Timemarcheson

Definitely better. There was a USA 7" release and a 12", I assume the 7" is a shorter version.

Hi Steve, A little more info on the Al Wilson. It is from a Roadshow album (BXL 1-3215) US release from 1978. One side is uptempo the other downtempo. Not sure how long the acetate is but the album track is 6.09. Track 2 "You got it", not bad either. Regards Frank

Hi Shelly/Manus, Everything to do with Chris was a story. He was "the cheekiest man in the world" and a great supporter of soul music. I was fortunate that I was able to get in touch with him each time he returned to the North East and met up for a drink and a catch up, even after I moved to Scotland. He was running a pub in Walker at one point (can't remember the name) and he had some classic stuff on the sound system. Pub was rough, not sure the regular punters appreciated "our music" but Chris used his inimitable charm and the music stayed. I was recently at Swifty's 60th and caught up with Cookie from the coast who told me Benny is getting married soon, may have happened already. Probably was me in Walkers, Billy Walker kindly gave me a VIP pass for supplying him with some rarer/deleted stuff to play so could pop in and out. As I've often said soul music brings you into contact with some great people, long may it continue for us all. Frankie

Hi Manus, You are right about the Young Set at the Go-Go. I never got in - too young. Stood on the stairs in my mohair suit looking for my cousin and listening to the tunes, then got chased by the bouncer, I looked about 10 (was 14). It gets mentioned in Mike Ritson's book about The Wheel. Most of the working class/industrial cities/towns appear to have had a club playing great soul and RnB. There was another club called the Downbeat on the Quayside which my cuz went to also. The Oxford Galleries, Montague and North Fenham and Newbiggin Hall Boys Clubs were my real introduction to soul music in the 60s. What an influence those nights had on my life when I think of the great music and great people I have come into contact with since. Some of it seems like yesterday, other bits have to be prompted by discussions like this. I'm grateful to have been around at the time because it was special. Shelly mentioned the Handyside Arcade which ran along the side (almost) of the entrance to the Go-Go. I bought some of my early motown and stax records from there (second hand) from one of the stalls. Cheers Frankie McCue

Forgot to add that I also thought the Dunelm House All-dayer was the best event I attended in the North East. I missed a lot in the North East as I was living between Newcastle and London throughout the seventies, upside was London was good for record collecting.

Hi Manus, PM'd you, out with the thread. Frankie

Some great memories and some familiar names. A couple of venues to add - Alex did a spell at Balmbra's in the Bigg Market in the 80's, remember hearing Garfield Fleming there. Bill Swift did a spell in Papa Jenks in Sunderland (Ian Jenkins owned that as well as Togos in C-le-St), played mainly northern and Mecca sounds. Soul Sam guested at Togos in early 80's (I did a spot on the same all-dayer bill) a real mix of stuff throughout the day. Tony Bromage I think, organised a music appreciation night in the upstairs room of the Old George (no dancing just listening) and although it didn't run for long there was some great soul played, some on reel to reel by his mate Ronnie - at least that's my recollection. I don' usually post on here but couldn't resist joining in - Frank McCue

Picked up a couple of dozen singles whilst in Lisbon recently and have managed to find info etc on most of them. However the following are proving a little more difficult. The details are as follows; 1. Bobby King - Looking for a love ( US Reprise - Rep 1186 from 1973) produced by Ry Cooder 2. Gwen McCrae - Been so long (US Columbia -45320 demo sticker) 3. Vivian Reed - Missing you (US Epic - 10683 demo sticker) produced by Joe Cobb and Van McCoy 4. Bobby Womack - Looking for a love (Portuguese UA - 14-91) Picture Sleeve 5. James Williamson - The woman I love/Homesick (US Chance Records - 1131) from 1953.This is a Yellow and Black label. There is a Blue label 78 shown on "Collectorsfrenzy which I have just picked up on. I have managed to find out a bit about number 5. It was released in 1953 and Chance went out of business in 1954. James Williamson sometimes known as "Homesick" Williamson. I have looked in Manship's guide and on the web and my first thoughts were that they were not worth anything - might still be the case. All are Mint -/Ex+. Any info gratefully received. Regards and Seasons Greetings Frank

Hi Tony, Interested in the Deena Johnson if you still have it. Please confirm and let me have payment details. Cheers Frank