Snake Davis & The Suspicions Review by Dave Box

Thanks go to to Dave Box for writing and passing on this review of a recent nite

Snake Davis & The Suspicions, Live at The Frobisher, Wakefield, 22nd February 2003.

By opening time at 8pm there were already in excess of 70 people, and the atmosphere was starting to tingle. By 9pm the room was full to bursting and the atmosphere was electric with the crowd full of anticipation. Dave started the night off on a high, with the dance floor full immediately, and then Fred took over and built things up even higher, ready for the appearance of the band. hit read more for rest and also pics

Snake Davis and the Suspicions, on their third visit to the Frobisher, came on stage at 9.45, kicking off with three classic instrumentals: Tune Up, The Champion and Time Is Tight; then a classic Marvin Gaye track Abraham Martin & John, which showed the bands inspired musical talents. "Lets see you all dancing, I cant wait to get out on the floor to good old Northern Soul. Our reception at the Frobisher just gets better and better." says Snake. Jackie & Doreen, the vocalists, were dancing away in the corner, waiting to do their thing. Snake, Jackie & Doreen picked up the first vocal in What Does It Take… Call Me…. then Open The Door To Your Heart, soulfully mastered by Doreen, and Meet Me At Midnight belted out by Jackie. The dance floor was really jumping by now. That Driving Beat, Take This Heart Of Mine, Where Im Not Wanted… Turning My Heart Beat Up did just that, then a brilliant rendition of Sweetest Feeling had everybody singing, bringing memories flooding back of yesteryear. Snake and the band just get better, they put heart and soul into every second, and Jackie and Doreen are fantastic. 

The crowd was absolutely fantastic - a mix from one 14 year old to an ageless couple - all with differing musical tastes, but with one common aim: to have a great night out listening and dancing to soul music, played live by the greatest little soul band in the land, without any of the hang-ups and politics that often mar our scene. Dave and Fred provided some great tunes straight from the vinyl whilst the band were off-stage, with the crowd showing their appreciation by packing the dance floor all night. Sadly this does not happen too often these days.

Fred announced the second set at 11.45 and the band came back with The Duck, Love Is A Good Foundation, My Baby Comes Back To Me, You Hit Me, Youve Been Gone Too Long… The dance floor was heaving. The band carried on with the Gene Chandler and Barbara Acklin classic Teacher to the Preacher, then How Sweet It Is. You Need Me was next - penned by the bands keyboard player, Paul Birchall. A Little Misunderstanding followed, then Doris Troys Ill Do Anything, finishing off with the much loved 70s track Love Is A Serious Business.

12.30 and the band goes off - the crowd are stamping and clapping for more, and, with such encouragement, the band eagerly encored with Frank Wilsons classic Do I Love You (Indeed I Do) and finally, the ageless soul instrumental Green Onions.

Dave went back on the decks to keep the momentum going and at 1pm Fred came on, keeping up the beat, keeping the floor full until 2pm … and later…. The diversity of the crowd did not affect the night: oldies - newies - 60s - 70s - 80s - in fact, a full, across the board mix, and still they packed the dance floor. On reflection, it reminded us of the time when the Northern Soul scene was new, every sound was a "newie" and with open minds we loved them all.

A few comments from the crowd included: Chris Mallows with his son and daughter "Thats it now, my sons hooked"; From a Huddersfielder "Fantastic - let everyone know when they (Snake & Suspicions) are here again; Karen saying the night brought back wonderful memories. Everyone had a brilliant night and want to see the band again next year. It looks like April 2004 will be a date in red on the calendar.