Soul Up North - 1999 Issue 21 Review and clips

Please note this is from a few years ago

Soul Up North is Edited by Howard Earnshaw with help from Saus and Little John. Comes out every quarter and is packed with all sorts of articles. Latest issue contains Vinyl reviews, label listings, artist info, venue guide and planner, quizzes, mod article, reviews of loads of venues, articles etc etc.

Best recommendation I can give is that subscribe to it !

Heres some clips from recent issues to give you a taste:

CHICAGO SOUL – SHANE COX

Here we are again! Strolling through

the soulful sounds of Chicago! Checking out those Iittle gems which help keep these

dancefloors alive!!

We have a great little selection in this issue, a couple of pieces out of

the 'Chess' stable, a bit of crossover and some sixties rarities worthy of attention -

Read on!

FLORAIN TAYLOR- THINK ABOUT ME - CADET 5546

What a belter of a record' This disc is

a fantastic female ROB outing, its got pace and the uptempo speed is a killer! A really good dancer from this obscure artist who only had the one release on the label, (and I've yet to hear bout anything else she did, but info would be appreciated!).

It starts off with a bnilliant intro, then Florain kicks in with her high vocals telling

her boyfriend about how he should think about her and drop his bit on the side!! All while this is happening you've got a furious backbeat driving the record along, keeping a frantic feel to it!

A very nice piece, which should be quite acceptable dancefloor-wise!

THE WINSTONS – AIN’T NOTHING LIKE A LITTLE LOVIN – CURTOM 8546

An excellent record from the late sixties, on the first series of the Curtom label when it was independent. It's a superb mid tempo piece, it has a bnilliant and professional arrangement, blended with the Winstons laid back vocals, all moving along at a nice smooth pace - creating a beautiful floater.

The song is about how a little bit of loving is good for the guy, and how everything about his girl is 'out of sight', simple lyrics but they match the backing perfectly'

The record saw action on the decks in the late eighties, when my old pal VAL PALMER was a resident DJ at the 100 Club, but since she dropped out of the scene no one seems to have spun itl (although I hope I'm wrong!!)

The 'A' side to this is called 'Need A Replacement' and my copy is an A & B side demo (see illustration), but just double A side demo's exsist without the essential side in slightly larger quantity, so when searching and comes up check the side not listedl OKl!

(Shane Cox's tip no.507, for collecting records!)

Good hunting!

JOHNNY TWIST – NOBODY KNOWS LOVE BUT YOU – CHECKER 1139

Another nice piece from the Chess groupof labels, a great guitar intro, governed by deep horns and then it moves into Johnny’s high’ish vocals, telling us "nobody knows what love is" which is about his special love for his baby - all moving along at a nice mid to up tempo pace, giving us an excellent R&B flavoured dancer, with those high vocal accompaniments to the chorus typical of so many records we love on the scene, where for two or three seconds the groups do their 'lmpressions' bit!

it is a bit of an obscurity this, Johnny Twist - 5, which might mean that it takes a

little longer to track down, but it's a brilliant dancer with all the good bits in it, so

every effort should be worth it when you place it on the deck!

BILLY STEWART – LOVE ME – CHESS 1960

Just when you think you've heard everything an artist has done (which is quite a bit in this case!) then you either find something you haven't heard or overlook it thinking you have! Well this for me fell into both categories!! Now I feel it deserves to be written about. The record starts off with a slow intro which just builds and builds, with strings and things, until Billy bursts into songin his typical style, then the record moves into a crossover style, with powerful backing building up to a point and then moves into the chorus with Billy singing "love me" and keeping that late 60's crossover feel which keeps the whole thing going, climaxing into a fantastic break!

it's got a great production with everyone including Billy Stewart giving it all they've

got! With a thumping bass line accompanying Billy as he sings about how his girl can't

make up her mind about how she feels, and that he loves her so!

It's a great dancer, and an awesome record, get it and see for yourself !

BEN DE PORESS AND PASSIONS - I GOT A GIRL - BRUNO 5142

A brilliant sixties uptempo dancer from an obscure group on an obscure label It's got a furious beat and is packed with energy, treating us to a manic style of record, with those familiar hifg male vocals it's a great one to keep us up on the old dancefloor!

The song is about how the guys got got himself a girl and she is so fine! and that they've been together for a short while. Then the record moves into a great break where you just hear the driving bass line keeping everything in its place and losing none of the energy this incredible record has to give us!

As I said earlier the group is on the obscure side and even the song is written by Ben De Porress, so maybe this was their one and only chance of hitting the big time! Sadly I assume nobody picked up on it.

I presume the Passions were not (?) the group of the same name who recorded for Curtis Mayfield & Eddie Thomas (One of Chicago's other legendary producers) but I could be wrong!

Despite all these unanswered questions it is still a great record!

DESIRES –BABY WE CAN MAKE lT _- TAMBOO 2004

A real obscurity (again!) this one, but a great slab of Chicago Soul, it's got a powerful backing that drives the record along,creating a perfect mid tempo beat, which makes it a great dancer! Evidence of this exists as it was a big spin at Stafford in the golden days for newies, but because of its rarity it hasn't retained its status as a dancefloor monster- which is a bit of an injustice!

It starts off with a similar intro as the Trends - 'Not Too Old To Cry', but then moves

into its driving beat and the song tells us how "they can make it together if they

try" then comes the break with the thumping bass and saxophone solo, with chord

change; all the time keeping a certain rawness about it, which commercially might have contributed to its lack of success, but WE all LOVE that sort of stuff! So all we can do is give it a justified listening and know that the Desires efforts were not totally

unappreciated!

ANNA RAYE - I GOT LOCK - LOW 724

This really is a beautiful haunting record, mid tempo crossover soul at its very best Anna Raye has such a brillilant voice, it's high and clear, and really comes through nicely!

It all starts off with a laid back intro with plenty of "ooohs" and then kicks

in with a strong bass line and strings, then Anna sings 'I need your love', then it moves

an octave higher which tries to stretch Anna's vocal abilities, but she handles it in her

stride'

This disc has got all the ingredients that you need, it is a bit scarce, but it is pure

quality and should be a monster, all it would take is a few spins and.... you know the

rest!!

YVONNE CARROLL - PLEASE DONT GO - VEE JAY 592

Now this is one of those records that has been simmering for a little while until JOHN MANSHIP fumed one up and found its way into SAUS's DJ'ing selection, which is now making it into something of a very much sought after item! (lady luck and a phone call helped secure my copy!)

Okay, it's probably NOT a Chicago recording, but the label has all the right geographical qualifications for me!

The record starts off with a short drum roll, which sets the pace and then Yvonne jumps in with Please don't go" and the record moves along at a smooth but atmospheric mid tempo style, an excellent production, all nicely polished, giving it a great dance beat -in this mid sixties female mover!

The song is about the girt pleading with the guy not to go, even if there is someone else on his mind, then one kiss is all it would take to swing it Yvonne's wayl (she hopes!!)

DOWNSOUTHVIEW – whats hot UptownDownSouth

Russ Vickers & Keith Woon

Lori & Lance - I Don't Have To Worry - Federal

This infectious mid-paced duet is a gem. Lance is first into the musical fray - questioning his girl's feelings, Lori comes right back at him with, ° You don't have to worry!

Produced by Bobby Smith, this late 6T's belter comes on with similar exchanges thru' out - until Lori's final outburst pins your ears to the wall - WOW!

Definite dancefloor mayhem and soulful as hell! Critical plays suggest that this will

become a monster. DJ's & dancefloors get behind this...(RV)

Clarence Townsend - I Found A New Love - Clara

This hails from Greenville, Mississippi and first came to my attention via London's masses, main mover, Ion, initially played under the guise of Charles Brandy, this elusive Southem State dancer fairly shifts along, with horns and things, a big vocal, and a tale of Clarence leaving his girl and finding a New Lover.

The don't treat me that bad, or make me feel sad, I've found a lover.

Only a few copies have as yet surfaced, but with a little more exposure this one will

really take off- one to look out for (RV)

The Bitter & Sweet - I Won't Have Any Babies For You - Anything & Everything Records

Detroit Michigan, early seventies and a unique crossover dancer, it has an unusual latin intro, which leads into a mid-paced shuffler.First played in the 8Ts by Rod & the gang at the Canal Tavem, Thorne, this has lain dormant since then, as their advertising boasted

'Tomorrows Monsters Today!'

Resurrection long overdue - this is just right for today's more open minds (RV)

The Exportations, Featuring Ernestine Johnson - I Want You - Vir-Ro

1980 and a fine slab of Detroit soul, Dave Thorley mentioned that he had bought this as a new release, which indicates that it may have had a few plays at 'Stafford', although I can't recall ever having heard it.

Although released in '80 this sounds earlier, it's the first release on the label and

feature alternating male and female leads, it's not unlike the Lori & Lance number,

with a modem production, lots of strings plus a driving beat, this up-tempo modem mover is destined to go the same way as Barbara Lynn - 'Trying To Love Two' & 'Movin' On A

Groove'

Reasonably priced, now watch this one gal! (RV)

The Impressions - Whenever You Leadeth Me - Curtom (CR-1948)

At present, fairly hard to find, this piece of Chicago mid-tempo magic was lifted from the 1970 classic 'Young Mods Forgotten Story' album, incorrectly titled and stuck on the B side of a remake.

A single snare drum crack and then horns kick start Sam, Fred and Curtis into the first line; Wherever you leadeth me, I will follow, across the water blue, deep or shallow Even if the way is dark, we'll make it through, me and you...

Curtis' vocals are ably supported by the musicians, who play through some superb hom and string arrangements. A special mention must go to the drummer for maintaining overall control with a wickedly intricate snare pattern (KW9812)

Falcons - You've Got The Power/Innervision - I Just Want To Love You - Joe

Boy/Uptown Downsouth JBV4

The Falcons had recorded Power around 1967 for Detroit's, Big Wheel label but until now, it has remained unreleased. The mid-tempo pace and strategic low key breaks being the possible reason. Had it been released it surely would have been a precursor to the cross over sounds of a few years later. The only factor that anchors Power to the mid 60's in the degree of overall echo applied to the final mix - sure does make the finger popping zing.

Innervision, on the other hand, was released in the 'USA' only in 1976 as the 'b' side of a single that has remained hard to find. Again, the arrangement is ahead of its time, in that it sounds more like early 80's. a big production two stepper, with sentiments and pace that makes it perfect for a slow, end of night, grind.

Available now from all good traders!

(I0N9812)

Nigel Martznez - So Good - Expansion (EXCDP-18)

A UK release from around September thisyear, and an excellent mixture of mellow grooves (Just Another Night, Who Can I Tum To& So Good), jazzy (Hold On Me), mid tempo commercial (Dreams Come True & Shuda Cuda Wuda), fusion (Everlasting) and even a few instrumentals (Your Touch, With You & I've Been There), all in a Ben Tankard/Gary Taylor vein.

This set has a great, late eighties feel and there really are no bad tracks. I have left what I consider the best until last, which in this case are tracks 4 and 5. Special Way is a Barry White pastiche with a build up to an excellent instrumental break and close. Are You Ready, and the first time I played it, I wasn't! It's amazing, with Mr Martinez powering through it's clever arrangement of bass guitar under-pinning synthesizer guitar and horns all bouncing

off the percussion.

(KW9812)

Freddie Scott – Girl l Love You - Probe /ABC (CP481)

Probably from the late 60's, this marvellous big voiced ballad with a gritty down home feel to it shouldn't set you back more than about £10. As you would expect, superb vocals from Freddie, supported by a big rhythm and horn arrangement, punctuated with three breaks for absolute maximum impact.Worthy of particular mention is the drums and baritone sax.

Freddie has been patiently waiting for the right lady to come along, when unexpectedly he meets her, and bashfully whispers Girl I Love You.. She hesitates for a few moments and just as he is about to walk away, she replies with, Man I think I'm gonna love your.Freddie is obviously made up and being a sucker for this sort of thing, so was I. (KW9812)

VENUE

REPORTS

Winsford Civic Hall - November 26th N.Sadd

I recently read a venue report on this nighter in Soul up North so as I

hadn't been to an all nighter for several years and live in Cheshire I decided to brave

the trip.

I arrived and paid the entrance moneys and found a few friendly faces

talking and drinking coffee in the large entrance hall, and it was a good hour before I

got into the main room where the DJ (?) was banging out some great sounds and to my surprise I knew quite a few of them (I had heard that all righters now play loads of new stuff and I was a bit worried that I'd be out of my depth!)

Of course there was also plenty of sounds that were new to me, but the

dancefloor was always busy and the crowd were obviously being entertained.

I did venture into the modern room later on in the night but not being a

lover of the newer stuff, I returned to the 'big' room after taking in some refreshment.

I can't really remember who the DJ's were or list loads of sounds played,

but I can tell you that I had a bloody great night, and was totally knackered by the end of it!

If you haven't made the effort yet, then get down here, a great atmosphere, great crowd and a superb dance floor all combine to make me sure of becoming a

regular face there, and I'm sure a lot of you who don't do all righters would enjoy the

experience too.

It's northern soul as I remember it of old, but I can appreciate that new

sounds will be played (so I'm not that much of a oldies die hard!?) as long as it's

danceable it's OK(eh)

I might even try another nighter tool! my thanks to the person who wrote

about Winsford in that earlier venue report. Thanks to you I'm back!!

Trent University all nighter- May 23rd

Wayne Hudson

First time for this new nighter held in the buildings of the university

complex in the centre of Nottingham and as it's in the centre of the city it is a bit

difficult to locate, but we were OK as we had set off in the afternoon and spent the day at Dougie & Kate's (locals soul fan's!) so Dougie drove us directly to the university without the usual hassle of getting lost!

Memberships had to be applied for beforehand as this was a strict members

only venue.

The place itself featured a smaller modem room which appeared to be busy

all night and the main room which had a spacious dance floor and ample seating, and a record dealers area which was situated in a separate sports hall. There was a bar which was located in the modern room and when that shut there was a cafe cum' snack bar upstairs.

Musically it was a great night, leaning towards the current

And recent sounds with Djs Butch, Shifty, Soul Sam, Roger Banks,

Dougie,Steve Chadwick etc etc. You knew you were going to be in for some quality music,w hich we were - All night!!

Definitely a venue I'd recommend, with good quality music, big dancefloor,

plenty of punters and record dealers, a great night out so give it a try. Finally here's a

selection of 'some' of the top sounds heard on this night:

FOUR ANDANTEES-HIPPER THAN ME,

THE NEW WANDERERS-LET ME RENDER MY SERVICE TO YOU,

THE SAINTS-I'LL LET YOU SLIDE,

THE BUTLERS THINK IT OVER c/u,

VOLCANOES-IT'S ALRIGHT(vocal & inst.) clu,

LINDA & THE PRETENDER~BELIEVE ME,

CHARMAINES-STANDING IN THE NEED OF LOVE,

DYNAMIC THREE-SHE SAID YEA,

MATADORS-SAY YES BABY,

FAYE & THE HILITES-WHERE DID HE GO,

THE ADMIRATIONS-I WANT TO BE FREE

and DUSTY WILSON-TRAGEDY..

phew!

Station Hotel - September 25th Martyn

To reach the 2nd anniversary of soul nights here in Dudley has been

something of a minor miracle considering the music policy of the venue, but a no

compromise attitude along with a degree of flexibiliyv has ensured that this venue is now firmly established as one of the countries foremost progressive northern soul nights. DJ's for the night were specially invited from north of the border, being the two premier names at the moment, Kenny Burrell and Keith Money, along with local dj Ted Massey. The two resident jocks, Dave Rimmer and myself relegating ourselves to the first hour.

I'd really been looking forward to this night especially the visit of

Keith Money.

Dave kicked off the night, and I followed with some 70's and crossover

stuff, as the other dj's would ensure that the rest of the night would mainly be a 60's

affair. my spot was strictly left field, including  of my current spins,

TERRY CALLIER-GOTTA GET CLOSER TO YOU (Cadet)

and the unissued but brilliant

SONNY MONROE WHY DO I LET YOU DO THE THINGS YOU DO.

The rest of the spot followed in the same vein and I'll

just mention a couple more that got their first airing at Dudley,

THE FALCONS-I'VE GOT THE POWER (to be given away free by the Newbury 1st Anniversary!) and another that is set to become a monster now that copies are available,

PEGGY GAINES-WHEN THAT BOY IS LOVING YOU

(100 Club freebie!!)

This one had Keith Money asking what it was, both the above were previously unissued

Quite a few were already in attendance then I handed over to Kenny

Burrell & Keith for their first spot, playing the various biggies that they are known

for, like COMPETITION TIMMY WILLIAMS, this certainly got the punters on the dancefloor and got things going.

By the end of their first hour (11.00pm) the night was progressing nicely and up stepped Ted Massey, who kicked off with JO BRYANT (Shrine), (alright it

might be rare, but it did nothing for me, or the crowd judging by the crowds reaction),

despite playing tunes like MELVIN MOORE and GLADYS KNIGHT and a busy floor to some of the stuff he played, I felt it was a bit of a hit & miss situation.

The atmosphere was good but never reached boiling point like it should

have (an opportunity missed?)

The last hour saw the reappearance of the Scottish lads playing some

more good soul. The best three of the night being

DEON JACKSON-SOMEDAY THE SUN WILL SHINE,

THE ROCKMASTERS-RAINING TEARDROPS

and

THE IMPERIAL C's-SOMEONE TELL HER.

120+ soulies made it down so another above average crowd, here's

looking forward to the next 12 months, why not join us on the 4th Friday of the

month (not December!)

Fan Trek by Karen Burke

Against all the odds I became "a Soulie". Living in the depths of Cornwall it was not the obvious teenage fad to follow. I was friends with the smartly dressed short haired 'IN CROWD' and surprisingly it was not just their company I enjoyed but also their passion for soul music. It was Danny Everard who encouraged me to go to my first AllNiter in 1977, along with a holiday maker he introduced me to called Pete Burke from Brighouse. That first 'niter got me totally hooked and since then I think Pete and I have probably travelled enough miles to circumnavigate the world several times, not just going to venues but getting lost almost every time no matter how many previous times we have been to the place! I could go on for quite some pages of memoirs but the idea I talked to Howard about was to express some current views of this years places I have been, sounds I have listened to and people I have seen friends old and new.Well enough background, Pete and I have been together ever

since and apart from a short gap from the scene when we moved from Plymouth to Beverley East Yorks, have always enjoyed going to Soul Nites and Niters.As years have gone by the excitement and anticipation when getting ready to go out hasn't changed, and the feeling of neck hairs prickling when a special sound is played is second to none. That doesn't just mean oldies but the first hearing of a special sound, like the first time I heard Sidney Joe Quails, WOW! And currently at Wilton just last Friday my ears pricked up to a very nice track which Nig Mayfield told me was My Dear Heart currently a cover up as Diana Ross ( I won't spoil it ) also there was a great Martha Reeves acetate which I look forward to hearing again.

Contact address is

Soul Up North

19 Rectory Drive

Kirkheaton

Huddersfield

W Yorks

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