FROBISHER REVIEW - 30TH OCT 2004

FROBISHER REVIEW - 30TH OCT 2004

So, having seen Steve make it through to the next phase of the X Factor, we decided to make a quick dash down to the Frobisher.

The October edition brought us those two young gents from Todmorden: Tim Brown and Ginger Taylor.

Arriving around half-nine, we found Dave Box, one of the resident DJ’s, doing the early shift. A few of the tunes he played in this hour included: Topics, Enchanters, Dynells, and a good raft of 70’s: Newcomers, Paul Thompson, Bill Harris, Charisma Band, and Channel 3’s The Sweetest Thing. That was one that Fred really enjoyed, and at the time it was played he was singing the praises of his DJ partner, by saying what a fantastic record collection he had built up over the years. Next one was the electrifying Cashmeres – What Does It Take To Win Your Love. A few versions of that have been played over the years, but I still rate the Junior Walker original as the best, and there’s a version by BJ Thomas which is also very good. Dave played the ever popular Because Of You by Jackie Wilson to a full dance floor, and then handed over to Ginger at around 10.30pm.

Ginger played a mixed bag, including a few 70’s, a bit of Motown, some oldies, and a scattering of more recent tunes. He kept the dance floor busy through the hour, playing: Carstairs, Futures, Phyllis Hyman, Joy Lovejoy, Harold Melvin, Norman Johnson, Temptations, Marvelettes, Garland Green. The highlights for me had to be Rita and the Tiaras (Classic and rare oldie), Bill Bush (dance floor packer), Buddy Miles (underplayed 70’s), and the Hamilton Movement (great tune).

Tim took over from Ginger, and his highlights were just about everything really. Vanguards, Patrinell Staton, Soul Communicators, Delegates of Soul, Bobby Rich, and Sam Dees' alternative take on Lonely For You Baby. Also, Deep Dark Secret, Dee Dee Sharp, and Frankie Beverley – Because Of My Heart on Rouser. And he played more requests than you can shake a stick at: Robert Tanner, Fluorescent Smogg, Hayes Cottons (Black Wings), Mac Staten, and, for me, Little Willie Foulk – Look Into My Heart. Tim finished off with JJ Barnes’ RicTic relic – Please let me in, leaving a perfect platform for Fred to follow on with an hour of oldies.

Dave finished it all off, keeping the crowd dancing until the end, and by that time, the drink had kicked in big style, and he managed to get me on the dance floor, shuffling about to the Ascots – Few Feet From The Gutter and Jimmy Wallace – I’ll Be Back.

As usual, the mix of music through the night catered for everyone, making it another enjoyable night. I’ll leave you in the hands of the Lager Lout for his summary.

JB

Before I start on this, I’d just like to say that in no way is this a piss-take, as I’ve known Tim for years and have always regarded him as a good friend. So, really, it’s a tribute to the excellent 60 minutes worth of music he played that night. Knowing Tim, I reckon he’ll enjoy it rather than hitting me with a law suit!

To get the gist of this, if you know that great 70’s track by Benny Hill, then you’ll see where I’m coming from::::

You can hear them old beats pound

When you’re on the stomping ground

And the clattering of those wheels of steel

As they spin round and round

Chorus:

He marched into the Frobisher

Rare Soul wrote on his chest

His name was Brownie and he was the

Finest DJ in the West

Now Brownie loves his Northern

And a bit of Modern too

Not right fussed on the all night sesh

Prefers an eight till two

The crowds were always good to him

And I mean it most sincere

That’s why Brownie gets his booking there

Same time every year

(Chorus)

Now Brownie on arrival

Made a beeline for the bar

All the way from Todmorden

Half hour in the car

He tempted us with his Lewis Clark

And his tasty Bob and Fred

And when they heard the plight of his Larry Wright

It nearly knocked ‘em dead.

They all swooned over his mega tunes

And he said if you see me right

You’ll have drum rolls in the morning

And stompers through the night

We knew once we’d sampled his first half hour

That he’d got top notch stuff to play

Thanks from all the Frobisher

You’ve made our flipping day.

They won’t forget Brownie,

‘Cause he’s the finest DJ in the West.

Look forward to seeing you next year Tim.

Cheers – The Lager Lout.

From John – I liked it lout, but you’re gonna have to get out more. I’ll agree with everything in the song, but point out that I think you’ve cheated a bit as the records mentioned in it he didn’t play that night.

Lout – OK, fair point, but he could have played ‘em all on another night. Plus I don’t have the writing talents of Holland/Dozier/Holland or Smokey Robinson.

John – Yep, yer right – get the beers in!