Sean Hampsey

Spooky..... I was thinking about my Lebanese copy of Tammi Terrell's "This Old Heart Of Mine" only yesterday (when Tony mentioned Indian Stateside on another post) and was wondering how many other things were released out there. It looks the proper job, similar to a Black / Silver UK TMG. Always wondered how and why they put it out over there and yet the UK failed to. Would be very interested to know of any other Lebanese Motown 45's. Thanks Stuart (and Tony). Sean

Also, Many thanks Kirsty. Please tell me more about the music policy. 'Quite Good' you say. Is it ATB or Northern Oldies? RSVP Sean

Many thanks SteveO Is this on Ecclesall Road? Sean Many thanks Kev. Just what I wanted to know. Sean Many thanks Dendog. So is it only the 'Oldies' gigs that are getting the numbers through the door? Anyone? Sean

I've got the LP Simon and it's a bit of a one tracker! Sean Hampsey

Thanks for all your input Malc. Would like to hear from a few more promoters (just see it as an opportunity to give it a plug! - OK) How many punters attend the following venues... on a consistent basis? The Orwell -Wigan Greatsone No More Doggin Sheridans Piercebridge Sleepless Nights (Dublin) Broughton Banbury 99 Soul club - Scarborough Corner Pocket Mexborough Modernism - Rotherham Ponds Forge - Sheffield Bentink - Kirkby Any I've missed? Please let me know. Many thanks to all for information provided thus far. Sean Hampsey

Good question Bridget. Hopefully the replies will assist me in my research (as has Chalky's Promotion poll). For me (at my time of life)... I dont want a crappy Scout Hut type venue (as described by Malc Burton in the other thread). I spend my working life in a good quality environment. Don't want to spend the weekend in a Fleapit. I want to hear good quality Soul Music from all eras - a few memory jerkers - a few things I've never heard before - a mix of tempos... but 'proper' Soul Music. I want to hear good quality DJ's who know how to 'build' a night. I dont mind what media they use either. I'm only interested in what comes out of the speakers. Occasional guests - who can deliver the goods rather than just play to themselves. I want to see a good, friendly, crowd - on a decent dancefloor - which helps to generate atmosphere. I would like at least 6 Record / CD boxes to go through (Dealers welcome). And World Peace! Any suggestions? Sean Hampsey

Sean

It was actually a Pulitzer Prize. The Puliter Prize was for my badd spalling! Sean

Well of course, I'd have to go with the above Stargard track, Stuart. Its magnificent! Such vision and foresight by the reviewer... Also rate "Crowding In On My Mind" by Shirley Brown and "Just To Be Close To You" by Sandra Feva, both on 45 and both very reminiscent of the Cheryll Burdell track "Giving it all To You" which many thought was Disco Shit when first played. Sean Hampsey

Well Dave, as I said in my first post, I keep getting pestered to revive 'Pitches' - which for several years was a hugely succesful monthly Soul Night. I dont feel I've got the time or inclination to promote at the moment but am constantly pressured to do something, so (although I have my doubts) I might well consider it next year - once I've mopped up a few other urgent projects. But purely as a punter I'd be interested to know where you can go to for a good night out! The scene seems to me (judging by the responses) to be more fragmented than ever, with all manner of different nights and DJ's doing their own thing at a local level. Fine, if that's how its to be, but where can you go on a regular basis to guarantee a good night of Soul Music (across the board or otherwise)? Its ironic that the 'V festival' is on this wekend attracting tens of thousands of young (and not so young) music lovers and yet we, the Soul scene, seem to be really struggling (from what I've been told so far on here). Therefore, I need to know! How many people attend your local Soul Night? What's the Music Policy and Where is it held? Really valuable feedback so far, from Promoters and Punters. Very much appreciated. Many thanks Sean Hampsey

Thanks Shane, Just to clarify, my post is in no way a criticism of the Spondon event itself. It's a cracking venue run by first rate Soul folk (Brian Goucher & Colin Brown) and excellent DJ's (Fish & Tats Taylor) playing some of the best selection of records I'd heard in a long while. All that was missing... was a few more bodies around the place. It deserved to be better attended because of the pedigree of those involved, the music policy and the 'potential' atmosphere of such a tight little back room venue... superbly located only 10 minutes from the M1 Motorway. So, was it just a matter of too little promotion (as Shane and a couple of others suggest) or is it that there's too much going on (for the depleted number of actual travelling punters) to create a really busy night at any single location? So, I'd be intersted to know... Which venues are consistently 'rammed'? Where are these venues? What do they play (Music policy)? And finally... do you need to see heavy promotion before you attend a gig... or is a quiet word from those 'in the know' and the reputation of those involved enough to get your attention and compel you to attend? Many thanks again for all comments and replies thus far. Sean Hampsey

Thank you Bridget, Your post was quite perfect, as were the others thus far. I dont think I asked my burning questions clearly enough in the first place. Sean

Many thanks for the comments so far. What I'm intersted to know is not so much 'why' various Soul nights attendances are dwindling - if indeed they are at all - after all, I feel that all venues have a life span or life cycle of sorts, having been involved with various hot promotions over the years... that eventually went cold - but more about whats happening at your local gig, right now (this year) in terms of actual numbers through the door. So, what I would really like to know is... what's the average attendance? whats the music policy? where is the venue (location)? Scientific huh? Many thanks again Sean

Went to a cracking Soul night in Spondon, Derby, last night run by Colin Brown & Brian Goucher. It was held at The Crown Inn.... a really 'tight' back room gig with Dancefloor, Stage, good Sound System, well stocked bar, more than ample seating... the works. A bit like the Canal Tavern at Thorne all those years ago! The line up included Brian himself and Fish with an absolutely superb guest set from... all the way from Lincoln... Andy "Tats" Taylor. Sadly, attendance was low, and although a good night was had by all I was wondering if attendances are suffering (or not what they should be) elsewhere. Do me a favour... What's the attendance at your 'regular' Soul Night these days and what's the music policy? I'm not thinking about Niters, necessarily, but more about your regular monthly do! The reason I ask is, every time I go out to a gig I'm asked "When are you guys starting up 'Pitches' again?" Just thought I'd do a little research. So what's happening out there? Many thanks in advance. Sean Hampsey

You're right my old Chalkster. Here's a scan I just found of the issue of BOSM. My copy though is a WLP. Sean

Won't be long before you'll be bumping into him then Malc. Seriously though, I worked a lot for Terry too (and a helluva lot for you too Mr Burton) and I always recall the label he had stuck to the decks with the legend:- "If you've only got time to play 20 records play your best 20" Course I was stuffed, as I always left my best stuff at home! (Oops... I don't mean I was literally 'stuffed' ...although, come to think of it... I always seemed to get paid more than the other Jocks) Sean

Had this record in my sales box for about 20 years. Only person to show interest in it was Soul Sam who promptly returned it on hearing it! Trey was owned by Lee Hazlewood and Lester Sill. There's another version of the song by Gary Crosby on Gregmark, which I think is the scarcer of the two. Both are pretty early releases, from 1964. Value wise. God knows. I had it on for £20. Nice collectors piece though! Sean Hampsey

I dont believe this was ever booted although the scanned label does look rather weak. Is the paper glossy / silky rather than Matte?. Most Atco promos do have a sheen to the paper. The catalogue number is correct. Also came out originally on Art (002) label and Jam 103 with a different flipside. Also has same backing as the Calvin williams version, also on ATCO. Sean

Give you £52 for it then Gareth. Reserve met? Serously, I've never seen anyone dance to either version. Great tune though, but Universal Joint, the much rarer of the two. Sean

A UK Seller too! https://cgi.ebay.ca/Northern-Universal-Join...9QQcmdZViewItem To be fair, the description does describe it as a £350 Tune! Ah well. Wish I had a fiver for every bargain I've failed or forgotten to bid on! Cheers Sean

Last one I saw for sale went for £51 on Ebay. May this year. Baz Maleedy bagged it! Bargain? Sure... but that's what it went for! Sean

Nah! It got lost amongst all your 'Pop Stompers' mate! Sean

£51 on Ebay last time I saw it Gareth. Sean Hampsey

Agree. Great record! Sean Hampsey

Started playing this recently again Steve (at home). Just absolutely F**CKIN' AWESOME! Dont remember it getting anywhere near enough action when new. Ripe for revival I reckon! Keep 'em coming Stevie! Sean Hampsey