Mike

Hi All Just a reminder that my Solar Radio Show is still on air each and every Saturday night/Sunday Morning between 2anm - 4am in the UK and between 3am - 5am throughout europe on CHANNEL 879 SKY DIGITAL OR LIVE ON THE WEB www.solarradio.com Not your normal Rare Northern formulated show either as i cover everything over the past four decades on Northern Soul based club culture with reviews and previes of all current re issue cd and vinyl, classic and ultra rare Northern with a dab of crossover and modern as well - for requests, mentions and dedications please contact studio@solarradio.com Ive been on the air since November 2000 and have built up a huge audience, its two hours of action packed radio with 100% quality tunes. Also still available for live gigs nationwide and if any venues are looking for quality guest djs please consider this a very genuine offer - im not one of the pretenders either with a box of boots its the real deal as reputation, depth of collection and entertainment value are paramount from me for further detail tel 0161 330 6267 or email mark@bicknell3440.freeserve.co.uk. Stay Soulful - Mark Bicknell

DRIVERS CLUB - SOULER POWER - EDINBURGH 26/04/03 Playlists - Malc(Dundee) Moses Smith-Come on,let me love you-Cotillion. Johnny Summers-I cant let go-Yorktown. Duke & Leonard-Just do the best you can-Stomptown. Tony & The Showmen-Try my love-Ten Star. Drake & The En-Solids-Fight for love-Alteen. The Enticers-Calling for your love-Cotillion. Charles Farren-Youve changed my whole life around-Hawk. The Kelly Brothers-Crying days are over-Sims. The Vibrations-End up crying-Okeh. Darrow Fletcher-What good am I without you-Jacklyn. Kris Peterson-Just as much-Top Dog. Emanuel Laskey-Dont lead me on baby-Thelma. Marie Knight-You lie so well-Musicor demo. John(Dundee) The Players-Why did I lie-Minit. Marshall & The Chi-lites-Price of love-Dakar. Shelley Fisher-I know how (to love you)-Aries. Alcon Shades-All is forgiven-Blue rock. The Quotations-I dont have to worry-DiVenus. Doris Troy-Face up to the truth-Capitol. Barbara Long-We call it love-Jet Set. The Shepards-Little girl lost-ABC Paramount. Tony Diamond-Youre the sweetest yet-Blue rock. Vernon Greene-Look at me,look at you-Minit. Skip Jackson & The Shantons-Im on to you girl-Dot Mar. George Hughley-Thats why I cry-Buddah. Richie Havens-Ive gotta go-Verve folkways.

Well after a great packed last nite at Tonys it is no longer a current venue. The new location was annouced last nite and it seems its at the Lux Club Millgate Wigan Town Centre A bit of a report on going ons last nite will follow later If were there feel free to post up view using comments, submit news etc etc

YORKSHIRE RIDER LOOK BACK 12/04/03 “If it weren’t true…………………..” Guest DJ: CRAIG BUTLER Col & I went up to the Rider good ‘n’ early and, with the help of Eddie who arrived shortly after we did, the decks were set up and spinning toons well before the 8.30 kick off This gave us time to admire the newly refurbished & decorated room, the bar area had been transformed (complete with new barmaid), there were freshly painted walls, a new carpet, and an absolutely wonderful set of gold lamé curtains hanging from the back of the stage (Sidney Barnes would have looked the dogs bo****ks on that stage in front of those curtains – sigh!!!!!!), hmmm the room seemed almost too posh for a northern do now;-))) Whilst I waited for soulies other than us three to come along and join us, Col & Eddie could detected feedback which meant a bit of tinkering was about to ensue, I now hoped soulies would arrive a bit later. The only thing worse than going to a soul night and being greeted by silence; is going to a soul night and being greeted by nothing at all and believe me Col & I have done that scenario too; we once turned up to a soul night a week early, but then we’ve always been keen ;-)) Eventually soulies did start arriving & I had to make light of the music-less situation the “virgin” barmaid (virgin to her job, not sure ‘bout anything else;-))) had to make light of the dubious looking pint she had just pulled, whilst Col & Eddie continued to try fathom the problem, which of course they eventually did (after what seemed an age to me) and the sound of sweet soul music was once again flooding out of the speakers, the barmaid seemed to have cracked her beer “problem”, so that just left us hoping a few more soulies would come through the door and we’d be set for a good night. First up was Eddie with a spanking set of toons, followed by Alex who also surpassed his normal standard of plays. Next on the decks was local soul boy Craig (who had stepped in as a late sub for Paul McNamara who in turn was sub for Ion, who was unable to guest for us this month (as advertised) but hopefully he’ll be available on a future date as I hope Paul will). Anyway after a few slow toons he upped the tempo a little and played some lesser known stuff (well they were to me) one I had heard him play before (when he DJ’d at the much missed Beehive in Bradford) was the 70’s version of Ty Karim’s “Lighten Up” , this is one of those records that I always reckon I prefer the 60’s version until I hear the 70ts version, then I think well this is good too!! “Top Dog” Guy then stormed onto the decks and with his usual élan played a scorching set of up tempo dancers. Last, but not least was Col who kept the tempo moving with what I can only described as an awesome set, I know, I know, you’ think I’m biased but if it weren’t true I wouldn’t say it;-))) All in all no-one seemed disappointed with the sounds played even though we had the fewest soulies in ever at the Rider - Where were you all? Still, those soulies who did come along more or less expressed the same thoughts, which are it doesn’t really matter if there are 30 or 300 people in the room (300!! I wish!!!) as long as they enjoy what they’re hearing. Got to agree with that one, but don’t take my word for it (though you know, if it weren’t true I wouldn’t say it) decide for yourself if the music is worth playing……………. Colin Wood (warm-up) Mighty Sam – Georgia pines Jackie Wilson – Just be sincere O’Jays – Working on your case Sid Barnes – Safety Zone Ronnie Walker - Trouble Soul Inc – My Proposal Bobby Reed – Caledonia Brown EJ Chandler – I can’t stand to lose you Eddie Engel James Barnes & The Agents – Free at last The Pets – What kind of girl Betty Green – Lonely girl Cody Black – Slowly moulding Edwin Starr – You’re my mellow The Puffs – I only cry once a day now Onyx – You never fail to amaze me Bernard Williams – It’s needless to say Rosco Robinson – What you’re doing to me Honey & The Bees – Dynamite exploded Dream Team – I’m not satisfied George Scott – Family Tree The Strides – I can get along without you now Mikki Farrow – Set my heart at ease Silky Hargeaves – You’re too good Rose St John & The Wonderettes – I know the meaning Sam Cooke – Sugar Dumpling Bill Baker – Another sleepless night Alex Jones (anyone who reads these reviews regularly will know why his playlist can be a little sparse on info) Excellent Album Track –Title & Artist known only to Alex;-)))) Lonnie Russ – Say girl Fascinators – In other words Betty Wilson – I’m yours Cautions – No other way Servicemen – Sweet magic Clarence Townsend – I found a love (wicked toon) Gentlemen Four – You can’t keep a good man down Ty Karim – Lighten up (6Ts version) Tokays – Baby baby baby Exits – Under the streetlamp Galahads – I got to find a way Jessie Davis – Hang on in there Soul Set – Will you ever learn Soundmaster – Lonely, lonely Craig Butler Holidays – I lost you Beverly Schaffer – Given the score Joe Bataan – Under the street lamp ?Harvey & The Sound – Glamour girl Classmen – Doing me right Clarence Reid – Push a little harder Charmers – Looking for trouble Clarence Hill – A lot of loving going round Marie Knight – No way to treat a girl Tobi Lark – Sweep it out of the shed Cozy – Oh my love Carla Thomas – I can’t take it Ty Karim – Lighten up (70ts version) Guy Hennigan Lord Thunder – Chaos Mary Saxton – Losing control BJ Thomas – Keep it up Joys of Life – Good times are over Caressors – Stay away Apocrophyls – I’m losing you Kell Osborne – Small things Gwen Davis – My man don’t think I know Bud Harper – Wherever you were Johnny Watson – Ain’t gonna move Jimmy Reed Jnr – I ain’t going nowhere Linda Queen – Where can my baby be Victors – Not only a girl knows Sam Williams – Love slipped through my fingers Clifford Bins – You got to help me Lenny Curtis – Nothing can help you now Yvonne & The Violets – Cross my heart Colin Wood Chosen Few – Birth of a playboy El Corols – Chick chick Delilah Kennebreuw – Bright lights Ambers – I love you baby Dynamics – I wanna know Para-monts – Come go with me Edwin Starr – Don’t tell me I’m crazy Bobo Mr Soul – Hithhike to heartbreak road Billy Storm – Please don’t mention her name Soulville All Stars – I’m gonna get to you Al Gardner – Sweet baby Checkmates Ltd – Run nigger run (not very pc nowadays) Connie McGill & The Visions – I can’t stop my love Charles Mintz – Running back Rivieras – You counter feit girl Joel Christie – Since I found you Sandra Lynn – Where would I be Intruders – Check yourself True Tones – He’s got the nerve Echoes – Million dollar bill Tyrone Davis – Bet you win Counts – Peaches baby Big Dee Irwin – You satisfy my needs Record of the night for me, well this was a difficult choice to make from so many spanking toons played, but Bobo Mr Soul – Hitchhike to Heartbreak Road has got to be one of the all-time oh sooh soulful toons I have ever heard. I just go into meltdown whenever I hear this – what!! I’m entitled to my opinion same as the next person;-))) Next month May 10th all being well Andy Dyson is advertised as Guest DJ, but with the way things have gone this last couple of months you never can tell. Might be worth you coming along with a “just in case” playbox ;-)))) If you can’t wait until next month get yourself to the Yorkshire Rider website, http://totn.topcities.com where you’ll hear loads of good toons. See ya next month. Soulfully yours, Shirley. Even more thanks to Shirley for yet another top read.

DRIVERS CLUB – SOULER POWER – EDINBURGH 26/04/03 Thanks to Shirley for yet another great review Guests Malc & John (Dundee) Colin Wood & Guy Hennigan (Yorkshire Rider Club) Sometimes living in the centre of England has it’s advantages, one of them being it’s as long as it’s wide to get to most places throughout the UK, so the journey to Edinburgh wasn’t really any further than say a trip to London for the night and we’d done just that on more than one occasion;-)) I’d been to Scotland before but never to Edinburgh and having heard so much about the place I was really looking forward to this trip for more than one reason. Paul McNamara had also decided to take the trip up and he joined us on the train at Newcastle and within minutes Col & Paul were cracking open the cans, talking wisely about soul music and would you believe it, checking out records they just happened to have with them (Col his DJ box & Paul his sales box). Soul boys they just can’t help themselves!!!!!!! I bet if a soul boy was alone in the most desolate place on the planet as long as he had a few 7” black vinyl discs with him he’d not be alone long before someone came to check out his toons;-)))))) Anyway soul music aside, the train journey to Edinburgh via York is one of the most scenic I’ve ever been on, the coast route is just breathtaking. Edinburgh didn’t disappoint either, everything I’d been told was true. Onwards to the hotel which was also a pleasant surprise, although the “hothouse flower” heating was a little overwhelming, thank goodness it was confined to the public areas and not the rooms otherwise Col & I would have been walking around a la au naturelle whilst in the hotel – not a pretty site I don’t mind telling you ;-)))) Just time for a shower and change of clothes then it was out for a bite to eat (we found a great little Italian place just around the corner from the hotel) then it was into a taxi and on to the Drivers club. It suddenly struck me at this point that there were similarities between The Rider Club and The Drivers Club, first one being the name, Rider - Driver (get it?). As we arrived other similarities struck me, it was in a less than salubrious part of town, the club itself was just on the right side of seedy (although since the Rider’s has had a lick of paint it has become dangerously close to being a tad too upmarket for a soul venue;-)) and having met Hammy before I knew that the soul music they played was just the kind we liked to listen (and dance to). It was a slow start (again reminiscent of the Rider) and it took a little while for folks to get on to the dance floor but once they were up strutting their funky stuff there was no stopping them (myself included). Everyone played brilliant sets with a lot of stuff I hadn’t heard before or for a long time and the people at the club made us feel very welcome, Hammy even managed to make the decks go silent for a while during his spot, I thought he was just trying to make us feel at home (for those of you who go to the Rider, you’ll know what I mean when I say that’s an in joke), but no he really had cocked up, it wasn’t long though before music was flooding out through the speakers again;-)))) All too soon the night was over and it was back to the hotel where a drink or two was in order whilst we chatted the small hours away interrupted only by the late return of a hen party, followed by a stag do and of course the obligatory drunk who was looking for a fight all of whom we managed to fend off in our own inimitable friendly Yorkshire manner, nothing was going to spoil our night;-))))) For those of you who like to know these things I managed to jot down a few toons played so in no particular order here goes: Playlists – apologies in advance for any mistakes or omissions, it’s difficult to decipher some of the notes at a later date :-)) Ali (resident) Delores Clark – Living to please - Antares Kurt Harris – Emporer of my baby’s heart - Diamond Roy Hamilton – Don’t come cring to me - Epic Cindy Scott – I got news – Mirasound Acetate Junior Lewis – Tears on my face - Columbia The Charmers – If you’re looking for trouble - Pip Malc & John (Dundee) Sorry lost their list Colin Wood (Yorkshire Rider Club) Para-monts – Come go with me - Ole Billy Storm – Please don’t mention her name - HBR Sophisticates – I can’t stand it - Mutt Victors – Hurt - Philips Carl Spencer – Cover girl – Rust Vonnettes – Touch my heart - Cobblestone Garland Green – Angel baby - Uni The Q – That’s the way - Hound Jack Montgomery – Baby taks a chance on me - Revue El Corols – Chick chick - Rouser Chosen Few – Birth of a playboy – Maple Tyrone Davis – Bet you win - ABC Bobo Mr Soul – Hitchhike to hearbreak road - Ovide Intruders – Check yourself - Gamble Constellations – I didn’t know how to - Gemini Soulville All Stars – I’m gonna get to you – Soulville Shadows – My love has gone – Golden Sound Ambers – I love you baby Verve Darrow Fletcher – Gotta draw the line - Groovy Volcanos – Gotta be a false alarm - Harthon Enjoyables – Push a little harder - Capitol Hammy (resident) Sinceres – Girl I love you – Pzazz Thelma Lindsay – Why weren’t you there – Magic City Frank Jones – Dancing holes in your shoes - Villa Larry Allen – Can’t we talk it over – Green Dolphin Belaires – I got that feeling - Palmer BJ Thomas – Keep it up - Joed Sir Guy Armand – God bless a woman - Scamm Uptights – Shy guy - Columbia Relatives – She’s got soul - Wow Sugar & Spices – Have faith in me - Swan Sandpipers – Lonely too long - Giant Tracie Robbins – What was she doing - Decca Leo McCorkle – On top of the world - ? Black Eyed Peas – Smallest man alive – Ultra City Richard Anthony – Keep on living on - Virtue Guy Hennigan (Yorkshire Rider Club) Lord Thunder – Chaos – C/U Detroit Rhythm Section – Backstreet – Unissued Servicemen – Sweet magic - Chartmaker Bud Harper – Wherever you were - Peacock Patti Austin – You’ll always be in style - ? Volumes – I just can’t help myself – American Arts Jimmy Gibson – Let me go - ? Lenny Curtis – Nothing can help you now - End Soundmasters – Lonely lonely - Juliet Joys of Life – Good times are over - ? Johnny Watson – Ain’t gonna move - Jowat Ivorys – Please stay - Despenza Jimmy Reed Jnr – I ain’t going nowhere - Mercury Yvonne & The Violets – Cross my heart - Barry Freddie North – The Hurt - RIC Gordon Keith – Look ahead - Callumet Apocraphyls – I’m losing you - Ma Bobby Hutton – Come see about me - Philips Ronnie & Robin – As long as you love me - Sidra Terrible Tom – We were made for each other - Maverick Williams & Watson – Too late – Okeh Jimmy Bo Horne – I just can’t speak - Just leaves me to say what an excellent time we had thanks to great people, listening to great music. We’ll be back, I know this visit to Scotland’s fair capital won’t be our last. Shirley & Colin

Just read in forum post about Radio2 show All Singing All Dancing All Night : Blues, Soul&Reggae : Wednesday : 21:00 : 1 H Just in case not aware you can listen online either to the show "live" as it is broadcast or if you miss it can listen to it afterwards also other soul related shows online All Singing All Dancing All Night : Blues, Soul&Reggae : Wednesday : 21:00 : 1 Hr All Singing All Dancing All Night : Northern Soul extravaganza Craig Charles Funk Show : Funk music of the last 30 years Goldfinger : The best in reggae and dancehall Lively Up Yourself : Ska, ragga and the best reggae Norman Jay : The cream of 70s funk and disco Paul Jones : Classic rhythm and blues Sean Rowley : From reggae to Northern Soul and beyond Souled : John Lenny Jnr. presents an hour of classic soul music True Blues : Euron Griffith celebrates the best in blues suppose links be a good thing link to shows online from what heard so far, its a vast improvement on the old style from previous shows in my view, plays below can make your own mind up! asad page page above worth a visit This Week Wednesday 30th April 2003 Neil Rushton was guest Title: "25 MILES" Artist: EDWIN STARR Album: BEST NORTHERN SOUL ALL NIGHTER EVER Label: VIRGIN VTDCD 377 Title: "RUNNIN BACK&FORTH" Artist: EDWIN STARR Album: WAR&PEACE/INVOLVED Label: MOTOWN DOUBLES Title: "MESSIN WITH MY MIND" Artist: GEORGE JACKSON Album: GEORGE JACKSON IN MUSCLE SHOALS Label: GRAPEVINE GVCD 3003 Title: "WHO CAN I RUN TO" Artist: GERRI HALL Album: NORTHERN SOUL OF NEW ORLEANS Label: GRAPVINE GVCD 3004 Title: "AT THE TOP OF THE STAIRS" Artist: THE FORMATIONS Album: 7" SINGLE Label: MGM - MGM 1399 Title: "GAME PLAYERS" Artist: DOOLEY SILVERSPOON Album: 7" SINGLE Label: SEVILLE - 1002 Title: "THERE ARE ROSES SOMEWHERE IN THIS WORLD" Artist: BOBBY TAYLOR Album: 7" SINGLE Label: SUNFLOWER - SUN 126 Title: "SHELL COME RUNNING BACK" Artist: MEL BRITT Album: 7" SINGLE Label: FIP - F650 Title: "NOW YOUVE GOT THE UPPER HAND" Artist: CANDI STATON Album: 7" SINGLE Label: UNITY - U711A Title: "NITTY GRITTY CITY" Artist: THE SWANNS Album: NO FURTHER INFORMATION Label: SUSU Title: "IM NOT RESPONSIBLE" Artist: ALEX BROWN Album: 7" SINGLE Label: SUNDI - 316 Title: "CRAZY WORLD" Artist: KENNY THOMAS Album: NO FURTHER INFORMATION Label: SUSU Title: "NEVER HAD A LOVE SO GOOD" Artist: CHARLES JOHNSON Album: ESSENTIAL MODERN SELECTION Label: GOLDMINE SOUL SUPPLY - GSCD 2Z Title: "STORMY" Artist: THE SUPREMES Album: NORTHERN SOUL CONNOISEURS Label: SPECTRUM - 556 827-2 Title: "HOW COULD YOU BREAK MY HEART" Artist: BOBBY WOMACK Album: MODERN SOUL LIVIN FOR THE WEEKEND Label: LA DOUCE - IRMA 508 379-2

Word on Newark Edwin Starr tribute event Quck word from Dougie Hall on recent tribute event to thank u guys for the assistance ref charity Edwin Starr tribute night Newark Notts Jimmy James was the stand in for the late Edwin Starr and he did not disappoint playing all his classic songs plus a medley of club soul 60`s style and gave us a twenty minute encore leaving the audience breathless All the local jox played good spots and the Edwin Starr tribute spot by Dougie Hall gave us 10 classic Edwin records from “I have faith in you” to “my weakness is you”. I won’t mention them all but it was worthwhile that we raised over three thousand pounds towards Uk cancer research. And we would like to thank every one that came along and participated n behalf of the organisers and sweet soul collective Newark makemvinyl@aol.com would like any feedback from the gig cheers Doug Hall

Been told by one of the promotion crew, this is definitely the last one There will be no more niters held at Tonys Blackburn They will be keeping event going with another venue already sussed out On at same time - first Saturday of the month Full details will be announced on the Saturday nite at the niter Line up for this Saturday is Bob Hinsley Mick H Carl Willingham Pip Kev Murphy Pete Coulson Mark Morgan Plus Regs And Upstairs Banging Away Dave Hawkins Eddie Barton Davie Brown And Of Course Paul Baldwin

LOWTON CIVIC HALL FRIDAY 9TH MAY 2003 8.OOp.m. - 4.a.m. The Very Best In Northern Soul&Motown At Lowton Civic Hall Spinning the platters that matter - SEAN LIVESEY - KEV&DAVE - BARRY SIMPSON - STE WHITTLE - ROB THOMAS - ANDY RIX - JOHN POOLE - DEAN ANDERSON CHECK OUT THE R&B ROOM WITH PETE&FRIENDS Hesketh Meadow Lane, Lowton, Nr Wigan (Just off main A580 East Lancs Rd. exit 24 M6) Tel: 01942 672971 ADMISSION £5.00 (limited to 550) SECOND FRIDAY OF EVERY MONTH. Soul Central Friday 9th May 2003 9pm - 4am A session of the Finest Funk, Classic Soul&Dance Music from some of the best nights at the best clubs in the country. Mecca - Ritz - Cassinellis - Parkers - Carlton - Cricket Club - Angels DJ's: DEAN JOHNSON KEV EDWARDS BAZ MALEADY PETE HAIGH MARK GRICE PAUL HAWKINS @ Soul Central, Lowton Civic Hall - The home of Soul and Soulful Dance music in the North West Hesketh Meadow Lane, Lowton, nr Wigan. (2 mins from main A580 East Lancs Rd., M6 and M62) Part of the successful 'Lowton' Northern Soul Nights Admission £5.00 - Limited to 550 so please be early. Pick up your vinyl and CD wants. Dealers in attendance on the night.

Just in case not aware there is no Soul At the Social at Bangor this Friday Jonhnny J sends apoligies to all regs, says its due to a double booking on the venues side

After Broughton, the minibus headed for Goldbourne niter, picking up yet a few more North Welsh strays, was a great nite. Somewhere along the line Goldbourne has become a regular haunt for us, with a minibus full and 6 others from coast turning up at the event, there was a well strong presence from the homeland. Think the recent selection of djs , the venue and the fact we always have right old laugh there make this a most enjoyable niter. And the quality of sounds heard there makes this imo a great niter. Sounds wise threw some quick and dirty words together on what caught, apologies if a bit brief and not feature all djs as kept getting side tracked . Steve Thomas - Yeah its your man otherwise known as the Holyhead monkey, did a great set, again he varied flavour with strong 6ts feel this time a off the top of head 5 plays were Choke the monkey - San Remo Strings feat Junior Walker cover (Caused a stir first time out at the last Monkey and did the same here when he started set off with it, and had so much interest and requests had to play it again at end of set. This is going to be massive, brief sound clip up here shortly) Patti Austin -Someones Gonna Cry. *just 17 when she recorded this) Johnnie Mae Matthews -Lonely youll be Dee Dee Warwick - Worth Every Tear I Cry Patrice Holloway Stolen Hours Mick H followed and did the business with the likes of Demanding Man -Sensations ..ouch And also the likes of Anthony and Delsonics Mick said will pass on plays later Carl Willingham did more rare soul damage with a great set with fair bit of new stuff, top stuff and a few revivals Isonics, Soundmasters, Itching Man ?? Tamala Lewis were just some that memory remembers Kev Murphy started off with some rare revivals, also included two "cheapies" that dont get much outings but sounded great out loud and proud, Amazers "Without a doubt" and Cody Blacks "Going Going Gone". Course many big sounds included likes of Regents on Mad (someones pass on title as its all gone blank) got a outing Time caught up with us, as always at the mercy of Stevie Ts work plans so had to leave early. Odd bits: Alan Barnes says the Easter Viaduct was a packer He was dishing out some cracking 2k stuff in the "other" room, including an interesting 2003 mix of Flamin Kings Ho Happy Day Laughs The family tax credit mess up seems to have had dire effects in north wales, as we turned up with about 6 sales boxes, when you include Steves 50 play boxes our "entrance" must have seemed like a road crew for ....... Final word, most enjoyable niter, as said we always seem to have fun here! A very late bar, bit of a edge to nite, great dj policy and only a fiver in. We enjoy it! On every 3rd saturday of month Golborne Catholic Club High Street,Golborne,NR Wigan Cheap plug tie in: Can catch Carl Willingham as special guest at Next Monkey at Springfield Friday 23 May Can catch Steve T at every Monkey! ;-)

Well been busy times last 2 or 3 weeks and with upgrade to site things been a bit slack on news and that, so standy by for a quick few words on the last few weeks.... or to be honest just what I can remember. Prestatyn 2003 Lots of words have been written about this, and will just say for now had a most and I mean most, enjoyable time! (recently saw some well scary photos of going ons! Should have a report up, its half written so will hopefully be up soon.....ish) Dave Rimmer has written his views on the weekender and can be read at the SKM site Also check out the Soul Weekender Web Site for a great review by Cal plus others at visit soul weekender site Last of all check out one recent addition to sounds/download section which to me was the sound of the weekender Llandudno Connisseurs Weekender. After one great weekend along come another! Again more words on this soonest and a great weekender of quality rare soul. Other Events DMSC guest bit on Wire Fms Sunday soul show was a laugh, especially as later on we got mistook for car thieves by Lancashires finest. Heard that Wilton 10th Annivesary last Friday was a cracking niter. DMSC Friday nite was a stormer, loads of great feedback. Report soon honest. Hardest rare soul nite ? ;-) Other Misc Stuff Check out North meets South new web site , updated link here Proving the power of Soul Source Janet J just let me know she got that video she was after thanks to using the forum! Think thats that, know was/is a lot of other events going on, feel free to spread the word by posting up

It is with sad news of the death of Little Eva last weekend at the age of 59. She passed away after a long illness. Little Eva was born Eva Boyd. Eva Narcissus Boyd (June 29, 1943 – April 10, 2003), known by the stage name of Little Eva, was an American pop singer. Although some sources claim that her stage name was inspired by a character from the novel Uncle Tom's Cabin, she stated in an interview that she was named after her aunt, which prompted her family to call her "Little Eva." Biography Born in Belhaven, North Carolina, she moved to the Brighton Beach section of Brooklyn, New York, at a young age. As a teenager, she worked as a maid and earned extra money as a babysitter for songwriters Carole King and Gerry Goffin.[1] It is often claimed that Goffin and King were amused by Boyd's particular dancing style, so they wrote "The Loco-Motion" for her and had her record it as a demo (the record was intended for Dee Dee Sharp). However, as King said in an interview with NPR and in her "One to One" concert video, they knew she could sing when they met her, and it would be just a matter of time before they would have her record songs they wrote, the most successful being "The Loco-Motion." Music producer Don Kirshner of Dimension Records was impressed by the song and Boyd's voice and had it released.[1] The song reached #1 in the United States in 1962. It sold over one million copies, and was awarded a gold disc.[1] After the success of "The Loco-Motion," Boyd was stereotyped as a dance-craze singer and was given limited material. The same year, Goffin and King wrote "He Hit Me (And It Felt Like A Kiss)" (performed by the Crystals) after discovering that Boyd was being regularly beaten by her boyfriend.[2] When they inquired why she tolerated such treatment, Eva replied without batting an eyelid that her boyfriend's actions were motivated by his love for her.[2] Phil Spector's arrangement of the song was ominous and ambiguous.[2] It was a brutal song, as any attempt to justify such violence must be, and Spector's arrangement only amplified its savagery, framing Barbara Alston's lone vocal amid a sea of caustic strings and funereal drums, while the backing vocals almost trilled their own belief that the boy had done nothing wrong. In more ironic hands (and a more understanding age), 'He Hit Me' might have passed at least as satire. But Spector showed no sign of appreciating that, nor did he feel any need to. No less than the song's writers, he was not preaching, he was merely documenting. Boyd's other single recordings were "Keep Your Hands Off My Baby," "Let's Turkey Trot," and a remake of the Bing Crosby standard "Swinging on a Star," recorded with Big Dee Irwin (though Boyd was not credited on the label).[3] Boyd also recorded the song "Makin' With the Magilla" for an episode of the 1964 Hanna-Barbera cartoon series The Magilla Gorilla Show. In 1963, American Bandstand signed her with Dick Clark's Caravan of Stars national U.S. tour and she was set to perform for the tour's 15th show scheduled for the night of November 22, 1963 at the Memorial Auditorium in Dallas, Texas when suddenly the Friday evening event was cancelled moments after U.S. President John F. Kennedy was assassinated while touring Dallas in an open car caravan. She continued to tour and record throughout the sixties, but her commercial potential plummeted after 1964. She retired from the music industry in 1971. She never owned the rights to her recordings. Although the prevailing rumor in the 1970s was that she had received only $50 for "The Loco-Motion," it seems $50 was actually her weekly salary at the time she made her records (an increase of $15 from what Goffin and King had been paying her as nanny). Penniless, she returned with her three young children to North Carolina, where they lived in obscurity