Mickyfinn November 3, 2024Nov 3 (edited) 5 of 5 members say helpful 5 / 5 members The Grumpy takeover soul events at Culcheth are always a bit special and this was no different. Exceptional music, an appreciative crowd, and a packed dance floor. And with that undefinable feeling of being somewhere special. In addition, we have the fabulous option of being able to visit the modern room, and for those of us who like 70’s and bit of 80’s, this is a real bonus. It was great to see the legendary Soul Sam in attendance. We arrived early doors, JumpinJoan and Phil Threlfall appeared to be double decking in the main room. Some fabulous tracks to warm up the dance floor; The Cairos, Al Gardner and the incredible Spidells “Pushed Out of the Picture” Ady Potts was up next and playing a current favourite, The Four Voices, followed by Donna Coleman and The Ideals “Mighty Lover” Steve Plumb was gracing the decks in the Modern room, educating and entertaining with a few funky album tracks: Mandril “it’s So Easy Lovin’ You” and Ronnie Butler & The Ramblers “Peace Without Love”. Followed by a few nice mid-tempo grooves that wouldn’t be out of place in either room: Nate Evans “This Time with Feeling” and Jimmy Mack “A Woman is So Hard to Understand”. Back in the main room Joan was spinning to a packed floor. A couple of epic dancers that won’t require a second mortgage to own, Sandra Richardson “Stay Here with Me” and The Dramatics “Your Love Was Strange”. And a track guaranteed to fill the floor The Delegates of Soul. Charlie Smith was in the very busy modern room, with his box of wondrous stuff: Flowers “For Real”. James Brown “You took My Heart” (want one of these) and Fluorescent Smogg “All My Life”. Nick McKinnon took over from Charlie, kicking off with a mellow Rufus & Chaka “Stop on by”. Carl Fortnum played The Tempests (Bobby Paris 😉) and Rudy Love earlier in his set. Playing a bit of 60’s blue eyed with Joey Hetherton “When You Call My Baby”, as I re-entered the main room after 11pm On next in the main room was Phil. A superb set that included The Martells, the classic oldie, Paris and the irrepressible dancer Jesse Davis “Gonna Hang on in There Girl”. It was also great to hear Willie Kendrick “Time Changes Things” being played out. Ady followed with his second set, if memory serves kicking off with the Admirations, and concluding with the classic sounds of Tamla Lewis and Al Williams. In the modern room Bill was playing smooth modern dancers: Dexter Wansel “The Sweetest Pain” and Mary Jane Girls “All Night Long” among others to an appreciative crowd. Carl came on for his second set at 12:45 in the main room. And played for me what is the greatest Northern Soul dancer of all time. The inimitable Eddie Parker “I’m Gone”; wild horses wouldn’t keep me from the dance floor when that is played. Followed by Jacky Beavers and Herman Lewis. Alas we were unable to stay until the end. But a big thank you to Baz and the team for a fabulous night of quality music in both rooms. I was moving between rooms, dancing and chatting, so it's possible I have assigned the wrong tune to a particular DJ. I think I got It right, but apologies if that is not the case. Edited November 3, 2024Nov 3 by Mickyfinn
Jumpinjoan November 4, 2024Nov 4 4 of 4 members say helpful 4 / 4 members Massive thanks to everyone for supporting our little night on Saturday. I'm sure you will agree Ady was an awesome guest, classics and obscurities blended together seamlessly, just perfect. Carl was amazing as always and, as is his trademark, threw in a few 'alternate' vocals 😂. Add Phil's choices to those two legends, and I doubt you would hear better records anywhere in the country. Must mention Baz who works tirelessly behind the scenes to make our enjoyment of the night possible. Nothing's too much trouble, always smiling, and goes above and beyond, thanks B. Such a lovely surprise to see Soul Sam at the bar as I was walking round too, and looking so well. Biggest plaudits as always goes to all of you who never fail to turn up from every corner - Midlands, Yorkshire, Scotland, Wales, local and beyond. You're such a great crowd, up for it and on the floor from the first to the last, thank you 🥰. Doesn't feel right awarding five stars as I was playing records/co-promoting/lowering the tone (always think it's a bit strange when people rate themselves) so it's four stars for that reason only, but a massive heartfelt five stars for you guys! 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟 Actually took some photos of the night, which is a novelty as I never take my phone in, will post them in the gallery at some point 😍
