Which Dj's On The Northern Soul Scene Have Got The Balance Right

[Guest allnightandy]

The Colin Curtis thread has got me thinking

some agree , some disagree so who on the scene has got the balance just about right to satisfy the majority at their soul gigs

My recent limited knowledge tells me that Ginger Taylor has just about the correct mix

and imho Before he retired Kenny Burrell was more to my liking

so who do you rate or not rate inline with your tastes ?

[Guest gordon russell]

good question,depends on what you want......"something for everyone" does not work as whats the point of 2 or 3 tunes or one set at a nighter that floats ya boat......l prefer a defined music policy then you know what ya getting (all the dj,s playing from the same hymn sheet all night) to me thats proper!!.....so again depends on what kinda night you like......big oldies scene they mainly got it all wrong cause it,s about the dj,s up on stage not the music.....for me a fella that always gets it right, KILLA , tell im what ya want and you get it and he plays to the club he,s been asked to dj at and dosn,t dj at clubs that don,t play his music.....spot on!!....wish a few more knew how to say YES and NO in the right order

Edited February 23, 2012 by gordon russell

[Guest soul elite]

Sean Chapman, Dave Rimmer, Johnny Weston,Ted Massey, Lou Woods (in no particular order).If these people are playing then I know I'll be dancing alot!!

[Guest soul elite]

I give Ginger Taylor the thumbs down .... Shall I leave now?

[Ian Parker]

Pete Taylor - not afraid to play something different at general oldies nights. Balance is the key word

[Daved]

Ted Winn.

I'll get my coat

[Guest Matt Male]

The DJs who try to please everyone are the worst in my opinion. I hate hearing a set lurching from 60s, to RnB to modern to funk etc... Very few DJs can do it well and i'd rather hear six different sets than one set trying to play 'across the board' (in fact I avoid places that advertise as across the board). I'd rather have a good DJ stick to a couple of styles than have 'balance' whatever that means.

The one DJ I know who has an ear for a fluid and mixed set is Pat Bleasdale. Read her playlist from Rugby, perfect.

Edited February 23, 2012 by Matt Male

[Guest Matt Male]

good question,depends on what you want......"something for everyone" does not work as whats the point of 2 or 3 tunes or one set at a nighter that floats ya boat......l prefer a defined music policy then you know what ya getting (all the dj,s playing from the same hymn sheet all night) to me thats proper!!.....so again depends on what kinda night you like......big oldies scene they mainly got it all wrong cause it,s about the dj,s up on stage not the music.....for me a fella that always gets it right, KILLA , tell im what ya want and you get it and he plays to the club he,s been asked to dj at and dosn,t dj at clubs that don,t play his music.....spot on!!....wish a few more knew how to say YES and NO in the right order

Well said Terry. Agree about Killa.

[Ted Massey]

The DJs who try to please everyone are the worst in my opinion. I hate hearing a set lurching from 60s, to RnB to modern to funk etc... Very few DJs can do it well and i'd rather hear six different sets than one set trying to play 'across the board' (in fact I avoid places that advertise as across the board). I'd rather have a good DJ stick to a couple of styles than have 'balance' whatever that means.

The one DJ I know who has an ear for a fluid and mixed set is Pat Bleasdale. Read her playlist from Rugby, perfect.

Obviously didnt go to Lea Manor then you may have changed your mind

[Paddy Ferry]

Some of the Djs need to start listening and watching,at Butlins in the crazy horse a couple of them really did know how to kill a night,one completely emptied the floor then spat his dummy out telling us what song it was,that was on the Saturday,Sunday we gets this dude telling us we dont need to be dancing all night" save yourselves till later", and thats when the whole club wants to be in party mode.Anybody could have filled the floor Sunday night it was harder to empty it but this joker did.Snowy was top boy for me on the two days he was on.

[Spacehopper]

across the board sets probably work best at oldies nights as that crowd want to dance to tracks they know and grew up with whatever the style....

i can have a good time at oldies nights as long as the dj has some enthusiasm for what hes playing like sean chapman but what really gets me isrnb and uptempo northern with the odd beautiful mid tempo for a breather! some i know,some i can only dream of owning and others i dont know so give me des and ted !!

dean

[Len]

I enjoy any D.J that has his own identity, what's the point of D.Jing records that are played by many? You may as well get on that dance floor instead!

All the best,

Len.

[Len]

P.s - What D.J or type of soul music you like is obviously down to personal taste. 'Across the board' works for some as at least this type of night attracts more people which obviously gives a place atmosphere. Great if you get a busy night where it's all to your taste though and everyone in the room is on the same wave length.

Len.

[jocko]

Keith Minshull.........

Not many balanced topics on here lately chaps and this like the other one burning up, is never really going to get a consensus in idem is it......

Different scenes for different nutters surely is the moral here...

[Guest Matt Male]

Obviously didnt go to Lea Manor then you may have changed your mind

No I didn't Ted. Wasn't it mostly modern there though? Not my cup of tea.

Btw your set at Rugby was brilliant, if we are talking about true balance and not the balance that some DJs try and achieve, it had it all.

[Ted Massey]

No I didn't Ted. Wasn't it mostly modern there though? Not my cup of tea.

Btw your set at Rugby was brilliant, if we are talking about true balance and not the balance that some DJs try and achieve, it had it all.

no it wasnt matt it was a mixture of everything at and at the time was the top soul night in the country and led the way i am biased thou but i think most people would agree ,

your very kind Matt praise indeed, i was really up or it after playing an oldies set at loughboro

[JOE TORQUAY]

DAVE EVISON HAS ALWAYS BEEN ONE OF MY FAVOURITES ALWAYS PLAYA A GREAT SET IMHO,

JOE.

[Dazdakin]

Past : Rushbrook / Ste / Searling ( In Order )

Present : Mick H / Nige Brown / Rob Smith / Ted / Ginger ( No particular Order )

[Roburt]

Colin Curtis; always plays a great set at Modern nights. I'm less taken with his jazz spots but that's down to my personal taste (quite selective about what jazz tracks I like).

[Guest gordon russell]

The DJs who try to please everyone are the worst in my opinion. I hate hearing a set lurching from 60s, to RnB to modern to funk etc... Very few DJs can do it well and i'd rather hear six different sets than one set trying to play 'across the board' (in fact I avoid places that advertise as across the board). I'd rather have a good DJ stick to a couple of styles than have 'balance' whatever that means.

The one DJ I know who has an ear for a fluid and mixed set is Pat Bleasdale. Read her playlist from Rugby, perfect.

Pat B.....is right up there as well top spinner!!!

[Winnie :-)]

There's a lot I like, but the one who's always just ahead of the pack for me is Soul Sam

[Wrongcrowd]

I'm not sure what's meant by balance here...

Are we talking about known oldies to lesser known and unknown plays...

...or styles....ratio of Northern to Modern to Crosssover to Funk...

...or care in the community

If the latter then Mick H and Andy D get my vote..

[Len]

Do you mean, a D.J that plays in such a way that the majority of the crowd are entertained but gets the 'balance' right between fresh tunes they want to play and what people are familiar with?

If so - For me also, Soul Sam along with many others, most of which have been doing it a few years as it takes lots of experience to master such a skill and even the best D.J's can still have 'off' days.

I've seen Sam start with soulful funk, take us on a 'journey' and finish with some great 60's oldies, really playing the floor correctly. He did a fantastic set at the final Pemberton Centre and seemed to please everyone, which at a local Soul Night is one hell of an achievement!

All the best,

Len.

[Liljimmycrank]

Trying to stick purely at a DJ level (i.e. not getting into genre based arguements about forward thinking Vs oldies events, and promoters picking dj's for such reasons)...............

I'd go with the following:

UK - Pat Bleasdale, Ted Massey, Mick H, Karl Rhodes

Europe - Marc Forrest, Yann Vatiste (although technically he's UK these days)

All teh above have the ability to blend a mixed set together seamlessly and deliver 'something for everyone' without sacrficing on quality and flow, ergo striking an excellent balance.

I could've mentioned a few others who don't get the big gigs, but these are the one's in the spotlight.

I tend to find folk like Ginger Taylor etc lean too much one way in their sets, almost a bit predictable, which to me goes against the meaning of the word balance. Nothing personal against him of course, just my view on this topic as it's been laid out.

[Ady Croasdell]

It would depend on the crowd that was in and the theme of the night and the history of the venue. I'll be playing a different set at Lifeline to Sunday night at Cleethorpes.

[Soulbarner]

Pat B.....is right up there as well top spinner!!!

both Pat and Joan Top Jocks!!!!!..... and nice girls as well

[Guest enchantedrythm]

ONLY A COUPLE!

MARK DOBSON!

A DYSON (MOSTLY)

THE BARNFATHER MOSTLY

AND CHRIS FLETCHER (CLASSIC SOUL SOURCE)

Edited February 24, 2012 by enchantedrythm

[Guest enchantedrythm]

ONLY A COUPLE!

MARK DOBSON!

A DYSON (MOSTLY)

THE BARNFATHER MOSTLY

AND CHRIS FLETCHER (CLASSIC SOUL SOURCE)

CANT REALLY LEAVE JOAN OUT

ONLY NEW RECORDS (AND MAYBE RECORDINGS) COUNT AS WITHOUT THEM WE HAVE DISSAPEARED UP OUR A---HOLES

PROGRESSION IS THE KEY

THERES MORE UNKNOWN TUNES OUT THERE THAN YOU CAN EVER IMAGINE-BIT LIKE THE UNIVERSE

[Len]

There's a difference between which someone's favourite D.J is and what D.J gets the balance right though isn't there? In saying this, I suppose it goes hand in hand because if they can't get the balance right they're not a great D.J really are they?

There are D.J's that are never out of their 'comfort' zone so don't often have to adapt. You could say, some have an easy audience and may possibly fail if faced with a crowd they are not used to.

All the best,

Len.

Edited February 24, 2012 by LEN

[Len]

Not forgetting D.Jing is no easy task! - Christ that 'balance' is so hard to achieve. The D.J's get knocked if they play the 'same ol', same ol' they get knocked if they play something a bit 'left field' they even get knocked for the sake of being knocked! So hats off to those who put themselves through it week in, week out as I don't think many could do it that often as well as the ones we all view in high regard.

Len.

Edited February 24, 2012 by LEN

[Guest gordon russell]

Do you mean, a D.J that plays in such a way that the majority of the crowd are entertained but gets the 'balance' right between fresh tunes they want to play and what people are familiar with?

If so - For me also, Soul Sam along with many others, most of which have been doing it a few years as it takes lots of experience to master such a skill and even the best D.J's can still have 'off' days.

I've seen Sam start with soulful funk, take us on a 'journey' and finish with some great 60's oldies, really playing the floor correctly. He did a fantastic set at the final Pemberton Centre and seemed to please everyone, which at a local Soul Night is one hell of an achievement!

All the best,

Len.

Len go and weld summat up will ya

[Len]

Len go and weld summat up will ya

He He, I was just thinking I look like I'm talking to myself! lol - Yes, it's been a very quiet afternoon here at L.D Fabs....Gawd, I hope the phone rings soon...

Right, that's the last I have to say on the matter! (Honest)....I'm off to find another thread...

All the best,

Len.

[Guest gordon russell]

to get the balance right a dj must be able to adapt to the music of the club he/she is playing at,but as dj,s hopefully buy records of a certain type because thats what THEY themslves like it stands to reason they won,t suit lots of venues....to get it right,they must keep their djing to those clubs that play what they like................or they end up with the punters asking "who's that djing" to their pal who usually replies PETE TONG!!!........as thats how it,s usually gone.

Edited February 24, 2012 by gordon russell

[Guest wigan bob]

most of them dont get the balance right cause they fiddle with knobs to much

[Guest Mrs M]

Without a shadow of a doubt... MARK 'BUTCH' DOBSON, RICHARD SEARLING, ADEY CROASDELL... Looking at this topic more widely I think a lot of DJ's get it spot on depending on the venue and the music policy. Different punters attend different venues for what they want to hear.. People like Steve Green, Karl Rhodes, Cliff Steele, Mick H, Andy Dyson and Joan Livesey to name a few get it spot on every time..

Edited February 25, 2012 by Mrs M

[Scotters]

Having only really started my "education" / "journey" of some of the many great nights & niters outside my home county when I can this last 12-18 months (I'm now officially Len's driver and saving him a small fortune in taxi fares ), I still keep an open mind when it comes to a venue and DJ's...both the BIG established national names and also the more locally based DJ's / collectors...who can be equally great to my ears and tastes at times.

Got to agree with some of the above names whom I've now seen and heard a few times (even one or two, like Soul Sam, I've had the pleasure to speak with at length about some records and stuff and hope they can pass on some "knowledge"....and some affordable records!). Sam sure like playing with the balance and EQ settings from what I've seen , but I think gets the music balance right every time from what I've experienced.

Whether its collectors who are also DJ's or DJ's who are sort of collectors, those who put themselves up there week in week out, invest so much of their income and time on soul and have a following / try their best to give people a good hour or so of what they passionately believe to be great soul music, whether it be local or national....long may it continue, as I for one am loving this in my life.

Cheers, Steve.

[Hill868]

Ginger taylor getting the balance just right ?? Give me a break, he is Mr.Predictable, playing the old tried, tested, and TIRED !!

[Reg Scott]

Without a shadow of a doubt... MARK 'BUTCH' DOBSON, RICHARD SEARLING, ADEY CROASDELL... Looking at this topic more widely I think a lot of DJ's get it spot on depending on the venue and the music policy. Different punters attend different venues for what they want to hear.. People like Steve Green, Karl Rhodes, Dave Abbott, Cliff Steele, Mick H, Andy Dyson and Joan Livesey to name a few get it spot on every time..

Carbon copy of my choices more or less; however, a special nod for Mr Dobson 'Butch' who always manages to find the tunes that fit time and place without being a sanctimonious smart arse..

[Guest allnightandy]

most of them dont get the balance right cause they fiddle with knobs to much

Fiddling with knobs ! That was a criminal offense last time i looked ! LoL

[Wilxy]

The DJs who try to please everyone are the worst in my opinion. I hate hearing a set lurching from 60s, to RnB to modern to funk etc... Very few DJs can do it well and i'd rather hear six different sets than one set trying to play 'across the board' (in fact I avoid places that advertise as across the board). I'd rather have a good DJ stick to a couple of styles than have 'balance' whatever that means.

The one DJ I know who has an ear for a fluid and mixed set is Pat Bleasdale. Read her playlist from Rugby, perfect.

Matt , Whilst musical ethos is not in question, from a personal perspective, and whilst my personal taste contains most sub-genres within "our musical spectrum"....I for one get bored shitless listening to either one hour sets of "bland" Funk, R&B, Latin,etc so I find myself preferring hearing DJ's who can entertain ME with unknown/semi-known Uptempo 60's/70's Soul......The reason I got hooked in the first place....... And furthermore still excites me to this day

Edited February 25, 2012 by wilxy

[Dekka]

The man for me who consistently week in week out year in year out is Bob Hinsley

He can play upfront rare, oldies and modern and when called upon mix all three.

A man who has been there done it and got the T shirt.

[Guest enchantedrythm]

Fiddling with knobs ! That was a criminal offense last time i looked ! LoL

THATS ACTUALLY A GREAT WAY TO GET THE OFFENDERS ON TO THE " RULE 43" LIST OF RARE SOUL-MUST START A OFFENDERS "FLAG" REGISTER

[Guest enchantedrythm]

Len go and weld summat up will ya

PREF THOSE D.J'S BOXES WHO BREAK THE "RULES" OF PROGRESSIVE MUSIC FOR THE SAKE OF SAFETY

[Guest Mrs M]

The man for me who consistently week in week out year in year out is Bob Hinsley

He can play upfront rare, oldies and modern and when called upon mix all three.

A man who has been there done it and got the T shirt.

[Guest Mrs M]

Good call.. Bob is a great guy.. Always a decent set catering for all across the board. Very good friend of mine and Dave's - top man...

[Soul Wv10]

Chris anderton,Dave Lucas.Mick h, Steve Lloyd,Neil self ,no particular order

[Chalky]

What do you mean by a balanced set?

This topic reading like a list of favourite Dj's. Most of those listed simply play a set of one thing or another, Northern, 70's or crossover.

[Guest roundtree]

Bob Hinsley gets my vote, but then I look at the venue re music policy look at the Dj list if I think Im going to like it I go if not stay at home or choose another venue simple really

[night nurse]

for me sean chapman mick h with out a doubt

[Billywhizz]

no it wasnt matt it was a mixture of everything at and at the time was the top soul night in the country and led the way i am biased thou but i think most people would agree ,

your very kind Matt praise indeed, i was really up or it after playing an oldies set at loughboro

Ted Massey play a good set, plus few funk gems as well lol billy