Phoenix Got Soul Djs Tony Smith Kevin Higham Andrew Thorne

Well done Yann Vatiste for putting on an excellent soul night that combined rare soul with a good selection of classic oldies. Not always easy to do.

For those who don't know the Phoenix is a pub just off Oxford Street next to the John Lewis department store. It has been used many times for soul nights, Scenesville had nights there and more recently Yann has put nights on.

I'm happy to report that last night was very busy, much more so than my last visit to this night. Generally the dance floor was busy, it's good, nice and slidey, no need for talc. Pleased for Yann that it was busy, it's a worry putting on a night, hoping that people turn up.

Each DJ did two sets, mixing up the sounds, and each added a unique style to the night. Loads of my favourites played, thanks to Tony Smith who'd noted that I'd mentioned the Shadows' My Love Has Gone in my comments on the last 100 Club nighter. He played it for me and then followed it with the Adorables' Ooh Boy! That's my favourite oldie,

When I left home I felt some aches in my knees, applied Volterol before leaving but didn't really expect to dance much. But as usual the music got into me and I had to get out there.

The time went very quickly, Yann did the last hour, assisted by Rob Messer, think it was his birthday. When a friend said he'd be going in 20 minutes I thought we had an hour to go. When a night goes quickly you know you've enjoyed it.

Very nice to see some of my friends there. Thanks to Shaun Arnold for his company on the tube home. My first use of the allnight tube, thought it might be packed but fairly quiet. Got a cab home from the station and was in bed by 4.05. Feeling tired now though.

Thanks to Yann and the other DJs for a most entertaining night. Phoenix Got Soul is worth going to.