Big Mick aka Fat Boy On Tour

A PERSONAL NOTE FROM THE FAT BOY HIMSELF……….

What a hectic few months it’s been leading up to Crimbo and the ensuing weeks during the festive season itself.  We’ve seen LES COKEL, BUB and CHARLIE FOXX passing away also BARBRA ACKLIN who would have gone down a storm over here if she’d done a ‘RITZ’ or a ‘CLEETHORPES’ or even a ‘LOWTON’ or ‘HEYWOOD’.   People enquiring, verging on the obsessive, demanding the release of issue 5 containing the BRENDA HOLLOWAY & JERRY ‘SWAMP DOGG’ WILLIAMS interviews which have been greatly welcomed and a sheer pleasure to conduct.  Due to other commitments I’ve only managed a few ‘pre-Crimbo’ write ups to go into issue 6 for which I apologise. Thank you to all those kind people who enjoyed the last issues and have made their comments known and also their suggestions for future issues.  I will endeavour to continue to ‘lighten up’ on the venue reports for your reading pleasure and will try to continue whilst still an ‘out patient’ at the Manchester Hospital for the terminally insane.  It has been noted that one or two of you have personal preferences or grievances regarding your local venues. This is your magazine and if you feel the need to put pen to paper, just sign it and send it in to the editor and as long as you don’t issue death threats we’ll print you comments. I try to get to as many venues as possible, if certain venues do not get a write up it is for any of the following reasons: 1.     I only do a write up on venues I can recommend.    2.      I may not have taken any notes on the night – even I get a night off.    3.  The dog chewed up my homework. One point I feel I must touch on due to quite a few people making comments regarding my ‘write ups ‘ on the venues in the magazine. I have been asked why I don’t ‘slag’ off certain venues when the attendance or the music content isn’t up to “acceptable standards”, there are also comments on why I give ‘certain’ venues a favourable write up when really I may not personally enjoy the evening. My answer is, the magazine is run by dedicated people on the ‘soul scene’ and we recognise the diversity of people’s tastes and expectations were soul music is so very wide in interpretation. It always has been, and I guess it will remain that way whilst we show an interest in the scene. I admit, there have been times I have done a report on a venue and personally, I would not go again for my own reasons.  But what you’ve got to accept is, I may not like the gaff or the music played but there may be 50, 100, 150 or more paying patrons to that particular venue who are dancing there little hearts out and loving every second of the evening.They are the ones that matter, they have paid their dues, grabbed a section of dance floor and commenced to cherish every note, beat and bead of sweat they can.  NORTHERN ESSENCE is your magazine and it is printed with the view to PROMOTE venues and the scene together. What right has ANY magazine to tell it’s readers not to attend a particular venue because the organiser won’t place an advert in the mag’ or the reporter can’t stand the gaff because he ‘d rather listen to an alternative selection of sounds?   I may hate a certain venue and vow never to set foot in there again but there may be many people in there on the same night enjoying themselves - what right have I to force my opinion on others.  If you want to read what I write, read between the lines if you must, but at the end of the day – try the gaff for yourself. If you don’t like the venue and never return then that’s your choice.  I have commented on one or two DJs who may not have been up to their usual standards on the night or have acted the pratt.    I don’t ever say ‘if so and so is spinning the placcy what-sits then don’t bother turning up’, that would not be acceptable.  Every one has an ‘off day’. I reserve the right to comment should I choose but not to force my opinions and prejudices on you, the reader.  It can be a ‘fine line’, and if I have upset anyone then it was never intended but we can all learn by our mistakes.   We’re not stupid kids any more, age has matured the way we air our views, so let’s hear yours. From all the slaves and editorial staff at NORTHERN ESSENCE we are pleased you have enjoyed all the hard work over the last year or so, this has been a team effort so make 1999 a bloody good year for our scene and just enjoy, BIG MICK.   P.S. DON’T FORGET THAT CLEETHORPES IS NOW THE 2^nd WEEKEND IN JUNE THIS YEAR.

231098. BOLTON JIVES THE NIGHT AWAY, aka PIGEON CLUB, BALMORAL WARM UPS & THE TOWN HALL ALL-NIGHTER.

This is going to be a sod of a night, there’s two warm ups and then the all-nighter to cover.  I’m already buggered after my little part time job doing 2 hours a night 3 times a week knocking on peoples doors for a fee that wouldn’t keep a rat fed on scraps.   Oh sod it, first stop was the PIGEON FANCYERS CLUB on Bridgeman street right smack bang (no puns intended) in the ‘red light’ area.  Even as I got to the entrance two young ladies were eyeing me up like the next sacrificial offering. “Eh up Shaz” says one tart, “ ‘ees a big un ain’t he?”.  I thought, putting on my tight pants was a good idea after all, funny how you get these premonitions like isn’t it. “Piss orf Kelly, fat bastards pay double……”, laughed the one who looked as if she had been dragged through some hedges backwards.  I was told later she was called ‘Benson’ (no? oh if you can’t keep up I’m not explaining). Cow, I spat under my breath, there was some thing odd about her, maybe the tattoos or the way her only tooth, blackened, wobbled in the breeze as she opened her gob - encrusted with white lipstick?  Nahhhh, I know what it was now, it was the large scar on the side of her face which was actually a zip so she could accommodate those of her clientele of well endowed proportions.   I got collared for the fee of £1.00 as I walked in, I’m ‘press’ I cried I’m here to do the write up, “sod off fat boy – pay up”.  Bloody ‘jobs worth’, there’s always one ain’t there?   For those of you who enjoy the odd throat wash of the strong alcoholic kind, this is the gaff to be at as the prices are very cheap indeed.  The room is short and narrow and possibly fit around 100 in, there’s pictures of mucky ‘birds’ on the walls but don’t get excited as they all won prizes for being outstanding pigeons of some description or other.   The only one I fancied would have been belly up between two slices of bread. JIMMY MURHEAD was responsible for the vinyl entertainment and he wasn’t doing a bad job, the lad.   Mainly oldies which put a smile on everyone’s’ face as they supped the cheap ale and attempted to crack pigeon jokes.   Like, …..did you hear about the Irish man who tried to kill his pigeon for five years…… the poor bugger couldn’t fly away as it had 5 pound of metal round one leg as the Irish man kept ringing his leg (oh sod yer).   DEREK (Mr Twisted Wheel) WATMOUGH & BERNARD were spinning deck for deck and it was a task and a half to tear myself away, but I promised to visit the ‘other warm-up’.        It was time for me to get myself over to the next warm up at the BALMORAL HOTEL. True to form, both warm-ups put on a good show with some top sounds that certainly got you in the mood for the all night stomp-a-thon. Upstairs in the BALMORAL, the room was similar to the one I’d just left.  CARL (as cool as a cryogenic cucumber) WILLINGHAM had the room shaking like LOUISE WOODWARD in a crowded nursery.  Amongst the selection from CARL were LIZ VERDE – ‘think it over’ and DOUGLAS BANKS – ‘ain’t that just like a woman’(fantastic, one of my all time bestest records).  Super-smooth LOUIS from ‘Bridges’ in Warrington (which unfortunately has finished) provided sounds that fitted the ‘bill’ and had the small dance floor filled to capacity.  The attendance was such that it felt like sardines crammed into a tin, elbowroom was a luxury but no one gave a damn.   You just couldn’t move, I got myself 3 wallets, two watches and bag of mint imperials complete with fluff.  This was turning out to be a ‘class’ night. Only too soon it was that time I got my arse over to the all-nighter, what I saw when I arrived was heart warming – the queue almost went round one side of the building and it wasn’t even 11.45 pm.  The local council had seen fit to provide an army of ‘doormen’, which weren’t needed, and the council had seen fit to charge the record dealers a stupid and unacceptable £30.00 for a table from which to sell the records. This was pathetic and I only hope the tight-fisted council look at the results of the night and the bloody hard work and dedication of certain individuals to stage this event. They then may realise the future potential of more such events and possible live acts where another regular income can be derived for the benefit of the local tax payer by means of hire charges and bar concessions.  By ‘fleecing’ people they only create indifference that could be detrimental to producing a regular class venue and at such an early stage in the venues’ existence this could be fatal.  Local councils should help promote such interests for the people who vote them into power, as long as the bill doesn’t fall to the local tax payer and the council makes ‘something’  - life’s hard enough without being ‘screwed’ every way you turn. Come on BOLTON COUNCIL, lighten up, the money is going into your account – it could have gone to MANCHESTER!, whatever happened to ‘public relations’?   As I didn’t stay too long due to my little lad having a football match early that morning and I was selling the latest edition of NORTHERN ESSENCE I only managed to get a few notes down. But even so, from my observations and conversations with many people at the all-nighter, it was a foregone conclusion that this was a success.      TERRY DAVIS’s lovely daughters were taking the money on the door, I liked them straight away as they refused to take any of my fish & chips when offered. I did manage to walk round from time to time making notes, I got peed off with a few strangers thinking I was a ‘bouncer’ and asking where the damn toilets were.  True to form and tradition (it seems), many old faces loomed out of the shadows that hadn’t been seen since before WIGAN CASINO held their final bonfire and roasted jacket potato party.  Did you ever think how convenient it was that a fire happened to start as and when it did, workers’ forgetfulness, oops?    Anyhow, that’s all over and done with, but that’s what I like about the ‘soul scene’, old mates and acquaintances appear now and again, but don’t it make you feel old?   Well some of you!    Also nervous if you still owe them money! CARL still had things under control in the main hall whilst TERRANCE (TOWN HALL) DAVIS played modern and crossover in the adjoining room along the lines of PRETENDERS – ‘call it love’, ACE SPECTRUM – ‘don’t send nobody else’ and AL WILSON – I’ve got a feeling’.  My ‘twin’, GINGER, soon presented his selection of sounds which had feet thumping and pounding away on the dance floor, ‘Martha Reeves – no one there’, ‘Poets – wrapped around your finger’, ‘Yum Yums – big thing’. RICHARD SEARLING’s theme continued on the oldies and included the first record played at the venue at BURNDEN PARK – BLACKBEAT all those years ago, Lynn Randell - ‘stranger in my arms’. The dance floor was used to the full, the atmos sheer classic enjoyment of all things soulful. The whole gaff was ‘buzzing’, people dancing, sweating, clapping, spinning – all the ingredients for a very successful evening.     As I made my early exit, I noticed a few people outside trying to get in. They arrived a little bit late and were not allowed in until some one came out. At least my going early permitted some one else the chance to experience the venue.  Due to a fire regulation permitting a given amount of people admitted, there were those who just had to queue up and wait, shame really but this reflects the success of the evening.   A lot of hard work and dedication has been put into the organising of this venue.  There’s been the inevitable pit-falls, which were overcome through sheer doggedness in order to stage this all nighter.  It’s not easy to get a blinkered council to agree to allowing an event like this due to old memories of drug abuse and the fear of crowd disturbance, rioting, looting, murder and the unacceptable crime of letting down tyres on the odd Police car.  Lighten up, the only disturbance on the night was no soap in the ‘Gents’.  Watch out for future events here.     Atmos  10/10.    Sound system   8/10.     Venue   9/10.    Dance floor  9/10.     Car parking    (around the gaff and close-by free car parks)   9/10.   Total 45/50.     Enjoy, BIG MICK.

101098.                                                 FYLDE RUGBY CLUB.

Back to my second home, the Fylde coast were the spectres of long ago in my memory return like old friends.  It’s one place I really enjoyed living and working, unless you’ve lived in Blackpool / Fylde you probably won’t understand but the atmos’ and clean air together with the ‘Blackpool smell and sounds’ are an experience which will always remain in my mind. Being locked up in the old North shore ‘nick’ where the registry office now stands and ‘belly surfing’ through the seafront gutters after a night out brings a tear to my eye, oh bollocks.  Tonight’s’ little journey takes me to the habitat of that rare indigenous species frequently found foraging for various sounds which induce the inner sanctum of ones’ being for the desire to stomp ones’ feet upon a wooden dance floor whilst spinning wildly, the FYLDE RUGBY CLUB, LYTHAM.  Move over RICHARD ATTENBOROUGH, you toss pot leave this to the professionals. The gaff opens at 8.00pm and the admin’ a mere £3.00.  DRAC, ROB SWAYES, BRIAN WAKELIN and EDDY (Mr Tenerife) EDMONSON were all set to get the party underway. Big bad BRIAN jumped off the back of his jam jar and ambled over to force the decks to produce his intended offering of the night. This he did in the guise of PAUL THOMPSON – ‘special kind of woman’, ROSEVELT GREER – ‘in my tenement’, GENE CHANDLER – ‘let me make love to you’ and BESSIE BANKS (I don’t think she’s related to ROGER) – ‘don’t you worry baby’. As always it’s a slow start but when things do start to move it inevitably turns out to be a great night out. DRAC who seems to enjoy the MOTOWN selection, provided the Temptations and Marvin Gaye uptempo tracks to cater for the wide tastes of the regulars.  One track I thought was excellent was RHONDA DORIS – ‘can you remember’, on DUKE, brilliant. Unfortunately, I lost the play list for DRACs’ spot (sorry DRAC). The next up was ROB SWAYLES and soon the gaff was rocking to the sounds of PRINCE PHILLIP MITCHEL – ‘I’m so happy’, BOBBY WOMACK – ‘that’s were the heart is’, DRYAZABONE, MOMENTS, NOLAN POTER etc. Many of the old ‘Blackpool’ sounds got a spin also. FRANK (it’s the way I tell ‘em) CARSON was knocking back the throat wash and copping an ear full in one corner surrounded by ‘hangers on’. Someone turned the main lights off and somewhere in the dark depths of the dance floor sweaty bodies commenced to slither and grind to the beat of GIL-SCOTT HERONS’ – ‘in the bottle’. ROB did a fine job, he reached in to his record box, pulled out a bottle and poured the contents of atmos’ all over the floor, this was turning out to be one of the best nights here for a while. I had to use an ‘eye drop’, due to an irritation. Damn good it was too, both eyes dropped out, one was later found across the room under a table. I had to refit both with a ‘socket’ wrench, (ha, di, ha, ha.. socket – eye?  No?  Oh, suit yourself).Before I left, I managed to cop an ear full of EDDY’s spot (I know, I shouldn’t have stood too close), the ‘web master’ himself.        EDDY provided some of the same with his choice of renditions from BABS LYNN – ‘trying to love two’, BOBBY PATERSON – ‘I’m in love with you’ and DIANA ROSS – ‘stormy’.      He took the gaff by the balls and squeezed the hell out of them.   Enjoy – BIG MICK.   Music policy is ‘across the board’ leaning more to the oldies.       Atmos   7/10,   sound system   7/10,    dance floor      8/10,  venue   8/10,   car park    9/10.   Total = 39/50.

080199.                          HEYWOOD CIVIC HALL.

I’m always cautious when attending a venue were, once, someone else (Mr WINSTANLEY) used to run it a while back.  Will it be like starting an old banger with a starting handle, same crowd that dwindled away last time, boredom and apathy rekindled? All these thoughts were going through my mind, which never takes long to ‘do the circuit’.  The ‘Civic Hall’ is in the centre of Heywood – as you approach from the Bury end and take the short one way town centre route behind the shops, bear right around the poor excuse for a round-a-bout.   Where the road forks, take the right hand lane for Manchester and the hall is about 300 yards on your right, opposite the ‘New Vic’ run by SMILA.   Admission is £3.50 and there’s a more than acceptably sized floodlit car park.    The gaff is a fairly modern affair, large, comfy and fine acoustics.   This is certainly going to be a venue I will fully recommend for future visits.    It was 1.40am and the last record had been played and people were leaving before I realised just how late it was and wondered were time had gone, but for a few niggling points which will quickly be rectified, I enjoyed every moment here.    Like I said, this is a revitalised venue with new organisers, TOM CORBETT & STEVE ANDREW.  The first ‘trial’ gig was in NOVEMBER 1998, with favourable indications of better things to come TOM & STEVE grabbed the chance of 12 months-contracted dates. The resident DJ list reads as STE (tunerooney) GARNER, LESTER(I’m on tele and I wear a pink jacket), BOB RICHARDS, DEREK (Mr Twisted Wheel) WATMOUGH, STE ANDREW and PETE.G.    LESTER, already positioned behind the decks like a perverted shepherd in wellies, was enticing the dancers to partake of the dance floor facilities and ‘party’. The ‘lad’ was trying hard but for the sodding sound system ‘acting’ up.   It was proving to be more than a match despite much attention and knob twiddling by everybody with a silver life saving badge or knowledge in the gentle art of electrical maintenance – by which I mean hit the bugger with a big hammer.  LESTER played to the paying punter as expected and, professional that he is, didn’t let the sound system deter him from doing his ‘job’.    ‘Stanley Mitchell – get it baby’, ‘ Patrice Holloway – stolen hours’, Holly St James – that’s not love’ classic sounds form the lad himself. Following LESTER was the rare groove man DEREK WATMOUGH.   He played a brilliant spot as always with a combination of obscure and oldies, which certainly had me foaming at the mouth and wanting more.  Freddie Houston – soft walking’, (brill’) ‘Lillian Dupree – hide and seek’(class track), ‘Lorraine Taylor - 3 dollar kid’ (excellent), Nancy Wilcox – coming on strong’ (nice one) and ‘Maxine Brown – yesterdays kisses’.   The mood was set, and everyone settled down to make the most of the evenings’ offerings of the soulful kind. The dance floor was large and accommodating, although a bit ‘dry’, it was used for the purpose it was installed – like the sound system – it got some hammer.   To my delight, the management provided hot scran such as chips, curry and sausage rolls etc (curry & chips £1.00). Preston Grasshoppers very own JOHNNY PEARSON and the sexy KARON turned up handing out fruit flavoured toffee lollipops whilst distributing their ‘flyers’. JOHNNY also offered me a substantial ‘bung’ to do an “excellent write up” at a forthcoming Grasshoppers venue. If any one else would like to bribe me with scran or paper folding of the spending kind I am always ready to discuss terms as long as the editor doesn't find out as he'll want his cut.    STEVE (tunerooney, I got this out of TERRY DAVIS’s box when he wasn’t looking) GARNER had a difficult job following DEREK.  STEVE knuckled down to produce a range of oldies to keep the dance floor buzzing.  I thought he would have gone for his usual ‘modern’ selection so I was quite surprised when he went down the ‘oldies’ trail.   Soon the modern side of GARNEROONEY crept in and took over, clever lad, gave out the oldies like a retirement home owner with an unwanted surplus of wrinklies that were no longer needed then slowly introduced the newer stock. These in the guise of, ‘Dryazabone – preasure’, ‘Showmen – our love will grow’, ‘Saphires – got to have your love’ and ‘Greg Strong – I’ll be around’, bit of a mixture but with everything else it worked.  This is a gaff worthy of an all nighter, which may already be turning the cogs in the minds of the organisers – licences permitting. That there DJ people keep saying is my twin brother began to select his chosen tracks for his spot.  GINGER (I’m slimmer than you, fat boy) TAYLOR held court and ordered all who attended to party.  The atmos’ arrived and things started to get serious.      This was turning out to be a damn good venue and I for one didn’t want to miss it. I was really enjoying my little self, everything seemed to be just right.  I’ve been to many venues and thought most were worth visiting again but this one turned out to be one of the few I would personally vote for a hasty return.   There were times, thanks to the bloody revolving mirrored ball and the sound system that moments grated on my nerves like a piece of squeaky chalk being used on a blackboard.    By the time you get to read this all those problems should have been corrected, teething problems that’s all, every venue gets them at the beginning. ‘Competition’ and ‘trying to love two’ filtered across the floor along with ‘Jimmy Ruffins’ he who picked his nose….’ There were quite a few local and not so local venue organisers present from gaffs in Yorkshire and Llandudno, Manchester etc.  That in itself told me that this gaff was causing more than a little interest amongst the Northern Soul scene.  Tonight boasted a well-balanced selection of DJs that covered the required sounds for all there, this is most definitely a venue going from strength to strength.  Give it time to sort itself out and I’m sure thiswhatata will be another main event in the Northwest.  One of the last records played on the naight was the ‘Yum Yums – gonna be a big thing’, ‘nuff said, enjoy, BIG MICK.      Dance floor      8/10,           sound system       3/10,        carpark     8/10,       atmos       7/10,         venue      9/10.TOTAL = 35/50.     Room for improvements, but ‘Rome wasn’t built in a day’, you’ve got to try this venue at least once.    Future dates:  19^th March,  2^nd April,  7^th May,   11^th June.   All enquiries to 0161-764-7117 or 01706-653300.

230199.                                    KING GEORGES’ HALL, BLACKBURN.

This is another venue fat boys try to shy away from. Upstairs you have the Northern room and then all the way downstairs you have the funk/soul disco/jazz-funk fusion type music.  All very well and fine but when you’re doing the write up you inevitably find yourself going up and down like a nymphomaniac on a piece of elastic. Tonight is the 4th Anniversary and it’s expected to be packed as per usual. The first 500 or so are handed a little gift of a 7 inch disc, Darrel Banks – open the door to your heart on the A- side and Belita Woods – that’s when I’ll stop loving you  on the B-side. These proved popular with the ‘Northern’ crowd but downstairs were all things funky took control, the records littered the floor and were thrown behind the tables etc.  I picked up 20 of them, one thing I did notice was the inferior quality of the vinyl, it was very flimsy and most were warped beyond use.         Upstairs, KEITH MINSHULL welcomed tonight’s dancers with Holly St James - that’s not love and Darryl Banks - somebody somewhere.  The huge room reverberated with KEITHs’ offerings, though the temperature was on the cool side things soon began to heat up. It was strange for me here as I used to be one of the ‘bouncers’ here in 1979/80. Upstairs is were the live acts were staged, POLICE, STIFF LITTLE FINGERS and THE STRANGLERS and downstairs on a Wednesday night was the punk room with cartoons being played on a huge screen behind the DJ. But at that time, the downstairs room was only half the size it is today and the DJ entertained from the opposite end of the room were the stage is now.   I wonder how many local attendees of the JAZZ FM soul nights used to pogo like crazy to the SEX PISTOLS, UK SUBS and SHAM 69 whilst Bugs Bunny stuffed Elmer J Fudd on the big screen to tunes like Anarchy in the UK? It seems like a different world nowadays. Upstairs, KEITH got every body in the mood for the evenings’ entertainment I made my way downstairs to sample the delights of sounds on offer from the DJs, IAN GILLIBRAND, MARK GRICE, COLIN CURTIS and JONATHAN (from Notts). There was this hippie type guy with long hair and greying beard, whom I can only expect was COLIN, hasn’t changed much, eh?     Remember ‘Catweezle’ ? all COLIN  needed was a toad called ‘Touchstone’. IAN and MARK played deck for deck; RICHARD had just spun a few sounds that were absolutely fabulous. It was soon to prove hard to do a 50/50 write up on both rooms as I spent most of the night downstairs listening to old memories from the MANCHESTER RITZ all-dayer way back around 1976.  The sounds were sheer soul, the flowing melodic vibes and hypnotic beat was too hard to resist. After years of constant Northern this was a ‘time out’ for me. It felt right to take a transfusion of pure soul – part of the wide spectrum of our scene including the old funk beat, which I used to thrive on.  No way is this a ‘sell out’, you’ve got to remember, this is the beauty of our scene when so much diversity is there to be absorbed. During the night old sounds like People’s Choice – jam, jam, jam all night long, Crown Heights Affair – dancin’, Archie Bell and the Drells – soul city walking and Sylvettis’ – spring rain (I’m going to have to dig my 12 inch version on Salsoul out later) echoed around the room. There were many, many sounds played which I confess I have no idea what they were, but they just took my senses over, threw them against the sweat covered walls and stuffed them, exhausted back into my head crying for more.        From here, somewhat later, I rip myself away and climb the stairs to find UNCLE BOB HINSLEY keeping all on the dance floor and attempting to drag every bead of sweat from the cavorting bodies below him like NERO fiddling as ROME burned.  Gene Chandler – Mr big shot, Alfie Davidson – love is a serious business and Bobby Womack – so many sides of you. This was how things were to continue for the rest of the evening, the dance floor got a pounding from many feet, and it felt as if the management had turned the central heating on at last with the thermostat on full. KAREN from Preston Grasshoppers was celebrating her birthday complete with lollipops and balloons; yes JOHNNY PEARSON was there too!  They left the jar full of lollies unattended and so I helped to liberate a huge hand full to keep me going whilst downstairs. Time to descend the stairs again, lollipop in my gob, I made my way to the sanctuary afforded by means of the soulful offerings of COLIN CURTIS and fellow DJs.  At times, there was the odd sound I felt out of place but to be fair, the dancing crowd didn’t care. They came for a good time and they got it. One oddball sound was Crown Heights Affair – galaxy of love, it seemed a bit ‘poppy’ but I think that was just my opinion.  As I walked around the room sweaty bodies mingled in every spare space, conversations were in evidence debating sounds and topics such as to be expected at soul venues.  Both upstairs and down, almost gone were the hold-alls with the sewn on badges, but only to be replaced with modest bags and ‘carriers’. Still, people lined the walkways and corridors debating and exchanging phone numbers. Old friends found each other, some after many years.  As with most venues, people voiced their opinions on everything on offer, their likes and dislikes. Politics was the first word to spring to mind but don’t be quick to use that word as an over worn pair of shoes. If you accept that the scene is a melting pot of personalities and tastes, then perhaps also, you may agree that it shows an avid interest in the afore mentioned scene.  If people can argue, discuss, debate, defend and slag off certain points and issues doesn’t that suggest a scene whereby everyone participating in this fashion still has deep feelings for it?   We all have our own memories of how ‘it used to be’ and in the same degree, how we would like to see the scene now. Look around you when next at a major venue like King George’s, I don’t mean to sound patronising but rather as an experiment, listen to snatches of conversation as you wonder around. Try to analyse the many and varied body languages on display, maybe they say many, many things, included could be, ‘this is were I belong’ or, ‘I’d rather have it the old way’. It doesn’t matter, whatever the interpreted messages being telegraphed, it all still says one thing, the ‘buzz’ is still there. King George’s Jazz FM soul nights attract many re-emerging old soulies as well as the ‘die-hards’ and the local ‘let’s see what’s on’ crowd’, so the music is certainly diverse enough to satisfy all, especially downstairs.  As I sat taking notes, I noticed a few people dancing in a certain fashion. Some of you may accept that certain stages of the soul scene and certain clubs that had their own following and, perhaps, the people danced differently to others at alternative venues.  MANCHESTER TWISTED WHEEL was one such venue, the MANCHESTER RITZ was another.  At the RITZ the variance in music/funk was the main influence.  If you accept that and know what I mean then you’ll understand when I say that a few dancers around the ‘40’ plus age group were dancing similar to the fast feet shuffling manner which was in evidence at the MANCHESTER RITZ back around the 1976/7 era. I often wondered where that strange breed of dancers had disappeared to, they are now re-emerging and feet shuffling at a mad pace, dancing their hearts out here at KING GEORGES’.  This thumping ‘back beat’, heart ripping saxophone solos and electric lead together with horn sections really laid on the atmos in double thick helpings.  Some of the tracks which held the crowd captive were, Maze – joy and pain, Blair – nightlife, Gwen McCrae – keep the fire burning, Linda Clifford – runaway love and, of course, Rimshots – do what you feel. RICHARD SEARLING also supplied a list of mainstream tracks that may be your ‘cup of tea’. If you appreciate the JAZZ FM –KING GEORGES’ CELLER FULL OF FUNK then this listing will certainly be of interest to you. 1.    KEN BURKE – RISIN’ TO THE TOP (RCA).   2.   PIECES OF A DREAM – WARM WEATHER (ELEKTRA).    3.   JONES GIRLS – NIGHT OVER EGYPT (PHILLY INT’).  4.    BOBBY WOMACK/ WILTON FELDER – INHERIT THE WIND (MCA).     5.   JON LUCIEN – A TIME FOR ME TO FLY (RCA).   6.   BRENDA RUSSELL – IN THE THICK OF IT (A+M). Anyway, that is how I, personally, interpreted the whole ‘goings-on’ ‘in the basement’ (as per Etta James & Sugar Pie DeSanto). After getting slightly carried away I move back up the long weary steps to the upstairs offerings of all things Northern courtesy of my ‘twin’, GINGER (hope yer better after your operation r’kid). The dance floor reflected his personality as bodies interwove themselves into a dancing ‘mass’.  The room got hotter, the floor got fuller and GINGER went into overdrive. When Skip Mahoneys’ ‘JANICE’ hit the decks the whole room began to rock. There were a few conversation pieces doing the circuit on the subject of this gaff catering more for the returning oldies crowd after shaking off the cobwebs of time accumulated since the demise of the ‘CASINO’. I wouldn’t really like to comment on that topic, but I looked around and took the time to note the patrons of the evening.  There are a hell of a lot of attendees who have been travelling to various venues over the last few years together with many who have returned to the ‘fold’ over the last year or two. You get to recognise people on the scene if you are a regular attendee, I also noted a lot of new faces who may or may not have been on the scene at one time or other. All this together with faces that appear too young to have been into anything but SHAWADDYWADDY or NURSERY RHYMES the 1^st time around only lead me to one conclusion, WHO GIVES A DAMN?     Every one enjoyed them selves, why else would they be there?   The night was rounded off by a number of those people responsible for spinning the placcy whatsits, CHRIS KING, KEV ROBERTS, RICHARD SEARLING and DAVE EVISON. The evening drew to a close with the sounds of, you don’t love me, it gets to me and you didn’t say a word echoing throughout the hall.     Tonight, for me, the whole evening was made a success around the ‘cellar full of funk’; I enjoyed myself immensely listening to those memories.  Overall impressions, downstairs – absolutely fantastic.     Upstairs – for nostalgia and the chance, once more, to feel the heat of inflamed soul passion, not to be missed.     Down in the CELLAR FULL OF FUNK, atmos   9/10,    sound system  10/10,   dance floor  10/10,  venue   10/10.    Total = 39/40.         Upstairs in the SAUNA-A-LA-NORTHERN, atmos  10/10,    dance floor   10/10,   sound system (too much bass)    7/10,   venue 10/10.   Total = 37/40.     Anyhow, that’s how I saw it, both rooms were packed – judge for yourself and if you’ve not yet been here you’re the looser, enjoy – BIG MICK.

221198.      LES COKELL memorial and fund raising for Alzheimer’s Disease at the Ouzledale Social Club, Barnolswick.

ROMAN and co had organised this fund raising ‘bash’ in respect of LES COKELL and Alzheimer’s disease. The editor, PETE (GHANDI) COULSON and yours truly were asked to DJ and help raise funds. What a brilliant day out it turned out to be, it was a complete success. Many faces turned up that were well known on the scene and even LES’s parents, I believe, put in an appearance. Everyone wanted to make this a worthwhile day, there was an abundance of meat and potato ‘hash’, hot dogs, pie & mushy peas, sandwiches, ale, music and people out for a good time as LES would have wanted.    This was also a time to reflect on the loss of BUB, he was in our minds and hearts too. There was music across the board from an army of DJs and even RICHARD SEARLING managed to get out of doing the Sunday dishes and show his face. You could tell it was Sunday as RICHARD still wore his suit, getting the most out of it before he returned it back to the pawn brokers; fancy having to work on a Sunday poor bugger. GINGER was in fine form as usual, was that a red wig he had on his head or was it natural?  ROMANs’ wife, WENDY launched an all out assault armed with books of raffle tickets – no one was allowed to get away. TERRANCE DAVIS esq treated everybody to an array of modern and r&b / oldies. When it was my turn, I dedicated a record each to both LES and BUB.  Firstly, GENE McDANIELS – ‘it’s a lonely town without you’ and for BUB I played the track LITTLE SCOTTY and BRIAN REA played for the last record at TONY’s all-nighter at the beginning of November, THE ARTISTICS – ‘I’m gonna miss you’. The atmosphere was one of respect and enjoyment if you will accept those two simple forms of categories together.  I was told that that was how LES would had liked it to be and I know BUB would have given his seal of approval as long as people didn’t forget the reason for being there.   Plenty ‘neck wash’ was consumed along with the more substantial ‘gob fodder’ together with lashings of pickled red cabbage, luverly.  The pie tasting was run by GINGER (Tweedle Dee) TAYLOR and the judges were TIM BROWN of GOLDMINE fame, RICHARD SEARLING of JAZZ F.M. fame, KEV MURPH’ of LOWTON fame and me – BIG MICK of handsome bastard and all round  - welllll, just that I suppose – all ‘round’ fame!!   Offerings of pork pie were sampled and judged, but no bugger told me as I even started to eat the paper plate.   MURPH looked ill as he nibbled on his pork pie like KAREN CARPENTER on a ‘binge’, TIM, likle pinkie sticking out at the required 45 degrees also nibbled delicately.  RICHARD looking slightly lost, attempted to fit into the situation and put forward legitimate comments like, “I think that number 2 has serious culinary qualities sadly lacking to those of number 3”, myself, I just shoved them all in – swilled them around and looked for the next gob full.  GINGER (I’m on a diet) TAYLOR was a bit miffed as the pie he entered came last.   BRIAN WAKLIN did his bit on the decks (dirty sod) and when GHANDY (the editor) proceeded to spin the what-sits whilst wearing a black wig he commented to BRIAN, “you take your wig off and I’ll take off mine”. This got a round of applause, smarmy git, I thought I did the gags. Many an hour was spent listening to the excellent sounds and catching up on gossip.     No one wanted to leave as the atmos and music together with the company and good food made this a memorable event for those who knew LES. I never knew him, I have to admit.   For me I used this opportunity to show my respects to the lad and to remember, also, BUB with whom I had spent some time chatting away in quiet corners about days long gone, the PORTCULLIS and the LONDONER CLUB and the DOVE pub in Barnsley. The QUEENS HOTEL next to the bus station when at dinnertime back in about 1979 you could eat as much as you wanted for £1.50 and the many pie and peas stalls upstairs in Barnsley market.  Anyhow, up next, JOHNNY PEARSON, the clown Prince that he is, nearly fainted when he had to put some vinyl on instead of his CDs’. As I said, the whole shindig was a complete success and certainly one not to have been missed, the only drawback on the affair was the cigarette smoke. The whole gaff was full of it and we couldn’t open the windows or doors in case the locals complained about the noise. Not a problem if you smoke but one or two of us found it difficult to breath and my clothes stank like the inside of a stagnant ashtray the day after.    This venue on a ‘normal’ night is certainly one worth attending and I would seriously encourage you to try this for yourself. The Ouzledale Social Club is on Fountain street, town centre near the Police station, Barnoldswick, east Lancs.   For further information of this excellent venue, ring Roman on 01282 – 613020.    Venue   7/10.      Sound system   8/10.     Dance floor    7/10.       Atmos  9/10.     Total 33/40.         ENJOY, BIG MICK.

100199.                                                    ORWELL, WIGAN PEIR.

This is a Sunday evening venue for those of you who want to unwind after a hectic weekend scouring the country for other venues that provide non stop dancing and drinking. Also for those of you who like to ‘chill out’ and listen to some fabulous modern sounds with a few oldies and current big venue tracks thrown in.  All this together with good company, free sandwiches, DJs taking the piss out of each other, a very understanding landlord and the provision to even send out for local take-a-ways and you’ll be provided with plates, knives and forks etc from behind the bar for your convenience.  Certainly my kind of gaff.  The DJ line up each Sunday consists of, STEVE (LOONEROONEY) GARNER, TEZZER (OLD FATHER TIME) DAVIS, BOB (INTERESTING) RICHARDS and STEVE (YEP, I’M HERE TOO) CONNER. It’s the kind of gaff where DINO (DER MANAGEMENT) will only throw you out if you don’t make an arsehole of yourself.  I’ve tried other regular venues on a Sunday, McCAULEYS at Warrington which got ‘the chop’ due to a change in management and indifference, BRIDGES, also in Warrington which died off eventually due to God knows what and so on. All have been great venues in their time but a degree of indifference and prima-donna management have all proved fatal to their long-term existence.  Not so at this gaff, the management is a soul venue attendee almost as much as his patrons themselves.  DINO has been spotted at various venues when he is able to get cover for the bar and is almost a regular at LOWTON each month. So you see, we’re on a winner from the start as DINO is a ‘sound’ geezer and old ‘soulie’ who respects our scene.  Tonight, how ever, TERRY DAVIS is celebrating his 44^th birthday with all that turn up. Even his daughters attend, thank God they don’t look like him, they’re really bonny.  There’s plenty of free food as usual, and the party is already in full swing by the time I get there. The DJs do half hour spots each in rotors through out the evening.  Now and again, DJs who turn up with a box of sounds get to spin their tracks as long as they’re not 100 mile an hour stompers, who needs those on a late Sunday evening when you want to unwind? There’s plenty of witty banter between the DJs and one or two punters find themselves the brunt of a joke now and again. This must be, certainly, a venue that has to be tried at least once, and I’ll bet it won’t be your last. There’s no crowds fighting for the bar, just a hand full of regulars and first timers who always return. The gaff is built inside an old warehouse along side the LEEDS – LIVERPOOL canal with quite a few of the old fittings and character still in situ. The theme of the gaff lends itself to the old turn of the century oak panelled and frosted glass partitioned bar stalls of old WIGAN. Tastefully decorated and comfortable, th’owd Lancashire atmosphere (see, I can spell it) of wooden clogs and black shawls, clay pipes and bales of cotton draw you in and entice you to kick off your shoes and put on your rag slippers, relax and enjoy the entertainment.  Ee, nethen’, tha’s bairn git thy sen dairn here an’ sup thy sen some o’th’ale made from real Lancky wather an’ sample reet champion company o’ lads an’ lasses from th’ORWELL.  As I said it was old TEZZERs’ birthday, the flat capper himself was in fine fettle tonight and the party atmos filled the old gaff aided by many who turned up to partake of what was going to be a good night. The night before was the BROADWAY HOTEL, MORCOMBE venue you’ll find somewhere in this column, later TEZZER DAVIS and co went on to BRETBY all nighter and I was reliably informed that TEZZER dropped more than a bollock. Apparently, as it was TEZZERs’ turn to DJ, he was moving LESTERs’ record box to make room and unfortunately, LESTERs’ box had been placed upside down. As TEZZER lifted the box the lid opened and records tumbled out like confetti at a wedding. If anyone wants a copy of ‘out on the floor’, see LESTER, he’s got about 500 now.  Between the four DJs the music content was above par, although mixed and various, this could not detract any modicum of atmos on the night.        Here’s a taster of what you missed, ‘Ilana – where would you be today’, ‘Tony Middleton – Paris blues’, ‘Big Dee Irwin – you satisfy my needs’, ‘Babs Lynn – trying to love two’, ‘Al Johnson – I’ve got my second wind’, Johnny Taylor – just ain’t good enough’. The Big Dee Irwin track is so fantastic, that one track alone made the evening for me, what a fabulous beat ballad.  I’ve spent many a Sunday night here, it’s almost like coming home when you walk through the doors.  At the end of the night, TH’OWD TEZZER took to mimicking various DJs on the scene with everyone soon joining in.     All too soon it was time to make our way home, our cat had got out before we set off so I would have to spend the next hour walking around the streets shouting, ‘come here you ‘cooking fat’.  Well that’s what it tends to sound like after a couple of pints.  The ORWELL is open for sheer musical pleasure from 8.00pm – 11.00pm, things slowly wind down so there’s no rush to ‘sup thy ale’.  Admission is free, free butties are laid out about 10.00pm for any body who cares to stuff themselves, and all this is for your entertainment every Sunday neet, reet?    Atmos  7/10,   sound system 8/10,  venue   10/10,  dance floor (anywhere you want, it’s all wooden) 8/10.    Car park (across the road)   8/10    Total = 41/50.

220199.                                                   PAVILLIONS, WIDNES.

Can be a bit tricky to find if you’ve not been before, the easiest for us was down the M56 to junction 12.  From here follow the A557 for Runcorn, turn off at the signs for the ‘train station’ as you pass the chemical ‘plant’ all lit up like a Christmas tree.  At the top of the slip road turn left, follow the road up to the ‘T’ junction. Left here and as you start to go up the hill you’ll find a sign ‘PAVILLIONS’ about 300 yards further up on your left and the gaff is about another 300 yards behind that and can be seen from the road. There now, easy ain’t it? Tonight’s line up consists of BERNIE O’BRIEN, COG, and Mr Northern Essence himself, yer man, CARL (I might as well move in) WILLINGHAM. Being the old ‘ICI’ recreation club, you’d expect a degree of comfort due to the fact that ‘ICI’ are rumoured to have a few odd quid knocking about here and there. This gaff is built about the time most other working men’s’ clubs were springing up in the late 60s / mid 70s style a-la-flat roof / square (ish) façade. But inside and upstairs to the venue you’ll find a rather cosy, warm and welcoming affair. After a long trip to the gaff it’s certainly clean and homely enough to make you want to kick off you’re shoes and take in the sounds. Ah now, the sounds, this is another one of those venues which proudly boast a hard core of regulars who have supported it since it opened and return every month.  The music policy here is “club classics, 60s, oldies and newies, for the most part I would say at least 70 –80% club classics and oldies. I’ve noticed a lot more clubs going this way due to the demand for well known and tried and tested sounds from the days of sewn on soul badges on the hold all.     Other clubs go for more rarer / connoisseur / R&B, both meeting somewhere in the middle with x-over and modern as a form of mediator. If you appreciate venues such as NORTH CHESHIRE, PRESTON GRASSHOPPERS, KENDAL CRICKET CLUB etc, then you’ll love the PAVILIONS.   The people are as you would expect, friendly and accommodating.  The room is one of those long, seating at top and bottom with the main split-level ‘booth’ arrangements down one side.       The dance floor was utilised to the max’ all night and never cleared once, good sign, eh?    Take a bit of talc as it gets  a bit sticky. BERNIE’s selection was in the guise of Tune up, Right Track and At the top of the stairs, as COGs’ were,  My man’s a sweet man, Dust my broom and Janice. Both DJs kept the floor alive and buzzing, I reckon I could have played the ‘birdy song’ and it would have still been received well as every one was out for a good time and but for the end of the world, nothing was going to stop them.  We were later to sample COGs’ other talents at the end of the night, but you’ll have to wait for that. This all round good guy and local phenomenon, COG is putting his own venue together at the BIRCHFIELD HOTEL, Birchfield road, Runcorn.  This is on the 1^st Friday of each month, admission £2.00, 8-1.00 am and bar through till 12.00.  If you would like to offer your services as DJ please contact COG via STEVE FLETCHER, 01925 – 654772 as I don’t have a contact number for the man himself. Thanks to MARGERET and DICK for the pie etc, also to the ‘secret’ source for the big helping of spare ribs which I reluctantly shared, they were damn good.  As with all oldies venues the floor was virtually filled to capacity, COG played some x-over and upbeat modern tracks which went down a treat with the regulars.  Here I must apologise, it has been duly noted a lot of my venue reports feature the same DJs over and over again. This is not intended, but as most of the reports are within the Northwest, it can not be avoided when DJs are booked to attend because of their popularity.       These DJs are just complying with a request to entertain at many venues and so our paths inevitably cross constantly.  One such regular is CARL WILLINGHAM. One of the scenes’ highly respected DJs and someone who is so down to earth you’ll want to name your children after him.     I missed most of CARLs’ spot as I spent some time chatting to the organisers STEVE FLETCHER and BERNIE O’BRIEN.  These are the two dedicated individuals who brought over JERRY ‘SWAMP DOGG’ WILLIAMS and EDDIE HOLMAN (due at LOWTON in March). They have some fascinating tales from the 60s regarding hunting down records in obscure little shops and record dealers for those tracks which are worth a fortune now but were snapped up for 10p each (2 shillings). Tracks such as ‘Barbara Randolph – I’ve got a feeling’ and Kim Westons’ – I’m still loving you’, amongst many others on British 1^st issues and demos. CARL as always played exceptionally well, perhaps a little above what the oldies crowd were expecting but he soon adapted and his spot was a pleasure to listen to. Amongst his selection were, ‘at the top of the stairs – Colins and Colins’, and an alternative version of Jackie Edwards ‘I feel so bad’ from a French E.P. by Jackie Edwards. Time came and went taking a few punters with it, CARL was going to be hard to follow but it was up to BERNIE to bring the evening to a close. This he did with his, “couldn’t give a shit” spot. This is what he called it, you requested any track, no matter how ‘cheesy’ it was and he’d play it. This was just a spot were you’d unwind and perhaps have a bit of fun before going home. The dancers who were left took to the floor, no one seemed to take any notice of the time but ‘just kept on dancin’.  This is a novel way of rounding off the event and it appeared the normal ‘done thing’ here, but the best was yet to come.       COG was enticed to return to the stage were upon, he took the microphone and began to sing, un-aided, Jimmy Radcliffes’,  ‘long after tonight’s all over’. Believe me when I tell you, this guy has an amazing voice, the room fell silent and on his cue, we all joined in with the chorus.  There were the odd ‘bum note’ but I’m really trying to be objective, with a musician or two backing him you would not have been able to tell Jimmy Radcliffe from COG, amazing. The PAVILLIONS has been around for about 16 months and is supported by hard core regulars who are into classic and contemporary oldies.         For those of you who appreciate this avenue of the scene with the odd modern and x-over thrown in I can honestly and whole-heartedly recommend this venue.  Admission is £3.00.    Record dealers will be accommodated and are most welcome,  the venue is the 3^rd Friday every month and for more info’ you can reach STEVE on 01925 – 654772 or BERNIE on, 01925 – 861875.         Car park   7/10,   atmos  8/10,  venue  9/10,   dance floor (bring talc)   6/10,   sound system  8/10.   Total = 38/50.      Give this a try, enjoy, BIG MICK. 

020199.

DONAHEYS 2^nd ANNIVERSARY, JOLLIES ALL-NIGHTER LONGTON & TONYS BLACKBURN.

I didn’t realise that this was going to be a busy night, funny how the best plans get buggered up just as things look fine. I promised to do the anniversary write up for JIM and STEVE, which is why I found myself, once more, at this splendid venue.  Now I was informed that the ‘do’ was supposed to be on New Years’ Eve but the owner wanted it for herself. This was okay but the flyers and tickets were already printed up, anyway things were sorted out amicably which is rare on the scene were a conflict of opinions and wants are in evidence. I was about the first to arrive and it was bleedin’ cold up there.  I complained to the organiser but he just mumbled some fink about blubber and fat gits not needing heating – that and the fact no one had any change for the metre. Things were a bit on the slow side throughout the night, attendance sadly lacking.  Shame really as the music here, in my opinion, was the best of the evening.  LES HARE, old father time himself, opened up the venue like a scythe through left over Xmas turkey, he cut straight to the bone.  Amongst the initial sounds to burst forth like an over stuffed Granny with flatulence was that classic, ‘the panic is on’.  Have you noticed how some of the best DJs only ever do local gaffs and the same faces do the major gaffs like all-nighters. Some organisers probably stick with certain DJs because they are guaranteed to bring in more of the paper folding of the spending kind with which to splash out on big money sounds. Fine, but instead of the old “you DJ at my gaff and I’ll do a spot at yours” and the soul version of the ‘old school tie’.  Why not take some of the credit in bringing in new or even tried and tested local DJs who are only known in some little gaff the other side of the county.  Promote the scene not help it to stagnate. Let’s see more of those like LES HARE, DAVE RIMMER, GENTLEMAN JOHN, WAYNE SKEFFINGTON, DEREK WATMOUGH, JOE & SHEL, RACHELLE PIPPER, JIM BARRY, JOHN MILLS and many other DJs at more all nighters like the ‘RITZ’ and major soul venues; AS WELL AS the old favourites already doing the ‘rounds’, eh?  Meanwhile, back at the ‘grassroots’, LES provided all things soulful at DONAHEYS with a skilful hand, ‘Roy Hamilton – earthquake’, ‘Dee Dee Warwick – worth every tear I cry’, Jerry Jackson – it’s rough out there’, ‘Bab’s Lynn – moving on a groove’. LES HARE is a certain bet that a selection of rare grooves and killer tracks are on the menu for the night and tonight was no exception. The day he hangs up his record duster and finally locks up his box will be a very sad day indeed. Now that was just a taster of things to come to those who managed to get away from the brats and relatives this evening. Oh shit, I’ve got to be extra careful here if I want to keep my job, next up was the editor of this very mag’, my boss and God himself, PETE ‘GHANDI’ COULSON. The bald git plonked his tassel covered record box on the table behind the ‘decks’ and gently placed his rolled up umbrella next to it. Ever the show off, GHANDI took to the festive spirit (hic!) and even had a flashing red dot on his forehead, “because it’s Christmas for you jolly good fellows” he was quoted as saying.  He’s even tried to blend in on the soul scene, bless him, by getting around on his old LAMBRETTA. Thing is, those odd looking three wheeled relics put-puttin’ around Lancashire don’t half get a few laughs with the ‘EAT AT IQBALS’ stickers on the frilly tasselled canopy along with his LOWTON & GOLBOURNE anniversary stickers.  Delving into his box with a flashlight because it resembled the ‘black hole of Calcutta’ was a mystic feat in itself. GHANDI, with a ‘slight’ of hand, attempted to add a little spice to the proceedings by producing ‘Nappy Brown – coal miner (or ‘pit Walla’ as it’s known in INDIA)’, ‘Freddy King – 100 years’, ‘Lou Rawls – when love goes wrong’, ‘Betty Swan – when the love is gone’. Rumour has it that GHANDI only likes to play tracks on the ‘BUDDHA’ label, that’s probably why he lets me write for this mag’ as he heard some one once say I looked like that Buddha geezer! He played a good spot with a mixture of R&B, modern and a few 60s.   As time as elapsed, GHANDI is finding his own and acquiring a few choice tracks that go down very well. Feet were shuffling like Buddhists monks trying to avoid stepping on ants, there was only a dedicated small crowd in tonight but everyone was enjoying the selection on offer.   LES & GHANDI were going to be a hard act to follow and the only person to under take the task was the next up, CARL (it’s the way I tell ‘em) WILLINGHAM.CARL played gem after gem. You’ll have noticed people hassling the DJ for certain tracks to be played, CARL is the exception to the rule.  HE IS THE ONE who was constantly asking, “ what can I play for you?”.  What new breed of DJ have we witnessed evolving here were the DJ gives a shit what we want played and pesters the punter to the point of ecstatic rapture ensuring we listen to the sounds we want instead of forcing tracks down our throats we are sick of hearing.  Well done CARL, you’re a gentleman and truly a contentious DJ.   Some of the tracks played by the man himself were, ‘Joe Douglas – crazy things’, ‘Hayes Cotton – black wings have my angel’, ‘Excuses – trick bag’, ‘Cody Black – I’m slowly moulding’ and ‘Marva Josie – later for you’ (a £15.00 record now going for £300.00 because an influential DJ chooses to play it and the dealer can cash in on it big time, same goes for the record ‘trick bag’ reputed at £800.00 for a £20.00 record!!!!). If I can get CARL to play tracks from my DES O’CONNER collection will any body pay me a modest £350.00 per record – go on it’s a bargain, go on, I’ll sell you a MAX BYGRAVES for £200.00. The room filled with atmos’, the air was thick with emotion as each gem played by CARL assaulted the old ear whatsits with tumultuous fury, brilliant. The organisers for tonight, JIM & STEVE were also trying to raise enough paper folding of the spending kind by way of a raffle to pay for a recently presented bill. This due to some kind pissed up git who recently used the gent’s urinal to steady him self only to pull the damn thing off the wall leaving the organisers the expense of £95.00 for repairs.  Merry Christmas to that person whoever it was, I hope the rats chewed yer balls off in the gutter on the way home, you’re a blind pizza maker pal, (a useless tosser!). As our little entourage were leaving JIM BARRY began to spin the placcy whatsits.  Unfortunately, we had to leave as our next port of call was JOLLIES all nighter in Longton/Stoke-on-Trent. As we made our way to the door and saying our goodbyes, the sounds of ‘Guitar Ray – you’re gonna wreck my love’, ‘Lenny Woods – you had me fooled’ and ‘Tommy Navarro’s – I cried my life away’ were left echoing in our ears and on in our minds as we weaved our way through Manchester towards Stoke. The directions said some thing about getting on to the ‘A500 and the gaff would be around 150 yards further on – you can’t miss it’. On the A500 and 15 minutes later we eventually found the gaff.  As we got to the doors there were hastily stuck signs which we thought were about to inform us that some one had changed their mind and decided tonight would be a fine night to stay in and stick needles in the cat so it knew how the owner felt. ‘Go round the back’ said the notice so we went round the back.  Up the stairs towards the music and paid our dues. Bugger me, who’s revving away on the decks like a churchwarden in leather on a Suzuki moped but our very own UNCLE BOB HINSLEY.  He welcomed me like a long lost son…he told me to sod off and try and loose myself again. The PRINCESS SUITE held about 150, which was a shame as there were only about 35 in. I believe the advertising for this venue was sadly lacking, the venue room itself, though sported a tiny dance floor, was very comfy and intimate. The DJ situation seemed a ‘bit up in the air’ as UNCLE BOB had done his spot and was now filling in until someone else turned up to take over. He played a cool track by PEABO BRYSON -‘why don’t you make up your mind’.  PEABO started off at ‘BANG’ records as a song writer and producer in the seventies then went on to work with such greats as MICHAEL ZAGER, ROBERTA FLACK, NATALIE COLE, STEPHENIE MILLS and TEDDY PRENDAGRASS.  The record companies he worked for read like a ‘who’s – who’ of labels, among them, CAPITAL, ELEKTRA and COLUMBIA. One of his best albums was the one he made with NATALIE – ‘we’re the best of friends’ back in 1979.  Again, courtesy this time of UNCLE BOB we were treated to ‘Guitar Ray – you’re gonna wreck my love’, a nice track and twice in one night too.        Others from UNCLE BOB HINSLEY were such as, ‘Jan Jones – independent woman’, ‘Brothers Guiding Light – getting together’, and ‘Sandra Wright – a man can’t be a man’. SANDRA worked for a short time for a subsidiary label of STAX before it’s closure, some of her earlier works can be found on the album ‘Wounded woman’ on the DEMON record label, 1989. But for me it is the PEABO BRYSON track with its sultry, almost seductive saxophone intro that gets my vote at JOLLIES. Watch out for the very exciting track by SANDRA WRIGHT, it’s tipped by UNCLE BOB to be one of the biggies for 1999. Taking into account that there wasn’t many in tonight, everyone that did stay seemed to be having a ‘party’ and the dance floor was used to the full. Just as I was settling in it was time once again to move on, this time up the M6 and head for TONYS’ at Blackburn for their all nighter offerings. Before I set off I managed to listen to GAVIN PAGE and his offerings of all things soulful. His selection of ‘Diane Brown – yes its you’, ‘African Rhythms – a touch of jazz’ and ‘Jackson sisters – I believe in miracles’ were very adequate and appreciated by all including yours truly.  I grabbed my coat and scampered out of the gaff when he started to play LATINO JAZZ type of music, I’d rather have stayed at home and extracted my finger nails one by one without anaesthetic before listening to any more of that. If you are into the Latino ‘thing’ all well and fine, it’s just not my ‘thing’, plink bloody plink of the piano and muted horns, each to their own, eh?   Here I go again, up the motorway passing my turn off which would take me straight home and bed, being the dedicated fat git that I am I perceiver and continue on to Blackburn.   Not many notes were taken as every body wanted to ask me sodding questions, sorry I didn’t know the answer to, ‘what is the atomic molecular composition of a carbonised ferret 2 points to a true positive position’.     I did catch MICK LYONS s’ spot though, I couldn’t miss it really, there were two huge mounds of muscle who had me in a head lock all the while asking, “yer like wot yer hear or do yer not want to hear ever again?”.    See what I mean, every body asking bleedin’ questions.   Cheers to BILLY on the door, the ‘GUVNOR’, nice chap that there BILLY, he even offers to super-glue your arms back on at no extra cost.   Only joking, he’s a gentleman really, one of the ‘old school’.  Some of MICKs’ selection went along the lines of, ‘Brenda Holloway – reconsider’, ‘Mel Tome – I’m coming home’, ‘Kimberly Weston – Helpless’ and ‘Ben E. King – I just can’t break the news to myself’. Somewhere behind MICK’s huge physique was the stage, he stood there large and imposing, arms dangling by his sides daring the punters not to get up and dance.   No one argued, the floor was packed, everyone pounded away with their feet and proved that TONYs' still had what it takes as an all nighter.      Majority oldies and current biggies with the odd R&B chucked in for good measure, other venues come and go but take a look at the ones still surviving constant change in attitude and music policies. Sod this, I’m knackered, it’s time for bed.  The little lad’s playing for his team in a couple of hours so I’ll get 2 ½ hours kip then watch the little git kick his opponents’ shins to bits.  I don’t know where he gets it from – probably from the wife – she used to be a welder in the Glasgow shipyards, ‘nuff said.    Enjoy, BIG MICK.

190299.                                 West Lancs sailing club, Southport.

This is a new venue that has sprung up recently.  It was a bit of a sod to find in the dark but as the lighter nights draw in this won’t be a problem.  If you drive along the sea front and go over the first round-a-bout, (from the Preston ‘end’) a couple of hundred yards further on there is a small sign post on the right pointing to the sea front car park on the promenade.  The sign is along the lines of, ‘WLYSC’, drive onto the car park and through the ‘gap’ and you’ll find the ‘Sailing Club’ at the bottom of the ‘dip’ behind the sand dunes.  The organiser is a well known name on the scene from way back when the Twisted Wheel commanded the soul scene all those years ago, DAVE SCUTT.      Entrance is £3.00 and the gaff opens the doors at 8.00pm till 2.00am (plus!). The gaff itself is a modest affair, ample dance floor, warm comfy surroundings bedecked with the mandatory sailing pennants and trophies.  JOAN CASE took my dues on the door and threw me inside were JOHN POWEL was spinning the sounds to the modern soul theme.  The lad played an excellent spot that certainly put me in the mood to chill out and absorb more of the same. The music policy here is fairly open minded, but for me, the best of the evening came from the offerings courtesy of the 60s via MICK SMITH and later by CAPTAIN BIRDS EYE - DAVE SCUTT himself. Between them they played a brilliant selection of old ‘Wheel’ sounds and one or two obscure 60s that I hadn’t heard before. MICK SMITH played an old ‘Wheel’ sound – Knucklehead which is one of my favourites and a track I play from time to time. JOHN POWEL opted for the Celeste Hardy, Collins and Collins, Bobby Womack angle and DAVE SCUTT plumbed mainly for the Wheel era, which proved very popular. Deon Jackson, Gene McDaniels, Gary’s US Bonds, Lou Johnson and many more filled the air.  It was like stepping back in time to what I had only heard it would have been like, as I was too young to frequent those popular little sweaty rooms in the bowels of Manchester. DAVE provided me with the club top ten and insisted no particular order. 1.    Darrell Banks – I’m the one who loves you. 2.    Soul Bros Six – I’ll be lovin’ you. 3.    Alexander Patton – a lill’ lovin’ sometimes.

4.    Earl Van Dyke – all for you. 5.    Dean Parrish – tell her. 6.    Lou Johnson – unsatisfied. 7.    Carl Douglas – serving a sentence of life. 8.    Bobby Sheen – Dr Love. 9.    G. Knight – just walk in my shoes. 10.  Gene McDanells – walk with a winner.  I got talking to DAVE SCUTT and he reminisced about his friendship with LES COKEL and the days of old, a very knowledgeable and serious collector of all things soulful and round plasticy thingies. Between his lovely other half and himself they own a restaurant in the town centre, the ‘Little Gourmet’, an ideal place to meet before the evening gets into full swing. Anyway the way DAVE described his record collection it sounded like the collection you would sell your mother for, I only wish I had 3 or 4 mothers to sell. The night was a bit slow to get going and there were the inevitable excuses made to cover the late start, which were not necessary. As with many new venues things take time to get going but I was impressed by just how many turned up to this, the 2^nd venue, at least 100. Given the fact that the room was not on the large side but certainly of ‘ample’ proportions, 100 people felt like the modern room at LOWTON when almost full (just to give you an idea). That by anybody’s standards is an achievement, things can only get stronger and better. There is a buzz going around that we may see an ‘all dayer’ here in the summer. This is one for you to watch out for, this is when they throw open the doors and spill out onto the huge patio over looking the marina on a hot summers’ night with the bar-be-que offerings, possibly DAVEs’ culinary skills in the club kitchen, who knows?  The most tempting idea DAVE came up with was arriving in Southport early on in the day doing what ever takes your fancy. Later a meal at DAVE’s ‘northern soul restaurant’ and then on to the venue whether it be an all dayer or a regular night, sounds great, eh? This is certainly one event I will frequent in the summer months. Burying the kids in the sand on the beach (not forgetting to remove their remains from under the patio first), catch a few ‘rays’, cooler box of chilled neck wash, good scran and a decent venue to round off the evening.  What more do you need? Give this gaff a visit in the near future, and don’t forget to take your swimming cozzies in the warmer months, there’s a slight chance somebody will want to play the ‘Cleethorpes’ game of ‘toss the jerk in the water’.  For further information on this venue, you can contact DAVE on 01704 – 231628 / 01695 – 580411.     Further dates are  (April no venue) MAY 21^st, JUNE 18^th, JULY 16^th and AUGUST 20^th.       That’s the 3^rd Friday each month.       Venue  7/10, sound system   7/10,  car park    8/10,  dance floor   6/10, atmos   8/10.     Total = 36/50.

TONYS’ EMPRESS BALLROOM, WARM-UP & ALL-NIGHTER.

It’s been quite a while since I climbed these stairs to the ballroom, bleedin’ ages in fact. Due to the BOUROUGH ARMS once again being gutted and refurbished, the warm-up is now here along side the all-nighter. If the response is anything to go by, this is the best move yet and certainly encourages more to turn up early.   I believe that once the all-nighter finished previously, everyone left to stand in line once more to await the doors opening for the start of the all-nighter, tonight things were to change and all that pissing around may not now be necessary. LITTLE SCOTTY says he felt that it was better for him to collect the entrance fee for the all-nighter from everyone just before reopening the doors to admit the ‘second wave’.  Now it works like this, in you go for the warm-up and you pay your dues of £2.00 to JULIAN & co. Then near to midnight, the arriving all-nighter crowd is asked to queue up as SCOTTY walks round and politely asks the early warm-up patrons to cough up the fee for the all-nighter if they are staying ‘on’. Great, if it’s pissing down like tonight as no one gets cold or wet and has to mess around lugging their belongings back and fourth; makes sense to get there early and stay put if you can. I missed JUSTINS’ spot but JOE was about half way through playing some exceptional R&B and a few obscure sixties, which warmed the cockles of my heart.   Record dealers were already doing business and I managed to grab a couple of gems myself, ‘ED BRUCE – see the big man cry’ was just one I’ve chased for some time, thanks to DAVE & BABS from Crewe. If you managed to read the venue report in ISSUE 5 on the BOUROUGH ARMS then you’ll know what to expect, there’s some brilliant sounds played from every direction of the ‘soul’ scene as new and established DJs slap on the placcy discs for your entertainment.  It was whilst waiting for SCOTTY to collect his fee for the imminent all-night stomp-a-thon that we learned about the sad loss of one of the scenes’ most noticeable and loveable characters – BUB.  I must admit, the news of his death knocked the wind out of me. One more with a membership tightly gripped in the hand standing on the stairs to the ultimate of all-nighters in the sky. I bet he’s not straining to walk now, once he’s put his record box down on the nearest cloud to the decks he’ll be bopping around and doing the back drops which he could only sit back and watch others doing when he was with us.  He’ll be loving every second up there, just think of all the artists who have passed away and be rubbing shoulders with him, JACKIE WILSON, MARY WELLS, MARVIN GAYE, MAJOR LANCE. CLEETHORPES just ain’t gonna be the same next year without you mate, we’ll see you again, one day, leave my name on the door and I’ll do the report. MARTIN PITT was just one of the DJs tonight who had everyone up and giving it some stick on the floor. The majority of the sounds played were oldies / classic oldies with a sprinkling of R&B and crossover just for good measure. MARTINs’ selection reflected this theme to a point, ‘SOUTHWARD SYMPHONY  - comin’ home’, ‘SAND PEBBLES – you turn me on’, ‘THE CHARADES – the key to my happiness’, CECIL WASHINGTON – I don’t like to lose’. What a good spot he played, it was certainly appreciated by all who attended, the vibes just resounded from the walls. MARTINs’ partner, CAROL, was here celebrating her birthday along with a friend, LINDA.   They were presented with a birthday cake covered in candles and shaped like a huge prick (no, not in the shape of TONY BLAIR, the other type, you know – the useful one).  One thing that got up my nose was the price of my coke (pardon the pun). For a can of coke (or any soft drink) I was charged 90p.  This was disgusting, we are refused the opportunity to bring in our own cans to cool us down just so the management can rip us off with ‘jacked-up’ prices when they only pay around 15 – 20p per can.        Come on SCOTTY, either re-negotiate with ‘der management’ for fair prices or allow us to bring in our own drinks, with reduced prices the management will certainly sell more and still make a respectable profit. (This is a point with a few venues, not solely BLACKBURN).   I have to hold my hands up, that was my only gripe on the night and I think if SCOTTY had his way the cost would be more reasonable, he’s not a bad lad – I just can’t understand a bloody word he says. Meanwhile back at the decks, BRIAN REA was keeping all entertained with the oldies.  ‘GERRY HALL – who can I run to’, EDWIN STARR – way over there’, DON COVAY – it’s better to have’ and the song about 2 Irishmen, 1 Scot and a guy from Liverpool -  ‘NICK LAWTON –Mick, Mac, Paddy, Wack’ (suit yourself!). STEVE WHITTLE was also chucking out the oldies like an overzealous bouncer at a bingo club with the usual GLADYS KNIGHT and WILLIE MITCHELL etc. but for me the spot of the night went to ‘GENTLEMAN’ JOHN MERCER. He had the dancers were he wanted them, the mixture of sounds was a pleasant change and was received by all with claps, whistles and cheers.      We all needed cheering up tonight and JOHN did exactly that. His selection consisted of ‘VERNON & JEWEL – hold  my hand’, ‘WILLIE WILLIAMS – have you ever been played for a fool’, IKE & TINA TURNER – oh baby’, BILL WITHERS – Harlem’ and ‘RAY PARKER – these kind of blues’.       I must admit, a few of these are favourites of mine and hearing someone else playing them was a buzz, what a selection amongst the others played by JOHN, let’s see more of him in the North West.   Other DJs tonight were NEIL RUSTON, MICK LYONS, MARC MAC & LITTLE SCOTTY himself.     When the lights went on and people prepared to make their way home, LTTLE SCOTTY and BRIAN REA put one last record on for BUB, ‘THE ARTISTICS – I’m gonna miss you’. But for the record, the room was silent. A few put their bags and coats down only to return to the floor once again and remember BUB with the assistance of a fitting sound, one or two quietly and slowly made their way to the door – the ones who stood around the dance floor remained silent. As the last few bars faded out the atmos’ was sullen and respectful, then we all showed our appreciation with dignified clapping – you could almost hear the MIGHTY BUB saying, ‘reet, that’s it now, I’m buggering off home’.   Me too mate, me too –enjoy BIG MICK.   Dance floor   8/10,   sound system     8/10,    no car park,  atmos   7/10,    venue     9/10.   Total = 32/40.       

260299.                                    YORKSHIRE RIDERS, HALIFAX.

I’m finding myself here quite a lot over the last few months, I’ve even done a DJ spot here in January.     I got to play most of my CLIFF RICHARD’s and MAX BYGRAVES stompers along with the gem of my collection, KEN DODD’s ‘happiness’, what a record (CARL WILLINGHAM’s not got that on a white demo).  Wellies are a ‘must’ when taking your life into your own hands and travelling into darkest Yorkshire.  The folk are friendly enough, just don’t understand what they’re saying some of the time. On this particular visit the EDITOR and GOD himself, PETE ‘GHANDI’ COULSON after dusting off the years of fluff from his gramophone whatsits is booked to ‘do’ a DJ spot.  “Right fat boy, you’re doing the write up and if you cock up you’ll never work in magazines again”, says GHANDI. How did I know he’d seen those full frontal shots of me posing in ‘PLAYWHALE’?  Anyhow, the gaff has been ‘going’ for 8 years now and the anniversary is on the 8^th July.  There’s a ‘hard core’ of regulars who attend and typical of this strange Yorkshire breed they certainly love their ale. The gaff opens it’s doors at 8.00pm and things start to get into something near ‘full swing’ just after 10.00pm.       Last orders are around 1.30am and the proceedings finish about 2.00 am (ish). Bitter £1.70 and larger, £1.90 mint sauce 50p. The venue is the last Friday every month, admission £2.50 and the average attendance is 150 –200 on a reet grand neet, see th’.  Apparently, things started to ‘get a bit stale’ as the DJ line up hardly varied until the policy changed and guest DJs are in attendance each month now.     This seems to have done the trick with CARL WILLINGHAM, STEVE CONNOR and STEVE GARNER being the first, which drew record crowds.The music policy is predictably across the board with a liking for modern, MECCA and the inevitable oldies, but saying that, there’s quite a few old gems played here which I’ve never heard at other venues. There’s a good selection of sounds played by the resident DJs which are certainly a welcome change from the ‘norm’ which also gets a play on request. CLARKIE was warming up and one of his tracks, ‘The Blue Notes – standing by you girl’ emphasised the forthcoming evenings’ entertainment as an uptempo x-over track which is certainly a ‘knock-out’ and one I’ll be looking out for in the future. Unfortunately, I had to ‘nip out’ and so missed a brilliant spot and when I returned, JOHN PURVIS was in the ‘driving seat’ and spinning the likes of ‘Ike and Tina Turner – somebody somewhere’, ‘Phil Flowers – discontented’, and ‘Bobby Treetop – wait till I get to know yer’. The evening was shaping up very nicely, even though most were deep in conversation with just a few on the dance floor. It was going to be a memorable tonight, the wife was giving me ‘the eye’, problem was – I had to give it back to her due to the fact see looked just like her mother with only one eye – in the middle of her head. No one was ignoring the music offerings but rather ‘taking in’ the vibes as normal for regulars who don’t need to go out of their way to appease the DJ. For the most part, the regulars were content in just sitting around and listening rather than dancing at this early stage of the evening.  This is accepted here as it’s the ‘Yorkshire’ way and every one is comfortable knowing that these soulful tracks are certainly, very much appreciated. There isn’t any bar scran, apart from crisps, not even any traditional Yorkshire culinary cuisine; such as chicken masala.        It was just as well GHANDI is ‘doing’ a spot tonight because he managed to get us all through customs half price.  JOHN PURVIS put on an excellent show tonight before handing over to GHANDI. GHANDI a-go-go opted for a lighter approach with the tried and tested sounds of Bobby Womack, Gene Chandler and the Spinners, slapping them out like red hot chappattis.  He was a mere blur as he placed his choice on the decks then spun round to pick out the next offering, his bald dome was spinning and reflecting light not unlike those mirrored balls hanging above most dance floors.          His red dot on his forehead looked as if he had been ‘targeted’ by a sniper. Yet again, here is a venue worthy of a visit, down to earth gaff, comfy and main stream sounds guaranteed to get you up onto the floor. GHANDI certainly got the floor filled, his followers kicked off their sandals and boogied on down. CLARKIE followed up with some really fine tracks, some of which I didn’t know but fitted in just as he meant them to, perfectly.  One track I thought was brill’ was the GYPSIE BAND – coz it’s you girl, the band looked like a bunch of white hippies – but what a fabulous modern track it turned out to be.     GIBBY finished off the night doing his impersonation of CHRIS KING or did CHRIS KING do GIBBY impersonations? Anyhow, he looked and sounded as if he’d been on the ‘happy’ pills, the guy was in high gear and no one knew how to stop him an hour later.  He was playing the tracks in a blur, in the DJ ‘box’ he resembled one of the two old geezers in the Muppet show, remember the old guys at the end taking the ‘Mickey’? His final track was Rance Allan – reasons to survive, that summed it up, just to get down here next month. A few of us later went on to JOHN & DAWN PURVIS’s home type gaff in the middle of God knows where. Very adapt is r’DAWN at frying oven chips to perfection with lashings of brown sauce, I enjoyed every panfull. But for being an old git and a bit on the tired side, we would have stayed and partied on down till the early hours, cheers JOHN & DAWN.     Atmos   7/10,  sound system  7/10,  car park  6/10,  dance floor  7/10,  venue  8/10.   Total = 35/50.    Enjoy, BIG MICK.

The Fat Boy’s Bits and Pieces (ooh – er).

TRENTAM GARDENS, 060399, R&B ALLNIGHTER. – This visit was my first and is guaranteed not to be the last.  The venue (Highland suite) superb, the whole gaff is plush to say the least. This was one of my ‘nights off’ but I still remembered to make a few mental notes. The music was advertised as R&B and for the most part this is what we were treated to. The only down side was when PID chose to play oldies towards the end of his spot, don’t get me wrong, the selection of oldies was fine even if I had heard them a million times before.  What got me was actually playing them at an R&B venue.        ROGER (didley dodger) BANKS was outstanding as you would expect, MARK (big daddy) BICKNEL fuelled up, played an excellent selection of class R&B, ROB MESSER, MACE and MARTIN MELLORS all put in a damn fine performance on the night. RACHELLE PIPER was by far, for me, the star of the venue, she excelled with a selection which emphasised the reason for even attending. It was also a change to see a pretty face up there on the stage as opposed to those ugly great mugs with 4 days stubble growth (sorry MARK). I for one would like to see RACHELLE do a few venues in the Northwest, and soon.  She must be one of the future star DJs on our scene playing a variation of uptempo sounds, and 60s mod/scooter R&B offerings which poured the 60s atmos over us like a tidal wave. Before shooting off early once more in order to get some kip before the little lad plays football Sunday morning, I took in as much of the sounds and atmos as possible. Even though the turn out was a little on the ‘slack’ side, the whole evening was well orchestrated, and one I would certainly not have missed for the world. What made it more welcome was the turn out of a number of the umpteenth generation of mods and a few skinheads (so I didn’t feel out of place then!) who knew what they wanted and appreciated the finer points of the soul scene. It was like stepping back in time, great company, damn excellent DJs and fantastic R&B, apart from the oldies, which stuck out like a spare tool at a wedding. BRIAN REA opted for his spot at the BLACKBURN all-nighter at TONY’s due to a double booking which was a shame but that’s the way it goes. Count me in for the next one, 10/10.       

WEDDING ANNOUNCMENT - I was handed a note at the HEYWOOD CIVIC HALL venue announcing the WEDDING RECEPTION of KEITH & GILLIAN, which is to be held at RYLANDS REC, WARRINGTON on the 7^th August.  Doors open at 7.30pm until late and then the celebrations carry on as every one then moves on to TONY’s EMPRESS BALLROOM in BLACKBURN for the all-nighter.   I hope the couple have a brilliant night and not forget to put on extra scran in case I turn up.  

WINSFORD CIVIC HALL, ANNIVERSARY. – It’s been some time since my last visit and I noticed the attendance had declined somewhat. That seemed a bit confusing, as both car parks were almost full to the brim. Music content predominantly oldies and present main stream power plays with the ‘across the board’ selections supporting the tracks on offer.  I did get a few odd looks whilst selling issue five of ‘Northern Essence’, shouting, ‘big issue, help the homeless’. It was great to bump into a few old faces whilst I was pratting about.  For me this is a fantastic all nighter and one I would like to see going for many years to come if at all possible.  The free single of the two tracks, ‘All of my life – The Ringleaders’ and, ‘Stop hurting me baby – Purple Mundi’ were very much welcome.         LESTER from Halifax being the only one who did not relish the idea of the Ringleader’s track being pressed as he had a studio acetate of the track. It must have been a hell of a ‘downer’ for him but a big plus for the 500 or so who were fortunate enough to grab a copy, sorry LESTER, I got 2, me and the wife’s.

RICHARD SEARLING’s TOGETHERNESS, KINGS HALL, STOKE.     No notes taken as I treated this as a night off. The venue is certainly one of those that you can tell is a success as you battle your way into the gaff.     Absolutely packed to the rafters, the atmos going off the scale. Try to get down early if you want to get on the car park as it is over flowing.  For the interest shown and the way the evening was conducted RICHARD and KEV are on a winner. The floor was so packed the overflow of dancers spilled out into the corridors.Hot scran available, record bars two rooms and the TOGETHERNESS magazine with free CD is one magazine you’d be a mug if you didn’t manage to get your hands on it. Don’t miss the next TOGETHERNESS, I won’t. Oh one final point, the ‘bouncers’ were courteous and certainly helpful, no ‘attitude’ and pleasant.  What planet did they come from? The next TOGETHERNESS is on the 30^th October and don’t forget the CARLA GRAN weekender, September 10^th, 11^th and 12^th.

SOUTHPORT SAILING CLUB.    DAVE SCUTT wants me to remind you of this new venue on the 3^rd Friday of each month. There is no venue in April, the next being the 21^st May and spinning the placcy whatsits of oldies and R&B will be ME, BIG MICK, see you all there.

ANUVER WEDDING ANNOUNCEMENT – DAVE and BABS from CREWE have finally set a date for their wedding, Friday 14^th May. Once again, I wish the couple a happy day and that also comes from all at NORTHERN ESSENCE.

SAINTS, St HELENS, 020399.     Just dropped in as I was passing, I’d gone out for a loaf of bread 13 miles away and thought sod it, I wonder what the lads at St HELENS are doing tonight – I’ll see if they’re playing out. SOUL SAM was just finishing what seemed like a fair decent spot as I arrived.    BAZZER and FLANNY were playing the sounds that were smoother than a silk condom. I had to go before STEVE CONNOR ‘s spot as I had to be in bed early or the Easter bunny wouldn’t visit this weekend, I was going to stuff that git good style this year.Anyhow, the music tonight was certainly music to consummate a marriage by and as BIG BAZZER said, “money doesn’t count. It’s the quality”. One track worthy of listening out for was the SAM DEES track, ‘fragile, handle with care’, this driving back beat of a monster is ‘catching on’ in a big way also, AL GARDNER’s ‘we’re gonna make it big’ and DOUG PARKINSON’s version of the SPINNERS 70s hit ‘I’ll be there’(Cheers to IAN WHITICKER for the inside info.You should ‘pick up the pen’ again IAN, your written contributions are sorely missed mate, you should use your talents not ignore them – I know it’s been a while IAN but I’ll teach you how to ‘tap’ in a key one at a time if you change your mind).

SOD ME, ONLY ANUVER WEDDING THINGIE, INIT? – What’s happening, a wedding epidemic?   This time it’s that there well known duo from LANCASTER, STUART & MARIE who are planning to tie the knot (I don’t think the rumours are true but they should have tied a knot in it sooner, only joking) 24^th July. The way things are going I’m going to be sick of wedding cake, anyhow, us slaves who live in the EDITOR's ’ cellar and are only let out at weekends wish you all the best.           

CHARITY VENUE FOR THE KOSOVAN REFUGES AT THE VIADUCT 050499 – ALAN BARNES & BERNIE O’BRIEN organised a shindig which raised around £276 up until I made my way home after contributing by way of doing a DJ spot along with many other fellow DJs, including 2 from GERMANY. Amongst the line up were CARL WILLINGHAM, MIKE WALKER, DAVE HOLT, STEVE THOMPSON, MARTIN ELLIS, TERRY DAVIS and many others, too many to mention in such a short ‘piece’.  The obligatory raffles etc helped to boost things along, ALAN seemed satisfied and pleased with the way things went, and so he should.  He put in a fine effort and deserves a huge pat on the back.  Personally, I’d have liked to have seen many more in attendance, I know the weekend has been pretty hectic with many venues etc and people being knackered.  It’s a shame one or two more couldn’t make the effort as the venue was sadly lacking in the patron department.      Anyhow, for those that did turn up, I know ALAN & BERNIE would like to thank you all.      

PETE GREENWOOD grabbed me by the throat and insisted I tell everyone about his new venue at the UKRAINIAN CLUB, HALIFAX. The first being, Friday 4^th June with GINGER TAYLOR (health permitting) and UNCLE BOB HINSLEY, I hope R’ MAUREEN’s there too. For more details, ring 01422 – 381789.   If you want to hear a mixture of R&B along with a few oldies, I’ll be spinning the records here 6^th August.

SOUL IN THE LAKES WEB-SITE.      A few of you may have seen the response of letters submitted to the ‘WEB MASTER’, EDDY EDMONSON’s web-site following the ‘re-emergence’ of IAN LEVINE onto the scene recently for the MECCA – a - thon.  No doubt if you did then you would have read his reply to those individuals who either voted ‘thumbs up’ or ‘thumbs down’ to the ‘activities’ of a very talented record producer.  Now I’m not going to be drawn into whether his talents are evident on the ‘northern scene’ or not but, in his own style and in his own way he has been successful in expressing himself musically for quite some time. Yes I’m aware of the controversy that surrounds IAN LEVINE and I refuse to be drawn into the ‘ring’. Everybody has his or her own views, likes and dislikes concerning ‘our’ scene.   If you like the ‘guy’, then all well and fine, every one needs somebody – so the song goes.  If you hate him for whatever reason, I feel sorry for you but that’s your choice at the end of the day.  All I will say on the subject is, this kind of ‘thing’ has gone on for too long. As the years shorten our lives more and more we need to look to the positive aspects of what is important to us and not to dwell on those issues which cause more damn wrinkles and grey hair.         Some took the time to voice their opinions on what they thought needed to be said which we all have the freedom to do, and then, of course came IAN LEVINE’s reply. IAN LEVINE may (or may not) be justified in responding the way he did (personally I think he, maybe, should have counted to ten before replying).  If we all calmed down to reflect on what has been said over the years, it’s understandable the hurt and anger that must be ‘welling up’ in side him.  Let’s just get on with our own lives and enjoy what short time we have left, if an individual is a problem to us just ignore them and ‘get on with it’.  If, in the same token, an individual is a benefit and a welcomed part of our lives, show your appreciation. Nobody can make you buy or dance to tracks you don’t want to, if IAN LEVINE turns out tracks and they are not what the individual wants then pass them by.If the individual appreciates the ‘said’ tracks then it’s their choice.  The web-site is an excellent form of media that can benefit all, EDDY is to be commended in providing this ‘service’ and applauded for ‘publishing’ both sides to the ‘confrontation’. It’s not often I can get the voices in my head to agree on anything and to be serious for any given time but let’s ‘move on’ and enjoy ourselves that’s all that matters to both of me, have a laugh not a ‘bitch’. See, I knew you could do it……..  Oh and by the way, as of April, it’s only 268 shopping days until Christmas, enjoy, BIG MICK.      Got any gossip you want to share or announcements?       Drop BIG MICK a line or two or even hand it to me personally at a venue, bribery does help but don’t tell the Editor, he’ll want some.