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The latest Northern Connections episode, it's #33 in this long running series from Kenb Northern Soul Connections #33 - The lnvaders / E.Lampkins Figuring out the participants of, and then 'attaching' them to, Earth Record Co F/W 18740 A-B has been a tricky business! The result has mainly fallen to investigating a mash-up of USA geography, people time & place, and combining it with some intuitive wild ass guesswork. There was a number of differing Louisiana 'Invaders' (plus at -
We have just reached #34 in @Kenb's long running informative 'Northern Connections' series. Read and digest below Northern Connections # 34 Lew Hanson, Mary Mundy & Soul Syndicate/Seven Sense Insurance City Records said it would give 10% of its profits to The Newington Children's Hospital & Bellevue Square Boys Club, from (this} its first original production release. The record was cut at Creative Sound and released in early 1972. Two musicians and three businessmen started -
Now at #35 in the long running informative 'Northern Connections' series by @Kenb. Northern Connections # 35 - Child Of Friendship, Train Robbers The eagle-eyed amongst you will have spotted two different addresses on the 2 versions of Natural Records 1516. 1516 25th Ave versus 1510 16th St. The latter being a small room and the location for Black Unity, Inc-at least from 1971 to 1974. Black Unity, Inc was incorporated in 1967 and was essentially founded to raise the political conscio -
We are now hitting issue #36 of this very long running informative 'Northern Connections' series from ken Brown aka @Kenb Northern Connections # 36 Deception Today (2023) it would hardly be considered the crime of the century to operate a 'near victimless mail scam' or cause a deception for the benefit of a few 45 records. However, not so in Virginia 1972. Back then, defrauding a record club and stereo tape club carried a U.S. District Court indictment. Some still may say t -
It's the spring issue of member @Kenb's now regular infographic Northern Connections series This time around there's a debonair touch to the connections Northern Connections #4... -
Northern Soul Connections #5 by @Kenb Three of 'The Philadelphian Funk Brothers' It's time for another in this now firmly established northern soul infographic Northern Connections series This one involves three of 'The Philadelphian Funk Brothers' Northern Connections #5... -
Northern Soul Connections #6 by @Kenb into my ark, 2 by 2... Northern Connections hits issue #6! Latest in this series of soul infographics from Kenb takes a 2 x 2 connection as its theme.... -
Time for #7 in this now well established series of Northern Soul 'connections' infographics from @Kenb Northern Soul Connections #7 - Two Ladies Two Songs This time around we are looking at two ladies and two songs with similar melodies, the ladies being La Reine La Mar and Marion Stewart and the songs..... site note have added the two tracks being talked about below La Reine La Mar - That's Not The Way To Love - CLOUD 503-B Marion Stewa -
The latest Northern Soul Connections have just arrived on the doormat from @Kenb. We are now at #8 in this firmly established infographic series and this time around the northern soul connection is... Northern Soul Connections #8 - 'Studio & their sides, stations & their DJs' -
This months Soul Connection infographic from @Kenb have just arrived and can be viewed directly below. This month the connection is titled... Northern Soul Connections September 2017 - Sweet Home Alabama -
A tale of copyright issues, long (and I do mean long) time readers may remember back in 2004 a book by photographer John Barrett was published containing many stylish and unique photos of the then current Northern Soul Scene The blurb on Soul Source back in 2004 went like the below and you can also re-visit the original 2004 article via the link following the quote A new book out now. 223 pages full of black and white images taken on today's Northern Soul scene, at venues all around t -
Back in the day, Sarah Collins’ Dad, Phil, was one of the coolest mods in town. He drove a customised Lambretta, wore the sharpest suits and was seen in all the right places. But most of all he was envied for his massive record collection. It helped that he’d been brought up living in pubs in Leeds so had access to all those 45s with the extra large hole in the middle which had been playing on jukeboxes. Music for him was a passion, and he was most passionate about Soul, Northern Soul & -
Well it just had to happen!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Northern Soul The Theme Park is on its way and will be built on the original Casino site in Wigan, this will include a total rebuild of the original building plus a whole host of special attractions within this multi million pound project..........the site will have it all such as retro nostalgia roller coasters which will transport you back to September 23rd 1973 with an audio visual blow your mind journey that you can relive again and again, soak up th
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Northern Soul Top 500 Written by Kev Roberts, published by Goldmine/Soul Supply Ltd in 2000. “Born in the ultra-cool Mod clubs of the late-sixties with names like The Blue Orchid, King Mojo and The Twisted Wheel, the sound was Motown, Stax, Atlantic and their imitators – American Soul music with an express train beat that found a spiritual home in England’s North and a name… ‘Northern Soul’. Driven by incredible sounds from Detroit, Chicago, Philadelphia, New York & the West Coast, -
End Of School Report ...part 2.... Posted by nubes, 14 August 2008 Well...a bit late with this...but i have had time to reflect on Naim's first year at Secondary school...last year this time...although elated by our success to get him into a school of our choosing....I was also very apprehensive as well...worried about how he would settle...had my expectations been too high...etc etc... Well i am pleased to say that he has more than made me very proud....not only has his school w
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One In A Million: The Songs Of Sam Dees - Various Artists (Songwriter Series) CDKEND 411 Meet Samuel L Dees — A Song-writing Phenomenon As Tony Rounce clearly states in his opening gambit to the liner notes of the Kent offering: The Songs Of Sam Dees, “Few songwriters command the level of respect amongst soul fans that Sam Dees does. No single compilation could cover the whole career of a writer whose song list is a big as Sam’s”. As is usual with the Kent re -
I did wonder at one time after listening to some Motown compilations from some sources if all the quality recordings done by Motown had seen the light of day. However, wonder no more because since Ace/Kent via compilers Mick Patrick and Keith Hughes locked themselves in Motown’s vaults I’ve some absolute classics have found their way to a new audience. Not only have we had various releases covering various acts we have also had compilations covering Motown’s Guys and Girls. Love And Affection -
WOW, that is the only word that I can think of right now if I shall begin to describe the soulful weekend experience I just had in Oslo. I'll take it from the beginning. I had been looking forward to my first guest dj spot at the legendary Oslo Soul Experience for quite some time. Out of coincidence, it turned out to be the same weekend as the opening of the exhibition "Ghetto Tales - Soul with a message" at the great Kowalski & Hansen Gallery in Oslo. Tommy SÃÆ’¶vik has been working on th -
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
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Otis Clay - Sleeve Notes taken from a dutch 80/90s album Otis Clay Although he was on the brink of nationwide stardom in 1972 while on the same Memphis based Hi label that launched Al Green, Otis inexplicably never reached the same heights that Green did. But with his driving seven-piece band {featuring the unparalleled Chicago Fire horn section), Clay continues to epitomize the very finest in raw, emotionally supercharged soul.Like so man -
James & Truitt with Black Smoke - What's wrong with it - Juca Records. The label was based from a record store at 1119 Broadway, West Memphis, Arkansas. This was the home of several labels over the years including Delta and 8th Avenue. The store was run by one of the Craft brothers, the other ran the mastering service Craft Sound. Situated on the western side of the Mississippi river across from Memphis proper, this little sleepy town was also home to legendary radio station KWEM, which -
Thanks to Paul Rice for the words below charting the story of what till now may not have been a well known story. Also many thanks to Nick Risi for the use of the photos from his own personal archives PAT POWDRILL AND NICK RISI By Paul Rice Pat Powdrill's mother and Nick Risi's father worked for the same company in Los Angeles. They started talking about Pat and Nick's interest in music and came to the conclusion that it would be beneficial for them to meet each other. At that tim -
PAUL RISER - MBA (Motown’s Brilliant Arranger) The importance of the arranger in the musical process, whatever the genre, cannot be overstated …or underestimated. The arranger translates the basic structure of a song, or piece of music, into a format that musicians can play, while improvising and embellishing the original concept into a completed creation. The American Federation of Musicians defines musical arrangement as “ …the art of preparing and adapting an already written composition -
Thanks to First Experience records we have to pass on news and info all about a recent album release from Paul Tillman Smith on Chump Change Records Titled 'A Beautiful Heart' this album offers a wide range of quality soul output, you just need to hit the preview clip below to get a taste of the quality that is on offer here. Alongside Paul the album features a whole host of Bay Areas soul singer and musicians, further down you can read Pauls own words 'The Story' (which does accompany t -
Various Ramblings & Playlists Posted by Pete Burton, 22 June 2008 · Enjoyed a great night at Rugby last night, met up with loads of friends I've not seen for a while, enjoyed playing my spot to an appreciative crowd and came home with a few nice new toons for the playbox...........what more could you want ! Playlist for my Spot in the Main Room 09:00 to 10:00 Hytones - Bigger & Better - A-Bet Joe Matthews - She's My Beauty Queen - Thelma Donna Colman - Your
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I've finally managed to find this….enjoy LETTERS TO THE EDITQR write to the Mag address with your soul letters Dear Blackbeat I Have just got to have a say in the 60s newie versus modern soul/played out oldies argument, as I have been on the scene since 1972, having started at the Torch through Blackpool Highland Room, Mecca, Va Vas, Wigan Casino, Yate, Catacombs. All the good clubs, with the exception of St Ives and Samanthas. l experienced the first split in 1976-60s v New -
An interview with Pete McKenna author of real world books "Nightshift and "Who the hell's Frank Wilson", including news of a new forthcoming edition of Nightshift (several hundred new words added) and the screenplay for a possible stage/radio adaptation of "Who the hell's Frank Wilson" Pete Mckenna interview by Snowy Pete McKenna was 17 years old in the last few months of 1973 when one Saturday night he travelled by coach to Wigan with four friends. They were ready to check out this ne -
Pete Smith: Here's the first of the fresh soul source online interview series Pete Smith - Interview 1998 Starting of the first one is Pete Smith, now thats a name regular visitors should be familar with as in the early days of Soul Source he contributed hell of a lot of articles, info and data. Read on... Ok Pete can you give us a bit of your background just so all visitors know where you're coming from OK well I was born in 1960 and bought up in Wolverhampton, home of the
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Photos and Info sent in from Lorne Anton, who while based in Chatham with the RN took these photos at The Central Gillingham in 1967 Maxine Brown and the Q-Set at the Central R&B Club, Gillingham 3rd December 1967 Lorne's accompanying words The date I originally gave for the Maxine Brown gig at the Central R&B Club, Gillingham is wrong, apologies! The correct date should be 3/12/1967. This was, I think, her second UK Tour with some 30 odd gigs between Sept 67 and Feb -
Been A Bit Quiet Round These Here Parts... Posted by pikeys dog, 17 December 2006 so during the run upto xmas I'll start adding entries. WOOF ➢ Steam June 4th Posted by , 10 June 2005 Black Eyed Peas - Smallest Man Alive - Ultra~City Larry Davis - I've Been Hurt So Many Times - Kent Minnie Epperson - Grab Your Clothes - Action Claude (Baby) Huey - Keep It To Myself - M.I.O.B. Little Ben & The Cheers - Baby You're Mine - Rush Johnny
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Thought a great read so a worthwhile pass on Asked John P for a few possible "watch outs" for this upcoming Sunday. Well all will say that his reply was such a enjoyable read, I had to ask for permission to pass it on .... Planning and Prep - John Pugh Hi Mike, re plays at NCSC - talking to Max today he told me that hed spoken to someone who was Monkeying on Saturday, whod said theyd enjoyed hearing the Jackie Edwards duet with Joyce Bond version of I Feel So
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Ok here we go with a look back at last nites xmas monkey. 8 o clock doors open, few early people already in, Not attempting much vinyl info, as still scrambled and as a lot of nite was spent darting about, was a case of missing a lot of vinyl going ons First up was Colin Wood one of promoters of the great Halifax Yorkshire Riders Club, got to say many thanks to Colin, fairly long story but end of day Colin put in a lot of effort to do this spot and know myself and Steve really appreciated thi
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President label info by Pete Smith 1997 PRESIDENT A lesser known but very long-lasting record label, President began in 1967 and was still issueing records in the late 80's in one form or another. Although not exclusively a soul label, President was pretty on the ball when it came to discotheque demand and you'll find many classics here. The label was owned by Ed Kassner and was the par -
A great lookback at Prestatyn 2008 from the modern side originally posted on EMS and also posted on the forum here Prestatyn 2008 - Lookback from the Modern Side "Thought I'd do my usual look back for this event ..its huge and I make no apologies because there was so much to take in 🙂 Prestatyn 2008 was an absolute blast from the start to the last, it was just jam packed with magical moments, musical highs,top social crack ,and spending lots of time with really good friends and ch
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Had a great time at Prestatyn. The event that brings together all shades of the scene and celebrates what's happening around it. Not all of it for me, but so much good stuff, that there were always many options of places to be, chat, laugh and dance. The Impressions, were off the good scale, still have great voices, treated us to an hour of ballads and dancers, but everyone a classic. Richard Searling and his team did a fantastic job and with 3500 peeps in and all that I saw and spoke to smili -
Project Awakening - Black History Month USA February Also known as African-American History Month, it was first observed by students and faculty at Kent State University in 1970. In 1976 it evolved into a month-long celebration and became a national holiday when President Gerald Ford recognized “the too-often neglected accomplishments of black Americans in every area of endeavour throughout our history” in a speech to mark the United States Bicentennial. Moses B. Norman-Orangeburg chan -
Rugby's Freestyle Room, A 40 Year Journey Posted by purist, 26 November 2010 · These days with my memory failing a little I'm not exactly sure when it was that I started collecting records, I'm fairly sure it was '67, or '68? Why I was drawn to records of a certain style is a mystery to me, the area I grew up in had it's share of West Indian families, so music best described as 'non pop chart black music' was always around. Why records at all I dunno, perhaps my mom's obsess
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First things first, I am the worlds worst at taking a compliment, in fact I don't know what to say or do when somebody gives me one. I usually just mumble a thank you, so to all the people who have said such nice things recently I am humbled by your appreciation, and glad to have played a small part in your nights enjoyment. The reason I'm finally getting around to writing this is due in the main to folk coming up to me in venues and asking me what such and such a tune was, and me h -
By E. Mark Windle, March 2020. Let’s face it. There would be no need for a Women’s History Month forty years on from inception, if under-recognition of female contributions to culture, society and the workplace wasn’t still a “thing”. The music business can be as guilty as any other male dominated industry of inequality and denied opportunity. Female recording artists are still on average earning less than male counterparts. Less women reach music executive positions. Less are employ -
The return of a legend — or maybe more accurately, the first time this legend’s ever really gotten his due! Ralph Jackson’s been working in the Alabama soul underground for decades — yet this smoking album may well be the first time he’s ever really gotten out front, and able to do his thing — working with a tight group of younger musicians who really respect the southern soul vibe that Ralph’s going for — and help him hit a really great sound in the process! The set’s a soul record through an -
REVIEW - RARE SOUL BIBLE VOLUME 2. BY DAVE RIMMER Dave Rimmer is a well-known and respected figure in Northern Soul circles and in his 25+ years on the scene has DJ'd just about the full length of the U.K. As well as Europe so clearly he knows his onions, His second instalment of his "Rare Soul Bible" series is a welcome source of reference for artists & label info such as release dates, label release numbers as well as those very useful flip side titles, so for this type of refer -
Rare Soul Review - Issue 1 2001 Rare Soul review - Issue 1 (note 2 x clips are fairly large - 200kb and may take a few mins to download, but worth the wait) Recently had the good sense at a niter to think better buy myself something to read before putting myself at the mercy of Railtrack on a Sunday. Quick look round the dealers stalls and spotted the glossy cover of the first issue of Rare Soul review. Had a flick and thought yeah give that a go. Now Railtrack being Railtrack yiu may -
Was having another dig around the soul source back garden, and stumbled on this... Another scanned sleeve notes ocr (not sure) type of thing done in the last century, this time around the scan is from the Charly Comp Lp "Rare Soul Uncovered" with the notes being written by Dave Evision. The notes are not really that related to the actual tracks, its basically a take on the 'History Of Northern Soul' as it was circa 1984. As always these notes do provide a 'snapshot' in time of attitudes -
Wigan Casino Top 20 Compiled by Russ Winstanley & Richard Searling. This chart was published in Record Mirror weekly for several months during 1975 From the Mecca of British Soul You've Come A Long Way Baby - Flower Shoppe Let Me Do It - The Bells Going To A Go·Go -The Sharonettes The Day My Heart Stood Still - Ollie Jackson I'm comlng home in The Morning - Lou Pride Cracking Up Over You - Tommy Hunt Get Out -Tommy Hunt Zola - King Errisson I Can't Help Myself -
RECORDING STUDIO TECHNIQUES – HOW THINGS HAVE EVOLVED Back in the 60's, recording studios were very different places. The equipment wasn't that sophisticated at all. In fact, some recordings were just made on domestic tape recorders, with the group set up in a garage or similar space. Even professional studios would only have 2 or 4 track 'desk' equipment. As the decade progressed, the desks / studio rooms changed rapidly. But, even though the equipment was changing rapidly, the way many s -
I frequently have a tendency to delve into researching a particular subject, only to find myself veering off course after about a month or so, leaving some interesting facts sat on my computer’s desktop. Some might attribute this behaviour to ADHD, but who knows? Navigating the soul and R&B scene can be a labyrinthine journey, unbelievably it’s a small world where boundaries can blur effortlessly. Delving into research often leads to a mass of discovery, and you can easily lose track of -
So 24 hours or so after the event, I thought it would be right and proper to put together a few words to reflect the weekender as a whole. For those with a short attention span, it was absolutely unforgettable, and all in all BRILLIANT!! For anybody else who can firstly forgive my propensity to waffle at a moment's notice, and who like a little more detail as they've managed to move beyond the attention span of a goldfish, the following Over the last decade and a half, those of us who are o -
From Here To Maternity Posted by Reg 01 August 2005 Had a last wheel out before the imminent arrival of baby Reg at Steve's new night Soul or Nothing. Wow, what a turn out and, without any hint of bias, I have to say it was one of the best nights I've been at for a good while (with the possible exception of the launch night ). Thing is he's got it just right for the kind of people he wants to attract. A plush venue with plenty of sofas ( for those of us who need
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Review - 100 Club Saturday by Irish Greg The 100 Club All-nighter was one of the best Ive attended over the last year or so. The music was of a very high standard (even higher than normal) with Mick Smith spinning the newly discovered (Unreleased) version of Trick bag by CP LOVE and not Tommy Tate as some people are saying. Mick also spun the likes of The Inmates, Bobby Rich, Classics on Yang-G, Eric Lomax C/up, True-Image, Magnetics plus many more top raritys. Shifty was also on top f -
Thanks to Chalky for passing on a in depth review of the recently released Falcons Cd from the Soul Junction label. The Falcons featuring Sonny Munro (Soul Junction SJCD5000) Steeped in the history of Rhythm and Blues & Soul Music, Detroit (forget all about Motown for a while) has given us some of the finest purveyors of the music of our choice. One of the groups that is rich in the history of Detroit Soul is the Falcons, who in turn has given Soul Music some of the finest luminari
