March has been a full month of great soul so far. Col&I went to both the Prestatyn and Llandudno weekenders - whod have thought soul heaven was in Wales;-)))))) Both of these weekenders were excellent, great soulies, great soul acts, great music thanks to the organisers of both these weekenders all their hard work certainly showed in the end results. Im already looking forward to the next ones in 2004. Although the weekenders did take some recovering from, theyre well worth almost certainly knocking ten years off my life. I sometimes have flashes of the distant (I hope) future, in these flashes Im at the nursing/retirement home that my daughter has thoughtfully picked out for me, Im always sat in the Shackleton high seat chair (you know) with the incontinence knickers safely in place and left over dried food stuck to my chin - lovely picture Im painting;-)))) The only difference between myself and the other residents is the huge smile on my face, as I recollect perfect memories of the wonderful soul filled days of what some might say (non-soulies) is a mis-spent "middle age." Well I can safely say Ive never misspent anything and Im hoping for many more memory forming soulful years ;-)))) Anyway old age looming aside at least there was the Rider soul night to anticipate, but then even this usually looked forward to event in my social calendar seemed to be developing all the hallmarks of an impending disaster. Saturday had started badly enough with the bad news about Sid Barnes (see end of review for more details). We were also a resident DJ light as Alex had told us the month previous he was going to a mates stag do at the Cala Gran Togetherness extravaganza, Eddie one of the other residents was going to be doing an early spot as he was doing a guest set later on that night at the Greatstone Hotel, Manchester. We had compensated for this asking Mark Hanson to do a set, but then as we arrived at the club to set up for the night we received a message from Guy saying he had an emergency on and wouldnt be able to come that night. So we were two residents light, I myself thought this would be to my advantage as I would get to hear more of Colins records played out, but it wasnt to be as Mick H (who was doing a guest set at the Golbourne nighter later) arrived and said hed do a set for us. Joking aside thanks to both Mark and Mick for helping out and Col still managed a fine set at the end of the night so I think everyone was pleased at the final outcome. Numbers through the door were as expected considering we were up against two allnighters, one weekender and numerous soul nights up and down the country so it was a great to see all those soulies that chose to come to the Rider. Apart from three unhappy soulies, well two unhappy and one disgruntled, every one seemed to enjoy the good company and great toons. I asked one of the three soulies that left early, why they hadnt enjoyed the night, he said that they didnt know any of the toons played (see playlist, yes I even managed a playlist this time, at end) "Not even the Vanguards" I replied "We travel all over" he said "and Ive never heard that before". I responded by telling him that we too travelled all over and that I heard that particular toon so many times that I had renamed it "Good times, Bad times, 6 times" (good sound though nevertheless) Still they came along and even though they probably wont come again at least they gave us a try. They were obviously into the more well known oldies and as we all know Northern soul venues are split into many different factions which all come under the umbrella of the Northern Soul scene. It wouldnt do for us all to like the same, the whole scene would become staid and boring very soon if that was the case. Its also part of whats kept Northern soul alive for so long. Traveller of the night award was going to go to another pair of Rider Club virgins Gordon Hamilton&Julie this time from Edinburgh, Gordon or Hammy as he is known (dont know why hes called Hammie, he never explained his nickname;-)))) is one of the promoters of Souler Power in Edinburgh. It was also his birthday on Sunday, but he started to celebrate as the clock struck midnight, he was bemoaning the fact that he was 29!!!!! If only!!!!!!! (see previous whinge about my birthday on the Friday;-))))) Thanks to Eddie and Mark for helping Colin set up for the night and our heartfelt thanks to everyone who came along for making it as usual a great night. Referring back to my earlier mention of Sidney Barnes, as some of you may already know, and for those of you who dont, we have unfortunately had to cancel his live appearance at the Rider in May due to unforeseen circumstances. To those of you who had already purchased tickets, thanks, the money will come in very handy :-)))) Seriously folks, a refund is on its way to you, even as I type Colin is busy sticking n licking and I wish hed stop it as its beginning to chafe a bit now :-)))) No, no seriously folks, we would like to say how sorry Col&I are for bringing you this bad news. We hope you will be able to catch Sids performance at one of the other venues he will be appearing at. Now for those of you who like lists, heres the Rider playlist for the night, apologies for any errors that you eagle eyed knowalls :-)))))) But as Ive said many, many times before what seems perfectly legible on leaving the club, a week later seems to transform into hieroglyphics: Colin Wood (warm-up) Archie Bell&The Drells - Giving up dancing Mighty Sam - Georgia pines Jackie Wilson - Just be sincere Millionaires - Cherry baby Vince Apollo - I cant turn my back on you V Wagers - Lucky I found you Jack Montgomery - Baby take a chance on me Eddie Engel (getting warmer) Dusty Springfield - If it dont work out George Scott - Family tree Tata Vega - I just keep thinking about you Freda Payne - I do anything for you Purple Reign - Loves shortage I.A.P.Co - Check Yourself Tutti Hill - Hes a lover Alex Hassilen - Young man Barbara Jackson - Second best Bill Baker - Another sleepless night Jerry Tiffe - Hey whatcha doing Steve Alaimo - Little girl Orlons - Envy Minnie Jones - Shadow of a memory Sunbreakers - Trying to get back to you Mikki Farrow - Set my heart at ease Lou Ragland - I travel alone Antiques - Go for yourself Alex and Guy didnt seem to be their usual selves tonight and appeared to have come disguised as Mark Hanson and Mick H :-))))) Once again thanks fellas for the fine sets you played. Alex Hennigan (Mark Hanson) Volumes - I just cant help myself Al Williams - I am nothing Vondells - Hey girl youve changed Topics - Tears said the whole sad story Soul Inc - My proposal Artistics - This heart of mine Tony Colton - I stand accused Parliaments - Cry no more Spyder Turner - Im alive with loving feeling Cavaliers - Dance little girl Gary Soul - Holding on Jackson Brothers - Ive got to hear from you Baby Huey&The Babysitters - Just being careful Vashonettes - Mighty good lover Stoppers - Come back baby Jerry Taylor - Empty arms and bitter tears Gracie Dumas - Song of a woman Eddie Daye Band - Guess who loves you Johnny Sayles - I cant get enough BJ Thomas - Keep it up Ravenettes - Since youve been gone Guy Jones (Mick H) Mayfield Singers - Dont stop none William Cumming - Love him Carpets - Just cant win Trannells - Blessed with a love Royal Esquires - Aint gonna run ?? Perfections - Im gonna lose you Johnny Rogers - Make a change Vanguards - Good times bad times Rober Tanner - Sweet memories Tim Harris - Dont say you want me Eddie Huges - Soul serenader Prince Paul - In the beginning Bernard Smith - Gotta be a reason Sensations - Demanding man Magnetics - When Im with my baby Nu-rons - All my life Masquaders - The same thing Brenda Holloway - Crying time ?? Carlin Gaye - Heartaches Passions - If you see my baby Ralph Graham - She just sits there Kitch Poets - I want love Judy Stokes - A real man Appointments - I saw you there Charles Mintz - Running back Primers - How does it grab you Mello Souls - We can make it Servicemen - You aint got love c/u Precisions - I wanna tell my baby Devotions - Do Do De Dop Poets - Wrapped around your finger Admirations - I want to be free Locations - Mr Diamond Man Dusty Wilson - Gonna be a tragedy Colin&Mark (wind down - I dont think so!!!!!) Soulville All Stars - Im gonna get to you Johnny Watson - Aint gonna move Rivieras - You counter feit girl Delfonics - Youll get enough Righteous Brothers - Its up to you Tammi Terrell - Tears at the end of a love affair Temptations - Who you gonna run to El Corols - Chick Chick The Q - Thats the way Archie Bell&The Drells - My balloons going up Ambassadors - Good love gone bad Ambers - I love you baby Platters - Going back to Detroit Geno Washington - Ill be around Jimmy Holiday - Ive been done wrong Chosen Few - Birth of a playboy Volcanos - False alarm Unlimited Four - Walk away lover Big Dee Irwin - You satisfy my needs Considering that this soul night could have almost been Eddie, Kitch and three hours of Colin behind the decks, (dont get me wrong, I wouldnt have complained at that prospect) we were treated to some additional gems from Mark and Mick and as you can see some spanking toons hit the decks that night. So if there is a moral to this story:- All you budding jocks out there take note, it may be worthwhile taking a playbox out with you on the off chance that one of the listed DJs at the venue you have chosen for your evenings entertainment doesnt make it :-)))))) Whilst I am on the subject of DJs not being able to make it, next months guest DJ is not as flyered. Ion will not be able to make the trip this time so we will be entertained by Paul McNamara, who I believe is stocking up on Goldmine and Grapevine discs in anticipation of his unexpected guest spot at the Rider on April 12th :-))) Joking aside having heard Paul DJ at other venues I know he has some great records, lets just hope he fetches them with him :-)))) If you cant wait until next month get yourself to the Yorkshire Rider website, http://totn.topcities.com where youll hear loads of good toons. See ya next month. Soulfully yours, Shirley.