Mike

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 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 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... ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 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 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 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 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 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

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

George Jackson Nite Review By Mike Hump 2000 thanks go out to another of out intrepid reporters for taking his life in hand and venturing to far off lands, EC1 in london, just so he can pass onto you details of what seems to be a excellent nite with a bit of a different flavour read on for the adventures of mike humphries at the george jackson soul nite It always seems to me a tough decision deciding what type of warmer to go to before an event. Going to a strictly 60s Northern do before the 100 club seems like going to see a tribute band before the real thing. So when I read the flyer for the George Jackson soul night it sounded a decent alternative to some of the duff series of mod, psychedelic, school disco northern events put on prior to the 100. (more of this in a later posting). I arrived about 1100 so the place was busy. First surprise was the beer. Good selection of Belgian beer at reasonable prices. So after a few sips of Hoogaarden it was down stairs to the basement bar. Smallish room probably 50-60 people, young crowd - in the main not soulies but still taking in the sounds. When I arrived Gareth was on the decks. I hadnt realised it but I had met him before at the Dome. On the strength of my conversation with him I went out and bought a couple of Soul Children CDs (highly recommended). What more can I say a soulie who knows his stuff. I can now say he also knows how to put a well thought out set together. Next up was a guest Gordon who played some fine stuff too. Finally David put together an excellent mid and uptempo session. Those of you I have met will know that I am useless at the hard facts, however David has promised to put a playlist together for me, as soon as I get it I will pass it on. All in all if you like quality soul with a refreshing soul mix of mid-tempo, beat ballads, classy 60s and 70s sounds and a few from Memphis then this is the place for you. Great as it is, the biggest problem with the 100 (and the Dome for that matter) is that there is nowhere to have a reasonable conversation whilst being able to hear whats going on in the hall. As a result it is difficult to catch up with a bit of chat and check out the latest gossip. As a meeting place "George Jackson" is just right. The music doesnt completely dominate so conversation is possible without bursting your lungs and the beer is top notch. So if you want some top soul in a comfortable meeting place to start the night then this is the place to meet up, catch up and then move on to the nighter. I had intended to check it out then move onto the queue for the "100" at 1230. The sounds were so good that I stayed for the duration and didnt get to Oxford street till 0200pm. David, Gareth and their crowd are a friendly bunch and they were happy to discuss their plays, give the low down and provide back ground. Check them out - you wont be disappointed. The next George Jackson Night is in a month Check out their flyer on Soul Source. Mike Hump

Next in line with this series of interviews is Irish Greg DJ and CSC co-promoter Man of today Irish Greg -1999 Q Ok Greg, to start us off, for people who don't know you, how did you get into northern and end up in London? I first got into northern when I was young Mod all of 16 and was living in Galway (Ireland, hello guy's) but it was really when I moved to London in 1987 (was only 17). I remember going to Mod clubs and hearing things like Ron Baxter, Liz Lands etc etc. But it was when I went to the 100 Club and heard that magic mid-tempo sound of things like Bobby Kline, Magnetics, Danny Moore, and Kell Osborne - I had found my church to worship at. Q. You're one of the main people behind the Capitol Soul Club and it all seems to be going well, what is the idea behind the club? I had left the 100 Club as a resident D.J. and The Scene for about 2 years (you need a break ever now and then), on my return I found that nothing had changed, same D.J's spinning the same stuff (one or two exceptions of course). I meet up with my good friend Alan Handsome (D.J. and Collector) and decided to start up the C.S.C with the intention to get some of the best and entertaining D.J.'s who would spin quality newies and current big sounds (Oldies are played and always should be because we are here to entertain but we must also look to the future). The C.S.C is about the future and including the past all in one. D.J.'s like Carl Fortnum, Dave Flynn , Shifty , Andy Rix etc have shown it works. I must mention also Matt Jahans, who keeps doing a great job on the promotional front - he is totally into it and we couldn't do it without him. Q. With the dome being a mainly upfront sixties soul venue, what are your views on events/djs that stick to classic oldies formula. I think events that just play oldies have got to move on and oldies D.J.'s should not be playing so safe - otherwise the punter will go elsewhere. Also I think the punter should go and speak to the D.J.'s or Promoter if he or she is not happy, remember the punter pays the wage and without them this scene will DIE. Speak up-don't shut up. Q. What would you say to critics of today's sounds saying they don't match up to the classics of yesteryear? That is total bullshit, these people should listen to the sounds on your site and wake up. I wonder if they are the same people who just want to hear what they heard in there youth and are forever moaning. Yes some of the greatest records are classics but some of the unreleased stuff (small example) that are turning up are awesome. Q. As said before at dome you do get a mixed age group, and have used methods such as free tapes at events and the GLR radio show. To spread the word, do you reckon this is the way ahead? Yes, the idea of free tapes was simply to break new sounds. The punter would pay £5 in and was handed a tape of sounds that will be played at the club, they go home listen to it and the next time they come its like they know that record backwards (it's broken before it hits the turntable). G.L.R was a massive help to the club and was fantastic, we could advertise to a massive amount of people and spread the word in a way I could only dream of. I think more Promoters/D.J.'s should look to giving the punter more, we have given T-Shirts away for nothing because when they wear it we get The Capitol Soul Club promoted everywhere they wear it. We don't have loads of money (far from it) but it got the punters in and made them feel part of something, they are the capitol not us. q. Next month capitol soul club are holding a event in Newton le Willows, how do you think this will go, and what have you got to say to people to may be thinking of going? I hope it's a success; we will stick to our guns, play quality sounds, lots of new things plus old and hopefully entertain. To the people going to the venue I would like to say thanks and hopefully you will be entertained and come away from the event hearing sounds you liked. I think the promoter Alan has pressed up free tapes - now that's what I call a promoter who wants to move on and cares about his crowd. Q. Capitol Soul clubs Plans for the future? We have got lots of stuff but until all is ready I can't say as some people might just nick one or two ideas. Radio show on Internet is one. Q. As said rarely hear any post 69 stuff is this a deliberate choice or just way it works out? It's just the way it is, 75% of the D.J's are hardcore sixties (oldies and newies) and we have found that works great. We do play some crossover stuff but when you have new sixties things then that gets prority. The crowd is a great mix (soulies, mods etc) but in London we have found a mainly hardcore sixties following and we are more than happy with that. Q. Ok Greg onto dj-ing side of life, how did you first get into it? I started in Mod clubs in London and then Val Palmer packed in her set at the 100 Club (early 9'ts, so Adey asked if I would step in and of course I said yes (you don't say no to that). At first it was great but it upset some people that they were not asked and got quite nasty, it left a bad taste with me because I'm not into this ego D.J. bullshit. I remember going on to D.J and offering out these people in front of a packed 100 CLUB (my mates looking around for the first person to move) but this one person in particular just put his head down and I ain't seen him since (moaners etc). I then went on to work with some bands who are now very famous and I must say a big thank you to Adey because he stuck right by me and was always fare. Q. What are your top 3 sounds at moment that are getting the most dance floor re-action? 1.Other Brothers - Nobody but me - Unissued 2.Jimmy Hughes - It ain't what you got - Atlantic (Thanks to Mick Smith) 3.Tyn Tymes - Baby I love you - Music box Q. Have you ever done a spot that has totally bombed, like tumbleweeds blowing thru the dance floor during your spot, and why did it happen? Not really, once or twice the dance floor would go quite but only when trying something new, a D.J should always have back up just in case (Luther Ingram and Gene Toones is mine) Q. As said at beginning you've been recently signed up to dj at ocean colour scenes concert, how did this come about? I have worked for many well know bands and we did interview Steve (O.C.S. guitarist) for G.L.R - So I got a call and was told they wanted me and if there's free beer and the rest !!!! then I'm your man. Party on Noel and Liam. Q What do you reckon you be playing there, current stuff or well known stuff? Plenty of Northern plus some British rnb and Indie stuff. This is the way to get the kids into it. What I love is seeing young kids heads moving when your playing something like Edwin Starr, Miracles etc - they fuckin love it to death. Q. Radio show on GLR, where's Wigan seemed to go down well, how did that happen any plans for more shows? It was a big success, everyone who knew about it tuned in and you could hear things like Gary Dean, Little Ann, Doni Burdick, Jimmy Burns, Pat Lewis, Vivian Carroll etc all on the B.B.C - wow. We would get people like Mark Lamar and other celeb's phoning in for request's and wanting to know about record's that we were playing, it was great fun. O'ya it came about because the lad's from Dodgy wanted to do a Londoner's guide to Northern and one of my best mate's is Nick Abnett the bass player - so in I go to oversee everything and end up one of the host's. No more show's planned as G.L.R are going for a talk station with very little music. Q,. You recently did 100 club, how did that go? Any more appearances planned? It was ok, the sound was very bad (deck's blew up at one stage) and the crowd seemed a bit quiet. The problem I found was that the regular D.J.'S are sometimes just going through the same stuff when everyone knows that they have loads of great new records in reserve, dig them out and play them. Otherwise what's the point in bringing a 200 box of single's when your playing the same 20 records every month, they might be very rare but a sound is a sound and if you have another 180 then for fuck sake play them over the year. The 100 club is still one of the best all-nighter's in the country and still leads the way on the soul road but the lights sometimes change. I mean poor old Adey is the only one over the last few years that has played a substantial amount of new disc's (Rca stuff etc). Come on boy's dig deep and mix it up - I think Shifty was a good signing and always put's a bit of passion into it. No plan's to return, as I'm busy enough with the C.S.C and other musical interests. Q. Thanks so far Greg, few odd ones now! If during an event a guy wandered up stage and said, play some proper northern like out on floor or I do you! What track would you play next and has similar ever happened. No but if someone make's the effort to ask for a track and I got it with me then I'll play it. If I put it in the box in the first place then I must think it's good enough to be played, otherwise I shouldn't have it in there. We respect everyone who come's to the Capitol for a peaceful soul night out - no bullshit - no snobs - no egos just a great celebration of the music we all love. Now if a piss head starts and is taken the piss then I'm not one to hold back. Q. Heard a rumour that Ian Levine wouldn't mind doing a spot at the dome, how do you feel about that? We are Booked solid - sorry. I spoke to Ian at the 100 Club and let me tell ya that he still has some great records and I found him quite a nice guy to talk too. I would still ask him for a tape though. Q. London seems to have a 101 soul events on a month apart from 100 club and dome, where would you head for, for a great nite out? Drinking with The Boy's from Dodgy is always a mad one, especially with Nick or maybe the nearest hardcore punk event, maybe to see The Business or a great new band called The Solar Flares (Medway band). Soul wise well These Old Shoes is a good one. Q. Greg say you just discovered a great lp track, trouble is its by a uk white 70s pop star, and has no real soul connection, would you play it? No, but I heard Rod Stewart's version of First cut is the deepest the other day and that's not bad? I'm joking of course - his balls must be a mess with all those tight trousers he wore. Q. Cover ups- in old days were to stop bootleggers, nowadays... what's your view? I do it for a laugh but really I think it's very bad because these artists have never received any recognition and then someone come's along and say's its someone else. I think C/U's should be done for a short while (give a D.J. an edge on others) and then uncover it and at least give something back to the real artist by saying who it really is. It's an elitist thing really. Q. What's the greatest soul record you ever had pleasure in playing? What a Question? I think it would have to be Jimmy Ricks "Oh what a feeling" because I just love his deep voice and also the line "came home with kisses that you never will forget" - we've all been there I think. Q one the worlds been waiting for, now known here as Irish Greg, but do they call you cockney Greg when you go home? It's funny, because that does happen but I do live in east London and have been in London now for 13 years but I'm still 100% Irish and proud of it. Q. To finish off Greg, last two what's the most memorable northern event you ever been to and why? My first visit to the 100 Club all-nighter (I still get that shiver now thinking about it) and also seeing Ray Pollard singing The Drifter live (I had tears of joy in my eye's that night - passion that's what it's about for me). Q. How do you see the future of the current scene? I think we need to get young people into the scene, I don't have the answers but we need them badly. Also the price's of records needs to slow down because it's just going mad, I think some people are just taking the piss. I also hope the older crowd that have returned to the scene will stay and encourage the next generation of D.J.'s and Collector's and Dancer's etc. Remember to win the race we must keep the faith and stand together and stop bitchin. Later Greg. well all i can say is, thanks a lot for that greg, some top wear it on your sleeve stuff there, and find myself agreeing with a lot of it, he asked me to mention that for those who life up in north west, capitol soul club is holding a event in Newton-le -willows at the viaduct, featuring carl f, dave f, irish greg, alan h - sounds like it be a killer, telephone alan on 07930 240 732 for info/ directions 31 mar being the date for more info on capitol soul club check out their online home at matt j's site

TOO DARN SOULFUL - The story of Northern Soul by Dave Nowell Publication Date: 10th December 99 Well its getting near that time of year, just as the summer memories are being slowly added to the pile of long gone ones, the adverts on the television remind you that yeah christmas is around again, and if like me you've just released that there are no more paydays till the next century, thoughts of presents to buy spring to mind..... Well there you go seasonal intro or what, onto the main purpose of this page ..well recently as in this morning a review copy of dave nowells book landed on my doormat, well that took care of plans for tonight. Well after reading the first half, was that impressed that thought well no time like now, so have thrown up thoughts of the book to let you know what's the book about and my thoughts now. Understand some may say well you should read it all, think about it , write about it, leave it for a day, re-read what you wrote and so on before publishing. Well bollocks to that here, internet is about instant info so here's some instant info for you- Now I know that this year has seen a lot of media interest into the rare soul scene with videos, mag articles, and other books, so what else can there be left to cover. Well first I put up the publishers view on the book , Northern Soul has been described as the longest running fad in the history of British music culture, frequently misunderstood and tarnished with an unwanted drugs reputation. In this book, author David Nowell takes the first ever in-depth look at the culture, the music, the DJs, the artists and the people who frequent and have frequented the all-night venues which are synonymous with the peculiarly British all-night soul scene. Packed with memorabilia, behind-the-scenes facts and interviews from Motown artists to current chart acts like Fat Boy Slim, Too Dam Soulful is the definitive history of a dance scene that refuses to die. ok set the scene, first think that hits you is the weight of the thing, hardback 332 pages, about 3/4 of a4 size. Cover well see above for the cover photo, great title "too darn soulful" (be a great name for web site that eh). Inside the jacket sleeve notes start of with a quote that could sum up a northern fan "yes, we are a little bit eccentric. Yes we like being diffrent. Yes our families and work colleagues think we are barmy. But if our obsession with Northern Soul consitutes madness, then long may we remain insane." And then the sleeve notes give a quick intro "passion for the music of black america" finishing with .... "Too Darn Soulful is the definite history of a dance scene that refuses to die" The meat of the book itself is split into 12 chapters of 4 parts, each chapter having a title which matches the content, "boogaloo party", " turn the beat around", "it'll never be over for me", are a few, no prizes for guessing which eras they cover. The introduction is just what it says with dave trying to explain the mystery of soul music and its power, including a great story of how driving to work a recording of Walter Jackson, forces him to pull over off the road. Rather than be trying to be analytic and a critic, I will just go through for now so you know what each chapter covers with brief info on each and put up "my final view" with part 2 of this review... Part One So onto the meat, part one of the book starts off with the first chapter entitled "I can't help myself" basically this lays down the pre- wheel history, covering the late 50s to the early 60s, R&B, flamingo club, early motown, with recollections by Brian Rae and others. Chapter 2 "boogaloo party" concerns itself at first with the "mods a go go " and then onto the Twisted Wheel era with some great stories of events, and info and gives a good insight to what it was like to be in the swinging 60s at the ground level. On to part 2 and I suppose this covers the "start of the golden era " titled "a little togetherness" so no prizes for guessing what this covers, yeah the Torch, ............"The dance floor was like a well, when it was full it was like a sea of human excitement", the chapter here covers the history of that era complete with many fascinating facts and stories, simon soussan, white pianos and $20000 for example. ............`Sliced Tomatoes" was the record. When it came on you couldn't get on the dance floor,' he said. Although the Torch Djs were finding lots of rare imports they played many new and nearly new releases. Colin played First Choice and 'This is the House Where Love Died' three weeks after its release. The very 70s 'Nightlighters' with Kay Gee was a massively popular instrumental. The Torch is also where the Djs encountered the now infamous record collector Simon Soussan. The immaculately dressed Frenchman, whose roots were in America and who also had contacts with French record collectors, amazed soul fans when he appeared with his record box crammed with just about every rarity Northern Soul fans craved. Simon's sources and ear for music were impeccable and he became a friend of the Torch Djs. Once Colin Curtis went to visit him at his flat in Leeds and was astonished at what he saw. In a white flat with white carpets and a white piano, he had a sideboard crammed full of rare soul 45s in mint condition in cardboard sleeves. Simon made it clear he did not want to sell? he wanted to swap records with his fellow connoisseurs. To emphasize the point that he did not need the money, he dumped £20,000 in cash on the bed. Said Colin: 'We were discovering more and more rare records but he was coming up with some other really great stuff. He took it to a different plane.' The Kingspinners were joined each week by lan TNT Turner, Alan Day, Martyn Ellis, and Johnny Beggs. Chris Burton recalls: 'Musically I loved the scene, but, more importantly, the energy created by the crowd was incredible.' Suddenly the Torch acquired a national reputation amongst the Northern Soul fraternity, and the 680 capacity venue was creaking under the weight of far too many punters for its own good. Chris estimates the Torch pulled in up to 1,400 on an exceptional night, which, along ...... After that interesting bit where next , up the road to Blackpool in chapter 4, is now the stop, now this chapter covers a lot of stuff which might be unknown to a lot of people who just know the mecca from the "horror" stories from certain people. Hopefully this will put the record straight to those who may not know what a part it really played in the development of the scene. Again stacks of fascinating facts, info, stories and quotes such as cover ups were "purely to stop the bootleggers". Also parts on the so called wigan mecca war, the so called split and the reasoning behind the policy of playing ever increasing more funkier sounds. Obviously this chapter covers Ian Levine and his "works" and to me gives a fair and balanced view, which people should read before jumping on the bandwagon of criticism his name usually brings. So all in all a great chapter with again a lot of info to take in. ...........in demand dancer, robbing the DJ and the venue of their exclusivity. That's when the practice of 'covering up' records came into full swing. The only way to protect the identity of a record was to literally cover the label and invent a fictitious title and artist. In that way the DJ could hope to keep the real identity of a record secret for weeks, if not months. But Northern Soul fans are nothing if not resourceful and determined, and the secret usually came out eventually. In the meantime, the Djs could buy time by calling the Coasters' 'Crazy Baby' 'My Heart's Wide Open' by Freddie Jones; Edie Walker's 'Good Guys' became 'Patricia Valentine's "You Can't Tell the Good Guys from the Bad`; Melvin Carter's 'Midnight Brew' became 'Shing A Ling at the Go Go'. 'Breakaway' by the Steve Karmen Band became'The Black Ship of Hell'. Sometimes, if the bootleggers were really baffled, they would press the disc with the fictitious title. lan and Colin devised a numbering system Secret Sounds 1, 2, 3, etc to cover up all their one offs. Using a piece of patterned wallpaper, they would cover front and back of the label. Then just to make sure there was no tell-tale information in the runout groove, they would add small pieces of Sellotape. 'We didn't cover up records to prevent other Djs from finding out what they were, it was purely to stop the bootleggers,' said Ian. 'But there were a lot of knowledgeable people around and eventually someone would come up with the real title. We used to have grand "uncovering ceremonies" in the Highland Room when it became pointless trying to keep someone a secret any longer!' Even today lan is fiercely proud of the records that he played first at the Mecca which became anthems at the Casino. 'Afternoon of the Rhino' by the Mike Post Coalition is seen as synonymous with Wigan Casino. 'I played that first,' says Ian. ........R D Taylor's 'There's a Ghost in My House' was also aired at the Mecca. But Wigan Casino founder Russ Winstanley's argument,..... After that worthwhile chapter the book moves onto part 3, well you must know what's coming at this stage , yes its the wigan chapter, a lot has been written about this venue, and to be fair I suppose people who didn't go might be tired of hearing about it, but such is the interest still in this club, and its part in northern history, and as there will never be a place like this again its good to see some fresh info and antidotes. Well glad to say that there is here a lot of interesting stuff, starting off with ave Nowells personal recollection of his time at the venue, then onto more snips of stories , info and antidotes, lots of stuff again here, with many new (to me) bits, Simon Soussan's influence, Russ and Richards relationship, Derek and the Dominoes! and more. A interesting comparsion is how clubs in the 90s such as Ministry of Sound are now doing what wigan did 30 years earlier , own label, own magazines, own sounds etc etc. In at this point is the photo section 16 pages of black and white glossies covering the cast range of the spectrum, mods,100 club, with all stops in between, quite a few unseen (by me) before there as well. Next chapter "turning my heart beat up" was a bit of a surprise to me until i remembered the "warts and all" quote, all about the often unsaid side of the northern scene - the gear. And to tell the truth it does cover almost the full spectrum, from personal stories to medical experts views. .....Much later Steve looked at his watch for the tenth time in as many minutes. Surely it must be later than 7.30 am? It had to be bloody 7.28 am last time he looked. He felt like shit. His mouth certainly was dry and furry and tasted of too many cigarettes. He took another swig of Coke but it couldn't quench his thirst. His shirt was drenched with sweat and it felt clammy. His heart was thumping ten to the dozen, and when he went on the dance floor could go his legs felt like lead and he was breathless within seconds. that hour. He could no longer think of anything witty or interesting to say as the all-nighter entered its final half hour. He desperately.... Ok that's it at moment as said will post part 2 in next couple of days, about halfway through the book at moment and from what I've quickly looked at in rest of chapters it all appears good stuff. Part 2 Intro So far am very impressed by the book, the press release says " a definite history" well that might be a hard claim to live up to as nearly everyone has their own view on what the northern scene is about and hence their view on the history, however going by what I read so far it seems that Dave is getting close to that statement, and all the views seem open and cover all sides of the many points of view, without the normal biased opinions that sometimes crop up. And going by amount of info in first half, would say its looking like a great buy, information not just from the "normal" well known names , but a lot of "ordinary joe's " have their bit as well, as said up to the late 70s at moment and it appears that the second part should cover the 80 and 90s in depth. Part 2 Into the second half, now the era is the late 70s and we're into chapter 7 entitled "Don't take away the music" and as the title suggests we're off to the ritz, covering the start of them famous dayers thru the days when Soul Sam played "Philly dog around the world" and next spin following was Ian Levine with Rose Royce and "car wash", could there ever be two contrasting spins and most of all it seemed to work, upto the gradual end at the 80s. Next stop - Cleethorpes and the going ons there, bit from lead singer swing out sister, who used to go, (never knew that but always thought their stuff had a bit of an influence with one sounding like "you took our heart" ), west midlands, notts and more info. with the 70s drawing to a close and people like Neil Rushton being left with 80 000 records to flog, the book takes us to the early 80s in part 4 with chapter 8 entitled as "the panic is on" covering Morecambe , yate and onto Stafford with stories about the "soul fascists" and up to the 100 club....... ........Room in West Hampstead, and the Last Chance in Oxford Street, the 6Ts soul club attracted a mixture of soul stalwarts and Mod revivalists. Then Ady got the venue that appealed to him most ? the 100 Club. Small, atmospheric and with a wealth of musical history from blues and jazz to beat groups. The allnighters began in August 1980. Ady said: 'It's a basement venue, which 1 like, and it has a terrific history. It has a nice size dance floor, although possibly a little small for an allnighter, and it's ideal for me. I don't particularly like the big monster allnighters.' The neatly sized venue did not suffer from the same drastic fall off in attendances as suffered in the north in the 1980s and was able to press ahead with its progressive music policy. Like the Stafford all-nighters, the 100 Club is famed for its love of 'new' 60s discoveries, mid-tempo items and beat ballads. Said Ady: 'Being in London we have always had a slightly trendy aspect, sometimes we're in fashion and other times we're out of fashion, but we've always had a very loyal following and a high standard of Djs.' Its current resident Djs of Butch, Mick Smith, Shifty and Ady have ensured the 100 Club has a reputation as a connoisseurs, venue. Its location in the capital means that showbiz celebrities occasionally drop in. Liam Gallagher of Oasis once paid the 100 Club a visit before the band achieved world fame, and Shane McGowan used to work in the cloakroom. Once when soul singer Doris Troy was appearing at the venue a promotion on which Ady lost money a fan tried to jump the queue for autographs. A slightly ill tempered Ady told him to get back in line. The fan was Van Morrison. Regulars come from all over the south, Midlands and Wales, with French visitors hopping on to the Eurostar to enjoy the allnighter. The 100 Club had the first female Northern Soul resident DJ in Val Palmer, and also pioneered the 'guest night' Now up to chapter 9 "time will pass you by" being the title, with a chapter on the revival side, searling, chris king, kev roberts ady croasdel all featured here, covering radio shows and cd side, dave rimmers view, then fatboy slim, paul weller, kenny burrell and last of all in this chapter ian levine. chapter 10 kicks off with a quote " i certainly don't feel forty three..." and is entitled "i'll never forget you", here we have a lot of tributes and stories from well known to normal joes, soul sam, dave evison, terry jones, dave thorlety, edwin starr, ginger, brenda holloway, kev murphy, to name a few not so much a look back but a look at people on scene now. .................oldies brigade, at a time when the scene suffered something of a split between the traditionalists and the modern soul/jazz funk fans. Martin himself admits that maybe he went too far. 'On reflection, I got it wrong. I should have been playing 60s stuff alongside the modern things. The modern stuff went down well at Wigan and I went off at a tangent: I loved the modern stuff but maybe I should have played more across?the?board stuff.' The North Wales based soul spinner has never stopped Djing and liking black music and is now firmly back in the non-disco soul groove. His spot could range from the most obscure £2,000 1960s stomper to 70s 'floaters' to 90s items. He will also play oldies if the crowd demands it, but he refuses to be complacent. 'What I don't like about the Northern scene is that at certain venues you are obliged to play the same records, he said. 'There aren't enough people that want to hear new records. Don't get me wrong, I still like to hear oldies, but I couldn't be a DJ if I had to play the same spot everywhere I went. 'The people that worry are the ones that won't listen to anything new. They are the ones that are just reliving their youth. They just want to hear the same old records. I sometimes wonder if they were ever into real music at all. For instance Drizabone's "Can't Take the Pressure" is huge, not because it's a great record but because it's played to death. There are many people on the scene who haven't got a mind of their own.' Martin uses his plentiful supply of Northern Soul classic oldies to trade for newer items at venues around the country. Through his network of contacts like record dealers and collectors Jolinny Manship, Tim Ashibende, Tim Brown and John Anderson of Soul Bowl he will be alerted to the latest 'finds'. One of them may play him a record down the phone, or Martin will take a trip down to scour their collections. A few plays by Soul Sam and a favourable dance floor reaction is often enough to elevate a record to cult status. Martin is, however, reluctant to take all the credit for 'breaking' new sounds. One of his biggest current records, Chuck Holiday's 'Just Can't Trust Nobody', he has since discovered was played and virtually forgotten at the Stafford all..................... internet and soul.. interesting stuff? well chapter 11 - soul self satisfaction, a chapter mainly concerned with the internet will let you know, in this chapter dave looks at the online and worldwide side of the scene, a few of the sites and online people get a bit here with their stories from usa, germany australia and more countires, quite a few online people are featured through out the book enough of that boring internet stuff, onto the next chapter no 12 and the last one... is entitled "it'll never be over for me".. and quite a good to way to finish, the chapter concerns it self wholly with a night out to a niter, in the present day.. .......................CDs are much easier to negotiate a deal over. The prices are all marked: £6, £10, £15. More and more punters are selling their vinyl collections (very profitably, too) and re-acquiring the same sounds on CD. OK, the purists may not approve, but the convenience, longevity and cheapness of a CD compilation of tracks that might otherwise cost you literally hundreds of pounds to own is very attractive to many soul fans. In the midst of all the bartering and to-ing and fro-ing from the main hall to the entrance hall, the doormen look on bored. This is probably the easiest night's wages they will earn. No one appears drunk, no one fights, no one throws up over anyone's girlfriend. The bouncers look on bemused as soul fans of all shapes and sizes and ages stay up until dawn listening to the obscure offerings of otherwise long-forgotten American artists. The laid-back attitude of the bouncers is entirely appropriate and appreciated by the soul crowd. Cash-strapped soulies take empty bottles with them to the toilets to fill them with tap water. The odd can of beer or Lucozade is smuggled in, but there is no paranoia about getting caught, beaten up and thrown out in the 1999 soul scene. The bar is doing a roaring trade in soft drinks anyway, now the licensing hours have expired, and the queue for tea, coffee and snacks is constant all night long. In the gents the entertainment continues, with guys of all shapes and sizes in various states of undress. In the centre of the lavatories there is a bank of back-to-back sinks in a manner that reminds me of my primary school days. Holdalls are scattered around as guys grab fresh shirts, spray on the Lynx (whatever happened to Brut?), and splash water on their faces before rejoining the fray on the dance floor. In the corner a tall, gaunt guy in his thirties is doing karate kicks and stretches while his fellow soul fans continue their ablutions, hardly giving him a second glance. If you weren't just a little bit eccentric, you wouldn't be here. Handshakes and words are easily exchanged as you try to edge your way back towards the door, but almost inevitably a familiar face appears, flushed, and eager to chat. It's the same story in the corridor skirting the whole length of........... well thats my show and tell bit done, hopefully the above bit will give you an idea of books content Endword My final verdict well as said it's publishers gave it "the definite history of northern soul" tag and to be truthfull its a statement which I would say is impossible to live up to. Because such is the diversty of the northern soul scene that to produce a definite history you would need 5000+ pages. Now as a history of northern soul then yes the book lives up to it. It startes off in the pre-60s era and covers all the main parts that have made the scene what it is today. Covering every era from wheel, the ritz in 70s, the "golden years" and wigan, cleethorpes, stafford, 100 club and bang up to date. Each chapter is full of recollections from all sources, information, antidotes, views, stories etc Good to see a lot of input from the "ordinary punter" as well as the more "well known names" plus also good is the openess of it all, as you know there is a lot of "different" views on the scene, and dave has presented most times both views of the story, be it soul sams views on oldies "they just want to hear the same old records, I sometimes wonder if they're into real music at all" to kev roberts "people just want to go out and have a good time". As said lots of good info in between the covers, a lot of it new to me, and a lot of behind the scenes stories plus loads of top tens as well. The turning my heart beat up covers one of the unsaid sides and does it well. negative points, well as I said to produce a book that covered everything, you would need stacks of paper, I would have preferered to see a bit more on the other clubs from 80s onwards stafford and 100 club and so on, both are featured and covered but i feel more coverage could have been given, and helped the books claim to be the defInite one. Suppose it depends where you come from, and where you went and go to now, also it was good to see the internet and non-uk people get a mention and the use of their stories help show the full diveresty and how world wide the soul scene is. final word - "too darn soulful is a great book , its well researched, and clearly shows the amount of effort put in, full of useful stuff, great recollections from all sorts of people on the scene, covers the whole spectrum of the scene, and most of all important is a fascinating read, I say buy it, I reckon its worth the money and makes a welcome addition to the current inprint collection of books" TOO DARN SOULFUL - The story of northern soul Dave Nowell Publication Date: 10th December 99 robson books 10 blenheim court, brewery road london, N7 9NT 020 7700 7444 price £17.95

Capitol Soul club - Dome - Second One Nov 99 Well another Saturday trying to pull my head together after a soul night out, the cause of this repair session was the second dome event in london. After the success of the first one back in October was wondering how this one would go, well after the trip up from chatham and the tube journey, found me self in the pub next to it talking to matt j (who along with capitol soul club , puts it alltogether) after hitting me with the "can you get the drinks in, I've gotta do some promoting stuff" trick at bar, told me that he's had hell of a lot of phonecalls about tonight, and has sussed out the next dates, jan mar and may 2000, as now going for the bi-monthly approach. Onto the event, apart from not being let into till 9. 45, queuing outside in the rain, then on the stairs, reckon someone was trying to throw in a "no pushing at the back" scenario, but it didn't work as only about 10 of us in queue. As last time a bit quiet till 10 ish and then people poured in, reckon round about 400 in at a guess. What I would like promoters to do is stick all the big names on before 1000, cause after 11 the alcohol kicks in and, looking back sound and play details are a bit blurred, so apologies for that will do next one alcohol free just for you! honest. DJs first on were the resident capitol soul players alan and then irish greg, alan again , greg again, then shifty then andy rix, with final 15 min spot irish greg finishing the night. Sounds, well some great stuff was thrown at us by all of them and the crowded dance floor lapped them up, standouts ( or could be called ones I remember) were instrumental version of "she's wanted" this was first hear for me and well impressive a "powerhouse" of a record, also jimmy radcliffe acetate- the thrill of loving you, man o man, jimmy burns, leslie tipton, cashmeres, j d bryant, brand new faces, and stacks more quality stuff Crowd wise again a fairly mixed bunch of young and old, met up with a quite a few people, talking to martin and paul who do the old shoes event and they were telling me about their forthcoming xmas event, on before the suffer no fools niter, so could be a overdoes of soul that weekend, as always met a few online people for first time, always good to put a face to that email address. So that's what happened last nite ( won't bother telling you about the adventure getting back to victoria, or the wondefull time waiting for first train at that time of morning) according to my worn out brain, may not be 100% like, my view on night, yeah it was another great event, good quality sounds and great venue, obviously it was going to be a hard task following the first one which had such a solid dj line up, but the sounds were up to it and the good atmosphere made it 2 out of 2 Roll on the next one... other views on last nite, if you were there throw yours up via email ....the Dome last night was absolutely f*cking brilliant and if you weren't there you don't know what you missed...probably one of the best nights I've been to this decade and easily the best soul night in the country IMO...incredible atmosphere, dancers were up for anything, good tunes...couldn't fault it at all,,