Geoff

I assume that many on Soul Source remember Jim Wray who used to write a column for In The Basement. I met him at Soul Essence a few times and he told me that he had attended the Wigan Casino and the other Northern Soul clubs before it. He died a few years ago, and he was in his 70s, so he'd have been older than the average attender. Did anyone on here see him at the Casino? I only met him a few times but we corresponded, did each other CDs. He was a real gentleman.

I used to go to Bluesville at Manor House where he DJ'd on a Wednesday (if my memory is correct). He used to play Sock It To 'Em JB and my girlfriend (later wife) and I loved dancing to it, loved the bit in the middle where they shouted the names of the Bond movies. Oh happy days.

Like you I never liked his funk records but he did do some excellent mid tempo and slow records in the 70s, thanks to all who posted links, going to spend some time on them. My preference of his work is up to I Got You and Money Won't Change You. HIs Live at the Apollo album is the best live recording I've heard, wonderful long version of Lost Someone going over to side 2 of the LP. As well as his more R&B tracks he had hits in the USA with Prisoner Of Love and These Foolish Things. When he first toured the UK, think it was 66 or 67, I went with Lesley to see him at Walthamstow Granada for the first performance. We enjoyed it so much that we went and got tickets for the second show. She had to pay as I had very little cash in those days (I was an apprentice) and we ended up in the second row. Truly brilliant show, had never seen anything so polished before. In the 70s we went to see him in Hammersmith but were disappointed, he only did his funky songs, not surprising really in retrospect, and we left early. I still don't like much of his funky stuff, but each to their own. His repertoire is enormous so sure you will find many tunes to enjoy.

Thanks for posting that information Chalky. Both had interesting and varied careers. The piece about Jay Traynor didn't mention Up And Over, but why should it? Don't think it did anything over there. Jay and Rex RIP.

Are they still available?

Happy Christmas and a peaceful and healthy New Year to all on Soul Source.

My faves are Tammi Terrell's All I Do and Barbara McNeir's It Happens Every Time. But they're all great.

I was there with Eileen a couple of weeks ago and the only soul I found on any stall were re-issues. I explained I preferred original issues and got a blank look.

Thanks for this one Pete, really great. Got my feet tapping on a Saturday morning. I love the rare tunes but nice to be reminded of these, the bedrock of Northern Soul.

I went to several of these concerts and don't remember any of the "fab four" being present. Think if they'd been at the ones I was at they'd have been mobbed. Doesn't mean they didn't attend some. I do remember a girl there dressed a bit like a fairy queen from Lord of the Rings. Wonder what happened to her.

I saw her at the Saville theatre in London but can't remember who else was on the bill. It was on a Sunday afternoon, and I'm sure that Brian Epstein was involved somewhere in these. As far as I can recall she sang three songs, probably her singles. I think my wife was keener on her records than I was, she liked girl group type sounds. There were several concerts there on a Sunday, went to quite a few, saw Jimi Hendrix, Bee Gees, Cream, Procol Harum, Vanilla Fudge and Gladys Knight & The Pips among others. The latter were superb, just had Take Me In Your Arms And Love Me released here. Joe Tex was supposed to be the main attraction, but he didn't show up. Many people got their money back leaving only a relatively small number present. We were invited to the front of the theatre to sit. the Alan Price Set did the first half of the show and then Gladys and the Pips. They sang their two Motown singles and songs like Giving Up, Either Way I Lose, Every Beat Of My Heart, Letter Full Of Tears, etc. Sorry to digress from the original subject.

Not sure if Paul Robeson could be classed a soul singer although I've liked the records by him that I've heard, he must have influenced Jimmy Ricks, lead singer of the Ravens, because they recorded Old Man River in 1947 and had an R&B hit with it.

Thanks for these, absolutely superb.

While nothing is set in stone I was always under the impression that It's Too Soon To Know by the Orioles was considered the first doowop record, although I'd agree it's in the style of the Ink Spots with the high tenor lead vocal and the middle part being sung by a baritone. There were plenty of doowop hits in the US charts during the 50s but there was a big revival in the early 60s with many records hitting the charts but the British invasion ended it. I used to hear them played on Radio Luxemburg and very occasionally on Saturday Club on the Light Programme. At that time I used to buy various record papers, Record Mirror, Disc and the New Musical Express and can remember the record reviewers slating them, but then they generally didn't like the stuff I liked anyway. If anyone is interested it's worth checking out the Doowop box sets on Rhino. I find the roots of our music fascinating, one man's R&B record is another person's early soul track. Also find the roots of rock'n'roll interesting too. All these things go back much further than you would first think.

You are right, I'll check with the chap who did the compiling and see what he has to say, sure it should be 2 different Volumes' records.

Like all attempts at lists it is simply the opinion of the participants. Plenty on there that I hear quite often at nights I attend. Some were totally new to me, so it shows what different taste we all have.

My nominations for the list included United Sounds' It's All Over Baby; Hopkins Bros' Shake Cheri, Four Dynamics' Things A Lady Ain't Supposed To Do; Robert Tanner's Sweet Memories; Joseph Webster's My Love Is Strong; Mixed Feelings' Sha La La; (my friends would not be surprised at those two). Are these what you would call progressive? Some have been around for quite a while. I did nominate others including Marion Stewart, the Adorables and Ruby's Feminine Ingenuity. I remember when there was the attempt to do a top 30 NS list on here, quite a few top 20s were posted by participants. Off the top of my head I seem to remember that She'll Come Running Back featured in loads of them. Again it is only my opinion but I would guess that might be the most popular record if a poll could be held on all Soul Source members, it's another one that most like, whether you prefer oldies or "rare" or whatever you describe your taste in soul.

Everything does depend on one's definition of Northern Soul. But Uphill Climb To The Bottom appears to be popular with almost everyone I know, even those on the Modern scene. Quite a few, including myself, would like it at their funeral. It is probably the most popular ender. Just my opinion of course.

I remember the list you refer to. I've got it somewhere, plus an earlier list, think that was from the 70s, maybe Blues & Soul. If I find it I will type it out and post it up. Unfortunately finding it may take some time, lol.

Here is the top 200 that Martyn referred to. POSITION ARTIST TITLE 1 WALTER JACKSON UPHILL CLIMB TO THE BOTTOM 2 RUBY FEMININE INGENUITY 3 TONY CLARKE A WRONG MAN 4 GAY JAMISON STAY ANOTHER DAY 5 MEL BRITT SHE'LL COME RUNNING BACK 6 ROBERT PARKER CAUGHT YOU IN A LIE 7 ROTATIONS PUT A DIME ON D9 (VOCAL) 8 NOLAN PORTER IF ONLY I COULD BE SURE 9 PATRICE HOLLOWAY LOVE & DESIRE 10 JO ANN GARRETT A WHOLE NEW PLAN 11 PERSIANS GEE WHAT A GIRL 12 OHIO PLAYERS YOU DON'T MEAN IT 13 LITTLE ANTHONY & IMPERIALS IT'S NOT THE SAME 14 CHARLES JOHNSON I MADE A MISTAKE 15 CHANDLERS YOUR LOVE MAKES ME LONELY 16 ROTATIONS PUT A DIME ON D9 (INSTR) 17 O.C. TOLBERT I'M SHOOTING HIGH 18 NELLA DODDS HONEY BOY 19 MILT MATHEWS TRUST ME 20 JIMMY BEAUMONT ETC I NEVER LOVED HER ANYWAY 21 HAROLD MELVIN & BLUENOTES GET OUT (AND LET ME CRY) 22 ELBIE PARKER PLEASE KEEP AWAY FROM ME 23 MARTHA & VANDELLAS CAN'T BREAK THE HABIT 24 JIMMY CONWELL CIGARETTE ASHES 25 TRANELLES BLESSED WITH A LOVE 26 FALCONS STANDING ON GUARD 27 DELLS MAKE SURE YOU HAVE SOMEONE WHO LOVES YOU 28 SOUL COMMUNICATIONS THOSE LONELY NIGHTS 29 PATTI HAMILTON MY BABY LOVES ME 30 PEARL DOWDELL IT'S ALL OVER 31 EDWIN STARR OVE (THE LONELY PEOPLE'S PRAYER) 32 GLADYS KNIGHT NO-ONE COULD LOVE YOU MORE 33 ARIN DEMAIN SILENT TREATMENT 34 BIG MAYBELLE OCEAN OF TEARS 35 CHUCK JACKSON THIS BROKEN HEART 36 JOSEPH MOORE I STILL CAN'T GET YOU 37 CHUCK BERNARD EVERY HURT MAKES YOU STRONGER 38 MAGNETICS I HAVE A GIRL 39 SERVICEMEN CONNIE 40 CRYSTALS I GOT A MAN 41 DELLS RUN FOR COVER 42 UNITED SOUNDS IT'S ALL OVER 43 JACKIE LEE OH MY DARLING 44 LITTLE EDDIE TAYLOR I HAD A GOOD TIME 45 MAD LADS NO STRINGS ATTACHED 46 PATRICE HOLLOWAY ECSTASY 47 PAULETTE LOVE YOU BABE 48 PURPLE MUNDI STOP HURTING ME BABY 49 SPARKLES TRY MY LOVE 50 BARBARA LEWIS STARS 51 TYRONE DAVIS JUST MY LUCK 52 ARCHIE BELL HERE I GO AGAIN 53 BOBBY PARIS DARK CONTINENT 54 DIFOSCO SUNSHINE LOVE 55 JOSEPH WEBSTER MY LOVE IS STRONG 56 BROOKS O DELL SLOW MOTION 57 RICHARD TEMPLE THAT BEATIN' RYTHM 58 MICKEY LANEY I'M GONNA WALK 59 CHOSEN FEW BIRTH OF A PLAYBOY 60 CRYSTALS ARE YOU TRYING TO GET RID OF ME BABY 61 EDDIE HOLLAND JUST AIN'T ENOUGH LOVE 62 JACKIE SHANE COMIN' DOWN 63 DEE DEE WARWICK HOUSE OF GOLD 64 ADORABLES OHH BOY 65 CHARLES JOHNSON NEVER HAD A LOVE SO GOOD 66 EDDIE BISHOP CALL ME 67 JIMMY BEAUMONT OUR DAY IS HERE 68 ART NEVILLE YOU WON'T DO RIGHT 69 RADIANTS ONE DAY I'LL SHOW YOU 70 PHONETICS DON'T LET LOVE GET YOU DOWN 71 SONJI CLAY DEEPER IN MY HEART 72 ROBERT TANNER SWEET MEMORIES 73 FREDDIE WILLIAMS NAME IN LIGHTS 74 OTIS BROWN SOUTHSIDE CHICAGO 75 DELLS YOUR SONG 76 PHONETICS JUST A BOYS DREAM 77 FOUR DYNAMICS THING A LADY AIN'T SUPPOSED TO BE 78 MICKEY MOONSHINE NAME IT YOU GOT IT 79 JIMMY RICKS OH WHAT A FEELING 80 MILTON & WINSTON YOU LIED 81 SOUL SURVIVORS MAMA SOUL 82 DETERMINATIONS BING BONG GOES MY HEART 83 PATTI & PLAYBOYS TEARS 84 TEMPTATIONS FOREVER IN MY HEART 85 DEEP VELVET HANNAH MAE 86 JIMMY PHILLIPS SHE BELONGS TO ME 87 VALENTINES BREAKAWAY 88 JOCK MITCHELL NOT A CHANCE IN A MILLION 89 SPELLBINDERS BABY I MISS YOU 90 JOE TEX YOU BETTER BELIEVE IT BABY 91 OLIVER NORMAN DROWNING IN MY OWN DESPAIR 92 EDDIE SPENCER IF THIS IS LOVE (I'D RATHER BE LONELY) 93 MARION STEWART I MUST BE LOSING YOU 94 MAXINE BROWN LET ME GIVE YOU MY LOVIN' 95 MEL WILLIAMS SWEET GIRL OF MINE 96 SONNETTES I'VE GOTTEN OVER YOU 97 ESQUIRES HOW COULD IT BE 98 MANDELLS JUST CAN'T WIN 99 LENNY WILLIAMS HOW CAN I FORGET YOU 100 BARBARA DANE I'M ON MY WAY 101 HARVEY SCALES & SEVEN SEAS TRYING TO SURVIVE 102 BROOK BENTON WHERE DOES A MAN GO TO CRY 103 TIARAS SURPRISE 104 DEREK MARTIN SLY GIRL 105 JIMMY REED JR I AIN'T GOING NOWHERE 106 LOUIS CURRY YOU'RE JUST PLAIN NICE 107 GLADYS KNIGHT IF YOU EVER GET YOUR HANDS ON LOVE 108 GEORGE KIRBY WHAT CAN I DO 109 RADIANTS I GOTTA DANCE TO KEEP MY BABY 110 PRIME MINISTERS I DON'T KNOW ANYMORE 111 MEL BRITT LOVE INVENTED MISERY 112 DETROIT SPINNERS WHAT MORE COULD A BOY ASK FOR 113 LITTLE SOUL HOLD ON 114 AL GARDNER SWEET BABY 115 NEWPORTS DISILLUSIONED LOVE 116 CANDY & THE KISSES SOMEONE OUT THERE 117 JAMES CONWELL ANOTHER SUNDOWN IN WATTS 11 SHIRLEY KAROL JUST TO MAKE YOU HAPPY 119 MARVA LEE IF YOU CAN'T BE TRUE 120 JOHNNY BURTON SLAVE GIRL 121 JOE VALENTINE I LOST THE ONLY LOVE I EVER HAD 122 JAMES PHELPS THE LOOK ON YOUR FACE 123 CLAUDINE CLARK TELEPHONE GAME 124 ORLONS SPINNING TOP 125 STEVE KARMEN BIG BAND BREAKAWAY 126 5 ROYALES TAKE ME WITH YOU BABY 127 ANNA BELLE CEASER LITTLE ANNIE 128 JIMMY BO HORNE I CAN'T SPEAK 129 MIXED FEELINGS SHA LA LA 130 CLIFF WAGNER EXCEPTION TO THE RULE 131 JAMES ROYAL WHEN IT COMES TO MY BABY 132 CORNELIUS BROTHERS AND SISTER ROSE BIG TIME LOVER 133 DELL VIKINGS FINGER POPPIN' 134 JIMMY RAYE PHILLY DOG AROUND THE WORLD 135 BROTHER LOVE PRECIOUS DOVE 136 GEORGE PEP THE FEELING IS REAL 137 DAVID RUFFIN RODE BY THE PLACE 138 LEE McKINNEY AND THE MAGNETICS I'LL KEEP HOLDING ON 139 LEON PETERSON NOW YOU'RE ON YOUR OWN 140 JOHNNY WATSON IT'S BETTER TO CRY 141 PARAMOUNT FOUR SORRY AIN'T THE WORD 142 LEE WILLIAMS & CYMBALS A GIRL FROM A COUNTRY TOWN 143 B C GENERATION STREET TALK 144 DAVID WILL THE WAY THE WORLD SHOULD BE 145 BOBBY TREETOP WAIT TILL I GET TO KNOW YA' 146 CURTIS DAVIS AND THE ARKETTES TELL ME 147 J P ROBINSON OUR DAY IS HERE 148 HECTOR RIVERA I WANT A CHANCE FOR ROMANCE 149 PAUL ANKA WHEN WE GET THERE 150 JOHNNY HOWARD THE CHASE IS ON 151 ADAMS APPLES DON'T TAKE IT OUT ON THIS WORLD 152 HARVEY AVERNE NEVER LEARNED TO DANCE 153 FABULOUS PEPS WITH THESE EYES 154 BROOKS BROTHERS LOOKING FOR A WOMAN 155 MATT BROWN THANK YOU BABY 156 RITA AND TIARAS GONE WITH THE WIND 157 FALCONS I'M A FOOL I MUST LOVE YOU 158 JOCK MITCHELL NO BAD WOMAN 159 THE APOLLAS MR CREATOR 160 SALVADORS STICK BY ME BABY 161 VOLUMES SAME OLD FEELING 162 SHIRLEY EDWARDS DREAM MY HEART 163 JUNIOR WELLS I'M GONNA CRAMP YOUR STYLE 164 BLINKY RESCUE ME 165 MELLO SOULS WE CAN WORK IT OUT 166 BETTY TURNER AND CHEVELLES BE CAREFUL GIRL 167 PRECISIONS SUCH MISERY 168 PENETRATIONS SWEET, SWEET BABY 169 CARL HENRY HALL LET ME DOWN SLOWLY 170 GEMINIS NO MORE TOMORROW 171 GENE CHANDLER BET YOU NEVER THOUGHT 172 RUBY DECEIVED 173 ANNE HEYWOOD CROOK HIS LITTLE FINGER 174 ORTHEA GEORGE WHAT A GOOD THING YOU HAD IN ME 175 BILLY & CLYDE WORLD OF MY OWN 176 WHISPERS REMEMBER ME 177 EDWIN STARR I HAVE FAITH IN YOU BABY 178 HERBERT HUNTER HAPPY GO LUCKY 179 LOVEABLES JUST BEYOND MY FINGER TIPS 180 ROBERT SANDERS WHAT I DON'T SEE (CAN'T HURT) 181 MALIBUS JUST CAN'T STAND IT 182 LEN JEWELL BETTIN' ON LOVE 183 HELENA FERGUSON MY TERMS 184 INSIGHTS SOMEDAY GIRL (YOU'RE JUST A) 185 GLORIA JONES LOOK WHAT YOU STARTED 186 KELL OSBOURNE YOU CAN'T OUTSMART A WOMAN 187 PARAMOUNTS UNDER YOUR SPELL 188 ARTIE LEWIS AIN'T NO GOOD 189 GERALD TROTTER ONE MORE HURT 190 CHARTS LIVIN' THE NIGHT LIFE 191 DEON JACKSON NEED A LOVE LIKE YOURS 192 VOLUMES SAME OLD FEELING 193 JACKI BOND DON'T YOU WORRY 194 HOPKINS BROTHERS SHAKE CHERI 195 SWEET THINGS I'M IN A WORLD OF TROUBLE 196 BOBBY RICH THERE'S A GIRL SOMEWHERE 197 LOST SOULS SECRET OF MINE 198 WALES WALLACE SOMEBODY I KNOW 199 PARAMOUNTS UNDER YOUR SPELL 200 THEO COFF INVASION LUCKY DAY Any list is simply the opinion of the participants. It would be nice if we could do a list on Soul Source as was attempted in the past but sadly didn't come to fruition due to illness.

Sorry to read this, as others have written a big influence on later guitar players. I remember hearing Watch Your Step when it came out, probably played on Saturday Club, unfortunately didn't have cash to buy it. The b side Steal Your Heart Away was covered in 1964 by the Moody Blues on their first single.

I go to the 100 Club fairly regularly so feel I can comment on your post. There is a hard core of people who go to the allnighter at the 100 Club, many of whom I am friendly with. Yes, you do get "tourists" down there, and sometimes they are a bit of a pain, standing in the middle of the dance floor, but they are a very small minority of those present, But although I'm sure many of us think please go away and leave the club to us I think we're fairly tolerant, the big no no is if they take drinks on the dance floor or take the mickey. And I don't think that happens very often. I've noticed they usually clear off at about .2.30 leaving us regulars to enjoy it till 6 am. Have you been to the allnighter recently? I think numbers have increased in the last couple of years, but no doubt Ady is the person who could answer that if he wanted to.

Thanks for an excellent set.

Thanks for posting this up Pete, the type of soul I really love. Looking forward to the next episode.