Wednesday 27 January 2010

KENI BURKE LIVE @ JAZZ CAFE LONDON

Don't sleep ! Tickets Flying !

PRESTATYN SOUL WEEKENDER MARCH 2010

Prestatyn will be on us soon - can't wait : -))

In addition to the live acts already announced please find a few updates on the 'Themed' afternoon sessions at the Weekender from a MODERN SOULperspective -

Once again the popular 'Kings Of Crossover' session returns on the Sunday afternoon in the 'House Of Soul' and due to much requesting Saturday afternoon see's the return of the 'Jazz' Special in the same room - which I'm sure will be one of the hi-lights of the weekend.

The main 'Modern Soul' room plays host to BOOMERANG on the Saturday afternoon with their special brand of connoisseurs soul and Sunday hosts MSC(Modern Soul Classics) - a perfect end to the weekend on a Sunday afternoon before the BIG Sunday night FINALE.

MAIN ROOM -
Saturday Afternoon
BOOMERANG 70'S SOUL SPECIAL
Dj's - MARIA O, SOUL SAM, ARTHUR FENN, CLIFF STEELE & DAVE RIPOLLES.

Sunday Afternoon
MSC (MODERN SOUL CLASSICS)
Dj's - LOUBY, STEVE WOOMBLE, CHRIS BOX, RICKI WOOLLONS, FISH.

HOUSE OF SOUL
Saturday Afternoon
JAZZ IN THE HOUSE - Jazz Dance Session.
Dj's - GEOFF BURGESS, BOB JONES, COLIN CURTIS.

Sunday Afternoon
KINGS OF CROSSOVER
Dj's - TATS TAYLOR, IVOR JONES, CLIFF STEELE, SOUL SAM, ARTHUR FENN.

SOULFUSION GLOUCESTER THIS SATURDAY 23RD JANUARY


Well there we went :-) Losing the plot on route thanks to some bizarre motorway filter system.So apologies for arriving later than we had anticipated and not having my usual "mingle" time. That aside another quality night down at the Dowty Sports Complex,plenty of faces and a great vibe through all rooms.A big thank you to Neil Self and all his team for providing the equipment and the Budweiser laced ambiance.Handing over to my good friend and quality dj David Hulmes for a perspective of the night.

Soulfusion 23.01.10

Well, here goes with my attempt at writing a review of the Soulfusion night, which is held 6 times a year at Dowty’s sports and social club in Staverton, near Gloucester.

It had been over a year since Neil Self, the promoter for this event, had asked me to come and play in the modern room, so I was rather excited to say the least. I was also really looking forward to be playing alongside Colin Curtis again, it had probably been 5 years since I’d played on the same roster as Colin, and I’ve come a long way since then.

We arrived nice and early, 8 o-clock on the dot to be exact, thanks to our trusty chauffeur for the evening, Steve, thanks Steve.

As we arrived, the night had just kicked off and we were greeted by the very friendly door staff. The building was nice and warm and I was very grateful to the door staff for taking my coat and keeping it safe.

A local DJ, Rob Adams, was warming up in the modern room which was just starting to fill up, I had a quick gander at the equipment to familiarise myself before getting myself a pint to calm my nerves. Rob played a very nice and varied warm up set, which included Warm Weather by Pieces Of A Dream, Got To Find My Way by The Pockets, Introduce Me To Love by Absolute, something I hadn’t heard played out for a while and finishing off with the Traveller, Haggis Horns. Full playlists at the end of the review.

Next up was the man Steve Lloyd, a resident at the venue and a lovely bloke to boot, I don’t know who was the more excited, Steve or me, and he played like the professional he is. When I’ve heard Steve play before, he programmes a fair amount of soulful house into his spot. Tonight was different though, perhaps because he knew that Colin and myself would be playing mostly that later on. One thing Steve did play that I hadn’t heard played out since the 80’s was Leon Peterson, Don’t Squeeze The Sherm, quite a tuff record to find and we chatted about it as I sung along to all the words, “Hey baby, what you got in the bag? Dust, sherm, PCP baby, don’t you know that stuff will make you null and void”.

Steve had got the room rockin and by now it was full and so was the dancefloor, it stayed this way for the rest of the night. Finally, it was my time. I was well chuffed that Colin had suggested to Neil using pioneer 1000 CD players, these really are the dog’s what sits and definitely made my life easier, I felt really comfortable as I thanked Steve for his excellent spot, telling the crowd that I was going to slow it down a little, then build it back up.

I kicked off with John Morales’extended mix of Marvin Gaye’s I Want You. I expected the floor to clear a little, but no, it went down a storm. Next up was Ferry Ultra feat Gwen McCrae, Let Me Do My Thang, pitched up a little, this too was very well received and from there on I upped the tempo gradually, playing some recent soulful house cuts, which were all keeping the floor buzzing. Before I knew it, Colin was telling me I had one more to finish off, I hadn’t played a track for my mate Keith, so there was just time for Downtown Lady by MOD feat Gee K, something I’ve had for a few years now from Traxsource and a track that I feel deserves far more exposure.

At last, it was Colin’s turn, the room was rammed and there was a great atmosphere. I missed the first few tracks due to a visit to the little boys room and a couple of cigarettes outside, but the floor remained full to the end, which came around far too soon. Colin always plays a varied set of jazz dance, soulful house and anything else he deems good in a way that only he knows how. Perhaps he will include his playlist at the end.

All in all, this is a fantastic night, every time. Let me tell ya, If you haven't been to soulfusion yet, get yourself down there, you've been missing out. Do you remember when things were fresh and there was a great uplifting atmosphere in certain modern rooms, Lowton and Winsford spring to mind, well this club is one of the only clubs I've been to where that same atmosphere is present. Not only in the modern room, but the northern too. There are six a year, no overkill, and by the time the next one comes around, people are really excited, and it shows. The crowd in the modern room are very 'up for it', about 50% of the music is choice soulful house. There's a great sound system and it's a great venue. Take my word for it, this is a brilliant night...David

Finally, I would like to thank all the West Midlands crowd you turned out, to Smokey for an ever entertaining appearance, Shane & Bev, you made my night and last but certainly not least all the dancers, I hope you all had as good a night as I did, you certainly looked like you were lovin’ it…David

Playlists…

Rob Adams

    01 Warm Weather - Pieces Of A Dream
    02 Dream Ride - George Howard
    03 You Are My Starship (2009) - Norman Connors / Marion Meadows
    04 For Always - Lala Hathaway
    05 Got To Find My Way - The Pockets
    06 Hot Shot - Karen Young
    07 Black Is The Colour - Wilbert Longmuire
    08 Meet Again - Mr President featuring Mr Day
    09 Don’t Ever Wonder - Maxwell
    10 Introduce Me To Love - Absolute
    11 One Love - George Howard
    12 Heaven Knows - Lala Hathaway
    13 Bohemiam - Muro
    14 Revealed - Soulstance
    15 The Traveller - Haggis Horns


Steve Lloyd

01 Jask - Into The Night (New Mondo Sax Mix)
02 BRS ft Tania Hamilton - Nothing (D3 Mix)
03 Buki Cole & Free Radikat - Baby With The Brown Eyes
04 Jazzanova ft Phonte - Of All The Thngs
05 Deep Sensation - Togetherness (Nine Times)
06 Rare Pleasure - Let Me Down Easy
07 Al Kent - Come Back Home
08 S-Tone - Dreamer
09 Gabin - Into My Soul (Nicola Conte Jazz Combo)
10 Al Kent - I Like It
11 EasyLifeNatural - Bring It On
12 Leon Peterson - Don't Squeeze The Sherm
13 All Good Funk Alliance - Sock It To Ya
14 Aphere ft Donald - Come A Lil' Closer
15 Vick Lavinder - The L.O.V.E. Song
16 Mathew Bandy - Harlem Groove
17 Stacy Kid - Street Jazz

Dave Hulmes

  1. Marvin Gaye – I want You – John Morales Extended
  2. Ferry Ultra featuring Gwen McCrae – Let Me Do My Thang – Original Mix
  3. The Valentine Brothers – Money’s Too Tight (To Mention) – Al’s Re-Beat Edit
  4. Melba Moore – Been There, Done That
  5. Shazz – Innerside – Universal Soul
  6. Jay-J featuring Big Brooklyn Red – Decide
  7. D’Moov – For The Love Of You
  8. Mina Jackson – Usay – Jonny Montana & Craig Stewart Soulful Mix
  9. Greg Dorban – All Around
  10. UPZ – Hanging On A Dream – UPZ SoWhat Mix
  11. MOD featuring Gee K – Downtown Lady

PRESTATYN SOUL WEEKENDER MARCH 2010












Not long

to go now to the Prestatyn Soul Weekender commencing on Thursday 18th March through to Monday 22nd March.This one of course is being headlined by Stephanie Cooke & Kenny Bobien and Tortured Soul.For me it is the first time at Prestatyn as a DJ and I have to say I am looking forward to it immensely. It is great to see this event stepping up through the levels due to the hard work of people like Fish,Mark Randle and all the dj’s who have helped the Modern Room and the House of Soul develop into such an important event on the soul calendar.

But as a tempter I managed to get some time to interview one of the stars of the weekend Miss Stephanie Cooke one of my favourite house music vocalists, I am currently hammering her new song with Jonny Montana I Owe You which is a quality slice of modern Soulful House that is burning up the dancefloors !

Here we go Hi Stephanie

Where were you born ?

I was born in Newark
Where did you grow up and was it in a church background?
I did have a church background and grew up in Newark.

How did you first get into singing ?
I first started singing in church choirs and later was asked to demo a song which turned out to be a single, my first single ever out on Kingstreet Sounds entitled Excuses.

Which vocalists influenced your own singing style ?
I grew up loving Gladys Knight, Diana Ross, and Chaka mostly but I honestly don’t know which of them really had influence on me vocally, maybe all of them
What influenced you musically as you grew up and which artists influenced you?
Most of the music that really moved me growing up came from artists like Stevie Wonder, Earth Wind and Fire, and again Gladys Knight, Diana Ross and Chaka Khan
Those were the artists whose music really made me want to do it my self and be great at it.
When did you first get into writing songs and what and who influenced this ?How did you break into the record industry ?
What year did you sign to King Street records and can you talk about your time with King Street ?
My first song on Kingstreet was in the early 90’s and it led to a long working relationship between myself and the well respected label. Mr. Ishioka has supported my career from the beginning and still does today.
Can you tell us some of your own favourite songs that you have written and about your time writing for Chante Moore ?
All of my songs are very special to me, like my children they all have their own special place in my heart. If I had to pick specific ones, I’d have to say “Love Will” for what it did for me emotionally as I was going through some really tough things at the time. It was a true testimony for where I was at the time. Also more recently “This Time” which is also a true testament to my heart’s position on love. “Thinking I’m Beautiful is another one. This song is not meant to show conceit but rather an ability to be free enough to accept my beauty inside and out, and not be ashamed to say it. Women need to be able to find themselves beautiful and not have to feel like someone is going to think that they are being vain or conceited because of it.
You were involved in the 90’s on remix projects including SWV,Braxtons and Changing Faces could you talk a little about that period
During the 90’s I did lots of remix projects where I’d go in with the producer and just rearrange how the song was laid out vocally putting my own little influence on it. Most of these were done with Producers like All-Star, and DJ Enough from NY, and even some others who were up and coming at the time.
And do you enjoy remixing ?
I really do enjoy remixing and giving my perspective on a song. I also remixed a couple of songs for Double.
Who are your favourite producers,arrangers,writers ?
In my opinion, one of the greatest producers in the world is Fred Hammond, who does gospel, and also happens to be one of my favorite artists and songwriters, I also love Josh Milan and Kevin Hedge for their ability to put life and love into musical productions. Some of my other favorites include Glenn Underground, Kerri Chandler, Nick Moss, Jonny Montana, and so on. As for writers Monique Bingham is priceless.
You were involved in Kenny’s Blessed Gospel DanceTheory classic sessions what are your recollections from that ?
I did do some vocal stuff on Kenny’s Blessed project, working with him is always like working on a very well oiled machine, quick, precise, and to the point, always superbly executed. Good stuff.
You expanded your songwriting in the 90’s too writing for Tyrese,Jody Watley and Phajja could you talk a little about this period please.
During the 90’s I was traveling and doing a lot of writing and vocal production projects. The Tyrese and Phajja projects were directly connected to my relationship with my then manager, Troy Patterson who was responsible for a lot of the major projects I worked on.
You have also been involved in the burgeoning Japanese market and wrote for Double and were involved in a Mondo Grosso project called closer,I still play Shoulda Been Lovin You from that cd ! Could you tell us about your experiences in and with Japan a country that hugely supports black music !
Japan to date, is THE most wonderful place in the world for me to visit and perform.. I am so excited about the way I am received when I am there. I have yet to have a bad experience when gigging in Japan.
You also recorded with Studio Apartment was this done in the USA or Japan ?
I recorded a demo in the US, for the Studio Apartment Project, but the actual record itself was recorded in Tokyo.
Your talent and popularity is recognised all over the world which countries have you visited ?You have also been to the UK before appearing at The Southport Dance Weekender,what are your memories from that ?
I have been to many countries, Italy, Germany, Greece, Japan, Indonesia, the list is quite endless, still waiting to be booked in South Africa!!
Southport was wonderful. I just remember the huge crowd singing back to me “LOVE WILL ALWAYS FIND A WAY’ LOL
More recently you have cut songs for West End,Deep Haven,Soul Groove,Home,Foliage ,Consortium Muzik,MN2S,Deepa Grooves,Camio and Louis Benedetti’s Soulshine label with Hold On to Me a duet with Kenny Bobien,which of these did you write and could you tell us a little about these projects ?
Most of these project were single deals, West End of course was a special experience, since I was working with some of the greatest producers in my opinion that I’ve worked with in my entire career. The only thing coming out of the studio when working with Blaze, is a HIT!! As for the others, there were many projects that were simply songs I either shopped or songs created for the label as solicited.
Well, I have never done a song that I didn’t write, unless it was a remake, as for the song with Kenny, I just really sang on the backgrounds and was later brought up in the mix as a feature.
What are your feelings about the music industry today with the change from vinyl/cd to downloads ? Does Traxsource play a huge role for you ?
The change of the industry to this worldwide download system, is disappointing since we as songwriters rely on sales and many time because of all the file sharing sites, our music is simply given away for free, making it almost impossible for artists/songwriters like myself to really benefit from sales. Traxsource definitely plays a role, It’s a given for those of us who do this thing called house, to check the top ten daily to see who’s got the heat, so it definitely doesn’t hurt when I have songs in the running on traxsource’s list.
The Everything Project was full of Stephanie Cooke bombs released through King Street with some quality house remixes
Including Blaze,Big Moses & Dennis Ferrer and rightly received accolades all over the world it was also released as an R&B Remix project was this your idea and would you like to record an all R&B Stephanie Cooke album in the future ?
Actually I must correct you on this. Everything was originally an R&B Project which was remixed into a dance project. It was supposed to be released as an R&B project worldwide. I believe that breaking an R&B act was a little over the top at the time and since I had a following worldwide already, it was the obvious thing to do. And smart I might add.
I hope to record another Stephanie Cooke Album this year.
Which ten records had the most influence on your life and musical career ?
Marvin Gaye’s Let’s get it on ((I soooo love that song)) always have.
Chaka Khan’s I’m every woman
Whitney Houston’s You give good love
Clark Sisters’ - Every song they ever recorded
Earth Wind and Fire’s That’s the way of the World and Reasons
Amel Larieux’s No One Else
Stevie Wonder’s Entire Songs in the Key of Life Album
Fred Hammond’s There’s a praise
Blaze’s Found Love
If Stephanie Cooke is going out dancing where do you go ?
Hmm, you know, I really don’t go out dancing, funny right. LOL I am really at home most of the time with my boys and only really go out if I have a show, or if there is something in particular going on that I just really want to experience. Like DJ’s playing in Atlanta that I do get to see often. If Joe Clausell is playing Im there!! LOL, but seriously, I am mommy 24/7 and going out is not usually an option.

What music do you listen to at home or in the car or on your ipod ?

When I listen to music, it’s usually Beyonce, Keshia Cole, Amel, Jill Scott, Women who inspire me to be strong because they show so much strength through their music. Sometimes we don’t really feel so strong, and may not even appear so strong, but when we can get in the studio and let our lyrics and melodies express the strength for us that we know is in us, it makes it a little easier for us to be strong and continue holding on for that change that is inevitably going to come for us, hope that made since. Lol.
Your latest release is “Sing” on Camio tell us how this came about and the lyric writing ?
Sing is a song I wrote that was inspired by the lovely track sent to me from one Mr. Joe Flame. I remember feeling so down that day and I just didn’t know what I wanted to say, and when I played the track, then played it a second time, the words and the melody became so clear, JUST SING. I love the outcome.
Your latest release is “Sing” on Camio tell us how this came about and the lyric writing ?
Stephanie your musical output has been prolific over the last 14 years is there anything you would like to do that you haven’t already.
There is so much more that I want to do, like spoken word and African vibes and beats, ultimately before I retire, I would love to be that artist that everyone lives to see perform. The artist who commands the stage with such grace, beauty, confidence and personality. I’d love to do some videos and reach more than just the dance community with my message of love through song. I believe there are still so many things that I will accomplish in music.

You are coming to the Prestatyn Soul Weekender in March 2010,do you have any other gigs planned for the UK or Europe in 2010 ?

No confirmed gigs, only requests so far, but I will keep you posted if anything comes up soon.

I am so honored to have this time with you and thank you for supporting what I do. It’s truly the “ONE TRUE LOVE” of my life. Blessings and Peace.

It’s been great talking to you Stephanie and we are all looking forward to your performance at the Prestatyn Soul Weekender in March !! Thanks for taking the time out !

Sunday 24 January 2010

DARNELL KENDRICKS LOOKS BACK AT HIS VISIT TO THE UK @ BLACKPOOL LUXURY SOUL WEEKENDER




We were very pleased to get Darnell Kendricks over here from Detroit to perform at The Luxury Soul Weekender in Blackpool.He turned out to be a great guy and turned in a superb performance in the lounge on the friday night.He even managed to survive a "Crazy" Mark weekend :-)
Now safely back in Detroit here is his short reflection of his first trip to the UK and I am sure it won't be his last !

Darnell said
"On the morning of my Birthday I arrived in Manchester for The Luxury Soul Weekender at the Hilton In Blackpool. I arrived early in the morning Colin Curtis and his animated side kick Mark ""collected"" me from the airport, ""collected"" obviously UK term not used here in America but I understood what it meant when Colin explained by phone that he would be ""collecting"" me lol. It was a frigid cold and icy morning, but my heart was warmed by their presence.
It was a short drive from Manchester to Blackpool but for whatever reason I was surprised to see cow and sheep in the meadows on the way to Blackpool, not sure why? But I was.
I was set up in a very nice quaint Bed and Breakfast, my first Bed and Breakfast experience not far from the Hilton Hotel. Before checking in Colin and Mark took me to the Hilton for breakfast and there we saw the members of Chapter 8 having breakfast as well.
Colin, is simply cool and smooth definitely a Soul Man, Mark is like the alter ego, Cool, Soulful, but very animated, as I mentioned to Colin, had I known, I would have taken some vitamins to be prepared for Mark lol. You should have saw Mark helping me fix my plate and urging me to taste ""black pudding"" which to my surprise i Did taste, but did not like!
I went to the hotel and took a much needed nap and came back later that evening for dinner at the Hilton.
The energy was that of anticipation, the event officially began the next day so there was a lot of preparation, decoration, lights and sound equipment etc. going on.
Friday morning, I get up for breakfast, walk over to the Hilton and the place is just full of
Soul weekender guest pouring in, reminded me of some of the church conventions I attended as a kid. The energy was somewhat religious, so full of love, people greeting one another and just coming to have a good time.
I was very surprised that there were people that I did not know that knew me and where aware of my music and the fact that I would be performing later that night. It was a surreal experience, the love that i felt was like nothing I had ever experienced before but I knew that I was at home.
I arrived back at the Lounge about 11:30, Gary Dennis had the dance floor Jumping! I Soo loved the music and the energy, the room was full of rhythm,bass, and vocals. I soaked it all up.
Ralph Tee introduced me and I performed 3 songs from the Smooth Soul Cafe project: ""Please Believe Me"",""You Took My Loneliness"", and
""Brand New"" the sound system was a bit to be desired, but I had a great time, I even had a chance to improv a bit at the end and sing a shout out to Colin, (which he didn't hear) and a few others. I had a great time!
The rest of the weekend was like one day,with a few naps and meals in between.
I had the chance to hang out with a soulful blue eyed vocalist from Houston: Gianna.
I had the blessing of attending the reunion concert of Chapter 8, a group in my own backyard here in Detroit, that I had to fly all the way to the UK to see! Great soulful vocals, I so enjoyed them. I met the most incredible beautiful people,Lesley Cooper was a riot, she talked a mile a minute then made me dance or (jiggle) as she calls it.
Roger Williams ,Paul Goldsmith,Richard Searling,Lorna, Andrea, etc etc,..just too many to name.
Saturday night Gary Dennis played a tune that totally had me geeked, turns out it was George Benson's ""Gonna Love You More"" a 1977 release I had never heard before, I promptly went to Soul Brothers Records Sunday morning and purchased the cd, I'm so glad that had the tune.
There are experiences that you have where you Know that your life has been changed, and this trip to the BlackPool Soul Weekender was certainly one of those experiences that validated and affirmed me in a special way and has opened a door in my creative mind like never before. I have adopted the UK as my second home. The love and the family atmosphere that I felt still warms me and having the blessing of Face Book to keep in contact with my new friends/family even more so warms my heart.
I have been inspired like never before, and I have a lot of work to do, to express that appreciation in song and in my life.
A very spe a delcial thank you to Colin for inviting me to the Soul Weekender, you were truly a Smooth, Soulful Angel..soon to comeuxe edition of Smooth Soul Cafe to include a several bonus tracks inspired by my Soul weekender experience."

Darnell Kendricks - Smooth Soul Café


Darnell Kendricks - Smooth Soul Café
Click on CD cover
to listen or purchase

Darnell Kendricks is proof that following dreams no matter where they lead can be a virtue. Earlier this decade, the native Californian's dream of becoming a recording artist led him to Detroit . That move appears counterintuitive and not just because the recession hit Detroit earlier and harder than other parts of the nation. Detroiters also know that the musical opportunity train historically runs in the opposite direction. Yet, Kendricks has crafted a solid career as an artist who has a sizeable regional following supported by album releases and airplay on Southeast Michigan airwaves. Kendricks is the kind of artist that was commonplace back in the day when Motown was still a part of the Motor City , but that many people think no longer exists - at least not in the R&B world.

Kendricks no doubt has hopes of becoming more than a regional artist, and that his latest CD, Smooth Soul Café, will give national listeners a taste of what makes him a mainstay on the Detroit musical scene. Smooth Jazz Café is an enjoyable record that has many of the strengths found in records made by classic soul balladeers. Kendricks' soft tenor is suited for intimate environs such as cafes and dimly lit rooms just for two. The music on Smooth Jazz Café is top flight as it masters the Motown formula of brining a jazz sensibility to accessible R&B music. And when Kendricks brings all of those elements together, Smooth Jazz Café simmers. Two such examples are the mid-tempo torch song "Please Believe Me" and the ballad "Baby Don't Leave." On both tunes, Kendricks wraps his soft vocals around lyrics that tell stories of desire, regret and fear of losing someone special.

Kendricks uses the well-worn metaphor of the object of ones desire as a tasty treat on the song "After Dinner." That cliché has been done to death, however the give and take between Kendricks and the backing vocals as well as the song's sublime fusion on soul, blues and jazz rescue the song from caricature. The reprise, which features Kendricks scatting over piano and saxophone riffs, is a nice touch. Like many records in this sub-genre, Smooth Soul Café pretty much sticks to the topic of affairs of the heart, and while Kendricks shows an ability to shift tempo and pace within songs, he doesn't stray too far from the mid-tempo songs and slow jams that are his stock and trade. It would have been nice to see him belt out a rollicking juke joint number, but Smooth Soul Café represents who Kendricks is as an artist, and the record stands as a solid introduction to the world. Recommended.

By Howard Dukes




Thursday 21 January 2010

FRODISIA JAZZ SESSION GOES ON TOUR TO BIRMINGHAM !


Myself and Tony Cooney have been invited to bring the Frodisia Jazz Session down to

Soul Underground party !


UBER presents KARIZMA & ATJAZZ | Sat 27th Feb @ The Rainbow Warehouse

2010 Relaunch w/ Soul Underground in Room Two: Colin Curtis & Tony Cooney
Host:
Type:
Network:
Global
Start Time:
Saturday, 27 February 2010 at 21:00
End Time:
Sunday, 28 February 2010 at 05:00
Location:
The Rainbow Warehouse
Street:
Adderley Street, Digbeth
Town/City:
Birmingham, United Kingdom
KARIZMA & ATJAZZ

Saturday 27th February
@ The Rainbow Warehouse

"It’s our first party of the new decade with two of our favourite guests from the last!"

Buy £8 Advance Tickets Online:
http://www.theticketsellers.co.uk/buy_tickets/events/?id=10010084


Room One:
KARIZMA (Basement Boys)
ATJAZZ (Freerange/Innervisions)
Introducing
Adriano Burthenet (MyLoft, France)

Resident DJ’s:
Paul Griff, Paul Henry & Carl Ackerman

Room Two:
SOUL UNDERGROUND welcomes FRO-DISIA
Colin Curtis
Tony Cooney
Lin Taylor
Jamie Taylor

After a packed out lock-out party in December we relaunch for the new decade, bringing back two of our favourite DJ’s from the last. Karizma and Atjazz are two of the most prolific DJ/Producers in the world today, and to have them playing together at Uber is simply huge! Birmingham favourite Karizma hasn’t played in the city for over a year, and after many requests to bring him back from you guys, we’ve finally done it. Having him alongside Atjazz, our favourite from 2009, is going to be special.

If this isnt enough to wet your appetite Soul Underground will be again hosting a second room. This month they bring Manchester`s Fro-Disia, a party by the legendary Colin Curtis & Tony Cooney. Unmissable!

For the first time in two years we head back to where it all began for us in Birmingham, at The Rainbow Warehouse. An underground space that’s perfect for our vibe, the fully heated Warehouse is situated 50 yards down the road from our usual home at The Rainbow Pub. See the map below if you’re in any doubt.

Please note we were at full capacity by midnight at our last party in December, it was a total lockout with 100’s of people outside wanting to join the party. We apologise to those that missed out but to ensure entry to this party, our biggest to date, please buy your tickets well in advance.


9pm – 5am
The Rainbow Warehouse
Adderley Street
Digbeth
Birmingham
B9 4EE

Click the link to buy tickets online:
http://www.theticketsellers.co.uk/buy_tickets/events/?id=10010084

Info:
http://www.club-uber.com
http:// www.myspace.com/linsoulunderground
07815 944 605
info@club-uber.com

Join the Facebook group:
http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=6792256644&ref=ts

BLACKBURN KING GEORGES HALL SATURDAY 30TH JANUARY 2010 15TH ANNIVERSARY !

Just to let you know the latest news!

Its our 15th Anniversary SOUL NIGHT OUT at the KING GEORGES HALL, Blackburn on SATURDAY JANUARY 30th

It will be a very special night - 3 fantastic rooms, 1600 soul lovers from all over the UK, and tickets are going faster than ever , so get ready for yet another packer..

To celebrate our birthday I m delighted to announce that special guest DJ Bigger is coming to play a set for us and obviously there's a huge buzz about this -

PLUS PLUS PLUS we see the return to the Windsor Suite (downstairs) of the Legendary JAZZ FUNK ANTHEMS session with Colin Curtis, Ian and Mark running a specially extended 9pm-3am session,

with "Blakeys" playing host to sets from Bigger, Mike Stephens, Andy Davies, Bob Hinsley, Barry Maleady and yours truly with all the top new tunes and all the KGH anthems too.

Completing the unique 3-room Soulful Saturday night out - The upstairs ballroom rocks to those Northern and Motown anthems played by Ginger, Terry and Pete......

Its gonna be like old times, the best of times, from the venue that's inspired all the rest....I look forward to seeing you there at one of the longest-running North West soul nights there has ever been..in 15 great years over 100,000 have attended this huge event!

Please feel free to tell your friends about this extra special event - advance tickets are available now at only £10 on 01254 582582 or arrive early and pay £12 on the door.

Tuesday 19 January 2010

SOULFUSION GLOUCESTER THIS SATURDAY 23RD JANUARY


Saturday January 23rd 2010
SoulFusion @ The Dowty Sports & Social Club Staverton,Gloucester.8.00pm-1.00am
Modern Room along with Dave Hulmes,Steve Lloyd,Rob Adams.

A return for me to this quality 3 room soul night,I first appeared here in September 2008
in the modern room and had a great time meeting lots of old and new faces.The atmosphere is
superb and the emphasis is on dancing.Be good to play again with my old mate and local legend Steve Lloyd
along with one of our top midlands mix dj's David Hulmes.
See you there and promoter Neil Self suggests an early arrival as his phone has been red hot for this one.

Sunday 17 January 2010

COLIN CURTIS TALKS TO BIRMINGHAM DJ IMD !




Here as promised is the third Dj interview following my visit to Deep@Poppyred

In Birmingham on New Years Eve.It is with the multi talented DJ IMD !!

Hey IMD

Where and when were you born ?
Hi Colin, I am Birmingham born & bred.

What musical influences featured in your early development ?Artist that influenced me from an early age was definitely, Lonnie Liston Smith, Earth Wind & fire and James Brown, Funkadelic the list could go on.

Did you collect vinyl back in the day and then progress to cd and mp3 ?Yes I have always collected vinyl you could say I was collecting vinyl on all fronts; I collected jazz as well as original B boy break beats from an early age. I used to go all over the country & abroad in search of vinyl. In regards to cd’s I have never really liked cd’s when djing, it felt cold and clinical, since then I now use a laptop running traktor & controller & loving it, who said you can’t teach an old dog tricks.

Who were your favourite artists back in the day ?
My favourite artist back in the day was again Lonnie Liston, Smith, Art Farmer, George Duke, Slave, the list could go on just say anything that was jazzy or funky.

Did you grow up in Birmingham ? Which club nights and dj’s influenced you ?
Yes I did all my early clubbing in Birmingham, I used to go to the Rum Runner, Powerhouse all dayers, the Crown & Cushion, people that I respected back in the day were Shaun Williams, Chris Reed, yourself ( pay me later) Rhythm Doc, Tony De-vit and Shep Pittabone and the latin Rascals, other than that I have always had a sense of what my style was.

Who are your favourite artists and which other dj/remix/producers do you admire ?Right now I am feeling a lot of the Soulful stuff that’s coming out right now, Dj’s & producers like blaze, MAW just seem to get stronger with time. Also Dj Spinna, there are not that many dj producers out there who could have both feet in the soulful house and hip hop camps at the same time .

How many years have you been djing ? I have been djing for about 30 years and at times have thought about giving it up but the quality of the music new and undiscovered oldies keep me going.

Do you guys work together a lot and are you part of Deep Promotions
“0121 Collective” If so talk about this a little and tell us the influence of local Promoter/Dj’s such as “Stretch” and Bruce Q on the Birmingham scene ?

I have been part of the 0121 collective and Deep Promotion’s since it’s conception in Nov 2008. there was definitely a need for this night because certain dj’s, who will remain nameless who were monopolizing and putting across a very distorted and linear face of the broken beat, jazz and boogie scene in Brum. Just recently us as a collective myself Byron, Kwai, Paul Walker and Stretch have turned it around providing a quality night, each dj in the collective having their our own style create a new school meets old school flavor creating that legendary Birmingham vibe. All five of us are the core, but new blood in the form of Dj’s Mc’s, Designers, Musicians, are welcome.

I have known stretch from as far back as his twinkle toe days (convicts, fusion Few) and I have got to respect his passion knowledge of the scene past and present and as the 0121 collective we have a vision of were we want to take Deep in 2010.

Do you have a radio show ? If so tell us about it !
Not at present to busy with family life and back in the studio. Look out for the 0121 Collective stuff 2010.
Where do you think black/dance music is headed in Birmingham in 2010 ?I think the scene in Birmingham has suffered from a type of music apartheid for quite a few years e.g certain people who are supposed to be into jazz, funk and broken beats would come out to see Giles Peterson, but don’t support or attend local club nights such as Deep, A lot of old school dj such as myself E double D are still carrying the torch. A lot of people are disenchanted with the scene at the moment and I believe musically we always go back before we go forward, bringing with it the old vibes, but utilizing new technologies. Our mission I suppose in 2010 is to breakdown these barriers by providing a quality night, quality music for everyone (one nation Under a Groove).

Birmingham has a long time culture of top jazz fusion boogie dancers going back to the late 70’s
When did you come across this ?

I was always in touch with the scene due to an older sister who would go to the Locarno’s, Romeo & Juliet’s, the Rum Runner. She would buy all the latest tunes at the time. I remember going to my first Alldayer in 1980 I was blown away with the dancers, in both the main room and the jazz room.

How important do you think sites like Traxsource have become as a means to access our music ?
Sites like Traxsource have become more important in todays digital age, most of the local record shops and distributers like Goya have now gone, I feel this does not take anything away from being a Dj, you still have to select and be discerning and as long as you are a leader rather than a follower this should not make a difference even though the days of having the exclusives for longer no longer exist.

What are 10 tracks that you feel most influenced your taste from back in the day ?Ten tracks that influenced me back in the day are

Expansions –Lonnie Liston Smith

Glide – pleasure

Planet rock - Afrika bambataa

Jungle Kitten- Manfredo Fest

James brown- Sex machine

James mason - Sweet Power

Spoonie G - New rap language

This feeling - Frank hooker

Donald Byrd – Dominoes

Barry Miles - Magic theatre

Which clubs are happening in Birmingham currently and do you have any residencies in the City ?
At the moment there are quite a few monthly club nights such as the Time Tunnel, Jazzy-Funk catering for the more discerning 25 plus crowds. At the moment my only residency is (Deep) at Poppy red.
Could you list your playlists from New Years Eve and maybe a few future tips ?The last three records I played on NY eve were

Move over - 2000 Black

So natural – Tweek

Angel baby - Down to The Bone (Daz-I Kue remix)
What about your future as a Dj would you like to progress as a remixer/producer ?
Even though the broken beat and soulful house scene as taken a back ward step due to other genres of music in 2009 i think it will make a come back and appeal to a wider audience in 2010. At the moment I am really enjoying djing, previously I became disillusioned with the whole scene, for a lot of people that know me I was one of the first scratch mix dj’s in the midlands back in the early 80’s and have always embraced technology and I am really excited with the new development with digital dj technology.As for production I spent 13 years as a musician and producer being signed to MCA Records in the 90’s and running a Hip Hop label and a song production company and just recently I have just got my mojo back and back in the studio again.

Have you dj’ed on the International circuit ?Yes i have been on several tours in Europe & all over America as Dj & Musician.

What do you do to chill ?To Chill I normally spend time with family watch films, go to the studio.

Favourite Movies /Books/ Video Games ?My favorite book at the moment is 50 Cents, 50th law of power by Robert Greene and the film you got to watch witch I played on the projector @ Deep was Blood & Bone (Wicked film).