Soul At Grimsargh Village Hall

This was my first visit to Grimsargh, and what an enjoyable evening it was. My time was spent almost entirely in the smaller 2nd room (Dolly). Here we were celebrating the birthdays of several friends and the crowd and atmosphere reflected that.

Arriving nice and early to catch Dolly warming up the room, the exquisite 70’s track of Tony Lampkin. Garland Green’s ‘Love Now Pay Later’. The Dynells and the sublime vocals of David Ruffin ‘Rode By your Place’. Birthday boy Neil (Gamekeeper Jones) next, playing Tiny Tim Harris, The invitations ‘Watch Out little Girl’, that banging bassline and mesmerizing xylophone accompaniment, never fails to activate the dancefloor.

I was asked and was happy to play a few tunes, a first for me. Remarkably only a couple of minor hiccups. My contribution included Otis Brown 'Southside Chicago', Cleveland Robinson, The San Franciscan TKOs and Beloyd.  Next Luci Jones, a typically great sounding set, kicking off with Brothers of Soul (Creations) ‘Dream’, the superb Richard Marks ‘Love is Gone’. Johnny Sayles ‘My Love’s a Monster’, I’d forgotten what a great dance track that is. And the Detroit’s finest the Falcons, ‘Has it Happened to You Yet’.

I did take a quick look in the main room, I must confess it did look good, and just as lively as the 2nd room and matched with great music. I sneaked a quick test of the inviting dance floor; Gamekeeper Jones playing Carl Spencer.

Back in the 2nd room. Billy Mailey gave us the dictionary definition of Rare and Underplayed Soul. His offering included Lee Garret, Curly Moore, The El Corals Band ‘Chick Chick’ and Dee Edwards ‘Why Can’t There Be Love’. And new to me Beverly Wheeler and Cameros ‘Don’t Shake My Tree’

Dolly, so good they named a room after her; took us to the finishing line. Some great tracks that included an appreciation of recently lost Soul legends: Tommy Hunt and Jerry Butler, a recurring theme throughout the evening. A big finish that included The Epitome of Sound ‘Where Were You’, Virgil Henry and Charles Johnson.

This great birthday bash closed to the legendary sound of Johnny Mae Mathews.

Edited February 23Feb 23 by Mickyfinn

Great playing to an appreciative and knowledgeable crowd, fantastic friendly atmosphere both dancefloors were buzzing.Very happy to see smiling faces all night long and special thanks to the Soul Kitchen crew, Alison and Debbie your stars we even bought in Yorkshire Tea for a certain person this is the thing we do glad everyone who came enjoyed it so much they come again.Love an Peace George 😘