Mike

An old article from the late 70s. Originally in a fanzine called North Wales Soul Review in late 70s and republished in Soul Notes Fanzine 20 or so years later on North Wales Soul Review The following are extracts taken from issue No. 1 of the North Wales Soul Review which dates from January 1979. We think that this is the only issue that was produced, but if anyone has any other issues or can give us some background information on this fanzine please let us know. Thanks to Brian Rae for bringing this publication to our attention. What Happened In 78 (Author Unknown) 1978 was both a good and bad year for Soul Music in North Wales. After a long period of non-activity, Bob Brady started the Colwyn Bay all-nighters at the Dixieland Showbar. After a slow start these became very popular. Being held on Friday - Saturday they began to pull many from outside the North Wales area. Both the atmosphere and the music were appreciated and though both Soul Sam and Siz provided great times, much of the success can be put down to the local jocks - Benny, Pete Morgan, Mike Stoko and Gaz Jones. Although not as well known, they spun some great sounds. Alas, as things began to take off, the all-nighters were stopped. The official reason was a change of management, I wonder if we will ever find out the truth? 1978 also saw the birth of Bangor Soul Club. Started in August, nobody could have anticipated how quickly it would grow. By the end of 1978 its membership was just over the 600 mark. From the humble beginnings at the Library Hall, Bangor, it now has regular all-dayers at both Bangor and Llangefni plus regular weekly Northern nights at the Town Hall, Llangefni. The success of the club really became apparent at their second all-dayer when they brought together, for the first time in North Wales, a DJ line up that included Russ Winstanley, Dave Evison, Soul Sam and Siz. Apart from the music side, the club also runs weekly coach trips to Wigan Casino and there are plans for trips to Yate and Cleethorpes. During the latter part of '78, the scene was given another boost with the emergence of SNOB promotions. Putting on a Northern night at Rhyl Town Hall they brought, for the first time to North Wales, Wigan's top DJ, Richard Searling. Also they provided all-dayers at Prestatyn and Connahs Quay. Things are certainly looking up for the Northern scene in North Wales and, after such a long time of inactivity, that can only be good news. 2nd Bangor All-Dayer - December 7th 1978. (Author Unknown) The second all-dayer, held at the Bangor Technical College, proved to be a great success both in terms of attendance, which reached the 500 mark, and the atmosphere, which was missing at the first all-dayer. This could probably be put down to two things - the influx of Northern fans from far afield and the line up of DJs, which surely must have been the best ever assembled in North Wales. The local jocks, Les, John, Mike, Royston, Pete and Benny provided some good sounds ranging from Bunny Sigler to the Newbeats and in general the dance floor was kept full. Around 3 o'clock saw the arrival of Russ Winstanley who continued to pack the floor with all his big sounds. Russ was followed by Soul Sam who made an immediate impact by playing Bobby Paris - 'I Walked Away'. He continued to turn out his usual high standard of well knowns and newies. Eight o'clock arrived, and on went Siz to play his usual good sounds, including his No. 1 cover-up Suzie Stevens. The dance floor was really in full swing, and the biggest cheer of the day greeted the arrival on the decks of the one and only Mr Evison. Dave carried on through to the close with all the top class oldies such as Don Covay, L.J. Johnson, Eddie Foster etc. All in all quite a memorable day and I'm quite sure that the B.S.C. all-dayers are now firmly established. Rhyl Town Hall, 8th December, 1978 by Pete Morgan This was the first venue which had been arranged by Siz and Tony Just. Unfortunately this evening was poorly attended, therefore the nostalgic atmosphere which could have been achieved was lacking, although all those who attended thoroughly had a good time (I think). The evening started off with the Colwyn Bay all-nighter (ex) jocks Mick and yours truly. The music was quite well accepted even though the crowd was limited. Mick's playlist was a mixture suiting the fast stompers and the not so energetic dancers (like me!). The best records to his credit that night were John Bowie, Gerri Thomas, Chapter 5 and Stemmons Express apart from the more 'poppy' records e.g. Sue Lynne and Casino Classic crap (which were requested). 1 followed playing some Soul and then came Wigan's top DJ, Richard Searling. Up to this time the atmosphere was thin but when Richard started off with Betty Boo the atmosphere started to flourish and it became a great evening with Richard playing some brilliant Soul records, which are very much lacking in the present scene. His most popular records of the night were Joe Matthews, Velvelettes, Construction (alias Del Capris), Bobby Franklin, Delites, Randolph Walker, Vicki Baines etc. His spot was very much appreciated by everybody present and proved that Soul thrives in North Wales. Connahs Quay Civic Hall, 15th December 1978 by Pete Morgan After the coach drive, we dived straight in and got pissed and were followed by 60 others who all had the same idea! The hall was brilliant, (reminiscent of the Ritz), really SNOBBY. It was the type of place that you felt relaxed in. Siz started off playing his top records which packed the floor, then Benny, myself and Stoko had a spot which went down quite well. Then Soul Sam (alias Martin Barnfather) came on and played some incredibly soulful sounds, which were very much appreciated by the crowd. The best records of the evening, which Sam played, were Jay Traynor, Jackie Forrest (love it), Delites, Jimmy Burns, Larry Clinton, Tina Mason and the Bell Boys (c/u). Then, after Sam's great spot, Siz returned playing classics like Donna King and J.J. Calvier and usuals like Suzi Stevens, John Drevas (c/u) and Sue Lynne etc. After Siz came Tony Just who ended the evening by playing some great oldies e.g. Major Lance, Johnny Caswell, Tempos, Robby Lawson. 1 reckon that this venue was much more appreciated than Rhyl and had a better atmosphere (probably coz we were all pissed, especially Chigley!) Anyway that's the end of the reviews for now and don't forget that the most important thing in Northern is the word SOUL.

Ronald McCoy - Come Back Boo Keeping things up todate, have had sent in a sample of what Ronald McCoy (Ex-Topics) is up to nowadays. Track showcased here is called Come Back Boo written by Ronald McCoy and Andrew Hamilton (song writer and article writer with articles featured in AMG , SKM, Soul Source and elsewhere) Andrew H asked me to put it up just to see how it goes, Ronnie is looking for a possible deal and the song is open for recording by others. Have similar quality tunes available. Anyway - have a listen, and am sure a bit of response/reaction using the comments feature will be well appreciated by Ronald and Andrew who have been involved in some great sounds. Agent 22 and Deer Foot Music B.M.I. Agent 22 Music (B.M.I) PO Box 604118 Cleveland OH 44104 216-299-8809 fax number: 760-875-7292. BkAgent22@excite.com Agent22@writeme.com above repaired/updated 2019 - video clip below added

Greg just passed on his playlist from the last dome, so just to let you know what top quality sounds as always went down last week, read on..... Royal Robbins - Something about you sends me - Truglotown Cliff Nobles - My love is getting stronger - Atlantic Fascinators - In other words - Bombay New wanderers - Aint gonna do you no harm - Ready John & The Weirdest - No time - Tie Tokays - Baby Baby Baby - Brute Dee & Flo - This Or That - Dee Wolf Prod. Lonnie Russ - Say girl - Kerwood Honey &The Bees - Dynamite Exploded - Arctic Wilson picket - Baby dont you weep - Double (LP) Gene Toones - What more do you want - Simco Anita Anderson - Secretly - Contact 4 Tops - Lonely Lover - Unissued Tony Clarke - Wrong Man - M-S Cookie Jackson - Do you still love me - Progress Charles Sheffield - Its your Voodoo Working - Excello Gladys Tyler - Little bitty girl - Decca Ty Karim - You really made it good to me - Romark Little Ann - Long lanky daddy -Kent Karmello Brooks - Tell me Baby - Milestone

"Had news from up North that on Sundays Jazz FM radio show, Richard Searling had a right go at Internet Soul Chat Groups, as someone had sent in some postings off one particular chat group, think words such as "need to get a life " "old woman" and similar were used before he threw the post in the bin! etc etc" Unfortunately I dont get show down here, but was told that basically the way it come over was he tarred all lists with the same brush. I feel disappointed at this, because where certain groups are based around idle chat, the list I help moderate, "Soul Talk" is 100% on-topic only and is a place to share knowledge and discuss Rare Soul related topics only all in a friendly no abuse way. I know for a fact that the World-wide membership and the moderators like nothing better than to "talk soul and nothing but soul" and enjoy sharing their collected knowledge. Im sure if Richard saw the posts from the top collectors, DJs and indeed by some of the artists themselves hed realise the internet can be a positive thing too for the scene. Anyway enough crap back to soul, and Jazz Fm, been told that the guest was Keith Money fresh from doing a superb set at the 100 club, and heres some of the stuff he played, courtsey of Dave M, with finer details from some Soul Talk members David and Mark - which was all posted originally on Soul Talk!!! Sounds like a right rare soul feast George Hobbs - Let It Be Real - Sound City Chris Bartley - My Heart Still Belongs To Only You -Acetate This is actually a emi disc as Andy Dyson has the original copy as is infact and is Timothy Wilson on April & Blackwood acetate. Ann Byers - Im Not Going To Cry - Academy Acetate Soul Incorporated - My Proposal - Coconut Groove Bill Bush - Im Waiting - Ronn Carl Hall - She Doesnt Love Me - Cover Up Deon Jackson - Someday The Sun Will Shine - Unissued Carla/ALantic recording Spidels - Dream Girl - Providence Vicky Labatt - Got To Keep Hangin On - Shagg New Sound - Dont Take Your Love - Turbo New Sounds Turbo LP or Jap reissue LP Embers - Someday Youll Be Aware Of Love -E JJ Barnes - Gotta Get Rid Of You - Volt Bobby Reed - Time Is Right For Love - Bell Black & Blue - b side of What I got - Mercury Joe Valentine - Ive Lost The Only Love I Ever Had - Val Mark Lloyd - When Im Going To Find Her - Parlophone Imperial Cs - Someone Tell Her - Phil L A Of Soul Bob & Fred - Ill Be On My Way - Big Mack Don Hysong - Soul Searcher - Bard Linda Lloyd - Breakaway -Columbia

George Jackson, Al's Bar, London. April 7th, 2001 One of the regular highlights of the month for Dawn and me is our visit to the George Jackson club at Al's Bar in Farringdon, so for Dawn to be invited to play a spot there as part of the April line-up made our last visit there a particularly special one. For those of you who haven't been, this place really is a must-go for anyone with an open mind and a sense of wonder at just how TASTEFUL great Soul music can be. Strict-tempo Northern Soul oldies-fascists would hate it, but if you can gasp at a record without needing to dance to it, if you can ignore the era, the tempo and the zip code on the record label and just marvel at the sheer Soul content, then this is a club you will thank the Lord for. George Jackson is not a Northern Soul club - but they do play Northern Soul records. It's not a Southern Soul club - they play plenty of records from North of the Mason-Dixon line. It's not a Sixties Soul club - they play Soul from way before and way after the big Seven-Oh, and it's not a Deep 'n' Slow club - they play plenty of really danceable stuff, especially towards the end of the night. George Jackson is just...George Jackson, a club where great Soul gets played, no matter what. For anyone used to scenes stifled by rules and regulations about 'correct' tempos and 'the way things used to be when people did it by the book', George Jackson is a breath of fresh air, a determined tearing up of all available rulebooks and a return to seeing both the wood AND the trees. Sixties Deep Soul ballads rub shoulders with 70s butt-shakers, harmonising Sweet Soul honeydrippers with mid-60s finger-clickers, and cracked-voiced country grinders with supercharged Big-City epics, the overriding factor in all cases being the Soul content. You don't get many Xylophone Oldies, but you do get virtually everything else. The one thing you'll never get is a Pop Stomper. The quality of the sides played on Saturday was staggering, with tracks like Bill Brandon's "Rainbow Road" and Eddie Jones' Let's Stop Fooling Ourselves" standing out from a lorryload of devastating slowies, and selections by Willie Tee, Purple Mundi, Syl Johnson and Eddie Giles getting the feet shuffling later on. Connoisseurs and complete strangers to Rare Soul got swept up in the mood, and by the end the 'intimate' (ie tiny) floor was heaving with everything from Northern Soul die-hards to Southern Soul purists and 'just passing by' members of the general public just shaking it to the sounds on a Saturday night. Finally, the lights went up and one of the aforementioned complete strangers rushed breathlessly up to the DJs and gasped "That was fantastic - what WAS that stuff you were playing?" Now THAT's what I call a job well done. As of next month, George Jackson will be moving to the Smersh bar at 5 Ravey Street, London EC1, which I think will be a much better place for them than the quarry-tiled, thru-lounge sized venue they've occupied up till now, and the Smersh regulars should be more in sympathy with what the club is trying to achieve than the sometimes rather hit-and-miss passers-by who have occasionally stumbled in on the club at Al's bar. I, for one, can't wait until May 19th for my next fix of rule-book-free Soul. Conveniently, it's the same night as May's 100 Club, so anyone from out of town can check out what it's about, too. See you there! Nick Brown.

Mary Love has now been active in the music business for almost thirty years and her recording career over much of this period has not been as prolific or successful as she deserved. However, she continues to produce new work and to her credit still retains a positive attitude to the possibility of future success. Mary was born in Sacramento, Mary Ann Allen (Hal Davis came up with her stage surname in 1964), but her family moved to Los Angeles when she was still a young child. She sang in church and when she got out of High School she met and became friends with a guy from the group, The Vows (V.I.P. release later). Mary began rehearsing with the group and they worked together on one particular song in which Mary took a major vocal role. The groroguen_storiesup secured a booking at the California Club and Mary was asked to go along to perform the song they had worked on together. She did this and J.W. Alexander, Sam Cookes manager, happened to be in the club. He liked what he saw and asked her to come over to a studio on Hollywood Boulevard the next day to cut some demos. This she did and it resulted in her cutting a demo with Sam Cooke of "Talking Trash" a song destined for Betty Everett and Jerry Butler. They liked the way she worked and so she was used to cut numerous demos. She eventually ended up cutting demos for Jobete, one song she was the first to cut being "A Touch Of Venus" which was produced by Marc Gordon. The demo version turned out so well that the song was much in demand with various artists wanting to release it. However, the winning version fumed out to be one of Marys friends, Sandy Wynns. Mary believes her demo version is still locked in the Jobete / Motown vaults, she certainly doesnt possess a copy of the cut or any other of her demo performances Her sterling efforts on demos were soon rewarded, as again with Marc Gordon producing a number of mainly Frank Wilson penned songs were cut with a view to landing Mary her own recording contract. Arthur Wright was the arranger on the work and although Mary was still very young and unschooled in studio techniques with the help and encouragement of the talented team around her the tracks that resulted were of a very high quality. Marc Gordon secured Mary a deal with Modem Records and her 1st single "You Turned My Bitter Into Sweet / Im In Your Hands" (Modem 1006) was released in 1965. This was an instant hit, first locally and then nationally and its success led to it being released overseas. However, Mary wasnt aware of this or the fact that 2 of her later 60s singles were also released in the U.K. and was most intrigued when shown copies of her releases on U.K. King and Stateside. Mary really enjoyed this period of her life, work at Modern was undertaken in a family atmosphere. The studio personnel taught her a lot, taking time to explain the necessary studio techniques to her. Artists also helped out on each others recordings, Mary doing backups on Vernon Garrett, Lowell Fulsom and Ikettes tracks and these and other artists returning the favour. The Valentinoes (Bobby, Cecil, et al) also assisted on one of her sessions but although the Ikettes soon became Marys closest friends (Venetta Fields, Josie Joe Armstead, Robbie?) Ike and Tina themselves never used to help out in the studio, Mary only meeting them when their paths crossed on tour. The Modern artists also swopped club names and addresses, if one artist obtained a booking at a new club within days every other outfit from the label would be on the phone pestering the booking agent for a spot. Because of this and also due to the high standard of her live performances she ended up touring extensively in the 60s and has made a good living. Her two year period with Modem Records resulted in six solo singles and one duet with Arthur Adams being released. "Bitter Into Sweet" and "Move A Little Closer" were the most commercially successful but all were very worthwhile releases and many have been reissued in the 80s/90s in the U.K. on the Kent label. "Bitter Into Sweet", "Hey Stoney Face", "LetMe Know" and "Lay This Burden Down" have all become popular with U.K. soul club crowds, however one of Marys personal favourites is the Ashford and Simpson written Dance Children Dance. "Satisfied Feeling" the flip side of her 5th release.. was her 1st self writtentrack but more soon followed. The duet with Arthur Adams her last release on Modern is quite interesting as only one side of the record features ,Mary.The A side "Is That You"was cut first timeand by the time the decision to release the track Mary was out on tour so her friend Sandy Wynns took her place and recorded "Lets Get Together" with Arthur although the track was still credited to Mary on the label. No one would have been any the wiser if Mary herself had not given the credit due to Sandy. Marys least favourite track is surprisingly "Hey Stoney Face", she cant relate to the Iyrics at all and it took her all night to lay the track down in the studio as she kept breaking out into fits of laughter and she has never sung the track live in her life. In 1968 Mary left Modem and signed to Josie (Jubilee) for a one record deal. This was the single "The Hurt Is Just Beginning / If you Change Your Mind", both songs being self written. Both sides of the record have stories attached to them "If You Change..." was written on tour after a show, its theme being a one night stand and how the couples feelings for each other can already have changed by the next morning The A side "Hurt Is Beginning" was Being played on the radio in California at the same time Huey Newton of the Black Panthers was on trial in San Francisco. The protectors outside the court house took their lines from the song "…Don’t let it Happen…" and built it into a chant, so a lot of people know the song by this title. Her next single is on a rare label "There’s someone for me" on ELCO, again its self written and it was released in 1971. Marys grandmother still lived in Sacramento, next door to the Elco Drugstore. The store owner, a Mr Cole heard Mary sing the song and decided to start the label as a hobby. The tracks were recorded at Ray Charles studio in L.A. with Ray engineering the session himself It proved to be the only record on the label Next up is the Magic Disc single Joy in 1977. This was taken from the movie Peady Wheatshaw and a soundtrack albulm was also released at the timewhich included 5 tracks from the film on which Mary was the featured vocalist A single on the T K distributed label Inphasion " Turn me Turn me" followed in 1979 and also around the same time on a visit to Japan Mary cut a record with part Japenese / part English1 Iyrics, extolling the virtues of the Sweet Taste Bamboo Inn. Next| came her U- Tone single "Tit For Tat" in the early 80s and this is one of the songs which has benefited from the changes in musical styles since those days of the disco boom as it sounded much better when performed live by Mary at the Cleethorpes Weekender. Mary acknowledged the input of her U.K.backing band at the event and said they had been influential in the way it ended up sounding when she had performed it. She also expressed her pleasure in having the opportunity toperform with live back-up when compared to her last UK visit when she had to sing over backing tapes. In 1984 another single was released, this being Save Me" which was recorded for Eddie Garons Golden Boy Records in L. A. although it was released on the Mirage label. Shortly after this Mary began to collaborate with Brad Comer who was soon to be her husband. In 1986 while I was helping Move Records of Edinburgh I was forwarded tapes of a number of tracks that had been submitted to them for possible release One of these contained a number of tracks by a group known as Co-Love The best of these being a male / female duet "Be Baby", a mid tempo number "Never Gonna Break It Up" and a ballad "Mr Man". It transpires that these were the last secular songs recorded by Mary and Brad however I dont believe they gained release anywhere (Move Records went out of business shortly afterwards). Mary and Brad decided to move into the gospel field and recorded and released on their own Co-Love label "Come Out Of The Sandbox" in 1987. The words to the song have significant meaning to Mary as to deal with the mentality of believing in failure and disappointment and explain how everyone can shrug this off as all good things are within us. The record proved very popular in the U.K. and led to further gospel releases, an L. P. "His Servant Am 1" and a 12" "Caught Up / Standing On The Edge Of Time" on a Voices limited edition in 1988. Then in 1990 another 12", this time featuring three tracks "Understanding / In My Life / Morethan Enouglh Love" was released, the later track being a duet with Marys son Derrick Versey. The couple are currently working on a new L.P., they continue to write new songs and Mary performs in churches in the Los Angeles area. They are both very open, friendly people, down to earth in attitude and talented. With their outlook on life they can only prosper in the future. Marys ethos that you should never succumb to the mentality of failure should ensure that we receive new product from her well into her fourth decade of involvement in the music business. written by John Smith from a interview conducted by John Smith / Paul Dunn Background info by Paul Dunn Oxford 1993 video added Mary love - lay this burden down by mickeynold

Dome Friday 30 Mar 01 - New playlists added at end Here's one that cased a bit of discussion, with a soul fan posting up a few complaints of the nite, and the promoters answer, as well you get a few views of the nite, plus full detailed playlists - value for money or what?? Ok a quick brief on what went on last friday at what is said to be the UK's leading and best rare Soul nite, plus a few other views from people out there. Well after the last dome, it seems that this event is now firmly regarded as the leading rare soul nite in uk, not just my view but plenty of others have said the same. So how did the March one go down, well each one seems to throw up something new, this time arriving a hour before it starts, we were took back to see a queue outside about a hour before the doors open, which told us it was going to be a packer. Matt J had said that they have had about 150 new membership applications, so after the last ones one in one out, seems that people were determined to beat the crowd. Inside, with a few of the regular supporting staff away, a quick bit of juggling was done, before doors open, and by this time the queue had grown resulting in a almost non-stop regular flow of people. Doing the warm up spot, was Ady Lupton, now a regular feature this warm up spot is designed to give the chance for up and coming local djs to show us what they're made of, and Ady L delivered a fine set of some cracking sounds. Word going around was that along with guest appearance of Sidney Barnes, it was rumored there would be a few other surprise guests. With Ady l's spot the nite was well under way, quickly filling up, and thus giving the place a great buzz, the record room was a well busy place with a fair few dealers and dealing. Come about midnight it was time for Sidney Barnes to do his stuff, now this was a off the cuff thing, originally he was planned just to sign autographs and so on, but with a bit of sorting out from the venues technical staff, plans where made quickly for him to deliver a quick performance on the main stage, and what a performance it turned out, giving us not just one go but coming back for another, featuring two of his classics tracks - I hurt on other side and You always be in style, and he sounded great! Two of the Flirtations turned up, who Sidney used to manage in their Old town days and gave a quick allright to all, the other rumoured guests unfortunately didn't show, but tell you don't think anyone noticed after Sidney's great performance. He was being looked after by Mark Hanson Ian Levine and Andy Dyson and watch out for some more news regarding that soon, Ady C was guest dj and no prizes for guessing he delivered a great spot, as did all the normal crew, David Flynn, Irish Greg, Alan H, Carl f, of course we were given a helping of the normal Dome flavour of one offs, rarities and classy revivals, This ones for you my love, Downtown crowd, famous tumbleweed classic Barbara Redd, Fran Oliver, to pull a few quickly off top of me head, hopefully more full detailed plays to follow, ending with David f doing the close down 30 mins. Sidney and two of the Flirtations (photo in gallery now) Crowd wise, usual bunch of suspects there, including some Germans who made the trip special from southern Germany just for the nite, a long ride home next day or what! Have heard complaints of too many non soul fans which seems to have spoiled it for some (see posts below), but had no hassle myself. End of nite, well as said it seems to be a case of saying after each one "best one yet" and unfortunately even though sounding like a vg of ebays -as in a scratched record, gotta have to say it again, end of nite the feeling was.... yeah best one yet!! paparazzi a go go -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Always after views from out there, in past have put a couple of negative views sent in from soul fans of a couple of events and received a few critical emails off people for posting them, well always after a easy life, but if people take time and effort to send in will always try and post up views , know people are not always going to agree with what they say including myself, but not going to go down road of white washing, ask if you have views, send them in and will post them, So here's some views on nite... ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Highlight of the night - meeting Sidney Barnes. What an absolute gent. When Ian Levine was making the SWONS video I was trying to help Ian out with a bit of editing and effects on a couple of tracks. One of them was the Sidney Barnes - I hurt on the other side. So after looking at the man on the screen for hours and hours it was nice to meet him and discuss it with him. I mentioned how good he looked in the film on the top of that building (in Chicago I think). "Thank you" he said, "That's were I work - I'm the doorman at that building". It's a real pleasure to meet a person with such talent who's down to earth and approachable about it all. Best sounds of the night , Dirty hearts - Benny Curtis brilliant choice Mr Flynn but can you not play it anymore till I can get a copy of it. Mayfield players - love this, is this obtainable in any form cos I'd love a copy?, Downtown Crowd - Allen Sisters , and pretty much everything Alan Hanscombe played. Although the record which I thought got the biggest response of the night was Impressions - You Been Cheatin. You couldn't get on the dancefloor most of the night but when this was played they we're stacking them 3 high. What more can I say. If you haven't been to the Dome before you've got to go. Cheers Al ald@globalnet.co.uk ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Originally had posted here a cut email of which I received today regarding friday nite at dome, passed on the original to Matt J as parts of it made certain remarks which I felt he may want to reply, he asked me to post up his reply and whole of the email, so here you go, first the email from soulful bob, and then reply from the promoter Matt J This is gonna be short, sharp and sweet. We were expecting a fantastic night at the temple of rare soul in London with the bonus of Sidney Barnes to boot. What we got was an utter disappointment and an early night! Sidney Barnes was great and it was nice to see the Flirtations as well. The first dj played a great set of rare r&b and Ady C. (get your hair cut you hippie! You look like a Shakespearean actor) didn't disappointment with one of his best sets for years. The others were OK but Jesus! If the Impressions 'You've been cheating' is now considered rare soul then the scene is in real trouble. I was half expecting to hear 'out on the floor' and 'ghost in my house' at any minute! If this is what your gonna be playing in the future then do not advertise yourselves as the temple of rare 60's soul! The sounds I can live with, the crowd however I cannot. I don't know which night Matt was at but it was not as he commented a fantastic atmosphere or crowd! I'm not the only one who commented on this (and I'm sure Winston will be passing the same comments later) but we had those that were there taking the p***, those that were drunk to the point where they spilt their beer over the floor and us, and those that were so far smashed out of their heads they could have been at the local nightclub for all they cared! It caused major problems with our lot and several others sat by the stage. It was annoying at best and causing a lot of friction and tension. If they were all members Matt then 1) I'm a dutchman, 2) the scene's in a hell of a state and 3) I'm stupid! It used to be that soul preceded the payroll but after this night I now very much doubt it! It seems the cash is more important than the soul. There is no way these people were soul brothers and sisters. I even had one twat say to me 'what's this crap playing then? Don't they have any garage?' Laugh, I almost nutted the **** there and then. I and many of my friends from all over the UK will not be attending the Dome again until this is sorted out. I'm not happy as I've always considered the club to be fantastic and a real credit to the scene. I urge Matt to sort it out for the next night B4 it's too late. Soulful Bob Soulfulbob@aol.com Matt j's reply in blue This is gonna be short, sharp and sweet. We were expecting a fantastic night at the temple of rare soul in London with the bonus of Sidney Barnes to boot. What we got was an utter disappointment and an early night! Sorry to hear this Bob, our aim is that everybody has a good night Sidney Barnes was great and it was nice to see the Flirtations as well. The first dj played a great set of rare r&b and Ady C. (get your hair cut you hippie! You look like a Shakespearean actor) didn't disappointment with one of his best sets for years. The others were OK but Jesus! If the Impressions 'You've been cheating' is now considered rare soul then the scene is in real trouble. I was half expecting to hear 'out on the floor' and 'ghost in my house' at any minute! If this is what your gonna be playing in the future then do not advertise yourselves as the temple of rare 60's soul! I must say that the music policy at the Dome is a mix of rare and underplayed tracks mixed in with 'suitable' oldies. This I believe works well, the dancefloor reflects this. As I've said many times before, people vote with their feet. Until the dancefloor starts to dwindle there is no need to alter the policy. The Impressions was reported in one review to have caused the most fervour on the dancefloor all night. Try telling those rushing to the dancefloor that the track shouldn't have been played? Tracks played are skillfully chosen by the DJs in my opinion, but everyone is different so we cannot be expected to please everybody all of the time. I'm happy if the dancefloor is buzzing with the enjoyment of the majority of the crowd. I must caution you not to put words in my mouth, falsely quoting me. Never once have I described the CSC as a "temple of rare 60's soul", your words not mine. Simply it is what it is, everybody makes their own opinions on that, I cannot tell you what to think. The sounds I can live with, the crowd however I cannot. I don't know which night Matt was at but it was not as he commented a fantastic atmosphere or crowd! I'm not the only one who commented on this (and I'm sure Winston will be passing the same comments later) but we had those that were there taking the p***, those that were drunk to the point where they spilt their beer over the floor and us, and those that were so far smashed out of their heads they could have been at the local nightclub for all they cared! It caused major problems with our lot and several others sat by the stage. It was annoying at best and causing a lot of friction and tension. 'Fantastic atmosphere', that is a personal opinion and it was from where I was standing, but you are entitled to your opinion. Others that I have spoken to and emails from members, whom I do not even know, all seemed to enjoy the atmosphere, which is great to hear. Again we can't always please everybody. We will be releasing over an hour of film footage from the night very soon, so people who didn't attend can judge for themselves. Troublesome people that you witnessed is another matter entirely, you are right to be annoyed. I'm glad that you have brought it to my attention. There will always be the odd isolated incident, the only way to deal with this is to report it at the time. I cannot solve problems that I know nothing about. In the past I had one or two cases of people who had one too many to drink or are not respectful on the dancefloor. Usually a quiet word from me (after someone has brought it my attention) sorts it out with a friendly "sorry mate, I didn't realise" reply and no further trouble. On the second night this wasn't enough and I had to throw two people out (and went membership only the following month to avoid people walking in off the street). I also post signs saying "Do not take drinks on the dancefloor", to keep the floor dry. I've ejected people from the club before and I have no qualms about doing it again. But you must tell us on the night, or we can do nothing. If they were all members Matt then 1) I'm a dutchman, 2) the scene's in a hell of a state and 3) I'm stupid! It used to be that soul preceded the payroll but after this night now very much doubt it! It seems the cash is more important than the soul. There is no way these people were soul brothers and sisters. I even had one twat say to me 'what's this crap playing then? Don't they have any garage?' Laugh, I almost nutted the **** there and then. I'll go with option 3. The security on the night (usually also supervised by Jo Wallace) are given strict instructions that only members or those on the guestlist can gain entry. The guests are all personally known by ourselves and are no trouble, so they are not an issue. All members have to do is send off for a card, that's it - therefore it is not possible to vet people any further. Again any problems can only be dealt with on the night. If it is clear that someone is in the wrong place and is misbehaving, tell me! and I can address it - if it's not reported what can I do??? The rest of the CSC team along with myself are all friendly people and very approachable, so please come over and tell one of us "Cash is more important than the soul"??? This I take as a personal insult and if you knew anything about me or knew me then you would know this not to be the case. On the night I personally turned away 10+ hopefulls for not having membership, and we close the door early so that the venue doesn't get too full, so where's the greed there? Unknown to the paying soulie we were hit with a price increase from the venue management at Christmas and have for two months already tightened our belts and accepted the loss from our own pockets, greedy? I think not. We offer as much as we can to the paying soulie - Website, regular mail out of flyers to 700+ members, free tapes, anniversary keyrings. these things all cost money, a lot of money! And for £5 for a London venue this is surely not too much to ask. We have lots more freebies and ideas that cost money, so even if a slight increase was needed to cover it in the future, we still wouldn't see any of it. I take great pride in the fact that I promote the Dome sheerly for the love of the scene, it's people and it's music, not for money. Ask anyone who knows me! Those saying otherwise are full of shit and should have the balls to talk to me and find out what I'm like before wrongly judging my character! I and many of my friends from all over the UK will not be attending the Dome again until this is sorted out. I'm not happy as I've always considered the club to be fantastic and a real credit to the scene. I urge Matt to sort it out for the next night B4 it's too late. Soulful Bob Soulfulbob@aol.com That's your choice Bob and it's sad to hear but please read what I have said above. Also think twice on your choice of words next time when judging someone who you clearly know nothing about. This night has a much younger age spread than any other but they 'are' a great crowd and well behaved. We must not deter new blood, but educate and encourage them: This is the future of the scene we are talking about. In future, as I've mentioned above I urge anyone with a complaint to see me on the night and I'll happily sort it out. Also I set up, months ago, a comments page on the web site where members can raise any issues. Alternativly pick up the phone, my number is on the flyer, always happy to chat about things. Please contact me with your views, I'm genuinly interested what people think on ths matter To sum up we're prepared to take the rough with the smooth, good reviews and bad reviews but please make complaints constructive (so we can address them properly) and not just an unnecessary personal attack. Regards Matt Jahans ok since both posts, both bob and matt have been back in touch, to cut a long story short and draw a line under this, bob has said that he wrote it straight after event, takes in what matt says and withdraws the cash comments, and end of day was trying to get point over that these non-soul fans spoilt their nite. Matt has said he will take steps to hopefully ensure problem doesn't occur again, and feels now his reply may have been a bit over the top, but the cash thing gave him the hump ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Here's the ones that bolted from the Flynny stable.........a right mish-mash mixed and blended together in a manner that Jamie Oliver would be proud of.....maybe?! 11.30 12.00 SIDNEY BARNES -I HURT ON THE OTHER SIDE -BLUE CAT FLUFFY FALANA -MY LITTLE COTTAGE (BY THE SEA) -ALPHA EDDIE CARLTON- IT WILL BE DONE -SWAN OZZ & THE SPERLINGS -CAN YOU QUALIFY -GOLDENWAY WADE & JAMIE -DON'T PUT OFF UNTIL TOMORROW -PALOMAR LITTLE DOOLEY- PITY FOR THE LONELY -KO KO INFORMERS -BABY SET ME FREE -BLACKJACK SOUL COMMUNICATERS -THOSE LONELY NIGHTS- FEE BEE BENNY SPELLMAN -THIS ONES FOR YOU MY LOVE -ALON SIDNEY BARNES -SAFETY ZONE -JOBETE ACETATE SEPTEMBER JONES -GIVE ME ALL OF YOUR LOVE -UNISSUED JIMMIE & ENTERTAINERS- NEW GIRL -TODDLIN TOWN 2.30 3.15 BENNY CURTIS -DIRTY HEARTS -RESIST SUPREMES -LOVE IS LIKE AN ITCHING IN MY HEART -MOTOWN COOKIE JACKSON -DO YOU STILL LOVE ME -PROGRESS FRAN OLIVER -SEARCHIN' FOR MY MAN -C/UP DON RAY -BORN A LOSER -R.C.A. TWO PEOPLE -STOP LEAVE ME HEART ALONE- REVUE HYTONES -BIGGER AND BETTER -ABET SPARKELS -TRY LOVE (JUST ONE MORE TIME) -OLD TOWN BOBBY REED -THE TIME IS RIGHT FOR LOVE- BELL SOUL INC. -MY PROPOSAL -COCONUT GROOVE TONY GALLA -IN LOVE - SWAN IVORYS -PLEASE STAY- DESPENZA CHANDLERS -YOUR LOVE MAKES ME LONELY -COL SOUL VALENTINOS -SWEETER THAN THE DAY BEFORE -CHESS CHARADES -THE KEY TO MY HAPPINESS -M.G.M. BENNY SPELLMAN -THIS ONES FOR YOU MY LOVE -ALON MONIQUE -IF YOU LOVE ME (SHOW ME)- MAURCI JOHNNY MAESTRO & CRESTS- I'M STEPPING OUT OF THE PICTURE- SCEPTER Was my turn to do the closing half hour, so a few more oldies than usual from me, and quite a few requests to be played.....kept the dancers happy, which is a major priority, naturally! David Irish Greg just passed on his plays so here you go Irish Greg - Sounds List Blenders - Your love has got me Down - Marvlus Little Ann - Long lanky daddy - kent 4 Tops - Lonely Lover - Unissued Fascinators - In other words - Bombay Bogus Chimes - I think you'll find - Champ Duke Baxter - Don't let it down - C/up (B.J Thomas) Sonatas - Going on down the road - Hot-Line Gerri Hall - Who can I run to - Hot-Line Flash Mc Kinley - I'll rescue you - Bombay Magnificent Men - I'll keep climbing - Capitol LP Willie & The Mighty Magnificents - Check it Baby - All-Platnum Rocky Gill & Bishops - its not the end - Tear-Drop Dee & flo - This & then - Dee Wolf Prod. Gene Toones - What more do you want - Simco Charles Sheffield - Its your Voo-doo working - Excello Judy freeman - Hold On - Unissued lp version Conquistadors - Can't stop lovin you - Act IV Larry Allen - Can't we talk it over - Green Dolphin Ree Flores - Look into my heart - M&H Jimmy Armstrong - I would believe it til I see it - Jet Set Brand new faces - Brand new faces - Lu-juna Curley Moore - You don't mean - Sansu