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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.

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’

Last night’s two room event was nothing short of superb. A masterclass in curating timeless grooves for true connoisseurs. Each room offering a complementary yet distinctive vibe. The night unfolded like a beacon for soul music in all its rich diversity. BazM took the first set in the main room with the classy sound of Tommy Turner’s ‘Lazy’. The flip to September Jone’s anthem ‘No More Love’, then the girlie sound with the heavy dance beat: The Mar-Js ‘Got to Find a Way’. Dance floor favourites: The Spiedels and Silky Hargreaves. Including The Webs ‘Don’t Ever Hurt Me’, always like the stylized New York emphasis on the word ‘Hurt’. Completing a super set with the Ethereal sound of the Dream Merchants. Bob Taylor Kicked off with the classic sound of the Silhouettes, then the harmonious sound of Betty Lloyd, Lonnie Lester and the dance-floor magnet that is September Jone’s haunting number ‘I’m Coming Home’. Soul Sam was spinning to a full dance floor in the modern room. A cover of ‘Man Up in The Sky’, not Barret Strong nor Johnny Bristol. Then the Countertenor tones of Fluorescent Smog ‘All of My Life’. Followed by Chicago funk: Paradise ‘Nombiss’ very reminiscent of Earth Wind and Fire. Sam’s selection also included the sublime rarity, Tab Walton ‘I Love You’. Mick Howard in the main room was playing the brilliant The Soul Blenders ‘Love is Built on a Strong Foundation’. And included the classic sounds of George kirby and Terry Callier. The exhilarating tempo of The Accents ‘Who You Gonna Love’ and the evergreen Delegates of Soul. Master of modern room Steve Plumb was playing some Philly magic, The Ojays ‘Start Stoppin’. The soulful ‘Try Me’ by Wee. Uplifting dancers: Keni Burke ‘Let Somebody Love you’ and the rhythmic high-octane sound of Billy Bryd ‘Lost In a Crowd’. In the main room Mick H started his set with some classic oldies, Dean Courteny, The admirations and Kenny Gamble. The late lamented Pat Lewis ‘No one to love’ followed by crossover A listers Bob& Fred and the Imperial C’s. Not forgetting the nostalgic and breathtaking sound of The De-Lites. Concluding a terrific, varied set with the sorrowful cadence of Guitar Ray. Soul Sam took the last spot in the main room. Some sublime rare grooves: Will Dale and Patrinell Staten. A series of classic oldies, including Yvonne Vernee, John Bowie and Herb Ward before slowing things down with Jimmy Bo Horne. Finally bringing the night to a close with the familiar sound of John & The Wierdest. For Soul fans and aficionados, a fabulous night from start to finish. The kind of night that reminds you why you fell love with this music in the first place.

So, where to start? Well arriving at the venue with just 8 minutes to spare before my first ever set at my first ever STOCKHOLM SOUL WEEKENDER might seem a good place 😉 No time for hello’s, straight in and straight on, with the first of many Swedish lagers in hand, off I went… A few records in and the sight of some familiar faces and a welcoming atmosphere even at 5pm made it easy to quickly settle in and drop a few sounds from the crates! So here goes.... Friday 5pm till 6pm I’m So Glad The Exits What Am I to Do The Passions It Won’t Hurt The Gentlemen Four Why Can’t It Be The Compacts That Man of Mine The Trippletts Let Me Love You Soul For Sale Show Me The Genuineness Blend Sweet Temptation Sunday Jordan The One Who’s Hurting is You Sunny and the Sunliners Are You Going To Miss Me Bernard Dupree It’s All Over Pearl Dowell Sweet Smell of Your Perfume Maurice McKinnies Bring It Back Johnny Noble Baby I Love You Jimmie Ellis Your Love Has Got Me Johnny Dollar Like Clouds The Districts Carry Me Back Dallas Pearce Find Myself Another Girl The Sonics Change in My Life 2001 Black Essence Someday Baby The Earles Little Girl Blue Webs Don’t Count on Tomorrow The Bootleggers I Really Hope You Do The Sophisticates Saturday 12Midnite to 1am the place was buzzing with a 'WELL UP FOR IT’ Crowd! Detroit Executives Cool Off Joe Matthews Ain’t Nothing You Can Do Bobby Valentin Use It Before You Lose It Heyes Cotton Black Wings Have My Angel Johnny Sayles Tell Me Where I Stand Eddie Bo Our Love Will Never Falter Della Reese Who is He and What is He to You Ann Sexton I Still Love You Angela Davis My Love is So Strong Santiago Feeling Good Jackson Sisters I Believe in Miracles James Brown There Was a Time Willie and the Mighty Magnificents Funky 8 Corners Pt2 Pervis Lee You Don’t Care Solomon Burke Save It Thelonious Beats Not So Easy The Spidels Dream Girl Ray Terrace Listen To Me Les McCann Sweet Little Girl Karmello Brooks Tell Me Baby Willie Tee Walking Up a One Way Street I just wanted to take this opportunity to thank Carl and Jens for the invite to play at such a superb event, to hear new tunes from the excellent group of DJ’s, meet new friends and spend quality time with fellow ‘soulies’ with a special mention to my travelling mukka Richard Free …Thanks and love to all