Stockport Ukrainian Club

A previous open commitment this Saturday meant I hadn’t planned to attend a Soul event, but I got away early enough and was able to get to Dodgers local bi-monthly Soul fest, I’m glad I did. This was a special edition, which included top DJs of our scene with a touch of Northern Soul royalty.

A gathering of the great and the good of Stockport’s Soul community made a full house. Friendly faces, a joyous atmosphere and superb music.

Gavin Bates got things moving nicely with the big voice of Tony Middleton ‘To the Ends of The Earth’. The classic blue eyed Northern dancer, Micky Moonshine. The ever popular, The Jelly beans. And the seductive tones of Frankie and the Classicals.

Guest DJ Simon Ingham, brought his box of magic along, kicking off with Cleveland Robinson ‘Love is a Trap’, the swinging ‘Ive Given All My Love’ by Patti Austin. An artist that doesn’t do bad tunes, Cody Black and the ebullient ‘I’m Slowly Molding’. Not forgetting Kenny Gamble’s stellar classic, ‘The Jokes on You’.

The next guest DJ was Billy Mailey, with a top selection that included the harmonious girly sound of The Sparkles ‘Try Love’. The banging dancer, Rudy Love. Mill Evans version of Nolan Chance’s classic. And the timeless masterpiece that is Judy Freeman.

Robbo was up next, accompanied by the inimitable Bob Hinsley making a surprise appearance. A complete set that ensured there was no let up on the dance floor. Opening with Tony Clarke’s moody and reflective ‘The Wrong Man’.  The refined sound of the Tangiers, classic 70’s, Bit’s and Pieces and Alfie Davison. The powerful and sad refrain of Jewel Akens ‘My First Lonely Night’. The song accredited to Sukiyaki on the 45, which is the original Japanese version of the song.

Our host Dodger did the final lap. The catchy sound of James Barnett ‘Keep on Talking’. Classic Island oldie Jackie Edwards ‘Feel So Bad’.  A real blast from the past in Sister Sledge ‘Love Don’t go Through no Changes’. I had forgotten how good that sounds when played out.

Dodger closed his set, and the night came to a premature end to the sound of ‘The Voice’ aka Chuck Jackson an unmistakeable Levine production ‘All over the World’. A great night was had by all.