life, work at Modern was undertaken in a family atmosphere. The studio personnel taught her a lot, taking time to explain the necessary studio techniques to her. Artists also helped out on each others recordings, Mary doing backups on Vernon Garrett, Lowell Fulsom and Ikettes tracks and these and other artists returning the favour. The Valentinoes (Bobby, Cecil, et al) also assisted on one of her sessions but although the Ikettes soon became Marys closest friends (Venetta Fields, Josie Joe Armstead, Robbie?) Ike and Tina themselves never used to help out in the studio, Mary only meeting them when their paths crossed on tour.
The Modern artists also swopped club names and addresses, if one artist obtained a booking at a new club within days every other outfit from the label would be on the phone pestering the booking agent for a spot. Because of this and also due to the high standard of her live performances she ended up touring extensively in the 60s and has made a good living. Her two year period with Modem Records resulted in six solo singles and one duet with Arthur Adams being released. "Bitter Into Sweet" and "Move A Little Closer" were the most commercially successful but all were very worthwhile releases and many have been reissued in the 80s/90s in the U.K. on the Kent label. "Bitter Into Sweet", "Hey Stoney Face", "LetMe Know" and "Lay This Burden Down" have all become popular with U.K. soul club crowds, however one of Marys personal favourites is the Ashford and Simpson written Dance Children Dance. "Satisfied Feeling" the flip side of her 5th release.. was her 1st self writtentrack but more soon followed.
The duet with Arthur Adams her last release on Modern is quite interesting as only one side of the record features ,Mary.The A side "Is That You"was cut first timeand by the time the decision to release the track Mary was out on tour so her friend Sandy Wynns took her place and recorded "Lets Get Together" with Arthur although the track was still credited to Mary on the label. No one would have been any the wiser if Mary herself had not given the credit due to Sandy. Marys least favourite track is surprisingly "Hey Stoney Face", she cant relate to the Iyrics at all and it took her all night to lay the track down in the studio as she kept breaking out into fits of laughter and she has never sung the track live in her life.
In 1968 Mary left Modem and signed to Josie (Jubilee) for a one record deal. This was the single "The Hurt Is Just Beginning / If you Change Your Mind", both songs being self written. Both sides of the record have stories attached to them "If You Change..." was written on tour after a show, its theme being a one night stand and how the couples feelings for each other can already have changed by the next morning The A side "Hurt Is Beginning" was Being played on the radio in California at the same time Huey Newton of the Black Panthers was on trial in San Francisco. The protectors outside the court house took their lines from the song "…Don’t let it Happen…" and built it into a chant, so a lot of people know the song by this title. Her next single is on a rare label "There’s someone for me" on ELCO, again its self written and it was released in 1971. Marys grandmother still lived in Sacramento, next door to the Elco Drugstore. The store owner, a Mr Cole heard Mary sing the song and decided to start the label as a hobby. The tracks were recorded at Ray Charles studio in L.A. with Ray engineering the session himself It proved to be the only record on the label
Next up is the Magic Disc single Joy in 1977. This was taken from the movie Peady Wheatshaw and a soundtrack albulm was also released at the timewhich included 5 tracks from the film on which Mary was the featured vocalist A single on the T K distributed label Inphasion " Turn me Turn me" followed in 1979 and also around the same time on a visit to Japan Mary cut a record with part Japenese / part English1 Iyrics, extolling the virtues of the Sweet Taste Bamboo Inn. Next| came her U- Tone single "Tit For Tat" in the early 80s and this is one of the songs which has benefited from the changes in musical styles since those days of the disco boom as it sounded much better when performed live by Mary at the Cleethorpes Weekender. Mary acknowledged the input of her U.K.backing band at the event and said they had been influential in the way it ended up sounding when she had performed it. She also expressed her pleasure in having the opportunity toperform with live back-up when compared to her last UK visit when she had to sing over backing tapes.
In 1984 another single was released, this being Save Me" which was recorded for Eddie Garons Golden Boy Records in L. A. although it was released on the Mirage label. Shortly after this Mary began to collaborate with Brad Comer who was soon to be her husband. In 1986 while I was helping Move Records of Edinburgh I was forwarded tapes of a number of tracks that had been submitted to them for possible release One of these contained a number of tracks by a group known as Co-Love The best of these being a male / female duet "Be Baby", a mid tempo number "Never Gonna Break It Up" and a ballad "Mr Man". It transpires that these were the last secular songs recorded by Mary and Brad however I dont believe they gained release anywhere (Move Records went out of business shortly afterwards).
Mary and Brad decided to move into the gospel field and recorded and released on their own Co-Love label "Come Out Of The Sandbox" in 1987. The words to the song have significant meaning to Mary as to deal with the mentality of believing in failure and disappointment and explain how everyone can shrug this off as all good things are within us. The record proved very popular in the U.K. and led to further gospel releases, an L. P. "His Servant Am 1" and a 12" "Caught Up / Standing On The Edge Of Time" on a Voices limited edition in 1988.
Then in 1990 another 12", this time featuring three tracks "Understanding / In My Life / Morethan Enouglh Love" was released, the later track being a duet with Marys son Derrick Versey. The couple are currently working on a new L.P., they continue to write new songs and Mary performs in churches in the Los Angeles area. They are both very open, friendly people, down to earth in attitude and talented. With their outlook on life they can only prosper in the future.
Marys ethos that you should never succumb to the mentality of failure should ensure that we receive new product from her well into her fourth decade of involvement in the music business.
written by John Smith
from a interview conducted by John Smith / Paul Dunn
Background info by Paul Dunn Oxford 1993

video added
Mary love - lay this burden down by mickeynold

artists

By Mike in Articles · April 25, 200124 yr

Dome Friday 30 Mar 01 - New playlists added at end
Here's one that cased a bit of discussion, with a soul fan posting up a few complaints of the nite, and the promoters answer, as well you get a few views of the nite, plus full detailed playlists - value for money or what??
Ok a quick brief on what went on last friday at what is said to be the UK's leading and best rare Soul nite, plus a few other views from people out there. Well after the last dome, it seems that this event is now firmly regarded as the leading rare soul nite in uk, not just my view but plenty of others have said the same. So how did the March one go down, well each one seems to throw up something new, this time arriving a hour before it starts, we were took back to see a queue outside about a hour before the doors open, which told us it was going to be a packer. Matt J had said that they have had about 150 new membership applications, so after the last ones one in one out, seems that people were determined to beat the crowd.
Inside, with a few of the regular supporting staff away, a quick bit of juggling was done, before doors open, and by this time the queue had grown resulting in a almost non-stop regular flow of people. Doing the warm up spot, was Ady Lupton, now a regular feature this warm up spot is designed to give the chance for up and coming local djs to show us what they're made of, and Ady L delivered a fine set of some cracking sounds. Word going around was that along with guest appearance of Sidney Barnes, it was rumored there would be a few other surprise guests. With Ady l's spot the nite was well under way, quickly filling up, and thus giving the place a great buzz, the record room was a well busy place with a fair few dealers and dealing.
Come about midnight it was time for Sidney Barnes to do his stuff, now this was a off the cuff thing, originally he was planned just to sign autographs and so on, but with a bit of sorting out from the venues technical staff, plans where made quickly for him to deliver a quick performance on the main stage, and what a performance it turned out, giving us not just one go but coming back for another, featuring two of his classics tracks - I hurt on other side and You always be in style, and he sounded great! Two of the Flirtations turned up, who Sidney used to manage in their Old town days and gave a quick allright to all, the other rumoured guests unfortunately didn't show, but tell you don't think anyone noticed after Sidney's great performance.
He was being looked after by Mark Hanson Ian Levine and Andy Dyson and watch out for some more news regarding that soon, Ady C was guest dj and no prizes for guessing he delivered a great spot, as did all the normal crew, David Flynn, Irish Greg, Alan H, Carl f, of course we were given a helping of the normal Dome flavour of one offs, rarities and classy revivals, This ones for you my love, Downtown crowd, famous tumbleweed classic Barbara Redd, Fran Oliver, to pull a few quickly off top of me head, hopefully more full detailed plays to follow, ending with David f doing the close down 30 mins.
Sidney and two of the Flirtations (photo in gallery now)
Crowd wise, usual bunch of suspects there, including some Germans who made the trip special from southern Germany just for the nite, a long ride home next day or what!
Have heard complaints of too many non soul fans which seems to have spoiled it for some (see posts below), but had no hassle myself.
End of nite, well as said it seems to be a case of saying after each one "best one yet" and unfortunately even though sounding like a vg of ebays -as in a scratched record, gotta have to say it again, end of nite the feeling was.... yeah best one yet!!

paparazzi a go go
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Always after views from out there, in past have put a couple of negative views sent in from soul fans of a couple of events and received a few critical emails off people for posting them, well always after a easy life, but if people take time and effort to send in will always try and post up views , know people are not always going to agree with what they say including myself, but not going to go down road of white washing, ask if you have views, send them in and will post them,
So here's some views on nite...
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Highlight of the night - meeting Sidney Barnes. What an absolute gent. When
Ian Levine was making the SWONS video I was trying to help Ian out with a
bit of editing and effects on a couple of tracks. One of them was the Sidney
Barnes - I hurt on the other side. So after looking at the man on the screen
for hours and hours it was nice to meet him and discuss it with him. I
mentioned how good he looked in the film on the top of that building (in
Chicago I think). "Thank you" he said, "That's were I work - I'm the doorman
at that building". It's a real pleasure to meet a person with such talent
who's down to earth and approachable about it all.
Best sounds of the night , Dirty hearts - Benny Curtis brilliant choice Mr
Flynn but can you not play it anymore till I can get a copy of it. Mayfield
players - love this, is this obtainable in any form cos I'd love a copy?,
Downtown Crowd - Allen Sisters , and pretty much everything Alan Hanscombe
played. Although the record which I thought got the biggest response of the
night was Impressions - You Been Cheatin. You couldn't get on the dancefloor
most of the night but when this was played they we're stacking them 3 high.
What more can I say. If you haven't been to the Dome before you've got to
go.
Cheers Al
ald@globalnet.co.uk
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Originally had posted here a cut email of which I received today regarding friday nite at dome, passed on the original to Matt J as parts of it made certain remarks which I felt he may want to reply, he asked me to post up his reply and whole of the email, so here you go, first the email from soulful bob, and then reply from the promoter Matt J
This is gonna be short, sharp and sweet. We were expecting a fantastic night
at the temple of rare soul in London with the bonus of Sidney Barnes to boot.
What we got was an utter disappointment and an early night!
Sidney Barnes was great and it was nice to see the Flirtations as well. The
first dj played a great set of rare r&b and Ady C. (get your hair cut you
hippie! You look like a Shakespearean actor) didn't disappointment with one
of his best sets for years. The others were OK but Jesus! If the Impressions
'You've been cheating' is now considered rare soul then the scene is in real
trouble. I was half expecting to hear 'out on the floor' and 'ghost in my
house' at any minute! If this is what your gonna be playing in the future
then do not advertise yourselves as the temple of rare 60's soul!
The sounds I can live with, the crowd however I cannot. I don't know which
night Matt was at but it was not as he commented a fantastic atmosphere or
crowd! I'm not the only one who commented on this (and I'm sure Winston will
be passing the same comments later) but we had those that were there taking
the p***, those that were drunk to the point where they spilt their beer over
the floor and us, and those that were so far smashed out of their heads they
could have been at the local nightclub for all they cared! It caused major
problems with our lot and several others sat by the stage. It was annoying at
best and causing a lot of friction and tension. If they were all members Matt
then 1) I'm a dutchman, 2) the scene's in a hell of a state and 3) I'm
stupid! It used to be that soul preceded the payroll but after this night I
now very much doubt it! It seems the cash is more important than the soul.
There is no way these people were soul brothers and sisters. I even had one
twat say to me 'what's this crap playing then? Don't they have any garage?'
Laugh, I almost nutted the **** there and then.
I and many of my friends from all over the UK will not be attending the Dome
again until this is sorted out. I'm not happy as I've always considered the
club to be fantastic and a real credit to the scene. I urge Matt to sort it
out for the next night B4 it's too late.
Soulful Bob
Soulfulbob@aol.com
Matt j's reply in blue
This is gonna be short, sharp and sweet. We were expecting a fantastic night at the temple of rare soul in London with the bonus of Sidney Barnes to boot.
What we got was an utter disappointment and an early night!
Sorry to hear this Bob, our aim is that everybody has a good night
Sidney Barnes was great and it was nice to see the Flirtations as well. The first dj played a great set of rare r&b and Ady C. (get your hair cut you hippie! You look like a Shakespearean actor) didn't disappointment with one of his best sets for years. The others were OK but Jesus! If the Impressions 'You've been cheating' is now considered rare soul then the scene is in real trouble. I was half expecting to hear 'out on the floor' and 'ghost in my house' at any minute! If this is what your gonna be playing in the future then do not advertise yourselves as the temple of rare 60's soul!
I must say that the music policy at the Dome is a mix of rare and underplayed tracks mixed in with 'suitable' oldies. This I believe works well, the dancefloor reflects this. As I've said many times before, people vote with their feet. Until the dancefloor starts to dwindle there is no need to alter the policy. The Impressions was reported in one review to have caused the most fervour on the dancefloor all night. Try telling those rushing to the dancefloor that the track shouldn't have been played?
Tracks played are skillfully chosen by the DJs in my opinion, but everyone is different so we cannot be expected to please everybody all of the time. I'm happy if the dancefloor is buzzing with the enjoyment of the majority of the crowd.
I must caution you not to put words in my mouth, falsely quoting me. Never once have I described the CSC as a "temple of rare 60's soul", your words not mine. Simply it is what it is, everybody makes their own opinions on that, I cannot tell you what to think.
The sounds I can live with, the crowd however I cannot. I don't know which night Matt was at but it was not as he commented a fantastic atmosphere or crowd! I'm not the only one who commented on this (and I'm sure Winston will be passing the same comments later) but we had those that were there taking the p***, those that were drunk to the point where they spilt their beer over the floor and us, and those that were so far smashed out of their heads they could have been at the local nightclub for all they cared! It caused major problems with our lot and several others sat by the stage. It was annoying at best and causing a lot of friction and tension.
'Fantastic atmosphere', that is a personal opinion and it was from where I was standing, but you are entitled to your opinion. Others that I have spoken to and emails from members, whom I do not even know, all seemed to enjoy the atmosphere, which is great to hear. Again we can't always please everybody. We will be releasing over an hour of film footage from the night very soon, so people who didn't attend can judge for themselves.
Troublesome people that you witnessed is another matter entirely, you are right to be annoyed. I'm glad that you have brought it to my attention. There will always be the odd isolated incident, the only way to deal with this is to report it at the time. I cannot solve problems that I know nothing about. In the past I had one or two cases of people who had one too many to drink or are not respectful on the dancefloor. Usually a quiet word from me (after someone has brought it my attention) sorts it out with a friendly "sorry mate, I didn't realise" reply and no further trouble. On the second night this wasn't enough and I had to throw two people out (and went membership only the following month to avoid people walking in off the street). I also post signs saying "Do not take drinks on the dancefloor", to keep the floor dry. I've ejected people from the club before and I have no qualms about doing it again. But you must tell us on the night, or we can do nothing.
If they were all members Matt then 1) I'm a dutchman, 2) the scene's in a hell of a state and 3) I'm stupid! It used to be that soul preceded the payroll but after this night now very much doubt it! It seems the cash is more important than the soul. There is no way these people were soul brothers and sisters. I even had one twat say to me 'what's this crap playing then? Don't they have any garage?' Laugh, I almost nutted the **** there and then.
I'll go with option 3.
The security on the night (usually also supervised by Jo Wallace) are given strict instructions that only members or those on the guestlist can gain entry. The guests are all personally known by ourselves and are no trouble, so they are not an issue. All members have to do is send off for a card, that's it - therefore it is not possible to vet people any further. Again any problems can only be dealt with on the night. If it is clear that someone is in the wrong place and is misbehaving, tell me! and I can address it - if it's not reported what can I do??? The rest of the CSC team along with myself are all friendly people and very approachable, so please come over and tell one of us
"Cash is more important than the soul"??? This I take as a personal insult and if you knew anything about me or knew me then you would know this not to be the case. On the night I personally turned away 10+ hopefulls for not having membership, and we close the door early so that the venue doesn't get too full, so where's the greed there? Unknown to the paying soulie we were hit with a price increase from the venue management at Christmas and have for two months already tightened our belts and accepted the loss from our own pockets, greedy? I think not. We offer as much as we can to the paying soulie - Website, regular mail out of flyers to 700+ members, free tapes, anniversary keyrings. these things all cost money, a lot of money! And for £5 for a London venue this is surely not too much to ask. We have lots more freebies and ideas that cost money, so even if a slight increase was needed to cover it in the future, we still wouldn't see any of it.
I take great pride in the fact that I promote the Dome sheerly for the love of the scene, it's people and it's music, not for money. Ask anyone who knows me! Those saying otherwise are full of shit and should have the balls to talk to me and find out what I'm like before wrongly judging my character!
I and many of my friends from all over the UK will not be attending the Dome again until this is sorted out. I'm not happy as I've always considered the club to be fantastic and a real credit to the scene. I urge Matt to sort it out for the next night B4 it's too late.
Soulful Bob
Soulfulbob@aol.com
That's your choice Bob and it's sad to hear but please read what I have said above. Also think twice on your choice of words next time when judging someone who you clearly know nothing about.
This night has a much younger age spread than any other but they 'are' a great crowd and well behaved. We must not deter new blood, but educate and encourage them: This is the future of the scene we are talking about.
In future, as I've mentioned above I urge anyone with a complaint to see me on the night and I'll happily sort it out. Also I set up, months ago, a comments page on the web site where members can raise any issues. Alternativly pick up the phone, my number is on the flyer, always happy to chat about things.
Please contact me with your views, I'm genuinly interested what people think on ths matter
To sum up we're prepared to take the rough with the smooth, good reviews and bad reviews but please make complaints constructive (so we can address them properly) and not just an unnecessary personal attack.
Regards
Matt Jahans
ok since both posts, both bob and matt have been back in touch, to cut a long story short and draw a line under this, bob has said that he wrote it straight after event, takes in what matt says and withdraws the cash comments, and end of day was trying to get point over that these non-soul fans spoilt their nite. Matt has said he will take steps to hopefully ensure problem doesn't occur again, and feels now his reply may have been a bit over the top, but the cash thing gave him the hump
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Here's the ones that bolted from the Flynny stable.........a right
mish-mash mixed and blended together in a manner that Jamie Oliver would be
proud of.....maybe?!
11.30 12.00
SIDNEY BARNES -I HURT ON THE OTHER SIDE -BLUE CAT
FLUFFY FALANA -MY LITTLE COTTAGE (BY THE SEA) -ALPHA
EDDIE CARLTON- IT WILL BE DONE -SWAN
OZZ & THE SPERLINGS -CAN YOU QUALIFY -GOLDENWAY
WADE & JAMIE -DON'T PUT OFF UNTIL TOMORROW -PALOMAR
LITTLE DOOLEY- PITY FOR THE LONELY -KO KO
INFORMERS -BABY SET ME FREE -BLACKJACK
SOUL COMMUNICATERS -THOSE LONELY NIGHTS- FEE BEE
BENNY SPELLMAN -THIS ONES FOR YOU MY LOVE -ALON
SIDNEY BARNES -SAFETY ZONE -JOBETE ACETATE
SEPTEMBER JONES -GIVE ME ALL OF YOUR LOVE -UNISSUED
JIMMIE & ENTERTAINERS- NEW GIRL -TODDLIN TOWN
2.30 3.15
BENNY CURTIS -DIRTY HEARTS -RESIST
SUPREMES -LOVE IS LIKE AN ITCHING IN MY HEART -MOTOWN
COOKIE JACKSON -DO YOU STILL LOVE ME -PROGRESS
FRAN OLIVER -SEARCHIN' FOR MY MAN -C/UP
DON RAY -BORN A LOSER -R.C.A.
TWO PEOPLE -STOP LEAVE ME HEART ALONE- REVUE
HYTONES -BIGGER AND BETTER -ABET
SPARKELS -TRY LOVE (JUST ONE MORE TIME) -OLD TOWN
BOBBY REED -THE TIME IS RIGHT FOR LOVE- BELL
SOUL INC. -MY PROPOSAL -COCONUT GROOVE
TONY GALLA -IN LOVE - SWAN
IVORYS -PLEASE STAY- DESPENZA
CHANDLERS -YOUR LOVE MAKES ME LONELY -COL SOUL
VALENTINOS -SWEETER THAN THE DAY BEFORE -CHESS
CHARADES -THE KEY TO MY HAPPINESS -M.G.M.
BENNY SPELLMAN -THIS ONES FOR YOU MY LOVE -ALON
MONIQUE -IF YOU LOVE ME (SHOW ME)- MAURCI
JOHNNY MAESTRO & CRESTS- I'M STEPPING OUT OF THE PICTURE- SCEPTER
Was my turn to do the closing half hour, so a few more oldies than usual
from me, and quite a few requests to be played.....kept the dancers happy,
which is a major priority, naturally!
David
Irish Greg just passed on his plays so here you go
Irish Greg - Sounds List
Blenders - Your love has got me Down - Marvlus
Little Ann - Long lanky daddy - kent
4 Tops - Lonely Lover - Unissued
Fascinators - In other words - Bombay
Bogus Chimes - I think you'll find - Champ
Duke Baxter - Don't let it down - C/up (B.J Thomas)
Sonatas - Going on down the road - Hot-Line
Gerri Hall - Who can I run to - Hot-Line
Flash Mc Kinley - I'll rescue you - Bombay
Magnificent Men - I'll keep climbing - Capitol LP
Willie & The Mighty Magnificents - Check it Baby - All-Platnum
Rocky Gill & Bishops - its not the end - Tear-Drop
Dee & flo - This & then - Dee Wolf Prod.
Gene Toones - What more do you want - Simco
Charles Sheffield - Its your Voo-doo working - Excello
Judy freeman - Hold On - Unissued lp version
Conquistadors - Can't stop lovin you - Act IV
Larry Allen - Can't we talk it over - Green Dolphin
Ree Flores - Look into my heart - M&H
Jimmy Armstrong - I would believe it til I see it - Jet Set
Brand new faces - Brand new faces - Lu-juna
Curley Moore - You don't mean - Sansu

By Mike in Articles · March 31, 200124 yr

Shrine - info by ANDY RIX
First Published on Soul Source
Heres a rare one for you, still talking bout original versions here, but this time not about vinyl, but the published word, the original draft full length sleeve notes for kents shrines cd, mmmmmm ... you might be mmmming, so whats so special about that, well hang on, the final published sleeve notes were derived from this original draft , but approx 1300 words were edited out of this "first" cut, and thus some of the info, plus style changes and a few more drafts So could say that this is the "full" version and as with other stuff by andy r, its well researched, informative and best of all enjoyable, so all you info fiends get your eyes on this and suck that info in, and for the average soul fan, read a fascinating story of a once-little known label which has now achieved the status of a soul "legend".......thanks again to andy r for a fascinating insight on the 60s us soul scene
SHRINE LINER NOTES draft 1
Theres an old saying that goes "its not simply if you win or lose, its how you play the game that you will be remembered for in the long run." Little did I know, when that bit of philosophy was laid on me as a child, that in my life and time I would come to know the true import of those words. In that spirit, on behalf of the Shrine Records family, I wish to dedicate this Volume One Issue to the keepers of the flame that reside in the UK, namely Adrian Croasdell and Soul Music historian extraordinaire Andrew Rix, in our sincere appreciation for their non-wavering dedication expressed through their ongoing commitment to honour the effort and the music that is the legacy of Shrine Records and their respect of how we played the game. Eddie Singleton 1998
In the spring of 1965 a flame began to flicker and grow in the heart of Washington D.C.; within two years the flame was extinguished and those present believed it would never cast its light on them again. Ten years later, and thousands of miles away, the flame was rekindled by British devotees of the 60s soul sound who would spend their nights dancing to, and collecting, music from a forgotten era. This is the story of Shrine Records - the rarest soul label in the world whose flame now burns brighter than ever.
EDDIE SINGLETON - THE EARLY YEARS
William Edward Singletary always knew he was going to be somebody in the music industry. His mother Mary, a gospel singer, actively encouraged Eddies musical abilities from an early age. He took his first tentative steps into the world of show business, from his home in Asbury Park, New Jersey, whilst still in his teens by organising concerts at the local army base. During this time he met many talented artists and subsequently felt that there was no reason why he could not join their ranks. A move to New York, in 1956, brought him into contact with Hy Weiss, the owner of Old Town records, and before too long a recording contract was signed. Eddie cut a few solo sides, that remain unreleased, and then moved on to Brunswick Records with a group he had assembled called The Chromatics. Their only release Too Late/My Heart Let Me Be Free (Brunswick 55080), issued in 58, enjoyed moderate sales and remains a collectors item for followers of that genre. The group did a number of shows and dates out of town but Eddie, who was by now composing his own material, decided that he didnt really enjoy being in the limelight as a performer feeling that his talents would be put to better use elsewhere. By 1959 Eddie had his own office at 1650 Broadway. Despite having been in New York for less than three years he had built up an impressive roster of associates and was well connected with all of the major players in the city; Eddie had finally found a home.
Always fiercely independent Eddie was the master of his own destiny; he never sought a position with a major, although he was made numerous offers, preferring to choose who he worked for and on what terms. Over the next few years Eddie explored all of the avenues that were open to him. As a songwriter he was prolific, preferring to write by himself, but happy to collaborate with others when the need arose. The list of writers he worked with bears testament to how widely he travelled and how warmly he was welcomed by his peers; Ahmet Ertegun, Chris Towns, Lockie Edwards, Horace Ott, Donald Height, Wes Farrel, Arthur Brooks, Art Kaplan, Bob Elgin and Frank Augustus (with whom he co-wrote Come Tomorrow for Marie Knight (Okeh 7141), using the name of his first wife Dolores Phillips; Bob and Frank were similarly disguised as they are actually Stanley Kahan and George Butcher).
As an independent producer Eddie was able to place his songs, arrange and supervise sessions for, numerous labels and artists; those who benefited included Etta James, Esther Phillips, Jimmy Jones, Pat Lundy, Joe Bragg, Lloyd Price, Billy Bland, Titus Turner, Dorothy Collins, Lenny Welch, Jerry Williams, Sonny Til, Jimmy Charles, Billy Stewart, The Moments and Doris Troy. In addition to his Sila Productions for other companies Eddie had his own group of artists and record labels. He managed the early careers of Flip Wilson and Tony Orlando, who upon achieving international success with Dawn in the 70s, cited Eddie as one of his major influences. His first record label Keith, named after his son, was the first black owned label distributed through the prestigious London Records Group headed by Lee Heartstone in the UK. The label began issuing records in the summer of 62 and became home to the Matadors, a local group, that featured a young Harold Bass and Richard Tenryck. Harry remained with Eddie for the next five years whilst Richard Tee became Paul Simons lifelong pianist after they were introduced to each other during one of Pauls frequent visits to the Broadway office. In addition to releasing tracks by the Matadors, and Oberia Martin, on Keith Eddie recorded numerous others placing the product with equally as many labels; these included The Elites and The Foxes for ABC, Tommy Knight and The Persians for Gold Eagle, Chuck Leonard for Crackerjack, Billy Frazier for Symbol and Linda & The Pretenders for Assault. The songs were usually published by one of Eddies companies, Nu-Lenora or Kim, named after his daughter, and this is sometimes the only indication that Eddie was involved as he never concerned himself greatly with credits on a record label. Although Eddie had decided sometime before that he didnt want to be a performer there were a couple of occasions when he couldnt resist. Henry Glover, who was a good friend, persuaded him to cut some tracks for his recently established label. The result was Do Your Number/Let Me Know (Glover 211) which when issued sank without trace.
His other trip into the recording studio was through personal choice. He had heard God Bless The Child on the Ed Sullivan Show, being performed by Harry Belafonte, and decided he really wanted to do the song on himself. He booked the studio, arranged the session musicians and fulfilled his wish. Releasing it on his own label Joker (1001), flipped with an original composition called Its Not My Fault, the record, whilst only given a local release, became very popular and remains as Eddies favourite personal performance .
By 63 Eddie Singleton was an integral, and important, part of the New York musical establishment. When he wasnt in the studio cutting tracks he would hang out at Billy Dawn Smiths Brooklyn bar, the Colonial Inn, with Jimmie Steward and Tony Middleton or he could be found buying the latest European suits and Italian shoes. Eddie Singleton was a major success and there was nothing on the horizon to suggest that life would ever be any different.
MISS RAY ARRIVES
The summer of 63 saw the opening of the first Motown office outside of Detroit with Mrs Gordy coming to New York to head up the organisation. Eddie heard that she was in town and, as he already knew some of the Gordy family, decided to visit the Brill Building, to extend the hand of friendship, and offer his services as her "knight in shining armour". Unbeknown to them, at the time, their meeting set in motion a chain of events that would impact on peoples lives for years to come. Raynoma Mayberry was a gifted child, By the time she graduated she had developed an ear for arranging and possessed an enviable knowledge of music theory. Her dream of becoming a singer were set aside when she married Charles Liles, a local musician, in 1955. When the marriage failed Ray returned to the real love of her life - music. She formed a duo with her sister and they entered a talent contest at Detroits infamous Twenty Grand nightclub. Alice & Ray won outright and impressed Winehead Willie, the emcee, enough for him to suggest they call a guy he knew who was managing some groups.
Their audition for Berry Gordy Jnr., the following day, resulted in Ray becoming an integral part of Gordys fledgling empire. By early 1958 Berry was doing fairly well as a songwriter having had his co-compositions recorded, and released, by artists such as Jackie Wilson, The Five Stars, Malcolm Dodds, The Del Vikings, Eddie Holland, The Gaylords, Dorisetta Clark, The Solitaires, Bobby Darin, The Moonglows and Lavern Baker to name but a few. Berry was the creator, the businessman and the leader but Miss Ray was the one with the musical expertise; the partnership they formed took them a step closer towards what would become The Sound of Young America.
Ray initially took charge of coaching the groups, refining their vocal style, teaching musical theory and arranging sessions. Before too long she was writing out songs, and lead sheets, both for the session musicians and for copyright registration purposes.
The following months proved to be hectic ones with frequent house moves needed to facilitate the growing number of rehearsals that often continued through the night. Berrys deals with the majors were not proving to be financially rewarding and money was constantly in short supply. Forming an independent label, to give them the autonomy they desired, was out of the question so Raynoma suggested a compromise - the formation of a music company.
THE BIRTH OF MOTOWN
The Rayber Music Writing Company, registered at the City-County Building, in the summer of 58, as a 50/50 partnership between herself and Berry, was an instant success with aspiring artists queuing at the door to get their own vocals, or lyrics, recorded as a finished demo. Mabel John, Louvain Demps, Mickey Stevenson, Freda Payne, Freddie Gorman and Eugene Remus were just a few of the future Motown signings who cut their first tracks at Rayber with the Holland brothers, Miracles, Satintones, Five Stars or Rayber Voices assisting. At $100 per song there was soon enough money in the pot to move to 1719 Gladstone, home of the first Tamla release.
With business booming Raynoma, and Smokey, finally convinced Berry that it was time to start their own label and break free from the majors who had been lining their own pockets for too long. As winter approached they began to calculate the cost of recording, pressing and promoting a record; $800 was the bottom line. All they needed now was the $800, the right song, and a singer. The money eventually came from the Gordy family, in the form of a loan, on January 12th 1959; Come To Me was the song and Marv Johnson the singer. Berry negotiated a $3 000 advance, for the master, from United Artists plus the right to distribute locally on his own label.
By the end of January Tamla Records, and Jobete Music, were legally inaugurated as a partnership between Raynoma and Berry; the 45 had been issued as Tamla 101 and a second label, Rayber, was started. Rayber only released one local single, by Wade Jones, before being replaced by their third label - Motown. The arrival of the first royalty cheque paid for a move, in July 1959, to new premises Raynoma had found at 2648 West Grand Boulevard Despite having been persuaded by Berry to remove her name from the legal papers "for tax reasons", and giving birth to their first child the previous month, she threw herself into getting the house ready to become a legend - the house was christened Hitsville USA.
Prior to the move Raynomas new group, the Teen Queens, consisting of Alice and Ray with Marlene Nero and an old flame of Berrys called Mamie, had recorded their first single; From This Day Forward/When My Teenage Days Are Over was issued on Aladdin 3458 credited to the Cute-Teens to avoid confusion with the Modern girl-duo who were already well established on the West Coast. After a false start Berry married Raynoma in the spring of 1960 and the following years were filled with creativity, hope, and excitement.
In addition to being Executive Vice President, of Tamla Records, Ray was responsible for managing Jobete and supervised most of the day-to-day administration of the company including the organisation of the infamous Monday morning meetings. Her second outing on vinyl was issued (maybe) on the recently formed Miracle label in April 1961; credited to Little Iva and Her Band When I Needed You had been written, by Raynoma, more than two years previously following the loss of their second child. The lyrical proclamation of her love for Berry would soon begin to turn to tears as his infidelity, detailed in Raynomas book Berry, Me and Motown (1990), caused the marriage to deteriorate. Unable to tolerate the fighting anymore the decision was made to breakup; a Mexican divorce, by mail, was quickly executed. Hurt, and humiliated, Ray started dating in order to seek some sort of revenge.
The relationships were always short lived as none of her new boyfriends were able to tolerate the constant barrage of phone calls, made by Berry, who did not want his ex-wife dating other men. Ray, who still needed to be part of the company, wanted to get away from Berry and Detroit. As Berry recalled in his autobiography To Be Loved (1994) Ray suggested they open a Jobete office in New York; He agreed.
THE MOVE EAST
Raynoma had always been able to count on her half-brother Stanley Mike Ossman. He had stuck by her side during the Motown days and had been employed to assist Ray in administration and the running of Jobete. As a gifted songwriter he co-wrote many tunes that were recorded at Hitsville; these included I Can Take A Hint by the Miracles (Tamla 54078), Just Be Yourself by LaBrenda Ben (Gordy 7021) and The Day Will Come by Freddie Gorman (Miracle 11). When Miss Ray arrived at the Brill Building, in the summer of 1963, Mike was by her side. With Mike handling accounts and administration Miss Ray moved into creative gear. She quickly signed George Kerr and Sidney Barnes as Jobete songwriters who, together with her future brother-in-law, Timothy Andre Wilson, were known as the Serenaders. Their solitary release If Your Heart Says Yes, on V.I.P. (25002), in January 1964, bombed.
Miss Ray was only able to get one other act accepted by Motown; Sammy Turner, whose one-off release Right Now (Motown 1055) again from January 1964, written by Harry Bass and Alice Ossman followed the same path to obscurity. Despite being surrounded by talented individuals, who had submitted at least 100 songs, Ray was unable to make any headway with head office. George Clinton had come on board, with the Parliaments, and Eddie Singleton, who had started publishing some of his songs through Jobete, introduced Miss Ray to a group of musicians he had put together to be his studio band. As a result Eric Gale, Bernard Purdie, Jimmy Tyrell, Richard Tee and arranger Bert DeCoteaux were used on all of the New York sessions.
Financially things were getting desperate. Miss Ray had been able to place a number of Jobete tunes with other companies but had only achieved one chart placing, with the Chiffons A Love So Fine (Laurie 3195), in August 1963. As the cash flow diminished she turned to Berry for help totally unprepared for the response she received. Ray expected a cash injection instead, as she recalled in her autobiography, he replied "Thats your problem....you either come up with a way to do it or close the office"; that was a step she was not prepared to make.
Over the last few months Rays relationship, with Eddie, had continued to develop. Their friendship soon turned into a romance and before long they were living together. Even though Berry had another woman in his life he, again, was unable to tolerate the thought of Raynoma with another man. Eddie was fully aware of their history but thought that, as they were divorced, Ray was a free agent. When the calls started Eddie was confused. He had never "had any conversation, dialogue or confrontation with Berry Gordy Jnr." and couldnt believe "this was really taking place". Miss Ray was aware that Berry was trying to ruin her relationship and was dismayed when he "offered Ed $50 000 to leave". Ed and Ray stayed true to each other but started to feel the strain.
In the April of 1964 Miss Ray had had enough. Her final plea to Berry for money had been rejected and she felt she had no option but to try and get some money whichever way she could. Research conducted by J. Randy Taraborrelli for his book Michael Jackson - The Magic And The Madness (1991) unearthed the "Motown Record Corporations articles of incorporation, dated March 25, 1960" which confirmed Miss Rays position as "a member of the companys original board of directors". Given this scenario Miss Ray felt fully justified in pressing up 5000 copies of My Guy by Mary Wells (Motown 1056), then riding high in the charts, for sale to the local record stores at 50 cents apiece.
Within a week Berry had found out and Ray, with Eddie, were arrested by the FBI for bootlegging and thrown into jail. Miss Ray was given two choices; either to be prosecuted for bootlegging, and face a prison term of up to twenty years, or sign a general release from Motown and all its entities. Following legal advice she chose the latter and was given a non-negotiable settlement of $10 000 plus a monthly allowance and child support. During the legal wrangling it was discovered that the Mexican divorce was not valid so the marriage was once again, and finally, dissolved.
WASHINGTON D. C.
Knowing she had finally been defeated and that they had no real future in New York Eddie suggested that they make a fresh start and remove themselves from "the bitterness created by Berry"; "Lets just take the settlement and go. We can start our own label. Washington D.C. has a big market, a lot of music, and nobody is down there recording". Berry would claim, in his book, many years later that he and Miss Ray "parted amicably. So amicably that after she later married Eddie Singleton I loaned them money to start their own record label in Washington D.C.". The marriage Berry referred to did not take place until some nine months after the release of their first record on their own label. Eddie had often visited Washington D.C., on his business travels, and knew the city had a rich vein of untapped talent. but had never had a label of any significance. Its large black population, and proximity to Baltimore, made it the ideal location for the type of label they envisaged. He visited Ziadora Savin, an executive at BMI, and told her of their plans; she liked his proposal and agreed to assist with operating costs for the first six months. Pooling all of their resources they boarded a plane to start, what they hoped would be, a new life.
During the latter half of 1964, and in preparation for the move, they had already set some wheels in motion. The company needed a name so Eddie, and Ray, who had been staunch admirers of John F. Kennedy, and had been devastated by his senseless death, decided that their record label would reflect the hope and aspirations that Kennedy had held so dear. Upon hearing of Kennedys assassination Eddie had tried to vent his feelings by composing a song; originally called He Went Away he recorded the track with Linda Tate, in November 1963, and after the deal, to issue it, fell through he decided to keep it in reserve. When the decision about the name for their new label had been made it seemed only fitting, given the circumstances of the songs origins and their rationale for choosing the labels name , that this song should become their first release.
They called their label Shrine Records, both as a sign of their respect for John F. Kennedy and because the ethos of their company would mirror that of the man whose dreams for the future they both shared. The next move was to establish their publishing company and, as had so often been done in the past, an amalgamation of names took place. Miss Ray, Mike Ossman and Eddie Singletary, the three owners of Shrine, chipped in a few letters each to create Ramitary; all of the songs written, in the months prior to, and during their Washington stay would be registered, and copyrighted, under this name.
The first Ramitary recipient was Jackie Wilson who recorded the Eddie composed, and Matadors backed, Shes All Right (Brunswick 55273), in August 1964. A recording studio that would allow open access was essential; Eddie had been through the phone book and visited a few establishments before deciding that the Edgewood Studio, owned by Ed Green, was the one that could offer all they would need. The studio was small, not too sophisticated, but state of the art; Green had, up until now, not been heavily involved with the music industry as his main source of business had come from recording the Rose Garden speeches, for the President, and serving the audio needs of the local community. A productive partnership was developed and Green became a valued friend. Arrangements had also been made to have the records pressed at an East Coast plant that was owned by Johnsons Wax; their X mark would appear on the run-out groove of all of the 45s
They finally arrived, filled with hope and optimism, in the spring of 1965. Having quickly settled into their townhouse on G Street they were soon joined by Mike Ossman, Harry Bass and their respective families. The game plan, devised in New York, was to establish a company that could tap in to the rich pool of potential, that existed in the city, who had, up until now, no real outlet for their talent. This company would provide a complete musical service; from finding and fostering the artists, to recording them and getting their records on the radio and in the shops. They wanted to start off at a local level and then gradually build the company into a national one. With the combination of Raynomas Detroit dealings, Eddies New York know how and Harry and Mikes support nobody could envisage anything other than success. Eddie rented office space in a large townhouse situated on the Thomas Circle and from here started to execute the plan. As word began to spread around the city, that there were some new players in town, the Shrine family were busy organising last minute details before launching themselves into the public domain.
Their first 45, Shrine 100, the aforementioned Linda Tate, dubbed Linda & The Vistas, hit the streets almost immediately with distribution being carried out from the back of a van by Harry and Mike. Eddie had already secured a cash-on-delivery arrangement with the local stores not wanting to wait for payment, from a distributor, which could often take months. Local airplay was further spreading the word about Shrine and before too long the local talent, that Eddie knew existed, was queuing at the door hoping to get an opportunity to be involved in the action. The following three releases were already being organised; a local singer called Leroy Taylor had been one of the first arrivals and he had gone into the studio almost immediately to cut two tracks that Eddie had already prepared. Eddie knew it would take some time to assemble a team of new singers, songwriters, producers and arrangers but, not wanting to lose any momentum, continued to utilise the talents of the people who were already in place. Miss Ray, Mike, Harry and Eddie would then become mentors to the new recruits helping them to learn the tricks of the trade.
The next three arrivals were Kenny Lewis, Sidney Hall and Carl Lomax Kidd who had all been group-members of the Enjoyables. They had previously met Miss Ray, in New York, when auditioning for Motown; unable to sign them she had pointed them in the direction of Robert Bateman, an ex-Rayber Voice, who was in charge of A&R at Capitol Records. He signed them on the spot. Kenny and Carl were hired as singers, songwriters and producers and would be at the helm as Shrine moved into second gear the following year. Sidney, who possessed great vocal talent, was hired as a solo act. The last essential team-member to arrive was, the now legendary, Dale Ossman Warren. Dale was Miss Rays nephew and had worked alongside her, at Hitsville, where she had taught him all there was to know about arranging.
With Dale in place Miss Ray was able to take a back seat and, from January 66, he arranged all of the Shrine sessions. After the Leroy Taylor 45 was issued Eddie decided to change the appearance of the Shrine label. He had made a sketch, sometime before, which was representative of the eternal flame on John F. Kennedys gravestone. He gave his sketch to an artist who transformed it into the logo that would become the Shrine symbol from the third release onwards. Everything was going according to plan. Eddie had persuaded Jimmy Armstrong and Ray Pollard to come down from New York to cut some tracks and these would become the next two releases. The records were selling well and had started to make an impression on the local charts.
At this point a local group arrived for their first recording session; Watch Your Step, by the Cautions, became a huge local hit and heralded a change in the distribution arrangement that had, up until now, coped with the demand. Eddie received a call from Jim Schwartz, head of the Schwartz Brothers Distribution Company based in Maryland, as Eddie recalled he said "You are missing so much in the market, you really need to be with us". A deal was struck and Schwartz became the official distributors of the Shrine catalogue. The words Distributed by Shrine Record Dist. Corp." would no longer appear on the label. The Shrine operation had also attracted the attention of a group of New York socialites who, were eager to start their own record label, but lacked experience in the music industry. The group consisted of Lewis DeYoung, Christopher Cerf, Dimitri Villard and Blair Butterfield, all Harvard graduates who had dabbled with recording during their University days. Their families owned successful commercial operations that included Random House Publishing, a chain of stores, a merchant bank and an aviation company. They called on Eddie and suggested a partnership should be established; in return for the Shrine musical know-how they would use their contacts to set up an investment group that could give Shrine a large cash injection.
Within weeks Eddie had been visited by a party from Wall Street; impressed by what they saw they put together a limited partnership which provided the funds Shrine needed to move into the second phase of the plan. With the deal in place Jet Set Records, a name inspired by their mode of transport, came into being. Eddie, Miss Ray and Dale provided assistance with all aspects associated with running a record company as well as songs and artists for their sister label.
The pace of life was becoming hectic; Eddie had maintained contact with Jackie Wilson, and his manager Nat Tarnopol, and had flown back to New York to play them some of the Shrine material. Jackie particularly liked a Jimmy Armstrong track, recorded on July 19th 1965, that Eddie was planning to release; never one to miss an opportunity Eddie agreed to let Jackie put his vocal on the band track and I Believe Ill Love On (Brunswick 55283), recorded in August, heralded the start of Eddies time at Brunswick as A&R Director. Eddie, along with Miss Ray and Dale, would spend the next ten months regularly commuting to New York to work with Wilson. They had a hand in virtually all of Wilsons product until he relocated to Chicago; by this time Eddie, whose relationship with Tarnopol was frequently turbulent, had left after a heated exchange.
January 1966 was a time of frantic activity at the Edgewood studios as tracks by Eddie Daye, Les Chansonettes, Sidney Hall, The D.C. Blossoms and The Epsilons, amongst others, were recorded. Shrine was moving into its second phase; new distributors, the Jet Set investment, an established team of writers, producers and arrangers and a huge group of talented artists were all in place ready for the big push. Surrounded by happiness Eddie and Ray finally got married; nine months later their first child, William Edward Jnr., was born. By April Eddie was ready to start releasing the first batch of the new product onto the market. Although he wasnt 100% satisfied with how some of the tracks sounded he was under pressure from his investors to "come up with the goods" so that they could tidy up their financial portfolios. He arranged for the records to be pressed en masse, planning to release them at set intervals over the following months, thus keeping Shrine at the forefront of peoples minds.
The initial run was 2 500 copies of each record, from Shrine 106 to 119, on receipt of the 45s he sent some over to the Schwartz brothers, stored some in the basement of his house on Argyle Terrace and placed the rest in the office to allow people to take copies home with them. The first release came from the Epsilons; Mad At The World (Shrine 106) was a huge hit all over the tri-state area with a second pressing needed to meet the demand. It seemed that all of their dreams had finally been realised but then a figure from the past stepped back into the picture and things began to go wrong.
THE DECLINE
Berry Gordy was none too pleased that his bootlegging ex-wife was becoming successful in her own right. As Miss Ray recalled "we were hearing reports from various DJs that Berry had been campaigning against us. Apparently he had put the word out that his troublemaking ex-wife was trying to run him out of business.
Whatever Berry was or wasnt saying, all we knew was that the distributors, who didnt want to lose Motown affiliations, wouldnt help Shrine". As time progressed it became increasingly difficult to get any of the future releases played on the radio and so a vicious circle began. Without airplay and media exposure no demand was being created; without demand the stores werent willing to take the product and, starved of commercial outlets, the distributors werent interested in trying to push the product. Gordy had effectively demolished their promotional network Eddie was becoming exhausted finding it more and more difficult to cope with all of the external pressures that were bearing down on him. By the summer of 66 he felt as if he was being attacked from all sides; Tarnopol had created problems, Gordy was campaigning against Shrine, and regularly phoning Eddie, and then the investors, aware of the problems, pulled out leaving Shrine in a financially unstable, and vulnerable, position.
The stress of it all was taking its toll with Eddies physician warning him to slow down. Eddie and Ray werent prepared to go down without a fight but they needed money, and quickly, to try and turn things around. They pinned their hopes on Florence Greenberg, head of Scepter/Wand, who had been trying to get Eddie on board for a long time. They flew down to New York, for a meeting, and Eddie was hired as head of A&R with Miss Ray, now heavily pregnant, as his assistant. Despite a fresh source of income things back in Washington didnt improve. The Singletons were still commuting to New York for three days a week and then returning to Shrine to try and keep it afloat. Eddie was still recording at Shrine as late as November when he took some tracks by the Cautions, Fall Guy and Take A Look At Your Baby, to Scepter to try and bring some fresh investment in.
The deal didnt work out and to all intents and purposes Shrine was finished. Back in Washington Eddie called a meeting to inform everyone of the decision that had been made. As Eddie recalled "we were out of money and I was out of energy...the blackest day in my life was when I called the meeting and had them all in my office. I couldnt continue on...I walked away and didnt want to look back, it was too painful" Miss Ray wanted to go home, back to Detroit and Motown, she made a call and Eddie, at the request of Ray and Berrys sisters, went with her. He felt it would be an opportunity "to develop a relationship with Berry so he could relax". Eddies wish would never be fulfilled.
Upon vacating D.C. Eddie left behind all of his material possessions. His tapes remained at Edgewood and his stock of Shrine 45s were left at his home, in the office, and at the Schwartz Brothers. Dale Warren recalled that the Schwartz stock was moved to Waxie Maxys which was burnt down, the following year, during the race riots. The remaining stock, of no interest to the new occupiers of the house, or office, was obviously discarded.
All of these acts contributed to the eventual scarcity of the records. Although it would be many years before anybody realised the worlds rarest soul label had just been born.
Andrew Rix 1998

In Volume Two we will take an in-depth look at the contribution that Harry Bass, Carl Kidd and Kenny Lewis made to Shrine. Additionally we will look at the artists, songs and musicians who created the music. The musical treats lined up for Volume Two include a batch of never before heard songs, recently discovered, from Bobby Reed, Tippie & The Wisemen and The D.C. Blossoms
This CD is dedicated to the memory of Stanley Mike Ossman and Dale Warren. With thanks to Eddie Singleton, Miss Ray, Adrian Croasdell, Rob Thomas, Steve Bryant, Rob Hughes, Keith Hughes, Chris Jenner

comments from old feature
1 Comments

Claudiadp
Jan 20 2011 08:28 PM
I am from South Africa where Eddie Singleton spent his last years and I had the privilege to meet him and became his friend - he was my mentor, my friend and he taught me more about the music industry than one can learn in a lifetime, he told me about his life in America (that is why I am living here now) his love and his experiences. I would love to meet someone that new him, or cared for him, as he made such a difference in so many peoples lives in South Africa, and everybody should know it - he should never be forgotten. He was my friend and mentor and a remarkable man.

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By Andy Rix in Articles · February 22, 200124 yr

Tonys - Blackburn -Sat 03 Feb 01
Beginning of the month , a bit of cash in my pocket so thought time to get back on the road, over last few months have been hearing a fair bit about Tonys new format, and as this weekend the niter featured Irish Greg, Dave Flynn, and Carl f all from the capitol soul club as guest djs, seemed like a good excuse to leave Chatham town and get up to north west. Myself and Andy d met up with Julie g, who recently moved back up there, she had sorted it so that while we were having a quick brew at her house, a request was played on the local soul radio programe welcoming us to the north-west, nice touch or what!
Bit of confusion for us over warm-ups as where we thought it was, it wasnt, no great shakes though. Nite itself, well crowd wise bit slow to start, there were a couple of events on earlier elsewhere, noticed that the amount of events to choose from up there is un-believable, though by 2 ish there was a fair few in. It was good to see there was about 20 to 30 of us who had made the trek up from the deepest south, and it was good to meet a fair few up-northers who have just known from email before, though found out later missed a few, such as Howard, should have clicked that the guy with a stack of soul up norths under his arm was him!
Dj wise, missed some the early spots as doing the rounds, vague details of nite as memory allows, Carl f was on one of the early spots, followed by Greg, who delivered a fine set including sonatas- going down the road, judy freeman -ext version, duke browner cover, to name a few, then Terry Davis popped up with a great set, with stuff like soul sound, Johnnie Taylor- the blues and more, Dave Flynn followed with some of his current biggies, my proposal, Benny spellmans - this ones for you my love, his Fran Oliver cover - searchin for my man, greatest story ever told - Bernard Harper, then think Paul Baldwin took over starting off with some great r+b - have love will travel-Richard Berry and more, then onto some decent oldies.

Had to leave round 6-ish as lift was ready to go Overall my view on it all, was had a great night out, good to get back up to the north west and see whats happening there, place wasnt packed but still had a great friendly atmosphere, with a great nite of great rare sounds, well worth the journey and will definitely get back up there again. Credit to Steve Thompson for making it all worthwhile, think Andy Rix is up on the next one in march so should be a cracker!
Big thanks to Julie for looking after us,
A great nite!
mike h

By Mike in Articles · February 5, 200124 yr

First time I've visited this night, so there was that extra degree of anticipation, on my journey. I arranged to meet a friend (Toby Cole) at London Bridge station, this has to do with both my intense dislike of walking and the fact its nice to go somewhere new with someone you know.
Due to some technical failure the train wasn't able to stop at the London Bridge, so I had to get off at the previous stop, Blackfriars. I rang Toby and top bloke that he is, he came and got me. Not the ideal start to a night, to put you in a good mood, but as we arrived at the venue I was back in good spirits. At the entrance we were met by Jo Wallace and Paul Thomas Peter, two of the co promoters and DJs, the third promoter Martin Thomson, was doing his first stint behind the decks.
After a quick chat Toby and myself made our way downstairs where the festivities actually take place. The first thing that hit both of us was the immense heat, it's a compact venue, and considering the early time that we arrived (it was still only 8:30) was already filling up. This was particularly impressive for me, because I haven't been to a mid week venue (Thursday night) anywhere for years and wasn't sure what the attendance would be like. All I can say is I'm glad I started dancing early, because the small dance floor rapidly became packed. The dance floor by the way had thoughtfully already had talc placed on it, probably because us denizens of the older soul fraternity are getting increasingly forgetful.
Now where was I. Something that has become increasingly obvious to me (and probably hasn't been overlooked by others) on my visits to soul events in London are the crowds that are attracted. Firstly, in general they are a much younger crowd and contrary to popular belief, very friendly. Secondly the dancers are "up for it" right from the first record, and usually once on the floor, don't leave it. Thirdly and most importantly in my opinion, they treat "classics" and unknown sounds with equal deference, there are no petty politics.
For me, the scene has always been about dancing and hearing quality music, including new sounds, or rediscovered oldies, because without this content, the scene can't survive. I believe this ethic is more than provided for by the current London soul scene and These Old Shoes is no exception to the rule. T.O.S has a tremendous atmosphere, there are people who prefer R&B, some who prefer the classic 6Ts type sound, all are catered for, consequently the dancing never stops. I firmly believe that an "up for it crowd" will in turn create "up for it DJs" who will respond accordingly.
I think the DJs recognised the potential of the evening very early tonight, as a result when I eventually left, I was one very satisfied customer. Some of the sounds played tonight:
MARTIN THOMSON
CHRISTINE KITTRELL- Call his name (KING)
YVONNE GOMEZ- My man a go go (HAWAII)
DOUG BANKS- I just kept on dancing (ARGO)
THE LITTLE FOXES- So glad your love don't change (OKEH)
NOLAN PORTER- If I could only be sure (ABC)
THE CHARADES- You better believe it (HARLEM HIT PARADE)
MARVIN GAYE- Change what you can (TAMLA)
MIKE VICKERS- On the brink (UK COLUMBIA)
BOBBY LEE TIMBERLAKE- You hurt me (MIRWOOD)
FOUR TOPS- Wonderful baby (MOTOWN)
ENCHANTMENTS- I'm in love with your daughter pt.1 (FARO)
SHUFFLERS- Always be mine (CRACKERJACK)
SHIRELLES - Too much of a good thing (SCEPTER)
JACK MONTGOMERY - Dearly beloved (SCEPTER)
CHARADES - The key to my happiness (MGM)
MOUSIE AND THE TRAPS - How about you (TODDLIN' TOWN)
TYN TYMES - Baby I love you (THE MUSIC BOX)
BETTY EVERETT - Please love me (ONEDERFUL)
MARVELOWS - Your little sister (ABC)
CLIFF NOBLES - My love is getting stronger (ATLANTIC)
JIMMY HUGHES - It ain't what you got (ATLANTIC)
CHARLES SHEFFIELD - It's your voodoo working (EXCELLO)
GINO - It's only a paper moon (GOLDEN CREST)
BRILLIANT KORNERS - Three lonely guys (MODERN)
HESITATIONS - I'm not built that way (KAPP)
MIKE VICKERS - On the brink (UK COLUMBIA)
LONNIE LESTER - You can't go (NUTONE)
OTIS LEAVIL - Nobody (SMASH)
PAUL THOMAS-PETER
CONTOURS - Just A Little Misunderstanding - UK TAMLA
EDWIN STARR - I Want My Baby Back - GORDY
BRENDA HOLLOWAY - Reconsider - TEST
VOLUMES - My Kind Of Girl - INFERNO DEMO
JOCK MITCHELL - Not A Chance In A Million - IMPACT DEMO
EMANUEL LASKY - Don't Lead Me On Baby - THELMA
THE PROFILES - Take A Giant Step - GOLDIE
ANITA HULMES AND THE ESSEX - What Did I Do - ROULETTE
BETTY SWANN - Lonely Love - MONEY
RINGLEADERS - Baby What Has Happened - M-PAC
DARROW FLETCHER - What Have You Got Now - JACKLYN
LORRAINE CHANDLER - Tell Me Your Mine - GIANT
TEDDY RANDAZZO - You Don't Need A Heart - DCP
ROY HAMILTON - The Panic is On - MGM
PORGY AND THE MONARCHS - That's My Girl - SYLVES DEMO
MAXINE BROWN - Let Me Give You My Loving - WAND
JJ BARNES - Please Let Me In - RIC TIC
HOWARD GUYTON - I watched You Slowly Slip Away - VERVE DEMO
KIM WESTON - A Thrill A Moment - GORDY
BABY WASHINGTON - It'll Never Be Over For Me - SUE
MARVIN GAYE - Little Darling - TAMLA
HAROLD MELVIN - Get Out - ROUTE!
BENJI
FRANKIE AND THE DAMIONS - Man from Soul - JCP
DELLS - Thinking about you - CADET
MELVIN ELLING - Lonely eyes - STRETCH DYNAMICS - I need your love - RCA FOUR PERFECTIONS - I'm not strong enough - PARTYTIME
YOUTH OPPORTUNITY PROGRAM - Of hopes, dreams and tombstones - COLUMBIA
JOE DOUGLAS - Crazy things - PLAYHOUSE
DANNY MOORE - Something new - ALLRITE
TONY HESTOR - Just can't leave you - KARATE
ARABIANS - Please take a chance - LE MANN
CHUBBY AND THE TURNPIKES - I didn't try - CAPITOL
RANDY HOBBS - Waiting and Watching - EMBER
DANNY WHITE - Keep my woman home - ATLAS
LARRY ALLEN - Can't we talk it over - GREEN DOLPHIN
VALENTINOS - Sweeter than the day before - CHESS
BOBBY HUTTON - Come see what's left of me - PHILIPS
TOBI LARK - Challenge my love - TOPPER
JOHNNIE MAE MATTHEWS - Lovely you'll be - ATCO
FREDDIE HOUSTON - If I had known - OLD TOWN
TOYS - Deserted - FRENCH COLUMBIA
LILIAN DUPREE - Hide and seek - D-TOWN
CONSTELLATIONS - I didn't know how to - GEMINI STAR
BOBBY SHEEN - Something new to do - WARNER BROS
EARTHA KITT - There comes a time - MUSICOR
MITTY COLLIER - Pain - CHESS
DON RAY SAMPSON - Baby come back - E
JIMMY RICKS - Oh what a feeling - FESTIVAL
GEORGE FREEMAN - Down and out - VALIANT
JO WALLACE. FALCONS - I'm a fool - BIG WHEEL
EMMANUEL LASKY - Sweet lies - THELMA JUNIOR
VAL & NICK - I found you - GLOVER
BETTYE SWANN - Heartache is gone - ABET
CURTIS GRIFFIN - I gotta lump - JEWEL
GEORGE WYDELL - From out of nowhere - TANGERINE
DOTTIE AND MILLIE - Nothing in this world - TOPPER
BARBARA MERCER - Call on me - SIDRA
YVONNE BAKER - Mend the torn pieces -
JOHNNY MOORE - Lonely heart in the city - BLUE ROCK
BOBBY ADAMS - You got next to me baby - PILMA
DOTTIE AND MILLIE - Talking 'bout my baby - TOPPER
EMMANUEL LASKY - Peace Loving man - THELMA
SPINNERS - She's gonna love me at sundown - VIP
VOLUMES - I just can't help myself - AMERICAN ARTS
JIMMY PREACHER ELLIE - I'm gonna do it by myself - JEWEL
BUD HARPER - Wherever you were - PEACOCK
WILLIE KENDRICK - Gimme lots of loving - RCA
MAGNIFICENT MEN - Forever Together - CAPITOL
VONETTES - Touch my heart - COBBLESTONE
ROSE BATISTE - I miss my baby - REVILOT
Finally, it's not usually my practice to single out particular DJs but I just can't finish off without mentioning Jo Wallace. She really has an awesome persona (as well as some great tunes) and just demands that you dance, so you do. Jo so enjoys herself behind the decks, that you can't help but admire her and subsequently be inspired by her. Cheers to all for a great night at TOS and I've just listed you in my diary under the "Events I must visit frequently" column.
KTF
Winston.
Next date for TOS. THURSDAY September 14th 2000
Guest DJ is: Alan H (Capitol Soul)
Venue: The River Bar, Tower Bridge Road, London Nearest Tubes: Tower Hill or London Bridge

event-reviews

By Winnie :-) in Articles · October 31, 200024 yr

Lookback at The Orwell Oct 2000

thanks go out to bob cosby for letting us use his review posted on ems soul list

Just a brief write up of the happenings at soul Xpression at the Orwell last night ;
We had 125 paying punters through the door , Paul Hawkins played the first hour with some good contemporary stuff , the night was billed as the Official Yarmouth warm up and as such featured myself , Steve Guarnori , Gavin Page + Steve Plumb , Dean Turpin was doing cracking business at the record bar knocking out the re-issue "Spread Love " album at £12 and the Tim Kepler CD amongst others.
Some tunes played on the night that were retained in the grey matter after 5 pints took their toll (I can't keep up with William Hague).
Bob Cosby
R. Kelly -Up & outta here
Tommy Sims - When you go
Mari - How come love won't come
Phillip Evans - Play no more
Gene Chandler - Love is growing deeper-Black tiger CD
Leon Debouse -Every fellas girl - 12"
Wizdom -So in love - Drive 7"
Vee Gees - Talkin- 7"
G.C. Cameron - I'm gonna give you respect - Motown Lp
Phillip James - Keep on loving - 7"
Steve Guarnori
Donnie - The One - Cd
Alisha laverne - so very hot - 12"
Joe Anderson - You &I (alternative version)
Toshi Kuboto - Masqueraade
Dennis Taylor - Bad as I wanna be - forthcoming Dome CD
Lee McDonald - We've only just begun - plus a great new version (to me ) of an Anthony White track.
Gavin Page
Donald Byrd - Loving You -12"
Cooleys Hot Box ?- Wasted time.
Rashaan Paterson -- I'll Go -( great version of Donell Jones)
Dennis Taylor --Smile -- (forthcoming Dome CD)
Miss Cherokee ? --I like it -
Johnnie Taylor - What about my love - 12"
Jerry Warren - I really love you - latosia 12 "
Vise - Baby I love you - 7"
Timmy Thomas -- Why can't we live together - 12"
Steve Plumb
Chris Simpson -- A World Changer - (sounded great ,can't wait to play this at Yarmouth)
Rockmelons feat Doug Williams - Love's gonna bring you home .
Rashaan Paterson - Where you are -remix -
Hunter Hayes-- it's not over - 12"
Shabooom -- Never had a love like this - CD
Seville - Show me the way -- 7"
Tavasco - Love trying to get a hold 7"
Four Tracks - Charade 7"
plus a mellow out with Paris -I choose you , Flowers-by the Emotions

Quite a few new faces in attendance , Gavin & Steve both commented on the great venue , a really good atmosphere , even though a few less bodies than last time .
Next night is November 4th with Baz Maleedy , Steve Plumb , Arthur Fenn, Flanny Steve Connor and (if I survive Yarmouth ) me . Don't miss this night at £3 terrific value for money .
Cosser.
Foxes -Top of the league ??? Whaaas UP - ..

By Mike in News Archives · October 27, 200024 yr

Recently received a great cd from connoiseur collection titled, vsop cd 312 - various artists -smooth soul-the uk collection which to my ears was quite a treat, as 90/00s sounds dont feature that much on my hi-fi at home was surprised by just how good some of these tracks are, and the fact that a lot are uk produced makes me feel a bit guilty of not being aware of them before now!!

anyway as said a great cd, and the press release has it right when it says " a powerful overview of uk produced soul" hopefully a mid-price release as previous releases on this label have been, and should be available from all normal outlets info@connoisseur-coll.demon.co.uk for info thanks go out to roger (the dodger) williams for the informative and entertaining review below :

Smooth Soul - The UK Collection - Review by Roger Williams

Previously known for releasing sixties and Northern Soul classic tunes, the Connoisseur Collection folks venture into modern¹ territory with an intelligently selected compilation of predominantly 90s cuts from UK labels Dome and Intimate, featuring mainly UK artistes with the an occasional appearance from the odd US soul hero or two!

Kicking off the CD is one of the UK¹s leading soul/r&b stars, Birmingham¹s Beverley Knight, with one of her first releases from 1995 "Moving On Up (On The Right Side), which takes the bassline from Curtis Mayfield¹s classic "She¹s So Good To Me" (also sampled to great effect by Mary J. Blige on her monster "Be Happy". "Right Side" is a great rolling dancefloor winner with a tempo that, although released originally five years ago, is just the kind of thing doing the business on the dancefloors of the more progressive modern rooms around the country.

Next up is another early 90s outing, this time from Bristol¹s Sinclair. "I Want You Back" is a lovely tuneful two-stepper with good background vocal harmonies, and I think it was a minor hit at the time of release. It actually sounds much better now than I remember it sounding seven years ago! Track 3 "For Your Love" by Hil Street Soul is one of the biggest dancefloor successes of 1999. For me, this tune is the standout cut from Hilary Mwelwa¹s 1999 CD "Soul Organic", and that is really saying something given the quality of the material on offer. Without a doubt the best UK set for a very long time, and quite possibly Dome¹s biggest seller, and rightly so. Modern soul heaven!

And so we move on to a 90s-style reworking of one of the best soul tunes ever, Al Johnson & Jean Carne¹s "Back For More", this time done by Lulu & Bobby Womack. This version is absolutely awesome and has packed the floor for me on more than one occasion. Again, perfect for today, and shouldn¹t be dismissed just because of Lulu as she turns in an absolutely brilliant performance alongside the god-like presence of Bobby Womack, who himself provides a performance that I don¹t believe he¹s bettered ever since. File under the four F¹s: F*cking Fantastic Floor Filler!!!

Track five is the first of two Jones Girls outings on this compilation; "You Threw Our Love Away" is taken from side two of their 1992 revival UK-produced LP "Coming Back". Written and produced by the superb Erroll Henry, this is more top modern room fodder featuring the spine-tingling vocals of Valerie, Shirley and Brenda. This exactly the style of tune that many of the better modern room jocks are digging out and giving some long-overdue exposure to. I don¹t know who¹s picking these tunes for the compilation but he/she certainly knows the toons!!

The same sentiments go for the next one the brilliant Chris Ballin¹s "Full Time Lover", which four years after its original release on his "Do It Right" solo outing, is finally starting to gain some exposure. Another top slice of meaty uptempo dancefloor soul featuring the amazing soulful vocals of, for me, the UK¹s top male vocalist, who along with the wonderful Maysa Leak, is providing vocal services for the UK¹s top band, Incognito a brilliant, brilliant record.

Track 7 is saxophonist Mike Stevens¹ 1995 reading of a tune originally done by another British band (but I can¹t remember who, possibly Cool Down Zone or 52nd Street), and it features the vocals of US 80¹s soul diva Melisa Morgan. A lovely light jazzy groove for those warm summer nights. Track 8 appears to be a new tune "Reach Out" by Full Flava featuring the wonderful Ruby Turner on lead vocals. Another light melodic summer groover with an effortless performance from Ruby.

Next in line is an easy-paced mellow reworking of Stevie Wonder¹s "Until You Reach Out For Me" by Hil St Soul. Not much can be said about this classic song that hasn¹t already been said and it¹s given a lovely rolling treatment by young Hilary. Another superb track from her solo outing of last year. Beverley Knight¹s anthemic "Flavour Of The Old School" was the first track that brought this now very successful singer to everyone¹s attention way back in 1995. It has a really happy innocent feel about it, with handclaps and shouts of heyyyy in the background. The original CD single is well worth hunting down as it features an absolutely stunning ballad if I didn¹t file my music so badly I¹d be able to tell you what it¹s called!!

The second outing from Sinclair, "Ain¹t No Casanova" is a bouncy little happy number, but really doesn¹t go anywhere and is one of the weaker cuts on display here.

Track 12 is a Mike Stephen¹s 1995 cover of Tania Maria¹s 1983 classic "Come With Me" and features ex-Working Week vocalist and Soul Train¹ presenter Julie Roberts on scat vocal interjects. It¹s an OK effort but pales in comparison with the wonderful original.

The following track is another cover version by Mike Stephens. This time he tackles Teddy Pendergrass¹ 1988 classic "Joy" it¹s mainly sax-led instrumental but again features vocal interjects, this time from the stunning Hazel Fernandez, who sang lead with the brilliant UK duo, The Affair. Real Jazz-FM elevator-music tackle niiiice!! Another new tune in the shape of "Unwrap" from Full Flava, featuring the vocal of Beverlei Brown brings us up to date with a UK garage sounding piece of music. Sorry, but this kind of stuff does nothing for me whilst the vocals are OK, this tune sounds like one of a million of the same kind that you can see/hear on MTV simply a groove with no discernible melody. And who is Full Flava? What a shame being called "Full" by your parents!!!

The penultimate track on the CD brings it back up to standard with the superb "Getting On With My Own Life" by the Jones Girls. Again taken from their 1992 LP, this was the standout cut for me when I first bought the album. A cracking midtempo groove again featuring the girls¹ amazing vocals top tune, although probably too slow to gain any serious dancefloor action these days.

The final cut, "Can¹t Go Back" by DNA featuring Nadia, from 1999, is a surprising choice for the end tune given the quality of the rest of the tracks on show here a really horrible dreary effort with Nadia sounding like a diluted version of Jody Watley. Don¹t listen to this if you¹re feeling down, it may tip you over the edge!! Awful.

Despite the negative comments on the last tune, "Smooth Soul The UK Connection" is an extremely well thought out and intelligently put together compilation and well worth forking out your hard earned dosh for.

The Dodger 2000

track listing
beverly knight-moving on up
sinclair-i want you back
hil st soul-for your love
bobby womack and lulu - im back for more
the jones girls-you threw our love away
chris ballin-full time lover
mike stevens w
mellisa morgan-tell me (how it feels)
full flava w
ruby turner-reach out
hil st soul- until you come back to me
beverly knight-flava of the old skool
sinclair-aint no cassanova
mike stevens w julia roberts-come with me
mike stevens w hazel fernadez -joy
full flava w
beverlei brown -unwrap
the jones girls-getting on with my own life
dna w nadia-cant go back

reviews

By Mike in Articles · October 6, 200024 yr

Thanks go out to rob for the review and benji for taking time with playlist, benji is one of the top northern djs from the northern scene in germany, makes the odd visit over here to the capitol and normally fits in a few spots, heres his playlist from shoes and good bloke Rob Cc view on the nite
Shoes - Thursday -10 Aug 00 - benji's Plays and Rob Chadwicks words

benji is one of the top northern djs from the northern scene in germany, makes the odd visit over here to the capitol and normally fits in a few spots, heres his playlist from shoes -
FRANKIE & DAMONS MAN FROM SOUL JCP
THE DELLS THINKING ABOUT YOU CADET
MELVIN ELLING LONELY EYES STRETCH
THE DYNAMICS I NEED YOUR LOVE RCA W/D
THE FOUR PERFECTIONS IM NOT STRONG ENOUGH PARTY TIME YOUTH OPPORTUNITY PROGRAM OF HOPES,DREAMS AND TOMBSTONES COLUMBIA W/D
JOE DOUGLAS CRAZY THINGS PLAYHOUSE
DANNY MOORE SOMEBODY NEW ALLRITE
TONY HESTOR JUST CANT LEAVE YOU KARATE
THE ARABIANS (PLEASE) TAKE A CHANCE ON ME LE MANS W/D CHUBBY & TURNPIKES I DIDNT TRY CAPITOL
RANDY HOBBS WAITING AND WATCHING EMBER
DANNY WHITE KEEP MY WOMAN HOME ATLAS
LARRY ALLEN CANT WE TALK IT OVER GREEN DOLPHIN
THE VALENTINOS SWEETER THAN THE DAY BEFORE CHESS
BOBBY HUTTON COME SEE WHATS LEFT OF ME PHILIPS
TOBI LARK CHALLENGE MY LOVE TOPPER
JOHNNIE MAE MATTHEWS LONELY YOULL BE ATCO W/D
FREDDIE HOUSTON IF I HAD KNOWN OLD TOWN W/D
THE TOYS DESERTED FRENCH COLUMBIA E.P.
LILIAN DUPREE HIDE AND SEEK D-TOWN
THE CONSTELLATIONS I DIDNT KNOW HOW TO GEMINI STAR BOBBY SHEEN SOMETHING NEW TO DO WARNER BROTHERS EARTHA KITT THERE COMES A TIME MUSICOR
MITTY COLLIER PAIN CHESS
DON RAY SAMPSON BABY COME BACK E
JIMMY RICKS OH WHAT A FEELING FESTIVAL W/D
GEORGE FREEMAN DOWN AND OUT VALIANT

rob c took time to put together his view on the nite - read on....

After along day in the city, it was time to walk over tower bridge to "To biggest little soul club" called "these old shoes" (if anyone did not know is run by the world famous (and loveable) Jo Wallace -Paul t-martin thomson. After a pleasant walk to the club thinking about what was going to be played tonight (and how hot its was going to be) after meeting up with a few friends we headed down into the cellar, the first think that hits you as you go down the stairs is the heat, then the music ..... first up was Jo herself playing the type off music that has made her one of the most sort after DJs in the county (and Europe) already the dance floor was busy (as it would be allnight), as in must off the soul clubs in London there is a very "up for it crowd" and different age groups but it makes no difference everybody is there for a great time to listen to type of music that this club is getting famous for.
jos set....
JOHNNY BARTET...IF THIS ISNT LOVE
WILLIE KENDRICK...GIMME LOTS OFF LOVING
ARTISTICS...HOPE WE HAVE
JOHNNY SAYES...I CANT GET ENOUGH
VONETTES..TOUCH MY HEART
CONSTELLATIONS...DIDNT KNOW HOW TOO
ROSE BATISSE...I MISS MY BABY
DENISE LaSALLE...LOVE REPUTATION
KIM WESTON...I AM STILL LOVING YOU and many more !!!
After Jo came a guy that I did not know all the way from germany, but as with all the guess DJs at "These Old Shoes" he played a very good set over the next hour and half, by this time the dance floor was packed, and as for me and the rest off the crew, very very hot and sweaty (ask the cab driver !!!) by know for me and my mates the beer was starting to cut in so I cannot remember his set but it was a good mixture off classics and rare sounds .by 11pm Jo had returned to the decks which again would keep the dance floor packed till closing time, as Jo kept trying too say to everybody "this the last one" the crowd just cried out for more (me included) so we managed to keep the music going for at lease half hour later then normal.

As I walked down Tooley St hot and very sweaty, to get a cab back home I thought to myself "well thats a great start to the weekend" but its only thursday and was right it was going to be a weekend to remember.
If you are in London town on a Thursday night when "These old shoes" is on get yourself down to the "River bar"........
i know you will enjoy a great night

Rob Chadwick

event-reviews

By Mike in Articles · August 4, 200024 yr

a tuesday nite out....
Well a night out to have a few beers with a few mates ended up as a blinder a Tuesday night at that. The 6 Amigos, Myself, Dave Greenhill, Mac McDonald, Dave Brightmore, Mike Mahon, and Spencer, we would normally meet up on a Tuesday night for a few beers after work and talk about what men normally chat about Soul music, Football, and Women, but this night would be different, Mac (whos real name is Alistair ..dont laugh !!) had been home last weekend (North Wales) and had been listening to Richard Searling show on Jazz FM and heard on the show that a new cd called "The In Crowd" The story of Northern Soul, was going to be released in London at the "Pop Up Club" on Tuesday night, not one off us knowing where this club was, we started out to find it, after about half a hour looking up and down Wardor St, we found the club in Soho St not far from the 100 Club, but as we got to the door its was invite only, but not to be sent away, we told the guy on the door that we worked for Jazz FM and Scootering Magazine (only said that because I had bought it that day) but in seemed to work, and the 6 amigos were in.

The place was fairly packed, but with people I did not know , seemed that most where something to do with the record company, but after coming away from the bar (£10.00 for 3 bottles of Becks !!! BLOODY HELL I hear you say) I saw a face I did know, Mr Dave Rimmer, so have a chat with him, but he also had a heart attack at the prices at the bar, but he had sorted himself out with a small bottle off vodka (why had I not thought off that) but we did not care if there was no one we knew, the dj was playing some great stuff (Mike Ritson) so it was time to take to the floor, we got a few funny looks as 3 off us danced (dont think these people had seen this type off dancing before) but it seemed to do the trick, as more and more people got up and danced....here are a few off the tracks that got played thanks to Dave Greenhill for writing them down...

Curtis Blandon In the long run Lou Johnson Unsatisfied Kim Weston Helpless Jr. Walker How sweet it is Jackie Lee Darkest Days Donald Height Talk of the Grapevine Bobby Hutton Lend a hand Will Collins Anything that i can do JJ Barnes Our love is in the pocket Darrell Banks the door to your heart Joe Hicks Dont it make you feel funky Garnett Mimms Looking for you Denise LaSalle A love reputation Bobby Bland Shoes Doug Banks I just kept on dancing Jackie Beavers Trying to get back to you Roscoe Robinson Thats enough Sharpees Tired of being lonely

So for a Tuesday night, a good time was had by the 6 Amigos, by the end off the night there were a few faces I knew the crew from A.R.S.E, and a few faces from the Capitol Soul club, Tracey and the girls from Dartford.

The c.d has been released Castle Music and is a double cd with 50 tracks (cmedd-049) there a few classics plus some rare stuff too, so for £11.99 its not bad. There was only two bad things about the night one the bar staff (& prices)
and I had to be up 5.15am the next morning
(oohhh my head)...

Rob Chadwick.

event-reviews

By Mike in Articles · June 30, 200025 yr

Middlesborough Empire Playlist Plus June Details Mike L has just passed on news from last Empire and news of next one Middlesborough Empire on 09 Jun, Soul Essence comes to Teesside At the Middlesbrough Empire - Saturday 9 June, 9:30 til 02:30 - featuring Gt Yarmouth stalwarts - Full deails in new format *Soul Events* Plus hit read more... for Ian Levines playlist from last one +++ Heres what Ian said... I thoroughly enjoyed doing The Empire in Middlesbrough. Great club and very appreciative crowd, and I got to play a really balanced set, totalling sixty records.

GLORIA JONES - COME GO WITH ME - UPTOWN
THE FOUR VANDALS - THE WRONG SIDE OF TOWN - BOARDWALK
KENI LEWIS - NOT THE MARRYING KIND - BLUE ROCK
THE HIGH KEYS - LIVING A LIE - VERVE
THE NATURAL FOUR - I THOUGHT YOU WERE MINE - ABC
THE BUTLER BROTHERS - REPUTATION - ACADEMY
BERNIE WILLIAMS - EVER AGAIN - BELL
THE CONTOURS - I JUST CANT STOP THE FEELING - GORDY
THE SEVEN SOULS - I STILL LOVE YOU - OKEH
THE SPONTANES - WHERE DID I GO WRONG - UNITED ARTISTS
GEOFFREY METELIKO - GOT TO FIND A WAY - HAPPY TIGER
DANA VALERY - YOU DONT KNOW WHERE YOUR INTEREST LIES - COLUMBIA
SHARON SCOTT - IM NOT AFRAID - RCA THE BLENDELS - YOU NEED LOVE - DONTEE
POOKIE HUDSON - THIS GETS TO ME - JAMIE
THE CONSTELLATIONS - I DONT KNOW ABOUT YOU - GEMINI STAR
LINDA LLOYD - BREAKAWAY - COLUMBIA
TOBI LEGEND - TIME WILL PASS YOU BY - MALA
KARMELLO BROOKS - TELL ME BABY - MILESTONE
BARBARA LYNN - MOVING ON A GROOVE - JETSTREAM
THE STEELERS - DISTURBING THOUGHTS - AMG
CELEST HARDIE - YOURE GONE - REYNOLDS
DAVID RHODES - HUNG UP IN MID AIR - CHI-CITY
JIM GILSTRAP - RUN RUN RUN - BELL
JAY TRAYNOR - UP AND OVER - ABC
BILLY WOODS - LET ME MAKE YOU HAPPY - SUSSEX
TAMMI TERRELL - IVE GOTTA FIND A WAY TO GET YOU BACK - MOTOWN
THE MAGNIFICENT MEN - KEEP ON CLIMBING - CAPITOL
EULA COOPER - LET OUT LOVE GROW HIGHER - SUPER SOUND
BRENDA HOLLOWAY - KEEPS ON ROLLING - TAMLA
THE CASHMERES - LET THE DOOR HIT YOUR BACK - HEM
JOE VALENTINE - I LOST THE ONLY LOVE I EVER HAD - VAL
FRANKIE AND JOHNNY - ILL HOLD YOU - HICKORY
JEANNE AND THE VALLAMONTS - CHANGE MY DESTINY - MAXIMUM
TONY MIDDLETON - PARIS BLUES - MALA
THE ADVENTURERS - EASY BABY - COMPASS
JACK MONTGOMERY - DEARLY BELOVED - SCEPTER
CHUBBY AND THE TURNPIKES - I DIDNT TRY - CAPITOL
BOBBY FREEMAN - I GOT A GOOD THING - LOMA
JIMMY MACK - MY WORLD IS ON FIRE - PALMER
BARBARA McNAIR - BABY A GO-GO - MOTOWN
ALFIE DAVISON - LOVE IS SERIOUS BUSINESS - MERCURY
BARBARA LEWIS - I REMEMBER THE FEELING - ATLANTIC
MEL BRITT - SHELL COME RUNNING BACK - FIP
DEON JACKSON - SOMEDAY THE SUN WILL SHINE - CARLA
ANN ROBINSON - WORLD OF HAPPINESS - HARTHON
TIMMIE WILLIAMS - COMPETITION - MALA
THE ORLONS - ENVY IN MY EYES - CAMEO
DIANE LEWIS - I PLAY FOR KEEPS - REVILOT
DEBBY DOBBINS - HOW YOU GONNA FEEL - SPIRIT
THE UNIQUE BLEND - YES IM IN LOVE - EASTBOUND
THE EMBERS - WATCH OUT GIRL - MGM
SEPTEMBER JONES - IM COMING HOME - KAPP
FRAN JEFFERIES - GONE NOW - MONUMENT
THE ENDEAVOURS - BEWARE OF YOUR FRIENDS - EMPIRESTATE
PURPLE MUNDI - STOP HURTING ME BABY - CAT
CARL HALL - IS YOUR LOVE GOING OR GROWING - MERCURY
JERRY COOK - I HURT ON THE OTHER SIDE - CAPITOL
THE DECISIONS - STOP PLAYING AROUND - SUSSEX
HURIAH BOYNTON - YOU WENT BACK ON WHAT YOU SAID - LANOR

By Mike in News Archives · June 16, 200025 yr

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