Simon Soussan Found

[spot]

Born again Christian and an Orthodox Jew?

 

Bootleg Christian?

Yes but it means on Planes you get served first and an extra large tray full of food, so method in his madness.  

[spot]

 

I find it rather funny that people want to stigmatise someone for acts committed several decades ago when the scene - and indeed this forum - is awash with stories of criminal acts that include drug dealing, drug taking, breaking into pharmacies, stealing cars to go to nighters and all sorts of other jolly "capers".

 

Oh, what larks!

 

In fact, there are numerous well-supported and well-read threads here that celebrate these "adventures". Why, because good or bad, like it or not, they're part of the very fabric of a scene that emerged on the borders of both "normal" society (the very thing everyone was looking to escape from, allegedly) and legality.

 

It just seems a bit rich that some actions are lauded as great fun and "just part of the scene" while others bring out the Witch Finder General in people. The strange world of Northern Soul!   

 

Russ says it's not true.  

[Mach]

 that appreggio interveiws a classic, when Simon goes to shake that guys hand , he just ignores him, and when he walks off the stage, everybody else just stays put. 

[Rhino]

any demand for the gospel version by sister lucille pope..?

 

 

its a bit to deep gospel for me personally and had to search to find it on you tube not sure of any demand for it sorry bud

[Ric-tic]

 that appreggio interveiws a classic, when Simon goes to shake that guys hand , he just ignores him, and when he walks off the stage, everybody else just stays put. 

They stayed put because afterwards they performed the song

[Markw]

 that appreggio interveiws a classic, when Simon goes to shake that guys hand , he just ignores him, and when he walks off the stage, everybody else just stays put. 

They'd all bought off his latest list.

[Markw]

Besides, it's not Simon..........it's 'Simone'...........

[Mellorful]

 

I find it rather funny that people want to stigmatise someone for acts committed several decades ago when the scene - and indeed this forum - is awash with stories of criminal acts that include drug dealing, drug taking, breaking into pharmacies, stealing cars to go to nighters and all sorts of other jolly "capers".

 

Oh, what larks!

 

In fact, there are numerous well-supported and well-read threads here that celebrate these "adventures". Why, because good or bad, like it or not, they're part of the very fabric of a scene that emerged on the borders of both "normal" society (the very thing everyone was looking to escape from, allegedly) and legality.

 

It just seems a bit rich that some actions are lauded as great fun and "just part of the scene" while others bring out the Witch Finder General in people. The strange world of Northern Soul!   

 

Most of the crimes you cited were against those outside the NS family and the drugs were self inflicted relief. In contrast

SS bootlegged and cheated his own ...... The hurt is greater when the injury is deliberately inflicted by a member of your own family. That is the unfortunate side of a flawed character.

The positive side was an ability to find outstanding tunes that have entertained us for decades (though as someone pointed out earlier in the thread those tunes would have been discovered sooner or later without help from SS). 

[Godzilla]

I always cite stuff like Lou Courtney, Didi Noel and Richie Adams as records that I hadn't even heard played when they were bootlegged. "Serenade" by The Sounds Of Lane???? What the hell was that....?

 

Ian D 

 

 

Probably a studio job? But Ian who really cares? Theres been 40 years of soul scenes since then. Get with the groove man.

 

 

Serenade was essentially an instrumental version of the Electric Prunes  - I Had Too Much To Dream Last Night.

Don't click the link if you're not a fan of 60s garage/psych

 

[Soulcarp]

I don't for one moment think he left the scene,yes gone underground.im sure he's had his finger on the pulse in one way or another once in the blood never leaves you 

[Mach]

  your right John,.. once in the blood its a life time of financial burden and you just cant escape it

[grantdyche]

Wondering if any Royalties were paid by Mr Soussan for this Rip off ??

[Ian Dewhirst]

I have to give him credit for this though. Locating a Lovin' Spoonful instrumental track on an obscure album and re-christening it as the Golden World Strings takes some bottle........

 

"Supertime" - The Golden World Strings

 

 

Ian D 

[Steve G]

Nonsense I have met plenty of northern / midland folk who were well into it in the 70s, then left it completely….."Oh yeh when I was young I loved NS, went to Wigan, got the sounds bla bla…..then I stopped going in 1976…". These days they're squabbling over tickets to see Cliff Richard at Wembley.

[Steve G]

I have to give him credit for this though. Locating a Lovin' Spoonful instrumental track on an obscure album and re-christening it as the Golden World Strings takes some bottle........

 

"Supertime" - The Golden World Strings

 

 

Ian D 

 

I know it was "your time" Ian, and I have to be positive and give you a break etc….but that is SHITE….and a terrible slur on Golden World too.

Edited April 22, 2015 by Steve G

[Ian Dewhirst]

Perfect Simon Soussan record in every way. But can you imagine hearing this for the first time ever???????

 

It may as well have had his name on it......

 

The Joker - The Milestones and Little Leroy

 

 

Ian D 

[Ian Dewhirst]

I know it was "your time" Ian, and I have to be positive and give you a break etc….but that is SHITE….

 

Really? I think it's an incredible instrumental! I LOVE the arrangement too. But I totally love this kind of stuff anyway. Immense productions are my thing man. I'd listen that anytime. Great track! Different strokes and all that I guess. I admit, it isn't that subtle and a soulful vocal is sadly amiss lol.......

 

Ian D 

[Ian Dewhirst]

I know it was "your time" Ian, and I have to be positive and give you a break etc….but that is SHITE….and a terrible slur on Golden World too.

 

Do you like "Afternoon Of The Rhino" Steve? 

 

Ian D 

[Steve G]

Do you like "Afternoon Of The Rhino" Steve? 

 

Ian D 

 

No, more shite….but that was RW wasn't it? 

[Ian Dewhirst]

No, more shite….but that was RW wasn't it? 

 

LOL, you don't like Northern Instrumentals then. I think it's an age thing actually. I grew up with all those fantastic big brassy UK productions when I was a kid, so I'm a sucker for that sound. That's why I prefer Dusty's version of "Bring Him Back" then Sissie Houston's. Dusty's is a much better production in my view. Which is heresy lol.......

 

"Bring Him Back" - Dusty Springfield

 

 

Ian D 

[Mal C]

Fabulous thread, really interesting to see the older chaps standing their ground, and as some have said the emotions involved...still now...

for all of us born after 69 he's just a name really, but I'd love to hear from him on here, I think some of you might even get stage fright!

The mans very welcome in my book, what a life he's led and what a legacy he's left outside his own country....

Malcolm

[Goldsoul]

Fabulous thread, really interesting to see the older chaps standing their ground, and as some have said the emotions involved...still now...

for all of us born after 69 he's just a name really, but I'd love to hear from him on here, I think some of you might even get stage fright!

The mans very welcome in my book, what a life he's led and what a legacy he's left outside his own country....

Malcolm

Definitely the right spirit.

[macca]

One wouldn't associate that din with JBS and the Lovin' Spoonful either. I'm in shock. 

[Ian Dewhirst]

Also I've got to add this as another typical Simon Soussan record.

 

There was a consensus at the time amongst the collectors in the bar @ Wigan, that this could have been Soussan himself on vocals. French accent and Soussan's exact pronunciation. Plus the instrumental backing is just pure million-mile-an-hour Los Angeles Northern Soul. So we all genuinely thought that Soussan had pilfered a Miles Grayson backing track and overlaid his vocal. 

 

Turned out to be a real record though, even with that title and group name. But, hey, if Soussan ever did a vocal, then this is EXACTLY how it would sound......

 

"Dirty Hearts" - Benny Curtis And The Littler Dirty Hearts

 

 

Ian D 

[Will]

A friend of mine knew him and in a nutshell, he liked the guy. I'm not old enough to have been around when he was around unfortunately. I'd love to read/hear his recollections and viewpoints as he is a very important figure in the history of the music I love. I would disappointed if he felt unable to speak now. If he was to appear on here (fingers crossed he will) maybe people who wished to air a grievance, could do so privately (message him directly) and not do so in the open? At least that way, it would be manageable and allow people like myself an opportunity to learn more, rather than just be an ignorant spectator to what could possibly turn into an assassination.

 

On another note, I bet he'd find much to be impressed with today i.e. Redemption at Prestatyn. Fingers crossed I'll soon be able to read and learn more.

[Jim G]

Met him once on the stage at the Casino after I been in the dance compo and he was a nice guy to talk to. His antics in the good old days were mix of great, mad and crooked?  The same might be said of others?

 

the one thing  he did have was a good ear for what would get us dancing, all the top DJ's had dealings with him and he found countless records we all love as oldies today. His best made up name has to be "Strings a Go Go" by Bob Wilson.

 

with rose tinted glasses i can forgive some of the antics (40 years ago is bloody long time) , he simply exploited an opportunity of its time. Today, with Internet etc., he would have rumbled in 5 minutes, but that is today.

 

no doubt there wil be a mixture of venom and nostalgia on here about him. For me it would be nice if he could share some anecdotes about how we were duped, how he duped others and how he came up with some. Crazy things he did back then.

[Guest MBarrett]

I have to give him credit for this though. Locating a Lovin' Spoonful instrumental track on an obscure album and re-christening it as the Golden World Strings takes some bottle........

 

"Supertime" - The Golden World Strings

 

 

Ian D 

 

 

One wouldn't associate that din with JBS and the Lovin' Spoonful either. I'm in shock. 

 

This is the Lovin' Spoonful original. So how did SS operate? Would he or someone have produced a full set of musical scores for an instrumental version. Or would he have relied on accomplished session musicians playing by ear etc. etc. I'd love to know the logistics of how something like this would have all come together. ( prefer the Lovin' Spoonful by the way. )

 

[The Yank]

Wondering if any Royalties were paid by Mr Soussan for this Rip off ??

 

   I doubt it - according to the label credits- Pattie Brooks wrote the song.  

[Wiggyflat]

A lot of the instrumentals were lifted from.easy listening lp's which were made for the American ma and pa to try and get down with the kids.Lord Sitar Black is Black and Paint It Black were from The Folkswingers lp.The Camel's Strings It's Too Late was another.Can't remember the lp and The Total Eclipse lp brought us 6 o'clock or Supertime.

[Andreas B]

I'm pretty sure it was this record which kicked him off.....

 

Los Bravos "Black Is Black"

 

 

Ian D 

 

Funny, I actually just pulled out this single and found the flip (on some pressings) "I Want A Name" to be a pretty tidy little mod tune. 

 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L401RrOPrtM

[stokesoulboy]

Strings a go go, love bound all the mirwood instr stuff, what a time to be hearing these great records, I'm sure a "supertime" was had back then

[Pete S]

No, more shite….but that was RW wasn't it? 

 

Proper Northern Soul Instrumental

[Chris L]

no doubt there wil be a mixture of venom and nostalgia on here about him. For me it would be nice if he could share some anecdotes about how we were duped, how he duped others and how he came up with some. Crazy things he did back then.

 

He went round a friend of mine's house during the day, knowing he was at work, said he'd come to pick up his records and needed them right away as he was leaving the country the next day. Talked his way in and helped himself to my buds records - it's called theft. I'm flabbergasted that anyone on here wants to show this person in any positive light, a leech of the 1st order.

[Sunnysoul]

 that appreggio interveiws a classic, when Simon goes to shake that guys hand , he just ignores him, and when he walks off the stage, everybody else just stays put. 

 

Think it was one of Don Cornelius's personal traits - he almost never shook hands with artists on the show.  He would just climb up onstage with the microphone and start interviewing.

 

Also calls Soussan "Simone" as if his first name is the female form of the word ....

[Sunnysoul]

Do you like "Afternoon Of The Rhino" Steve? 

 

Ian D 

 

Don't forget the vocal to Afternoon Of The Rhino !

 

[Amsterdam Russ]

 

Also calls Soussan "Simone" as if his first name is the female form of the word ....

That's how you'd pronounce "Simon" in French. I guess SS was playing up that part of his heritage.

[Ian Dewhirst]

Don't forget the vocal to Afternoon Of The Rhino !

 

 

Actually that's one I'd rather forget. 

 

Ian D

[Mal C]

A friend of mine knew him and in a nutshell, he liked the guy. I'm not old enough to have been around when he was around unfortunately. I'd love to read/hear his recollections and viewpoints as he is a very important figure in the history of the music I love. I would disappointed if he felt unable to speak now. If he was to appear on here (fingers crossed he will) maybe people who wished to air a grievance, could do so privately (message him directly) and not do so in the open? At least that way, it would be manageable and allow people like myself an opportunity to learn more, rather than just be an ignorant spectator to what could possibly turn into an assassination.

 

On another note, I bet he'd find much to be impressed with today i.e. Redemption at Prestatyn. Fingers crossed I'll soon be able to read and learn more.

Well said, us younun's want to hear this, you older buggars have all been there, or so it seems...

[Citizen P]

Wondering if any Royalties were paid by Mr Soussan for this Rip off ??

I'll admit going to the flicks to watch this, nearly fell off me seat when this came on...

[Steve G]

Thing is, I get all you older guys want to have a reunion, love him or loathe him he was part of the scene back then. Understand. Maybe have a night out down the pub with him, do it in London, bring Ian out, share some memories, joke about the lost cheques, his nights at the Casino,The Sharonettes etc?….

 

And those too young to have known him (myself included in that group), who come on saying "I wanna know the truth about northern soul bla bla" "I am sure the man has some great stories bla bla" - sorry to tell you that this is one guy you are never going to get the truth from.   If he told you that "Afternoon of the rhino" was a tailor made, that he had Mike Post record especially for Russ, you'd believe him…..  

Edited April 23, 2015 by Steve G

[Raremusicdirect]

Having never met or dealt with the guy be interesting to see him back contributing to the information.

[Pete S]

Having never met or dealt with the guy be interesting to see him back contributing to the information.

 

Agreed

[Ian Dewhirst]

This is the Lovin' Spoonful original. So how did SS operate? Would he or someone have produced a full set of musical scores for an instrumental version. Or would he have relied on accomplished session musicians playing by ear etc. etc. I'd love to know the logistics of how something like this would have all come together. ( prefer the Lovin' Spoonful by the way. )

 

 

He found it. He listened to a LOT of stuff and liked certain records for certain things. He was a huge fan of instrumentals (as we all were back then) and he knew that there'd be Northern Gold in some of those obscure albums he was going through. Like this:-

 

https://www.discogs.com/Total-Eclipse-Symphony-For-Soul/master/727946

 

He didn't need to do anything in this case except give it a cover-up name....

 

Ian D 

[macca]

Thing is, I get all you older guys want to have a reunion, love him or loathe him he was part of the scene back then. Understand. Maybe have a night out down the pub with him, do it in London, bring Ian out, share some memories, joke about the lost cheques, his nights at the Casino,The Sharonettes etc?….

 

And those too young to have known him (myself included in that group), who come on saying "I wanna know the truth about northern soul bla bla" "I am sure the man has some great stories bla bla" - sorry to tell you that this is one guy you are never going to get the truth from.   If he told you that "Afternoon of the rhino" was a tailor made, that he had Mike Post record especially for Russ, you'd believe him…..  

Religious 'rebirth' can have an astonishing effect on the individual involved. They tend to throw out the old in order to bring in the new. If he is now Orthodox as opposed to lapsed, I imagine he will have atoned for his former sins and will consider the old Simone another person, a broken vessel that was simply waiting on his God's divine countenance to fill him up. As a result he'd probably say that Russ and Mike Post were in league with Lucifer on AOTR.  Or probably not. 

[Steve G]

Religious 'rebirth' can have an astonishing effect on the individual involved. They tend to throw out the old in order to bring in the new. If he is now Orthodox as opposed to lapsed, I imagine he will have atoned for his former sins and will consider the old Simone another person, a broken vessel that was simply waiting on his God's divine countenance to fill him up. As a result he'd probably say that Russ and Mike Post were in league with Lucifer on AOTR.  Or probably not. 

Still don't think you'll get anything reliable from him….Only last week heard a NW radio interview on Chorley FM of how Frank Wilson was discovered….RW perusing a Motown discography  and noticed a missing number. So he spoke to Edwin Starrs group who were over and asked them what the missing record was and they said they'd find out. A few weeks later someone from Motown had sent him a copy. The interview was all posted up here by dedij1955 on another thread and is probably still there.

 

You'll probably get a different version of that story from Simone, but it wouldn't be the truth either since Tom always was adamant that the original copy was stolen from the vault (recurring theme here Chris L?).

 

But who cares what's real anymore? I guess it's all fair game now, and we can just make it up and re-write history as we go along. Just need to remember the details to the story of how I persuaded Ike & Tina Turner to play The Twisted Wheel, when I was a seven year old. My uncle was an occasional concert promotor you see and Ike & Tina came to our house for tea with him one Sunday. They didn't have a booking for the following weekend and I told them it would be good for them to play this really exciting club in Manchester. The rest as they say is history.

Edited April 23, 2015 by Steve G

[Dave Thorley]

Still don't think you'll get anything reliable from him….Only last week heard a NW radio interview on Chorley FM of how Frank Wilson was discovered….RW perusing a Motown discography  and noticed a missing number. So he spoke to Edwin Starrs group who were over and asked them what the missing record was and they said they'd find out. A few weeks later someone from Motown had sent him a copy. The interview was all posted up here by dj1951 on another thread and is probably still there.

 

You'll probably get a different version of that story from Simone, but it wouldn't be the truth either since Tom always was adamant that the original copy was stolen from the vault (recurring theme here Chris L?).

 

But who cares what's real anymore? I guess it's all fair game now, and we can just make it up and re-write history as we go along. Just need to remember the details to the story of how I persuaded Ike & Tina Turner to play The Twisted Wheel, when I was a seven year old. My uncle was an occasional concert promotor you see and Ike & Tina came to our house for tea with him one Sunday. They didn't have a booking for the following weekend and I told them it would be good for them to play this really exciting club in Manchester. The rest as they say is history.

 

 

Nice story Steve, did I ever tell you the one about James Brown. I was about 8 years old and on holiday with my parents. We got lost in Cincinnati, so my dad parked the car and we went into this building. While my dad was asking directions and chatting to this guy in the lobby I wondered off and walked into a recording studio, where this man was singing with a bunch of musicians. When they saw me walk in they stopped playing and all started chatting to me, can't remember what they said, but think someone asked me if I knew The Queen and also did I know Jimmy from Manchester !!? Anyway after a while they started singing and playing again, as my parents came and found me, so as I left I waved to all of them. The man that was singing waved back and shout 'Gotcha', the rest is history, as they say. 

Edited April 23, 2015 by Dave Thorley

[Steve S 60]

Just need to remember the details to the story of how I persuaded Ike & Tina Turner to play The Twisted Wheel, when I was a seven year old. My uncle was an occasional concert promotor you see and Ike & Tina came to our house for tea with him one Sunday. They didn't have a booking for the following weekend and I told them it would be good for them to play this really exciting club in Manchester. The rest as they say is history.

 

Was that the time they popped into the motorway services for something to eat on their way to Manchester?  Ike was so incensed by the standard of food that he was moved to pen a ditty which he entitled "Knutsford Shitty Dinners".  This he later amended to suit the American audience, and the rest, as they say, is history.

[Labeat]

No, more shite….but that was RW wasn't it? 

More like Keith Minshull & Tony Jebb for this old'n

[Guest UPTITE U250A]

That's how you'd pronounce "Simon" in French. I guess SS was playing up that part of his heritage.

You are incorrect.Simon is pronounced in French as Si mon,there are 2 syllables.

More news about him will break soon.Pics are also circulating too.

He was/is a very charesmatic person and exceptionally music talented.His knowledge of NS was immense.His involvment and record hunting "adventures" would make stupifying reading today,but relating that fascinating past,would serve no purpose.Better that for himself,his own interest,he not participate on Soul Source and let NS history rest as it is.The outpouring of NS venom would not contrinute to anything now.Perhaps KR or someone else can 3rd party relate some interesting stories from time to time...

[Amsterdam Russ]

You are incorrect.Simon is pronounced in French as Si mon,there are 2 syllables.

More news about him will break soon.Pics are also circulating too.

He was/is a very charesmatic person and exceptionally music talented.His knowledge of NS was immense.His involvment and record hunting "adventures" would make stupifying reading today,but relating that fascinating past,would serve no purpose.Better that for himself,his own interest,he not participate on Soul Source and let NS history rest as it is.The outpouring of NS venom would not contrinute to anything now.Perhaps KR or someone else can 3rd party relate some interesting stories from time to time...

The two syllable pronunciation was exactly what I was trying to get across… See-mon.

 

Simone is also two syllables, hence my point!