Thank you for the music

More sad news today. I was shocked to read of the death of legendary South African singer Miriam Makeba - also known as Mama Afrika.

You can read the story here: www.miriammakeba.co.za

This comes just days after the death of Byron Lee whose band The Dragonaires were responsible for some of the finest ska, rocksteady, calypso and reggae recordings of the 1960s.

Despite the joy the news of Barack Obama being elected the first black president of the United States has brought to the world, this is a sad time as we have lost so many inspiring musical heroes during the last few weeks, including one of my all time favourite singers - Alton Ellis.

Read more about the passing of Alton Ellis, Byron Lee and other Jamaican greats here

Other legends who have just recently passed away are Levi Stubbs (lead singer of The Four Tops), Dee Dee Warwick (soul singer and sister of Dionne Warwick) and Andrew "Mike" Terry (Funk Brother and Detroit saxophonist who played on so many of the great 60s soul tunes).

This coming weekend I am playing Right On! sets at The Vibe Bar and Ronnie Scott's and am dedicating the sessions to the memory of all these wonderful singers and musicians. I will be paying tribute by playing many of their fantastic and life-affirming recordings. Their music will live forever.

Right On! weekend - 14-15 November - Vibe Bar & Ronnie Scott's

I'm extremely sorry to announce that I just received a phone call telling me the management of Ronnie Scott's have cancelled my night there tomorrow (15 Nov). Apparently they double booked the venue and forgot to tell the promoters and DJs until this evening! Unfortunately there was absolutely nothing I could do to change this decision.

All I can do is offer my sincerest apologies to you all. Especially for the unbelievably short notice. If I had any idea this could have happened I would never have arranged the night there.

Not only has this messed up my night and wasted many hours of my time spent in promoting and preparing it, but another 100 or more people have also had their Saturday night messed up including people who were going to celebrate their birthday there and some who had planned to travel from outside of London.

Please could I ask you to pass this information on to anyone you know who might be planning on attending tomorrow night? I would really hate for anyone to waste their time and money travelling down there.

I can only apologise again and assure you I will do everything in my power to never allow this to happen again at any venue I DJ at in the future.

Fortunately tonight (Friday the 14th November) is still happening, so come down to Chick-A-Boom at The Vibe Bar to hear me and Mistah Brown plus special guest Andy Smith (Portishead, Jazz Cafe, Lost & Found, Document, etc.). We'll be playing plenty of ska, reggae, Northern soul and rockin' rhythm & blues.

Chick-A-Boom @ The Vibe Bar
Friday 14th November
The Truman Brewery, 91 Brick Lane, E1 6QL
8pm - 1am. £5 (NB. over 21s only)

New club night from Natty Bo - Sat 25 Oct

Natty Bo - resident at Gaz's Rockin' Blues club and one of my favourite DJs - is hosting a new night called Killer Dillers this coming Saturday 25th October.

Along with DJ Count Sizzle and guests, this is to be a night of "hot music from the 1920s-1950s" all played on 78rpm records. Think jump blues, calypso, mento, hot jazz, swing, cumbia, etc.

The action takes place at KCLSU (King's College London Student Union) and, being a student venue, drinks are super cheap (beer from £1.50, £2 for a vodka). Even better is the fact the night runs til 4am.

Details as follows:

Killer Dillers @ KCLSU (Macadam Building)
Saturday 25 October
10.30pm - 4am. £5 on the door
Surrey Street, London, WC2R 2NS (nearest tube: Temple)

R&B allnighter with Big Joe Louis live - Sat 18 Oct

Blues and r&b fans, don't miss this! On Saturday 18th October I will be DJing at a Rhythm & Blues allnighter at The Hootananny in Brixton alongside a live set from the fantastic Big Joe Louis - one of Britain's greatest blues voices.

Born and raised in Jamaica, Big Joe Louis has lived in Britain since the 1980s and has been twice voted "Best UK Male Blues Vocalist". His band The Blues Kings are widely considered one of the best in the UK.

As well as recording with David "Honeyboy" Edwards and Van Morrison, Big Joe Louis has played with artists such as: Lazy Lester, R L Burnside, Big Jack Johnson, Homesick James, Louisiana Red, Big Bad Smitty and Big Lucky Carter to name but a few.

His albums for Blue Horizon and Ace Records are highly acclaimed and his latest dancefloor 45 "Go Go Train" has won him popularity on the mod scene.

You can expect a rockin' dancefloor set from Big Joe Louis to get you on your dancing feet and I'll be keeping the vibe going before and after with some killer diller 50s and 60s r&b and soul platters as well as some ska thrown in for good measure.

To top it all off, admission to this night is absolutely free. But arrive early to guarantee admission!

Full details as follows:

Right On! Rhythm & Blues Allnighter @ Hootananny Brixton
Saturday 18th October. 10pm - 4am
95 Effra Road, London, SW2 1DF. (020) 7737 7273
(nearest tube: Brixton)
Admission FREE

For more information about Big Joe Louis and to listen to some of his music visit myspace.com/bigjoelouis

Walking In Rhythm @ Ronnie Scott's - 6 September

After running successfully every Friday for more than 6 months, Walking In Rhythm is to relaunch as a weekly Saturday session upstairs at the legendary Ronnie Scott's Club on the 6th September.

Thanks to two fantastic nights earlier in the year, I have been asked back by resident DJ Jimbo to join him on the decks again at the relaunch party and will be playing another three hour Right On! style set - which means nothing but the finest vintage black dance music on original vinyl.

Expect to hear plenty of soul, rhythm & blues, jazz, funk, ska, reggae and boogaloo plus a touch of samba, mambo, calypso and other exciting sounds from myself and Jimbo.

This will be a unique night in one of the coolest venues in London (see photo) - reminiscent of the days when Right On! ran down the road in Chinatown.

And to guarantee a great crowd, I have been given an unlimited free guestlist for all my contacts. So, if you would like to come along without having to pay a penny, just drop me an email ASAP to paul@right-on.org with the full names of anyone thinking of coming along.

Walking In Rhythm @ Ronnie Scott's Jazz Club (upstairs bar)
47 Frith Street, Soho, London, W1D 4HT (opposite Bar Italia)
Saturday 6th September
9pm - 3am

To find out more about Ronnie Scott's Club visit their website:
www.ronniescotts.co.uk

Magic Theatre @ The Bloomsbury Ballroom - 19 Jul

I mentioned the launch of the Magic Theatre club back in November 2007. Well, they are about to hold their 4th event on Saturday 19th July and are moving from the Rivoli to the amazing looking Bloomsbury Ballroom in central London. Venues don't come much more exclusive than this!

The idea behind the Magic Theatre is to create a "magical event in London for whoever you are and whoever you want to be". The Bloomsbury Ballroom has been chosen for its "sumptiously exotic interior [...] the perfect place to make a grand entrance [...] in all your finery against the dramatic backdrop of La Belle Epoque".

Of course no ball would be complete without dancing, and to that end there will be vintage sounds from DJ Nick Hollywood (Club Montepulciano) and 60s-influenced live band The She-Creatures.

Tickets are priced at £14 in advance or £16 on the door and the event runs from 8pm-3am.

For more info visit: www.magic-theatre.co.uk

Lou Donaldson & Lonnie Smith live - 11 July

Hammond jazz fans take note: Blue Note legends Lou Donaldson and Lonnie Smith (not to be confused with Lonnie Liston Smith) are playing live at The Jazz Cafe in Camden on Friday 11th July.

Though I've never seen Lonnie Smith live, I did see Lou Donaldson in Brighton backed by the New Mastersounds and he did not fail to impress. The press release from The Jazz Cafe says that this group is "a unique sax and organ-led quartet pairing two of jazz's elder statesmen in a boiling swing quartet reminiscent of the great 60s Blue Note combos". Sounds great!

Supporting the group are The Root Source - young Freestyle Records recording artists popular on the jazz dance scene. The keyboard player and drummer are Andy Fairclough and Larry Clack who played a duo gig at Home Cookin' back in February.

For advance tickets and more information visit The Jazz Cafe website

The Five Aces live - Sat 5th July

Glasgow's finest Rhythm & Soul group, The Five Aces, will be playing a rare London gig on Saturday 5th July at The Hootananny in Brixton.

The Hootananny Brixton is a new live music venue which has a programme of gigs covering ska, soul, funk and jazz.

The Five Aces (and their other incarnation, The Bottleneckers) are a great band, so I'm chuffed that I've been asked to DJ at this night. I DJ'd for them once before a few years ago at an open-air gig in Italy, but they went by the name of The Boogaloo Investigators at that time.

Doors open at 8pm with DJs from the Pigsnoots club warming things up. The band will be on at around 10pm and then I'll be on afterwards spinning a two hour set of 50s and 60s r&b and soul. The Pigsnoots DJs will take over again until 4am to finish off the night.

Like most of the Hootananny's gigs, admission to this night is free, and knowing The Five Aces I expect this to be a real jumping jamboree, so make sure you bring your dancing shoes!

If you're not familiar with the band, you can listen to some of their music on their MySpace page: www.myspace.com/thefiveaces

The Hootananny is located at:
95 Effra Road (corner of Brixton Water Lane), SW2 1DF

For more information about the venue visit: www.hootanannybrixton.co.uk

V&A Motown Weekend - 5th-6th July

Another interesting event coming up at The Victoria & Albert Museum next weekend. To celebrate 50 years of Motown, and coinciding with the V&A's Supremes exhibition, the museum will be exploring the power of soul music, from "Stop in the Name of Love" to "Inner City Blues" and beyond. There will be films, talks, T-shirt printing, Supremes makeovers, dance routines and soul and funk chorus workshops.

On top of this, DJs such as Jo Wallace (Motown), Gladdy Wax and Mistah Brown will be providing a soundtrack of Motown, Northern Soul, Ska, Rocksteady and Afrobeat.

The whole event is absolutely free (note that the Supremes exhibition is not free however), so put on your best threads and get down to explore the impact and legacy of one of the most important record labels of all time.

For full details of this unique weekender, check out the V&A website:
vam.ac.uk/activ_events/events/motown_weekender/index.html

Gig of the year? La-33 - 8th July

This has to be one of, if not THE gig of the year so far. La-33 are to play at Cargo in London on Tuesday 8th July.

If you've heard me DJ over the last couple of years, you may have heard me spin tracks by La-33 such as "La Pantera Mambo" - the group's awesome version of The Pink Panther theme that took Salsa clubs all over England by storm.

This amazing young group from Colombia are like no other new group I've heard. Their blend of jazzy mambo, boogaloo and early salsa sounds like it comes straight out of the 1960s. And what's even more exciting is that they write almost all their own material. I've been hoping that they would play live in London and that wish is now to come true! Playing as part of a European tour (which includes other UK dates), I believe this is their first ever appearance in London. And who knows if and when they will be back, so make sure you catch them!

Tickets are £12.50 in advance and £15 on the door.

Full details and online booking from:
http://www.cargo-london.com/event/la-33

You can find out more about the band and their tour and listen to some of their tracks (including "La Pantera Mambo") on their MySpace page: http://www.myspace.com/la33

Gene Drayton Unit live @ The 100 Club - 19th July

Arguably London's most popular Hammond combo, The Gene Drayton Unit (GDU) are set to return to The 100 Club for a live gig on Saturday 19th July.

The GDU are one of those bands that not only sound good, but are a real treat to watch perform too. The atmosphere at their 100 Club gigs is always electric and it's a real pleasure to watch them work the audience up into a frenzy. Sax player Mark Norton in particular always impresses with his dancing.

Their catchy club sound is a blend of 60s soul, jazz, funk, blues and even 60s pop and garage punk.

If you haven't seen them play live before, this is the time to do it.

Tickets are £7 in advance or £10 on the door. You can buy tickets online from: www.wegottickets.com/event/31603

To find out more about the band and listen to some of their tracks visit: http://www.myspace.com/genedraytonunit

Norton & Bourton @ Home Cookin' - Sun 13 April

Home Cookin' returns to Filthy MacNasty's this Sunday 13th April with two very special guest DJs joining me on the decks for a musical feast of uptempo bebop, hard bop, soul jazz, Latin jazz, blues and funk... and as usual admission is absolutely free.

MARK NORTON - talented sax player and front-man of London's favourite Hammond combo The Gene Drayton Unit will be showing off some of the records that have inspired his playing. He's DJ'd for me at Right On! in the past but this time will be playing an exclusive jazz set. Expect some great 60s dancefloor and Hammond jazz from Mark guaranteed to make you shake that moneymaker.

WILL BOURTON - co-host of It's A Shingaling Thing! and regular guest at clubs like The Stag O Lee, Will has one of the coolest and most eclectic record collections I've yet come across. As well as some amazingly rare Latin tunes, Will has the kind of jazz records that will blow your mind.

Between the three of us you are guaranteed to hear the sort of stuff you just won't hear anywhere else. So whether you want to come and try out your jazzy dance moves or simply sit back and chat with like-minded souls over a pint and some pie and mash, hope you can make it down for this tasty session.

Home Cookin' @ Filthy MacNasty's (lounge bar)
Sunday 13th April. 5.30pm - 10.30pm
68 Amwell Street, London, EC1R 1UU
(nearest tubes: Angel / Kings Cross)
FREE admission

For more info including guest DJ biographies visit www.right-on.org

100 Club gets Council's knickers in a twist

Sad to report that Westminster Council do not seem to share my passion for the art of burlesque.

A few weeks ago the 100 Club ran a retro night that featured burlesque dancers. Apparently there was a member of Westminster Council in attendance who decided that the degree of undress broke the 100 Club's license. This means that the club has had to have all their operations reviewed.

Unfortunately it also means that the all night license for this Saturday's 6Ts Northern soul allnighter has been rejected. But all is not lost; the night will still go ahead, but will finish at the earlier time of 3am.

I've been told that the 100 Club owner was due to meet with the Council this week so fingers crossed the situation can be resolved. More news as I hear it.

For more information on the 6Ts Rhythm & Soul allnighters visit http://www.6ts.info/
For more information on The 100 Club visit http://www.the100club.co.uk/

60s French Cinema at BFI Southbank - April 2008

Following on from last month's fantastic European Film Noir season, the BFI Southbank presents yet another exciting season of films between the 11th and 30th April: Pop Goes The Revolution: French Cinema and May '68

This season features 12 films from such directors as Jean-Luc Godard and Francois Truffaut as well as William Klein's cult swinging 60s satire "Who Are You, Polly Maggoo?" (pictured above)

For tickets and full details visit the BFI website

The 45rpm Jukebox Jump-off - SAT 23 FEB

I'm very pleased to be playing another Right On! style set this coming Saturday. I've been invited to join resident DJ Simon Stretch on the decks at his Stormy Weather night at Barrio North - a bar opened last year dedicated to vintage and underground music.

We will be spinning a mix of 1950s-1970s black music - all off of original 45s. Expect to hear some fantastic rockin' r'n'b, 60s soul, funk, jazz, ska, reggae, mambo, calypso, boogaloo and whatever other aural curiosities spring to mind.

Simon and I DJ'd alongside each other at the last Rakehell's Revels and complemented each other perfectly, so I am really excited at this chance to DJ with him again.

Details as follows:

Stormy Weather presents the 45rpm Jukebox Jump-off
@ Barrio North, 45 Essex Road, London, N1 2SF (tube: Angel)
SATURDAY 23rd FEBRUARY 2008
8pm til 1.30am; FREE entry

Home Cookin' after-party - Sunday 10th February

Well, this Sunday's Home Cookin' looks like being a really busy one! I've had great response to my promotion and we've even been recommended in this week's Time Out magazine. For full details on the night see my earlier blog post or check out www.right-on.org

If you're thinking of coming, please do get down early, as the band will be on at 7.30pm (you don't want to miss them!) and the night finishes at 10.30pm.

However, for those of you who don't have work the next morning, I can now confirm we will be holding a Right On! style after-party at a secret West End venue (to be revealed on the night). This will feature across-the-board vintage black music from the 50s, 60s and 70s played by special guest DJs Texas Ranger (Trojan Explosion), Mark Professor (Trojan Explosion, Reference Library), Truck Turner (Reference Library) and David Atkinson (Brighton).

Texas Ranger (pictured above at Right On!) and Mark Professor are famous for their sweet reggae selections whilst Truck Turner and David Atkinson are better known for playing dancefloor jazz. However, all of these DJs have vast record collections and play a whole range of styles: from jazz, soul and r&b through to ska, reggae and Latin boogaloo. One things for sure, they all know how to rock a dance.

This is truly going to be an unforgettable night, so I do hope you can make it!

Make It 'n' Shake It! - Sunday 3rd February

Well this year is proving to be a busy one for me so far. As well as my Home Cookin' jazz session, I've also got a great night coming up on Sunday 3rd February called Make It 'n' Shake It!

Me and Mistah Brown from Tighten Up will be salvaging what's left of the weekend with a riotous mix of Stax stompers, Motown movers, heavy Hammond groovers, scorchin' ska, Southern-fried soul, hip bumpin' funk, rollickin' rhythm 'n' blues and good old rock 'n' roll for all you hipsters, flipsters, finger-poppin' mamas & jive-talkin' daddies thinking about taking tomorrow off work!

The venue comes complete with a wooden floor too - perfect for dancing. Plus there's a back garden for the smokers.

And to top it all off, it won't cost you a dime to get in!

Details as follows:

Make It 'n' Shake It! @ The Old Queen's Head (upstairs bar)
DATE: Sunday 3rd February
TIMES: 5pm - Midnight
ADDRESS: 44 Essex Road, London, N1 8LN
ADMISSION: FREE

Home Cookin' extravaganza - Sunday 10th February

As next month's Home Cookin' falls on my birthday, I've decided to pull all the stops out to put on a really exciting and unique night.

Come down and be treated to a smokin' live Hammond duo plus two of my favourite guest DJs spinning 100% real jazz on original vinyl - think uptempo hard bop, bebop, soul jazz, Latin jazz, cool jazz, funk and blues.

For one night only, I will be joined by highly respected DJs Smiler (Rude, Steppin' Out) and Mary Boogaloo (The Blue Bar) - all the way from Rome. Both of these DJs have played for me a number of times at Right On! and are always hugely popular.

And as if this wasn't enough, there is an exclusive live set from the amazing Andy Fairclough-Larry Clack Duo with their fantastic blend of 60s-influenced soul jazz, hard bop and funk. Both the Hammond organist and drummer have made a real name for themselves on the jazz scene with their bands The Root Source (Freestyle Records) and The Organism. At Home Cookin' they will be tailoring a mix of Organism originals plus choice covers of 60s club classics to get your feet moving and your fingers snappin'.

You can check out some of the Organism's material on their MySpace page: www.myspace.com/theorganismuk

As usual, the whole session takes place in the Lounge bar at the back of Filthy MacNasty's which has just the right atmosphere for a jazz night. There is space to dance as well as room to just sit back and relax over a drink or some delicious pie and mash. And this night always attracts a really friendly crowd of dancers and jazz lovers, so you can be assured of great company too.

To top it all off, admission to the night is still absolutely FREE - and drinks are at pub prices too, so there really is no excuse not to come down.

Being a Sunday, the night kicks off at 5.30pm and runs until 10.30pm - so get down early! The band will be on at 7.30pm.

I may also be holding an after-party this month; please drop me an email to paul@right-on.org if you would be interested in attending.

Full details as follows:

Home Cookin' @ Filthy MacNasty's (Lounge bar)
Dates: Sunday 10th February 2008
Time: 5.30pm - 10.30pm
Admission: FREE
Address: 68 Amwell Street, London EC1R 1UU
Tubes: Angel / King's Cross

Home Cookin' - 2nd Sunday of every month

Thanks to the success of the launch night on the 9th December 2007, my Home Cookin' jazz session at Filthy MacNasty's is now going to run monthly on the 2nd Sunday of every month starting from Sunday 13th January.

We had a great night in December and I was really pleased with the appreciative crowd. The session takes place in the Lounge bar at the back of Filthy MacNasty's which has just the right atmosphere. There is space to dance as well as space to just sit back and relax over a drink or some delicious pie and mash. We got a really friendly and mixed crowd last time and everyone there had come especially for the session, so no need to worry about troublesome drunks etc.

I know that you will all be tired and skint after Xmas and New Year's Eve celebrations... but the good news is that admission to this night is going to remain absolutely FREE! Drinks are at pub prices too, so you've no excuse not to come down to hear some great music and socialise with like minded souls.

The night now kicks off at the earlier time of 5.30pm and finishes at 10.30pm (in time to catch the tube home)

As ever, the music policy is uptempo bebop, hard bop, soul jazz, Latin jazz, cool, funk and blues - all played on vinyl LPs, EPs and 45s.

Other than Shiftless Shuffle run by the Jazzcotech Dancers, there's no other regular jazz session like this on in London at the moment, so please come down and show your support if you can.

We also plan to showcase some great guest DJs and possibly live music in the coming months - so watch this space!

Home Cookin' @ Filthy MacNasty's (Lounge Bar)
Dates: Sunday 13th Jan, 10th Feb, 9th Mar, etc.
Time: 5.30pm - 10.30pm
Admission: FREE
Address: 68 Amwell Street, London EC1R 1UU
Tubes: King's Cross / Angel

The final Rakehell's Revels - 18 December

Sadly there is now to be just one last ever Rakehell's Revels. This will take place on Tuesday 18th December.

Whether you are a regular, or have never been before, make sure you get down to this! It is your last chance to enjoy one of London's very best nights out.

I still don't know what exactly has prompted this club night to come to an end, though I am determined to get to the bottom of it.

I've never DJ'd at the club before myself, but I am honoured that David Piper has asked me to play a set at this final shindig. There will be many other DJs on the night too, so the individual sets are likely to be shorter than normal, but it should be a great fun night for everyone involved. I'm certainly very excited at the prospect of playing some tunes to the up-for-it crowd at this exquisite venue.

Remember to put on your finest threads for this too, as there is a strict smart dress code. This is one night where it really is worth dressing to the nines to match the glamour of the venue.

For full details see the listing here: www.londondossier.info/clubs.htm#tue

DJ Jean-Paul @ Trojan Explosion - 30 November

As readers of the Clubs page will know, Trojan Explosion is a monthly Friday session that I rate very highly. It's held in a brilliant basement venue in the heart of the West End and has a great mix of music - both obscurities and classics.

One of the resident DJs there, Texas Ranger, has kindly asked me to DJ with her this Friday, 30th November, while her partner in crime Mark Professor is away in the Caribbean.

Despite the name, the night is a really good mix of rockin' R&B, 60s soul, funk and soul-jazz alongside the ska, rocksteady and reggae. I'm very excited about this as it's a musical formula I love and is quite close to the sort of mix I play at Right On!

Anyway, very short notice I know, but I thought I'd post the info up here in case anyone is looking for somewhere to go this Friday and fancies hearing some of my tunes. Plus it's FREE before 11pm - bonus! Details as follows...

Trojan Explosion @ Market Place (downstairs bar)
11 Marketplace (behind Oxford Street), London, W1 8AH
Friday 30th November; 8pm-1am
FREE before 11pm then £7

Home Cookin' - Sunday 9 December

HOME COOKIN' - Blue Notes, Pie and Mash

Sunday 9th December 2007

Jean-Paul Seculaire presents a brand new FREE Sunday evening session of bebop, hard bop, soul jazz, Latin jazz, funk and blues selected from his collection of LPs and 45s.

Come down to this legendary whiskey cafe in Islington to hear some of the finest jazz ever committed to vinyl whilst drinking and making merry with like-minded souls.

And if you're feeling peckish and in need of a good Sunday dinner, why not try out the delicious Pie and Mash (vegetarian pies also available).

Time: 6pm - 11pm
Admission: FREE
Venue: Filthy MacNasty's
Address: 68 Amwell Street, London EC1R 1UU
Tubes: King's Cross, Angel

Finally I'm having a go at doing a pure jazz night. I've been toying around with the idea for a long time now. I had a jazz radio show for a while and now I'm going to be doing it live.

The venue is the famous Filthy MacNasty's whiskey bar in Islington. Paul Hallam's little den of iniquity... perfect setting for this night I think.

This is much more intimate than the venues I use for Right On! and it's a night aimed more at listening to music, drinking, eating and socialising than dancing (though you're welcome to dance if you like!)

Anyway, enough from me... would love to hear your thoughts on this as there aren't many nights like this around. And if you like the idea please do come down if you can, as only with your support will this become a regular event.

The Magic Theatre - 24 November

The Magic Theatre is a glamourous sounding new club night coming up at the gorgeous Rivoli Ballroom on Saturday 24th November.

The idea behind the night is to hold to a diverse and magical event for "whoever you are or whoever you want to be". It is aimed at people of all sexualities and gender identities - anyone who loves to dress up and dance.

Musically the night promises to cover 60s Soundtracks, Brazilian, Lounge, Library Grooves, Mambo, Cha Cha Cha, Sixties Soul, 60s French and Italian Pop, and Jazz Dance courtesy of DJ Weegee. There will also be live music from The Roadhouse 5 who play Rat Pack Jazz, Soul and select Pop.

The Rivoli Ballroom should be the perfect venue for this unique night and was chosen especially as a fitting stage for costumes and outfits that are quirky, sensual and spectacular. In other words, a place to make a grand entrance, and to dance into the early hours.

The Rivoli is one of very few remaining original ballrooms in London. It apparently started life as the Crofton Park Picture Palace in July 1913, before being converted into a ballroom with a large sprung maple dancefloor in the late 1950s. Its beautiful original decor includes red velvet, flock wallpaper, chandeliers and glitter balls.

The club runs from 8pm til 1am though doors will open at 6pm for a Dressing Room, pre-club Costumier and Make-up Service with professional nail technician. Tickets are £12 and the promoters are highly recommending buying tickets in advance due to high interest and a strict capacity of 500.

The Rivoli Ballroom, 350 Brockley Road, SE4 2BY (opposite Crofton Park train station)

For tickets and further details visit: http://www.therivoli.co.uk/

Duke Vin at Coast To Coast tomorrow

This Saturday 27th October, legendary sound man Duke Vin joins DJ Cello as guest DJ at Coast to Coast.

Duke Vin is an important figure in the history of Jamaican music and is said to have one of the best collections in the world. He is also famed for having the only existing original copy of killer Derrick Harriott produced tune "The Tickler".

Duke Vin began his career in the early 1950s as a selector for Tom The Great Sebastian - the first major Sound System in Jamaica. He moved to London later in the decade, introducing England to Jamaican music - ska - through his Sound System, which was one of the first in the UK.

During the 1960s, Duke Vin played at London's top West End clubs: the original Marquee club on Oxford Street and then in it's new premises on Wardour Street, as well as The Flamingo, also on Wardour Street.

Back in 2003, I myself was honoured to have Duke Vin DJ for me at Right On! @ The Thirteen Club in Gerrard Street. This was a rare chance to hear him play in a smart West End club a stone's throw from the location of the Flamingo club where he played in the 1960s. This night was a sell-out and the biggest crowd we'd had to date.

If you love your ska and have not caught Duke Vin in session before, I'd recommend checking out Coast To Coast tomorrow - but do arrive early to ensure you get in.

For full details check out: http://www.coasttocoast.org.uk/

Pop Art @ The Gagosian Gallery

To coincide with the 50th anniversary of the birth of the Pop Art movement, The Gagosian Gallery on Britannia Street in King's Cross is currently hosting an exhibition entitled "Pop Art Is..."

Though worth visiting just to see Roy Lichenstein's famous "Art" painting from 1962 (see picture below), there are many other important and interesting works from more than 40 artists in total. And there is no excuse to miss this, as admission is completely free.

But hurry, as the exhibition has already been open for a month and finishes on 10th November.

For full details visit:
http://www.gagosian.com/exhibitions/britannia-street-2007-09-pop-art-is/

6Ts All-Nighters at Jacks cancelled

This message just in from Ady Croasdell who runs the 6Ts Rhythm & Soul Society:

"I've decided to cancel all future events at Jack's due to an unexpected increase in the rent and a decrease in the hours at the last one. I should have notified everyone well before now but Kent's 25th celebrations just took over eveything. My apologies for the very late notice.

"Now we are back at the 100 Club it seems people much prefer going to those dances rather than the ones at Jack's. I'd like to thank Johnny Gamlin for coming to our rescue earlier in the year with the venue, when we really needed it. The first night was brilliant about 400 people enjoying a great atmosphere in the impressive club. However there were only just over 100 at the second and perhaps 150 at the third so it's obvious that 6TS members hadn't enjoyed it as much as I thought they had, or perhaps they were just happy to be back in the 100 Club. Either way Jack's was a short but memorable experience.

"The next 6TS will be at the 100 Club on December 1st, 9pm-6am. The Xmas party is on Dec 20th 9pm-2am. Membership is optional for all 6TS events now."

London After Dark - film season

An excellent film season is currently underway at the Birkbeck Cinema, which offers a unique look at London after dark throughout the ages. Films are being shown every Tuesday afternoon at 2.30pm until the 4th December. And best of all, the screenings are free.

Here's the press release:

"The London Screen Study Collection continues in its mission to promote awareness of London's film heritage with a new season. Catch free screenings until 4 December.

"The focus is 'the capital by night' - as portrayed by both native and visiting film-makers over a seventy year period. The films range from low-budget talkies, to recent film-making that makes use of CGI to alter aspects of London locations."

The Birkbeck Cinema (formerly known as The Screen on Gordon Square) is located at 43 Gordon Square, WC1H 0PD

Note that, although admission is free, due to the small size of the cinema (it seats 70) you should reserve a place in advance by contacting Angela English on a.english@bbk.ac.uk or (020) 7631 6181

This afternoon's film (23 October) is "Night and the City" from 1950 which offers an Expressionist view of London's sporting underworld.

Other upcoming films that sound particularly interesting include:

30 October - "Every Day Except Christmas" and "Nice Time"
Films from the 1950s Free Cinema movement that examine both the gritty and the glamorous sides of London life.

6 November - "Peeping Tom" (Michael Powell, 1960)
Seedy Fitrozia alleyways and attics in Powell's satire on the film business, which also explores the roots of voyeurism.

13 November - "Nighthawks" (Ron Peck, 1978)
Pioneering British independent film which aimed to portray metropolitan gay life from the inside for the first time.

For full film listings and details visit:
http://www.filmlondon.org.uk/news_details.asp?newsid=1233

The Birkbeck Cinema is part of Birkbeck University's Centre for Film and Visual Media. For more information on the centre and the work they undertake vist:
http://www.bbk.ac.uk/hafvm/research/centre_fvm

White Mischief @ The Scala - Sat 10 Nov

I'm very excited to be DJing at The Scala on Saturday 10th November for a night called White Mischief: From The Earth To The Moon. This promises to be a unique indoor festival over 3 floors featuring live music, DJs, burlesque and cabaret.

I'll be DJing in the main room (capacity 500+) supporting ace soul band Lord Large and British Sea Power with a set of 60s soul and other related dancefloor sounds. I'll be on from around midnight til 3am.

Lord Large have been making a great name for themselves with their authentic 60s soul and ska releases on Acid Jazz. If you haven't seen them live yet, you're in for a treat.

For full details see the flyer below or visit: http://www.whitemischief.info/

To buy advance tickets online visit: http://www.ticketweb.co.uk/user/?region=gb_london&query=detail&event=235130

The Pretty Things and Arthur Brown live - 30 Nov

An interesting gig coming up in November...

Eel Pie Club presents The Pretty Things + The Amazing World of Arthur Brown live in concert

Date: Friday 30th November 2007
Venue: York House, Richmond Road, Twickenham, London TW1 3AA
Price: £23.00

I saw both acts playing rhythm & blues sets at the 100 Club a couple of years back for the launch of the Martin Scorsese Blues films and I have to say they were both very good. Arthur Brown in particular still has a great voice. Not sure what sort of material they'll be playing this time, but should be well worth checking out. The Pretty Things don't play live in London very often so if you're a fan make sure you don't miss it.

For more information and to buy tickets vist:
http://www.keithprowse.com/tickets/slink.buy/e.MXV/Eel_Pie_Club_Presents:_The_Pretty_Things_+_The_Amazing_World_of_Arthur_Brown_+_The_Malchicks--York_House--Twickenham.html

Amazing Soul Revue @ The Forum - 19 Oct

To celebrate their 25th Anniversary, Kent Records (subsidiary of top UK reissue label Ace), will be hosting a live 60s style Soul Revue at The Forum in Kentish Town, featuring a plethora of amazing legendary 60s soul artists such as Maxine Brown and Tommy Hunt.

See the flyer below for full details or visit http://www.6ts.info/

For more info on Kent and Ace Records, visit http://www.acerecords.co.uk/

Transatlantic Soul Connections - 4 Feb 2007

Another exciting event is coming up at the Barbican on the 4th February:

Transatlantic Soul Connections

Featuring live performances from 60s soul stars Geno Washington, Jimmy James, Madeline Bell and none other than the legendary former Stax recording artist Sam Moore (of Sam & Dave fame) plus more TBC, this will be a tribute to the 1960s soul music that inspired a generation of British youth longing for a "sound and a style that would lift them out of a drab early-closing postwar Britain".

My advice is to book now as all the best tickets in the stalls have already gone and these Barbican events always sell out.

Details are as follows:

4th February 2007 - 7:30pm
@ The Barbican Hall, The Barbican Centre, Silk Street, London EC2Y 8DS
Tickets: £15 / 20 / 25 - subject to availability

For more info and to book tickets visit: http://www.barbican.org.uk/music/event-detail.asp?ID=5291

Jean-Paul DJing tomorrow (Fri 28 July)

Short notice I know, but I'm DJing alongside Ronnie King (Lady Luck) tomorrow night at The Fig Tree (downstairs), Charlotte Street, London W1. It runs from 8pm till 2am and costs just a fiver to get in. The music policy is 50s and 60s rhythm & blues, jazz, Latin, soul and a little ska. Hope to see you there!

V&A 60s music event

The Victoria & Albert Museum is hosting a free Sixties Fashion exhibition until the 25th February 2007.

To celebrate this the museum is hosting a free event on Wednesday 9th August called "60s Underground Lost and Found" - an opportunity to "relive the 60s underground scene with a day and night of Northern Soul, Bluebeat, Ska and Rocksteady"... or so they say!

The event runs from 1pm till 9.45pm and includes films about Northern Soul and a DJ and dance session with selectors Gladdy Wax, Keb Darge, Andy Smith, Ady Croasdell and the Tighten Up crew.

There will also be an after party at the Jazz Cafe from 11pm till 2am. Admission to that is £5 with a special V&A voucher.

For full details of the event visit http://www.vam.ac.uk/activ_events/events/60s_underground/index.html

For more information on the 60s Fashion exhibition visit http://www.vam.ac.uk/collections/fashion/1960s/sixtiesfashion/index.html

Mike Garrick gigs

Legendary British jazz pianist/composer Mike Garrick is playing a couple of gigs in London over the next month. Garrick is arguably one of Britain's finest jazz pianists and composers and was one of the leading players in the 1960s British modern jazz scene. He was born in Enfield in 1933 and formed his first modern jazz quartet in 1959. Garrick recorded a number of albums throughout the 60s and 70s, including several with Joe Harriott - and one of Garrick's recent projects was a performance of Harriott pieces arranged for big band by Garrick himself.

Sunday 21st May - 1pm-4pm - £6/£4
A rare chance to see Mike Garrick playing in a quintet line-up.
Downstairs at the Spice Of Life, 6 Moor Street, Soho
More info from www.spicejazz.co.uk

18th June
Mike Garrick makes a rare appearance at the Pizza Express Jazz Club, 10 Dean Street, Soho
More info from www.pizzaexpress.com