Review Of Aqua Hednesford 01 Feb

THE AQUA: HEDNESFORD 1/02/2002

Thanks to Winston for passing on a review and playlists of the Aqua

Not having been to this venue before, but having heard so much about it from friends I felt really excited on the journey down. A couple of mates from St Ives rung up (Baz and Stuart) and said that they had spare seats and would I and Juliette like to go with them. We jumped at the chance and a couple of hours later we were on our way.

It took about two hours to get to the venue from Cambridge, which wasnt bad considering the high winds and after setting off at around seven we duly arrived around nine. (Basic maths):-)

A large car park just opposite the venue housed most of the punters cars and it was pleasing to see that it was quite full when we parked up. Its a really smart venue, into the foyer and paid the very reasonable amount of three pounds fifty each to get in.

Through the doors and wow, what a pleasant surprise. A massive dance floor which felt really good underfoot, and I just knew that it would be a pleasure to dance on. To the right was the bar, which was well staffed so the thirstier section of the soulies was also well catered for. One of the other things that impressed me was the amount of seating, which was great for the less energetic and more elderly element, amongst what seemed like almost one hundred percent TRUE soulies.

I went straight to the bar, and almost immediately turned back to the floor because one of the DJs played J.D.Bryant and you just have to dance to that  tune dont you? After re-visiting the bar, we settled down, met a few fellow KTFrs, Steve and Janet, Nige, Gayle and her Husband, and all sat/mingled together. Nick Brown (Driveller) also turned up, (is there a more hard working promoter on the scene?) and gave out flyers for the re-birth of Scenesville in Euston. There may have been some others of the KTF crew there and as ever if I missed you out I apologise.

I was pulled to the floor almost immediately by the Tangeers and after that rarely left it. The music policy was excellent, with something for everyone, a little bit of modern, some storming rarities, R&B and a great oldies set from Sam Moore. The sound system was also excellent, no distortion, which was a pleasure after having my ears, battered at the rocket the week previous. The atmosphere built over the night and by ten thirty it was banging, and the floor told the story that everyone was enjoying themselves.

I didnt know that many people there (outside of the KTF crew) but they all seemed pretty friendly and ready to chat, which is something that always makes you feel more at home.

The only minor gripes (and they are only minor) were:
The bar closing without any warning, although something was said by the DJs, but it was too late the bar had already closed.
The insistence of people using talc on what was one of the best floors Ive danced on in ages.

Below are selections from some of the DJs Playlists:

Nige Shaw.... 9.30 THRU 10.00

TANGEERS...WHATS THE USE OF ME TRYING....OKEH

TY KARIM....YOU REALLY MADE IT GOOD TO ME....VIRTUE ACETATE

ROOSEVELT...GRIER...IN MY TENEMANT...RIK

LOVETTES....I NEED A GUY

DOTTIE & MILLIE...TALKIN BOUT MY BABY......TOPPER

ESKEW REEDER...UNDIVIDED LOVE

JONNY BARTEL...IF THIS ISNT LOVE...SOLID STATE DEMO

JOANNE GARRETT...WHOLE NEW PLAN...CHESS

TERRY CALLIER...ORDINARY JOE...CADET

HARRY DEEL & GALAXIES...I STILL LOVE YOU

RHETTA HUGHES...I CRY MYSELF TO SLEEP....TETROGARMO WOTSIT...LP

DEON JACKSON....OOH BABY...ATLANTIC

NIGE BROWN 10.00 THRU 11.00

ETTA JAMES...MELLOW FELLOW...ARGO

LITTLE JOHNNY TAYLOR...SOMEWHERE DOWN THE LINE...GALAXY

BARBARA DANE...IM ON MY WAY...3 TREY

UNIQUES...NOT TOO LONG AGO...PAULA

TANGEERS...LET MY HEART AND SOUL BE FREE....OKEH

NOLAN PORTER...IF I COULD ONLY BE SURE....ABC DEMO

KELLY BROTHERS....CRYING DAYS ARE OVER...SIMMS..........(yes they certainly

are)

HERB WARD..... STRANGE CHANGE....ARGO

IKE & TINA TURNER...SOMEBODY SOMEWHERE....LOMA

LORRAINE CHANDLER...I CANT CHANGE....RCA DEMO

BUD HARPER....WHEREVER YOU WERE..PEACOCK DEMO

DANNY WOODS ...YOU HAD ME FOOLED...CORRECTONE

HOLLY ST JAMES..THATS NOT LOVE...ABC DEMO

LARRY TRIDER.....CARBON COPY....AQUA SPECIAL PRODUCTS

NATURAL FOUR...I THOUGHT YOU WERE MINE...ABC DEMO

VALENTINOS...SWEETER THAN THE DAY BEFORE...CHESS

MOMENTS...YOU SAID...DEEP

HANK JACOBS....ELIJAH ROCKIN WITH SOUL..... CALL ME

MITCH RYDER...BREAKOUT...UK STATESIDE

MARTHA REEVES...SHOW ME THE WAY...UK TAMLA MOTOWN

ANN ROBINSON ???...WORLD OF HAPPINESS...GOLDMINE/HARTHON LTD ED

JACKIE WILSON ....BECAUSE OF YOU....BRUNSWICK DEMO

ACE SPECTRUM...DONT SEND NOBODY ELSE...ATLANTIC

Overall a brilliant night, and Im certain that I will go back there, its just a shame it finishes at one as personally I could have danced on and on

If you havent been already give it a go you wont be disappointed.

Winston