Sooty

I ain't messing...deadly serious!x I collect...or seem too...vintage gramaphones. I have 4 at present. This stock pic on Ebay is the exact model I have from Decca....in as good knick too!x This is my experience....on occasion over the past 10 years during summer Sundays I have taken a strecth Limo to a Boot Sale/Fete....I set up a stand with me Decca on it in front of the car.....spin me 45's/78's......whilst folk have a sit in the limo and collect a leaflet! In essence....earning dosh whilst spinning tunes for free! Busking kinda...hehe! The people love it and so do I! Point is....it has never let me down whichever player I take! If I ever considered flogging records at a doo...which personally I never will....I would not hesitate to take this particular model.....as it does the job!! I sharpen the needles to a finer point....adjust the speed to suit.....and as said...job done! You can pick one up for about £50 in good working order....robust....ready in an instant....aaaand those tunes that need an extra rev or less a rev or two.......sorted!!!!x @@ ~ LUV SOOTY X

...it was the first time I had been to a nighter....took speed.....and dance all night! I danced to 'Too Many People' 3 times as i;d never heard it and was blown away!.....! Never played the record throughout my time personally....but that's what happened!x My goal when leaving was to use some of my spare time to revive that kind of experience back 'ome! We did....and I then set my sights on Keele itself! But Neil who promoted it then....ensured I never achieved my 'ultimate' dream! For the next 7 years folk went up to him....30+ in a night and asked 'when is Sooty getting a spot'....and he held his reasoning! I am accurate with me figures cos i'd send 20 + to ask the question....!hehe!x Little Scotty and Mick Lyons took up the excitement instead and took me to Blackburn where I became a virtual in house DJ for several years having the last hour to get mine and dancers rocks off! Happy days and I thank all those who went on that 'journey'....it was a buzz.....X You'd have jumped on me 17 seater G....and we'd have had a 'craic'.....I reckon!x @@ ~ LUV SOOTY X

...Hi Gareth.....we just missed each other mate!x My first attendance to a proper gig was Keele xmas doo 1992....which inspired me to promote our first Soul Night for Easter 1993!x I should qualify my comment mate.....I have never had an opinion on boots...CD's...or LPs.....! It's all irrelevant to me in the grand scale! It was a tongue in cheek comment as I recall some DJ's frowning upon LP spinners! It all made me smile then....and still does!x Keep spinning whatever makes YOU happy!x 45's do it for me....LP's I forget to change the knob as i've never been 'technical' with me DJing....so for simplicity I stuck to singles...at 45rpm...a safe speed!x @@ ~ LUV SOOTY X My all time favourite LPs which I can listen too anytime??? Holst Planet suite!x The 1812 Overture comes a second best especially with real canons with Beethoven's Pastural symphony coming 3rd!x EDIT:....Citizen P... Paul Harris's local do at Bradford Brookesy's local do at Burscough Sid Jones's local do at Denton Derreck's local do at Bury/Prestwich Our own local do at Rochdale....... ...and... However, BIG NAMES and BIG NIGHTS Do not guarantee the BEST NIGHTS... Len and myself are 'converted' to your ethos and opinion Citizen P!x I went to all the major nighters in the 90's. Keele...Blackburn...100 Club....Winsford....Stockport...Bretby....The Ritzy and The Ritz....and others! I DJ'd at them all except the Ritz and Keele. The best one enjoyed by the majority of Soulies at the time??? 'Ours'...when re-launching St Ives! NO 'big names' just 9 'selected' Soul Club representatives at each gig....a 'peoples' doo! No ego's or 'mates' malarky...or owt! It was the only A/Nighter that oranges segments would arrive at your table at 2/3am too for refreshment of all! After trekking to all venues...sussing out 'the people'....we gave them what they wanted......job done! I may be bias as will Len i'm sure as we were pivotal in making that happen along with Shifty...Kings Lynn crew...Boston....Peterborough and 'local' to us doos promoters. The list you provide above would have featured 'collectively' on one of our nights no problem! The only requirements we had was that you'd been to the venue....was a promoter....and ideally danced too! I felt it a 'reward' for those promoters who back then weren't really appreciated by the 'moguls' and indeed it ensured several new 'names' came onto the scene too! It was revolutionary at the time....and explains why we walked into venues with 50-100 people when venturing up t'norf for 'time out' at other gigs!!!x Such 'power' did influence others....and we forced our way onto what was becoming a stale system! That happening was a major part of the resurgence of the scene in the 90's.....!x Proud of my part in that as i'm sure Len....Shifty and many others who 'wos there' will confirm too!x My 'reward'....presented to me by Ady Croasdell on behalf of the said happy Soulies as a token of their appreciation...which is still proudly displayed in a house which I rent out to Celebs as a 'safe house'! It always generates 'chat' about the Northern scene....and i'm proud to tell all about it.................your welcome!x @@ ~ Playing CD's...from a Laptop....or LP's....weren't part of the scrutiny! Being a 'Soulie' was the only qualification required......and they rammed it!x

It was never discussed back then though was it mate? - It simply wasn't an issue.......and that is the difference to todays 'Scene'...... All the best, Len Fortunately Lenny it wasn't a distraction available to us vinyl junkies too true mate!x I do remember CD's coming into Soul Nights and generating debate....but that was it!x LUV SOOTY X I think the MP3 fingy has taken the spot that us 45rpm DJ's said about LP spinners.......ouch.....that's gonna kick off anuver chat....sorry Mike...i'm back!!!hehe!x @@ ~

I better add me tuppence worth in this debate as I have said some 'direct' comment regarding vinyl in other threads....so i'll qualify it!x As a 'DJ'...out to entertain tthe masses....then yes.....at a wedding and stuff I may play 4/5 CD tracks as being current Chart toppers unavailable on vinyl UPON REQUEST...and play it to satisfy the folk....which £350 PAYS FOR.....my rate for a 12 hour non-stop doo if u start background music at around 2pm at a wedding reception till 2am finish! Cheap init! The pleasure is all mine!x However....at a Northern Doo.....or my understanding of Northern doo's....is like Pete....I would play vinyl only and on original.......BUT....at my soul nights I would have played re-issues as long as another guest DJ din't have the original!! I never ever played a tune at a gig if I knew a DJ had the full monty copy....out of respect...to their investment and to uphold what I thought was the 'ethos' among 'hard core' Soulies!x There is this 'hard core' element to address tho'! When on the scene throughout the 90's....I only ever DJ'd at 'hard core' functions.....! None of those venues /promoters or fellow DJs would have accepted CDs/MP3s....boots or re-issues....I recall! Or...one wouldn't have left the building without some 'chat' of a frowned upon nature being said! So...I never dared become part of that 'chat'!!hehe!x On that basis....perhaps I was spoilt or 'blinkered' as to my approach.....or put it another way...I feared any backlash!!x Today....if I was at a general gig as advertised in this thread.....I wouldn't have a problem! My focus would be on the DJ's selection!! When active....I drew upon around 300 records I had considered Northern. If I was using a laptop....which I never have and actually laugh when seeing general DJ's using them......most present a detached approach to 'entertaining' I have found....and none have ever danced behind the decks that i've witnessed!! Therefore...if I was at a Northern doo....and listening to a laptop......i'd expect it to be the most brilliant bestest night i'd have been too.......given the scope of music available to the said DJ! Anything less....would be a waste of my time or.....a reflection of a DJ who didn't have Northern at his or her heart!x On this occasion being discussed....the dance floor appeared busy...therefore I assume the DJ knew his laptop and folders....and had Soul....somewhere!x Not offended or feel it 'wrong' to use a laptop....but......for me.....it will never happen! I LOVE flipping thru me tunes...looking for the next tune to play.....know every ridge in the run in grooves....and know every word as it spins....to any of my collection!! I haven't found a laptop DJ that has the same feeling or enthusiasm when searching folders!x @@ ~ LUV SOOTY X ....dis-claimer! About 15 years ago.....I went to a friends 60th at a Scout Hut in a village outside Cambridge. A Scout leader and his 2 young kids were doing the DJing....from a laptop! Nobody had danced....and it was 10-10.15pm...with the doo ending at 11.30pm! So....I hi-jacked them....! Went on stage and the man was sweating profusely! I said I was a DJ.....and knew the type of stuff these 40/50/60 year olds wanted! He had been playing current chart toppers from CD or Laptop...for 3 hours...with no response!! I said....if I name a tune....could you cue it up!!! He said...no....shouted...."NO PROBLEM"....and made way for me as his saviour!!hehe!!! I asked for 'Baby Love'....to kick off....I took the microphone....and announced 'let's dance'.....and this poppy/disco.....worst ever version of Baby Love kicked off.....!!! But....the floor rammed wiv handbag crowd....they'd been frustrated for 3 hours init!! It got better from there! Hi Ho Silver lining and Hit The Road Jack all came piling in....and we wos away! Now I have to say this...cos it's true! It was one of the bestest enjoyable times I DJd'! Those who have witnessed me doing me thing....know I play every instrument and dance as 'standard'! Me air guitar of I'm A Believer i've got down to a fine art....and the piano rendition during Great Balls of Fire has never missed a key! On this occasion.....I was able to dance...play....chat....and just enjoy 'djing'.....whilst others searched the tunes! Perhaps that is me way forward when in me old peoples home at the xmas party i'll host.........at some point in the future!x @@ ~ Bottom line.....If i thought I couldn't 'entertain' successfully with my record collection....whatever genre....I wouldn't offer me services. Overall...I have never needed to go to CD....or MP3....at ANY gig...by choice. I would consider it an insult to every piece of vinyl and singer I have amassed!x

Morning!x Whilst being away for a while...my partner decided to get me a pressy from the Boot Sale for my return! Now...I collect my own records as I don't know wot i'm gonna get next!! But...through general chats my partner Abs knows a few key records i'm still seeking on me travels! One of them being Ernie Tennessee Fords 16 Tons original....on a 45rpm....! I have it on a 78....and on an 'old gold' re-issue which i've used for nearly 20 years when DJing on the occasion it needed playing! That's testiment to my liking for the tune...but also for the 'rareity' of it on an original 45rpm....when seeking it via a Boot Sale! So...it's been on me top 10 'wants'....for 20 years! That is what Abs knows. She found it last week-end....! I returned on Wednesday and couldn't wait for this 'surprise' which I would be excited about.....so It was said! I got the tune in me hands.....and couldn't believe the copy....clean label....middle still intact....in fact as good as one could expect for a near on 60 year old piece of vinyl!...But..hang on.....it sez 1965......whereas the tune was done in 1955.......errrr.......! So...on the deck it goes for its first ever spin....and this was what I heard....for the first time ever...... https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9jhA5zUonNw .......it's the 'Go-Go' version apparently!! I've since read about it....but....nobody who is selling it sez 'it ain't 'it'....!!!! I have been here before as i'm sure some of you have! Two Northern/soulful tracks I have been pursuing caught me out so to speak! The first time this has happened was with a luvly tune I came across whilst visiting a friend who collects Jazz! He played me Brook Bentons 'Kiddio'....powerful....catchy.....marvellous accompaniment.....just had to have one! I've had 3 copy's to date....not 1 of them sounds as good as my mates 'original' 'promo copy'!!! indeed...all 3 copy's on different releases sound different and he sings it different....none of them being as good as the promo!!! POOOOOO!!!! The nearest I have got to my preferred version is this copy.... https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TCqF57f6fm0 The second great Soul swindle was Garnet Mimms....As Long As I Have You.....! I had it on the Warm n Soulful album for a while.....and went after the single...got it....but it weren't! It was a 'live' version of it! £30 AND me warm n soulful album down the swanny about 18 years ago....and a box of Kleenex to go wiv it....sigh...! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Hc2y9X08tN8 As far as Ernie Fords 'Go-Go' version.....yup....it's 'nice'......but not BRILLIANT....me feels!x My partner was dis-appointed it weren't 'it'.....but delighted she'd only paid £1 for it......! It's going in me collection for musical chairs and stuff....and have added to me knowledge base as a consequence which is all good......aaaand found this whilst doing me research on the tune....which was a joy.....and dedicated to my partner and all you well meaning Ladies who look after us fellas.....or try too!!!!!hehe!x @@ ~ LUV SOOTY X https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pSpcsKpn6h0

If you would like a CD of my play lists just drop me a PM. Thanx Tracey for your kind offer....X However....I do not have 1 Northern Soul CD....!!! I have 1 scratched one which was left in a limo about 18 months ago by some Soulie friends! It sticks on track 5 and I use it to test me CD decks in me music 'shack'......when I have guests! That's it....I have never ever listened to music in a car...or in me houses for the past 10/12 years!......or anywhere other than when I am going to a do! I have had to listen to ALL kinds going off in the back of me vehicles over 25 years....be it Northern....Disco...Jungle...Hip Hop....Rave....or Grease...Mamma Mia and ABBA's greatest for the umpteenth time.......all I want to do is listen to people talking....'normal'.....!x Send me a list of your top 20 tunes Tracey...and i'll gladly chase them up with me cuppa on Utube.....but it would never hit me CD decks......I just use them for kids musical chairs games and stuff at family parties.....EVERYTHING I play...or listen too....is on vinyl...or on Utube.....and I stick to it.....it's me hobby!x Besides....every time I put me needle on em....it slides off.....!!x Mad invention mefinks......I bought a Betamax video player and learneded then to bide me time for the next bestest fingy that's popular.....and nowts beat vinyl yet....for me!x!!x @@ ~ LUV SOOTY X

ARGHHHHHHHHHHHHHH>>>>!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Knew it......pah!!!x I've either matured or on different drugs...!x Had that for 7/8 years and played it everywhere....Cottons in Stockport was always a joy for it!x I musta played it to meself.......but honest......when I utubed it....it's as if it wos the first time i've ever heard it....! Mad stuff!x As said Tracey....thanx for the re-education...X..and thank u Romulus for ensuring I felt like a Celtic peasant.....hehe!x @@ ~ LUV SOOTY X ....Veni...Vidi....and forgot wot I had dun and heard!!!x @@ ~

....being a Gentleman I spotted your thread Tracey....and thanx for the education!x Only knew 5 of them....3 of which would make my set anyday...Sunday....Justine Washington and Nancy Butts!x 'Quality' music all round and given the occasion and time I think those priviliged to hear the sets were priviliged...x Thanx for sharing Tracey...X LUV SOOTY X .....never heard the Jelly Beans tune......but took their 'stomper' around the UK with me throughout the 90's....yet enjoyed this mellow side too....nice 1!x Don't tell me it wos the B side??!!...?!x @@ ~ ...fella's....wot do we know??...hehe!x I know u got 'Soul' Tracey....and that's good enuff for me...and hopefully for you!x

WOOOOOHOOOOOO!!!!!!! Found me a nuggett.....a BIG one!!!x I don't do LP's as i've explained in this thread....but....on occasion....there is only the LP! This is one of those occasions. It is so momentous....it will go into my LP collection gathered over 40 years since being given Gene Pitneys Big Sixteen in 1970 for me 11th birthday.....and now total 9 LPs.......so......it is 'mega' to join such a 'rare' collection!!! I went looking for it about 5 years ago....and it has eluded me since....unless I wanted to pay £100+ for the original....which I didn't...! A 45...yeah....cos i'll play it....but an LP...would sit with Gene for the next 35 years really!! But I have found it.....for £10 yesterday at a boot sale!!!!!! It pi**es over anything heard at Glastonbury done by 'the originals' i'm sure! It also exposes how very little was done to it by those who have more 'verve'...! Here it is...! Done in 1966 by the then Manager of the Stones...Andrew Loog Oldham just before they went to the USA and went under Bert Berns/Russells 'influence'!! Although all are listenable too on a chill out Sunday afternoon...my 3 best tracks are Satisfaction...Play With Fire....with 'The Last Time'....being the ultimate...which none of you can say can be bettered......shirley????!!! https://play.spotify.com/album/26knLyb6ZpI9eUyMvjOrUh https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P1nvAeoq9Yc You can see why Richard became a 'dick'....and got nowt for his troubles....init!x Sometimes...the 'original' can't be bettered I feel....and when thinking about it.....for them to come up with Bitter Sweet after 30 years of 'thinking' about it.....then it's pretty 'lazy' really.....whilst being 'momentous' and uplifting all the same....like the original....I reckon!x https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=60qB_1M3koY Off to find some more 'nuggetts'...have a happy day.....!x LUV SOOTY X I got this in a collection early 1993....and had never heard the 'vocal'....and played it at my Soul Nights....but was told by 'old school' there was no such record???...But I had it in me hands....!! SUPER addition...as was The Verves vocal....but this effort blows the Verves addition away... https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mQ1Fb4JsRZE as does this....for 'comparison'.... https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Sx3Ys0ldsxw .......and blew me away when hearing the end vocal result.....which Bittersweet still can't 'hit' me like these 'additions'! Wot do you all think?!x @@ ~

I'm ignorant as to the history of tunes etc. It has served me well. My being in a bubble as such for the first 25 years of the scene meant when I became active in 1993...it was all 'new' apart from 100 obvious tunes from the Wigan/Torch and disco era. Any tune I heard....that got me as 'Northern Soul'....was up for playing. BUT...I travelled around the UK. Not many have done that....or hadn't. The 'big names' did it all through the 70's....others came thru their era and carried it on into the 80's and 90's. Folk like myself...Shifty....Len....and the Sean's...Russ's of this world came thru in the 90's......with a 'hybrid' approach of all that had gone before....and been discovered since. When I got involved...the discussion was are u a 60's or 70's Soulie!!?? Then over the decade it went to 60's/70's 'newies' or oldies Soulie!!?? I played all.....but at different venues I did different things! I could play a set in Daventry...go up to Oldham....swop 8 records out of the set......then go onto Blackburn A/N and play perhaps 6 of the 40 odd i'd played earlier! Therefore....those who heard me up t'north....will tell you one thing about the tunes I played....and then down Souf....they'll say I played a different tune/s. The scene is 'different' around venues and locations I found...and therefore I played different at each......which is wot being a DJ was from my perspective! A record I played at say the 100 Club...I may not have played at Blackburn....the 2 biggest venues with 'hard core' Qdos back in the 90's. At my own Soul Night in Cambridge which ran monthly for 5 years non-stop.....I played stuff I never played anywhere else.....! So who played what where...can get 'lost' in all that maneuvering!!x We as Soulies and DJs...are unique...music is 'personal'. If that's respected and appreciated by all...then these he said she saids wouldn't be so important...would they?x I heard Richard Berry Have Love Will Travel around a mates house who had an amazing collection....but never spun it anywhere! I got a copy...played it '93 around Cambridge way.....'old school' told me it was Rock N Roll....yet I took it up to Manchester/Stockport and everybody loved it! 25 years later it's become the longest running advert using the tune via Liverpool & Victoria ads...and derivatives of it! The 4 Tracks...Like My Love For You....played it at Blackburn 94'....absolutely BOMBED first time out!!! 100 Club creamed it the following week!! Never played it at Blackburn again! So...what a DJ plays may not be 'what they are about'....! I played Mel Torme Coming Home Baby from '93'-99 and was the most consistent record I played nationally.....because the ex Mrs liked it! Same with 'That's My Girl Dee Clark....I got 'known' for them.....but they weren't 'my' choices!!!!hehe!!x I heard Fats Domino 'If You Don't Know What Love Is' on a tape on a Thursday....found it in a junk shop Friday.....played it first time at 100 Club Saturday..........kicked off with it.....cos it wos me tune of the week...it went ballistic...yet never played it anywhere ever again as I swopped it at the 100 Club that night!!! But I was the first to play it there....possibly the last??!hehe!x Who knew that?...does it matter? I don;t think so....unless it was theeee only copy or discovered on an acetate or summink etc. Had it been played before in the 70's??....nobody has ever said so! But it got played after I played it at gigs I recall! There's possibly 20+ records I spun for the first time at All Nighters....but were never played again! Have they been brought back...been re-discovered....20 years later??? I don't go to gigs to find out! But....i'm sure i'd hear summink considered 'new'...yet I've heard it played...or played it meself.....at some point in the past 35 years that i've been listening!x Choice is good....and I like 'difference' and acknowledge innovation and recognise 'firsts' always.....but am chilled with it all whoevers playing 'the' tune...and recommend it to all!!x LUV SOOTY X

"l will make one observation without being rude (in a personal way) you say seans a bangin dj with passion and commintment.....well how come i,ve NEVER seen him at a venue as a soul fan/punter and how come the only records he dances to are his own set...never anyone elses...as i,ve said have nowt against the fella ,but action speak louder than words and l observe what l see not always what people tell us." I had half an hour Gordon...so devoted it to you to assist with your future assessments...X Before i show it....i;'ll tell it as it is...I got a dis-claimer. Sean's from Grimsby.....I lived there as a kid for years too and many of my relatives live there. He looks like he could be me Cousin Mark...spit and image of him...so I naturally have warmed to him since we first met. Sean came to my gigs when he re-visited the scene in the 90's after serving his Country globally within our armed forces....and has done throughout the 90's and 2000nds. Being the decent chap he is... he was one of the many who actually came up to me and thanked me for re-kindling his faith through the functions and approach I had towards promoting/entertaining and music policy. We are of similar ilk I found. He was excited then...danced to all...that's what I saw. For 9 years I see him get involved.....collect.....become 'active' and indeed i gave him spots at my does to reward his re-commitment to the scene. I left him with it in 2000. That was my experience of it and him for those 9 years I was 'active'. 2 Years later....i'm in some town somewhere up t'norf......and found a gig was on. I popped in for half an hour. By co-incidence....Sean was DJing. He was rocking the joint. I went and gave him a hug....and left. It made me proud to know i had a part in that 'progression'....I had never heard one of the tunes he played whilst i was there....!!!x A Year later....I turned up to Kings Hall and nobody knew what i was doing...I just did it. Here is a section out of the film I came up with......and as Sean doesn't contribute to 'chat' in these threads.....i'll let him do his own talking....albeit 10 years ago....but still valid...I reckon...!x https://youtu.be/asz2cdRcXuY LUV SOOTY X ...in essence Gordon....your comment above is perhaps a worse character assessment and'efforts' of Sean than you made of mine in another thread which I ain;t asking u to qualify...in my opinion mate!x So.....not being rude in a personal way...it's an opinion based on just wot i know...!x @@ ~ I'll leave you wiv a message from one of 'our' own....and trust you are all carrying that torch still around his way....and look forward to finding out for meself at some point in the future........X https://youtu.be/6XceSH-5430

HAYES COTTON — BLACK WING'S HAVE MY ANGEL.........Big Scotty.....spun at Blackburn and most major venues by him thru the 90's.......made me night every time! .............WOOOOHOOOOO!!!!!!!!!!!!!TUNE!!!x NEVER heard of most of your set Sean....Goody 2 shoes would get me off me chair....different init!...!x Tina's tune is tame for her but I see the appeal! The Hevtor Rivera tune is groovy too but as a 'dancer' I still prefer this Hector tune which i spun at the 100 Club xmas party...!x https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FXy0fW0jnAw You have come a loooong way since your 90's re-commitment and proud of u mate....X LUV SOOTY X Thanx for posting Seans or anyones play list...I appreciate the education and information....especially from those doers out there......!X

...hmmm.....I have 2 'hats'....a DJ one....and a Northern DJ one! They are different approaches! As a DJ doing weddings/functions for 25 years....I can start as early as 2pm on a Saturday afternoon.....and finish at 2am....12 hours...non-stop.....and could have carried on until 8am....obviously!!!x In that scenario....I wouldn't dream of letting anyone else share the decks......it don't work....and there's a bigger thing to cater for.....someones 'special' occasion....not a casual waiting to hear or spin summink of interest....it's a different 'gig'! I control what i play...and when I want them to dance...or chill....'manage' the occasion...thru the music......always to a crescendo! It's a huge responsibility which I do not pass onto anyone else.....and never would!x However....as a Northern DJ and promoter...my approach has been this over the time.... 1 hour sets...on the Northern Scene??? In general....suffices. I say that because there was....was...during the 90's many 'DJ's...that weren't 'DJ's'....and lost the 'flow' of the occasion irrelevant of what was in their boxes...and often didn't 'care' about the occasion.....be it at a nighter or night.....and it was a 'killer' all round. That hour....seemed hours...! When we kicked off The Maltings and re-launched St Ives under the 9 Clubs banner...9 DJ's did 2 x 1/2 hour sets........as mentioned in the thread. It was a super success...I felt....a 'buzz' throughout for DJ's AND Punters! It also ensured the DJ's participation thru the night.......! How many stroll in...do their bit....and walk out the door straight after leaving ure floor and crowd unsure about life???? There is an analogy I can use to explain my feelings on that one.........I play 5 a side each Tuesday night....have done for 9 years. On occasion I am short a player or two. There are loads 'hanging about' hoping for a 'freebie'. I let them play....they don't pay.....and they go 'hog' the ball...shoot at every and any occasion....no 'team' approach....then walk off the pitch without even saying thanx.....! It's the same feeling for me. So...I had this 1/2 hour approach....and EVERYONE had the same attitude towards the night...which helped the ambience of the room and dancefloor!x As a DJ....I could give any venue an awesome night....for as long as you could handle it.....31 hours is me record to date! Done that for Charity 7/8 years ago! However...as a Northern DJ ;fitting in'....an hour....is good....when 'managing' folks of all skill levels and music interests be they a 60's/70 oldie or newbie.....'DJ'....it gives enuff time to enjoy the occasion as a DJ....and for the floor to have an 'experience'! Sometimes I recall wanting a 'rest' after a DJ's awesome spot!!! Then Len would follow and I could go have a kip to recover..........hehe!x @@ ~ LUV LENSGROUPIE X ....erm......I had this extra approach for the 'big' occasions too........only dancing DJ's....got on the bill.....! THAT was MEGA....and had promoters of Soul Clubs nationwide on a list waiting their turn! Another thing we had at St Ives in the 90's was......you would never be considered for a spot unless you'd been to the venue either.......! Who do u fink u r creaming 'our' efforts and success???!!!..........it was a Northern gig.......and I wouldn't have Soulies pretending to be Soulies in my space.....especially when picking up the tab and collateral on occasion!!!! Go play elsewhere.........hehe!x I learnt that when at me first few nights i promoted......a 'named' DJ with qdos from 'back in the day'....I invited as 'star' DJ.He insisted on £60....AND a flagon of Cider.....which I agreed too....and ended up paying it out of my pocket at the time! I never got paid that ANYWHERE in 9 years! He waltzed in with a bunch of mates...20 minutes before his spot.......took the £60....and Cider......and did the same the 2nd time. He never got a 3rd chance.....with me. The Len's and Shifty's of this world took his 'spot'...and the rest is 'recent' history......and should do every time....I reckon...X @@ ~

Like Len sez...we all have our preferences in preparation rituals and are or should be aware of different venue policy's likes/dislikes....BUt....if your newbie DJ Mike is unaware of his next spot....just goes on 'faith' en route to a nighter sort of thing....then my approach would suffice....or it did me...here it is! You'll get to spin say 23/4 tunes during your spot. I have used one of those plastic tool boxes u get from the garage for 20 years on the Northern Scene.....it holds 100 records perfectly with the mic and me sooty puppets in the front of the tunes!. I section them up like this usually an hour before I leave...go through all and put up to 100 in there! I could get away with 30....but.....the space is there!! Here is the usual make up....20/25 'breathers from the 60's...Four Perfections/Teardrops kinda tempo.......then comes 20/25 'stompers'....The Dynamics/Younghearts sort! The next section I have consists of around 25 Motown tunes....all tempos....including the 'I Wonder Why's and Midnight Johnnys ...and summink by Edwin of course!x After those come 5/6 instrumentals....of which I usually play 1 somewhere in the set! At the back are the '70's! Normally about 20/25....all types including stompers...shufflers and floaters! Behind them......is usually 2/3 records.....that I know......in me bedroom....they is right.....BUT....is the time right....or place......and for 1 of those tunes....it is!x Ah.....if this young protege is happening to end the night....then at the front of me box...is 4/5 enders! Jimmy and Dean have resided there for 20+ years....if required....but usually finish with one of the other 3..........before paying the last STOMPER to end!hehe....I cheat a bit!!.....old school!!!x There.....I coulda said in 1 sentence....'sort ure box out'.....but.....it doesn't help really does it?x What I do know is this....with that approach....in 9 years on the Northern scen UK wide....I never got stuck being a starting DJ...following a DJ or being the ending DJ.....cos there was a tune for every occasion....subject to circumstances! As for tunes being played/repeated??? 10/12 throughout a Nighter may have been played outta my 100 MAX before I got up at 7am to finish....I recall! Listened/danced to every tune to know before me spot!!x LUV SOOTY X ...the epitome of the above is that I DJ'd at Lytham 12-1.....then Blackburn 7am-8.03...then kicked off Wigans 'Temple of Doom' dayer at 9am-11am....in the same weekend...and only played 1 record 3 times due to demand....a 2nd record twice...again due to demand....but the rest.......I played a different set in each spot......and 'had it away' at all.....! Did it most week ends for 7 of those years!!!x I had Northern in me tool box.....end of!x The tunes aren't the problem.....it's in ure head!!!x If your up and coming DJ is brand new Mike....then 100 is for someone 'on the road'.....30 tunes would suffice and I could take him/her to any venue in the World spinning northern....and we'd 'rock it' and not double any tune...no probs!x U just need Northern in the tool box...and apply it....end of!x @@ ~

.....in an emergency.....when lifting the wrong arm of the tune playing.....and the heaving dance floor stops dead in mid spin.....and the silence doesn't impact you.....but when looking up....your eyes tell you ure a donut.......then stay calm....smile at them all.....wave if u like......then lower the arm back down remembering to lower the volume as u do to bring it all back up to 'normal'.........and gesture all to carry on.......it works!x LUV SOOTY X Eventually the Blackburn crew realised I wos enjoying meself so joined in with such occasions with whistles and applause....EVERYTIME!!!!hehe!x @@ ~

Take your own Mic/Headphones in your box.....as routine. Was advised that in the first weeks of DJing by legendary figure from Cambridge Max Rees. I've never actually used headphones meself I watch the cue lights and 'see' the music......! But in 20+ years of DJing....since that day Max told me HIS best tip when I asked him.......having a mic......saved looooads of venues nights and ensured i had all i needed to do the job in my box....self sufficient!x @@ ~ LUV SOOTY X

Co-incidences.....amazing!! Forgive me whilst I talk to meself!!x I've just got in....and having a cuppa and put the telly on.....and a Beach Boys proggy is on.....and Brian Wilson was being featured!! The co-incidence? This morning I popped into a wind swept drizzly Boot Sale en route to a days business......and looked along the sad looking 14 stalls......and i found 1 tune.....and thought I had never heard it......until half way through playing it!!! I never twigged it was 'it'..the music was 'funky'....and I just didn't twig!! I bought it for a £1...mint demo....and it was on 'Big Tree'....which I have come across in me time and had some good tunes on the label....some i;m sure being Northern?! So perhaps I was thinking 'soul' when i looked at the label....saw 'Brian Wilson' written....bound to be a relative of Frank or summink init??!! Then put it in me bag to come home too! That was 7.30am this morning!! Anyway.....played it about 20 minutes ago as I walked in....whilst putting kettle on.....and turning telly on.....and there he is...Brian Wilson singing 'Forever'...! Then the proggy sez it was him who was behind the 'You are So Beautiful' tune recorded by Billy Preston!!......so yeah.......it's no co-incidence I picked the tune up......the man had soul.....and this ain;t a bad take on the mans work either.....i'd say! .............and just thought i;d share me findiings today....which has learned me loads....!x https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_XbVv616DEo What does it all mean????....God or Muhammed and beelzeebub only knows mefinks!x nite nite...X LUV SOOTY X .....and a 'appy birfday Mrswoodrules.....ure a cheery chappy and so thought i'd say so to keep it so....and soulful.....or Mike will gimme grief...hehe!x @@ ~

Congratulations Backstreet Soul Club!!!x Mark...'Changy'...deserves the cred and success along with Kev Laws...Mobbsy....Kev Fev and others!x Changy was a great supporter of us back in Cambridge as we got started under the Cambridge Stompers banner in the 90's. I went several times to the 100 Club with Mark and Fev on occasion and was always in great company which i appreciated...X Lawsy....Mobbsy and Fev all DJ'd at gigs at my end and were always apreciated by Cambridge crew...X I learnt loaaaads from these guys.....in history terms as far as the scene in East Anglia was concerned and indeed about music!!! Be they established tunes...and....'newbies'....in which folk like Fev....were 'revolutionary' back in the 90's...in my opinion!x I had the privilege of DJing at several Backstreet gigs in Norwich during the 90's and am proud to have contributed towards its continued success over them 30 years....X Thanx Changy and all....for 'keeping the faith'...X Xmas '95........ LUV SOOTY X Manusf3a......I haven't seen or spoke to Fev for a couple of years. I lost his number along with thousands of others 18 months ago.....but have popped in to see him and his bro Andrew whenever in Naaarwwhich since leaving the scene promoter/DJ wise in 2000.....and they were fine!x Fev has his 'magic box' always ready.....and amazingly.....like the Tardis.....it always has summink 'new' in there from some corner in that box.......!!!! It's the same one i've looked at for 20 years......but.....I ain't heard them all yet???!!! As you say.....a super guy and certainly 1 of the long term friends I gained through my intense association with the scene through the 90's...X I did their heads last time i popped in....took em to the chippy in a limo......and had the Hyperions...Kell Osbournes Quicksand....and David Bowies 'Golden Years'...his bro's 'idol'....boooming out in the back of the limo as they sipped champers en route to the chippy!x Fev introduced me to the tunes mentioned....in '93/4.....he felt as though we'd 'arrived'....and was smiling like a good un as I looked in the rear view mirror before he even got his chips...!!x Happy days!x @@ ~

I went to Keele Xmas '92 as me first ever All Nighter! Danced to Too Many People Bobby Goldsboro....first and last time.....had a wonderful night....and came home deciding to put a gig on. April '93....and we were 'off'....! Every venue deserves to be respected for summink!x Never got to DJ there.....and for a while was dis-appointed......but....becoming a 'resi' 7-8am DJ for a couple of years at Tony's in Blackburn 'Hard Core' nights made up for it and more.....and never thought of playing Too Many People...as there were too many people danicng to hard core....!!!x @@ ~ LUV SOOTY X

Listened to as many as are available on Utube Greg.....AWESOME sounds on the whole and never heard any of them..............!!!!!!! Charley Wynn ‘Action time’ (Jim Gem).................TOP OF LIST!!!!!!!!!!!!x Thanx for sharing Greg....X LUV SOOTY X The nearest I got to any of this stuff was this....played it at St Ives 96'/97;...Blackburn and a few other places!x https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RuXqzhOZRZ0 .......and me fav 'Gospel' tune of all time....although your Charlie Wynn is knocking the door.....is this....most versions are good including the Duprees...Booker T's and The Originals takes...but this one being me bestest arm hair raiser....X https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ly7bW5_wewk

Tezza sez....."Its a really strange concept to me that people can dance to records they don't know. You have no idea where and when the breaks will occur or any little nuances that may be written in. Unless of course the music you are dancing to is that predictable as it follows 'the pattern'." ....I can dance 'in sync' to any tune you put on.....'naturally'....any genre any tune. Dunno how or why....but my body moves 'automatic'.....and can 'predict' things in a micro second....when I think about it!!! It's a good job too or my trekking around the Nation hearing new things every time for most of the night would have been 'pointless'....and i'd have looked silly stranded on the floor often........not that' i' have bothered about that bit.....but me mate Fudge woulda took the P all the way home if it had happened........but not once in 7 years was he able to tell me off about me dancing........proud of that......but he's still a tw***************tttt.....hehe!!!x @@ ~ LUV SOOTY X

Where Next "musically"? ...to a gig methinks....check these 'good times' out!!!x Got a newbie to bring lenny....but I will insist she leaves her handbag at home ok!!x @@ ~ LUV SOOTY X ...ere Penny.....SOOOOOOOOOOOOoooooooome People say a maaaan....I got that and The Wanderer on a 78...as well as 45....'quaity' gear.....along with this....which i;d have loved to have played at the 100 club.......i;d have danced.....no handbag required.!!!!xhehe!x https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hOSGEEswmqQ

Nelly from Bridgewater get's the Jimmy Ruffin tune...and your welcome mate...X LUV SOOTY X

....well bu**er me.....there's Elvis written on the B side.....!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!hehe!!!x @@ ~ LUV SOOTY X I found a copy of the French EP which everyone was going on about in the 90's....forget the track that's on it! I was in France and found it! Got £200 worth of swops at the time! I'd have kept it....but finding that run in groove at 7am in the morning seemed toooo much hard work for me at the time...hehe!x That's why I don;t do LP's....i'd forget to switch the revs.....and do a pinky and perky job!!! Mind u......I think i'd have filled the floor with such at Tony's in Blackburn......I got away wiv anythng!!!Happy days!x @@ ~