Best Soul Nights in the North East Ever

Some great memories and some familiar names. A couple of venues to add - Alex did a spell at Balmbra's in the Bigg Market in the 80's, remember hearing Garfield Fleming there. Bill Swift did a spell in Papa Jenks in Sunderland (Ian Jenkins owned that as well as Togos in C-le-St), played mainly northern and Mecca sounds. Soul Sam guested at Togos in early 80's (I did a spot on the same all-dayer bill) a real mix of stuff throughout the day. Tony Bromage I think, organised a music appreciation night in the upstairs room of the Old George (no dancing just listening) and although it didn't run for long there was some great soul played, some on reel to reel by his mate Ronnie - at least that's my recollection. I don' usually post on here but couldn't resist joining in - Frank McCue

Hello Frankie - Hope you're keeping well - I heard you were up in Scotland now.

All the best

Manus

Hi Manus,

PM'd you, out with the thread.

Frankie

Forgot to add that I also thought the Dunelm House All-dayer was the best event I attended in the North East. I missed a lot in the North East as I was living between Newcastle and London throughout the seventies, upside was London was good for record collecting.

I used to go to Togos & The Garden Farm week in week out they were great nights, Now there is The Swallow - Corporation Club - etc they all have great northern nights on but i'v got to say Easington Welfare Hall has got to be the best Northern soul & modern soul venue past and present by far in the Northeast ........

Not a niter, but the best soul club ever in Newcastle, the A Go -Go,when I lived up there late seventies at college bought a pile of Jimmy James and Geno singles all on Pye and Piccadily stamped with A Go-Go, mates at the time from there Quinny, Frank, Alex etc said it was awesome, Handyside Arcade c64-68

Shelly

I was too young for the Go Go my first experiences were the Oxford Galleries ( under 18s night) in Newcastle 1970 and the local Welfare Hall in 69 both played predominantly Tamla Motown with some Reggae. I remember the Club A Go Go as being the only place the older kids talked about - it had a room for younger ones - called the Young Set I think and all the local mods went, Otis Redding and Hendrix were among the acts that played there. When you say Quinny - do you mean Chris Quinn (RIP) or maybe Johnny Quinn who were both on the Soul scene and Frank Lucas ? or maybe Frankie McCue both big Soul fans and I'm sure Frankie McCue made it too the Go Go being a couple of years older.

Cheers

Manus

The Incognito then Tiffanies in middlesbrough-----packed out with people travelling from all over on a Tues / Thurs night----massive floorfillers and quality tunes via Bob Slater----nothing else has come close to that buzz for me unfortunately----but that was back in the day---------Not the day after

Re Mayfair niter ...it was definately Eddie Holman as I taped an interview with Chris King and Eddie on radio tees.He was promoting a new album and appeared on the sat night.Still hot the tape.

Hello Manus. For anyone who doesn't know, Manus is not only what the Great Frankie Lucas refers to as Soul Music Royalty, but also did one of the best nights for music the North East has ever had, playing new release and classic Reggae at Bamburghs and the Collingwood in the early 80s.

Did a couple of all-nightyers in Newcastle around the same time, mostly memorable for the first fights I ever saw at a northern night, I'm sure both you and Frankie would be able to name the culprit.. Also the emergence of the second arm of Modern Soul after the over emphasised 73/4 Mecca stuff; things like King Tutt which means nothing to me, Skip Mahoney which I only grew to like when I had it on a cd compilation, James Govan which is a fair record and Touching in the Dark which I couldn't help comparing with the best of his Okeh stuff, Uphill Climb being one of my favourite records ever, but gradually learnt to love it.

Generally found northern a tad boring in the 80s. Having shed most of the pop, dodgy instrumentals and novelty records, it also lost some of its sparkle. You never heard anything terrible but you never heard anything brilliant either.

On the other hand, going to nightclubs, you often heard terrible jazz-funk, disco, commercial Soul, dodgy Jazz/easy-listening/novelty records, but occasionally heard something brilliant too.

I was happy to dabble in both and at home ( always the most important place for discovering music ) explore Deep Soul, what would become the third and most significant arm of Modern Soul, that dreadful, condescending term again - Just Soul - as well as Real Jazz, Blues and of course Reggae.

Nice plug for Easington Northeastsoulin, a grat venue for northern though mainly a nostalgia night and the Modern stuff is decidedly iffy.

Don't really think you can call the mid seventies the day after when talking Northern Soul Espo. The evening perhaps.

Hello Manus. For anyone who doesn't know, Manus is not only what the Great Frankie Lucas refers to as Soul Music Royalty, but also did one of the best nights for music the North East has ever had, playing new release and classic Reggae at Bamburghs and the Collingwood in the early 80s.

Did a couple of all-nightyers in Newcastle around the same time, mostly memorable for the first fights I ever saw at a northern night, I'm sure both you and Frankie would be able to name the culprit.. Also the emergence of the second arm of Modern Soul after the over emphasised 73/4 Mecca stuff; things like King Tutt which means nothing to me, Skip Mahoney which I only grew to like when I had it on a cd compilation, James Govan which is a fair record and Touching in the Dark which I couldn't help comparing with the best of his Okeh stuff, Uphill Climb being one of my favourite records ever, but gradually learnt to love it.

Generally found northern a tad boring in the 80s. Having shed most of the pop, dodgy instrumentals and novelty records, it also lost some of its sparkle. You never heard anything terrible but you never heard anything brilliant either.

On the other hand, going to nightclubs, you often heard terrible jazz-funk, disco, commercial Soul, dodgy Jazz/easy-listening/novelty records, but occasionally heard something brilliant too.

I was happy to dabble in both and at home ( always the most important place for discovering music ) explore Deep Soul, what would become the third and most significant arm of Modern Soul, that dreadful, condescending term again - Just Soul - as well as Real Jazz, Blues and of course Reggae.

Nice plug for Easington Northeastsoulin, a grat venue for northern though mainly a nostalgia night and the Modern stuff is decidedly iffy.

Don't really think you can call the mid seventies the day after when talking Northern Soul Espo. The evening perhaps.

only a light hearted pop-----unless this guy started off in the late 60,s at places like Sloopys or the Flamingo and has regularly attended EVERY soul night in the N.East since then to say that one is the best ever is a bit ridiculous dont y think

I remember seeing a fight that lasted ages outside a nighter in Newton Aycliffe early eighties....weird one advertised as Northern but played loads of modern soul...Pat Brady went on and stuck on Julian Covey ......one person danced.

I remember seeing a fight that lasted ages outside a nighter in Newton Aycliffe early eighties....weird one advertised as Northern but played loads of modern soul...Pat Brady went on and stuck on Julian Covey ......one person danced.

only a light hearted pop-----unless this guy started off in the late 60,s at places like Sloopys or the Flamingo and has regularly attended EVERY soul night in the N.East since then to say that one is the best ever is a bit ridiculous dont y think

In fairness I don't think he said that - he said it was "one" of the best and maybe it's best to qualify that statement with "that I attended" to save argument but checking his posts he only has 14 so far so he's obviously not used to the jungle that is Soul Source. It wasn't a Soul venue it was 100% Reggae so I don't think he was comparing it to specific Soul nights but to music nights in general. After all these years it's great to hear how much people enjoyed the club - I wouldn't make great claims for it other than we all had a great time and some fantastic tunes were played - but I can say for certain that it was the best Reggae club in Newcastle at the time without fear of contradiction - as it was the only Reggae club in Newcastle at the time lol.

All the best

Manus

1. DUNELM HOUSE, DURHAM.

My first all-dayer was in 75 and I tend to think of them amongst the best days of my life. Most of the records I hear as I go round Northern Soul Nights still, I heard for the first time that first day. People came from all over the country and all the top jocks played. Searling did an afternoon set due to comm...

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Hello Steve - hadn't realised it was you mate - thanks for the kind words about the Balmbras/Collingwood nights - always good to see people like yourself and Ronnie down there enjoying the sounds.

Cheers

Manus

In fairness I don't think he said that - he said it was "one" of the best and maybe it's best to qualify that statement with "that I attended" to save argument but checking his posts he only has 14 so far so he's obviously not used to the jungle that is Soul Source. It wasn't a Soul venue it was 100% Reggae so I don't think he was comparing it to specific Soul nights but to music nights in general. After all these years it's great to hear how much people enjoyed the club - I wouldn't make great claims for it other than we all had a great time and some fantastic tunes were played - but I can say for certain that it was the best Reggae club in Newcastle at the time without fear of contradiction - as it was the only Reggae club in Newcastle at the time lol.

All the best

Manus

Got dim and distant memories of what was possibly your 21st birthday do at a club in Whitley Bay.I was with Big Ray and Frankie Lucas among others and seem to remember a good night with a mix of Northern and Reggae

Jimmy Todd

Got dim and distant memories of what was possibly your 21st birthday do at a club in Whitley Bay.I was with Big Ray and Frankie Lucas among others and seem to remember a good night with a mix of Northern and Reggae

Jimmy Todd

Yes Jimmy 1977 - I was drunk for a month lol - great days.

All the best

Manus

In fairness I don't think he said that - he said it was "one" of the best and maybe it's best to qualify that statement with "that I attended" to save argument but checking his posts he only has 14 so far so he's obviously not used to the jungle that is Soul Source. It wasn't a Soul venue it was 100% Reggae so I don't think he was comparing it to specific Soul nights but to music nights in general. After all these years it's great to hear how much people enjoyed the club - I wouldn't make great claims for it other than we all had a great time and some fantastic tunes were played - but I can say for certain that it was the best Reggae club in Newcastle at the time without fear of contradiction - as it was the only Reggae club in Newcastle at the time lol.

All the best

Manus

No--he said EASINGTON is the"best northern and modern soul venue past and present by far in the N East" Dont think you can compare any soul night these days to what we had in the early to mid 70s(and maybe a bit later) Youth on our side,everyone a dancer,new sounds coming through weekly,people willing to travel ,and an overall love of the scene and its music with no agenda-----on the reggae side i used to attend the Attic in m/bro on saturdays after the match----a proper sleezy dump with one light in the place behind the dj---gave it a brilliant athmosphere with superb tunes played

Obviously match day,drink and skinheads didnt mix too well and it eventually closed due to the trouble---shame tho i loved it

No--he said EASINGTON is the"best northern and modern soul venue past and present by far in the N East" Dont think you can compare any soul night these days to what we had in the early to mid 70s(and maybe a bit later) Youth on our side,everyone a dancer,new sounds coming through weekly,people willing to travel ,and an overall love of the scene and its music with no agenda-----on the reggae side i used to attend the Attic in m/bro on saturdays after the match----a proper sleezy dump with one light in the place behind the dj---gave it a brilliant athmosphere with superb tunes played

Obviously match day,drink and skinheads didnt mix too well and it eventually closed due to the trouble---shame tho i loved it

Sorry Steve- I thought you were talking about Steve Tulip's post but now I can see you meant an earlier post about Easington - must drink less wine but it was a wee bit confusing.

Cheers

Sorry Steve- I thought you were talking about Steve Tulip's post but now I can see you meant an earlier post about Easington - must drink less wine but it was a wee bit confusing.

Cheers

Thats ok Manus---i get confused a lot these days meself ---and i dont drink---must be the pop n crisps

I was too young for the Go Go my first experiences were the Oxford Galleries ( under 18s night) in Newcastle 1970 and the local Welfare Hall in 69 both played predominantly Tamla Motown with some Reggae. I remember the Club A Go Go as being the only place the older kids talked about - it had a room for younger ones - called the Young Set I think and all the local mods went, Otis Redding and Hendrix were among the acts that played there. When you say Quinny - do you mean Chris Quinn (RIP) or maybe Johnny Quinn who were both on the Soul scene and Frank Lucas ? or maybe Frankie McCue both big Soul fans and I'm sure Frankie McCue made it too the Go Go being a couple of years older.

Cheers

Manus

Hi Manus,

You are right about the Young Set at the Go-Go. I never got in - too young. Stood on the stairs in my mohair suit looking for my cousin and listening to the tunes, then got chased by the bouncer, I looked about 10 (was 14). It gets mentioned in Mike Ritson's book about The Wheel. Most of the working class/industrial cities/towns appear to have had a club playing great soul and RnB. There was another club called the Downbeat on the Quayside which my cuz went to also. The Oxford Galleries, Montague and North Fenham and Newbiggin Hall Boys Clubs were my real introduction to soul music in the 60s. What an influence those nights had on my life when I think of the great music and great people I have come into contact with since. Some of it seems like yesterday, other bits have to be prompted by discussions like this. I'm grateful to have been around at the time because it was special. Shelly mentioned the Handyside Arcade which ran along the side (almost) of the entrance to the Go-Go. I bought some of my early motown and stax records from there (second hand) from one of the stalls.

Cheers

Frankie McCue

there was allnighter's at newcastle tiffanys in the early 80's they were run by sean gibbons i d.jd there a few times for him must have been late 84 - early 85

Hi Manus,

You are right about the Young Set at the Go-Go. I never got in - too young. Stood on the stairs in my mohair suit looking for my cousin and listening to the tunes, then got chased by the bouncer, I looked about 10 (was 14). It gets mentioned in Mike Ritson's book about The Wheel. Most of the working class/industrial cities/towns appear to have had a club playing great soul and RnB. There was another club called the Downbeat on the Quayside which my cuz went to also. The Oxford Galleries, Montague and North Fenham and Newbiggin Hall Boys Clubs were my real introduction to soul music in the 60s. What an influence those nights had on my life when I think of the great music and great people I have come into contact with since. Some of it seems like yesterday, other bits have to be prompted by discussions like this. I'm grateful to have been around at the time because it was special. Shelly mentioned the Handyside Arcade which ran along the side (almost) of the entrance to the Go-Go. I bought some of my early motown and stax records from there (second hand) from one of the stalls.

Cheers

Frankie McCue

Hello Frankie

I remember that dancefloor at the Oxford used to bounce like a trampoline lol and everybody used to walk around in circles around the dancefloor and the same upstairs with the booths. Heady days and I agree many great lasting friendships made through the mutual love of Soul music.

Cheers

Manus

No--he said EASINGTON is the"best northern and modern soul venue past and present by far in the N East" Dont think you can compare any soul night these days to what we had in the early to mid 70s(and maybe a bit later) Youth on our side,everyone a dancer,new sounds coming through weekly,people willing to travel ,and an overall love of the scene and its music with no agenda-----on the reggae side i used to attend the Attic in m/bro on saturdays after the match----a proper sleezy dump with one light in the place behind the dj---gave it a brilliant athmosphere with superb tunes played

Obviously match day,drink and skinheads didnt mix too well and it eventually closed due to the trouble---shame tho i loved it

I'll say it again Easington is my fav and could not give a s@@t what you think ESPO,,,,,You stick stay the Attic and i'll stick to easington ....

I'll say it again Easington is my fav and could not give a s@@t what you think ESPO,,,,,You stick stay the Attic and i'll stick to easington ....

Please Do

two similar topics merged and moved into yesterdays as requested

Mr Espo how keeping tried ringing ye the other day nee reply matye hope you and Liana are well

God how many nights have there been in the North East, too many to answer, must admit the Dunelm house All dayers were brilliant and the nighter, Aycliffe all nighters were class to and if i recall correctly it was the only nighter that was running when the Torch Closed before Wigan opened or something like that correct me if am wrong,

The Mayfair in the Toon on a Sunday night was very influencial for me met people who I made lifetime frienships with,

Me Toma, Davy Mason and Matty Turner ran the Broadway Ballroom in Gateshead in the 80's, mini Wigan but the choons were way ahead of it's time and the DJ's who came Gary

Spence, Pat Brady Dave Evison, Marc Bicknell to name a few , the place had a unique atmosphere for a Soul Night that was only on to 12 but we had a following from Scotland, North West and midlands who travelled regually , the place even got on Dave Evisons Millenium Calender . Am still putting do's on with the lads today and the places we have had since, Arts centre, The Fed and even now The Swallow all good places and well attended, but for some reason not sure why, The Broadway has always been me fav place i'll try and post up some photo's of place

I was too young for the Go Go my first experiences were the Oxford Galleries ( under 18s night) in Newcastle 1970 and the local Welfare Hall in 69 both played predominantly Tamla Motown with some Reggae. I remember the Club A Go Go as being the only place the older kids talked about - it had a room for younger ones - called the Young Set I think and all the local mods went, Otis Redding and Hendrix were among the acts that played there. When you say Quinny - do you mean Chris Quinn (RIP) or maybe Johnny Quinn who were both on the Soul scene and Frank Lucas ? or maybe Frankie McCue both big Soul fans and I'm sure Frankie McCue made it too the Go Go being a couple of years older.

Cheers

Manus

Hi Manus,

Yes it was Chris, shocked to hear that he's passed away, when was that? Met him when we both lived in Jersey, now that's a story!and then later when I moved up to Newcastle, but lost touch after he moonlighted to Florida after Fatso's went tits up. Also knew his little brother well, but he came later mid 80's

In respect to Frank, I think it was McCue, used to knock around with Chris , Billy Swift, Davey etc. but never knew his surname, used to see him in Walkers late 80's if that narrows it down any.

Good lads all.

Shelly

Hi Manus,

Yes it was Chris, shocked to hear that he's passed away, when was that? Met him when we both lived in Jersey, now that's a story!and then later when I moved up to Newcastle, but lost touch after he moonlighted to Florida after Fatso's went tits up. Also knew his little brother well, but he came later mid 80's

In respect to Frank, I think it was McCue, used to knock around with Chris , Billy Swift, Davey etc. but never knew his surname, used to see him in Walkers late 80's if that narrows it down any.

Good lads all.

Shelly

Hello Shelly

Chris passed away last year - he was running a bar in Thailand it was bit of a shock when I heard about it as he was a larger than life character and always good for the craic - the Newcastle fans website NUFC.com posted a picture of him and some words on his life which was a nice touch. I understand he'd been suffering from stomach pains that resulted in a burst ulcer.

He was a great lad - I hadn't seen him since the 80s but he always had a big smile on his face. I remember one particular naughty night at Bloomers Monday Soul night in Newcastle about 74 with Chris and Benny and a few others which still makes me laugh today.

Swifty's still around I saw him about 5 years back at a good friends funeral and Frankie McCue is on here as Timemarcheson and was a regular at Walkers so it must be him that you remember. I left Newcastle in 86 but it's possible we might have met at some point

Cheers

Manus

Mr Espo how keeping tried ringing ye the other day nee reply matye hope you and Liana are well

Im fine Paul ----in fact im a lot taller than i used to be--Liana,s still ginger tho but were working on it

Pm,d our new number

Still your witty self got it matey ring ye during week

Hi Manus,

Yes it was Chris, shocked to hear that he's passed away, when was that? Met him when we both lived in Jersey, now that's a story!and then later when I moved up to Newcastle, but lost touch after he moonlighted to Florida after Fatso's went tits up. Also knew his little brother well, but he came later mid 80's

In respect to Frank, I think it was McCue, used to knock around with Chris , Billy Swift, Davey etc. but never knew his surname, used to see him in Walkers late 80's if that narrows it down any.

Good lads all.

Shelly

1. DUNELM HOUSE, DURHAM.

My first all-dayer was in 75 and I tend to think of them amongst the best days of my life. Most of the records I hear as I go round Northern Soul Nights still, I heard for the first time that first day. People came from all over the country and all the top jocks played. Searling did an afternoon set due to comm...

Click here to view the soul article in full

Don't think you can say music at ' Just Soul' is naff,but you are entitled to your opinion!

Hi Shelly/Manus,

Everything to do with Chris was a story. He was "the cheekiest man in the world" and a great supporter of soul music. I was fortunate that I was able to get in touch with him each time he returned to the North East and met up for a drink and a catch up, even after I moved to Scotland. He was running a pub in Walker at one point (can't remember the name) and he had some classic stuff on the sound system. Pub was rough, not sure the regular punters appreciated "our music" but Chris used his inimitable charm and the music stayed. I was recently at Swifty's 60th and caught up with Cookie from the coast who told me Benny is getting married soon, may have happened already. Probably was me in Walkers, Billy Walker kindly gave me a VIP pass for supplying him with some rarer/deleted stuff to play so could pop in and out. As I've often said soul music brings you into contact with some great people, long may it continue for us all.

Frankie

Hi Shelly/Manus,

Everything to do with Chris was a story. He was "the cheekiest man in the world" and a great supporter of soul music. I was fortunate that I was able to get in touch with him each time he returned to the North East and met up for a drink and a catch up, even after I moved to Scotland. He was running a pub in Walker at one point (can't remember the name) and he had some classic stuff on the sound system. Pub was rough, not sure the regular punters appreciated "our music" but Chris used his inimitable charm and the music stayed. I was recently at Swifty's 60th and caught up with Cookie from the coast who told me Benny is getting married soon, may have happened already. Probably was me in Walkers, Billy Walker kindly gave me a VIP pass for supplying him with some rarer/deleted stuff to play so could pop in and out. As I've often said soul music brings you into contact with some great people, long may it continue for us all.

Frankie

Benny was a character - I wonder is he still playing table tennis - give him my best if you see him Frankie.

Cheers

Manus

Don't think you can say music at ' Just Soul' is naff,but you are entitled to your opinion!

I haven't made it up to Just Soul yet as I live on the South Coast it's a bit difficult - but the playlists are phenomenal and Sean and Tats recent Solar radio outing was the finest two hours of Soul I've ever heard on the radio.

Cheers

Manus

Being a sensitive Soulboy type, I have been advised not to read this since my last comment. He obviously doesn't know about the thick skin I developed mocking the swinging sixties and punkrock on Amazon. Thought I'd give it a miss anyway.

Anybody wondering whether I can put my Music where my mouse is, I'm doing another Manor House on 23rd June. I've committed to doing a Modern Soul Greatest Hits but will be more interesting stuff between for anyone whose heard these a thousand times.

Can't promise the House of Commons, the Treasury, St Pauls or the Olympic Stadium, but I can guarrantee extraordinary Soul Music.

There are more misses than hits at Rhetford. I was flying it and somebody asked me if I play wedding music as well. First Betty Wright single is not great for someone with so many great records. Spinners Could it be is a great record but on Morrisons playlist. I don't want to ttravel 2 hours and pay £6 to hear that. Hello Stranger Barbara Lynne just didn't work. Jean Plum here I go again, Dramatics Watcha See and Lery Hutson Lucky Fellow are Great records but were 20 years ago at Fleetwood, Morecambe and Southport. The Just Soul speil introduced one of the 2 big Staples Singers recordss with the same melody - hardly extraordinary. The wrong Sandra Wright track, lots of what I guess is crossover with poor songs and worse singers.

Problem is it just ends up being another northern/ rare Soul Night with a few add-ons.

I asked them if I could use the term, not because I don't hate it, but because its following deserve to know there is a genuine Just Soul night 2 hours up the road with no misses. They refused because they want to make lots of money out of it. Had I not hated the term I would have used it anyway. I hate the term because, firstly it means unimportaant ( it's not important, it's just Soul ) and secondly it means borderline ( is Barry White Soul? Just. ) Where would we all be if Dave Godin had told Ian Levine he couldn't use Northern Soul.

Don't get me wrong, I enjoyed the night, largely for 3 records: for years I didn't buy Superfly cos I thought I'd have it covered and the rest would be chase/ necking tracks. Finally bought it in early 80s and would play NTOM followed by the album followed by NTOM. However, every nerd with Superfly ( of which there are many ), knows the track. George Jackson I have also known since the early 80s and have played it a couple of times but all credit to them for filling the dancefloor to it. However, every nerd with a Hi compilation, ( of which there are many ) has this also. Still Waters is amongst the best of their post HDH tracks but hardly a revelation.

I have missed the last 3 nights at Rhetford because of the Impressionsr, Otis Clay in Switzerland and work commitments. The idea is absolutely right but hardly theres and others do it better.I do it better in the North East and Searling and Terry Jones are doing it in the little room at Blackburn.

If you want another rare Soul night which plays a few other things as well then this is for you, but it in no way deserves its hype and others who have been have said the same to me.

There are more misses than hits at Rhetford. I was flying it and somebody asked me if I play wedding music as well. First Betty Wright single is not great for someone with so many great records. Spinners Could it be is a great record but on Morrisons playlist. I don't want to ttravel 2 hours and pay £6 to hear that. Hello Stranger Barbara Lynne just didn't work. Jean Plum here I go again, Dramatics Watcha See and Lery Hutson Lucky Fellow are Great records but were 20 years ago at Fleetwood, Morecambe and Southport. The Just Soul speil introduced one of the 2 big Staples Singers recordss with the same melody - hardly extraordinary. The wrong Sandra Wright track, lots of what I guess is crossover with poor songs and worse singers.

Problem is it just ends up being another northern/ rare Soul Night with a few add-ons.

I asked them if I could use the term, not because I don't hate it, but because its following deserve to know there is a genuine Just Soul night 2 hours up the road with no misses. They refused because they want to make lots of money out of it. Had I not hated the term I would have used it anyway. I hate the term because, firstly it means unimportaant ( it's not important, it's just Soul ) and secondly it means borderline ( is Barry White Soul? Just. ) Where would we all be if Dave Godin had told Ian Levine he couldn't use Northern Soul.

Don't get me wrong, I enjoyed the night, largely for 3 records: for years I didn't buy Superfly cos I thought I'd have it covered and the rest would be chase/ necking tracks. Finally bought it in early 80s and would play NTOM followed by the album followed by NTOM. However, every nerd with Superfly ( of which there are many ), knows the track. George Jackson I have also known since the early 80s and have played it a couple of times but all credit to them for filling the dancefloor to it. However, every nerd with a Hi compilation, ( of which there are many ) has this also. Still Waters is amongst the best of their post HDH tracks but hardly a revelation.

I have missed the last 3 nights at Rhetford because of the Impressionsr, Otis Clay in Switzerland and work commitments. The idea is absolutely right but hardly theres and others do it better.I do it better in the North East and Searling and Terry Jones are doing it in the little room at Blackburn.

If you want another rare Soul night which plays a few other things as well then this is for you, but it in no way deserves its hype and others who have been have said the same to me.

HI Steve, how are you my old mate, good honest reasoned reply, obviously it doesn,t float your boat however it certainly does a lot of other soul lovers including myself and at the end of the day its all about opinions hence the need for forums, you,ve picked a few examples of records you deem unneccessary, and i suppose some would agree, but over the course of a full night its a very small percentage of records we are talking about, if you get in early doors especially, Andy, Bully, Kev and Sean play some great unknown and semi knowns, and to be honest if there was one criticism I could level, its that they go too far sometimes away from playing rare stuff, a few of us reckon they should throw a few rare but goodies in. The term or title Just Soul was coined to emphasise no pidgeon holing, eg Modern, Crossover, Northern, 60,s 70,s 80,s 90,s 2k, rare, unrare, cheapies and on, in other words "we are playing, Just Soul" hope to catch up with you soon Steve

Best Regards

Kev

Great stuff on here! I used to travel regularly with our "tribe" the Tyne Tees Funk Nation to Togo's in Chester-Le-Street - so it was above Woolies someone said - i forgot that!

Anybody here ever experience the downstairs room at The Top Deck in Redcar in the 70s? Or Mandys in Middlesbrough?

BTW - i'm collecting images of the clubs flyers/posters/club logos and djs / people - mostly late 70s and early 80s stuff. if anybody has anything, let me know?

Manor House Soul Night 23rd June 2012.

People journeyed from as far afield as Norfolk and Wigan but most of the North East intent on cutting their noses off to spite their faces. Those who did come were visually shocked and elated by the difference in the quality of music compared to the other nights on offer in the North East. What is it the bible says about prophets and their home town?

A local who went to Wigan in its dying days and thinks Gloria Jones is one of the greatest songwriters ever, but hasn't been to a Soul Night or bought a Soul Record since, didn't come over from the bar, presumably because he said to me a few days earlier, you know it's the real deal when you hear the needle hit the plastic. I wonder if, in another 30 years, he'll realise just how stupid he sounds.

Since I no longer work there, it's unlikely I'll do another so it will no doubt remain one of those strange anomalies, a fantastic venue with, the best Soul Music ever played in public in the North East, which most North East Soul Fans didn't bother to go to.

I suppose if you think there are only the same 200 records ( the ones I was listening to in the mid 70s ) or the alternative 200 records ( the ones I was listening to in the late 80s ) it doesn't really matter where you go to hear them.

It's hard to imagine the North East will have another credible Soul Night in our lifetime but I'm hopeful for a mobility scooter dance floor and an antique record store. The scene is no longer sufficiently callow for somebody like Alex to come back from Bolton with 70 records and become a dj or, as happened on the Modern Scene, somebody inherits a pile of money, buys a few expensive records and becomes a dj for 6 months while they're big/ in-demand.

It's often said the North East Soul Scene is too crowded so, if you don't have about 36 years including Northern Soul, Jazz Funk, Modern Soul and - CRUCIALLY - Just Soul, and not just from a Northern Soul perspective or picking up odd bits along the way like the Rhetford boys, you should probably step aside.

Alternatively, if anyone has youth on their side and no baggage ( prejudice, politics, plastic ), that would be fantastic, but it's hard to imagine young people being attracted to it in its present state.

My wife has always asked me why I do it: I don't need to, hate djing, hate doing them, lose money on them, don't do it for me, do it for people who don't actually want me to and, with so much Music going on in my life, don't really have time or need it. I don't particularly care that much if the North East Soul Scene remains a joke, even if I was instrumental in briefly injecting a little credibility a quarter of a century ago by guiding Alex towards the Soul Weekender as opposed to the Jazz Funk weekender he always wanted and eventually got.

It all makes for a fantastic chapter for my book though.

Hi Kev, understand the ' concise ' response to my views on Rhetford was Peter.

Because of my computer skills I thought it was someone else whose ' taste ' is a million miles away from Rhetford and if I'd realised or thought about it I probably wouldn't have done it.

I realise the intention in the term Just Soul, but language doesn't always do what it's told and the first 2 connotations are the two I desribed. When Jonathan was playing 3 Soul records on BBC Newcastle Soul Show he called it ' Beneath the Radar ' while I would have called it ' Above the Radar '. IMHO both Jonathan and Rhetford reflect what the language actually says rather than what they wanted it to. Don't forget my degree is in English so I know about the the power of languge.

It isn't that Rhetford doesn't float my boat, it's just that it doesn't do what it says on the packet which is another missed opportunity. I can't think of more than 7 good records I heard and I hear that week in, week out in Aycliffe, Gateshead, Easington etc. In 2012 with the right people you should be able to do better than that. I also think it is neither one thing or the other; it isn't a good Modern Night nor a genuine Just Soul Night and I'm surprised either crowd would be quite satisfied which is why I think it's all hype.

Also, if they'd had any enthusiasm they'd have been up to hear what I was playing, I hate half-heartedness from people who claim to be committed. This reaks of arrogance.

Take care and regards to Peter.

i apologise for going of topic, but can anybody tell me if there was an all-nighter sceen in newcastle? i remember an all-nighter in carlisle, but cant recall newcastle... wasn't the carlisle nighter a large do?

dont know about how much bigger they may have been as i never got to newcastle till the 90`s, i remeber seeing junior walker at the sunderland empire and was gobsmacked when a ladies voice shouted for him to play phsyco shack! i went to black friars, bowes alniter, artcentre, and early on there was a do at peterlee, also a community hall in springwell, i think chester le street did a few things too.cassidy was done by davy bell i believe with kris king playing bootlegs all his spot which was dissapointing considering the effort put in by everyone who puts on any soul night. easington was IMO the best soul night the whole time it was open, great atmosphere, lots of room. bob did a cracking job. carlisle alniters were ran by the casino management, 4 in total. i went and djed at all of them, people came from all over only thing was the roof was glass so by 6 in nthe morning it was getting light. attached is some of the stuff i collect. not a bad dj lineup.............

Hi Paul, it was definately on the high street somewhere in a church hall if memeory serves, but the yanks were definately there.

Only recall this cos I entered the dancing comp, thinking money would be nice,,,, ended up with a fuffing trophy what was that about? the trophy went in the bin , remember gaz being there decka was there also..... a few people from crewe and further afield being there also

There was one on Gateshead High Street in the 70s at the Boilermakers later to become Bobby Dazzlers ..now Gone...I used to lend my records to a couple of the DJs ..Alan and John ..ask Toma Paul

My first experience of a soul ,mod, dance venue in the North East  was when I was very young around 7 or 8 and my brother had to babysit me he would take me up to a little upstairs venue on Coatsworth Road Gateshead it was named The Hawkes they used to put me either under the table or at the corner sitting on peoples coats with crisps and pop..

I have an allnighter membership from the mid 80's for the Soul Explosion Soul CLub, which was in Newcastle somewhere !

Came down on the Edinburgh coach, Colin. Law and JIm Tennant were dj'ing and there was a dance competition which they judged which we all felt was weird and 10 yrs too late !!

I'd be remiss if I didn't point out, that in Newton Aycliffe on the first sat of every month, one of the best rare soul nights in the country is currently chugging along quite under the radar, Thanks to Paul & Ian Shoulder, Kev Cowie and Paul Ackley. 

 

The quality of music played there, is among the best I've heard anywhere, including the 100 club, and the guest DJ's certainly maintain this trend.

it's not a plug, I'm merely an attendee, but if you're from the NE or nearby, and haven't yet been to Aycliffe RAFA Serious Shades Of Soul, then you won't be disappointed by making the trip. I believe John Parker of York Soul Club is on next month.