tony foster blog 3 of 3 from 2009-10

Taste Of Hell Fire

Posted by Tony Foster, 08 November 2010

First of all a big thank you to Captain Morgan for inviting us a long to the Taste of Honey at the Hell Fire Club, secondly a big thank you to all the wonderful friends we had the pleasure to share the day with.

It's probably the first time I've walked in to a place and was speechless, it's still makes me smile while I'm writing this, check the photos out you'll know what I mean. If you've not been to the Hellfire Club then go, life will never be the same again, a great spooky place with the strangest of managers I've come across, however he did work his nuts off and tried very hard to accommodate everyone, which he accomplished with ease, no complaints about the service from anyone, he also made the most terrific chicken and stuffing baps.

The music and atmosphere were relaxed with a party spirit, we had loads of laughs, listened to great tunes and we will definitely be going back to visit this place again. Also a big thank you to Willie West, who gave me 4 cd's of really nice tunes to go home with, it really is refreshing when people like Willie come along and say listen to these, he has a great knowledge of the music and wants to share it with others. That really is the essence of this great music, it inspires you and others to listen and carry it on further. Well done and thank you to all who made this a memorable day.

Here's what I played in no particular order

Dynamics - You make me feel so good - RCA

Voltaire's - My, My, My Baby - Bacone

People's Choice - Savin' My Lovin' For You - Palmer

Ringleaders - Baby, what has happened to our love - M-PAC

Little Dooley - If ever I needed you - Koko

Eli "The Prophet" - Take a little give a lot" - ALA

The Soul City - I shot for the moon - Mercury

El Anthony - We've been in love to long - La Cindy

Lee Fields - Take me back - Angle 3

Volcanos - Your number 1 - Arctic

Herman Hitson - Yes you did - Minit

Ster-phonics - Don't leave me - Mas-tok

The Moments - You said - Deep

Barbara Mason - You better stop it - Arctic

Temptones - Girl I love you - Arctic

Archie Bell - A thousand wonders - Spanish Atlantic

Delegates of Soul - I'll come running back - Up-look

Intrigues - Fly now-pay later - Janus

Natural Four - I thought you were mine - ABC

Stratoliners - What do you want with my love - Federal

Claude Huey - Why would you blow it - Galaxy

Wil Collins & Will Power - Anything you can do - Bareback

Soul Suspects - Funky Drop - Black Prince

Willie and the Magnificents - Funky 8 Corners - All Platinum

2010-10-30 Lifeline Real Deal Rare Soul All-Nighter

Posted by Tony Foster, 31 October 2010 ·

Without doubt last night was the real deal!!! If Carlsberg did all-nighters they would surely put their name on this one. The Lifeline DJ's served up an absolutely terrific serving of soul, tune after tune, rare, quality soul and then some more.

It just seemed as though the soul scene has been moved on to another level and the people were united in one place giving it a 100% vote in favor of the move.

For me the spot of the night was from Butch, I've been listening to his selection of music closely over the last twenty so years and now he really is on top of his game. Tune after tune, he just blew me away and that's not to say the others didn't. When you think some of who I would personally put in the top ten DJ's bracket in the country if not Europe was on the bill at Lifeline, it really is hard to choose between them. Andy Dyson is right up my street when it comes to soul music, you can tell every 45 is carefully chosen for his spot at Lifeline, Arthur Fenn and Soul Sam again another two who are ahead of their game and let us not forget Chalky, Cliff, Mick H and Rob Smith who are the essential ingredients for this mix that works so right.

Comedy moment - Mace getting bit on the finger from something lurking in a record box, it's just goes to show when a man delves into the unknown in search of treasure you just don't know what you may find, the odd chip and more.

Here's looking to 2011 at Lifeline, it just gets better and better.

Jct 17, Sports & Social Club, Sandbach, Cw11 1Gf

Posted by Tony Foster, 03 October 2010 ·

Thank you to the promoters Pete Best and Chic for putting on a great show at J17. Albeit a slightly quieter night purely down to the amount of events on and quite a lot of people away either due to other engagements or record hunting in the States, it was still quality all the way and very enjoyable. The new sound system, venue, large dance floor and great punters make this place ideal for a proper soul night.

Unfortunately we missed Pete's spot but got there in time to listen to Jim Smirk, Geese, Kenny Onions and Chic. A really nice set from Geese was followed on by Kenny Onions who as always comes up with the goods, then to finish off the night was Chic, who as always is very modest about his collection, but boy has he got some big tunes in his collection. Hopefully the DJ's will post their playlists so you will see for yourselves the kind of tunes that were played.

I'm glad to say that the venue that was originally started by Ann and Steve has been left and taken on in fine style in the very capable hands of Pete Best and Chic. Don't miss the next one, Saturday 6th November 8 till 1am with guest DJ's Carl and Maria Willingham, Kev Spittle, Dawn Carmen, Pete best and Chic, now that's a great line up for a quality soul night and only £4 to get in. A not to be missed night I think, keep up the good work, here's looking forward to the next one.

Bridlington 2010

Posted by Tony Foster, 02 July 2010

First time visit to this fantastic event, first impressions when you walk in is the outstanding building and design, next is the sheer amount of soulies that attend, I was told that there was in excess of 2,500 people.

The main room dance floor is huge and the DJ's kept the floor full at all times with ease. Musically in the main hall it was almost all Wigan oldies with a bit of Twisted Wheel and Mecca tunes etc thrown in for good measure, all in all a cracking atmosphere that takes you back to the days when politics and who played what didn't matter. Everywhere I looked there were people having a great time, singing, dancing, stomping and clapping. It's been many years since I've seen people dancing on the balcony, this place had it all.

We soon started exploring the other rooms and decided to spend the weekend between the Rare Room, the Mod R&B and the main room. The Modern Room and Club rooms were also good and packed with an electric atmosphere; however the Rare Room and the Mod R&B ticked our boxes.

John Parker, Tony Hatfield and co from the York Soul Club kept everyone entertained with no end of quality rarities, many of which you just don't hear played out, also there were some excellent quality new rarities that were well worth putting on the wants list. The guests who played in this room really did have to play there best sets to keep up to the mark. I certainly will be putting the York Soul Club on the place to visit in the next year.

The Mod R&B room, what a great selection of music everything from gritty R&B tunes to Northern monsters, well worth a visit, a nice size room off the main balcony.

There were not many record dealers which was unusual considering the size of the event, also the 2.30 finish was a bit strange but seemed suited to this type of nostalgia weekend.

Sunday night was the big finish that went on and on, the last four records Dean Parrish - I'm on my way, Tobi Legend - Time will pass you by, Bobby Sheen - Something new to do and finally at least I think it was because we left after the second time of playing this was Jimmy Radcliffe - Long after tonight is all over.

The weekend next year will undoubtedly be sold out again, if you've not been to Bridlington put it on your to do list, it took us three and half hours to get there, however it was worth the journey, we did the weekender and then stayed a few days over to do some sightseeing around York and Whitby, this place has so much to offer.

J17 Sandbach Saturday 1St May

Posted by Tony Foster, 03 May 2010 ·

This place has really gone from strength to strength. What's unique about it is that the emphasis is on the collector and what you've got interesting to play, so there is no real pressure to fill the dance floor, although it's always good to see the dance floor full with punters enjoying themselves.

A nice relaxed atmosphere with plenty of great music, put it on your list of places to visit.

Saturday was a great night with people travelling from far and wide, thank you to everyone especially Ann and Steve for sticking with it and making this a top soul night and letting me loose on the decks, it's always a great pleasure to do J17. Also a special mention to Kenny Onions and John Pugh for all their support, these guys are way ahead, great to see them on Saturday.

All the DJ's as usual were on top form, Chic, Pete, Steve and Mick all were superb. Top marks all round

What I played in no particular order

ROGER PACE - THE MINUTE MY BACK WAS TURNED - SELECT

BILLY SOL -TIME, TIME - DOMAR

ISONICS - SUGAR - KAMMY

BARBARA CARR - MY MAMA TOLD ME - CHESS

CLAUDE HUEY - WHY WOULD YOU BLOW IT - GALAXY

LEE FIELDS - TAKE ME BACK - ANGLE 3

DELEGATES OF SOUL - I'LL COME RUNNING BACK - UP LOOK

JIMMY REED JNR - I AIN'T GOING NOWHERE - MERCURY

CAROL ANDERSON - TAKING MY MIND OFF LOVE - WHIP

GWEN DAVIS - MY MAN DON'T THINK I KNOW - SOUND STAGE 7

BARBARA CARR - YOU BETTER STOP IT - ARCTIC

TURNPIKES - CAST A SPELL - CAPITOL

OSCAR WRIGHT - FELL IN LOVE - FAIRMOUNT

CALIFORNIA ROCK CHOIR - WHOEVER YOU ARE - CYCLONE

HERB WARD - STRANGE CHANGE - ARGO

PAT & THE BLENDERS - JUST BECAUSE - FAST EDDIE

WILLIE & THE MAGNIFICENTS - FUNKY 8 CORNERS - ALL PLATINUM

EDDIE HILL - YOU'VE GOT THE BEST OF ME - THELMA

DANNY WOODS - YOU HAD ME FOOLED - CORREC-TONE

WADE FLEMMONS - JEANETTE - RAMSEL

ATHENS ROGUES - SHE COULD LOVE ME - STOP

LEE FIELDS - TAKE ME BACK - ANGLE 3

RUBY - DECIEVED - GOLD TOKEN

ROY ROBERTS - YOU MOVE ME - HOUSE OF THE FOX

SAM DEES - LONELY FOR YOU BABY - P-VINE ALT TAKE

GARLAND GREEN - AIN'T THAT GOOD ENOUGH - REVUE

VOLTAIRE'S - MY, MY, MY BABY - BACONE

I think that was it, once again thank you to all especially all the people that came and made it such a memorable evening.

One guy in particular that needs a mention was Mick Welsh, this guy is a collector and it was his first time behind the decks anywhere, even though he was nervous before hand, he played a blinder. I'm sure Geese has him down for his soul night shortly, it'll be well worth going and giving him a listen.

Next month Neil Felton is among the guests at J17 so go and give him your support. I'll be there as usual if everything goes to plan.

Just a quick reminder that Bidds All-nighter is on next Saturday 8th May, great line up, don't miss it.

Jerry Brown And The Legacy Of The Yellow Labels

Posted by Tony Foster, 16 April 2010 ·

Jerry Brown and the legacy of the yellow labels

I thought I may be too late to get this in the next edition of Soul Up North so I thought I would post my short tribute to Jerry in my blog.

Now I probably didn't know Jerry for as long as some of you, just a couple of years or so, but every time we bumped into one another he made me laugh. I remember him coming up to me at what was the DDA at Lowton sitting down beside me and saying "I really enjoyed your spot here a few months ago, I don't care what the others thought about you, I thought you were good, what's your telephone number". Just one of many one liners I heard him come out with, he also told me about the yellow labels being good and you know what, he may have had something there! Out of the ones that went in the bin here's a few that I've still got and surprisingly I keep finding more!

El Anthony - We've been in love too long - La Cindy

The Vows - Tell me - V.I.P.

Sandi Sheldon - You're gonna make me love you - Epic

Ike & Tina Turner - Somebody needs you - Loma

Delegates of Soul - I'll come running back - Up look

Danny Woods - You had me fooled - Correc-tone

Willie & the Magnificents - Funky 8 corners - All Platinum

Carol Anderson - Taking my mind off love - Whip

California Rock Choir - Whoever you are - Cyclone

Lillian Dupree - Hide & Seek - D-Town

Ebonies - You got what I want - Midwest

Pat & the Blenders - Just because - Fast Eddie

Philharmonics - I need, I need your love - Soulin

Ringleaders - Baby, what has happened to your love - M-pac

Claude Huey - Why would you blow it - Galaxy

Chimes - The beginning of my life - Down to earth

Major Harris - Call me tomorrow - Epic

Younghearts - A little togetherness - Canterbury

Vibrations - Cause you're mine - Epic

Johnny Guitar Watson - Ain't gonna move - Jowat

Parliaments - Heart trouble - Golden World

Al Gardner - Sweet baby - Gooda Mooga

Skip Jackson - I'm on to you girl - Dot-Mar

Vows - Tell me - V.I.P.

Jerry was a real nice guy and it was always a pleasure to spend time and have a natter with him, the last time I saw him we shook hands said our goodbyes and he said "I just might ring you and scare you". Sadly that was to be the last time I saw him, I still miss seeing his smiling face.

P.S. Have a look through your box and see how many yellow labels you can find, you may be surprised.

Soul Or Nothing - Friday 26Th March 2010

Posted by Tony Foster, 28 March 2010 ·

Underplayed 60s/ 70s Northern, Rhythm and soul, Crossover, Deep funk, Ghetto grooves, rare soul, Beat ballads.

The Blue Parrot, Manchester Piccadilly Gardens, DJ's on the night Paul Grant, Karl Heard, Tony Foster, Paul Sadot, George Mahood, Wayne Dearman, Steve Cato.

Thank you to Steve and everyone at Soul or Nothing for a terrific night of soul music. A really nice venue, great people and a music policy that's really up to date and forward thinking for the soul enthusiast.

All the DJ's on the night played something in their sets that made you sit up and listen, I came away with a few more on my wants list which is always a good sign of a good night. There were some very good cover ups played by Big George that really caught my ear, some of which were outstanding.

This is definitely not a same old venue playing the same old tunes, it's a forward thinking up to date promotion run by and attended by devoted soul folks who have got a feeling for music. There are no boundaries set on what can be played just as long as it comes from the heart and the music inspires you to move. One I will definitely plan to attend again in the future.

Just a quick mention for Wayne Dearman and Paul Grant, these two pulled some great 45's out their boxes, keep watching and listening to their inspiring sets.

Once again thank you to all everyone for making it a very memorable night.

Tony

Bidds, Quality & Rarity 06.02.2010

Posted by Tony Foster, 07 February 2010

BIDDS, QUALITY & RARITY Finally we managed to fit a Bidds all-nighter in and wow did we have a cracking time. Loads of familiar faces and welcoming arms, it was just superb. The venue itself has a large wooden dance floor, a very late bar and ample parking facilities, just what you need for a successful all-nighter. The music policy is basically rare quality soul with a hint of R&B and some really nice Latin movers, many of which would be on everyone's wants list. All the DJ's played superb sets, Roger Banks, Mace and Rob Smith really played sets that were of a great liking to my personal tastes. Johnny Beggs played some of the finest Latin and soul tracks I've heard in a long while. Alex Jones and Killa played interesting sets, unfortunately we missed Ted Couldstone but I could well imagine he would have blended it all together nicely. This all-nighter does exactly what it says on the tin with the emphasis being on quality. How could you not want to go to a venue that plays tracks like these, Royal Robins - Something about you that sends me, Sparkles - Try Love, Brooks Brothers - Looking for a woman, Hector Rivera - A chance for romance, Harvey Averne - Never learned to dance, Fascinators - In other words, Thornton Sisters - I keep forgetting, Bobby Valentin - Use it before you lose it, an alternate version of the Tranells - Blessed with a love that was better than the released cut and the Kinetics plus loads more. Will we be going back for more on May 8th with guests Andy Dyson and Mick H, you bet we will. Thanks to Mace and all for a terrific night, get a long and give them your support on May 8th, put it in your diary, stick it on your fridge and on your note book, don't miss this upfront all-nighter.

Torch Reunion 24.10.09 Plus Photos

Posted by Tony Foster, 25 October 2009 ·

The Torch Reunion 24.10.09

Fantastic, atmospheric, foot tapping, floor packing, four beats to the bar, stomping Northern Soul, that's was the order of the day at the Torch reunion.

Regardless of the critics, this was definitely the right place with the right people at the right time.

I was never old enough to attend the Torch so I give the meeting a miss at Hose Street at 1.00 pm and left it for the people who really deserved to be there as they contributed and lay the foundation down for this now historical music. My era was the Casino and onwards, however I grew up surrounded by all the Torch media. Everyone back then was talking about the Torch, the graffiti on the walls had slogans of the Torch and Soul-on-Trent. Even the local record shops were full of sew on and pin on badges of the Torch and artists that appeared at the legendary place. The local record shops and market stalls were full of soul records, little did I know back then how rare some of those records would be in later years.

Yesterday at the Torch Reunion it captured my imagination and filled in all the blanks of what the atmosphere must have been like at that legendary building in Hose Street Tunstall. Stories were shared, among them was one from Dave Evison who told us all of a woman with a huge afro asking him for a light for her cigarette at the Torch, as she bent over to light her cigarette and her afro caught fire, leaving Dave with the duty to put the fire out with his pint of beer.

Now in the past I've had the good fortune to contribute as a DJ at some of the past Torch Revivals with Keith and Colin at the Queens at Basford, Stoke-on-Trent. Unfortunately Keith and Colin were unable to make it yesterday and I was there as a punter loving every minute of the magic.

Now from experience I can honestly say that yesterdays Torch Reunion was probably the best one I've ever been to, the music was superb, the DJ's were outstanding, the venue was perfect for the job. Legends, Barmy Barry, Blue Max, Dave Evison, Kev Roberts, Neil Rushton, Alan Day, plus all the other DJ's who shared their musical memories as punters at the Torch, they did a sterling job.

The dance floor was full from when we arrived just after 2.00pm until the end of the night. The atmosphere in the place was electric, the dance floor was full of sweating, stomping bodies, eager for more. Tracks from the Hesitations, Soul Twins, Johnny Caswell, Archie Bell, April Stevens, Little Richard, Isley Brothers, Superlatives, Cooperettes, Johnny Sayles, Fred Hughes, Roscoe Shelton, Dean Parrish, Barbara Mills, Al Kent, J.J. Barnes, Bobby Freeman, Johnny Taylor, Phillip Mitchell, etc, etc, etc, kept the dance floor packed and the temperatures soaring.

What a privilege to see Alan Day, he was absolutely brilliant and Dave Evison really rose to the challenge of being on late and managed to play a spot without repeating any of the tracks that had been played earlier. By 10.00pm the place was packed to capacity, what a superb night, if they had put tickets on sale for another Torch Reunion, the same time next year, I'm sure it would have sold out, it was that good.

I love the rare stuff myself, but I also like nostalgia, the oldies and classics of times gone by and a chance to meet up with old friends and meet new ones. It was really good to see and to spend time with Nogger again yesterday, a true soulie through and through, I've learned a lot from him over the years. If outsiders could have seen how the soul fraternity look after one another, they might begin to understand why we are all so devoted to this music scene.

Also as a bonus, I won an Al Green poster on the raffle. What a winning day all round.

Thank you to everyone who put in all the hard work and made this day such a success. Please, please do it all again next year.

The Vinyl Junkie

Posted by Tony Foster, 11 October 2009 ·

The Vinyl Junkie

Symptoms

Sleeplessness - Waking in the middle of the night or staying a wake to secure that elusive 45 on an auction site.

Tourette's - Uncontrollable movements and involuntary shouting at the pc, especially if you missed your chance to buy that rarity in the last few seconds or you were outbid by 50p.

The postman syndrome - Standing at the window or pacing up and down your living room while waiting for the postman to deliver you record only to find out that he -

A - Hasn't got it

B - Delivered it to the wrong address

C - The very worst, he sat on it while having a mid-morning break and it's in bits.

Watching the clock or putting post it notes on your TV or Fridge to remind you when an auction is finishing.

You find yourself driving like a maniac to pick your parcel up from the post office only to find when you get there it's closed. This brings on fits of rage!!!

Sweaty palms, high blood pressure and an increased heart rate while standing behind someone waiting for your turn to go through a box of 45's and seeing that he's missed that £200 record marked up as £20.

Extra thick thumbs from flipping through price guides and lists.

You consider buying your wife or your husband a nice demo you've been after for while for that special occasion, instead of going away to lovely location!

You keep a record fund which is always empty and you keep dipping in to your savings or bill money to pay for that next 45.

You keep kidding yourself that it's the very last one you're buying!!!

You send money to strangers over the internet that you don't know from Adam and you are willing to voluntary give them hundreds of pounds for a piece of vinyl. But you will only give a pound in collections for people you know at work!

Your wife talks to you but you are totally oblivious to what she's saying unless she is talking in the language of vinyl!!!

Lastly you are unable to comprehend the value of money i.e. a reasonable second hand car costing £3,000 that will take you more or less where you want to go, or a 45 at the same price that you play once and it doesn't go anywhere!

If you have any of the above symptoms you could very well be a vinyl junkie!!!

I wonder what lengths have you gone to for a rarity?

Genuine Soul At The Biddulph Arms Sept 2009

Posted by Tony Foster, 27 September 2009

GENUINE SOUL AT THE BIDDULPH ARMS SEPT 2009

DJ's - Graham Fran - Shute - Stef - Geese

First thoughts, what a refreshing change to have a rare soul night on the doorstep, so many local soul nights encourage me to travel and seek entertainment elsewhere for a variety of reasons. The Genuine Soul night at Biddulph seemed to tick all the boxes!

It was relatively easy to find, although travellers from outside the area did seem to get lost mainly to a few dodgy directions. The pub part of the Biddulph Arms was busy and the locals kindly pointed us to a door marked private to where the soul night was being held. There was a Stannah stairlift for anyone who couldn't make the stairs! Geese welcomed us at the top of the stairs and gave us a cd included in the admission price of £3.50. Reading the sleeve notes on the cd it read Genuine Soul - Genuine Vinyl. It was looking good!!!

The room soon filled up to capacity, this may prove to be a shade too small for the Genuine Soul Club!!! A mixture of oldies were played in the first couple of hours with a mix of newer and more up to date tunes played later on in the night.

Now, just a suggestion, if you're going to take the name of the Genuine Soul Club - Genuine Vinyl. It really would be good if the vinyl was genuine all-round. Original vinyl? If you going to stand out among the rest and the best and pull the punters in who have been staying away from the other venues you need to put right what they aren't doing!!! It doesn't matter whether you playing old or new stuff as long as it's original.

All the DJ's kept the dance floor busy all night, and the punters kept the bar staff busy all night!!! Good job there was another bar downstairs!!!

The promoters of this new night will go from strength to strength, after all it's a very steep learning curve and a risky business when you take on a new venture. You don't know how it's going to go, will people turn up, what sort of music will go down etc, etc, etc.

For a first night it was a really good turn out and a good foundation to build on. I'm sure bigger and better things will come from the promoters in the coming months.

Below are a few photos from the night.

Playlists!

Posted by Tony Foster, 27 September 2009

I thought I'd post this up for the purpose of those who like to read play lists. I know I certainly do, it always interests me what others are playing. Please feel free to add yours!!!

Middlewich 2009

HARVEY AVERNE DOZEN - NEVER LEARNED TO DANCE - FANIA (LP)

GEORGE KIRBY - WHAT CAN I DO - CADET

TONY CLARKE - WRONG MAN - M-S

STERPHONICS - DON'T LEAVE ME - MAS-TOK

VOLTAIRE'S - MY, MY, MY BABY - BACONE

CLAUDE HUEY - WHY WOULD YOU BLOW IT - GALAXY

DYNAMICS - YOU MAKE ME FEEL SO GOOD - RCA

TEARDROPS - HERE COMES LONELINESS - KENT (ANNIVERSARY)

MAJOR HARRIS - CALL ME TOMORROW - EPIC

CLIFF NOBLES - LOVE IS ALRIGHT - COLUMBIA

ATHENS ROGUES - SHE COULD LOVE ME - STOP

IKETTES - WHAT'CHA GONNA DO - PHI-DAN

PAUL SINDAB - I WAS A FOOL - KNOX

GARY DEAN - YOU CAN SAY - YOUNG

SHIRLEY WAHLS - BECAUSE I LOVE YOU - CALLA

JAMES WAYNE & THE SOUL SOOTHERS - I'VE FOUND SOMEONE - KEY- LAN

RUBY - FEMININE INGENUITY - GOLD TOKEN

SPARKELS - TRY LOVE - OLD TOWN

DANNY WOODS - YOU HAD ME FOOLED - CORREC-TONE

ROSE BATTISTE - HIT & RUN - REVILOT

TERRY CALLIER - LOOK AT ME NOW - CADET

EDDIE HILL - YOU GOT THE BEST OF ME - THELMA

HARRY DEAL - I STILL LOVE YOU - ECLIPSE

FREDERICK HYMES - TIME AIN'T GONNA DO ME NO FAVOR - FAB VEGAS

DENISE LA SALLE - A LOVE REPUTATION - TARPON

ISONICS - SUGAR - KAMMY

LEE FIELDS - TAKE ME BACK - ANGLE 3

JESSE FISHER - YOUR NOT LOVING A BEGINNER - WAY OUT

HESITATIONS - IS THIS THE WAY TO TREAT A GIRL - GWP

PARLIAMENTS - HEART TROUBLE - GOLDEN WORLD

GENO WASHINGTON - I'LL BE AROUND - ATAC

JIMMY BURNS - YOU'RE GONNA MISS ME WHEN I'M GONE - TIP TOP

SAM DEES - LONELY FOR YOU BABY - P VINE LP (ALT TAKE)

Hopefully something for everyone here!

Looking Back At Rare 45's & The Prices Back Then

Posted by Tony Foster, 31 August 2009 · 71 views

Days gone by!

Talking about an old Guy Hennigan spin on Soul Source, Billy Hines - Ling ting tong, inspired me to dig out some old play lists and tapes from 1991 and 1994. Looking at them it was unbelievable of the tunes that were readily available and that have now become three or four figure collectable 45's.

Back then finding the rare good records was done by word of mouth and back breaking hours of searching through boxes. Today with the internet, punters and DJ's have a vast array of great music more readily available. However the elusive rare stuff still carries a very hefty price tag, but if you have very deep pockets or a fat cheque book, you can almost acquire whatever you want.

Anyway looking at the records on the two tapes that Dave Rimmer very kindly promoted for me during the early 90's and may I add he also did the art work, the quality even though I say it myself was quite high.

What's also surprising is that some of the so called rare records of today were in abundance in the early 90's. It wasn't uncommon for a record dealer to have 50 plus copies of a record from the States. Below I've listed some of the prices I paid back then with a little information to where they were bought and whether or not they were relevantly easy to come by. If you combine what was hard to find back then to now, you come out with reasonable list on quality to rarity.

I've selected certain tracks that spring to mind for different reasons, so first off on tape 1, we have the following.

Hyperions - Why you wanna treat me - I bought this off Tim Brown for £70, at the time that was the going rate and there were a few of them about. However years later they seem to be really elusive, probably a real rarity now.

Jimmie and the Entertainers - New Girl - Old Stafford spin as I remember, paid £300 for this back then, not sure of the price now, but this too has remained elusive. Probably harder to get than the Hyperions but doesn't command the same price.

Soulful Two - I can't let you go - I paid £8 for this from Nick Marshall at a YMCA record fair in Hanley, there were loads of them about and turned up regularly in soul packs. Where have they all gone?

Lenny Curtis - Nothing can help you now - One record I regret selling for £125 at the Ritz in Manchester. It used to turn up on record lists, but not anymore.

Major Harris - Call me tomorrow - £75 for a demo, one of the hardest Okeh records to find, a lot harder than the Seven Souls. It was hard to find back then and is still difficult to find now!

Billy Kennedy - Groovy Generation - Bought this originally for the other side Sweet things from Butch for £150. I remember Butch saying to me at the time I bought it "You don't want to play that side play the other side 'Groovy Generation'". How right he was!

Jesse Davis - Gonna hang on in there - Bought for £150 off Butch, great tune and so hard to find even then, one that probably deserves it's big price tag now!

Constellations - I didn't know how to - £8 for this one, there was loads of these about, how on earth did it get to £70 plus? I also had the other Constellation - I don't know about you - I think I paid £35 for that one; now that is hard to find!

Donna Coleman - Your loves too strong - This was £100 from Keith Williams at the Raven. Nice one Keith!

Masqueraders - How - £40 at the 100 club, now that was a place to find tunes. Very rare even today, I think I sold this for £120. Loads of regrets about selling this one.

Tape 2

Spencer Wiggins - Let's talk it over - Originally a Rob Marriot spin taken from the Goldwax cd, a great dance floor packer. All those emi discs of this floating around, still worth picking up as the original recording didn't have the full backing as the later release on Torch.

Ascots - Anytime - £75 again off Tim Brown, one that I beat Tim Ashibende to, first on the phone back then won the record.

That was something else I used to ring the wife from work and get her to read through the new record lists and ring straight away for the big sought after tunes. She's put up with some crap from this vinyl junkie over the years. But bless her I wouldn't have been able to do accomplish the things I have done without her.

Reatha Reese - Only Lies - £300 from Bretby. A recommended soul night back then with rare 45's in abundance. I also picked up the Ascots - Another Day for £120 there as well.

Dynells - Call on me - Atco - £40 at the time as a semi known. It was good but not great, if you know what I mean.

Anita Anderson - A little bit longer - £300 from Saus at Balckburn, a great double sider, really rare and definitely worth the big price tag today.

Les Chansonettes - Don't let him hurt you - £120 could you believe at Blackburn, another one that's really hard to come by.

Philharmonics - I need, need your love - loads of these about then and now. £25 back then and not much more now!

Karmello Brooks - Tell me baby - £120 paid for this off Duncan Pollett, great guy and Dj who had a brilliant collection. Now this is still rare and you hardly ever see it come up for sale, back then there was talk of being about 25 copies? Who knows for sure?

Jive Five - If I had a chance to love you - I give this one it's first airing at Hyde all-nighter. Butch put me on to this off one of his tapes. Credit where it's due, the guys been there, done it, seen it and got the T shirt.

So a quick summary, you can't hang on to them all forever, but if you like it, buy it and enjoy it, now is the time for greater times ahead, musically of course. There's probably more good stuff about now than ever, so get discovering and playing.

Once a vinyl junkie, always a vinyl junkie, I'm glad to say that I'm still finding, collecting and listening to new stuff every week.

It's spreading the faith that counts! Not keeping it to yourself!

United Sounds Of Soul

Posted by Tony Foster, 03 June 2009

UNITED SOUNDS OF SOUL SATURDAY 30th MAY

Another fantastic night at what has become (for the time being anyway) the travelling soul show. AKA - United Sounds of Soul.

All the Dj's played great sets from start to finish and I even got a chance to look at Carl and Maria Willingham's play boxes. Wow!!! Everyone thinks they have got one or two nice tunes, however those two play boxes were stunning, just to have the opportunity to see the rarity and quality of them was a privilege indeed. Fred & the Turbines, Wow!

Anyway here is what I played in no particular order.

Lee Fields - Take me back - Angle 3

Fantasions - Unnecessary tears - Satellite

Frederick Hymes III - Time ain't gonna do me no favour - Fab vegas

Cookie Scott - I don't care - Orr

Skip Jackson - I'm on to you girl - Dot-Mar

Spiedels - Dream girl - Providence

Flairs - You got to steal it - Rap

Ster-phonics - Don't leave me - Mas-tok

Claude Huey - Why would you blow it - Galaxy

Major Harris - Call me tomorrow - Okeh

Athens Rogues - She could love me - Stop

Clarence Jackson - If it don't fit don't force it - Valtone

Charles Thomas - The man with the golden touch - Loma

Gary Dean - You can say - Young

Parliaments - Heart Trouble - Golden World

Masqueraders - Do you love me baby - Wand

Invitations - Watch out little girl - MGM

Isonics - Sugar - Kammy

Ruby - Deceived - Gold Token

Paul Sindab - I was a fool - Knox

Arabians - Please take a chance on me - Le-mans

Willie & the Magnificents - Funky 8 Corners - All platinum

Temptones - Girl I love you - Arctic

Thank you to all especially Kev, Sharon and Martin for a terrific night!!!

Read the reviews from this top soul night and don't miss the next one!!!!

John Pugh's Spot At Bishops Wood

Posted by Tony Foster, 29 May 2009 ·

Posted on behalf of John Pugh, too good to miss, read carefully and take in the enthusiasm of the guy.

What a fantastic spot he did at Bishops Wood. Can't wait to hear his next one!!!!

Had another good nite( r ) at Bishops Wood. I think it's now at the stage of being a case of maintaining the level set, because it's now built enough, if you get what I mean.

Just as there's a place for the hugely attended Kings Hall type events, and there's a place for the 250 to 400 type Niters, there's also a place for the more genuinely attended 100-200 capacity, where folk enjoy each others company as much as the music, and size of the venue is more intimate. When it's good it reminds me of the original Niters at Lea Manor, which is high praise in my book.

By picking the right blend of top drawer guests like Carl Fortnum, Maria Willingham, Des Parker, and adding in genuine soul lovers who are also great dj's, ( a bit like the organisers them selves & the other local and not so local guests) you can end up with a Niter that covers enough bases to keep everybody happy.

I feel I should explain something to the several people who asked me afterwards. I've got a habit, and yes I know some people don't understand, but it's me and I'm an unapologetic traditionalist as far as this scene goes. If I know the cover up name of some old tune, or the original dj who broke it, or the venue, I think its good to keep our history alive by occasionally (not always) introducing a record I'm playing under it's original scene identity. For instance I'd much rather introduce a tune as " Here's one of Guy's Stafford tunes, Casanova Bennet c/u," than say "Bobby Hutton Come See What's Left Of Me". Well on Saturday I was off with the little green men as these days it takes a bit more go juice to get me out of the house and up onto my legs than it used to, and the old identities were coming out thick and fast, so for those I misled, I introduced Little John as "Keb at Stafford - Jimmy Raye " The Only One"c/u., and quite a few others followed.

My mania for keeping hold of our past doesn't end there. If I've kept a former c/u of my own I try not to peel the c/u label, leaving it covered. Obviously not because I'm trying to hide the identity because everybody now knows what these tunes are, but because it reminds me of what it was covered as, and also if I ever sell it the buyer will know they had the first copy that got played covered. I did that on Saturday and noticed two dancers who glanced over do a double take when they saw my copy of Papa Bear & Cubs going round on the deck with it's c/u label still on - I still think my c/u name of Johnny Henley sounded more accurate anyway, play this and then play Cant Get Over These Memories and tell me it doesn't sound like the same singer ! All I can say is to those 2 dancers, if you want to catch hold of me later I'll gladly lift the label if you want to see what it looks like underneath. I know I like to look at the labels, so I do understand.

Anyway, thanks for the kind words. My set was early so nothing too adventurous, more a 'getting the dance floor warmed up' set -

(Not in order, memories of Stafford, Detroit, Albrighton & The Catacombs)

Vondells - Hey Girl You've Changed - Airtown

Royal Robins - Something About You - Tru-Glo-Town

Little John - Just Wait & See - Go gate ( or was it Jimmy Raye J

Timmie Williams - Competition - Mala

Ty Karim - You Really Made It Good To Me - Senator

Willie Tee - Please Don't Go - Nola

Jimmy Gresham - This Feelin I Have - Teri De

Dickie Wonder - Nobody Knows - Sound Of Soul

George Tinley - Aint Gonna Worry About You - Doo Wopp

Hector Rivera - I Want A Chance For Romance - Barry

Gloria Grey - Sweet World - Warner Bros

Danny Woods - Had Me Fooled - Correc-Tone

Sam Dees -Lonely For You Baby - SSS Int

Johnny Guitar Watson -Aint Gonna Move - Jowat

Soul Bros Inc - Pyramid - Golden Eye

Bottom & Co - Gonna Find A True Life - Motown (sic)

Paul & Paula - Something On My Mind - Karat

Vanguards - Good times - Lamp

Papa Bear & Cubs - You're So Fine - SMS

Matt Lucas - You Better Go-Go - Karen

Pat Lewis - No One To Love - Solid Hit

Johnnie Mae Mathews - I Have No Choice - Big Hit

Oh and one in true Stafford style,

"Sylvia Jackson - Things Won't Be The Same" c/u,

Has to be played at plus 6 - stomping, storming, almost veering into r'n'b (but actually swerving it neatly and relying on rough edged beat and sharp vocals to deliver the dance floor winner it could have been back in the 80's.

if anyone knows what it is please don't say just yet as I'm having a bit of fun with a mate over this. I just want to give him a few days to see if head scratching will help.

Soul @ The Legion

Posted by Tony Foster, 24 May 2009

What a great night at the Legion in Burscough. A warm welcome awaited us as we entered the venue, that was a good start and from there on it just got better and better. All the DJ's were terrific with a mixture of styles of soulful music and R&B. The venue itself is ideal with a good size dance floor and plenty of seating around the outside. The most important factor here is the people who attend, a really warm, welcoming and very freindly and supportive crowd.

I could definitely recommend a visit to the Legion.

Thank you and long may Soul at the Legion continue!!! I'll definitely be going back for more!!!

Play list in no particular order as follows;

Clarence Jackson - If it don't fit, don't force it - Valtone

Gary Dean - You can say - Young

George Kirby - What can I do - Cadet

Skip Jackson - I'm on to you girl - Dot-mar

Marty Lewis - I can't do without you - Big Deal

Wade Flemons - Jeanette - Ramsel

Cookie Scott - I don't care - Orr

Steve Flanagan - I've arrived - Era

Athens Rogues - She could love me - Stop

Paul Sindab - I was a fool - Knox

Frederick Hymes III - Time ain't gonna do me no favour - Fab Vegas

Ster-phonics - Don't leave me - Mas-tok

Ruby - Deceived - Gold Token

Temptones - Girl I love you - Arctic

Major Harris - Call me tomorrow - Okeh

Masqueraders - Do you love me baby - Wand

Arabians - (Please) take a chance on me - Le-mans

Jack Montgomery - Do you believe it - Scepter

Bobby Garrett - My little girl - Mirwood

Spiedels - Dream Girl - Providence

Isonics - Sugar - Kammy

Lee Fields - Take me back - Angle 3

Dda - May 2009 - Thank You!

Posted by Tony Foster, 09 May 2009

DDA, 08th May 2009

What a privilege to play at the DDA at Lowton !

A big thank you to everyone at the DDA and Lowton for giving me the opportunity to play more than an hour long spot. Terrific! Thank you to John Weston for giving me the opportunity to play a double up spot with him! Top man (Rare and then some!!!)

A special thank you to Joan, Karl, Paul, and everyone who came along to give us support it was really appreciated.

All the DJs on the night were absolutely fantastic, and once again played top quality tunes and without doubt you're bound to hear some of the tunes played last night in the major halls up and down the country in the coming months.

Over the last year or so, I've heard so many records played at Lowton and the DDA that started small and then went on to be huge successes for the big DJs. This has got to tell you something, this place is a nucleus and a breeding ground for tomorrow's big sounds.

The undiscovered, the underplayed, rare and just soulful original 45's is the order of the day at the DDA.

Here is my playlist from last night. Not many groundbreaking records here, but just nice soulful tunes. Hope you enjoyed it.

Thanks again, Tony

Playlist as follows in no particular order

Willie & the Magnificents - Funky 8 Corners - All Platinum

Frederick Hymes III - Time ain't gonna do me no favor - Fab Vegas

Moses Smith - Come on, let me love you - Cotillion

Geno Washington - Rat race - Atac

Ster-phonics - Don't leave me - Mas-tok

Jimmy Burns - You're gonna miss me when I'm gone - Tip Top

Lee Fields - Take me back - Angle 3

Skip Jackson - I'm on to you girl - Dot-Mar

Spiedels - Dream Girl - Providence

Fantastics - Me and you - Sound Stage 7

Soul City - Cold hearted blues - Good Time

Eruptions - Price of love - Val

Ernie & Ed - Indication - Jay boy

Flairs - You got to steal it - Rap

Invitations - Watch out little girl - MGM

Arabians - (Please) take a chance on me - Le-mans

Jimmy Reed Jr - I ain't going no where - Mercury

George Byrd - You better tell her so - TRC

Cookie Scott - I don't care - Orr

Ruby - Deceived - Gold token

Chris Morgan - Who am I - Bell

Isonics - Sugar - Kammy

Phonetics - Pretty girl - Trudel

Paul Sindab - I was a fool - Knox

Johnny Guitar Watson - Ain't gonna move - Jowat

Lewis Clark - I need your lovin' so bad - Tigertown

Gary Dean - You can say - Young

J17 Well Done! It's Going From Strength To Strength!

Posted by Tony Foster, 03 May 2009 ·

J17 deserves a huge pat on the back for the last 6 months of growth.

This venue is going from strength to strength and has seen a steady increase in numbers of the last months. Last night was terrific with people coming from all over the midlands and the North of England to enjoy a night of quality, no politics, just damn good soul music.

The DJ's included resident's dj's Steve Jenks and Pete Best and guests Glen Hunter, Carol Vare and Chic. All played excellent spots and kept the dance floor buzzing all night. Come on folks lets see those playlists posted!!!!

It's great to see in times when most venues are struggling to find the right mix of music or are unable to pull the punters in, that this is one venue that is growing with popularity and that is just down to everyone's enthusiasm. Whether you want to go to relax and enjoy the music or sit back with friends and talk about the 45's or dance all night long, J17 is the place to go.

Well done to everyone and thank you for another exceptional J17.

J17 Sports And Social Club

Posted by Tony Foster, 05 April 2009

Saturday 4th April

M6-jct 17 to Sandbach-Offley Lane - Left thru 2 mini roundabouts - Bradwall Rd. opposite closed Texaco garage.

Sat-Nav CW11 1GF

J17 is situated in Sandbach and really easy to get to via junction 17 off the M6; you can't miss the venue as it has good clear sign outside that clearly states J17 Sports and Social Club. 20 minutes away from us, so it's really good to have a local event that plays rare soul music with a no politics. It is immediately apparent that the DJ's are given a free reign to play what ever they want as long as it's original and its good quality soul music, none of your cuttings and pressings here!!! A warm welcome awaits you as you as you enter the venue and for just £4 for an evening's entertainment, it's a real bargain. Bar prices are cheap and there is a nice size dance floor that doesn't require talc. The room soon filled up with enthusiastic punters set for another night at J17, so take a tip from me, get there early!!!

Generally the line up consists of residents Steve Jenks and Pete Best who play some great 45's, Pete was on when we got there and played a cracking set which included George Cameron, Darrow Fletcher and later the Athens Rogues to name a few.

The guests for the night were Paul Cross, Derek Watmough, Andy Lindop & Gary Hopkin. All of which played something different from the norm with some top rarities thrown in for good measure and if you're a collector a wealth of knowledge is ready to be shared among all. The dance floor was kept busy for the majority of night, but if someone wants to play something different the punters are equally happy to sit and listen, great stuff.

All in all we enjoyed a great night at Junction 17 and came away putting the next night in to the diary to attend.

Well done to all involved, see you next month!

Give it a try!!!

United Sounds Of Soul 2nd Anniversary

Posted by Tony Foster, 29 March 2009

UNITED SOUNDS OF SOUL 2nd ANNIVERSARY

Premier League soul music at the Premier Suite.

Congratulations are in order to the promoters of the United Sounds of Soul for what was a very successful night at their temporary venue at Cannock. After a number of setbacks, none of which were the promoters fault i.e. venues closing down etc, their dream of providing quality soul music to the masses came true.

The United Sounds of Soul DJ line ups are always very strong and last night was no exception,Kev Bod, Phil T, Ian Cunliffe, Jumpin Joan, Arthur Fenn, Mick H and Carl Willingham. By the close of the night at 2.00 am the effects were stunning. An absolutely fantastic sight as the soul fraternity came together dancing all over the room and showing their appreciation to everyone who was involved in making last night a success.

It's been along time since I have seen DJ's getting receiving rounds of applause and standing ovations, but last night the faithful soul fraternity shone through making last night a very memorable evening, one that is sure to live in the memories of all concerned.

Musically it was tremendous, 60's through to 70's soul and the quality of the music was outstanding from your £20 selection to £1,000 ++ 45's. I didn't hear one bad tune all night, in my humble opinion it was just what the midlands had been crying out for.

After visiting a number of mediocre soul nights over a number years I was almost at the point of throwing the towel in and selling up for third time in thirty years. However nights like this restore my faith in the soul fraternity and the promoters who work so hard at putting these nights on, sometimes at great expense and sometimes unrewardingly.

Last night was just the starting point of the shape of things to come and I'm sure over the next year or so we will see them go from strength to strength. I can't wait for the next one, well done to everyone concerned and personally it was a pleasure to be a part of something so great!!! Thank you!!!