Ian Dewhirst

Mmmmm. Maybe it's time to start flogging some of those records back to where they came from! I've got a few thousand £5 records which I'll flog back to the USA @ anytime LOL..... In fact, any U.S. buyers can contact me right now for a £3.00 list which makes a lot of sense at current exchange rates.......... Ian D

Funny you should say that as I was pretty disappointed with the Sly Stone version of "I'll Never Fall In Love Again" off one of Sly's early albums........ Ian D

I think so. I remember him telling me about notorious New York gay clubs like The Anvil circa '75/'76, so I think the penny dropped for me around then......... Ian D

LOL, try "War & Peace" by Leo Tolstoy........... Ian D

You could be right Steve, but on the other hand I don't remember too many banners @ other venues demanding that certain DJ's should go when they were playing really bad pop music......... For someone to take the time to make up a banner demanding that someone should go from a venue indicates to me that it may have been a bit more personal......... Ian D

Well I was there too and I can only report on numerous things which I both witnessed and heard with my own ears. Do you not remember the "Levine Must Go" campaign complete with banner or was that just a product of my over-active imagination too? How many people do you know who have solicited such a reaction? "Neo-Nazi skinheads" and "hostile environment being portrayed by Ian D"? C'mon please Rod, that's really over-egging things a tad isn't it? You only have to read both parts of this very thread from beginning to end to see plenty of evidence of the hostility towards Levine right here, prior to some of the more obnoxious posts being removed so they don't cause even more offence........... Ian D

This was to put a bit of background context behind the project for the benefit of people who may be new to the scene. Plus it's true. I was there and witnessed a lot of bigotry and tittle-tattle against Levine first hand so I thought it was relevent to the story behind the release as I can't think of anyone else who has assembled a project like this against such a welter of sustained criticism. There could potentially be some people who could get influenced by some of the unfair criticism which gets levelled at Levine and who may avoid the project for ridiculous reasons, so I thought it was only fair to put some context in there. I'll do likewise for the next guy who comes along with a 5 x DVD set of 200 performances, OK? Been going to Soho for the last 36 years mate - it's where I used to buy many of my records back in the 70's! Ian D

Damn. Just got back from Fuerto Ventura (the next island to Lanzarote and 20 minutes by ferry) so a classic case of bad-timing! Was pretty sunny most of the time and winds are pretty strong in that neck of the woods so take a cardi LOL.... Also I switched on the radio in the car the other day and heard "If It's All The Same To You Babe" - Luther Ingram pumping out which was a nice surprise plus caught a Northern Soul show which is on one of the local stations every Tuesday night (6.30-8.30pm every Tuesday night I think) by a guy called Dave Cummings which put me in the mood. Also worth looking around for a Spanish copy of "Get On Your Knees" by Los Canarios. If you can't find one in Lanzarote then forget it LOL.... Have fun all! Ian D

Well here's the latest Manifesto review from one "DJ Frank" who's not known for mincing his words LOL..... Northern Soul's 200 Greatest Floorfillers - DVD Review - Manifesto - November 2008 Before I launch into this review, I'd like to put everything in context for the benefit of any youngsters out there who may not know the history behind this fascinating project. Ian Levine was a Northern Soul DJ in the early 1970's at one of Soul music's most influential and important venues, the legendary Blackpool Mecca. There is no doubt that Levine (along with his Mecca co-DJ Colin Curtis) was responsible for finding and playing literally hundreds of the records we now know as classics, both in Northern Soul and Modern Soul. His contribution to both scenes is beyond question. However it wasn't always an easy ride. Levine has always attracted a large degree of controversy throughout his life. He was almost cursed for being the offspring of rich parents, being Jewish and, eventually, being gay - all three things being the diametric opposite of what was essentially a working class scene in the North of the UK. I think it's fair to say that Ian Levine was never a natural fit. Add to the above, the fact that he often came across as arrogant, stubborn, outspoken, selfish and totally committed to his own views and you have a perfect recipe for an easy target and an object of derision over the years. However it's these very attributes that are actually his strength. He's had to develop a thick skin throughout his whole life, so any criticism or bigotry has always tended to roll off his back over time. It's his own defence mechanism because, frankly, most people in his shoes would have given up a long time ago. I made my own mind up about Ian Levine a long time ago - virtually within the first few weeks of meeting him sometime in the early 1970's. I realised very early on that he had the sort of single-minded dedication and focus on what he wanted to do in life that should be applauded rather then rejected. The connoisseurs always knew the score. Levine had the best ears in the business at a crucial time in Northern Soul history and he and Curtis virtually invented what would become the Modern Soul scene. So, fast forward some 35 years and here we have Ian Levine's latest production - a phenomenal 5 DVD box set which contains 200 performances from some of the greatest Northern Soul and Soul artists who have graced our ears throughout our lives. "Northern Soul's 200 Greatest Floorfillers" is the result of lifetime of passion for Soul music and it shows. After all, who else would have had the single-minded determination to track down all these artists and record and film their performances for posterity? Yep. That same arrogant, stubborn, outspoken, selfish twat that we all love to hate! Well, it's time to bury whatever residual hate which may be lurking in peoples hearts, for this is truly a phenomenal project which thoroughly deserves the attention it's now getting - it's been in the Amazon top 10 pre-order DVD's for the last 8 weeks and it's not difficult to see why. Nothing like this has ever been assembled before. It's something really special folks. The recent passing of so many of our heroes merely underlines the importance of this project. "Northern Soul's 200 Greatest Floorfillers" catches so many of our forgotten heroes, that there won't be a dry eye in the house for anyone who has worshipped these artists throughout their lives. The sheer mind-boggling SCALE of the project should nullify any criticism of any individual performances. Shit, we're lucky that someone had the determination to take on such a huge project! Add to the above the fact that since the completion of this masterpiece, sadly the following artists have passed away: Erma Franklin, Willie Hutch, Tommy Ridgley, Johnny Moore, Joe Stubbs, all of The Lovetones (apart from the lead singer), Sam Ward, two of The Carstairs, Saundra Edwards, Doris Troy, Edwin Starr, Earl Van Dyke, Bobby Sheen, one of The Dramatics, Richard Popcorn Wylie, C.P. Spencer, some of The Royal Jokers, Walter lead singer of The Olympics, James Fountain, Freddy Butler, Bob Relf, George Williams lead singer of The Tymes, Ray Pollard, Jackie Day, all three of The Tempos, Little Ann and Emanuel Lasky. To me this pretty much puts things in perspective. I could wax lyrical about many of the performances but frankly what's the point? The fact of the matter is that thanks to Ian Levine, we at least have the chance to savour the performances which the maestro did get on film and, for that alone, we should be extremely thankful. Naturally "Northern Soul's 200 Greatest Floorfillers" will be a magnificent stocking-filler for anyone who takes the history of Northern Soul seriously. At last we have a time-capsule which will resonate with audiences for decades to come. Every home should have one! Ian D

Hence where the nickname DJ Frank came from........ Ian D

Cheers Simon! That's one file I've been looking for for a long time. It sounds like the original to me, although the last time I heard it was when I found two copies in East L.A. in '76! Great rekid! Ian D

Spiller's "Groovejet (If This Ain't Love)" was better than Carol William's "Love Is You" IMO (and I'm a Salsoul freak)........ Ian D

OK, here's another then..... Vermeytta Royster "The Comfort Of Your Arms" Soul Intention Ian Dewhirst London

Missed everyone last week due to being in Prestatyn, but I'm happy to say that the audience figures were great to say it was a repeat show, so thanks everyone! I'm away next week as well, so keep the faith! Happily I'm back LIVE this week with a truly exceptional line-up of great music and a special tribute to Levi Stubbs which I only just managed to get through without blubbering! Well, it obviously moved me anyway! As per usual the show covers the whole spectrum, so kick back for a couple of hours and enjoy! Six Million Steps Presents The Original Mastercuts Show with Ian Dewhirst, on Sunday 19th October 2008 on www.starpointradio.com. To download the show simply hit the link below! Or for this and all archived shows please pay a visit to www.sixmillionsteps.com where you can download the last 4 weeks worth of all Six Million Steps produced shows. That's 16 hours of free music over the last 4 weeks alone! Plus, loads of new fully downloadable KILLER mixes in a variety of styles! So let's go with this week's show:- 1st Hour Rufus & Chaka Khan - Any Love - Dimitri Re-Edit Fat Larry's Band - Straight From The Heart Sonja Grier - Right Here, Right Now Lil' Louie - New Dance Beat Denitria Champ - I've Had Enough Ten City - One Kiss Will Make It Better Halo - Let Me Do It Skool Boyz - Superfine (She Looks Good From Behind) Ruth Dawes - I Love Only You Wanda Walden - Don't You Want My Loving Paul Laurence - There Ain't Nothing Like Your Lovin' 2nd Hour The Funk Brothers & Dr Martin Luther King Vs Six Million Steps - Bernadette's Dream The Four Tops - Bernadette The Four Tops - Walk Away Renee The Four Tops - I Just Cant You Out Of My Mind Bobby Hutton - It's All Been Said Before Garland Green - Just Loving You Turn Of The Century - Money Can't Vermeytta Royster - The Shelter Of Your Arms Gladys Knight & The Pips - The Look Of Love Tina Broussard - Why Do I Feel So Sad Private Eye - No One Can Love You Like Me Bobby Caldwell - I'll Be Around Earth, Wind & Fire & Kenny G - I Like The Way You Move Johnny Hudson - Better Love Alexander O'Neal & Cherrelle - Never Knew Love Like This https://www.sixmillionsteps.com/6MS-...9-Starpoint.mp3 Best, Ian D

LOL, never thought of that! Ian D

A major problem with the galvanisation process which this particular pressing plant just couldn't seem to get right! Should have a fourth set of TP's from another plan by Tuesday morning touch wood......... Ian D

Yep, yer right, complete and utter b*%locks Pete! It's cos it's filed next to "The Spy" - The Guys From Uncle and I made an error cos it's a B&W label quite similar to Swan which is next to it. I've just realised it's a UK boot! On a label called "North". Anyone know where these came from? Ian D

Coming up in just over an hour folks - 2 hours worth of ORIGINAL MASTERCUTS LIVE with Ian Dewhirst from 2.00-4.00pm on www.starpointradio.com. Naturally I have some KILLERS up my sleeves! Plus a Levi Stubbs tribute @ 3.00pm. See you at 2.00 sharp! Ian D

Well that's a great example for continuing to do what you do mate! I'm doing the review for "Northern Soul's 200 Greatest Floorfillers" for Manifesto. I think they'll need at least 3 pages 'cos the tracklisting needs to be there (all 200 tracks) and I've done 800 words already just on your background and the sheer scale of the project LOL. If justice were done, it should be a 4 pager...... The sad passing of Levi Stubbs has made me realise that all the performances on this 5 x DVD set should be cherished by all. You deserve a medal for this. I'm proud of you........... Ian D

Wow, I'm genuinely touched by the last 3 pages of comments. It's obvious that Levi Stubbs was an integral part of many peoples lives. I've done virtually nothing all day but play Four Tops records and now I'm even more emotional. Levi Stubbs should be floating to heaven on the sheer wave of emotion on this one thread. Thank God for Soul Source. It really gives comfort to know that everyone's feeling the same way....... Ian D

This may have been posted before but I make no excuses for posting it again. I was just sorting the Original Mastercuts show tomorrow (2.00-4.00pm LIVE on www.starpointradio.com) and this is going to be played @ 3.25pm. Utterly, utterly brilliant! One of the greatest performances I've ever heard in fact. She's just sensational. I love the song, the arrangement is phenomenal and the performance is just breathtaking Vermeytta Oyster "The Comfort Of Your Arms" https://www.divshare.com/download/5617422-df4 To me this sounds like an absolute monster. I'd love to hear this in a club LOUD! A guaranteed floorfiller if the right people get behind it. Just a great rekid! Soul Intention 004 Phil? Ian D

Yippee! Prestatyn was rockin' last week but it's good to be back behind the studio decks again. So back LIVE again tomorrow from 2.00-4.00pm on www.starpointradio.com for the Original Mastercuts show. There's a rumour that Savannah and her friends may join us again so who knows what to expect....? Music's looking GREAT though...... Rufus & Chaka Khan, Fat Larry's Band, Sonja Grier, Lil' Louie, Denitria Champ, Ten City, Halo, Skool Boyz, Ruth Dawes, Wanda Walden, Paul Laurence, The Funk Brothers Vs Six Million Steps, The Four Tops, Bobby Hutton, Garland Green, Turn Of The Century, Vermeytta Royster, Gladys Knight & The Pips, Tina Broussard, Private Eye, Bobby Caldwell, Earth, Wind & Fire & Kenny G, Johnny Hudson, Alexander O'Neal & Cherrelle ........and naturally there'll be a Levi Stubbs tribute @ 3.00pm on the dot! See y'all tomorrow! Ian D

"Find Me Somebody" - Bobby Womack ? No piano though......... Ian D

F*%k it. I just spent 20 minutes composing a beautiful reply with TONS of relevent stuff in it (I have to do the Manifesto review for "Northern Soul's 200 Greatest Floorfillers" this weekend, etc, etc). It was probably the best thing I've written all week! But I accidentaly snapped-off the Wireless switch on my CRAP HP laptop and lost it all!!!! C'est la vie. So What? Levi died tonight and I'm feeling very poignant. The Nat song is great and will be the third release on Soul Intention Records. Also could you post the 'B' side as well, as I think this is a brilliant double-sider. Incidentaly, Nat's family to me, as I'm best mates with his Light Of The World colleague, Gee Bello. So does Nat know I'm involved? Ian D

As a kid Levi Stubbs' voice was one of the first voices I heard which stirred my lifelong passion for Soul music. As a 10 year old only child in 1965, I spent a lot of time listening to the radio and in 1965 the radio in our house was set to the BBC Light Programme. Suddenly, throughout the next two years, the family radio reverberated with the most incredible music I'd ever heard in my life. Records like "I Can't Help Myself", "It's The Same Old Song", "Reach Out I'll Be There", "Standing In The Shadows In Love" and "Bernadette" all poured forth from the Bush TR82 radio in our kitchen. It's almost like the soulful heartbeat of Detroit was being fed into the family kitchen every morning. If the truth be known, it's probably the vocals of Levi Stubbs which instigated my eventual journey into what we now know as Northern Soul. Naturally I'll be doing a Levi tribute on the Original Mastercuts Show 2.00-4.00pm this coming Sunday on www.starpointradio.com @ 3.00pm sharp. Levi Stubbs is an icon in Soul music's rich history. So majestic, so powerful and so unique. God bless him. Ian D