Mickyfinn

It was a muggy night in London and with a full house, the heat was palpable. But this is an event where the comfort of the patrons, is a distant second to a full on all nighter experience. An atmosphere rarely replicated, with an unparalleled DJ line up: Ady Croasdell, Butch, Tim Ashibende, Keith Money and Joel Maslin. Playing box office sounds to a packed dance floor. Butch lit up the room with his the “Mighty Lovers”, he played “Why”, I think it was Willie Mason version. The Notations “Trying my best to find her”, Darryl Banks “I’m knocking at your heart” and many I didn’t know. All with his typical stamp of real quality. Tim Ashibende always willing to mix up his sets and keep you guessing. Played the ever popular Servicemen double sider, this time it was “Connie” . A blast from the past the: Lovelites and “Get him off my conscience”. And a real nice track that was new to me by Joe Graves “Debbie” The main man for the night and for the past 45 years, Ady Croasdell honoured his legacy with Little Ann “ Who are you trying to fool”, The San Franciscan TKO’s, Paramount Four and Carla Thomas. One that got a huge response on the dance floor: the evergreen Kenny Carter “ What’s that on your finger”. Joel and Keith seemed to follow each other without me noticing, so apologies if I’ve attributed the incorrect tunes to the DJ, but I think I got I’ve got it right, fabulous sets. Joel played the peerless Papa Bear and his cubs “ Your so fine” And two that got a terrific response on the dance floor Harvey Averne and Clydene Jackson. Keith played a series of real midtempo showstoppers, Bob and Fred, Robert Tanner and the Sweets. And a Latin tune that is genuine marmite, Tony Middleton “ Spanish Maiden”. An incredible night of fabulous music, full on dancing, all shared with great people. The night concluded with Ady’s signature closing song. The Four Tops “ Baby I need your Lovin”.

The absence of any reviews compelled me to write something of this magical Day. There are no shortage of Soul events that play familiar oldies, but few have the pedigree to pull in a huge crowd of lifelong soul fans. This was such an event. For those of us who usually seek out something a bit less familiar, and gravitate to the rare and underplayed scene. And even the crossover/modern side of things. It’s great to remind yourself occasionally, why we loved this music in the first place. Most of the tunes played here are classics for a reason, and played to the right crowd at the right venue they remain magical. Ian Wills played some top tunes, many covered up as someone else when first heard: Cecil Washington ( Joe Matthew’s), Vikki Bains (Christine Cooper) and the Outsiders “Time Won’t Let Me” ( Detroit Shakers) to name a few. Brilliant sets played by all the DJ’s filled the dance floor with vibrant energy, perspiration and mass hand clapping for the whole event. It was nostalgia overload. Words can’t do it justice, as close as you can get to those halcyon days. Quite Incredible really. A special mention to Tim who played the politically incorrect “Colouredman”. Last heard heard a lifetime ago. What a response he got on the dance floor. Fabulous.

Picture the scene, a familiar friendly event that feels decadent and exclusive. Walking into the venue is walking into another dimension, a dimension of rhythm and sound and soulful possibilities. With an atmosphere so thick you can touch it. You’ve just crossed over into the Soul Zone Phil Dunn ensured the correct tone was set with tracks that included Carol Anderson “Taking my mind off Love” and Jock Mitchell. The dance floor filled and remained so all night. Gis Southworth: Who needn’t had bothered with the tin hat, there would be no flack heading his way. His set included a modern classic that was released a few years back and dedicated it to Diddy. Carlton Jumel Smith “This is what love looks like”. One that was new to me, Brenda Parker “Help me find Mr good man” a nice mid-tempo track with great vocals. And not forgetting Andrea Henry. Next was Chris Churn, not in his usual closing spot. Some great sounds: Moses Smith “Come on Let me love you”, The Soul Communicators and the timeless Judy Freeman. Eagerly anticipated debutante Stuart Raith. Where you can expect the unexpected. He didn’t disappoint, some classic tracks that included Nolan Chance and Bobby Treetop. Quite a few little-known but big sounds: Mighty Sam McClain “Nothing but the truth” and an R&B number by Clarence Reid “Cadillac Annie. Paul Johson followed with a nice mix. A classic by the Philly songstress Barbara Mason “You better stop”. not played enough for me. Also, quite a few 70’s and more modern tunes: Jay Player “Love is the answer” and Mighty Pope “If you want a love affair”, Great set. Replacing Chris as this month’s “Tail end Charlie” and having the honour of closing the night was Ashton stalwart Mick Howard. Another great set encompassing 60’s and 70’s. The haunting up-tempo sound of September Jones “I’m coming home” followed by Ujima “I’m not ready” and the San Franciscan TKOs. Mick brought the night to a close all too soon with Clydie King “Soft and gentle ways” In this place, somewhere East of nowhere nothing else matters. This is a dimension where soul music reigns supreme. There’s is nothing else to say. Welcome to the Soul Zone.

As expected, another stellar night of soul music at Culcheth. The main problem is there are two great rooms of soul and only one of you. Baz Maleedy seemingly has the gold standard in tuneage for any genre of soul. Here he got things going in the main room, with some tracks that remind you why you made the effort: Clarence Hill and Lee Williams & the Cymballs, "Lost Love". With some lesser-known gems, Webs “Don’t ever hurt me” and James Dockery “My Faith in you is all gone” Steve Plumb was on at 9 in the modern room. It’s always an education listening to Steve, he introduces all his tracks and invariably provides extra snippets of information. I think he kicked off with an up-tempo disco number, Executive Suite “When it Comes to Loving me” A few album dance tracks: Ronnie & The Ramblers “Peace without love” and a sublime tune by Harold Melvin and Blue notes “Keep on lovin you”. Which is also the flip to “Don’t leave me this way”. It was also good to hear the Kent masterpiece Charlie Rich “Don’t tear me down” Simon Ingham was on after Baz, a predictably fabulous set. There are always a few surprises and the odd unknown yet affordable tune, which is seamlessly included amongst a plethora of the most sort after tracks. Here Buddy Lamp “You’ve got the loving touch” is set against Elbie Parker, Sparkles and Gene Toons. The special guest was the inimitable Ginger Taylor, who kept the dance floor busy: The Sweets “Something about my baby”, Construction and a tune I don’t think I have ever declined the opportunity to dance to, The Del Larks. Charlie Smith had the last hour in the modern room, with some great sounds: Fantasy, Papa Bear & His Cubs and Flowers “For Real”. Kev Murphy had the last spot in the main room. With tunes made for the dance floor: Silky Hargreaves and Lester Tipton. And the dictionary definition of Northern Soul: The Professionals “That’s Why I Love You”. A great evening concluded with the Magnetics “When I’m with my Baby”.

Summer in the Park was a very enjoyable and yet different all dayer. It started for us in a peculiarly gentrified way, sat in the gardens enjoying the sunshine, drinking cold beer and listening to the music that was piped outside. We finally ventured indoors as afternoon moved to evening. Neil Rushton was on in the main Northern Soul room (Pendle), where there was run of some familiar 70’s tunes: O’Jays, Jeff Perry and The Montclairs. This was followed by series of old school Northern Soul classics. I Moved to Dunklaw room listed as 60’s and 70’s Connoisseurs, which had the feel and much of the music typically found in a good modern room. I spent most of the evening in this small and atmospheric place. Caught the latter part of Steve Plumbs set, some nice 70’s Cross over, Charles Johnson closely followed by The Four Tops “I just Can’t Get You Outta My Mind”. Roman was up next, some great tracks: Beres Hammond, Eunice Collins and one guaranteed to fill the dance floor, Randy Brown “I’m Always in the Mood”. Flanny kicked off with Daybreak “I Need Love”. His set included Johnny Bristol’s 1980 gem, “love No Longer Has a Hold on Me”. And Sons of Robin Stone, which sounded great. Richard Searling took us to 1am, with a mix of modern classics and more esoteric sounds. General Johnson, Robert Parker and Maze. And included some Curtis Mayfield magic “Wherever You Leadeth Me” and Latimore “Sweet Vibrations”. I didn’t get to see much of the third room (The Towneley), which appeared to be playing soulful dance and commercial dance classics. It was packed to the rafters, and everyone seemed to be having a great time. I certainly will be attending the event next year.

My favourite day of the month, when Ashton Ukrainian club becomes a temple to the finest soul music. The atmosphere is not old school, it’s unique. It must be down to the intimate venue, that is attended largely by soul connoisseurs, listening to tunes played by some of the scene’s finest collectors and DJ’s. I arrived in good time, a quick chat in the bar area before finding a seat in the main room. The omens were looking good, Phil Dunn playing Terry Callier magic, “Look at Me Now”. Stu Cheetham had the honour of being up next, things warming up nicely, Barabara Mason “You Better Stop”, The Vanguards “Good Times, Bad Times” and Al Gardner…. Loved Chalky’s set. He had the dance floor bouncing with some real bangers, Righteous Brothers and Oliver Norman, but mixing things up nicely with the Soul Stirrers and Marvin Gaye’s “It’s Bitter Pill to Swallow”, making it standing room only on the dance floor. Chris Anderton showed how versatile he is and not just a purveyor of fine 70’s cross over, with some fabulous tracks, Geater Davis, Martha Star and Patti Drew “Stop Look and Listen” an underrated gem imo, that has a sax solo interlude that is to die for. Ted Massey followed with a typical class set of outstanding tracks, William Powell, Jimmy Phillips, The Admirations….. Chris Churm took his usual spot as the last man standing, kicking off with a 70’s classic, Charles Johnson, some great dance floor fillers, Brooks Brothers, The Ideals, The Volumes “ Ain’t Gonna Give you up” The night was over far too soon, a fabulous night of soul music. My thanks to Chris and the team for making it memorable. And thanks to the bar staff who are all volunteers.

Thoroughly enjoyable way to spend a Sunday. I knew it was going to be good day when I walked through the door and Tez Howarth was playing Corey Blake, then one great tune after another, including the top modern track by Raphael Saadiq “Love That Girl”. Glyn Handforth was up next, a great set including The Soul Communicators and Papa Bear. So much for quiet Sunday, straight onto the dance floor. Geof Swallow, played some good R&B tracks with some real gems thrown in, Ruby Sherry the stand out. Taz kept the ball rolling with tunes from the top table: Soul Brothers inc, Bobby Valentin…. Next up, the man himself Ted Massey with a selection guaranteed to fill the dance floor: William Powell, The Admirations, J. T Parker…. Ian Levine made a rare trip North and a return to the decks. A smorgasbord of sounds. Included a few of his own productions, e.g. The Exciters and Sydney Barnes. Some nice upbeat 70’s: Barbara Lynn: “Movin’ On a Groove” and Flame n King. Some cross over magic by Minnie Jones “Shadow of a Memory”. A few classic oldies: The De-Lites and Patti and the Emblems. Even threw in a late Casino Searling track “Alfie Davison”. A controversial figure, but no doubting his contribution to the scene. His question-and-answer session at the end was interesting. He certainly wanted to get things off his chest, settle a few scores and defend his legacy. A few nice anecdotes especially the one about playing the Carstairs for the first time, arguably the first cross over tune. And a sign of what was to come at the Mecca and the latter period at the Casino.

Another great Saturday night at Culcheth. Charlie Smith got things going with a good mix of top draw tunes including Richard Caiton, Bill Bush and Cookie Scott. Simon Ingham, brilliant as ever, never fails to know what is needed to keep that dance floor jumping: The Falcons, Nat Hall, Herb Ward…… John Vincent's spot was superb, quite a few that were new to me, but every track it seemed, memorable, standout for me The Martinques : “If you Want to Call Me” and Doc Peabody: “Here Without You Part I” And a big favourite : “Charlene & the Soul Serenaders”. The last hour spent some time in the modern room, some great 70’s played by Baz: William Devaughn, The Trammps, and The Innersection to name a few. Caught some of Kev’s last hour in main room, made it back in time to catch the Del Larks. The night concluding with the Magnetics “Count the Days”. Thanks to Baz and the team for another enjoyable evening.

Another great Saturday night at Culcheth.

Another Brilliant night at my favourite place. It has that unique combination of fabulous music, great people and a venue that’s just right. It creates that feel good vibe that lasts all evening. And sends you home with a big smile on your face. The night opened with Phil Dunn who got things moving with some classic tracks. Debutante Billy Mailey energised the dance floor with some big sounds: Big Frank and Essences and Rudy Love. And mixing things up nicely with Drizabone. Chris Penn followed, with some top tunes: Jimmy Bo Horne, Cleveland Robinson, Nat Hall et al. Derek Pearson was up next, stand out dancer for me Lenny Curtis. He concluded a brilliant set with First Choice “This is the House” not your usual Ashton fare, not danced to it for 40 years, but loved it. Roger Banks offered up a quality and varied set, that featured the best of Detroit and Memphis and everything in between. Chris Churm bringing the evening to a close with Chuck Jackson’s “What’s with this Loneliness”. Big thanks to all the DJs and organisers for making another memorable night.

A great night at Culcheth We arrived nice and early. Baz starting things with a typically good mix, including some lesser known tunes. Mick Howard took over at 9, quality all the way and designed to please any dance floor, kicking off with JJ Barnes “Please Come Back Home”, and included The Trends and The Delegates of Soul. Next up was Taz, with excellent and varied choices: The Crystals, The Four Tracks and finishing with Johnnie Mae Mathews. Ted took us up to midnight, with a typically brilliant selection of tunes, including the Antellects, Admirations and Jimmy Phillips. Kev did the witching hour, a super set that climaxed and showcased some all time classics : Lester Tipton and The De-Lites. A great evening of soul music was had by all, the night concluding with Magnetics “ Count the Days. Big thanks to all the DJ’s and organisers. Note to self, try and spend more time in the modern room. I caught a good part of Charlie Smiths set, for the second time in as many months, playing some incredible rare crossover and modern tracks.

Ashton Ukrainian Club on the 18th of May was a night to remember. A rare evening when everything, the atmosphere, the music just felt special. I’ve not danced as much in one night for decades. The evening kicked off with DJ Phil Dunn, who set the tone with a great selection, including Sam Fletcher and the Chalfontes. Ashton Stalwart Mick Howard then took over, and kept the dance floor bouncing with tracks that included "That’s What Love Is" by the Hesitations and gems from Judy Freeman and Jesse Johnson. Next up was Simon Ingham, who delivered another top quality set. Kicking off with Cleveland Robinson, followed by top tunes that encompassed Hayes Cotton and Carol Anderson, with a few lesser known surprises. Then the highlight, the special guest, soul royalty himself, “Butch”. Playing The Mighty Lovers c/u. It was special getting to hear and dance to the Ad Libs' "Love Is Knocking" and other special acetates such as Darryl Banks' "I’m Knocking at Your Heart". Butch's set included a 70s section and quite a few tracks that were completely new to me and I suspect many there. The night concluded with Chris Churm, who provided a dancer's selection of high-quality tracks that included The Blue Jays, Ascots and Jack Montgomery’s epic ballad Don’t Turn Your Back on Me. Alas it was soon over, the crowd not wanting to go. Kudos to all the DJs and organizers for creating such a memorable night.

Anything happening in the 2nd room?

Yes excellent evening. Mainly but not exclusively 70’s xover. A younger crowd and a nice change. Great tunes, that a rarely played out at venues. Loved it.