The Torch Club logo.
The Wigan Casino
Emmanuel Laskey
A Northern Soul artist
Tamla Motown
the Detroit based record label that help create the Northern scene.
Major Lance:
A Northern Soul Icon
in the days of the Golden Torch club in Stoke-on-Trent
The recording label that introduced many Northern Soul artists to the U.K.
Kent CD reviving the oldies from
the Wigan Casino Era
What is Northern Soul?
John "JK" Knight
Northern Soul is the name given to an unspecified but very large body of records, some of which may be extremely rare whilst others much less so, that are accepted by a following termed the Northern Soul scene. Many of these records were cut in 1960's and others in the 1970's largely in the USA and are derivative of classic and popular Black American Soul music as found on the Stax, Atlantic and Motown recording labels of the periods.
The Northern Soul Scene
The Northern Soul scene is both historical and current. Precise origins of the Northern Soul scene are difficult to ascertain. The phrase Northern Soul was coined by Dave Godin. It was meant to reflect the type of music played in clubs in the North of England in the late 60's and early 70's. Essentially the term aimed to differentiate Black American music enjoying popularity in the South of England (Funk based) from that played in the North. A study of Northern club playlists indicates that the roots of Northern Soul are to be found in the Mod era of the mid-60's. (The label Southern Soul does not refer to music played in the South of England. It is an actual classification of Soul music played and recorded in the Southern U.S. states).
As the Mod scene began to die out by the late 60's a younger generation of DJ's and fans established what is now formally regarded as the Northern Soul scene. This is generally accepted as the period during which the Torch Club in Stoke-on-Trent and Wigan Casino in Lancashire coexisted in 1973. Another venue of that period was the Blackpool Mecca. It was the DJ's of this period who made the greatest contribution to the Northern scene. It was largely through their research that many priceless gems were unearthed. This scene continued long after the closure of the three venues surviving to the present day. The Northern scene was and is principally concerned with dancing to Northern Soul music.
The Northern Soul scene is difficult to characterise. In the 70's the Wigan Casino Club clearly dominated the underground scene along with the Blackpool Mecca. The scene revolved around all-nighters held at both venues and attracted the young, largely 16-20, from all over the country. Many of those who became involved in the scene as teenagers have continued to be involved in the scene well into their adult lives. Present day venues are filled with different generations of Northern Soul lovers: some in their fifties from the Mod Era and others from later periods and club eras like Stafford, Cleethorpes and 101 Club, London. It regarded by its followers as a way of life, very social with many friendships, having its own unique customs and camaraderie.
Is there such a thing as a definitive Northern Soul sound or record?
The short answer is no. However, Northern Soul records do have identifiable characteristics. Many of the early records accepted in the days of the Wigan Casino and Blackpool Mecca were termed 'flyers' because of their frenetic dance tempos. Therefore, a fast tempo was one characteristic. The records had to be hard or almost impossible to get. This latter characteristic has become increasingly more important with the passing years. Rare records can exchange hands for hundreds if not thousands of pounds. One example of a rare Northern single that enjoyed (and still enjoys) immense success was Frank Wilson's "Do I love you (Indeed I do)." Apart from five or so promotional copies issued by Motown no other original pressings were ever released. The original copies command prices in the thousands. The Wilson record has all the hallmarks of what is considered to be a great and classic Northern Soul record. Why?
Musically it is pure Motown - this is the sound that made popular Black American soul into a recognisable and accepted musical genre. This genre was copied by many artists and producers on small independent labels. Some of these records were pure motownesque pastiches. Others were classics in their own rights. The link between the Motown sound of Detroit and Northern Soul rare records is clear on hearing. Groups like the Steinways, the Fidels, the Invitations, the Cautions and literally hundreds of other groups (without mentioning any solo artists) can easily be compared to the likes of Motown's Contours, Isley brothers, Miracles, Temptations, Vandellas, Marvelettes and Supremes.
With the passage of time and as the original Northern fans have aged the popularity of frenetic tempo recordings has gradually lessened. (Presumably as energy levels have decreased!) Records of a slower tempo and less regular rhythm are now accepted where previously they would have received outright rejection.
What is the modern day Northern Soul scene like?
In one word: Diverse. There is no single uniform scene. Different venues attract different fans. The scene has also been split due to the politics of the DJ's who control the scene. The scene has always depended upon its DJ's. People like Kev Roberts, Keith Minshull, Russell Winstanley, Richard Searling, Roger Banks, Dave Evison, Chris King, Adey Croasdell and many others have created their own followings and reputations. Splits generally revolve around venues that only want to play 60's Soul where others may be far more tolerant and allow "across the board" music that includes recordings from the 70's, 80's and 90's. (Usually termed Crossover and Modern. Modern generally refers to anything post 1970's).
The new millennium will continue see many popular Northern Soul gatherings. They will range from huge gatherings for all-nighters at venues like Trentham Gardens and Keele University in Staffordshire to ballrooms like the Ritz , Bighouse in West Yorkshire and in smaller venues based in Working Men's Clubs and similar.
