From: Jon Freer (jon-freer_at_excite.com)
Date: 2004-02-18 18:27:13
Jazzie B at The Tuesday Club, Sheffield University Students Union, UK.
17th February 2004.
This date was originally scheduled as Gilles Peterson’s third visit to the same venue in as many years. Unfortunately, personal problems led to Gilles cancelling and TTC did well to ensnare Jazzie B at the last minute. In theory, Jazzie should have been an ideal replacement to satisfy those who opted against the offered refund in the hope of hearing an open-minded selection of music. He originally rose to prominence as a DJ, at the core of the Soul II Soul soundsystem. Their legendary nights at the Africa Centre showed what clubbing should be about; a spirit of togetherness and born from a common appreciation of varied musical vibes, regardless of your creed, culture or colour. Jazzie B then brought the collective chart success and global recognition through a handful of releases, which defined the UK Soul scene in the late 80s and early 90s. The undiluted nature of their sound gave them a legacy that is still felt today in the clubs and even the charts today. They f!
orged a path, which as been followed by many.
In reality, the story was very different. The veteran with an impressive track record and access to a fair few records failed to deliver the goods. Filling in for Peterson, he had a captive audience, who he could and should have treated better. He managed to get the majority dancing, but musically the night was a wasted opportunity. Perhaps Jazzie thought that because he was in a venue predominantly frequented by students, he needed to play a commercially minded set. He probably doesn’t feel he has much in common with today’s average student. However, most of his audience were attracted to visiting the night because of TTC’s reputation for playing cutting edge electronic music and the associated vibe which goes with that or specifically because they had seen Mr. Worldwide or his name on the posters. Jazzie & many of his audience at this event probably share little with the type of person whose reason for frequenting clubs is to attempt to make moves on chosen objects!
of droolery and imbibe alcohol you vomit, who would prefer a tried and tested aural wallpaper that doesn’t really need conscious study.
To be honest, his choice of records was insulting to the name of the Tuesday Club and perplexing to the crowd, given his track record and famed uncompromising attitude. Sure, it’s always pleasure to hear at least a few records you’re familiar with on a club system, but Jazzie took it a shade too far. Some of the tracks whose names don’t even deserve to be mentioned would have been more at home at one of the Union’s drink-geared nights, whilst the dropping of The Beat Conductor’s mischievous lilting re-rub of “Crazy In Love” showed Jazzie is still keeping up with musical developments, even if this wasn’t apparent from the rest of his set. The addition of live musical accompaniment didn’t soothe the absurd nature of his choices. I fail to believe this was a true reflection of Jazzie B’s DJing. This type of set might pay his bills, but it will also ruin his reputation. I hope one day he’ll return with the type of truly soulful selection embodied by the emotion dripping m!
usical ventures of his group. The recent “Soul II Soul At The Africa Centre” compilation showed he can put together a soul-touching selection that balances the obscure and recognizable perfectly.
Jon Freer(jon.freer_at_wrongsteps.com)
reviewer and writer for the following
websites and magazines: Blues & Soul Magazine,
FACT Magazine,littleplanet.net, City Life Magazine,
XLR8R Magazine, Keep On Magazine, pitchadjust.com,
beyondjazz.net, Store Records(Sheffield),
cratertechnology.com, vybemuzik.com, Steel Press,
deephousenetwork.com, offitsface.com, Sandman mag,
breakevencrew.com, overloadmedia.co.uk, funk-me.com,
Vanguard online, quadrastate.co.uk, spaced.co.uk,
beats.to, housecollective.org, capitolvibes.com,
www.selekta.com, djriri.com, universalsource.co.uk,
Inner Loop Magazine, housemuziq.com, undergroundhouse.net, worlddj.com,
mosoul.co.uk, discotribe.net, flygarictracks.com,
skansen.no, nwdnb.co.uk
planetsoulnetwork.com
allaboutdj.com
mundovibes.com...
Writer for:
Brique Rouge, Exceptional Records,
Foreplay Recordings,
Robsoul Recordings, Dust Traxx,
Spiritual Life Music and more...
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