Guest Posted February 13, 2005 Posted February 13, 2005 https://community.webtv.net/DumGai/SoulvilleAllStars ---- I thought somebody might like a picture of our band. Even I haven't seen this picture for a least 20 years, as most of my memorabilia was lost in the 80's while I was on the road with other bands, so now I'm amazed with all the rest. That includes not less than 30 unplayed copies of "Im Gonna Get to You", so think about that for a minute. I've had so many requests for pictures, and finally a kind gentleman from California sent one to me. So many people ask me about the other Soulville All-Star records. There are no others. We only did two records. Our first Soulville realease was "Nobody to Blame" b/w "Nothing in This World Matters (to me but you) SV-1001, and "Won't You Please Be My Girl" b/w "I'm Gonna Get to You" SV-1005. To this day, I still hold the opinion that the best thing that ever came from the Soulville label was a record by Renee Perri called "I Aim to Please" SV-1003. Where were digital video cams? I feel so sorry for everyone that couldn't be in the studio that day. I can't even remember how long it took me to get to sleep. That record had the Soulville All-Star brass section, augmented with other players and I think our bass player, Roger Endres played on that song. Of course Bobby Fulton, president of Soulville Records, was pure genious. I didn't know it then. I only know it now. Our trombone player, Kirk Bruner, became the drummer for Melissa Manchester a few years later. I know that sounds very weird, but it's true. Kirk was extremely talented. In fact, Kirk became the drummer for a re-formed version of the "Magnificent Men" for a couple of years. I went to a Magnificent Men rehearsal one time and I learned what the meaning of the word "SERIOUS" was. WOW...that was brutal! Those guys looked at every note like is was life or death. Anyway, I'm Rick Beard. soulvilleguitar@webtv.net PLEASE! no spam or scam! I hope some of this helps.
Simon T Posted February 14, 2005 Posted February 14, 2005 I'm gonna get to you is one of my all time favs. Nice to see the band photo, it reminds me of the cover of the Tempest L.P.!
Guest Posted February 14, 2005 Posted February 14, 2005 I'm gonna get to you is one of my all time favs. Nice to see the band photo, it reminds me of the cover of the Tempest L.P.! link
Guest Posted February 14, 2005 Posted February 14, 2005 Big thanks Hippo, If "I'm Gonna Get to You" is one of your favs, then please tell us why, cause we would sure like to repeat that magic formula again. LOL Really, thanks for your reply. We really did have great fun doing the music, even in the middle of the intense pressure to give it our best. I've spoken with members of our band several times and the same question always comes up. "Why is "I'm Gonna Get to You" so popular? Most people will never know how good it makes you feel to know that people enjoy the results of your hard work. I'm feeling fine!
Iancsloft Posted February 14, 2005 Posted February 14, 2005 I've spoken with members of our band several times and the same question always comes up. "Why is "I'm Gonna Get to You" so popular? =============================================== Hi Rick, Its always been a popular recording among Northern Soul fans/collecters due to it being a good dance 45 , its exciting and uplifting Northern Soul at its best, over the years whenever it as been played at venues by me Soulies hearing it for the first time have always asked who it is and what label its on ,to put it bluntly it grab,s you by the balls and pulls you to the floor Fantastic 45 Rick you and the guys should be proud that you made such wonderful music has your Soulville recordings..Got to agree Reni Peri is a great record also but as never got the credit that it deserves like your 45,s but for years it as been a favourite amongst what we in the UK call tape swoppers..Thanks for the photo and thanks for the sore feet dancin to your recordings....... I,M GONNA GET TO YOU / NOBODY TO BLAME Regards Ian Cunliffe
Guest Posted February 14, 2005 Posted February 14, 2005 Well this has been a great experience for me. I'd never realized how many people were interesed in what we did. I think most of us from the 'All-Stars' get confused now about our popularity because, for us, it was only what we did everyday. You have to admit that it could be a bit disturbing. ----- I won't dare to speak for the other guys of the band. --- I've really received some excellent emails from people. ---- But now, one question comes to the forefront. "How long has it been that "I'm Gonna Get To You" has been popular? https://community.webtv.net/DumGai/SoulvilleAllStars Rick Beard soulvilleguitar@webtv.net ---- One of my favorite bands was Kokomo and I'd sure like to work with Tony O'Malley someday. I think if the Soulville All-Stars would have survived, we'd probably have sounded a lot like Kokomo. ------- In the very short time that I've been here I've met some of the nicest people that one might hope to meet. BIG THANKS ------ I'm gonna go now and play "Im Gonna Get To You" and try to figure out what we did right. LOL ----- Thanks Ian I'm only a guitar player! I never said I was intelligent. LOL
Guest enchantedrythm Posted February 14, 2005 Posted February 14, 2005 Rick, great stuff up to now. Ive dug out a couple of pictures that may bring back more memories. Can you remember the Soulville van? What about the front window at Soulville? Both a bit rough in quality but religiously collected by me over the last 35 years. I'm searching my stuff and know that ive a picture of Renee Perri,Bobby Fulton, The Soul Exotics, Toby Young (who co-owned with Bobby), Jimmy Walker (also co-owned with the other two gents), Eddie Gilreath (who promoted the label), David Price (who also promoted and MC'd) Lynn Martini (Soulville recording artist, along with the Jolly Jax-Soulville SV1016, Ray Gant ( I think), and the Sensational Cymbals. Interestingly for you ive one or two of the Soulville All Stars on stage at one of the reviews that Bobby used to put on. Im interested in any bits of info you can remember, as you will know Bobby formed The Emperors and appeared on 'Karate', incidently that was co-writtgen with Bobbys cousin Milton Brown, anyway he went on to record two or three solo singles on Capital City, Also he released singles with The Soul Exotics and was also known, i think, as Mr Grits & Soul as a Booker T type cover artist. Did he play organ with you? What can you remember about 1627 Wallace St, Harrisburg? Even 2308 6th street? Did you ever come across Charles Earland at the time? Can you remember the local TV show, TV Teen Time? Ive loads of questions if youve time to interest us this side of the pond. I met Bobby years ago on the strength of your two sides, and the Donald Lee Richardson side on the label. A couple of us young soul nuts played 'Im gonna get to you' as early as 72 here so our respect is forever by the look of things. Recently I sold a copy of the track in the north of England for £150(cash value-actually traded for a Charades Track ive been after for years) but still have a Promo myself. Ive run out of chat time now but will resume- hope these pics download O>K, im still a byte novice- great stuff anyway, I will hunt the other pics out from the loft and post them. Chris Fletcher.soulville_van_3.bmp
Iancsloft Posted February 14, 2005 Posted February 14, 2005 Hi Chris was the Charades--Love of my life--Okeh and traded at Viaduct Club if it was ,it was me you traded it with ,it was in better condition than mine
Wiganer1 Posted February 14, 2005 Posted February 14, 2005 Hi Chris was the Charades--Love of my life--Okeh and traded at Viaduct Club if it was ,it was me you traded it with ,it was in better condition than mine link =========== hi rick im fortunate to have both 45's as previously said both are quality northern soul sounds with the right beat and soulful vocals i remember hearing im gonna get to you in 1981 at the Wigan Casino all niter but it took me 10 years to get a copy just 2 great sounds thanks alot mark if you need me like i need you!!
Martyn Pitt Posted February 14, 2005 Posted February 14, 2005 Hi Rick, I too have both singles, two of my favourite Northern Soul singles, I try and play at least one of them when I am out djing. I have managed to play them both in an hour set once. What makes them for me is their raw drive, and the edge they have, you dont listen to the records, you let them grab you by the scruff of the neck and drag you on the dance floor. Top tunes, absolute top tunes. Thanks for the picture. Martyn
Guest Posted February 14, 2005 Posted February 14, 2005 Rick, great stuff up to now. Ive dug out a couple of pictures that may bring back more memories. Can you remember the Soulville van? What about the front window at Soulville? Both a bit rough in quality but religiously collected by me over the last 35 years. I'm searching my stuff and know that ive a picture of Renee Perri,Bobby Fulton, The Soul Exotics, Toby Young (who co-owned with Bobby), Jimmy Walker (also co-owned with the other two gents), Eddie Gilreath (who promoted the label), David Price (who also promoted and MC'd) Lynn Martini (Soulville recording artist, along with the Jolly Jax-Soulville SV1016, Ray Gant ( I think), and the Sensational Cymbals. Interestingly for you ive one or two of the Soulville All Stars on stage at one of the reviews that Bobby used to put on. Im interested in any bits of info you can remember, as you will know Bobby formed The Emperors and appeared on 'Karate', incidently that was co-writtgen with Bobbys cousin Milton Brown, anyway he went on to record two or three solo singles on Capital City, Also he released singles with The Soul Exotics and was also known, i think, as Mr Grits & Soul as a Booker T type cover artist. Did he play organ with you? What can you remember about 1627 Wallace St, Harrisburg? Even 2308 6th street? Did you ever come across Charles Earland at the time? Can you remember the local TV show, TV Teen Time? Ive loads of questions if youve time to interest us this side of the pond. I met Bobby years ago on the strength of your two sides, and the Donald Lee Richardson side on the label. A couple of us young soul nuts played 'Im gonna get to you' as early as 72 here so our respect is forever by the look of things. Recently I sold a copy of the track in the north of England for £150(cash value-actually traded for a Charades Track ive been after for years) but still have a Promo myself. Ive run out of chat time now but will resume- hope these pics download O>K, im still a byte novice- great stuff anyway, I will hunt the other pics out from the loft and post them. Chris Fletcher. link
Guest Posted February 14, 2005 Posted February 14, 2005 Thanks Chris, It seems safe to say that you know more about the All-Stars than I do. WOW! I forgot about a lot of the stuff that you'd mentioned. I think 1627 Wallace St. was Bobby's home address. Our keyboard player, Frank Shaffner, was a serious camera buff back then. I remember that he used to take his camera to a lot of the gigs that we did and he'd shoot a couple rolls of film and after the gigs he'd go into his darkroom and develope them. So, within hours we'd have 8 x 10 glossies. Pretty cool, eh? Frank's house was where we always used to hang out and rehearse. In those days, I don't ever remember being asleep while the sun was down. LOL Before Bobby Fulton approached us to be a part of his company we were called "The Soul Brothers". Somewhere around the time that Bobby was grooming us to become the All-Stars we were playing at a local club called "The Raven". It was built by a guy named Dick Phelan for only one purpose. Music He now owns a chain of restaurant/bars called "The Gingerbread Man". (I'd bet he's got a lot of pictures) The Raven was the coolest place you could ever imagine. The front of it was formed like a castle, complete with a drawbridge and moat. We had been playing there, often alternating with the Magnificent Men. By the way, if you want to know what kind of guitar I was playing on the Soulville records then go look at the picture of Terry Crousore on the first Mag Men record.(Capitol 2678) When the Mag Men's records started hitting the charts they took off to go on the road. We kind of took over as the house-band. It may come as a surprise to some people but, back in those days, a lot of the popular vocal bands didn't tour with their own backup band. They'd just come to the venue and hand us a bunch of music charts and we'd rehearse for an hour or two. I've actually backed-up several vocal groups that I didn't deserve to be on the same stage with. The Dells is one of them. To this day, I still cringe when I think about how unfair it was for them to be stuck with me for that performance. Oh, What a Night indeed! In addition to backing-up vocal groups, we also opened for many. The Delfonics The Flamingos Spyder Turner James and Bobby Purify Wilson Pickett Sam and Dave Brenda and the Tabulations (nicest group of people I've ever met) Billy Stewart...WOW!...What a nice guy he was. If everyone would be like him there'd be instant world peace. There are so many more artists that I just can't remember in this moment.
Guest Posted February 15, 2005 Posted February 15, 2005 Your posting caused me to think about something that I'd forgotten about for a long time. If my memory is correct, we were scheduled to appear on a TV show called "THE ED HURST SHOW". It was pretty much modeled in the style of Dick Clark's "American Bandstand" and it was located in Philadelphia. We were on the way there and our van broke down. (this was before cellphones, ok?) So we're sitting there on a hot day on a road that no sane person would ever want to be on and we're supposed to be in a TV studio for a really important appearance. It was such a nightmare! We missed the taping of the show. Somehow, Bobby fixed the situation and we did the taping the next week or so. (One of these days I'll have to ask him how he fixed that one!) For me, the taping of the show was quite bizarre. I think it was the first time in my life that I realized I was ugly. I didn't know you could fit that many good-looking people into one room. LOL After all of that mess I was glued to the TV to see our big appearance on the ED HURST show. This was before cable, satellite, dsl and whatever else. I never got to see myself on TV cause the signal didn't come in clear. ---------- I'll have to get with Bobby on this one but I think it was Bobby playing organ on "Nothing In This World Matters". Maybe I can ring-up some of the other All-Stars soon to correct anything that I've got wrong. Thanks Rick B
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