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

[Markw]

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

Spot on Mike.

[Realpeoplesmusic]

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.

Your right chalky...most just listing favourite dj's. A balanced set for me should consist of different genres & tempos. Take people on a journey!

For me people who balance/mix their sets really well:

Tomasso - a mix of soul, rnb and latin...quite often plays a few unknown to most records however the quality is there.

Chris dale - again plays a really balanced set, big northern records, great rnb records, ska and Latin.

Rich evans - great tunes and knows what the dancefloor wants,"I said hey foxy"...tune

Mace - top tunes all the way...I think I've only heard him play on dodgy set :-). Great at finding unknown Latin records!

I suppose it's all down to personal taste, I love Latin,funk, soul, rnb, jazz, boogaloo etc so these really do it for me. I can imagine quite a lot people don't like funk or Latin so they may think it's balanced in the wrong way...each to their own which seems to answer a lot of topics on here.

Callum.

[Chris Anderton]

As far as the dancers are concerned Dave Rimmer, Ted Massey and Keith Williams have been very consistent performers for years.

Also, Rob Kay can read a crowd and has that knack of playing the right tunes at the right time.

Chris

[Stevie T]

Your right chalky...most just listing favourite dj's. A balanced set for me should consist of different genres & tempos. Take people on a journey!

For me people who balance/mix their sets really well:

Tomasso - a mix of soul, rnb and latin...quite often plays a few unknown to most records however the quality is there.

Chris dale - again plays a really balanced set, big northern records, great rnb records, ska and Latin.

Rich evans - great tunes and knows what the dancefloor wants,"I said hey foxy"...tune

Mace - top tunes all the way...I think I've only heard him play on dodgy set :-). Great at finding unknown Latin records!

I suppose it's all down to personal taste, I love Latin,funk, soul, rnb, jazz, boogaloo etc so these really do it for me. I can imagine quite a lot people don't like funk or Latin so they may think it's balanced in the wrong way...each to their own which seems to answer a lot of topics on here.

Callum.

agree

plus ..Scott , last time i heard him , played tunes not heard before , all through his set , so good

[Guest soul elite]

MR EVISON.....ROCKS!!!!!

[Chalky]

MR EVISON.....ROCKS!!!!!

Is that from a favourite point of view or from a balanced DJ point of view cause Dave plays in the main oldies, no moving between the various genres of the Northern Soul scene with ease as a good balanced DJ should.

[Jumpinjoan]

Is that from a favourite point of view or from a balanced DJ point of view cause Dave plays in the main oldies, no moving between the various genres of the Northern Soul scene with ease as a good balanced DJ should.

So are you saying that a good DJ should cover all genres even if they don't like every genre? I for one only play tunes that I love and could not play anything I don't just for the sake of DJing. That defeats the whole object to me.

Surely that kind of DJing is for weddings and birthday parties and such and not the soul scene?

[Chalky]

So are you saying that a good DJ should cover all genres even if they don't like every genre? I for one only play tunes that I love and could not play anything I don't just for the sake of DJing. That defeats the whole object to me.

Surely that kind of DJing is for weddings and birthday parties and such and not the soul scene?

What I'm saying is people are simply shouting up for their favourite DJ who play a very good set, that is all. I did ask what the term "balanced" meant but as of yet have had no reply from the topic starter.

I'm not saying what a DJ should play, but if a DJ plays a good set of oldies then he or she has just done a good oldies set. Likewise for a good set of 70's or crossover. There's very few whop play across the genres and with ease. Most do a set of one thing or another. When I see your name I know I'm gonna get a decent set of 60's Northern/Rare Soul, balanced never comes into it. Same for almost all the others I've seen listed in this topic, I know I will get a good set of 60's or 70's or whatever it is they are known to play.

Is "balanced" gonna be the next big genre for promoters and dealers.......great balanced northern

For me this is just another pointless topic no one seems to understand

[Wrongcrowd]

Is that from a favourite point of view or from a balanced DJ point of view cause Dave plays in the main oldies, no moving between the various genres of the Northern Soul scene with ease as a good balanced DJ should.

Not sure that most DJs would be able or want to play across genres Chalky, most are specialists in one style and have very defined boundaries with very little scope for crossover (and I don't mean crossover as a style)...

I thought Soul Sam was brilliant at Lifeline on Saturday... played across all styles without losing the floor...everything from Billy Butler - I'll Bet You to Gregory Porter - 1960 What.... best set I've heard him play recently.

[Winnie :-)]

What I'm saying is people are simply shouting up for their favourite DJ who play a very good set, that is all. I did ask what the term "balanced" meant but as of yet have had no reply from the topic starter.

I'm not saying what a DJ should play, but if a DJ plays a good set of oldies then he or she has just done a good oldies set. Likewise for a good set of 70's or crossover. There's very few whop play across the genres and with ease. Most do a set of one thing or another. When I see your name I know I'm gonna get a decent set of 60's Northern/Rare Soul, balanced never comes into it. Same for almost all the others I've seen listed in this topic, I know I will get a good set of 60's or 70's or whatever it is they are known to play.

Is "balanced" gonna be the next big genre for promoters and dealers.......great balanced northern

For me this is just another pointless topic no one seems to understand

Balance to me would be a DJ who keeps me interested/dancing through his/her set with different genres, non stop of one thing or other bores me and puts people back in certain boxes.

[Jumpinjoan]

I think an all genre set shouts of 'jack of all trades master of none' to me. I know I couldn't do it. I have and do play some 70s but that's about it.

Like you say, perhaps this thread should be aimed at what promoters have the balance right?

[Chalky]

Not sure that most DJs would be able or want to play across genres Chalky, most are specialists in one style and have very defined boundaries with very little scope for crossover (and I don't mean crossover as a style)...

I thought Soul Sam was brilliant at Lifeline on Saturday... played across all styles without losing the floor...everything from Billy Butler - I'll Bet You to Gregory Porter - 1960 What.... best set I've heard him play recently.

I agree with you Cliff 99% of DJ's just stick to what they know or like and have no interest in anything outside their comfort zone. It's one reason I asked what "balanced" meant. Probably means mentally, in which case not many at all

[Chalky]

I think an all genre set shouts of 'jack of all trades master of none' to me. I know I couldn't do it. I have and do play some 70s but that's about it.

Like you say, perhaps this thread should be aimed at what promoters have the balance right?

Some can do it though Joan but it isn't what the punters usually want though. Most these days want 60's and "70's oldies" Northern. Those that want crossover and more forward thinking 70's usually got o a different venue catering for these.

[Guest soul elite]

I don't get involved with any other stuff, all I know is I love the music he plays and I dance alot. Not interested in anything else........

[Jumpinjoan]

I agree with you Cliff 99% of DJ's just stick to what they know or like and have no interest in anything outside their comfort zone. It's one reason I asked what "balanced" meant. Probably means mentally, in which case not many at all

I don't think it is outside their comfort zone though Chalky more like what they are passionate about and love. Who in their right mind would buy records they don't love? I can't afford to buy the records I like let alone records I don't.

[Winnie :-)]

I don't get involved with any other stuff, all I know is I love the music he plays and I dance alot. Not interested in anything else........

Good philosophy to have

[Jumpinjoan]

I don't think it is outside their comfort zone though Chalky more like what they are passionate about and love. Who in their right mind would buy records they don't love? I can't afford to buy the records I like let alone records I don't.

Not that I would even if I could afford it!

Edited February 27, 2012 by jumpinjoan

[Wrongcrowd]

I don't think it is outside their comfort zone though Chalky more like what they are passionate about and love. Who in their right mind would buy records they don't love? I can't afford to buy the records I like let alone records I don't.

Agree Joan, any DJ playing tunes they don't like is DJing for the wrong reasons....

If you can't play from the heart.... don't play at all....

[Guest gordon russell]

I think an all genre set shouts of 'jack of all trades master of none' to me. I know I couldn't do it. I have and do play some 70s but that's about it.

Like you say, perhaps this thread should be aimed at what promoters have the balance right?

Absolutely agree.....you end up with nights of "jack of all trades ect"....which are know as cross the board ....or locally as loads of boll*x.........so original question is rather redunant........what we want is definition and all the nights dj,s sticking to it.....that is called continuity it avoids all this up and downess (musically)

[Chalky]

I don't think it is outside their comfort zone though Chalky more like what they are passionate about and love. Who in their right mind would buy records they don't love? I can't afford to buy the records I like let alone records I don't.

There's been some on here saying they only bought a record to DJ with and also to make money on it if and when they sell up. You'd be surprised how many DJ with a record simply because it fills the floor.

[Chalky]

I don't get involved with any other stuff, all I know is I love the music he plays and I dance alot. Not interested in anything else........

Good philosophy to have

I agree it is a good philosophy to have but like I said it is simply a shout for a favourite DJ. Like I said earlier it would be good if the topic starter could explain the reason of his term "balanced".

[Phil Shields]

Have to say I agree with Joan. When I DJ I couldn't play anything unless I love it and the same when buying. Also can I say I couldn't really care whether it's 6ts, 7ts or whatever if it pulls at my heartstrings and makes my foot tap...

[Len]

I think that's now three of us guessing what the original poster meant by 'Balanced'. Maybe it's someone DJing from on top of a high wire! - Careful mind as that really could end up 'Cutting edge'!

Can the person who started this thread please explain what you mean by 'Balanced' in this particular case? So far we have interpreted it four different ways, if you let us know we can concentrate on just that (Well most should be able to)

In the mean time - Do you think all venues should be original vinyl only? (O.V.O) ?!!! - "Yes, I'm joking! lol"

Len.

Edited February 27, 2012 by LEN

[Dysonsoul]

Can i nominate mick h who balanced his big girth beautifuly on his crutch at grumpys soul,although his set was shite and unbalanced.. ah

[Citizen P]

There's been some on here saying they only bought a record to DJ with and also to make money on it if and when they sell up. You'd be surprised how many DJ with a record simply because it fills the floor.

No, I don't think I would be ..

T

[Chalky]

No, I don't think I would be ..

T

What I said probably doesn't comer across right, what I meant was DJ's that Dj with records that they otherwise wouldn't collect and are not to their taste. But like you say probably not surprising, I buy only something that is for me and my collection, if I can DJ with it then it is a bonus.

[Citizen P]

What I said probably doesn't comer across right, what I meant was DJ's that Dj with records that they otherwise wouldn't collect and are not to their taste. But like you say probably not surprising, I buy only something that is for me and my collection, if I can DJ with it then it is a bonus.

Yes, like Joan said, why would you buy something you don't like ??

And, once again echoing Joan, so many I do like I can't afford..

Ah well-So much soul, So little Time

ATB

Tony

[Scotters]

I think that's now three of us guessing what the original poster meant by 'Balanced'. Maybe it's someone DJing from on top of a high wire! - Careful mind as that really could end up 'Cutting edge'!

Can the person who started this thread please explain what you mean by 'Balanced' in this particular case? So far we have interpreted it four different ways, if you let us know we can concentrate on just that (Well most should be able to)

In the mean time - Do you think all venues should be original vinyl only? (O.V.O) ?!!! - "Yes, I'm joking! lol"

Len.

Recall we had a natter in the car about this and plenty besides on Sat night Len...Maybe it means "soul-life / work-life / home-life" balance?!

That'll be not many then I imagine, especially if you factor in time on here!

Steve

[hullsoul]

Was panicking that it got 40 odd posts before Bob Hinsley was mentioned,a master at reading the floor/venue and others up there with him for that art are Arthur Fenn & Roger Banks.Not what they play is always to my liking but for reading an event & weaving a set together with imagination these three usually do the job better then most?

Could do a massive list of people who I will travel to hear but they don't fit the brief of this thread.

Cheers

Martyn

[Guest Gogs]

Not read all the comments but i would say any dj that turns up at the start of the night (not just for the last hour) and listens to what is being played and watching the dance floor reaction should be able to get it right, The dj's that turn up ten minutes from their spot and play loads that have already been played or have no idea what people are wanting really annoy me.

[Andy Reynard]

Bob Hindsley, articulate dj jumping from a great northern set in big room at tower Blackpool to a nice set in the circus modern room read the floor just right and played some great stuff not the same old same old and actually will play a request for you if he has it quite balanced in my book n a smashing dj

[Guest Seagrave]

I think several of the 'big-name' DJs from the 1970s have got the balance right ... 50% bootlegs + 50% CDs.

... perfectly balanced!

[Guest MrC]

There's been some on here saying they only bought a record to DJ with and also to make money on it if and when they sell up. You'd be surprised how many DJ with a record simply because it fills the floor.

That's a DJ's job chalky! Your getting mixed up with DJ's, and collectors who DJ, 2 totally different things.

A 'DJ' would never play records that he knew would empty the floor, unless it's something new they're trying to break.

A true collector DJ should have the records that will fill the floor at the venue they've been booked at, or they should have turned the booking down.

A DJ is there to give the punters what they want, not just to play whatever they feel like!

With proper planning, the right DJ, the right venue these 2 things CAN happen at the same time

Edited February 29, 2012 by MrC

[Len]

A true collector DJ should have the records that will fill the floor at the venue they've been booked at, or they should have turned the booking down.

I agree kind of - I say 'kind of' because I don't think this situation should really ever arise. A promoter should know what they are doing and only book D.J's that will fit at their venue.

This has been mentioned many times and I suppose its correct for nowadays because stands to reason there being so many promoters, not all will have done their home work - Instead maybe just booking the 'Flavour of the month' and not thinking it through beforehand.

What I mean is, years ago I don't think a D.J ever had to consider a booking for the reasons given above and I don't think it should be the D.J's responsibility, although they will be the one who has to suffer a 'non fitting' set and then get blamed because they took the booking albeit in good faith.

Correct me if I'm wrong here, examples please if any.

***Looks like this thread is taking its own course and not just hanging in the 'Balance'***

All the best,

Len.

Edited February 29, 2012 by LEN

[Andybellwood]

the willinghams, arthur fenn, nige brown, sean chapman, killa, soul sam, ginger , roger banks , grant, andy dyson, sam evans, dave evison- just a few - all very different - all get & keep the dance floor alight

Edited February 29, 2012 by andybellwood

[Guest gordon russell]

That's a DJ's job chalky! Your getting mixed up with DJ's, and collectors who DJ, 2 totally different things.

A 'DJ' would never play records that he knew would empty the floor, unless it's something new they're trying to break.

A true collector DJ should have the records that will fill the floor at the venue they've been booked at, or they should have turned the booking down.

A DJ is there to give the punters what they want, not just to play whatever they feel like!

Then why do we see it all the time!!!

[Len]

Hiya Andyk123

[Guest allnightandy]

I agree it is a good philosophy to have but like I said it is simply a shout for a favourite DJ. Like I said earlier it would be good if the topic starter could explain the reason of his term "balanced".

There is a saying "You can't please all of the people all of the time

But you can please some of the people , some of the time"

That's what i mean , mostly main events, where you have people who come to hear several genres of our music

[Guest allnightandy]

I think several of the 'big-name' DJs from the 1970s have got the balance right ... 50% bootlegs + 50% CDs.

... perfectly balanced!

Which "Big Names " are they ?

[Guest MrC]

Then why do we see it all the time!!!

Because a lot of people who play aren't DJ's! Just playing a few records you like while you're out doesn't make you a DJ, same has having a huge amount of funds/chequebook to buy all the rare stuff doesn't make you one either!

[Guest mickeyfish58]

been reading this with interest and cannot believe that no one has yet mentioned pete eccles. this guy travels the length n breadth of the country to do his great spots, always in the club early enough to gauge the punters and floor and to make sure he does not play that has already been played. i have yet to hear him play a bad spot, be it oldies, rare or wotever,this guy keeps the floor going, he his always willing to listen and learn not to many djs will do that. if you have never heard him do a spot then next time you see his name on a flyer go to the venue and enjoy

[Casper]

Anton Ludwig....Brent Howarth....Dave Tidswell....Mitch....Dave Evison..... Nige Brown to name a few.

they always get the balance right.

love susan xx

ps...if youre reading this and ive missed you off....you aswell

[Little-stevie]

I think several of the 'big-name' DJs from the 1970s have got the balance right ... 50% bootlegs + 50% CDs.

... perfectly balanced!

Made me smile after a hard day at work....

Balance... A question indeed... Will have a think and get back to you...

Edited February 29, 2012 by little-stevie

[Little-stevie]

A good balance that floats your boat... And over a long period of time....

3 people who as been doing this for me over all these years.....

Keith Money and Carl Willingham.. Nick Hackett...Be that in a main room or a little rare back room... They have always delivered and can change a tempo/ mood with grace...

A promoters dream to have these kind of people on the stage.. You can go for fag break or a piss and know its not gonna go tits up

Edited February 29, 2012 by little-stevie

[Guest Bearsy]

surely a balanced set depends on the type of venue your playing at, there was a poll recently and most peeps said they like a set to have stuff you know stuff you might know and the odd few you may not know, now i aint been around as long as many but most of the djs ive read of mentioned in this thread i have heard and most of them you know what they are going to play and when and fill a dance floor cos they mainly play known tunes (what aint known nowadays)

what would be a balanced set at an Oldies night, erm Oldies i guess, a rare night erm rare, atb night well a bit of everything, there aint any venue in the country be it rare or an oldies that a tune like Eddie Parker - Im gone aint going to fill the dance floor but putting in at the right time is the important thing.

i dont think its abaout djs that having the balance right we all know whats probabaly going to get played its the Balance and timing of the djs for the night thats most important imho, you get that right then the night rocks you get it wrong the night can flop and ive been to a few doo`s where the line up was quality but in the wrong order and once the night lost its spark the rest just struggled to ignite the flame.

promoters get your dj line up balanced and no matter what event you put on you should have a superb night

[Guest Mrs Williams]

Im not just picking people because they are a mate

People like Martin Mellors, who no longer dj's......listening to his fantastic choice of records, this man got me into this music.

Rob Messer & Anton from the London area's.......always a great selection of music.

It has to be Pete Taylor, always a great variety of records & he always plays some of my favorites.

The Grosvenor Room lads with guest dj's are doing a great job, simply because the club is full every month.......i have never seen a report of numbers being down, even when there is so much else going on.

I also think Gus, who does the odd spot.......this chap should get more credit & should be a dj........he is far better than some of the people who do call themselves a dj's

In my opinion, these are the people who have the balance spot on.

Debbie x

Edited March 1, 2012 by Debbie Dee

[Guest CapitolSC]

Past - Ian Clark, Kenny Burrell, Shifty

Present - Ted Massey, Willinghams, Carl Fortnum, Mark Bicknell

And quite a few friends of mine too . Sx

[Guest Soul Glo]

Sean Chapman, get's the balance just right and always plays a crackin set. Gutted missed him at Stoke, he needs to be on later.

[MrsWoodsrules]

Not read all the comments but i would say any dj that turns up at the start of the night (not just for the last hour) and listens to what is being played and watching the dance floor reaction should be able to get it right, The dj's that turn up ten minutes from their spot and play loads that have already been played or have no idea what people are wanting really annoy me.

Good point that, a few tunes got double played at Lowton Friday night which is not right in my book.

Aid.

[NEV]

My nomination goes to a very talented Indian guy ,who manages to play a full hr set selecting records from his dj box ... That is actually placed on his head !

He's called Ballan Singh