Blackpool International Soul Festival 8

This review is a little bit different, in that It’s an attempt to capture the essence of the 3-day Soul festival. I do confess It’s my favourite weekend of the year. To me, those who criticise it, either have never been or have given up on life.

Tucked away in the Winter Gardens is the Old Vic, probably my go to place. A smaller and more intimate venue than the norm, it has the look of a traditional English pub, with a bar running the full length of the dancefloor, where the ambience and lighting is just about perfect. Open for the whole event, it has also become the de facto meeting point.

Entering The Old Vic late Friday afternoon to DJ Jem Booth playing the seductive tones of Cheryl Berdell ‘Giving it All to You’. The DJs then gave us a masterclass spinning a brilliant mix of crossover soul, 70’s classics and modern floor fillers. Glyn Thornhill spinning Jalen Ngonda ‘Come Round and Love me’, George Benson’s masterpiece ‘My Woman’s Good to Me’. And crossover gem by the Paramount Four ‘Sorry Ain't the Word’. Roman gave us the sublime, The Bitter and The Sweet ‘I won’t Have any Babies for You’. And Bill Harris’ 70’s classic ‘Am I Cold am I Hot’.

It's only 9pm, the Old Vic is packed, the dancefloor is bouncing, with smiling and glistening faces. Keith Money played the stylish Papa Bear and His Cubs, then crossover perfection with Robert Tanner ‘Sweet Memories’. Eddie Piller played Terry Callier’s up-tempo modern gem, ‘I Don’t Want to See Myself’. The raw emotional vocals of Belita Woods’ ‘My Magic Corner’. And the heartfelt duet of George and McCrae ‘Winners or Losers Together’.  Steve Plumb’s excellent set included the upbeat album track with the Latin and calypso vibe, Ronnie Butler & the Ramblers ‘Peace without love’. Then local boy M.T. Jones’ I’d be Lying’. Flanny ensured there was no let up on the dance floor, the majestic Dells ‘Your Song’ and the modern anthem, Maze, ‘Joy and Pain’.

The Old Vic continued to give us brilliant music all weekend, culminating on Sunday with a party atmosphere playing mainly modern soul classics.

The Spanish Hall with its vaulted ceiling, Spanish vistas adorning the walls and a large, polished dance floor is an ideal backdrop for the late night Northern and rare soul sessions. The venue was full on Friday and Saturday evenings, giving off a real high energy Nighter atmosphere.

Here we got to hear the peerless Butch playing the stunning ‘Old Time Lover’. And 100 Club magic, Curtis Wiggins ‘Kiss me Goodbye’. Mick Taylor spinning some rare classics, including Eddie Parker’s Magnus Opus ‘I’m Gone’ And Don Gardner’s illusive ‘Cheatin Kind’.  Not forgetting the mid tempo track that seamlessly combines an understated 'on the fours' beat with harmonious vocals, Johnny Rogers ‘Make a Change’.   

The Olympia, normally an exhibition hall. On Saturday, this large bright open space made way for Blackpool Mecca reunion session. Mine hosts Colin Curtis and Pete Haigh. The sound system was nothing short of incredible, every crystal-clear pulse and beat magnified, seemingly turning every track into a dancefloor essential. Including dancing to Tavares, fortunately the missus wasn’t there to witness it. More of a revival than a reunion, show casing irresistible rhythms and unmistakable soul magic. Street People ‘Never Get Enough of Your Love’, Marvin Holmes ‘You Better Keep Her’. The sound of Philadelphia, Teddy Pendergrass ‘You Can’t Hide from Yourself’. MFSB ‘let’s clean up the Guetto’, The Ojays ‘I Love Music’ And the dance anthem that is Harold Melvin & The Blue Notes ‘The Love I Lost .

Patti Austin was the main live act this year, supported by Snake Davies and The Suspicions. Her vocal range and quality were incredible, as were the musicians and backing singers. She sang most of the tunes she’s known for, and the tracks I personally treasure.  The nostalgic ‘Take Away the Pain Stain’ and He’s Good Enough for Me’. Concluding a memorable performance with her masterful version of ‘You Didn’t Say a Word’.

Sunday gave us the Manchester Ritz reunion, a Jazz funk and disco celebration. Held in the Pavilion, a marquee styled venue, with a mid to large size dancefloor.  DJs, Neil Rushton, Mark Grice and Chris Box. Lovers of this style of music attended in numbers and were ready to party.

A real favourite, George Benson ‘On Broadway’ heard for the first time in decades at the Ritz reunion at the New Century Hall, a few months back. Joe Chapel’s Latin groove, ‘Never Gonna Let You Go’. The dancefloor magnet that is Jackson Sisters ‘I Believe in Miracles’. Jean Carn’s disco classic ‘Was That All It Was’. The inimitable David Ruffin ‘Walk Away from Love’. And the delightful tones of Phyliss Hyman ‘You Know How to love Me’. The session signed off with Eddie Holman’s exhilarating ‘This will Be a Night to Remember’.

As has become tradition for us, spending the last two hours of the final night in the enormous and Impressive Empress ballroom. Here Kev Roberts and Richard Searling can be found delving into their crates of Northern Soul classics playing to a packed dancefloor. Eddie Foster, Dana Valery, Moses Smith, Roy Hamilton. Popular crossover tracks including Clarence Carter, The Voices of East Harlem and Phyliss Hyman. A great night and fabulous weekend ended to The Queen of Soul’s ‘Say a Little Prayer’.

I’m all souled out, if I hear another four beats to the bar, jazzy chord or dance another step I will need to go into deep sleep. Here’s until next time.

Edited June 17Jun 17 by Mickyfinn

I must have been in some of the same rooms as the same time as you Micky. Pity we didn't meet up.

It was my first visit and I had a great time. There's something for everyone if you know where to look. I didn't discover the Spanish Hall until 1am on Saturday and wish I'd spent some more time in there as it was buzzing. Patti Austin was excellent. I found it quite emotional to hear her sing some of my favourite songs so close to me and her voice was superb.

Here’s some notable records I heard over the weekend.

Jalen Ngonda- come around and love me

Sonny Til - tears & misery

Sheree Brown- It’s a pleasure

George Benson - my woman’s good to me

Margie Joseph - I can’t move any mountains

Maxine Brown - I can’t get along without you

Wahoo - don’t take it personal

Brian Cultbertson - Another Love

Garfield Fleming - Don’t Send Me Away

Enchantments- I’m in love with your daughter

Broomfield- don’t cover up your feelings

Johnny Bristol - love no longer has a hold on me

Sunburst Band - Everyday

Peabo Bryson - why don’t you make up your mind

Dee Dee Sharp Gamble - nobody can take your place

Jean Carne- time waits for no-one

Renee Geyer - be there in the morning

Brown Sugar- the game is over

Walter Jackson- touching in the dark

The Temptations- aiming at your heart

Leon Ware - what’s your name

Bobby Womack- home is where the heart is

Parliaments - don’t be sore at me

Sherrick - just call

Don Gardner - cheatin kind

Pat Lewis- no-one to love

Eddie Parker - I’m gone

Gene Toones - what more do you want

Jobell - never gonna let you go

Silvetti - spring rain

Edited June 21Jun 21 by Daved