Chalky

Thanks to Chalky for passing on a in depth review of the recently released Falcons Cd from the Soul Junction label. The Falcons featuring Sonny Munro (Soul Junction SJCD5000) Steeped in the history of Rhythm and Blues & Soul Music, Detroit (forget all about Motown for a while) has given us some of the finest purveyors of the music of our choice. One of the groups that is rich in the history of Detroit Soul is the Falcons, who in turn has given Soul Music some of the finest luminaries in the field of Soul Music, Eddie Floyd & Wilson Pickett two of the most renown. The Falcons were during their history two groups with the first group having two eras. Coming together in the mid 50's, with a mixed race line-up of Bob Manardo, Eddie Floyd, Ton Shelter and Arnett Robinson, with Willie Schofield joining soon after. Eddie Floyds uncle Robert West became the groups manager. Bob Manardo was soon drafted and Tom Shelter decided to enlist himself. West held auditions which in turn lead to Joe Stubbs joining the ranks along with guitarist Lance Finnie, Mack Rice following not too long after replacing Arnett Robinson. Without going into too much detail this was essentially the first era of the group, the second, after changes to the line up lead to Wilson Pickett joining the group to provide vocals. Not long after signing for Atlantic and after just one session and one solitary release 1962, the group split, most of the group did have solo careers by this time as well as their time with the group. This left West with just a name, a name he had no intention of seeing become history. Early 1963 West saw a group play in Cleveland, The Fabulous Playboys, coincidentally one he managed. After seeing their performances and eager to keeping the name the Falcons alive West asked the Fabulous Playboys to take over the name, something they eventually agreed to seeing a better financial future with the name The Falcons, the line-up of the second group being Sonny Monroe, James Gibson, Johnny Alvin & Alton "Bart" Hollowell. This is the line-up and era of the group that this compact disc release deals with. The first thing that had to be dealt with was the terms of the contract for Atlantic which lead to the second and final release for the label "Oh Baby b/w Fine Fine Girl, a 45 which went nowhere. The following year the group moved onto West's own label Lupine for the release Lonely Nights b/w Has It Happened To You Yet, the second track on this CD and a track which for many was the groups beginnings as not just an Rhythm and Blues group but a Soul group. However time went by with virtually nothing from the group, until that is 1966 when their manager was shot, although not fatally but bad enough to force him from the music business for the foreseeable future. This left the group with no label and no manager. Along came Frank Kosian who after becoming the groups manager put the group with his label Big Wheel, a label that went onto become highly collectable on the UK Northern Soul scene with several releases fetching a sum well into three figures and the main focus of this cd. All the sides recorded for Big Wheel (the first two Golden World and United Sound for the last two all under the guidance of Dale Warren) are included as is the Sandy Hollis release. The cd kicks off with Good Good Feeling, with its unmistakeable intro and pounding beat ideal for the Northern Soul scene which also makes it highly collectable and a regular seller for three figures. Following the Lupine release Has It Happened Too You Yet comes Standing On Guard, fabulous mid-tempo soul with great harmonies from the guys perfectly complimenting the lead of Sonny Monro. Standing on Guard was not only a smash locally but went top 30 R&B. This was reworked by the group in the 80s' and features on this cd. The flip I Can't Help It is almost as good and a worthy inclusion on the CD. Sonny Monro telling us he can't help it falling in love complimented again by the superb harmonies of the group. Sandy Hollis with the mid-tempo cut I'm Tempted is next up, why you ask? Simple the Falcons provided the backing vocals. Sonny's vocals feature so much it's fair to call it a duet, why the Falcons were not credited is a mystery to say the least. Again the trademark harmonies of the Falcons also stand out. The flip, Tables Will Turn, a fantastic moody mid-tempo number again with the Falcons providing backing is another worthy inclusion further down the cd playlist. The flip to the cd opener, the mid-tempo Love Like You Never Been Loved Before comes next. "You're The One For Me" pleads Sonny and that all he wants to do is spend his life with her so all he can do is "Love You Like You Never Been Loved". Again the harmonies are a prominent feature and it's a side that deserves to see more exposure. Next up comes the flip Love Look In Her Eyes, In Time For The Blues, Sonny telling us how late he is for everything but In Time For The Blues, great moody soul with again some fantastic harmonies. One of my favourites from the group is up next. I'm A Fool I Must Love You. "I've been around but I've never found one that makes me feel like you do, I must love you". With this following the hit Standing On Guard it also sold well and it's another the Northern Soul scene took to its heart and has gained plenty of turntable action over the years. Following I'm A Fool is its flip Love Love Love, a track I've not heard since I first bought the record so many years ago, it's now had plenty of plays to make up for it. Set at a quicker pace than I'm A Fool again features the tight harmonies of Gibson, Alvin and Hollowell with Sonny pleading with presumably his lover "Love Look What You Made Me Do....You Made Me Leave My Happy Home." Next comes arguably the most in demand of all the outing on Big Wheel from the Falcons, Love Look In Her Eyes. Although not as upbeat as Good Good Feeling its a dancer none the less and one that features often amongst the playlist of the DJ's around the world. Again superb vocals from Sonny telling us how "Heartaches won't leave you alone, when you find the girl you love has been some other place a hurting with some other guy giving him that love look in her eyes, what can you do, what can you say!!" How true and soul music at its best. Listening to this you can see why it is so in demand and commands a figure of £300 plus. This brings to an end the Big Wheel era with Kosian bringing the curtains down on the label and disappearing from view after owing money to some guys you don't argue with. The cd is then made up of unreleased cuts kicking off from one recorded after leaving Big Wheel and getting involved with Ollie McLaughin, You've Got The Power, a ballad with Sonny Pleading with his cheating lover to leave him alone. Great vocals from Sonny but not much in the way of the harmonies from the rest we got from the big Wheel outings. Next up are several solo outings from Sonny. The Happiest Days Of My Life is the first, a nice enough mid tempo number, the first of several recorded for Epic. It's an easy going pleasant enough number cut in the early/mid 70's. Next up is a great ballad titled On The Other Side Of Town. Don't Leave Me Alone another soulful ballad with Sonny's vocals pleading to be left alone by another cheating partner, seems to be a reoccurring theme. Why Do I Let You Do The Things You Do, an upbeat mover followed by another ballad I'm Tired Of Being Your Plaything. To quote John Ridley's sleeve notes, "the lack of orchestration in these early versions of songs is a really good way to hear just how well Sonny could phrase a song". I'm Tired of Being Your Plaything "where he is accompanied by just a piano and a tambourine-simply outstanding vocals. Your Love Is Dy-No-Mite, a change from the heartbreak tells how his loves love is Dynomite!! An excellent ballad/mid tempo offering. The upbeat dancer See The Finished Product brings the CD to a close, a CD that documents a period in history of one of Detroit's finest vocal groups, maybe not the most prolific recording wise but the quality more than makes up for that. The release does come with extensive liner notes courtesy of John Ridley which are worth the price alone. As with all recent reviews have added a link below where all members can listen to clips of all the tracks on this comp Listen to clips of all tracks here 1. Good Good Feeling - The Falcons 2. Has It Happened To You Yet - The Falcons 3. Standing On Guard -The Falcons 4. I'm Tempted - Sandy Hollis 5. Love You Like You Never Been Loved - The Falcons 6. I Can't Help It -The Falcons 7. In Time For The Blues - The Falcons 8. I'm A Fool I Must Love You - The Falcons 9. Love, Love, Love - The Falcons 10. Love Look In Her Eyes - The Falcons 11. Tables Will Turn - Sandy Hollis 12. You've Got The Power - The Falcons 13. Happiest Days Of My Life - Sandy Munro 14. On The Other Side Of Pride -Sandy Munro 15. Don't Leave Me Alone - Sandy Munro 16. Why Do I Let You Do The Things You Do - Sandy Munro 17. I'm Tired Of Being Your Play Thing - Sandy Munro 18. Standing On Guard - The Falcons 19. Your Love Is Dy-No-Mite - Sandy Munro 20. Finished Product - Sandy Munro / Label - Soul Junction Catalogue # Sjcd5000 Thanks to Dave Welding, John Ridley, Marv Goldberg for some research help with the history. Fredrick Gibson (James's son) and Colin Dilnot for the photo. Further information from souljunction@blueyonder.co.uk Chalky (July 2008) Competition !!! We have on review copy up for grabs to all members of soul source, all questions are fresh from the old morning tv quiz school to win a copy of this cd please answer following question via the email site /feature here including member username what was the group name before they took on the Falcons name THE FABULOUS ______________ the correct answer drawn out of the soul source top hat in 7 days time will win !

Lifeline Rare and Northern Soul Weekender 2008 details After two successful weekenders Lifeline is returning to the Ye Old Bell in 2008 for the third (this will also be Lifelines 4th Anniversary). The weekender will be held on the 1st, 2nd & 3rd of February 2008. The line up will again feature some of the world’s premier Soul DJ’s. As well as the usual Lifeline residents, Butch, Andy Dyson, Mick H, Chalky, Cliff Steele and Soul Sam, guests including Dean Anderson, Kitch, Steve Guanori, Tim Brown, Arthur Fenn & Andy Whitmore and others to be confirmed, will be spinning the finest soul from the 60’s and 70’s with maybe the odd 80’s and funk flavoured discs also getting an airing. If you’re lucky enough to have a room in the Hotel (this is now sold out) the cost remains the same as last year £110, still a bargain in our opinions to spend a weekend listening to the finest soul spinners spinning the finest soul on vinyl (or styrene) in the world! Balances are now due so get your monies in or you could lose your room if we don’t hear from you. Any problems get in touch!!! For those who are unfortunately not in the Hotel venue further accommodation can be found in Retford. Look HERE for further details or there is a Travel Lodge just 2 or 3 miles away at Blyth Services which many have used in the past with good rates, the address is Travelodge Blyth, A1 (M) Moto Service Area A1(M), Hilltop Roundabout, Notts, Blyth, S81 8HG telephone number is 0871 666 4 333 for reservations or you can do it all online HERE just do a search once on their page for Blyth. Weekender passes will be available t the price they have been for the last two years of £35. This entitles you to all the music sessions which start at 12 noon both days and run right through until 6am on the Saturday and Sunday mornings. There is also a Sunday afternoon session to finish off the weekend. The afternoon sessions on the Friday and Saturday have in the past been thrown open to anyone who wishes to do a set. The same will happen again in February so anyone who wishes to play a few tunes to an appreciative audience get in touch with myself or Andy. Obviously these are limited and will be on a first come first serve basis. For further details and info, please contact: Andy - Dysonsoul@aol.com or tel: 01302 744927 or Mick - Trentsoul@aol.com or tel: 07968 030464 or Chalky – crosseyedbear@sky.com or tel: 07743 863523

This Saturday, October 27th see’s the latest instalment of Lifelines Rare Soul All-nighters. It will be the last one until the weekender in February so make sure you don’t miss it!!! Alongside the residents of Butch, Andy Dyson, Mick H, Cliff Steele and Chalky will be two of Scotland’s finest Colin Law and Jock O’Connor. Both have been leading lights on the rare soul scene, both as DJ's and collectors in Scotland for many years and it will be a pleasure to see them grace the decks at Lifeline. As usual the music policy remains the same as has done for the last three and a half years.....the rare, the obscure, the forgotten, thinking man’s (and woman’s) oldies, 60's & 70's soul music whatever the price.....maybe the odd 80's and odd funky thing thrown in too...basically whatever the DJ wants to play. The venue, a three star hotel dates back to the 16th Century and if you fancy a meal beforehand it is one of the best eating places in the area. If you fancy stopping in one of the excellent rooms Andy has negotiated some rooms for the almost give away price of £20. Just give the hotel a call on +44 (0) 1777 705121 quoting Andy Dyson and Lifeline. If you want more information, playlists, sounds and pictures visit the Lifeline Web site, http://lifelinesoulclub.com/index.html. A view from the floor posted in Soul Source Lookback section in the forums from June 2007 by Toby What a great night of soul at Lifeline, It was my first visit to Lifeline (and deffo NOT the last),i was told before i went i would not be dissapointed,fact TRUE.I ve been around a good few years now as some of you know,me thinking i have heard most things fact WRONG,outstanding records played last night that blew me away with the soul content & shear perfection of a soul record,thats MY kinda soul, All the DJs were in my opinion outstanding,my fav has to be Tony Parker(there has to be one,thats not putting down the others)i never realised the quality of the man,always took him for granted and not to aware of the tunes played untill last night 5****well done sir.. A big thanks to Chalky for inviting me up & directions (beers are on me mate, next week in 100 club)..Steve Green for being Steve, you talk a lot of sense regarding records etc..Dave Rivers for keeping Mandy normal as she can be.Kirsty for the lolipops and laughter,great to see you again,still mad as a hatter..

LIFELINE RARE SOUL WEEKENDER February 1st, 2nd&3rd 2008Weekender monies are now due. If you had a room last year then you get first refusal. If we haven't spoken to you about the room then get in touch. There is a waiting list and the rooms will be given to others if we don't hear from you.As usual a top quality line up of DJ's are promised with the usual Lifeline policy playing the very best in rare, obscure, forgotten and underplayed soul music whatever the price! For payment details, i.e. who to make cheques payable and the address contact one of us at or on..... Andy Dyson @ Dysonsoul@aol.com or telephone 01302 744927 Mick H @ Trentsoul@aol.com or telephone 07968 030464 Chalky @ chalky.soul@googlemail.com or telephone 07743 863523 LIFELINE REAL DEAL RARE SOUL ALL-NIGHTER Unfortunately there will be NO August all-nighter due to the room being unavailable. However Lifeline will be back on the 27th October back in the usual main room. Two top quality guests are being lined up and as soon as they are confirmed we will let you know just who they are.In the meantime any further info or questions just give one of us a shout, details above!

Unfortunately due to circumstances beyond our control, We have no alternative but to cancel the planned all-nighter on New Years Eve. We will however be back in the New Year with allnighters as planned for both Lifeline and Dusk Till Dawn. In the meantime all involved with Lifeline and Dusk Till Dawn would like to wish all a Merry Christmas and Soulful and Prosperous New Year.

Ask any soulie, dancer, collector or dealer to name a city closely associated with the scene and I bet most would say Detroit. Ask them to name a label from Detroit and again I bet most would say LaBeat. Both are synonymous with the scene and deservedly so. This release from Grapevine is in the opinion of many long over due and rightly deserves a lasting tribute to the joy the label has brought to many soulies for over 30 years. One look at the people involved behind the scenes at LaBeat, its subsidiaries Mary Jane, Coolschool and Rambler and also Lou Beatty's early collaboration with James Hendrix and his Carrie Label....Fred Bridges, Bobby Eaton and Richard Knight writing team, Curtis Trusel and John Mills, not just writers but part of the in house production team/musicians The LPT's but also writers, Melvin Davis and the famed Mike Terry to name but a few, you just know you are in for a treat!!!! The CD kicks off with the ever popular dancer from Edward Hamilton "I'm Gonna Love You" (the flip "Call Me" features later in the cd). Edward is represented several times the soulful "My Darling Baby" with the Natural Looks and of course with the Arabians with the superb and vastly under-rated and definitely underplayed "Thank Your Mother" and lastly with the all time classic "Baby Don't You Weep"...Northern Soul just doesn't get any better...or does it! Al Williams is probably the name most associate with LaBeat. First played at Wigan although not what you would call a typical Wigan sound, "I Am Nothing" personifies just what the scene is all about, Rare, obscure and above all a dancer. It has remained out of reach for most collectors not just because of it's rarity but also it asking price of £2500 plus. The flip the soulful midtempo "Brand New Woman" also features on the cd and rightly so in my opinion it probably deserved a release of its own. Cheaper but not by much is the later release on Palmer. Al Williams other recording for the label remained in the can but have at long last seen the light of day and it was well worth the wait. A ballad called "She Does It" and very good it is but it's the dancer "Try Them" that will appeal to most I guess and rightly so....due for limited release on Grapevine 7" I can see this one taking off and becoming a firm favourite with crowds up and down the country once one or two DJ's get behind it. Another LaBeat release that went on to gain legendary status at Wigan and still as popular to this day is "This Won't Change" from Lester Tipton, his solitary release for the label. Again this fills all the criteria needed to make it a Northern Soul classic, the intro instantly drags you to your feet making you want to dance with Lester still saying he still loves his girl and things won't change, despite the hurt she's caused. Again an asking price of £3000 plus puts this way out of reach for most collectors plus the fact it's as rare as the proverbial rocking horse s***! The Masqueraders although pretty well known for their musical output and many discs that have gone on to be scene classics are pretty much soul superstars to UK soulies due to their recent live performances over here during the last couple of years. "How" kicks off their input to this cd and the track has become very much sought after in recent times and gained a high asking price a price considered ridiculous by some. On listening you can see why its coveted by collectors and DJ's...perfect Northern. Personally I prefer the driving "I Got The Power", also considerably cheaper as well! If you prefer your soul that bit grittier with a bit more bite then "I'm Gonna Make It" will be right up your street. The mid-tempo lovers won't be disappointed either with the inclusion of "Be Happy For Me". Clifford Binns with his Carrie outing "You Got To Help Me" rightly deserves it's inclusion, a firm favourite in the mid 80's during the Stafford era the disc has received some re-activation in recent times. James Shorter and Don Hart, two friends whop as well as being a double act also recorded individually. James Shorter's "Modern Day Woman" is probably the best known by him. As soulful as they come and becoming very much indemand and probably more so after the release of the cd. The flip also represented on the cd, "Getting Ready For The Heartbreak", more of an up tempo dancer make this a highly collectable double sider, watch the price rise!! Don Hart best effort in my opinion is his Cool School release the delightful midtempo effort "I'll Keep Holding On". The track hasn't had the recognition it deserves in my opinion and hopefully that will now change. Nelson Sanders has two releases included on the cd, "This Love Is Here To Stay" and "Mojo Man" suit those who love the more R&B/funkier sound while his "I'm Lonely" and "Tired Of Being Your Fool" are two great ballads. Not too be outdone by his artists, Lou Beatty chips in with his version of the Masqueraders "A Family" and the previously unreleased "Wet Pillow". With the inclusion of the unreleased instrumental of "I Am Nothing" there's pretty much something for everyone on the cd, deep to dancer, ballad to midtempo to R&B. LaBeat, although just a tiny label in Detroit's thriving music scene of the 60's and what would be considered a commercial failure, has played a large and influential part in the history of Northern Soul and with this release a small band of musicians and artists have at long last had all their efforts recognised and hopefully they will at long last reap some reward for their efforts. Chalky June 2006 Track listing from Paul Mooney. GVCD 3029 01. Edward Hamilton " I'm Gonna Love You 02. The Masqueraders - How 03. Lou Beatty a" A Wet Pillow * 04. Edward Hamilton " My Darling Baby 05. Don Hart & James Shorter l" All The Love I Got 06. Nelson Sanders " This Love Is Here To Stay 07. The Masqueraders t" I Got The Power 08. Don Hart " I'll Keep Holding On 09. James Shorter t" Modern Day Woman 10. Al Williams " I Am Nothing 11. Lester Tipton i" This Won't Change 12. Edward Hamilton " Thank You Mother 13. Clifford Binns e" Take It From Me 14. Nelson Sanders " I'm Lonely 15. The LPTs i" I Am Nothing (Instrumental) * 16. James Shorter " Ready For The Heartbreak 17. Clifford Binns " You've Got To Help Me 18. Al Williams " Try Them * 19. Don Hart & James Shorter e" It's In My Mind 20. Lou Beatty " A Family * 21. Nelson Sanders u" Mojo Man 22. The Masqueraders " I'm Gonna Make It 23. Al Williams s" She Does It * 24. Don Hart " I Can Make It 25. Edward Hamilton q" Call Me 26. The LPTs " Long Cool Summer 27. Nelson Sanders h" Tired Of Being Your Fool 28. Al Williams " Brand New Love 29. Edward Hamilton & The Arabians e" Baby Don't You Weep 30. The Masqueraders " Be Happy For Me * Previously unissued more info at http://www.grapevine-soul.com

Lowton Civic Hall New Years Eve Saturday 31st December 8pm - 2.00am Choice of three rooms to see in the New Year Northern Room including Andy Dyson, Tim Brown and Molly, Ian Cunliffe, Steve Whittle. Modern Room - Baz Maleady and friends. RnB Room - Pete Coulson and friends

Latest News and Info on the Lifeline Weekender Full information and the latest new on this upcoming event. Not long now for the Lifeline Soul Club's first Real Deal Rare Soul Weekender to be held 3rd, 4th &5th of February 2006..... Being held at the "Ye Old Bell" Barmy Moor near Retford. Here's what the Hotel says of its self and having seen it we can only agree!! "The Ye Olde Bell, one of the most distinctive hotels in Nottinghamshire is set in several acres of beautiful grounds close to Sherwood Forest in the heart of Nottingham's enchanting countryside. It has all the charm and character you would expect from one of England's oldest coaching inns, with its oak panelled rooms, log fires and leaded windows. Guests are assured of all the modern day comforts required by the most discerning of guests. The surrounding area is rich in history. Nottingham and York are less than an hours drive away." The hotel is sold out but there is a travel lodge close by at Blyth Services from where we will be hoping to run a mini bus from there to the venue for those who cannot get a room at the venue (if there are enough stopping there). There are also B&B's in Blyth itself and the surrounding area. I'll post some further details as soon as possible. Weekend passes are still available for £35. The music policy for the weekend will be the same as the successful Lifeline all-nighters, upfront, rare, unissued, cheap, expensive, forgotten &thinking man's and woman's oldies.....anything as long as it isn't played week in week out DJ's confirmed include Butch, Andy Dyson, Mick H, Soul Sam, Cliff Steele, Chalky, Kitch, Dean Anderson, Arthur Fenn, Tim Brown, Rob Thomas, Andy Whitmore & Christian Brodsjoe. Others who have gladly given there services free for the afternoon sessions include the London Mafia Marco, Teff and Tony Smith, Hammy (the Scottish one), Ali &John Nightingale, Glyn Thornhill, Brett Franklin, Jamie &Rich (Soulsville), Ged Parker, Mick Howard, James Trouble & others....quality assured I think you will agree!! To reserve your pass for the weekendor for further enquiries please e-mail Chalky @ chalky@soultown.eclipse.co.uk (or telephone 07743 863 523) or Andy Dyson @ Dysonsoul@aol.com (01302 744927) or Mick @ Trentsoul@aol.com This will also mark Lifeline's second anniversary

Since April, 2002, The Steve Propes 45s Show has been heard weekly on www.wpmd.org, generally live, on Saturdays, 9 to 11 a.m., PT. (1600 to 1800 GMT), check your local time zones. Often, guests show up: Kell Osbourne, Rip Spencer, Tony Allen, Count Yates, Elliott Shavers, Young Jesse, Thomas Turner and Charles Wright, among others, have been recent guests on the show. They hear their music, then they comment on their career. It's all very casual. Steve has a collection of around 35,000 r&b/soul and other style 45s, so he can always get something new on the air to play.