Ged Parker

I guess for most of us the DJs that got us into the scene must be the most influential if it wasn't for them then how would we have encountered any other DJs. That's a flipant answer I suppose on a more serious note for length of time at the top, shining the light for real soul in the 76-79 period at Wigan his finds with John Anderson in the 78-82 period Searling has to be included as many have said already. Pat Brady in the late 70's was finding some real crackers and always pushing the boundaries. Keb and Guy had a competative duel that has yet to be matched IMHO. In terms of his impact on the scene Levine takes some beating though I should say since the mid 70's I have reasons for having a deep dislike for him as a person. If I could emulate the reputation of any current DJ for quality it would have to be Butch. For me then many influences at different times the impact of some on the scene as a whole has been bigger than others but all have influenced my love of the music and in a small way how I DJ. If I had to pick one it'd have to be Richard Searling can't think of a reason why I shouldn't pick him but find myself looking for a reason all the same

Do you have one for sale then

Next question must be which ONE record did you mean I'm sure it wasn't 'Because of My Heart' but that'd be my choice.

Ohh sorry Tony thought it was the Civic. When and where is it I may even get along. I like a bit of progressive stuff meself

Keep going Tony you are up against Prestwich so if they want the same old they can get it 10 minutes down the road. We need a bit of variety. Encouraging of Blackpool lol

Good to see the ronnie walker getting some plays

The rules as they stand at the moment are out for consultation and can be viewed here: https://www.dh.gov.uk/NewsHome/NewsArticle/...3777&chk=24KHB2 The plans are likely to change but as things stand at the moment clubs with a 'membership list' will be exempt as will licensed premises which do not serve 'prepared food' so a couple of get outs for venues. What is more of a threat is the lack of premises that have applied for their new licenses and if they are not in by 6th August they are likely to be treated as a new application when the new regime comes in in November. There is alos no guarantee that they will be heard in time for the change over so old licenses will lapse and the new one will not have been granted. So without a licence no event. So if you are involved with a venue check they have their application in and if not encourage then to get it in asap.

Almost as good as his 'Beginning Today' on AMC which is even rarer IMHO.

Firstly thanks to Mark Bicknell for the character reference . Secondly let me be clear about my views once and for all: I play original vinyl - thats about my views and my own standards. I visit attend venues that play cd's / boots / reissues because I don't expect every one to have the same views as me and I want to support my local venues. As a co-promoter some of our regular guests are known not to play only originals but we still book them. Where venues play off cd I would like to hear a wider selection of music particularly they have the widest spectrum of good quality soul to go at. I think that playing other than originals increases the frequency of hearing tracks and this leads to them becoming 'tired' sooner which I don't think is good for the scene. I know people will not agree with all (if any) of the above and that is fine. Hope that clears things up We could agree to disagree but I think we aren't even agreeing on that Regards Ged Parker

As the author of the previous post I have to say it was tongue in cheek even though the sentiments about people being honest about what they play are entirely true to my beliefs I didnt seriously think it was either viable or would be taken seriously. It was very early on in my time on the site and therefore the 'self deprication' didnt come across as most of you didn't know me then (most still don't now ). I couldnt believe the reaction I got people even felt passionate enough about it to get me phone number and barrate me over the phone. So you can't believe how happy I am to have this brought up again .

Dunno the price but why is he auctioning this? surely its not that expensive is it?

Well I think ....... ohh sh1t still can't be arsed

you kill me

what you on about tyranny ffs the only way to keep this scene fresh is to play original vinyl. I was gonna go on and on about the reasons why the playing out of CD's and reissues weaken the scene and make truely rare and fantastic records overexposed and tired but I realy can't be arsed.

El Anthony - We've Been In Love Too Long - La Cindy Why on earth isn't this the biggest thing in the country at the moment is well beyond me.

I wasn't suggesting that Stafford was the only place this happened after all I was a regular in the Highland Room. I think where there was a slight difference was the lack of any adverse comment from people at the time, they just seemed to accept it. The Mecca, Wigan, Notts Palias, The Ritz, The Carousel, Yate, St Ives, Leeds Central etc etc all appeared to have a judgemental ellement that had disapeared at Stafford IMHO. Mind you there was often very few people to by judgemental

Good soul music is good soul music full stop. I remember the days when GQ 'make my dreams' and Mr Caldwell 'Love Bandit' could be heard in the same spot and no one batted an eyelid. Still Stafford was special like that. I never understand the need to pidgeon hole everything just so we can formalise our predudices. Holding a position that says soul music after X date is no good is like saying I only like records recorded by people under the age of 26 or taller than 5'8" complete b0ll0cks.

Spot on Dave, I only play original vinyl because that's my choice. Where I promote there is never a CD player set up (except in the modern room). If DJ's used boots or reissues thats up to them. As has been said thousands of times on here the dancers dont give a sh1t. I have played at venues where both CDs and boots are regularly used thats for the promoters to decide when I get booked they understand they wont be getting the same old same old but even I have enough original stock oldies to suit most venues.

Ernie Johnson -Big Man Cry- Steph & Lee Herbs - Put A Hurtin on My Heart - Smoke Ideals - I Got Lucky (When I Found You) - St. Lawrence

I'll rave about Emmanual Laskey all his work is class and although I hear 'Peace loving Man' played out quite often isn't it about time 'Lucky to Be Loved By You' and 'Don't Lead Me On Baby' got their fair share of the limelight. Both better than 'PLM' IMHO

The one George Hunt played when he DJ'd for us at the Winter Gardens had a slightly diiferent wording if I remember rightly? He wasn't saying who it was though. He also played me some suberb unreleased stuff at his house but this stuff was so 'hot' he didn't dare have it cut to vinyl. He certainly has a 'source'

Mark, This was an idea for a Neighbourhood fanzine many moons ago and as I remember it Roly had you as one of the first housemates with a supply of the special Betty LaVette 'smokes' just to add to the mayhem. We planned to call it 'Northern Big Soul Brother' we had more than enough nominations to fill a small village let alone a house. I'll save the embarrasment of naming names but it would have been captivating telly.

Ebay is great for the ability to pay what you want for a record. Mind you it was soooooooooooooooo much better 10 years ago before ebay uk.

In terms of Billy Sha-rae vs Eddie Parker I agree Eddie Parker is better but is it a thousand times better? Not to my mind. So therefore value for money wise give me Billy Sha-rae.