Dab Of Soul By The Seaside Llandudno Crossover Weekender

Friday

The Dab of Soul weekender was eagerly anticipated. The main event on the Friday was memorable for its fantastic selection of music, an atmosphere you could cut with a knife and a dance floor that didn’t let up from the start to finish.

Our co host Dave Lucas kicked off the evening, double decking with Garry Matock. Some crossover magic, Eunice Williams, the heart wrenching Debonaire’s “How’s Your New Love Treating You”, Darrow Fletcher “It’s no mistake”. And a real favourite Lyde Fisher and Gyles “Serves Me Right to Suffer”

The master of the Modern Room, Steve Plumb was on next. A nice tribute to Quincy Jones with the vocals of Patti Austin “Betcha Wouldn’t Hurt Me”. Followed by Richard Caiton, Robert Parker and Beloyd.

Up next Brian Pinches, some real gems: Charlene & The Soul Serenaders, The Imperial C’s. And stand out and new to me The Promatics “I think I’m Gonna Let You Go”.

Lars Bulnehim, played Connie Laverne’s one hit wonder and a real rarity, Sir Joe “Every Day”.

Matt Fox, included  the deep soulful vocals of Lou Rawls “See You When I Get There” with highlights:  Innersection, Bessie Banks and Johnny Bristol.

Co Host Chris Anderton gave us an exceptional final set: Ujima, Monique and the maestro Chuck Jackson “What’s with This Loneliness”.  The fabulous evening closed with the evergreen Johnnie Mae Mathews.

Saturday

The afternoon session in the bar area has a great vibe. Here, friendships are made and renewed. Records are bought, sold and discussed. All with a backing of great sounds played by quality DJs.  I arrived as my great friend Steve (Diddy) Morgan was spinning smooth 70’s tracks. With a room full to bursting with record collectors (no pressure pal 😊 ) the incredible vocals of Nancy Wilson “Here it Comes” and the outstanding Almeta Lattimore.

I had to pull out earlier than I wanted, as beer was flowing too freely and I intended to make a full night of it. But not before Peter Dunn played Sydney Joe Qualls. Dave Griffith spun Gene Chandlers version of “Can I Change my Mind”. Peter Sumner playing characteristically top tunes that included Tobi Lark “Challenge My Love” and Robert Tanner. And Johnny Roberts with the Soul Notes, the dance floor was beckoning.

The evening began with a packed room, Susan Spiby-Wade and Sue Stutting double decking. Tunes to rouse the room, The Continental 4, The Hesitations “Is this the Way to Treat a Girl”, and Lou Ragland “I can’t take it” (wow)

Chris Anderton next, the dance floor in full flow: the smooth Johnnie Taylor “What About Love”, T.J Williams and Skip Mahoaney’s under the radar dancer “Running Away from Love”.

Lars Bulnheim followed, with a modern funky feel:  True Image “keep Me Dancing” and Merry Clayton “Emotion”.

Matt Fox next, there was no let up on the dance floor, a great set including familiar 60’s and 70’s rare grooves, Joe Jama, The Yum Yums and Terry Callier “Ordinary Joe”.

Brian Pinches took the penultimate spot. Some real quality. Kicking off with the pleading vocals of Johnny Gilliam “Room Full of Tears”, the Delfonics version of “Hurt so Bad” and Flowers “For Real”.

Steve Plumb’s finale ensured the energy remained right until the end.  Up-tempo feel good with the Jackson Sisters.  The high energy sound of Ronnie Butler and The Ramblers “Peace without Love”.  And a personal big thanks for playing the magical and brilliant L.V Johnson “Recipe”.  

The patrons did not want to leave, the intended last tune was the Commands, but we reluctantly left to an encore of Dionne Warwick “Walk on by”.

Alas we were all souled out, so didn’t make Sunday’s offering. We paid our respects to the fallen at the Llandudno cenotaph before heading back home.

A big thank you to Chris and Dave for fabulous weekend with incredible music, great people and I for one can’t wait for the next one.  

Edited November 10, 2024Nov 10 by Mickyfinn