Whitchurch Soul Club Guests Simon Ingram Mick Howard
Fri 29 Aug 2025

Situated within the modest surrounds of the Archibald Worthington club. This intimate low ceiling venue with a raised DJ platform and polished wooden dancefloor; manages to keep the sound tight and the energy high.

We arrived as Pete Best was setting the tone: The Lovelites “Oh What a Day”, the smooth flip to “Get it Off My Conscience “. Followed by the modulated tones of Wendell Watts, “You Girl”. The standout of his excellent set, for me, The Voltaires “My My My Baby” acoustically simple, yet brilliant.

Next up was Chic, who opened with the entreating tones of the Nu’rons, “All My Life”. Stellar crossover tracks, The Imperial C’s, Charlene & The Soul Serenaders and the wonderfully familiar track that never fails to fill the dance floor: Jokers, “Soul Sound”.

The lights were dimmed, and the atmosphere lifted a notch. The dancefloor remaining lively all evening.

Mick Howard was up next, Emanuel Laskey’s “I’m A Peace Loving Man”. A varied set that included the timeless Andrea Henry and the ever-popular San Franciscan TKO’s. Proof that great tunes needn’t require a second mortgage with the masterful David Ruffin, “I Can’t Stop the Rain” and dance heaven with The Dramatics “Your Love is Strange”. Mick included the delightful new release by the Womack Sisters “If You Want Me”.

Another Ashton Ukrainian Cub stalwart was next, Simon Ingham with his Pandora's box of Soul magic and a typically masterful set. The intoxicating beat that is Jackie Beavers flip “Love That Never Grows Old “. Another superb flip from the top shelf, The Honeybees, “Never in a Million Years”. The sublime Tommy Ridgely, followed by the orchestral and poetic sound of Ralph Graham “She Just Sits There”. 

Keith Williams took the final hour. There was no let-up in the quality of the music played. Opening with The Soulful Twins’ “Can’t Let You Go”, which shares its production DNA with its pricier Magnetics stablemate. An impressive and enjoyable selection, highlights that included The Oxford Nights and Rudy Love. Joe Batman’s take on “Under the Street Lamp”, and the beautifully crafted sounds of Ree Flores “Look into My Heart”. 

Departing to echoes of blue-eyed soul,  Mark Loyd’s “When I’m Gonna Find Her”, a refined and fitting end to a night of exceptional music.

Edited August 31Aug 31 by Mickyfinn