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Ian Dewhirst

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Everything posted by Ian Dewhirst

  1. Ian Dewhirst
    True Robb. He always credited me with 'saving his life' when I took a beer glass full on into my face when things turned nasty one night at the Mecca and, as a result, he managed to get out in one piece. However that didn't stop him ripping myself and Neil Rushton off when Shalamar took off. I'm a believer in karma, so what goes around comes around. For instance, he always had appalling problems with a stomach ulcer so he spent a massive amount of time doubled-up in pain. When I saw him again some 17 years later, he was still in great pain. In fact, I seem to remember that Les McCutcheon had to bail him out so he could get some stomach surgery in the mid 90's. Irrelevant I know, but if you live by the sword etc, etc..... Ian D
  2. Ian Dewhirst
    I took him and Sabrina to a Morrocan Castle just off Sunset, which was his favourite restaurant. Pigeon pie and cous cous. The food was pretty unbelievable and that was actually a good night. I seem to remember he was on top form that night and cracked up everyone who was waiting for their cars to be brought by the valet..... Ian D
  3. Ian Dewhirst
    I guess he's the easiest target. The fact is that many people did business with him, many without even knowing because Simon was pretty much the ONLY U.S. based supplier of prime Northern Soul in the early 70's. So whether you bought your records from many of the dealers or bought your bootlegs from Selectadisc, Soussan was generally involved somewhere along the line. The last time I saw him was 1990 and he wasn't doing so well then, living in a basic apartrment somewhere around Santa Monica I believe with a new wife and a couple of kids. The point that people maybe miss, was that Soussan, hustler or not, was a true lover of Soul music. He also knew, was generally liked by, and got on, with many artists. He introduced me to Solomon Burke, Ike Turner, Jack Ashford, James Jamerson and countless others. So he was a small-time hustler who got out-hustled himself by much bigger, more respectable hustlers, like happens every day to most of us. In the grand scheme of things, S.S. isn't even a blip compared to, say, UBS who got fined $1.5 billion today for rigging the libor rate (like Barclays before them) or the scum bankers and politicians who have recently ripped us off etc, etc, so no point in getting hysterical over a small-time hustler like Simon. There are far worse people around than him believe me. Ian D
  4. Ian Dewhirst
    He was a regular fixture @ the Hollywood Swap Meet which I think was the first Sunday of every month in the mid 70's. You'd often get people rolling up with trucks full of 45's. Unfortunately Simon was always there, often going directly from Chez Nous in Beverly Hills which closed @ 4.00am...... I just googled and found this.... https://gogonotes.blogspot.co.uk/2008/03/197677-capitol-records-swap-meet.html Ian D
  5. Ian Dewhirst
    It's an open forum so anyone can post about anything. Like it or not S.S. discovered 100's of incredible Northern Soul records, doubtless many that you'll probably love, so how you can say it's not good history is difficult for me to comprehend. Just because he was a shyster didn't mean it was 'bad' history whatever that means..... Feel free to start some threads on your own choices if you like.... Ian D
  6. Ian Dewhirst
    I agree pretty much with everything you say. He was an incredible talent whether you liked him or not and certainly his nose for Northern Soul was just incredible. Many many times I've seen him in Warehouses or Garages that I'd lost interest in going through anymore and he's suddenly pull a record out, study it and say, "this is the one baby boy. I can smell it" and he'd be right. He had an encyclopedic knowledge of arrangers, producers, writters and publishers and no matter how old looking or straight the label was, he'd often see something that most people would have missed at the time. He was definitely in the right place at the right time to find stuff though and he sure didn't dick around once he got going. I think once he'd done that first Colony trip in '71 or thereabouts he was always heading towards L.A. (via a year in Mexico City whilst he waited for his green card). By the time I got there, he'd already cleaned up massively (and got banned from most places in the process). Out of most people I'm probably the one who should moan the most, since neither Neil Rushton or myself never saw any of the proceeds from a million-selling record we collectively co-produced. Mind you, Simon then got shafted when Soultrain went bust, so there's always a bigger shark around...... That Don Cornelius clip is kinda ironic as well, since Simon got ditched by Soultrain after producing half of the Shalamar album! Simon and Don knew each other long before Shalamar via a club called the Candy Store. In fact, the first night I got to L.A. Simon introduced to Don at that very club. Wouldn't swap the memories of that trip for anything though! Ian D
  7. Ian Dewhirst
    I think he'd filtered it off for a few years up until Les got it. He certainly had multiple thousands of 45's in 1976 and that was just at his house. He told me that he also had a climate controlled room with the bulk of his collection there, but I'm somewhat sceptical that it ever existed. On the other hand, I never saw anything in bulk ever at his apartment and I know he did several major warehouse trips just in the 6 months I was in L.A., so I don't know where he put that stuff. One time I was at the Hollywood Record Fair in the Capitol Records car park and Bob 'The Bear' Hite from Canned Heat pulled up in a pick-up truck that was loaded with with around 10K 45's that he was giving away and Simon took them all! I dunno where those went either but he picked up a ton of great early 70's stuff from that load alone. Maybe he had a storage unit somewhere....?# Ian D
  8. Ian Dewhirst
    His original L.A. collection, or the bits I saw of it, was phenomenal as you'd expect. All perfectly alphabetised so he could lay his hands on a record quickly. Quite often I'd find a tune in L.A. and ring him about it and within seconds he'd have his own copy in his hands from his cupboards. He only really liked 100mph traditional Northern Soul and was very dismissive of anything mid-tempo, funky or crossover as we now know it. However, he'd usually have a reference copy of most things to hand. On the odd occasion when I was at his place and he was on the phone in the other room I'd start looking through his shelves and just staring at stuff I'd never seen before and then he'd come back in the room and say, "what ze f*ck are you doing"? That's my collection and no one is allowed to see it" and then slam the sliding door to the cupboard shut almost trapping my fingers....... He also made a point of taking multiple copies of the same record from any finds, so he could locate the best copy 'for his collection'. The famous story is that when Kev found the Casualeers on an L.A. record dig with Simon, Simon took all 50 copies as he 'had to have the cleanest copy'. Naturally Kev never saw the other 49 Casualeers ever again. Ian D
  9. Ian Dewhirst
    It's pretty funny that on a scene which prides itself on finding obscure musicians who no one has ever heard of, it seems so difficult to track down a successful record producer from the 1970's? Maybe he doesn't want to be found ay? Ian D
  10. Ian Dewhirst
    That's an unfortunate identical name to have isn't it? Ian D
  11. Ian Dewhirst
    That's not the Simon Soussan I knew...... Ian D
  12. Ian Dewhirst
    Mmm. Just wondered really. Some of the releases seem to hold their own on Discogs..... The Soussan connection was probably all my fault as I introduced Simon to Tom following a meeting I had with Tom when he was @ Motown. I would never have got through the door had Tom not talked to me in Motown's reception and he was the first guy to see the potential in "Uptown Festival" by Shalamar...... Ian D
  13. Ian Dewhirst
    That was probably the wrong time to be making records in L.A. Robb, especially for a little indie. The New York labels were really doing it in the early to mid 80's and probably had a better base and distribution for black/dance music generally. Also, something else I noticed from that era, is that TONS of L.A. independents never made it out of California and almost never into the UK via the main importers. I also thought decent distribution was patchy for the indies in the 80's. When Prioirty/Ruthless came along in the 90's things got much more accessible and national hits started happening again....... Who's got the catalogue these days out of interest...? Ian D
  14. Ian Dewhirst
    LOL, not me. Records are meant to be played, not displayed. I'm pretty good at putting 'em back in the sleeves at least...... Ian D
  15. Ian Dewhirst
    Yep, his wife was called Sabrina. I actually went to the wedding...... Ian D
  16. Ian Dewhirst
    LOL Brilliant! Spot on! Ian D
  17. Ian Dewhirst
    Famous Northern Soul couple finally agree to final casting....... Ian Levine & Simon Soussan will be played by.... Russell Grant and..... Frankie Valli..... Ian D
  18. Ian Dewhirst
    Yes, Goole, that well-known suburb in Casablanca. Apparently Simon tried to introduce the concept of battered Mars bars to the good citizens of Casablanca, selling them as a UK 'regional delicacy' but for some reason it didn't wash with the locals and they got booted out and moved to France. It's obviously a heredity thing. Have you ever been to a Morrocon bazaar? It's bloody hard work...... Ian D
  19. Ian Dewhirst
    Whoops....I seem to be repeating myself. Bloody I-phones LOL.... Ian D
  20. Ian Dewhirst
    I don't know unfortunately. Details are always sketchy with guys like Michel, whoops sorry, Simon. The guy's a human chameleon. The last I heard was that he's become an orthodox jew and has renounced his former life. But that's just hearsay thus far. I'm curious though, so if anyone knows more, then pray speak... Ian D
  21. Ian Dewhirst
    I don't know unfortunately. Details are always sketchy with guys like Michel, whoops sorry, Simon. The guy's a human chameleon. The last I heard was that he's become an orthodox jew and has renounced his former life. But that's just hearsay thus far. I'm curious though, so if anyone knows more, then pray speak... Ian D
  22. Ian Dewhirst
    Bargain Of The Day! For the next 7 hours you can pick up Acid Jazz: The 25th Anniversary Box Set at a mind-blowing £29.99 inc delivery! Happy Xmas! https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B009DW5Z2Y/ref=s9_simh_gw_p15_d0_i1?pf_rd_m=A3P5ROKL5A1OLE&pf_rd_s=center-2&pf_rd_r=1S8AKHQ1SDZZ09BHRKCP&pf_rd_t=101&pf_rd_p=317828027&pf_rd_i=468294 Ian D
  23. Ian Dewhirst
    It was. I can remember Levine blasting upon his return from a trip to the U.S. This was when traditional stompers were being played alongside more contemporary stuff........... Ian D
  24. Ian Dewhirst
    More information about "Stocking Fillers 5 More Super-Value Backbeats Artists Comps For Xmas"
    I'm a bit late on these due to workload, moving home etc, but these 5 releases came out on Monday and are available at all good music stores for a fiver a pop or thereabouts! Pretty much unbeatable value for such timeless music! BACKBART006 Bobby Patterson — Texas Soulman Extraordinaire Compiled by Sean Hampsey 1. This Whole Funky World Is A Ghetto 3.27 - Bobby Patterson 2. If You Took a Survey 2.39 - Bobby Patterson 3. It Takes Two to Do Wrong 2.08 - Bobby Patterson 4. How Do You Spell Love 2.25 - Bobby Patterson 5. Right On Jody 3.10 - Bobby Patterson 6. Quiet! Do Not Disturb 2.05 - Bobby Patterson 7. I Just Loved You Because I Wanted To 2.25 - Bobby Patterson 8. Make Sure You Can Handle It 2.44 - Bobby Patterson 9. What Goes Around Comes Around 2.50 - Bobby Patterson 10. If Love Can't Do It (It Can't Be Done) 2.55 - Bobby Patterson 11. Everything Good To You (Don't Have To Be Good For You) 3.00 - Bobby Patterson 12. I Get My Groove From You 3.24 - Bobby Patterson 13. Recipe for Peace 3.18 - Bobby Patterson 14. I'm In the Wrong 4.29 - Bobby Patterson 15. One Ounce Of Prevention 3.03 - Bobby Patterson 16. Take Time To Know The Truth 3.39 - Bobby Patterson 17. She Don't Have to See You (To See Through You) 3.23 - Bobby Patterson Amazon Link:- http://www.amazon.co...54882626&sr=1-1 BACKBART007 Lee Dorsey — Big Easy Soul Champ Compiled by Dean Rudland 1. Get Out My Life Woman 2.28 - Lee Dorsey 2. Give It Up 3.01 - Lee Dorsey 3. Everything I Do Gonna Be Funky 3.03 - Lee Dorsey 4. Four Corners 2.46 - Lee Dorsey 5. Ride Your Pony 2.50 - Lee Dorsey 6. Working In A Coalmine 2.46 - Lee Dorsey 7. Go Go Girl 2.07 - Lee Dorsey 8. Can You Hear Me 2.17 - Lee Dorsey 9. Here Comes The Hurt Again 2.36 - Lee Dorsey 10. The Greatest Love 2.22 - Lee Dorsey 11. Work Work Work 2.37 - Lee Dorsey 12. Shortnin Bread 2.58 - Lee Dorsey 13. Little Ba-By 2.51 - Lee Dorsey 14. Candy Yam 2.18 - Lee Dorsey 15. Holy Cow 2.30 - Lee Dorsey 16. People I Wish You Could See 2.05 - Lee Dorsey 17. Take Care Of Love 3.17 - Lee Dorsey 18. Feelin’ 2.02 - Lee Dorsey 19. Cynthia 3.16 - Lee Dorsey 20. Hello Mama 2.30 - Lee Dorsey 21. Vista Vista 2.42 - Lee Dorsey 22. Confusion 2.40 - Lee Dorsey 23. Wonder Woman 2.41 - Lee Dorsey 24. The Kitty Cat Song 2.07 - Lee Dorsey Amazon Link:- http://www.amazon.co...54882703&sr=1-5 BACKBART008 Syl Johnson — Mississippi Mainman Compiled by Dean Rudland 1. We Did It 2:36 - Syl Johnson 2. The Love You Left Behind 2:46 - Syl Johnson 3. Keepin' Down Confusion 2:43 - Syl Johnson 4. Main Squeeze 3:09 - Syl Johnson 5. Star Bright Star Lite 2:56 - Syl Johnson 6. Anyway The Wind Blows 2:55 - Syl Johnson 7. Wind, Blow Her Back My Way 2:26 - Syl Johnson 8. Steppin' Out 3:22 - Syl Johnson 9. I Hate I Walked Away 3:28 - Syl Johnson 10. That's Just My Luck 3:13 - Syl Johnson 11. I Hear the Love Chimes 2:46 - Syl Johnson 12. Back for a Taste of Your Love 2:37 - Syl Johnson 13. Anyone But You 2:36 - Syl Johnson 14. Could I Be Falling In Love 3:11 - Syl Johnson 15. I Wanna Satisfy Your Every Need 2:46 - Syl Johnson 16. Who's Gonna Love You? 4:44 - Syl Johnson 17. I Want to Take You Home (To See Mama) 2:38 - Syl Johnson 18. You Don't Know Me 4:03 - Syl Johnson 19. I Let a Good Girl Go 4:21 - Syl Johnson 20. Let Yourself Go 3:11 - Syl Johnson 21. Come On Home 3:26 - Syl Johnson 22. Please Don't Give Up On Me 2:36 - Syl Johnson 23. Stand By Me 3:18 - Syl Johnson 24. I Only Have Love 3:05 - Syl Johnson 25. Take Me to the River 3:04 - Syl Johnson Amazon Link:- http://www.amazon.co...54883113&sr=1-3 BACKBART009 Chairmen Of The Board - Executive Group Compiled by Dean Rudland 1. Working On A Building Of Love 2.57 - Chairmen Of The Board 2. You’ve Got Me Dangling On A String 2.59 - Chairmen Of The Board 3. Pay To The Piper 3.08 - Chairmen Of The Board 4. Give Me Just A Little More Time 2.43 - Chairmen Of The Board 5. Everything’ Tuesday 2.50 - Chairmen Of The Board 6. Chairman Of The Board 3.36 - Chairmen Of The Board 7. Elmo James 4.21 - Chairmen Of The Board 8. Finders Keepers 4.09 - Chairmen Of The Board 9. Everybody Party All Night 4.08 - Chairmen Of The Board 10. Feeling Alright 3.43 - Chairmen Of The Board 11. Come Together 3.51 - Chairmen Of The Board 12. Skin I’m 4.17 - Chairmen Of The Board 13. I’m A Sign Of Changing Times 5.44 - Chairmen Of The Board 14. I’m On My Way To A Better Place 4.06 - Chairmen Of The Board 15. Hanging On To A Memory 4.13 - Chairmen Of The Board 16. Since The Days Of Pigtales (and Fairy Tales) 2.43 - Chairmen Of The Board 17. Patches 3.32 - Chairmen Of The Board 18. When Will She Tell Me She Needs Me 3.05 - Chairmen Of The Board 19. Let’s Have Some Fun 3.44 - Chairmen Of The Board 20. So Glad You’re Mine 4.14 - Chairmen Of The Board 21. You’ve Got Extra Addded Power In Your Love 3.30 - Chairmen Of The Board Amazon Link:- http://www.amazon.co...54883067&sr=1-1 BACKBART010 Sydney Joe Qualls —Windy City Wailer Compiled by Ralph Tee 1. Next Time I Fall In Love - Sydney Joe Qualls 2. Where The Lillies Grow - Sydney Joe Qualls 3. Run To Me - Sydney Joe Qualls 4. I'm Being Held Hostage - Sydney Joe Qualls 5. I Enjoy Loving You - Sydney Joe Qualls 6. Can't Get Enough Of Your Love - Sydney Joe Qualls 7. Please Help Me - Sydney Joe Qualls 8. How Can You Say Goodbye - Sydney Joe Qualls 9. Shut Your Mouth - Sydney Joe Qualls 10. If You Don't Know Me By Now - Sydney Joe Qualls 11. I'll Run To Your Side - Sydney Joe Qualls 12. Let The Woman Know - Sydney Joe Qualls 13. I Don't Do This (To Every Girl I Meet) - Sydney Joe Qualls 14. So Sexy - Sydney Joe Qualls 15. Good Ol Funky Music - Sydney Joe Qualls Amazon Link:- http://www.amazon.co...54881953&sr=1-1 Happy Xmas! Ian D
  25. Ian Dewhirst
    Hi Roburt, I recommend 'em all obviously and I'm sure you can sneak 'em past the wife. I just shifted 5K vinyl, 2K cd's and 1K books to my new address, so I know all about wive's complaining LOL.... Sales on the Gospel set have been consistant if unspectacular, so I actually think it's done well for a left-field specialist release but it certainly helped that all the repertoire was from Jewel/Paula/Ronn since those are 'in-house' labels. If we can sell a further 1000 or so over the next year or two, then "Holy Spirit" will have served it's purpose for sure. I keep getting reports that some radio stations in the U.S. are only just discovering it, so there is a consistancy about it..... Ian D


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