harpo1

Got it down to 3 possibles Willie Kendrick...Change your ways Lorraine Chandler...I can't hold on Metros...Since i found my baby with a list of possible substitutes that has lots more goodies, i hold in just as high esteem Oh f--k it to many good 'uns to have to choose one PH

Oh yeah - & wot the f*** is a MAMALER ??? FROM THE VERB MAMMALLED...A DESCRIPTIVE WORD I INVENTED TO DESCRIBE WHAT WAS ONCE TERMED "SMASHED", "OFF THE BOX" ETC...ETC...

I bought the white, with green writing copy off Nogger at Winsford about 10 plus years ago, it is an 80's re recording, and it just lacks that power that makes the orig from the 70's so special.

Although we are plauged with those who think that they do, and try to talk a load of waffle in an attempt to give such ridiculous claims credibility, i'm afraid no body can answer the question. In the end each persons interpretation of what they see as soul is different then all we can do is develop a liking for that we find to our taste, nobody can know it all There are many wise sages who are found deep in discussion at events, a large data base of known tunes is no guarentee that they will be good 'un's. Just look at what garbage has been played and tipped over the years, by the good and the great. I know friends who have been going as long as me, but never wanted to know any more than their faves, yet i know they love the music as much as i do, or indeed do the real record buffs. I AM DEEPLY MOVED AND LOVE AND LIVE MY MUSIC, OTHERS ARE MORE DETATTCHED , IN THEIR APPRECIATION, BUT STILL HAVE DIVEN MAJOR PARTS OF THEIR LIFE TO ITS PERSUIT. Just enjoy it , i'm learning all the time, 35 plus years and still hearing amazing records for the first time....theres stacks to still come, ok as time progresses the ratio of good to bad lessens, but good makes it all worthwhile

I can only give an account of nights i attended post '74'ish, however i'm sure Max and others can tell us about the earlier period. I know many live acts appeared during the 60's, but i'll let those who went fill in the detail. My first period was "The Teen-Scene-with Blue Max", this was on Mondays, and ran early evening to about 10'ish if i remember correctly(a whole half hour later than Willenhall Baths). I used to go up with Billy Frisby, Steve Kingdon, Col. Summner, Dave Lewis and Pete Nixon to name a few.This was wgere i first got to know Phil Shelton, i also remember Paddy Jennings and some of the other names going too. Max had some great stuff in those days, and broadened our taste through exposure to new music,they even had Major Lance on one week, Can't remember why or when it stopped, we just moved to the Wolves Club. The next period was when Neil Rushton ran it as a Heart of England Soul Club promo. Was it still Monday, or possibly Tuesday nights. The DJ line up was great with Eddie Hobbard, Clive Jones, Steve Porter and Chris Plant, along with Neil and apologies to those i've missed. The night was a real breath of fresh air with lots of big nighter tunes played. All the local soulies where there, as it was a proper night not aimed at kids, Gethro, Swoz(both bro's), as well as the Dudley folks, the Wilkes's Skippy etc...etc... There was an all-dayer, however due to some problem there was a sign posted on the door saying "come back at 6pm". It was during the period that Neil put on the First International Soul Festival, at the Mecca feat. Brass Construction, my mate Kev Doughty put on a coach from there, we had a great day, and that was when i first really met one of my oldest and closest friends Dawn Caswell. Some great nights had there, again you'll have to let Neil fill in the detail. The final period was when Pep used to run Tuesday nights, this lasted around 3 years, and was where i got my first chance to play tunes, I think Phil (Pritchard) was still playing at the first few, along with Mick Derry, This gradually changed with myself Mick Holdsworth and Ian Tyrer as regulars, it was initially in that period when 60's british in particular, soungs were big, and Brian was a regular guest. Pep had a local soul band appear one week "Dexys Midnight Runners", didn't really suit , but they did go on to a career in pop LOL As the time progressedwe became fully involved with the emerging "modern" scene, Sam was a weekly guest and wow! the stuff we got to play was awesome, Softones, Vekvet Hammer(first played by Ian the barber) Garry Glenn, Softones/First Class "Candy", i first heard Will Collins, Flame 'n' King, when we got the 4 copies of Charles Johnson, i was doing the earlier spot, so played it first, there were so many tunes turning up, as well as those we heard Richard, Sam and Pat play at Wigan, we would snap up,Along with those records we played a good mix of 60's detroit and class oldies too. All our West Mids crowd were there, regular visitore included Dave Allcock, Karen Sellman, Heil Allen and Jim from Stoke, Tim from Cov. Tony Clayton and the Telford/ Shrops crowd, ro name just a few Amazing goings on with me Azza Dave Shaw, Phil, Andy Simms accompanied by a varied cast, such as Steve Hughes Mart Randall, Steve Downing, Russ's head Crispi Twins etc...etc...as well as our up and coming young trainees, Sean Pomma Roger Drippin' and Carl Jones to name a few. It was a great big ball of fun/maddness with a musically brilliant accompaniment. I look forward to your personal recollections Harpo

HARPO !!! Fuckin' superb... HA HA HA ..., HOWS THE LAST 25 YEARS BEEN THEN ? ha ha ha . good to hear your voice (????) again mate. Yeah still out and about, and up to the same old tricks, it was my 50th last week, i'm sure you can remember Sandi, we are engaged, and also back collecting and doind a bit of DJ'ing All the best mate...keep in touch

As i write i believe that Gethro is still in the States, Walter (Swoz), is in contact with him or was until recently(was in Chicago for ages)2 pics attatched Kenny, have looked at pic in detail, not you mate, i think it was taken when we where not capable of such a growth, the pics i have of you with the beard are more late 70's times(see pic bottom right)

Any info on "Offer you can't refuse" by Nate Williams, Sandi has aquired this as one of my birthday presents....thanks Harpo

Hey John, Do you remember that night at the Wagon and Horses, when Smokey stopped the music and did an half hour stand up comedy spot....unforgettable....i can still remember some of the gags...me and the "old' un" often have a giggle remembering that night. Ah! the Octopus, used to love it down there, particularly liked Philco on a Sunday night, as well as the Sat. dinner jobby. We're really pulling them out the bag here, where do we go next, Wolves Club, Esso, Ship 'n' Rainbow...or maybe even the "Rentasino" (Wednesfield rent offices to the uninitiated) and of course Willenhall Baths.....happy days old mate. See you Friday night Paul

We used to go regularlly, late '80 to '81, on Fridays, and even though the line up was with a few exceptions as we would have the following night at Wigan, it was a real breath of fresh air we made a point not to miss. The atmosphere was far less stressful, and that lounge made for a great place to relax, ok things did later tighten' up, mirrors above toilet cubicles etc...etc...but it was as the result of events. Loved the "modern" stuff it just seemed to get a better chance, with not being restricted to two or at best three short time slots during the night, it was great for our Wolvo modern trailblazers to be with as many like minded folk. Of course the big 60's stuff was also played to keep the Stoke lads happy,(Jeff, Atlas Bob etc...) with Pokes Mad Dog and the Pups c/u going big. Preston Street Dancers, whistles banners 'n' all, did a few heads at first, but added to the atmosphere, lets be fair. Great times, we still often recall with true affection, almost 30 years on. Harpo.....on behalf of all who were there from the West Mids

Used to play it around 86/87 at venues such as The Cavendish, Stafford WMC, Whitchurch, Loughborough, etc...etc..., it was particularlly popular at Tim 'n' Nial's Cov all dayers, Cliff was also airing it along with a few others of us who mixed in , great mid tempo soul, later to be labelled as "crossover". Many years later Nial told me "remember that tune you put on tapes for us, well its now big and getting to fetch a few bob", cant remember who first played it to me, but it was always gonna do it sooner or later, a "nice" record in every sense of the word. I struggle to come to terms with prices these days, however quality has no bearing on value, as ever i'll say "it's not about playing rare, or expensive records, it's about playing GOOD records" And it is a GOOD 'UN

I was on stage with Chris Plant (in my role as advisor in regard to play order), at the Fleet in Peterborough some time in '80. Kev Draper was on next and played Richards Joe Matthews monster c/u, uncovered(The Group feat Cecil Washington). That created quite a stir to say the least

When the partnership promoting the second era of the Cavendish was dissolved, at the time i was told for tax reasons(only years later i was told it was as i was no longer in possesion of enough records...ouch!!...yet i think all would agree still always did the best spot, no matter who guested...hmmmmm!!) They did one night at the Wagon and Horses, and then Pep took the night to the Black Horse.....it continued to be successful and by taking a smaller room, it kept the atmosphere alive. Didn't always make it as at first it was too painful, and then i took my night job that entailed me workin mon. through to fri. nights for 8 years. I know it was where some of todays top soulies re-entered the fray as well as being a chance for emerging dj's to play, and i always had a good night when i could make it. Sad to see such a big "boozer" go down...i wonder where "the general" will be mincing now??(local joke) Yet we are still here going strong venues come and go the music stays with us for ever Harpo

Bobby Thurston "The very last drop" magic !!

Yes we had some great nights at both the Central, and Aqua. over the years, Smokey and myself would get a lift in Aggies motor to the Central, great nights with good mates Marc Chackett, Gary Colborne, Brad, Ste. Porter, can't remember if Racker n Jill, Dyke'ie and "The Lemon" were still coming out then, But we had a laugh with Dave and June, and all the other regulars. When i worked for Ginos i used to come straight from work Fridays, even though it always ended up with me gettong in all sorts of shite when i finally got home, sometime on Saturday. The Aqua. also had some great memories for me, loved the class 70's stuff, Mandrill, True Image, Sidney Joe Quails etc...etc.... I remember one crazy caper involving Smokey and a Taxi he was driving, and another night where i lost Steve Porter somewhere between his house and the venue. Times............Harpo

Yes we had some great nights at both the Central, and Aqua. over the years, Smokey and myself would get a lift in Aggies motor to the Central, great nights with good mates Marc Chackett, Gary Colborne, Brad, Ste. Porter, can't remember if Racker n Jill, Dyke'ie and "The Lemon" were still coming out then, But we had a laugh with Dave and June, and all the other regulars. When i worked for Ginos i used to come straight from work Fridays, even though it always ended up with me gettong in all sorts of shite when i finally got home, sometime on Saturday. The Aqua. also had some great memories for me, loved the class 70's stuff, Mandrill, True Image, Sidney Joe Quails etc...etc.... I remember one crazy caper involving Smokey and a Taxi he was driving, and another night where i lost Steve Porter somewhere between his house and the venue. Times............Harpo

do you know any soulful squadies Paul, I thought they always stood out, due to their lack of Soulfullness, you know not tapping their feet to the music etc...etc.... And it was really un-soulfull of them when they smashed in my front door, and took me to Wednesfield nick Harpo LOL

Hope it is similar to Bob Relfs, or indeed Mr McFarlands Lonley Lover, and not Rita and the Tiaras, as in my personal opinion it is one i have never taken to, thats me being as diplomatic and inoffensive as i can, to put it mildly.

Put some on there Mike, i'll see what else we've got PH

, but who's the guy in the middle??? Cheers, Mark R Tony Warrot from Bedford Also noticed little John from Droitwich on one