Dave Moore

Anyone know the two main fans that were interviewed. I thought their contribution was great. No 'names', no 'vested interest', they came across as just your average Joe who was gobsmacked to be seeing these black American singers that they'd admired from afar. We could do with some 'regular' fans footage of stuff on the Northern acts that come across too.

Of course it's original. There's no boot of a Sassy copy that I know of?

Cheers Mate, but it's the W/Demo I'm specifically looking for.

Hi Steve, Yep, still looking for one in Mint- Mate. I'd appreciate it.

PM'd you Nick. Not heard back.

Cheers Chico...I never new that there were demos of the instr. It was NEW NEWS to me.

And maybe grab the attention of some younger fans. Ooh Err....God Forbid eh?

It's AMERICAN music. It's played and celebrated all over the world. Northern Soul = UK soulscene..... not for MANY a year.

Chris Anderton has one in sales @ 60UKP.

You sure this is the Instr? I didn't think the Demo had the Intr on it. At least the ones I've had haven't, they've all been the vocal on both sides.

Yep nice one Nev. I was wondering if there was a demo as I couldn't remembers seeing one. Cheers.

I know I'd only pay 15/20 quid for one so to me it's a 'cheapie'. They're around in numbers so we'll see. If I can't find one for that it's ok, no dramas I'll buy something else.

Looking for these: JJ Daniels - Mr Lonesome - Sureshot SORTED Ecstasy Passion And Pain I Wouldn't Give You Up - Roulette DEMO SORTED Emotions - I Cant Stand No More Heartaches - Brainstorm SORTED Escorts - Love Is Like A dream - Knockout SORTED Bill Merriweather - That's Love - Fee Whispers - Flying High - Soul Clock DEMO(?) Skyliners - Everythings Fine - Jubilee DEMO SORTED

No Joy Lovejoy at Soultrip I'm afraid. The mystery continues. I am however, working my way through some of the theories, myths and eventually some facts about the musicians, locations and the relationship between the sound ofDetroit and the Chess label. Couple of people to track down and speak to, but the evidence is building. I'll be back when I've got some corroborative info.

Hi Mikey, Anyone with a decent set of lugs and a crowd that are fed up of Frankie Beverley et al. It's been played at every Hitsville gig for the past 3 years.

Thanks John, I'll give Rob a shout.

Yep, you're right Mr Flynn. I think it came from Ed Wulfrum's stash I think. I think the evidence, although not in stone, is building. All good stuff chaps and I thank you for your contributions. I can feel a feature coming on ....

Hi Martyn, He categorically stated that he played at VeeJay and other studios and also mentions Jamerson as being in Chicago at the same time on some of the gigs but have you a reference for any actual records or sessions. I've listened to a lot of the Chess stuff and believe that the backbone of some of the records are Detroit musicians but it's proving difficult to show any real provenance. "Selfish One" is good example, many similarities with lots of Martha Reeves backing tracks. The Valentinos may be Womack singing but it's Detroit through and through in my opinion. As is "Landslide". Mike Terry even states that Mickey Stevenson used to bollock them as individuals because he recognised individual players on non Motown sides. It's not the end of the world but it'd be nice to id the stuff they did for sure.

Info already posted.

Kris, Bob, Many thanks for the replies. It's as I suspected, info lost in time. After visiting the Chess Studio on South Michigan I have to say it was sad to see the way it's legacy has been allowed to disintegrate. With the new Stax Museum, the Hitsville Museum and the Philly recognition of it's musical heritage I think Chicago could use a kick up the arse in so much as Chess and Record Row are concerned. The Willie Dixon Blues Foundation is a step in the right direction but the company was so much more than the blues. Chicago is a great city, a great place to visit with a good sense of "looking after the visitor", seems a shame that a part of the city's heritage has been largely ignored. So.....it's back to the ears then to try and fathom it out.

I know.......I taped it!! Hope your well Matey.

That's the thing......where did you get the info from? They are documented on some Chicago outings but is/are there some references, (even if anecdotal), of any Chess recording sessions? Or are we all relying on our ears?

Hi Tony, It's been a while since I read "Spinning" so I'll dig it out. Can't remember any reference to Detroit musicians though. Thanks for the reminder.

Is there any way of identifying who played on what for Chess in the mid sixties? With such a prolific catalogue and such a diverse A&R rosta, in terms of genre and styles, surely it couldn't be the same guys all the time like Gordy had at Motown? I know that Leonard Caston, Maurice White, Louis Satterfield, Phil Upchurch, Gene Barge, Brice Robertson, Gerald Sims, Ray Miner etc were all part of a loose collection of musicians that have since been classed as the 'house band", but if you listen to things like: The Valentinos - "Sweeter Than The Day Before" or Tony Clark - "Landslide" There's no Chicago signature to these tracks. It's obvious (at least to these old tired lugs), that the Chicago 'sound' has been replaced by the Detroit 'sound'. With Billy Davis at the helm by the early/mid sixties and his solid Detroit background coupled with the fact that it's well know that many of the Detroit musicians would trundle up the Windy City on a regular basis, I'm wondering if there is any documentary evidence to establish who was in the studio when these types of recordings were made. Any help appreciated, even if it's just a pointer towards a book or a CD. TIA.

I'm afraid that's a common misconception Dave. MFSB are definitely NOT the musicians on the track. There was actually a group of youngsters who played this. See the Jerry Ross feature in There's That Beat! There's a pic and a little story about them, along with Father Angelo who was responsible for them getting together.