Mickyfinn

Ashton Ukrainian club; it doesn’t’ take much to go from a guaranteed good night to a fabulous night at this magical venue. Last night, the stars aligned, and the soul gods were smiling, and a terrific night ensued. We arrived early to ensure we got a seat, just as well since the venue filled up quickly. Phil Dunn doing sterling job warming up the crowd with some familiar sounds, Deana Barnes and Channel 3, completing an accomplished set to the magic that is Terry Callier. Natalie Nicholls graced the decks next, with set designed to keep the dance floor happy. Starting with the Tempests, followed by Barbara Lynn ‘I’m a Good Woman’ Garnett Mimms, Sam fletcher and Sam Dees. Mick Howard next, always has a top mix of great tunes, including, jimmy Seals, George Kirby and The Innersection ‘Let me Love You ‘. And a favourite dancer by the brilliant Hesitations ‘That’s what Love is” The legendary Dean Anderson followed with an eclectic mix of lesser played tunes. The Fabulous Peps 'Gypsy Woman', the best version for me. The Venturas, Keith and Billie’s take on ‘Taste Sour Don’t it’. I’m sure I heard an instrumental version of Jean Wells ‘With My Love and What You’ve got’ whilst at the bar, I would have liked to have danced to that. Completing the set with a lesser-known tune from The T.S.U Toronados ‘Only Inside’. Lost for words on Alan Jenkins, don’t think I’ve heard so many big tunes in one set. I kept looking around expecting to see Securicor waiting in the wings to take his record box back to the van. He kicked off with the Tamangoes, followed by William Powell, Hamilton Movement, Del-Larks, Lester Tipton and Don Gardner to name a few. Brand New Faces got a particularly good reception on the dance floor, I’m sure some got up thinking it was going to be Jimmy Burns Chris and Simon double decked for the final hour. Simon kicking of with a trio of The Temptations tracks. Followed by some big crowd pleasers including Troy Dodds, Paris, Walter and Admerations and the Volumes ‘Ain’t Gonna Give You up’. A great set and fabulous evening, ending with Chris playing Ralph Graham. Thanks to Chris and team for a great year at the Ukrainian club. A special shout out to the bar staff. This night felt like Santa had arrived with all the best tunes, ensuring we all went home smiling and with fond memories. Merry Christmas to all and Happy New Year.

This gem of a soul club never disappoints. From the moment you walk into the club, you are entering the Soul Zone. We arrived a little later than usual, it was clearly going to be a busy night. Simon Ingham was taking over the decks from Phil. A typically great mix followed, The Mascqueraders, Elusions, a Fabulous 70’s dancer with Marcia Hines “You got a Let Go”. And the great cross over track, that always sounds much later than the year it was issued: Garland Green “Girl, I Love You”. Robbo was on next, double decking with a surprise appearance of Bob Hinsley. Some great tunes to an appreciative crowd. Including Jerry Butler's version of the song he also wrote, “Right Track”. Some smooth 70’s: The Enticers, Eddie Kendricks and Buddy Miles “I’m Just a Kiss Away”. And a few dancers guaranteed to fill the floor, Jesse Davis and Angela Davis. Mr Culcheth himself Baz Maleedy followed with a fabulous spot, Chris Farlowe’s version of “Looking for You”, classic oldies that still sounds fresh, Otis Smith “let Her Go” and Kenny Gamble. The incredible Wallie Hoskins “Switch Around”. And dance floor fillers the Delegates of Soul and the Spiedels. Finally, an inexpensive gem that was really appreciated, Johnny Nash “I’m so Glad You’re My baby” Matt Sneaths set assaulted the senses with series of heavy beat dance tracks. A few new to me, the punters certainly loved it. Kicking off with Rudy Love, followed by Eddie Daye “Lean on Me”, The LMNOP & Chanson “I need You” and Jeanette Williams “Stuff”. Chris Penn, treated us to some box office classics that included Paris and Arin Demain, evergreen dance floor fillers: The Soul Communicators and the Martells. NS dance gems: The Professionals and J.T. Parker. Slowing things down towards end with Chuck Cockerham. The sheer numbers of appreciative and knowledgeable people, all willing to enjoy the music in what is quite an intimate club; created and incredible atmosphere. The fabulous night was concluded all too soon, by Chris playing the Commands “No Time for You”.

Friday The Dab of Soul weekender was eagerly anticipated. The main event on the Friday was memorable for its fantastic selection of music, an atmosphere you could cut with a knife and a dance floor that didn’t let up from the start to finish. Our co host Dave Lucas kicked off the evening, double decking with Garry Matock. Some crossover magic, Eunice Williams, the heart wrenching Debonaire’s “How’s Your New Love Treating You”, Darrow Fletcher “It’s no mistake”. And a real favourite Lyde Fisher and Gyles “Serves Me Right to Suffer” The master of the Modern Room, Steve Plumb was on next. A nice tribute to Quincy Jones with the vocals of Patti Austin “Betcha Wouldn’t Hurt Me”. Followed by Richard Caiton, Robert Parker and Beloyd. Up next Brian Pinches, some real gems: Charlene & The Soul Serenaders, The Imperial C’s. And stand out and new to me The Promatics “I think I’m Gonna Let You Go”. Lars Bulnehim, played Connie Laverne’s one hit wonder and a real rarity, Sir Joe “Every Day”. Matt Fox, included the deep soulful vocals of Lou Rawls “See You When I Get There” with highlights: Innersection, Bessie Banks and Johnny Bristol. Co Host Chris Anderton gave us an exceptional final set: Ujima, Monique and the maestro Chuck Jackson “What’s with This Loneliness”. The fabulous evening closed with the evergreen Johnnie Mae Mathews. Saturday The afternoon session in the bar area has a great vibe. Here, friendships are made and renewed. Records are bought, sold and discussed. All with a backing of great sounds played by quality DJs. I arrived as my great friend Steve (Diddy) Morgan was spinning smooth 70’s tracks. With a room full to bursting with record collectors (no pressure pal ) the incredible vocals of Nancy Wilson “Here it Comes” and the outstanding Almeta Lattimore. I had to pull out earlier than I wanted, as beer was flowing too freely and I intended to make a full night of it. But not before Peter Dunn played Sydney Joe Qualls. Dave Griffith spun Gene Chandlers version of “Can I Change my Mind”. Peter Sumner playing characteristically top tunes that included Tobi Lark “Challenge My Love” and Robert Tanner. And Johnny Roberts with the Soul Notes, the dance floor was beckoning. The evening began with a packed room, Susan Spiby-Wade and Sue Stutting double decking. Tunes to rouse the room, The Continental 4, The Hesitations “Is this the Way to Treat a Girl”, and Lou Ragland “I can’t take it” (wow) Chris Anderton next, the dance floor in full flow: the smooth Johnnie Taylor “What About Love”, T.J Williams and Skip Mahoaney’s under the radar dancer “Running Away from Love”. Lars Bulnheim followed, with a modern funky feel: True Image “keep Me Dancing” and Merry Clayton “Emotion”. Matt Fox next, there was no let up on the dance floor, a great set including familiar 60’s and 70’s rare grooves, Joe Jama, The Yum Yums and Terry Callier “Ordinary Joe”. Brian Pinches took the penultimate spot. Some real quality. Kicking off with the pleading vocals of Johnny Gilliam “Room Full of Tears”, the Delfonics version of “Hurt so Bad” and Flowers “For Real”. Steve Plumb’s finale ensured the energy remained right until the end. Up-tempo feel good with the Jackson Sisters. The high energy sound of Ronnie Butler and The Ramblers “Peace without Love”. And a personal big thanks for playing the magical and brilliant L.V Johnson “Recipe”. The patrons did not want to leave, the intended last tune was the Commands, but we reluctantly left to an encore of Dionne Warwick “Walk on by”. Alas we were all souled out, so didn’t make Sunday’s offering. We paid our respects to the fallen at the Llandudno cenotaph before heading back home. A big thank you to Chris and Dave for fabulous weekend with incredible music, great people and I for one can’t wait for the next one.

The Grumpy takeover soul events at Culcheth are always a bit special and this was no different. Exceptional music, an appreciative crowd, and a packed dance floor. And with that undefinable feeling of being somewhere special. In addition, we have the fabulous option of being able to visit the modern room, and for those of us who like 70’s and bit of 80’s, this is a real bonus. It was great to see the legendary Soul Sam in attendance. We arrived early doors, JumpinJoan and Phil Threlfall appeared to be double decking in the main room. Some fabulous tracks to warm up the dance floor; The Cairos, Al Gardner and the incredible Spidells “Pushed Out of the Picture” Ady Potts was up next and playing a current favourite, The Four Voices, followed by Donna Coleman and The Ideals “Mighty Lover” Steve Plumb was gracing the decks in the Modern room, educating and entertaining with a few funky album tracks: Mandril “it’s So Easy Lovin’ You” and Ronnie Butler & The Ramblers “Peace Without Love”. Followed by a few nice mid-tempo grooves that wouldn’t be out of place in either room: Nate Evans “This Time with Feeling” and Jimmy Mack “A Woman is So Hard to Understand”. Back in the main room Joan was spinning to a packed floor. A couple of epic dancers that won’t require a second mortgage to own, Sandra Richardson “Stay Here with Me” and The Dramatics “Your Love Was Strange”. And a track guaranteed to fill the floor The Delegates of Soul. Charlie Smith was in the very busy modern room, with his box of wondrous stuff: Flowers “For Real”. James Brown “You took My Heart” (want one of these) and Fluorescent Smogg “All My Life”. Nick McKinnon took over from Charlie, kicking off with a mellow Rufus & Chaka “Stop on by”. Carl Fortnum played The Tempests (Bobby Paris ) and Rudy Love earlier in his set. Playing a bit of 60’s blue eyed with Joey Hetherton “When You Call My Baby”, as I re-entered the main room after 11pm On next in the main room was Phil. A superb set that included The Martells, the classic oldie, Paris and the irrepressible dancer Jesse Davis “Gonna Hang on in There Girl”. It was also great to hear Willie Kendrick “Time Changes Things” being played out. Ady followed with his second set, if memory serves kicking off with the Admirations, and concluding with the classic sounds of Tamla Lewis and Al Williams. In the modern room Bill was playing smooth modern dancers: Dexter Wansel “The Sweetest Pain” and Mary Jane Girls “All Night Long” among others to an appreciative crowd. Carl came on for his second set at 12:45 in the main room. And played for me what is the greatest Northern Soul dancer of all time. The inimitable Eddie Parker “I’m Gone”; wild horses wouldn’t keep me from the dance floor when that is played. Followed by Jacky Beavers and Herman Lewis. Alas we were unable to stay until the end. But a big thank you to Baz and the team for a fabulous night of quality music in both rooms. I was moving between rooms, dancing and chatting, so it's possible I have assigned the wrong tune to a particular DJ. I think I got It right, but apologies if that is not the case.

The first and hopefully not the last Northern Soul evening at the George Lawton Hall. Paul Kidd’s (kidda) latest offering follows the previous memorable venues, the festival Hall (Alderley Edge) in the noughties and the Cinamon Rooms (Bowden) that ended in 2019. This is another signature venue with a large wooden sprung dancefloor. This inaugural event did not disappoint, a full house in a large hall and the kind of welcoming vibe that is the signature of our scene. The DJs nailed the playlists, playing to a crowd that mostly wanting rare and classic Northern Soul dancers. With a sprinkling of lesser played tunes to keep the connoisseurs happy. This was a two-room event. The second room playing classic oldies and seemed to be well attended. I spent the whole of time in the main ballroom: Kidda was on the decks when we arrived, the venue already seemed busy, the dancefloor warming up nicely: Adams Apples, Richie Adams and the Epitome of Sound. Next up Steve Connolly, the party now in full swing: Turley Richards, Alexander Patton and a guilty pleasure of mine, Gerri Thomas. Mr Ms finest and top spinner Ian Wills was up next. Mixing things up nicely with a terrific set: Tan Geers “let My Heart and Soul be Free, The Salvador’s, Cody Black” I’m Slowly Moulding”, The Just Brothers “Carlena” and the fabulous Al McCarther. Stuart Hutchinson gave us some crowd pleasers: Bobby Paris, The MVPs and Carol & Jerri. And a tune that seems to get better with age James Fountain “Seven Day lover”. Kidda took the final spot that included the Box office tunes Vickie Baines, and Cecil Washington. Classic oldies, Yvonne Baker and Paul Anka. Some girlie nostalgia with Peggy March. And tune that seems never to have lost its popularity on the scene, The Metros “Since I found My Baby”. Kidda closed his set with the 100 club’s finest offering Carla Thomas “I’ll never stop loving you” An excellent and enjoyable evening.

One of Ian's

One of Kiddas

Walking through those familiar doors, is walking into another dimension, a dimension of sight and sound. It's the middle ground between light and shadow, of velvet whispers and glistening faces. You have just entered the Soul Zone. Arriving later than usual, so we unfortunately missed Phil Dunn's opening slot. Ian Wills set was box office, loved it. From The classic George Kirby to dance heaven with the Trends “Thanks for a Little Lovin” and People’s Choice “Saving My Lovin for You”. And not forgetting Gerri Hall. Jumping Joan brought her brand of vibrancy and enthusiasm to the decks and the floor. A very classy and varied selection, that included Bobby Williams, Dynells, Vee Gees and The four Voices. Two that had the dance floor bouncing: The Delegates of Soul and the adrenaline-fueled Stanley Mitchell. Expect the unexpected with Tim Ashibende, a great mix, that included classics, unknown flips and super dancers. The Trips “Love Can’t be Modernised”, Hesitations “Go Away”, Audrey Royal “Come on Playboy” Wow. A genuine classic from back in the day: The Construction”. And a real gem in Joe Graves “Debbie”. I first heard it played by Tim last month at the 100 club. This time I got to dance to it. Up next was Phil Threlfall with a box of magic, playing Jesse Davis, Jimmy Hart, The Cairos and The Fabulous Apollos. Not to mention The 4 Dynamics. Brilliant. Chris Churm was back to his usual last DJ slot. His tunes are guaranteed to the keep the dance floor busy right until the end. Kicking off with the inimitable Ascots, then Cookie Scott and Paul Sindab to name a few. The announced final tune was Ralph Graham, but Jack Montgomery “Don’t Turn Your Back on Me” played as we said our goodbyes. Another terrific evening of epic soul music. Thanks to Chris and the team. The sound system was particularly good. This is “That Other Place” where the outside world fades to nothing and why we “Keep Coming Back for More”.

A regular highlight of the Soul Calendar for me. This two-room event never disappoints. I expected a relatively quieter evening with so many competing events, but the loyal vibrant crowd proved otherwise. The Rare and Underplayed (main room) is an absolute treat for soul lovers, who appreciate the deeper cuts, that must be heard out to be truly appreciated. Another incredible DJ line up, spinning Soul gems one after the other, throughout the evening. In the main room, Charlie Smith had opened his box of magic when we arrived, playing an hour’s worth of top selections; including Andrea Henry, Mel Britt and the haunting Sy Hightower “I Know You're Leaving Me” Following Charlie was our host Baz Maleedy, the man with a stellar tune for any occasion. The Profs, Skip Jackson, Joe Hinton “Got You on My Mind” and the superb mid-tempo dancer by the Speidel’s “Dream Girl”. Bob Spendlove continued the theme: The Four Tracks, Sam Williams, some real Girlie nostalgia in Gerri Thomas. And a tune that can light a fire beneath me, apologies for dancing as if no one is watching. The Professionals “That’s Why I Love You”. It has everything, it’s Northern Soul on a Stick. Next up, Stockholm’s finest, Carl Hedburg, with a superb set: George Blackwell, Fortson & Scott, The Four Voices and the illusive Al Scott “What Happened to Yesterday” Stockport’s finest, Simon Ingham entertained us for the final hour, with a typically outstanding selection. Nat Hall, Walter & The Admirations and Eula Cooper to name a few. Simon closed the evening with a Stafford Classic: The despairing and sad tones of Johnny Gilliam “Room Full of Tears” Unfortunately, I didn't spend enough time in the modern room to write a faithful review. The new room is certainly better than the last. Like the main room it was well attended, and the dance floor was bouncing. I did enjoy the opportunity to dance to Luther “Funky music”, a simply brilliant modern dancer.

Drawn to the event by the stellar DJ line, this was only my second visit to this unassuming venue. Small enough to make every beat feel personal, yet large enough to enjoy and express yourself. Musically it certainly packs a big punch. The dim lighting sets the mood and gives it a cozy almost underground feel. We arrived as Bob Spendlove was warming up the growing crowd with some soul gems, Maimie Lee, Chuck Cockerham and The Lovelites “Certain Kind of Love”. Next up was Dave Cartlidge, with a terrific and varied set that included Frankie & The Damons and Troy Dodds. Not forgetting Chocolate Syrup “Your Off and Running”. Dave Lucas gave us some crossover magic. Kicking off with the Commands, then moving on to The San Franciscan TKOs, The Internationals “Beautiful Philosophy” and including a track I’ve only ever heard played out by Dave, the compelling Lyde, Fisher and Giles “Serves me right to suffer”. Chris Anderton gave us a superb mix: Tony Gala, The Stoppers, Betty Lloyd and Crystal Motion. And a favourite of mine by a group that appears never to have made a bad record. The Volumes “Aint Gonna Give You up”. The final set was given over to visiting Swedish Soul royalty in Carl Edborg. Playing a fabulous set of back-to-back top tracks; Nurons, Brook Bros, Robert Tanner, Tommy Ridgely and The Fantastic Four to name a few. A great night of superb soul music.

The much anticipated 5th Anniversary of what is colloquially and affectionately known as Dodgers Soul Do’s. Did not disappoint. The great and the good of Stockport’s burgeoning Soul community descended on the Stockport Ukrainian club for a celebratory gathering. And enjoy Classic Northern Soul with a sprinkling of lesser known delights, all spun by great DJ’s. A full house with many old friends and familiar faces made for warm and welcoming ambience. This coupled with great music generated a vibrant atmosphere and a busy dance floor. We arrived relatively early, Gavin Bates was on the decks playing some great tunes, including The Ambassadors and the timeless Judy Freeman. Next up was Neil Higson, playing a real mix, including some more obscure tracks. He played the under- appreciated and rarely played Donnie Elbert “Along Came Pride”. His set concluding with the big sound of C. L Blast. Billy Mailey graced the stage next with some real quality and instantly filling the dance floor. Some classic sounds: John Bowie and the Servicemen “Sweet Magic”. The Trends “If You Don’t Dig the Blues”, if there was a monthly top 20 sound based on plays, this must be close to the current number 1. Mixing things up nicely with Drizabone “Pressure”. Paul Kidd (Kidda) knows his audience and played a typically fabulous set. Kicking off with Ritchie Adams and including Vickie Baines and the Ascots. He played a real marmite record, which I personally adore, Garry Garnett “Have You Heard the News”. For those that have loved and lost this is particularly poignant. Kidda concluded his set with the magical Mark Lloyd “When I’m Gonna find Her”. It was left to the man himself, Dodger to take the last hour. He played a real dancer in Jesse Johnson “Left Out”, a nice melody of 70’s crossover including Larry Houston and the Spinners “I’ll be Around”. The evening was over all too soon with the closing track, Gwen McRae “Lead me On”.

It was a muggy night in London and with a full house, the heat was palpable. But this is an event where the comfort of the patrons, is a distant second to a full on all nighter experience. An atmosphere rarely replicated, with an unparalleled DJ line up: Ady Croasdell, Butch, Tim Ashibende, Keith Money and Joel Maslin. Playing box office sounds to a packed dance floor. Butch lit up the room with his the “Mighty Lovers”, he played “Why”, I think it was Willie Mason version. The Notations “Trying my best to find her”, Darryl Banks “I’m knocking at your heart” and many I didn’t know. All with his typical stamp of real quality. Tim Ashibende always willing to mix up his sets and keep you guessing. Played the ever popular Servicemen double sider, this time it was “Connie” . A blast from the past the: Lovelites and “Get him off my conscience”. And a real nice track that was new to me by Joe Graves “Debbie” The main man for the night and for the past 45 years, Ady Croasdell honoured his legacy with Little Ann “ Who are you trying to fool”, The San Franciscan TKO’s, Paramount Four and Carla Thomas. One that got a huge response on the dance floor: the evergreen Kenny Carter “ What’s that on your finger”. Joel and Keith seemed to follow each other without me noticing, so apologies if I’ve attributed the incorrect tunes to the DJ, but I think I got I’ve got it right, fabulous sets. Joel played the peerless Papa Bear and his cubs “ Your so fine” And two that got a terrific response on the dance floor Harvey Averne and Clydene Jackson. Keith played a series of real midtempo showstoppers, Bob and Fred, Robert Tanner and the Sweets. And a Latin tune that is genuine marmite, Tony Middleton “ Spanish Maiden”. An incredible night of fabulous music, full on dancing, all shared with great people. The night concluded with Ady’s signature closing song. The Four Tops “ Baby I need your Lovin”.

The absence of any reviews compelled me to write something of this magical Day. There are no shortage of Soul events that play familiar oldies, but few have the pedigree to pull in a huge crowd of lifelong soul fans. This was such an event. For those of us who usually seek out something a bit less familiar, and gravitate to the rare and underplayed scene. And even the crossover/modern side of things. It’s great to remind yourself occasionally, why we loved this music in the first place. Most of the tunes played here are classics for a reason, and played to the right crowd at the right venue they remain magical. Ian Wills played some top tunes, many covered up as someone else when first heard: Cecil Washington ( Joe Matthew’s), Vikki Bains (Christine Cooper) and the Outsiders “Time Won’t Let Me” ( Detroit Shakers) to name a few. Brilliant sets played by all the DJ’s filled the dance floor with vibrant energy, perspiration and mass hand clapping for the whole event. It was nostalgia overload. Words can’t do it justice, as close as you can get to those halcyon days. Quite Incredible really. A special mention to Tim who played the politically incorrect “Colouredman”. Last heard heard a lifetime ago. What a response he got on the dance floor. Fabulous.

Picture the scene, a familiar friendly event that feels decadent and exclusive. Walking into the venue is walking into another dimension, a dimension of rhythm and sound and soulful possibilities. With an atmosphere so thick you can touch it. You’ve just crossed over into the Soul Zone Phil Dunn ensured the correct tone was set with tracks that included Carol Anderson “Taking my mind off Love” and Jock Mitchell. The dance floor filled and remained so all night. Gis Southworth: Who needn’t had bothered with the tin hat, there would be no flack heading his way. His set included a modern classic that was released a few years back and dedicated it to Diddy. Carlton Jumel Smith “This is what love looks like”. One that was new to me, Brenda Parker “Help me find Mr good man” a nice mid-tempo track with great vocals. And not forgetting Andrea Henry. Next was Chris Churn, not in his usual closing spot. Some great sounds: Moses Smith “Come on Let me love you”, The Soul Communicators and the timeless Judy Freeman. Eagerly anticipated debutante Stuart Raith. Where you can expect the unexpected. He didn’t disappoint, some classic tracks that included Nolan Chance and Bobby Treetop. Quite a few little-known but big sounds: Mighty Sam McClain “Nothing but the truth” and an R&B number by Clarence Reid “Cadillac Annie. Paul Johson followed with a nice mix. A classic by the Philly songstress Barbara Mason “You better stop”. not played enough for me. Also, quite a few 70’s and more modern tunes: Jay Player “Love is the answer” and Mighty Pope “If you want a love affair”, Great set. Replacing Chris as this month’s “Tail end Charlie” and having the honour of closing the night was Ashton stalwart Mick Howard. Another great set encompassing 60’s and 70’s. The haunting up-tempo sound of September Jones “I’m coming home” followed by Ujima “I’m not ready” and the San Franciscan TKOs. Mick brought the night to a close all too soon with Clydie King “Soft and gentle ways” In this place, somewhere East of nowhere nothing else matters. This is a dimension where soul music reigns supreme. There’s is nothing else to say. Welcome to the Soul Zone.

As expected, another stellar night of soul music at Culcheth. The main problem is there are two great rooms of soul and only one of you. Baz Maleedy seemingly has the gold standard in tuneage for any genre of soul. Here he got things going in the main room, with some tracks that remind you why you made the effort: Clarence Hill and Lee Williams & the Cymballs, "Lost Love". With some lesser-known gems, Webs “Don’t ever hurt me” and James Dockery “My Faith in you is all gone” Steve Plumb was on at 9 in the modern room. It’s always an education listening to Steve, he introduces all his tracks and invariably provides extra snippets of information. I think he kicked off with an up-tempo disco number, Executive Suite “When it Comes to Loving me” A few album dance tracks: Ronnie & The Ramblers “Peace without love” and a sublime tune by Harold Melvin and Blue notes “Keep on lovin you”. Which is also the flip to “Don’t leave me this way”. It was also good to hear the Kent masterpiece Charlie Rich “Don’t tear me down” Simon Ingham was on after Baz, a predictably fabulous set. There are always a few surprises and the odd unknown yet affordable tune, which is seamlessly included amongst a plethora of the most sort after tracks. Here Buddy Lamp “You’ve got the loving touch” is set against Elbie Parker, Sparkles and Gene Toons. The special guest was the inimitable Ginger Taylor, who kept the dance floor busy: The Sweets “Something about my baby”, Construction and a tune I don’t think I have ever declined the opportunity to dance to, The Del Larks. Charlie Smith had the last hour in the modern room, with some great sounds: Fantasy, Papa Bear & His Cubs and Flowers “For Real”. Kev Murphy had the last spot in the main room. With tunes made for the dance floor: Silky Hargreaves and Lester Tipton. And the dictionary definition of Northern Soul: The Professionals “That’s Why I Love You”. A great evening concluded with the Magnetics “When I’m with my Baby”.