Dave Moore

Once again it's time to say goodbye to one of our heroes. And this is how I do it... The mid 70s threw up some great soul groups that, only years later, would most of us realise were actually already seasoned professionals. Mr Johnson was at the pinnacle of these groups. The Invictus sides I'm sure, played a substantial part in any of that era's soulfan's education. Commercial success combined with immense soul credibility is not commonplace on our scene but the General achieved both with a mix of songwriting talent, a fantastic distinctive voice and a knack of 'connecting' with his listeners. From the early Philly based soul outings, through the H-D-H Detroit connection and onto the Beach scene's retro scene, he entertained both sets of fans in equal measure and for that he should feel immensley proud. Taken too soon? For sure. But the legacy he leaves behind many would trade with him, I'm sure. It's that legacy that I'll focus on this evening as I dig a few of his 45s out with a few scoops. So.....sleep well Mr Johnson, hopefully you've now reached that "Better Place". We thank you for your timeless music and congratulate you on a job extremely Well Done Sir. Regards, Dave

Pedro got that one. VG. I came second. Regards, Dave

On the Ric Tic W/Demo front I think finding some of them without markings (sol, wol etc), is difficult. Rose Batiste - Holding Hands J Barnes - Please Let Me In Edwin Starr - Agent 00 Soul All proved difficult for me in MINT-. In fact the ES I have is ony a one sided affair (Vocal). I'm sure in the distant past I've seen a two sided one. Anyone? I'll try and scan a few W/D 'oddities' this weekend and join in properly. Regards, Dave

Hety Marc, Pretty sure that's mine! Have to dig it out to confirm! Unless you have one exactly the same? Regards, Dave

Good doc about George Clinton here: GEORGE CLINTON Not exactly definitive but it's good to see the fella still got some fire in his belly! Best, Dave

Damn your eyes Mr Flynn! I'd almost struck this off the wants list as I've never seen one or know anyone who has one. It always made sense that it would exist though. Anyone got a copy or a scan? Best, Dave

Maybe not the rarest but here are a few are nice and easy on stock issue that took me a while to locate as WDJs: Harold Andrews - Since I Talk To My Baby - HLS Johnny Sales - My Loves A Monster Baby - Chi Town The Sunliners - All Alone - Golden World Whispers - Where Have You Been - Roker And one I still haven't got: Belita Woods - Magic Corner - Karen 106 Regards, Dave

You never heard of "Race Records"? The comparison between the development of white music alongside black music as far as pre-WW2 is concerned is like comparing apples with oranges surely? Just to take a few points from the early 60s even... At the same time JFK and Martin Luther King were still trying to enforce the Emancipation Act of a 100 years before, the playing field in terms of black music and it's delivery to the masses was finally becoming somewhat level. This wasn't due to some iconic law being passed but simply that white people woke up to black music and realised that a lot of what they were hearing was originated in the black community. Some then leant an ear to the real thing. With the advent of the teenager, TV and the boom economy the music business was awash with ideas, talent, budding entreprenuers etc. The conditions were set for black music to cross over to mainstream outlets. The amount of Gospel infused vocals within the black community in early part of the 20th Century played a large part in the 'development' of black American music. It was the black community that migrated from the cotton fields of Georgia etc, many of them first generation free men. It was the black community who found solace in the choirs of the churches in order to gain strength from still being indentured despite their government's decree that they were free. I'll never forget Carl Fisher's words when I interviewed him at length. He finished with this..." Dave, music was fantastic to me but it should never define me as a man. I was born one generation from slavery, and I am the proud father of a doctor and a lawyer (His daughters). That is my greatest achievement. They are what defines me, as a man". Powerful words from someone who lived it. How could that outlook on life NOT influence the music in the genes of the next generation. The upheaval of the 50s and sixties, the opportunities it created for black people as well the trials and tribulations they faced, the second generation of miners, car workers, assembly line workers, the families who had fed the industrial age as the labour force began to spread their wings and did this to the backdrop of Robert Johnson, Billie Holiday, Otis Blackwell, Mahlia Jackson, Jackie Wilson, Harvey Fuqua, John Lee Hooker and yes, Berry Gordy. To dismiss the "Sound Of Young America" as less significant than Beethoven, Glen Miller, Elvis or Lennon and McCartney etc is to fail to acknowledge the contribution that a whole swathe of black 'artists', combined with the talents of a lesser, but just as important, swathe of white 'artists' made to not just the development of American music but the culture of a generation of it's citizens. Finally, if anyone thinks the Polka had as much influence on Jackie Beaver's - Bring Me All Of Your Heartaches - Grandland, as Sam Cooke's - A Change Is Gonna Come has, then go get yer lugs waxed by a professional. I would put forward the theory that black music influenced white music much more than the other way round. Regards, Dave

Baz, Check out the Capitol Records promo item (#6 pic) on Doug's story about the Kondoff's Record Store. Fantastic! And MINT! Great story about a great find. Best, Dave

Wanted: Servicemen - I Need A Helping Hand/Are You Angry - Wind Hit Played out oldie that you never put in yer box nowadays so might as well move it on? I'm yer man. Regards, Dave

Ady, Any sign of a vinyl release for this collection? Best, Dave

Then I suspect you are lacking in awareness my friend. The Casino played a larger part in more youth culture than the 100 Club I would wager, albeit not for the same length of time. I'd also be prepared to bet that the Casino influenced more youth than the 100 club in all it's guises, including the youth fuelled punk scene. The numbers through the Casino doors pro rata must be at least ten fold than the 100 Club. Dismissing the Casino as some dump that put on Northern Soul nights displays a certain ignorance in the true lineage of rare soul in UK. Are you a mod/punk/soulie perchance? (I don't ask in any derogatory way), as if you are part of the mod revivalist movement that blistered onto the Northern Scene in the early 80s, I can fully understand your stance in relation to your perceived importance of the Oxford St 'dump' that put on a few jazz, punk and soul gigs albeit some of the smallest. Concentrating on the soul aspect only (it is after all a soul site), I'd have thought both venues were equally as important in terms of UK soul clubs. Different for sure, but both played a major part in the evolution of rare/Northern Soul. Both ruled the roost at different times, both had unique plays played by unique DJs and followed by devoted fans. I've been present at both clubs when the atmosphere has been electric and I'm sure that ethos will continue in a new location if needs must. I'm sure if a new location is found that the 6Ts R&S Club will find a second wind and hopefully a second lease of life. People will lust after the 'good old days' for a while but after a few "Get Over Its" I'm sure everyone will move on. Best, Dave

Strange how many posters who deride the group that lament Wigan Casino with "Get over it!" somehow don't use this mantra about the closure of the 100 Club. Can't comment on the other genres and it's 'historical' position but if Ady moves the nighter to a better geographical location with better parking, transport links, etc surely that could provide the impetus required to see another 31 years? It's only a few months ago that the 100 club allnighters were under scrutiny by Ady himself due to lack of numbers. As one door closes, another one opens. regards, Dave

Just a wild guess but maybe it was tied up with the release of Shades of Blue version? I'd have to go check the release dates etc of each but can't be arsed wading through it. The song was released on ,US (Impact)/UK (Sue) but I would have thought it was quite a bit earlier than the 720 TMG scheduled release? Best, Dave

Eh? There's loads of vintage stuff to collect relating to Soul artists? You're maybe not looking in the right direction? Typing in Northern Soul into Ebay's search engine whilst loking for that 45 to dj with ain't gonna find anythung for you. Try: Sheet Music Posters Vintage Music Collectibles Music memorebelia Music ads Film memorebelia Artist pictures Muisical Photographs Lithographs A myriad of labels under all the above Or a hundred other variations...think you'll be pleasantly surprised at what, with a little time and effort, you con discover. I have a house full of it! Good hunting... Dave

Mint - my arse Pedro. It was G+/VG I was second highest if you remember. Certainly a toughie on W/D but they are around, just hard to prize off people. Great record, has it all. Big fat messy Northern Soul pounder! Luv it. Regards, Dave

Brian, Bootlegs. Dave

Weldon should publish a book of his photos. He takes his camera everywhere, he has some fantastic pics in his library. He is also a movie buff who goes to the cinema every Friday afternoon. He has the broadest most infectious smile I know. It's time Weldon got his slot on the Philly Walk of Fame. Regards, Dave

Well done Gareth. Give the man a ceegar. It is indeed the writer of IFWYW. He also wrote "You Didn't say a Word" amongst his treasure trove of credits. Looking coooool Billy! Regards, Dave

I'll not let the cat out of the back yet but they certainly are Philly heavyweights. Messrs Madara and and White are there for sure. The black guy wrote two of Northern soul's most anthemic songs amongst his repertoire. Regards, Dave

This fantastic pic was posted on Facebook by one of the guys in the pic. It must be pretty unique as I've never seen a pic of these guys together - EVER. This is the best Photo I've seen in a decade. Just for fun can anyone ID them?

:D

:D

:lol: Each too his own eh? Rixy at his peak in the early 90s was one of the few collector/DJs that could get me on a plane to UK. Greety can still get me sniffin' in interest as to what he's currently playing. As can Karl Heard. Regards, Dave

We'll discount Andy Rix, Ady Croasdale, Clarkie, Dave Greet etc then Regards, Dave