Ashton Ukrainian Club - Ashton-under-lyne

Awesome August gets better and better!!! Last night at Ashton Ukrainian surpassed all expectations for what is traditionally one of the quieter months on the Rare Soul Calendar!!

Not a bit of it, packed house once again WOW!! In the words of Frank Gallagher The P-A-R-T-Y was in full flow at 7.15pm every seat in the main room was taken and people up dancing, the Ashton "it" factor atmosphere was already building for a monumental night!!

Once again lots of new faces, a fact that that never ceases to amaze, as a few of our regular attendees were away. Great to see the Wilton Crowd in Chuddy, Chris Pell, Johnno and No 1 Preston Cyberman Gaz Kellett !!!

The music encompassed all the diverse areas of this wonderful scene and all lapped up by a real open minded crowd!!

So many highlights Gis Southworth smashed it, everything from Gerri Hall, Lenny Curtis to the sublime Kitty Doswell "just a face in the crowd"

Lord Ashton Chris Churm bucked the trend and did an earlier set and great to see him digging deeper into the box for those vinyl pearls International Soul Vlogger Darren Carroll thought he had brought somebody else's playbox. Chris has records we can only dream of owning, awesome set!

Stuart Raith was up next and said he was a tad nervous, you would never have known, WHAT a set everything from the classics, funky edge, R+B Just brilliant mate!!

Quality all the way followed from Paul Johnson Oscar Perry "face reality" Reggie Soul "world of ecstasy" Clarence Reid "I'm your yes man" and so many more!!

It was left to me to finish the night, mixing it up Frankie + The Damons, Ujima, Gambrells and finishing a great night with for me a desert island disc Clydie King "soft and gentle ways"

Once again huge thanks to The Ashton Faithful, you guys make the night what it is, our hard working volunteer bar staff, much appreciated by all at Team Ukrainian!!!

Picture the scene, a familiar friendly event that feels decadent and exclusive. Walking into the venue is walking into another dimension, a dimension of rhythm and sound and soulful possibilities. With an atmosphere so thick you can touch it. You’ve just crossed over into the Soul Zone

Phil Dunn ensured the correct tone was set with tracks that included Carol Anderson “Taking my mind off Love” and Jock Mitchell. The dance floor filled and remained so all night.

Gis Southworth: Who needn’t had bothered with the tin hat, there would be no flack heading his way.  His set included a modern classic that was released a few years back and dedicated it to Diddy.  Carlton Jumel Smith “This is what love looks like”. One that was new to me, Brenda Parker “Help me find Mr good man” a nice mid-tempo track with great vocals. And not forgetting Andrea Henry.

Next was Chris Churn, not in his usual closing spot. Some great sounds: Moses Smith “Come on Let me love you”, The Soul Communicators and the timeless Judy Freeman.

Eagerly anticipated debutante Stuart Raith. Where you can expect the unexpected.  He didn’t disappoint, some classic tracks that included Nolan Chance and Bobby Treetop. Quite a few little-known but big sounds: Mighty Sam McClain “Nothing but the truth” and an R&B number by Clarence Reid “Cadillac Annie.

Paul Johson followed with a nice mix. A classic by the Philly songstress Barbara Mason “You better stop”. not played enough for me.  Also, quite a few 70’s and more modern tunes: Jay Player “Love is the answer” and Mighty Pope “If you want a love affair”, Great set.

Replacing Chris as this month’s “Tail end Charlie” and having the honour of closing the night was Ashton stalwart Mick Howard. Another great set encompassing 60’s and 70’s. The haunting up-tempo sound of September Jones “I’m coming home” followed by Ujima “I’m not ready” and the San Franciscan TKOs.

Mick brought the night to a close all too soon with Clydie King “Soft and gentle ways”

In this place, somewhere East of nowhere nothing else matters. This is a dimension where soul music reigns supreme. There’s is nothing else to say. Welcome to the Soul Zone.

Edited August 18, 2024Aug 18 by Mickyfinn