6ts 100 Club Nighter - London

Review: The 100 Club Nighter – 31st May

From the moment you enter 100 Oxford St and descend the stairs you’re engulfed by the venue’s unmistakable aura: red spotlights cutting through the darkness, while glowing red exit signs cast a moody, cinematic glow. Framed photos of pioneering artists who have graced this venue adorn the walls, peering down favourably on a vibrant dancefloor, with a younger crowd breathing new energy into an exceptional mix of rare soul grooves.

First up was Butch, one great sounding tune after another and I confess all new to me. And if Shazam could show tumbleweed blowing across the screen it would. I can recall a different version of Bill Brandons, ‘Whatever I Am’ and a thumping cover version of lee Roye’s ‘Tears’. A great opening set.

Tomas Mcgrath put us back on familiar territory, kicking off with the hypnotic tones of Sam Fletcher, Otis Brown ‘Southside Chicago’ and guaranteed to bring any dance floor to life: Jesse Davis ‘Hang on in There Girl’. Then mixing things up nicely with the funky sound of Sir Henry Ivy ‘He Left You Standing There.’

First guest DJ Nathan Pickard picked up where Tomas left off with some 70’s magic, Mike Jemison ‘I Want Satisfaction’, the vibrant sound of Bobby Foster ‘If You really Need a Friend,’ and from the same stable the timeless Ann Sexton ‘You’ve Been Gone Too Long’. Not forgetting the captivating sound of Terry Winter ‘Shadow Dark and Blue.

Next Guest, Portugal’s finest Joao Tenreiro with tracks to light up any dancefloor, Judy Freeman, Delegates of Soul, The Pages and a song I last heard a lifetime ago ‘You’ve Got Me Hung Up’ by King Tutt.

The main man, Ady Croasdell gave us Kent release’s Melvin Hicks ‘The Intruder,’ The Soul Interiors ‘The Inside Guys’ and Carlolyn Crawford ‘Get up and Move’, how good are these? Completing his first set with a dance floor favourite from The Paramount four.

2:15am, only halfway, a packed dancefloor and the ‘Nighter’ vibe is palpable.

Butch kicked off his second set with the classic Epitome of Sound. The superb sound system delivering each string and every snare with clarity and punch. The smooth and upbeat ‘I Feel a Song’ by The Brothers Gilmore. A cover of The Supremes ‘Back in My Arms Again’ which was quite frankly epic. Butch’s The Mighty Lovers turned the dancefloor into standing room only. And the melodic sound of Curtis Wiggins ‘Kiss Me Goodbye’.

Tomas started with the Notations then the majestic T.S.U Toronados ‘A Thousand Wonders’. The Jazzy Ray Williams & The Majortones ‘Girl (You’re so Sweet)’, concluding with the sweet harmonies of The Reality Band and Show ‘Gangsterboy’.

Nathan’s final set gave us the fast funky vibes of Mystic Pleasure ‘Back Door’ and included the Four Tracks ‘Charade’, blue eyed soul at it is best in Bobby Samson ‘Don’t leave’ and the expressive vocals of Andy Aaron ‘You’re the Only One’.

Joao started with soulful crossover Ronnie West ‘Lil’ Woman’ before giving us some upbeat Jazz Funk, Halo ‘Let Me Do it,’ New World ‘We’re Gonna Make it’ and the feel-good Jackson Sisters ‘I Believe in Miracles.’

It was left to our host Ady for the finale. First up the Constellations then Little Ann, The San Franciscan TKOs, and Chuck Jackson. Before he brought a fabulous night to a close at 6:00am with his signature tracks. Carla Thomas and The Four Tops ‘Baby I Need Your Loving’