Dayo

Has anyone mentioned "The Walk" by Jimmy McCraklin? My Brother in law had a 78 of this and I know it was a Wheel fave.

Call me a nosey sod if you like, but I was curious if anyone knows what Dave Godin does for a crust? There must be hundreds of people like me who owe Dave a massive dept of gratitude for his inspirational work with B & S in the 70's. Some of those columns are legendary aren't they? Is he still writing? I'm familiar with the Kent compilations obviously. I guess this message is posted with a wish that "Daddy G" is happy, healthy and doing well for himself. Just a thought... maybe this could turn into a "What's your fave DG column?" thread.... or is that just toooooo anorak-ey!?

I posted this topic on the SD Forum a few weeks ago, be really great to get ideas from you guys though. I was thinking about sax breaks. Long gone and sorely missed. I'm talking about those 8 bars of musical magic that inspired us dancers to greater heights (and sometimes painful injury :-) Unsung heroes they may be, but I think their groovy playing enhanced some of the greatest tracks of all time. In no order, but a couple of my faves to get you thinking.... Don't say maybe baby.... Capitols Mr. Big Shot.... Gene Chandler Get Ready.... Temps Can it be me... Mel Williams Over to you then... what track has got your fave sax break? Can I humbly suggest that you limit your answer to 3 or 4. Up to you, but personally I find definitve answers more satisfying than great long lists....

Well, no wonder I like the bloody record so much. At least I can admit it now without shame.... Anyone catch the Take That prog on TV over Easter? Ian Levine was interviewed and he let it slip that all the backing vocals and the entire chorus on Could it be Magic were sung by... Billy Griffin!!!!

Kolla Thanks for putting the sound clip up. Saved me digging it out! Still sounds like a great record to me - especially from the drum fills and on to the end. Agree its totally out of character for Freddie!

Just noticed that Freddie Scott is still performing. Thats great news, I think he's always had a strong following in the UK. Hey Girl is my wife's big fave slowie. Question: anyone know his song "I'll be gone" on Shout? Did this ever get any plays? I always thought it was a stormer but I've never heard it at a venue...

Thanks Gene, I'll be sure and flip it over. Always felt that Ghetto was a frustrating little tune, just when you think the beat is gonna explode, the groove fails you!

Chuckling here! I sold the best of my collection in 1981. I carefully watched the market till it was at its lowest ebb, then sold around 175 UK issues and demo's, including Darrell Banks London demo, Queen of Fools Hickory Demo, Hoagy Lands Stateside... oodles of Motown white demo's and too many others to mention. Think I got £850 total. Very smart of me I know! I was never one for American labels really. I had things like Jock Mitchell and Tony Hestor which I bought from Global Records for about £2 each. Probably sold those or swapped em for a fiver each each. Well... they were nice reords but way too slow! lol My copy of Bobby Williams on Sureshot went for £4. United Four on Harthon about the same. Now I'm left with about a zillion pressings, a very little British stuff and a cracked copy of Landy's Dr. Good Soul! I think I'll put that on ebay. In the current climate it should make at least £500!

Thanks for the replies and for taking the question in the spirit it was intended. I guess I realise that times have changed, but I'm keen to hear those songs you've recommended... I should get out more often! Where does Butch play? Any more recommendations anyone?

Hope this doesn't sound pompous or negative - it's not meant to be. Here's the thing... I guess I was lucky enough to be on the Northern Soul Scene in the golden years... early to mid seventies. For what its worth, I think 1973 was the absolute peak, so many goodies. So... how many post Wigan era discoveries stack up against the best of the best? I'm probably showing a huge amount of ignorance, so forgive me. But which of the latter day discoveries would have or could have been as big as say The Tomangoes, Morris Chestnut or The Salvadors? Let alone countless Torch classics... In a nutshell, I've been away for over 20 years. Did I miss anything!? The stuff I've heard on various compilation CD's has been ok, but hasn't exactly blown me away. I hope I'm not offending anyone by the clumsy way I've expressed this. Its a genuine question. Narrow it down if you like. Anything discovered this century that could have been spun next to The Younghearts.. and packed the floor a little tighter still?

It was a little worn to say the least. My friend had bought it the day before, but didn't bring it out. Nevertheless, the merest mention of it at an early Wigan nighter was enough to start a feeding frenzy among hopeful buyers. A certain Kev Roberts was on his knees trying to beg a lift to Worcester on our minibus. That's what happens when a junk shop offers a up a Lynne Randell demo at 10p!

If my memory is correct, the 4 Seasons was the only "big" version. It was certainly a monster around 1973 and I'm almost certain I first heard it at Va Va. The Velours when it arrived on a pressing was a bit of a mystery. If it had been played, then it escaped my radar. Incidentally, the 4 Seasons stereo mix is one of those really odd ones with the vocals panned all the way left. The fab harmonies that were so famous sound a little ragged to my ears when exposed without the track.

Just a note to say a warm hello to all soul fans on the Forum. I don't suppose for a minute that anyone will remember me, but on the off chance... It's Colin Andrews originally from Worcester. I was on the Northern Scene in the early to mid 70's. Used to do a little radio in the 80's as Colin Day. My brother-in-law was a DJ at The Bankhouse and the Coppertops in Worcester around 1970/72. Anybody remember those venues? He kicked it all off for me. My introduction was via his Twisted Wheel monsters like The Poets, O'Jays, Spellbinders, Major Lance, Benny Spellman etc. The Bankhouse on a Saturday night was semi legendary in the Midlands and used to be a great warm up for the Sunday afternoon soul sessions at the Chateau Impney. I was maybe 12 or 13 when he used to sneak me in. I would hide in the kitchen just to hear the music. In those days the term Northern Soul had not been coined, they were simply known as "good disco records". I'll never forget the first time my Brother in Law spun Gene Chandler's "There was a time". He'd just bought it from a guy called Froggy - must have been an almost recent release. The place nearly exploded! I also recall some guy being very upset that night because "Baby Reconsider" had just been pressed on Soul Sounds. "Friday Night" was huge and a thirty bob record, even though the cool cats knew you could still order it from WH Smiths for the price of a new single. Lovely memories. Anyway, my poor collection lies dusty and neglected in the garage, and my knowledge does not run as deep as most of you guys. But my love of the music was rekindled with the spate of CD releases and now its burning brightly again. I've been lurking for a week or two, but finally got around to registering. I've learnt so much from this site already. I hope I can contribute something of value from time to time, and I do hope you'll forgive me if my comments are ever dim, or my questions ever chestnuts. Best wishes to you all Colin (Dayo)

Can't agree that it's shite! Ok, it may be one of the more poppy of Edwin's catalogue :-) As for the scarcity, its understandable. I'm not sure how many demo's EMI used to press up (any clues, anyone?)... but there can't have been more than 500 at a guess. Incidentally, it's up to £200 right now and ends later today. Whats the betting it'll top £250?