George Jackson Nite Review By Mike Hump 2000

George Jackson Nite Review By Mike Hump 2000

thanks go out to another of out intrepid reporters for taking his life in hand and venturing to far off lands, EC1 in london, just so he can pass onto you details of what seems to be a excellent nite with a bit of a different flavour read on for the adventures of mike humphries at the george jackson soul nite

It always seems to me a tough decision deciding what type of warmer to go to before an event. Going to a strictly 60s Northern do before the 100 club seems like going to see a tribute band before the real thing. So when I read the flyer for the George Jackson soul night it sounded a decent alternative to some of the duff series of mod, psychedelic, school disco northern events put on prior to the 100. (more of this in a later posting). I arrived about 1100 so the place was busy. First surprise was the beer. Good selection of Belgian beer at reasonable prices. So after a few sips of Hoogaarden it was down stairs to the basement bar. Smallish room probably 50-60 people, young crowd - in the main not soulies but still taking in the sounds. When I arrived Gareth was on the decks. I hadnt realised it but I had met him before at the Dome. On the strength of my conversation with him I went out and bought a couple of Soul Children CDs (highly recommended). What more can I say a soulie who knows his stuff. I can now say he also knows how to put a well thought out set together. Next up was a guest Gordon who played some fine stuff too. Finally David put together an excellent mid and uptempo session.

Those of you I have met will know that I am useless at the hard facts, however David has promised to put a playlist together for me, as soon as I get it I will pass it on. All in all if you like quality soul with a refreshing soul mix of mid-tempo, beat ballads, classy 60s and 70s sounds and a few from Memphis then this is the place for you. Great as it is, the biggest problem with the 100 (and the Dome for that matter) is that there is nowhere to have a reasonable conversation whilst being able to hear whats going on in the hall. As a result it is difficult to catch up with a bit of chat and check out the latest gossip. As a meeting place "George Jackson" is just right. The music doesnt completely dominate so conversation is possible without bursting your lungs and the beer is top notch.

So if you want some top soul in a comfortable meeting place to start the night then this is the place to meet up, catch up and then move on to the nighter. I had intended to check it out then move onto the queue for the "100" at 1230. The sounds were so good that I stayed for the duration and didnt get to Oxford street till 0200pm. David, Gareth and their crowd are a friendly bunch and they were happy to discuss their plays, give the low down and provide back ground. Check them out - you wont be disappointed. The next George Jackson Night is in a month Check out their flyer on Soul Source.

Mike Hump