harpo1

Although we are plauged with those who think that they do, and try to talk a load of waffle in an attempt to give such ridiculous claims credibility, i'm afraid no body can answer the question. In the end each persons interpretation of what they see as soul is different then all we can do is develop a liking for that we find to our taste, nobody can know it all There are many wise sages who are found deep in discussion at events, a large data base of known tunes is no guarentee that they will be good 'un's. Just look at what garbage has been played and tipped over the years, by the good and the great. I know friends who have been going as long as me, but never wanted to know any more than their faves, yet i know they love the music as much as i do, or indeed do the real record buffs. I AM DEEPLY MOVED AND LOVE AND LIVE MY MUSIC, OTHERS ARE MORE DETATTCHED , IN THEIR APPRECIATION, BUT STILL HAVE DIVEN MAJOR PARTS OF THEIR LIFE TO ITS PERSUIT. Just enjoy it , i'm learning all the time, 35 plus years and still hearing amazing records for the first time....theres stacks to still come, ok as time progresses the ratio of good to bad lessens, but good makes it all worthwhile

I can only give an account of nights i attended post '74'ish, however i'm sure Max and others can tell us about the earlier period. I know many live acts appeared during the 60's, but i'll let those who went fill in the detail. My first period was "The Teen-Scene-with Blue Max", this was on Mondays, and ran early evening to about 10'ish if i remember correctly(a whole half hour later than Willenhall Baths). I used to go up with Billy Frisby, Steve Kingdon, Col. Summner, Dave Lewis and Pete Nixon to name a few.This was wgere i first got to know Phil Shelton, i also remember Paddy Jennings and some of the other names going too. Max had some great stuff in those days, and broadened our taste through exposure to new music,they even had Major Lance on one week, Can't remember why or when it stopped, we just moved to the Wolves Club. The next period was when Neil Rushton ran it as a Heart of England Soul Club promo. Was it still Monday, or possibly Tuesday nights. The DJ line up was great with Eddie Hobbard, Clive Jones, Steve Porter and Chris Plant, along with Neil and apologies to those i've missed. The night was a real breath of fresh air with lots of big nighter tunes played. All the local soulies where there, as it was a proper night not aimed at kids, Gethro, Swoz(both bro's), as well as the Dudley folks, the Wilkes's Skippy etc...etc... There was an all-dayer, however due to some problem there was a sign posted on the door saying "come back at 6pm". It was during the period that Neil put on the First International Soul Festival, at the Mecca feat. Brass Construction, my mate Kev Doughty put on a coach from there, we had a great day, and that was when i first really met one of my oldest and closest friends Dawn Caswell. Some great nights had there, again you'll have to let Neil fill in the detail. The final period was when Pep used to run Tuesday nights, this lasted around 3 years, and was where i got my first chance to play tunes, I think Phil (Pritchard) was still playing at the first few, along with Mick Derry, This gradually changed with myself Mick Holdsworth and Ian Tyrer as regulars, it was initially in that period when 60's british in particular, soungs were big, and Brian was a regular guest. Pep had a local soul band appear one week "Dexys Midnight Runners", didn't really suit , but they did go on to a career in pop LOL As the time progressedwe became fully involved with the emerging "modern" scene, Sam was a weekly guest and wow! the stuff we got to play was awesome, Softones, Vekvet Hammer(first played by Ian the barber) Garry Glenn, Softones/First Class "Candy", i first heard Will Collins, Flame 'n' King, when we got the 4 copies of Charles Johnson, i was doing the earlier spot, so played it first, there were so many tunes turning up, as well as those we heard Richard, Sam and Pat play at Wigan, we would snap up,Along with those records we played a good mix of 60's detroit and class oldies too. All our West Mids crowd were there, regular visitore included Dave Allcock, Karen Sellman, Heil Allen and Jim from Stoke, Tim from Cov. Tony Clayton and the Telford/ Shrops crowd, ro name just a few Amazing goings on with me Azza Dave Shaw, Phil, Andy Simms accompanied by a varied cast, such as Steve Hughes Mart Randall, Steve Downing, Russ's head Crispi Twins etc...etc...as well as our up and coming young trainees, Sean Pomma Roger Drippin' and Carl Jones to name a few. It was a great big ball of fun/maddness with a musically brilliant accompaniment. I look forward to your personal recollections Harpo

HARPO !!! Fuckin' superb... HA HA HA ..., HOWS THE LAST 25 YEARS BEEN THEN ? ha ha ha . good to hear your voice (????) again mate. Yeah still out and about, and up to the same old tricks, it was my 50th last week, i'm sure you can remember Sandi, we are engaged, and also back collecting and doind a bit of DJ'ing All the best mate...keep in touch

As i write i believe that Gethro is still in the States, Walter (Swoz), is in contact with him or was until recently(was in Chicago for ages)2 pics attatched Kenny, have looked at pic in detail, not you mate, i think it was taken when we where not capable of such a growth, the pics i have of you with the beard are more late 70's times(see pic bottom right)