Daved

Now that the Soul Togetherness 2015, the 16th in the annual series, has been released it made me think back to what inspired the compilation. It was essentially the tunes that became anthems n their own right played in the modern room at Stoke’s Togetherness allnighters. Before the first compilation was released in 2000, the modern room had built quite a reputation for playing the best new release soul. The events, beginning in Feb 1997, only occurred twice a year initially, in February and October. It was common practice in the 90s to have modern rooms attached the main rooms at northern soul allnighters. This practice worked well, especially for people like me who are big fans of both styles. Over the first three of four years, the DJ line up consisted of arguably the best in the country at that time. From memory the line-up ran as follows: Roger Williams Dean Johnson Richard Searling Andy Davies Terry Jones Soul Sam Gary Dennis Gavin Page Mike Stephens and Colin Curtis joined sometime later. There may have been a couple of others too. The room itself was as good as pitch black. The bar was outside and the only light in the room was a red light on the DJ stand. You couldn’t see from one end of the room to the other. It was fairly big compared to others then and I reckon it could fit about 150or so in. The music was loud, very loud. In fact, in my usual spot at the front beside the speaker, the bass to be so hard, it made my chest shudder. The atmosphere was fantastic and everyone was incredibly friendly. Despite the event only being on, twice a year certain tunes quickly became anthems and packed the dancefloor. The late 90s was a fantastic time for new releases. So much so, that only a small proportion of 70s/80s soul was played. I think this eventually led to the modern oldies special in July and the tent at The Fleetwood weekenders to cater for those whose taste in modern only stretched as far as 1982. Here’s a list of songs that I recall were massive before the first Togetherness CD was released and inspired it. Some of which got included in the series. Ivan Matthias – Somebody Knows How You Feel Kashif – It’s Alright Frank McComb – Wasting Your Time Al Green – Keep On Pushing Love Gerry Devaux - Front of the Line Rahsaan Patterson – Where You Are (Silk's Old Skool Mix) Darwin Hobbs – Everyday Be Be Winans – Thank You George Benson – When Love Comes Calling Patti Austin – Totally Unacceptable Lenny Williams – Gotta Lotta Luv Sean Oliver - You and Me Ann Nesby – In The Spirit Maysa – The Bottle Ali – Feelin’ You Soul Bros feat Joi Cardwell – Let It Go (Deep Soul Vocal Mix) Donna Allen – He Is The Joy (UBP Classic Mix) Masters At Work feat James Ingram – Lean On Me

Another excellent addition to the series. It’s incredible that it’s now the 16th! The style of which has changed over the years, as you’d expect, but the quality has always been high. It prompts me to remember the King’s Hall allnighters in the late 90s and the fantastic tunes played in the modern room which prompted the series to start. I’ll start a separate thread about it.

Yep, mentions of both.

Agree that the entire Foreign Exchange “Milk and Honey” CD is brilliant. My best of 2015 so far. The Terri Lynn Carrington CD is also superb with many great guest vocalists including Chaka Khan, Ledisi and Chante Moore. I’m also loving Walter Beasley – Music Par-Le – Exclusive JD73 – Make Your Move CD

and interesting vests ......... to quote Boris Johnson

Thanks for this. I took a trip there earlier and got one too. Inspired by the best LP's of the 70s thread, I bought a few others too for £5 each

Not a soul singer but "Heart's Desire" was quite good. https://www.billboard.com/articles/news/obituary/6721896/billy-joe-royal-dies

My 45 also has the piano intro but I've heard one with a siren intro on a CD compilation (Northern Soul Connoisseurs, I think). Was that a separate release?

Others I forgot to include are: Leon Ware - Musical Massage Donna McGhee - Make It Last Forever Michael Jackson - Off The Wall

Stevie Wonder – Innervisions Marvin Gaye – Let’s Get It On Willie Hutch – Ode To My Lady Bobby Womack –Facts of Life Luther – This Close To You Alice Clark – Alice Clark Sandra Wright – Wounded Woman Chapter 8 – Chapter 8 Curtis Mayfield – Super Fly Lamont Dozier – Out Here on my Own Stevie Wonder – Songs in the Key of Life Leroy Hutson – Hutson Marlena Shaw – Sweet Beginnings Al Wilson – La La Peace Song Bobby Thurston – Sweetest Piece of the Pie Randy Brown – Welcome To My Room Jackie Wilson – Beautiful Day Jean Carn – Jean Carn / When I Find You Love Marvin Gaye – I Want You Donny Hathaway – Extensions of a Man

Now that the funky sound is getting played much more in northern rooms, are there any tracks on those Goldmine CDs that were missed at the time but are now big?

That’s a pity. I would’ve probably gone, especially as I haven’t been to that venue before. I can’t see that there’s any other gigs scheduled in London at the moment although there is one in Bristol earlier that week. If anyone hears of it, I’d be interested to know

There were 3 rooms. Northern, modern and crossover (which was actually in a tent). The modern room was brilliant.

A biopic of Tammi Terrell is in progress. Should be interesting if it ever comes out. https://hiphopwired.com/2015/05/28/kat-graham-tammi-terrell/

Also check out Mr Right. Real soul for the late 80s!

Just listened to it on you tube. I've heard it before on podcasts too and see what you mean Steve. However, there are previously unreleased tracks that are suitable for a northern night that I don't think are played out because they're not on vinyl like the Dee Dee Warwick mentioned on the previous page.

If it's that good but not being played out for that reason, then that's another reason for the demise of the scene

I'd love to see it too. I've never heard of this alleged scandal before. It's fascinating but I don't know whether to believe it. The youtube video reads like a vengeance attack

Are flat caps compulsory?

Congratulations Mike. I know how hard you’ve worked on this over the years and, at times, it must’ve seemed more hassle than it was worth. Thanks for persevering. It’s come a long way since your late 90s one man reviews of The Dome and 100 Club, complete with descriptions of nightmare train journeys back to Chatham early on Sunday morning.

So what is a decent, reasonably priced (around £300-£400), new turntable these days?

I think you can only buy a download from that Audio Network site. Not available on CD. There's several events in London that play even better music than that. The events section on this site will give you details.

I'm more of an Everything Man type of guy

You mean there's another Guardian reader out there who likes this stuff? I's have to go for the obvious because it still sounds great to me - Four Below Zero

Thanks. Are you Hogwild on the Guardian website?