Quality Of Soulirish Club Nottm

The second Quality Of Soul nighter carried on the good work of the first one. A real mix of sounds, styles and tempos, it was what I'd call an across the board nighter, something for everyone unless all you want to hear is the NS top 100.

I travelled up to Nottingham from St Pancras with my friend Dave Swift, we booked into the St James Hotel and then went for a walk around the city centre. After an enjoyable meal at the Thai restaurant I'd eaten at on my last trip we got ready and strolled around to the Irish Centre, arriving just after 8 pm.

Ralf was the first DJ on the decks in the rare room and started off with some slower tunes and built things up. The first record I danced to was the Martiniques' If You Wanna Call Me, which I think was played by Ralf, who was followed by John Manship who opened his set with the Answers' Thinking Of You. Among other ones he played were Let The Door Hit Your Back by the Cashmeres and Aretha Franklin's version of I Just Can't Wait To See My Baby's Face, a record I've got but didn't recognise the singer, I asked John and realised my mistake.

The night's promoter Mick H was on next and opened with the Tropics' Hey You Little Girl, I really like that one and had heard it earlier in the week at Soul Prescription, it's one that I don't hear much when I'm out so was very pleased. A good number of Mick's tunes weren't known by me, and that was the case for most of the sets, makes you realise you know less than you thought, but there are so many good records out there.

As I write this I find I'm not sure of the DJ order after Mick, I'm sure it was different from the original list on Facebook. I did go up to the oldies room which was busy too. I caught the last couple of tunes played by Calvin Lee Hughs, a DJ I'd not heard of but is now to be a resident of QOS. Then Andy Dyson took over and started off with Cressida Watson's Salvation, a big record for some time now, following it with Shing-A-Ling. A couple of records later he played Jimmy Sherman's My Heart's Wide Open (Crazy Baby), this got me dancing and I have to say the dance floor upstairs is even better than the one in the rare room, which is pretty good too.

I went downstairs again to listen to Soul Sam's set, thanks to him for playing Boulevard for me. His set was less funky than the last one at Lifeline and included some older favourites like The Hurting Is Over, Angela Davis' My Love Is Strong, and Let The Light Shine; and some recent purchases like the Jax Transit Authority and Love's Company.

I think Andy Dyson was the next DJ downstairs but don't blame me if I'm wrong. I remember him playing Foolish Girl because I danced to it. If my memory is right, which is a moot point he was followed by Jorg who included Pyramid and Richard Marks' Love Is Gone. The latter was new to me, very nice Crossover.

Cliff Steele followed him and as usual played a very good set mixing styles. He included Ray Terrace's Listen To Me, a track I'd never heard played out; he followed it with one by Sly, Slick & Wicked, but I can't remember the title, anyone help?

At the end of his set I popped upstairs again and Jorg was playing, I danced to Ordinary Joe and others but can't remember what they were, getting worried about my memory. Downstairs again and Nige Mayfield was playing Our Day Is Here, such a lovely record.

Once again Mick H stepped up to the decks for the last set and played a mainly mid tempo set. Among his records played were I'll Keep Holding On, Ask My Heart and ending the night with Count The Days.

Then it was time to say farewell and wend our way back to homes, hotels, etc. As someone else said people seemed reluctant to leave, so a good time was had by all. One of the many good things about the soul scene is the people. Generally a really nice friendly bunch, thanks to all who chatted to me on the night. Good to see so many of my mates there: Big Paul, Kev H, Pete and Gail, Kerry and many others too numerous to mention. I hope to see you all again soon. There were a few absentees but guess they were at Bamberg. Thanks to Dave Swift for his company, I hope he enjoyed it as much as me.

The next one changes the times to 9 pm to 6 am, normal nighter service is resumed. I intend to be there, all being well and am looking forward to it. Thanks to Mick, Mandy and all who made this such a great night, please keep up the good work. And thanks to the Irish Centre staff, especially the ladies in the downstairs bar for their pleasant service and good humour.

Went round Notts for a beer first before arriving at venue around 10 30 Stayed in the rare room most of the night were the sounds were top draw with a great crowd in apprecation with a mix of djs from home and abroad The main room was pretty packed with a great mix being played Stayed till the end were it seamed nobody wanted to go home Look forward to the next one.

Cheers Guys Nigel