Tel: (01253) 691422 (Ans.Machine)
E-Mail: ph_factoruk@yahoo.co.uk
WE ARE VERY PROUD TO ANNOUNCE THAT THE SEMINAL NON-PLAYLIST/NEEDLE TIME UNDERGROUND RADIO SHOW THAT IS "ON THE WIRE"/"FUNKOLOGY" HERE AT BBC RADIO LANCASHIRE,BLACKBURN, IN THE HEART OF THE NORTH-WEST ,U.K., IS CELEBRATING 25 YEARS OF CONTINOUS BROADCASTING IN SEPT 2009.
WE WOULD LIKE YOU TO SHARE THIS AMAZING EVENT WITH US,BY GETTING IN TOUCH BY ANY OF THE E-MAILS ABOVE,AND SHARING YOUR VIEWS ON THIS,AS FAR AS WE KNOW, UNMATCHED RECORD IN SPECIALIST BROADCASTING,OR MAYBE YOU JUST FANCY A SHOUT-OUT,A TUNE SELECTED,A MEMORY OF THE SHOW RECALLED.....ETC.
THE SHOW IS PRESENTED BY "O.T.W." ORIGINATOR/DJ -STEVE BARKER, ALONG WITH TRUSTY SIDEKICK-"FENNY" AND GOES OUT WEEKLY,....ONE WEEK OF THE MONTH (THE 2ND USUALLY) PETE HAIGH AND ANDY "MADHATTER" HOLMES, DO THEIR UNDERGROUND BLACK DANCE MUSIC-"FUNKOLOGY" SHOW.
-ALL THIS IS USUALLY OVERSEEN BY ENGINEER/PRODUCER/DJ-JIM INGHAM.
ALL THE DJS HAVE MANY YEARS/DECADES SPECIALIST KNOWLEDGE OF UNDERGROUND/LEFT-FIELD MUSICAL CHOICES....IE....REGGAE,POST-PUNK,FUNK,SOUL,ROCK,WORLD,DANCE,JAZZ,BLUES,URBAN,HIP-HOP,ETC..
AND HAVE CONTRIBUTED TO MANY MAGAZINES,FORUMS,WEBSITES,LP COMPILATIONS,DJ NITES/EVENTS/BAND PROMO/RETAIL/RECORD SHOPS ETC.
SINCE COMMENCING IN 1984 THE SHOW HAS NOW REACHED A WORLDWIDE AUDIENCE, DUE TO THE POWER OF THE W.W.W. AND BEING ABLE TO "LISTEN AGAIN", THANX TO THE B.B.C.,INNOVATTION, ON LINE, ANYWHERE IN THE WORLD...AS THE REPLYS WE RECIEVE PROVE REGURARLY...WE HAVE HAD MANY GROUND BREAKING/INNOVATTIVE INDIVIDUALS, AS GUESTS/LIVE, IN THE STUDIOS OVER THE YEARS,AS WELL AS PROMOTING O.T.W. OUTSIDE EVENTS ETC...THESE INCLUDE- MASSIVE ATTACK,NENEH CHERRY,SNOWBOY,INNER CITY,NEIL RUSHTON,LEE PERRY,GARY CLAIL,808 STATE,THE FALL,DAVID TOOP,ADRIAN SHERWOOD,A GUY CALLED GERALD,......AND MANY MORE!
HERE ARE SHOW DETAILS AND CONTACT/WEB INFORMATION.........
.....IF YOU HAVE BEEN A LISTENER TO O.T.W. OVER THE YEARS-MANY THANX!!
AND IF THE SHOW HAS NOT BEEN PART OF YOUR LIFE...WHY NOT GIVE IT A LISTEN!
ALL AT OT.W./FUNKOLOGY.....
O.T.W. SHOW,TIMES- 10PM-12 MIDNITE UK TIME.-SATURDAYS WEEKLY
/O.T.W./FUNKOLOGY-2ND SATURDAY OF MONTH-SAME TIMES AS ABOVE
FREQUENCY-104.FM OR THEREABOUTS
ON THE WIRE SHOW DJ,S-STEVE BARKER,FENNY,JIM INGHAM,
/FUNKOLOGY-PETE HAIGH/ANDY MADHATTER HOLMES.
MUSIC-UNDERGROUND,NON PLAYLIST,LEFTFIELD,ECLECTIC.
CONTACT/INFO/WEB INFO
WWW.BBC RADIO LANCASHIRE/ON THE WIRE
OR E-MAIL ADRESSES ABOVE.
OR HTTP://OTWRADIO.BLOGSPOT.COM/
TO "LISTEN AGAIN" FACILITY,
AND /PLAYLIST/HISTORY.
I commenced DJing, aged 17 in 1973, playing various Blackpool venues – Northern Soul and early Disco/Funk. I became a fanatical regular at legendary venues such as: Blackpool Mecca, Wigan Casino and the Manchester Ritz. Plus, visiting legendary southern venues like the Caister Weekenders, and The Goldmine at Canvey Island, Essex, regularly during the late 70’s. DJing various events in this period playing Jazz-Funk, Northern – Modern Soul and Disco.
By the early 1980’s I was also playing early Hip-Hop, Rap, Electro, Boogie, Go-Go, New York Post-Disco, with several long residencies and many guest DJ spots. By mid to late 1980’s I began playing early House, Garage and Techno, as well as Soul, Funk and Rare Groove flavas. DJing from Glasgow to London many times, as well as my North West base. Also, playing at early Southport Weekender events. Voted in Top 50 most influential 80’s DJs worldwide, in the “Face” magazine in 1988.
DJs and acts, I have worked with/alongside over the years include: Ian Levine, Colin Curtis, Chris Hill, Greg Wilson, Shaboom, Family Tree, Pete Tong, Coldcut, Norman Jay, Dave Lee/Joey Negro, Kev Roberts,Ian Dewhirst, Neil Rushton, Bob Jeffries, Richard Searling, and The Originals,Kim Weston, Massive Attack, Freakpower,Will Downing,Drizabone, Georgie Fame, Joceyln Brown, Desmond Dekker, Taka Boom, Neneh Cherry and many more…..
My heroes and influences beside all the above include:David Mancuso, Larry Levan, , Walter Gibbons, Danny Krivit, Grandmaster Flash, Nicky Siano, Tom Moulton, The Mizell Brothers, Sam Dees, Salsoul, Philadelphia International,Steve Barker, West End, Prelude, Patrick Adams, Vince Montana, Stevie Wonder,Brian Wilson,Steely Dan, Marvin Gaye, Curtis Mayfield, Motown, Detroit, Chicago, New York,Memphis,Stax,Atlantic, New Jersey, Manchester, London,Martin Scorsese,Alfred Hitchcock,Ready Steady Go, Ten City, Paradise Garage,The Twisted Wheel, The Loft, Blackpool Mecca, Wigan Casino, Southport Weekender, Blues and Soul Magazine,Manifesto, The Face, Echoes, On The Wire,Wax Poetics, etc…….
In 1980 I was introduced to NYC DJ (and Def Mix DJ team and Dance Pool reviewer), Danny Pucciarelli, by my friend and DJ partner, Steve Naylor. A love of NYC style mixing and music was thus acquired and has been a major influence since.
From 1984,- and still today!!!!!,- I have been a Black Dance music contributor with the “Funkology” show contributing to Steve Barker’s “On The Wire” show – which is an award winning specialist show on BBC Radio Lancashire, covering the North West area. In 87 introduced Manchester DJ/Producer, Andy “Madhatter” Holmes to work on the show with me. We feature quality, upfront and classic/re-issue material only. The show is celebrating our 24th year in 2008!!!
Journalist wise, in 1980 I commenced writing a dance culture column for the “Face” magazine, and from 1984 to 2007, I contributed to nearly every issue of the “Clubhoppin” pages of Blues and Soul magazine.-r.i.p. In 1998 I wrote the foreword for acclaimed book,” Who The Hell is Frank Wilson?” and in 1995 the foreword and discography for “Nightshift” both by Pete McKenna, they are acclaimed fiction/bio-reads of 70’s underground club/soul culture. From 1998 I wrote a regular column for “Togetherness/N.Soul” magazine,-ri.p. And since 2003 a regular column for “Manifesto” soul magazine. I have also contributed to Dj Snowboy,s forthcoming 08 opus on the history of the Uk Jazz-dance music scene/movement.
I have been fortunate enough, to be profiled/interviewed in Blues and Soul magazine, Echoes magazine, The Guardian Newspaper Club Listings, City Life magazine’s Manchester Club Listings, Jazz/Smooth FM,The Southport Weekender events programme,and various soul/dance music history books, including Dave Haslam’s “Manchester” and many local newspapers, and for film/TV by Ian Levine for his “Strange World of Northern Soul” documentary box set. Plus, for Cable TV—“Scene One”-Club Culture in the N.West. In addition, I have recently had a DJ profile and a “mystery mix” posted on Bill Brewster’s acclaimed www.Djhistory.com site. I have also just been interviewed by DJ Greg Wilson for his ElectroFunkRoots website/dj history pages, and have also had a DJ spot recorded for Starpoint Radio www. recently. A recent development has seen me join the acclaimed specialist web/forum- E.M.S…..Essential Modern Soul.
Studio/demo/promotion experience with acts including: Denise Johnson, Fifth of Heaven, Spiral Axis, Ootop, Johnson & Dean, and sample sourcing/mix opinion for Dave Lee (aka Joey Negro), and Blackpool’s premier label/outfit – “Shaboom”, featuring Mark Bell and Taka Boom etc.
In 1999 I released an underground Soul/Disco compilation, “Spirit Of The Mecca” – a various artists CD for Goldmine records, which earned top reviews and best seller status via 10 magazine reviews and stores stocking world-wide in the specialist Dance/Roots market.
Music wise, personal listening can go from Frank Sinatra,Aretha Franklin,Sam Dees,Steely Dan, tJorge Ben, plus Brazilian,Northern Soul,Rare Groove, classics to todays sound NYC,s Masters at Work! Etc.. But DJ- wise I continue supporting U.S flava House and Garage, Soulful Dance Grooves, Urban quality cuts, and Jazzy left-field joints, plus I am continuing to work in the revival Northern/Modern Soul and Rare Groove/Jazz Funk-Disco market. I am also a DJ/partner in the team- (myself, Steve Naylor, Andy Lett, and Stewart Wennen-engineer) behind the acclaimed -”Soulful Dance @” Sound System and club nights at Lytham etc…. I was also honoured to have been selected to appear as a DJ at the May 2006 Southport Weekender. I also continue to appear at many of the top North West specialist events/weekends as a guest/regular DJ.
My favourite current DJs include: Masters at Work (Louie Vega and Kenny Dope), Norman Jay, Bob Jones, Dave Lee (Joey Negro), Bob Jeffries, Butch, Keb Darge, Baz Maleady, Kerri Chandler, Andy Davies, Gary Dennis, Soul Sam, Giles Peterson, Richard Searling, Terry Jones, Joe Claussell, Francois K, Mr Scruff, Danny Krivit, Jazzy Jeff,Steve Naylor,Andy Lett, Dimitri from Paris, DJ Spinna, Osunlade. Favourite labels/acts/producers etc.. include: M.A.W., E-Special, Defected, Grapevine, Goldmine, Expansion, Blaze, Z Records, Phuture Sole, Schema, SoulJazz, etc. favourite venues/events include The Southport Weekender, Blackpool Tower-Togetherness Weekender, Blackpool Hilton/SmoothFM Soul Weekender, plus various N.West events, including, Soulful Dance Music@various, The Orwell rare soul nite@Wigan Pier, ElectricChair@Manchester.Seaside soul @ Morecambe.
My favourite record shops/suppliers include King Bee in Manchester, Crazy Beat in Essex, Soul Brother in London, Piccadilly/VoxPop in Manchester, Robbie Grant Records in Scotland,Dj Friendly,Brighton, plus various suppliers of rare grooves vinyl!!
I continue to DJ in a mixing or talk/freestyle approach, and although not a “premier league” DJ, I have a wide, long, and varied experience, plus knowledge, respect and standing on the underground/soulful dance music/club scene. I remain a chart returner to various relevent magazines/websites, and remain on various record mailing lists. I feel I am honest in my opinions and reviews.
In 2008 I am celebrating over 35 years as a DJ/ punter on the club scene and over 28 years in radio/journalism. I continue to travel beyond the North West in my search for the ultimate groove, friends, good times, good vibes, and real music above all else!
Thank you for reading my CV and for your ongoing support.
Respectfully yours,
Pete Haigh.
BLACKPOOL MECCA(TIFFANYS)- CENTRAL DRIVE,TOWN CENTRE.(2XROOMS-THE HIGHLAND ROOM/MAIN BALLROOM)
MUSIC-NORTHERN SOUL,MODERN SOUL,DISCO,FUNK,JAZZ-FUNK.
1971-1980.
MAIN DJ,S -IAN LEVINE,COLIN CURTIS, PLUS IN SUPPORT,-TONY JEBB,LES COCKELL,NEIL RUSHTON,KEITH MINSHULL, ETC.
VENUE WAS RAN SATURDAY NITES,
PLUS,BANK-HOLIDAY/SUNDAY ALL-DAYERS,WITH MANY NOW LEGENDERY/FORGOTTEN DJ,S!,ADDED.
“HERE IS AN ACCURATE PERSONAL TOP 100-BUT,I STRESS, NOT IN ANY ORDER AS SUCH....COMPILED BY MYSELF,BLACKPOOL BASED DJ AND MECCA FANATIC/REGULAR,- PETE HAIGH,(WHO ATTENDED NEARLY EVERY WEEK FROM 73-80,-AND WAS HONOURED TO DJ THERE IN 79-1980),
ORIGINALLY CONCEIVED,FOR HOPEFUL FUTURE INCLUSION,IN A
RE-EDITION OF BILL BREWSTERS SEMINAL BOOK -
“LAST NIGHT A DJ SAVED MY LIFE”-THE STORY OF DJ,S,DANCE MUSIC, AND THE UNDERGROUND DANCE SCENES,
THISCHART IS,BASED ON THE WIDE VARIETY,OF MUSIC STYLES, PLAYED AND INTRODUCED THERE,OFTEN THE FIRST PLAYS OUTSIDE THE USA.!!!!!
(PETE ALSO COMPILED ,WITH LOVE AND RESPECT,THE GOLDMINE LABEL COMPILATION LP,-”THE SPIRIT OF THE MECCA”
ON THE SAME SOUL RE-ISSUE LABEL,THERE IS ALSO,-COMPILED BY KEV ROBERTS/TIMBROWN-2 WELL-KNOWN REGULARS “THE BLACKPOOL MECCA STORY.”
-PLUS CASTLE HAVE PUT OUT THE IAN LEVINE COMPILED”REACHING FOR THE BEST “MECCA COMPILATION RECENTLY.
-NOW DELETED THERE IS ALSO THE 1990 KENT LP COMPILATION ON THE MECCA/AND BUDDAH LABEL CUTS PLAYED THERE,FROM COLIN CURTIS HIMSELF.
-SO,FOR YOUR FURTHER LISTENING/DANCING/COLLECTING PLEASURE.).
01 FRANK BEVERLEY-IF THATS WHAT YOU WANTED
02 BOBBY HEBB-LOVE,LOVE,LOVE
03 THE O,JAYS-I LOVE MUSIC
04 ANN SEXTON -YOUVE BEEN GONE TOO LONG
05 DEODATO-WHISTLE BUMP
06 WORLD COLUMN-SO IS THE SUN
07 INSTANT FUNK-I GOT MY MIND MADE UP
08 FRANKIE LOVEMAN CROCKER-TON OF DYNAMITE
09 CAMEO-FIND MY WAY
10 GIL SCOTT HERON-THE BOTTLE
11 SKULLSNAPS-I,M YOUR PIMP
12 TEDDY PENDERGRASS-YOU CANT HIDE FROM YOURSELF
13 DR.BUZZARD-I,LL PLAY THE FOOL,ETC…
14 SAVADORS-STICK BY ME BABY
15 TOMANGOES-I REALLY LOVE YOU
16 MONTCLAIRS-HUNG UP ON YOUR LOVE
17 CARSTAIRS-IT REALLY HURTS ME GIRL
18 VOICES OF EAST HARLEM-CASHING IN
19 BOBBY HUTTON-LEND A HAND
20 BO AND RUTH-YOURE GONNA GET NEXT TO ME
21 DIANE JENKINS-TOWAWAY ZONE
22 PRINCE GEORGE-WRONG CROWD
22 EULA COOPER-LET OUR LOVE GROW HIGHER
23 BILLY WOODS-LET ME MAKE YOU HAPPY
24 CROWN HEIGHTS AFFAIR-DREAMING A DREAM
25 AL HUDSON-SPREAD LOVE
26 LENNY WILLIAMS-CHOOSING YOU
27 EVELYN KING-SHAME
28 TAVARES-HEAVEN MUST BE MISSING AN ANGEL
29 ELOISE LAWS-LOVE FACTORY
30 ANDERSON BROTHERS-I CAN SEE HIM MAKING LOVE TO YOU
31 COMMODORES-THE HUMAN ZOO
32 MOMENTS-I,VE GOT THE NEED
33 NATURAL FOUR-I THOUGHT YOU WERE MINE
34 ESTHER PHILLIPS-WHAT A DIFFERENCE A DAY MAKES
35 LAMONT DOZIER-GOING BACK TO MY ROOTS
36 EXCITERS-REACHING FOR THE BEST
37 JODI MATHIS-DONT YOU CARE ANY MORE
38 JAMES FOUNTAIN-SEVEN DAY LOVER
39 ARCHIE BELL AND THE DRELLS-SOUL CITY WALK
40 SISTER SLEDGE-LOVE DONT YOU GO THROUGH NO CHANGES ON ME
41 BETTY WRIGHT-WHERE IS THE LOVE
42 DOUBLE EXPOSURE-TEN PER CENT
43 NITELITERS-K-JEE
44 LARRY SAUNDERS-ON THE REAL SIDE
45 CREATIVE SOURCE-DONT BE AFRAID
46 BILL HARRIS-AM I HOT AM I COLD
47 JACKIE MOORE-THIS TIME BABY
48 BRAINSTORM-LOVIN IS REALLY MY GAME
49 COFFEE-CASANOVA
50 LINDA CLIFFORD-RUNAWAY LOVE
51 BESSIE BANKS-DONT YOU WORRY BABY
52 SIDE EFFECT-ALWAYS THERE
53 JOBELL ORCHESTRA-NEVER GONNA LET YOU GO
54 AQUARIAN DREAM-PHOENIX
55 PETE WARNER-I JUST WANT TO SPEND MY LIFE WITH YOU
56 NORMAN CONNORS-ONCE IVE BEEN THERE
57 MARVIN HOLMES AND JUSTICE-YOU BETTER KEEP HER
58 YOUNG HOLT UNLIMITED-CALIFORNIA MONTAGE
59 JOE BATAAN-THE BOTTLE
60 MEL BRITT-SHE,LL COME RUNNING BACK
61 DETROIT EXECUTIVES-COOL OFF
62 DON THOMAS-COME ON TRAIN
63 HOSANNA-HIP-IT
64 FULLER BROTHERS-TIMES A WASTING
65 JOHNNY CASWELL-YOU DONT LOVE ME ANYMORE
66 ROSE BATISTE-HIT AND RUN
67 OSCAR PERRY-I GOT WHAT YOU NEED
68 BARBARA PENNINGTON-TWENTYFOUR HOURS A DAY
69 CHARLES EARLAND-LET THE MUSIC PLAY
70 ALVIN CASH-ALI SHUFFLE
71 ODDYSEY-NATIVE NEW YORKER
72 ROY AYERS-RUNNING AWAY
73 FAT LARRYS BAND-CENTER CITY
74 FRANCINE MCGEE-DELIRIUM
75 LYNN VERNADO-WASH AND WEAR LOVE
76 ROCK CANDY-ALONE WITH NO LOVE
77 KENNY SMITH-LORD WHATS HAPPENING TO OUR PEOPLE
78THE BROTHERS-ARE YOU READY FOR THIS
79 EPITOME OF SOUND-YOU DONT LOVE ME
80 TONY CLARKE-LANDSLIDE
81 ARCHIE BELL-HERE I GO AGAIN
82 JERRY WILLIAMS-IF YOU ASK ME
83 ISLEY BROTHERS-TELL ME ITS JUST A RUMOUR BABY
84 BOB RELF-BLOWING MY MIND TO PIECES
85 COASTERS-CRAZY BABY
86 EDDIE FOSTER-I NEVER KNEW
87 EARL WRIGHT -THUMB A RIDE
88 MORRIS CHESTNUT-TOO DARN SOULFUL
89 PHILADELPHIA INTERNATIONAL ALL-STARS-LETS CLEAM UP THE GHETTO
90 D.C. LARUE -CA-THE-DRALS
91 ASHFORD AND SIMPSON-BOURGIE BOURGIE
92 CHANTAL CURTIS-GET ANOTHER LOVE
93 VICKIE SUE ROBINSON-TURN THE BEAT AROUND
94 PATRICE RUSHEN-HAVENT YOU HEARD
95 THE CROW-YOUR AUTUMN OF TOMMOROW
96 SHALAMAR-TAKE THAT TO THE BANK
97 THELMA HOUSTON-I AINT GOING NOWHERE
98 FOUR BELOW ZERO-MY BABY,S GOT E.S.P.
99 LADA EDMUND JR.-THE LARUE
100 CLOUD ONE-ATMOSPHERE STRUT.
.....THERE.COULD HAVE BEEN A HUNDRED OTHERS TOO.......
PETE HAIGH COPYRIGHT 2007.
. PETE HAIGH
1967-2007.
A.k.a.-….
“A Brief History of Northern Black Music Clubbin-1967-2007.”
INTRO
1966 had been a good year,England won the World Cup,The Beatles ruled the world,Motown,the black sound of Detroit, ruled the clubs,it was the “pirate radio” era,pre-BBC Radio 1.,Besides BBC Tv,s Top Of The Pops with Jimmy Saville,and ITV<s classic “Ready Steady Go”-this was the only place you could hear some rhythm and blues and soul music outside the underground “mod” clubs in London,Manchester,Liverpool,Glasgow,etc…..and in 1967 it was into this world that John Abbey and friends launched the initial run of “Blues And Soul Magazine.”
The music was hard to locate, (if not in our pop chart top 30),and cried out for a magazine to review and chart the black music released in the U.K.-no trendy import shops all over the place!.
Before the music sometimes rolled into the pop world,the punters tended to be of West Indian/African blood, or trendy white hipster/mods…..etc.-they raved in underground venues,often all-nite and away from prying eyes,taking the optional illegal stimulants to enhance enjoyment and stamina to dance to this mysterious music.There was no big tours of top names,nationally,no cult of superstar dj,s.
The North of England with its industrial lifestyle of mills,docks,factories,unions,co-op,s and mines,and an escapist attitude at the weekend and holiday time,seemed to quickly understand the music coming from the Usa etc.-The Beatles proving that theory!
In ,67 it was all about underground black clubs,and sweaty mod basements, in Manchester and Liverpool,etc.and that it was where we begin……
A N./N.WEST- TIMELINE/BLOODLINE/=GOODTIME!!!!!
1967-Birth of Blues And soul Magazine-John Abbey etc….The Twisted Wheel in Manchester and The Mojo in Sheffield are among all-nite venues setting the pace with the mod/ska/soul/r and b/motown grooves.There are also many West Indian venues playing black dance music which time has forgotten.
1968-Pioneering soul fan Dave Godin starts his highly influential Soul City label out of London,supplying many in-demand Uk released soul up-north spins,he had been heavily involved in the launch of Motown in the UK.
1969-London is either seemingly progressive rock ex-mods/hippies or early reggae loving skinheads!
Up-North things are similar BUT the first stirrings of a cult are stirring.the birth of the “rare soul “scene.
1970-The first stirrings of the newish music “Funk” and “Reggae” start to take hold-especially among black crowds in Liverpool/Manchester.However the big news is the further growth of the rare soul scene,-with many deleted rare 60,s soul uk releases fetching big money and the record companies finally start to re-release in-demand cuts-many hitting the pop charts.
1971-Dave godin writing passionately for this hallowed mag, visits the famous Twisted Wheel Club all-niter and in a following article coins a phrase to describe his findings-“Northern Soul” !!!-The venue shuts soon after with a accompanning drugs scene proving a magnet for police forces drug squads.-The Northern Soul Scene takes off big-style with many short lived venues….
1972/3-Frank Elson is B&S Magazines esteemed North/N.west writer covering the emerging seventies scene so well.Northern Soul is at its creative peak with venues like The Torch,Blackpool Mecca,but a new venue that will be a northern clubbing legend is launched-Wigan Casino.The Funk scene ticks over meanwhile…..I visit the Mecca in 1973 aged 17-and never stop!.
1974-Northern Soul goes into media frenzy with now infamous Top Of The Pops appearances-the scene attracts curious non-believers and oppurtunistic outsiders.At the Blackpool Mecca an act of heresy to 60,s soul fanatics, is taking place,-the playlist is nearly half hot new/70,s obscure soul/disco/funk releases!-the “cult of the dj “takes off with Chris Hill “darn south” and Ian Levine,Colin Curtis,Richard Searling etc.. up north.
1975-Besides B&S there are now two other black music mags,-Black Echoes and Black Music,-both also cover the northern club scene.Blackpool mecca dj Ian Levine makes history by being the first person in the uk to play exclusive early disco cuts and also getting in the pop charts with his own soul/disco usa recorded productions.The Northern Soul scene is never the same again,with a big split, as Funk makes its prescence felt outside black city venues.Dj/Promoter Neil Rushton runs the first massive “all-dayers” at he Mecca and Manchester Ritz.
1976-77-As ,75 but things get bigger and bigger with record soul event attendances in the thousand,s all over.Fashions finally move on to a def “soulboy/girl” look.The city funk dj,s like Mike Shaft and Terry Lennaine start to also get more noticed.the words “jazz-funk” get mentioned keenly.Northern based black acts like The Real Thing and Sweet Sensation appear nationally.
1978-79-amazing times with even southern “soul mafia” dj legend Chris Hill making a northern appearance.Disco starts to become un-hip but Levine is looking to move to London for the early gay “Hi-Energy” scene he helps invent!-Meanwhile Northern Soul hangs in there and “Jazz-Funk”-a mix of soul/jazz-fusion/quality soul-disco goes ballistic.-All-dayers even have top USA live acts like Roy Ayers,Brass Construction,etc…..The city scene takes off with a more mixed crowd of groovers.Curtis is the big draw as a dj.I, myself, get some bigger dj gigs finally!
1980/81-Down times now…..Wigan Casino/Blackpool Mecca are now shut,and there is a smaller but hip city scene and suburban soul scene.New releases rule most venues now.Thatcher helps destroy the Norths infra-structure-riots in the inner cities.
1982-Wot a year!!-Electronic black music production makes its prescence felt,causing massive “Luddite” like reactions in B&S from especially Frank Elson.DJ,s like Greg Wilson and myself etc.. are either heroes or pariahs!!!!!City venues rule still with the new music of hip-hop,electro/rap/boogie.Birth of the still cool latin/ jazz-dance scene,-Curtis again.”Modern Soul” is a term bandied about to describe all the great 70,s/80,s obscure soul cuts that are getting played in the suburbs and towns.-Richard Searling and Soul Sam become this scenes figureheads.-I also stay loyal to this scene!
1983-5-Things settle down more,but with another new musical term in ,85-Chicago/New York“House Music”-this proves massive with the black city crowds,and is NOT born at the Hacienda,who re-invent history later….Hewan Clarke,Shaft,Curtis,Haighy,Wilson,Jonathon etc..-take a bow!-I commence as N-West etc.. reporter at Blues and Soul Magazine,,and my “Funkology-On The Wire” show on BBC Radio Lancashire-still here and there folks!!Northern rooted/ based acts like 52nd Street,Lisa Stansfield,|Swing Out Sister,etc make a precence nationally.
1986-7-Amazing years now with the massive house scene picked up on by the white pop-rock-dance crowd.The words “Rare Groove” become popular to describe all the in-demand 70,s soul/funk/jazz/disco cuts.The modern soul scene and the northern dance scene combine with the first ever north based and promoted Soul Weekender at Berwick by Upnorth Promotions……the birth of the now Southport Weekender.!!!!! Birth of the dace music mag,s and “rave/Superstar DJ” culture both nationally and imported from the Usa.
1988-91-The Upnorth Weekender moves to Southport and goes from strength to strength with great links forged now towards a more national black music unified scene.
The dance/rock press kidnap black dance music and subjugate it to their own needs.The black dance scene is more underground now with swing/rap/street soul/acid-jazz and nu-modern soul holding sway.Drug Wars cause real worry in inner-city areas like Manchester.
1992-5-At first things as before,but there is at least, a real varied musical diet.-Southport still going from strength to strength!-The term “soulful house” is used by dj,s like myself and causes another split amomg soul crowds initially.Acid Jazz is a buzz term for all thinks retro and funky!
1995-8-Besides the soulful/funky house scene there is the now re-birth of the Northern/Modern Soul Scene! And the “urban” scene starts to take off massively in the cities.-Re-issue cd,s make most in-demand old music finally available.!
1998-2001-There are now very popular soul weekends for the “over30/40” crowds,and the birth and popularity of the internet and computers,proves, in hindsight to have been THE biggest influence of all!...Radio Shows have massive followings regionally and nationally.-Digital is around the corner
.
2001-2007-Well here we are!!!-Urban music took over (and then peaked various times..) as the national black music clubbin, choice,as for the rest of the UK,the Underground various soul scenes remain massively popular and influential with a mix of over 25,s and over 40,s.-Soulful Dance/House remains very popular,- despite the death of Commercial Dance/House and Superstar Dj,s-thank God!!-the “Eclectic” scene of mixing –up various black dance styles radically has become big news at venues like Manchesters “Electric Chair” etc….The Southport Weekender is a national instituition as well!!!!.BUT there are clouds on the horizon as always with record shops and labels feeling the pinch from illegal downloading/the death of disc formats.. and aggressive major store/on-line marketing.Me?- I am still here writing/dj,ing/plugging/playing/broadcasting this stuff I love here in the N-west and North.-Heres to more good times for ever……
PETE HAIGH JULY 2007.
