Well we're halfway through the week already. Time's flying by at the moment.

I think I told you about my mishap recording this week's 'Flashback' show on Monday, well on Tuesday I had to do it again. Luckily, this time I got it done properly.

The show has been uploaded and is now available if you didn't catch it on one of the stations. You'll find it here
http://jamesmurphy.podomatic.com/entry/2010-12-15T08_59_03-08_00

Unfortunately, I've come down with a rotten cold in the last few days, and I did what I usually do when I don't feel well. I got to bed at 8.30 last night and went to sleep. I'm hoping that after today it's going to get better.

I've sorted some more music to put on my disco computer before the weekens. It'a mostly Northern Soul, but I also received Walter Beasley's new album 'Backatcha' this week. I have to say I'm really liking his cover of Bill Wither's Lovely Day. I'll be playing it in this week's Sunday Shake Up.

Today I've basically just sat about as I don't feel like I have much energy. I have however, recorded this week's Pure Grooves show. Speaking of Pure Grooves, can I just say a big thank you for the messages after lasy week's Funk Special. It seems you all liked it. As always, this week's show is all Killer no Filler.

That's about it for me for now, If you want to get in touch, you can email me at james@puregrooves.info or message me on facebook at www.facebook.com/jclmurphy or gor to my other page, www.facebook.com/jmurphypage

Till next time......

Wow what a weekend! Soul Express was wicked. Two rooms of music, 350 people and a very busy bar combined to make a great night out!

The main room was the Jazz Funk room and the DJs were Nik Buttress, Andy Stearn, Shaun Owen, Chris Brown and guest DJ, my fellow Solar Radio DJ, Ash Selector.

I was in the Northern Soul & Motown room and sharing the playing responsibilities with me were Paul Bennett, Rich Thurston & Max Rees.

Although we were in the smaller of the two rooms, there wasn't a shortage of dancers and we had a great time, although slightly overwhelmed by the 10,000 watt sound system next door!

It was great to finally meet Ash Selector and a few of of stayed chatting with him till around 4.30 in the morning. I'm really grateful for the advice he gave me and it's great that he spared his time to pass on some of his knowledge.

On Sunday I just had a day relaxing , once I'd sorted out this week's Sunday Shake Up, that is.

Today was all about completing this week's Pure Grooves webmag and getting it published, which I did by around 1pm. The rest of the afternoon was spent sorting the playlist for this week's 'Flashback' show.

This evening I recorded the show...or at least I thought I did. Unfortunately, I set the software up to record it, but forgot to press the record button! Well I did say I was tired didn't I? It was a cracking show though.

So tomorrow, guess what I'm going to have to do again?

Anyway, back to Saturday night, and here's the playlist for Rich, Max and my sets. I didn't manage to get Paul's playlist so that's why his set is missing.

James (Set 1)
1 Garland Green - Ain't That Good Enough
2 LaVerne Baker - Wrapped Tied & Tangled
3 Soul Bros Inc - Pyramid
4 Darrell Banks - Open The Door To Your Heart
5 Jimmy Ruffin - Lucky Lucky Me
6 Martha Reeves & The Vandellas - In My Lonely Room
7 Smokey Robinson & The Miracles - I Gotta Dance To Keep From Crying
8 Barbara Mills - Queen Of Fools
9 Sam Fletcher - I'd Think It Over Twice
10 Dena Barnes - If You Ever Walk Out Of My Life
11 Willie Tee - Walking Up A One Way Street
12 Bobby Goldsboro - Too Many People
13 Kim Weston - I'm Still Loving You
14 Pookie Hudson - This Gets To Me

Max Rees (Set 1)
15 Bobby Bland - Shoes
16 Brenda Holloway - All I Do Is Think About You
17 Carla Thomas - I'll Never Stop Loving You
18 Casualeers - Dance Dance Dance
19 Contours - Just A Little Misunderstanding
20 Chuck Woods - Seven Days Too Long
21 Bobby Hebb - Love Love Love
22 R Dean Taylor - There's A Ghost In My House
23 Archie Bell & the Drells - Here I Go Again
24 Billy Butler & The Enchanters - Right Track
25 Showstoppers - Ain't Nothin' But A House Party
26 Spiral Staircase - More Today Than Yesterday
27 Tony Clarke - Landslide
28 Wayne Gibson - Under My Thumb
29 Detroit Emeralds - You Want It You Got It
30 William Bell - Happy

Rich Thurston
31 Detroit Spinners - I'll Always Love You
32 Four Tops - Something About You
33 Jnr Walker & The All Stars - How Sweet It Is
34 Temptations - Girl (Why You Wanna Make Me Blue
35 Harold Melvin & The Bluenotes - The Love I Lost
36 Four Tops - Baby I Need Your Lovin'
37 R Dean Taylor - Let's Go Somewhere
38 Supremes - Love Is Like An Itching In My Heart
39 Rita & The Tiaras - Gone With The Wind
40 Chairman Of The Board - Everything's Tuesday
41 Bobby Hebb - Love Love Love
42 Supremes - He's All I Got
43 Willie Mitchell - Champion (Part 1)
44 Benny Troy - I Wanna Give You Tomorrow
45 Lou Rawls - See You When I Get There
46 Bobby Womack - Home Is Where the Heart Is
47 Jimmy Ruffin - Gonna Give Her All The Love I've Got
48 Jay D Martin - By Yourself
49 Detroit Spinners - I'll Be Around
50 Elgins - Heaven Must Have Sent You
51 Marvin Gaye - Little Darling (I Need You)
52 Four Tops - Shake Me Wake Me (When It's Over)
53 Isley Brothers - Tell Me It's Just A Rumour
54 Invitations - What's Wrong With Me Baby
55 Fascinations - Girls Are Out To Get You
56 Barbara Mills - Queen Of Fools
57 Formations - At The Top Of The Stairs
58 Four Tops - Baby I Need Your Lovin'
59 Temptations - Beauty's Only Skin Deep
60 Archie Bell & the Drells - Here I Go Again
61 Isley Brothers - This Old Heart Of Mine
62 Neo - Smile
63 Contours - Just A Little Misunderstanding
64 Isley Brothers - Tell Me It's Just A Rumour
65 Jay & The Techniques - Apples Peaches Pumpkin Pie
66 Bob Brady & The Concords - Everybody's Going To A Love-In
67 Barbara Randolph - I Got A Feeling
68 Dean Parrish - I'm On My Way
69 Tammi Lynn - I'm Gonna Run Away From You

Max Rees (Set 2)
70 Brenda Holloway - When I'm Gone
71 Aretha Franklin - I Say A Little Prayer For You
73 Supremes - Come See About Me
74 Sam & Dave - Soothe Me
75 Wilson Pickett - In The Midnight Hour
76 Marvelettes - I'll Keep Holding On
77 Mitch Ryder & The Detroit Wheels - You Get Your Kicks
78 Newbeats - Run Baby Run
79 Olympics - Baby Do the Philly Dog
80 Poets - She Blew A Good Thing
81 Robert Knight - Love On A Mountain Top
82 Edwin Starr - Headline News
83 Jnr Walker & The All Stars - Shotgun
84 Johnnie Taylor - Who's Makin' Love
85 James Brown - Papa's Got A Brand New Bag
86 Major Lance - Monkey Time
87 Jerry Butler - Moody Woman
88 Elgins - Heaven Must Have Sent You
89 Mary Wells - What's Easy For Two Is Hard For One
90 O'Jays - I Dig Your Act
91 Ramsey Lewis - Wade In The Water
92 Brenton Wood - Gimme Little Sign
93 Booker T & The MGs - Time Is Tight

James Murphy (Set 2)
94 Timi Yuro - It'll Never Be Over For Me
95 Epitome Of Sound - You Don't Love Me
96 Tams - Hey Girl Don't Bother Me
97 Sam Cooke - Another Saturday Night
98 Drifters - Saturday Night At The Movies
99 Trammps - Hold Back The Night
100 Imperials - Who's Gonna Love Me
101 Jeff Perry - Love Don't Come No Stronger
102 Gloria Scott - Too Much Lovemaking
103 Joey Heatherson - When You Call Me Baby
104 Frankie Valli - You're Ready Now
105 Frank Wilson - Do I Love You
106 Kim Weston - I'm Still Loving You
107 Barbara Randolph - I Got A Feeling
108 Donnie Elbert - Where Did Our Love Go
109 Tobi Legend - Time Will Pass You By
110 Bobby Paris - I Walked Away
111 Prophets - I Got The Fever
112 Jackie Wilson - Since You Showed Me How To Be Happy
113 Detroit Spinners - I'll Always Love You
114 Phillip Mitchell - Free for All
115 Roy Hamilton - Crackin' Up Over You
116 Trini Lopez - Sinner Not A Saint
117 Eydie Gorme - Everybody Go Home

Not bad eh? The reason for repeated tunes was down to us not knowing what each other was going to play, and of course requests.

I'll speak to you soon.

Well, last night was Requestfest night at the Blue Lion, and although there still weren't many there, I had a lot of 80s requests. Mind you it was the landlady who asked for most of them.

You have to worry about how pubs are surviving in these times. Admittedly it was cold last night, but you have to wonder how pubs are managing to pay their way when people are spending less in pubs, especially with Christmas almost upon us. Speaking with the Landlord & Landlady through the evening, they were saying they had been fairly quiet for the last fortnight. They think that the weather has played a part, particularly since a lot of their regulars are working in the construction industry and they haven't been working too much during this weather.

The upshot is once again, I had an early night, as we finished around 10.30.

So what did I play last night?

1 Fleetwood Mac - Oh Diane
2 Kid Rock - All Summer Long
3 Lonnie Mack - Memphis
4 Akon - Mama Africa
5 Paul Hardcastle - Don't Waste My Time
6 Wings - Goodnight Tonight
7 Black Eyed Peas - Time (Dirty Bit)
8 Marv Johnson - I'll Pick A Rose For My Rose
9 Alicia Bridges - I Love The Nightlife
10 Derek & The Dominos - Layla
11 Elton John - Island Girl
12 Jimmy Somerville - To Love Somebody
13 Joe Jackson - Steppin' Out
14 Cheryl Cole - Parachute
15 Duck Sauce - Barbra Streisand
16 Amy Winehouse - Rehab
17 John Parr - St Elmo's Fire
18 Booker T & The MGs - Green Onions
19 Joss Stone - Super Duper Love
20 Barry White - I'll Do For You Anything You Want Me To
21 Justin Timberlake - Senorita
22 Level 42 - Lessons In Love
23 Kajagoogoo - Too Shy
24 Kate Bush - Running Up That Hill
25 Backstreet Boys - Quit Playing Games With My Heart
26 Earth Wind & Fire - In The Stone
27 David Bowie - Drive-In Saturday
28 Errol Dunkley - OK Fred
29 Lighthouse Family - Ocean Drive
30 Miami Sound Machine - Bad Boy
31 Galaxy - Dancing Tight
32 Booker Newberry III - Love Town
33 Nu Shooz - I Can't Wait
34 DJ Luck & MC Neat - Little Bit Of Luck
35 Culture Club - Church Of The Poisoned Mind
36 Culture Club - Victims
37 Duran Duran - Reflex
38 Wham - Young Guns (Go For It)
39 Alison Moyet - Love Resurrection
40 Fun Boy Three & Bananarama - It Ain't What You Do (It's The Way That You Do It)
41 Savage Garden - Truly Madly Deeply
42 Dead Or Alive - You Spin Me Round
43 ABC - Poison Arrow
44 Devlin ft Yasmin - Runaway
45 DJ Ironik - Stay With Me

As I said there was a lot of 80s requests tonight, and the Landlady asked if we could make the next Requestfest 80s only.  After having a quick chat about it, during which I suggested that, as it would be only 2 days before Christmas day, why not try making it an 80s theme night and trying to get people to dress up, and making a party night of it. She agreed that it was a good idea and so that's what we're going to do.

Anyway, I've got college this morning and I have to say I'm enjoying it so far. It's amazing that even though I've been using a computer for over 20 years, I'm managing to find out new stuff each time I go. With a bit of luck, I'll end up being a bit more productive, due to the ways I'm learning.

Looking forward to Saturday, and it's the Cambridge Soul Express. As I've said before, I'm playing in the Motown & Northern Soul room. I've got some great music lined up for the night, I just hope the DJs I'm sharing the night with, don't play too many of them first!

Don't forget you can subscribe to this blog to make sure you always get it.

The Pure Grooves magazine is well on its way to completion for this week. With 18 issues under our belts, we are becoming quicker at getting the work done. I'm getting good at organizing my days. While I think of it, just to let you know, we are going to take a two week break over the Christmas period, so the last issue before Christmas will go out on Monday 20th. The next issue will go out on the 10th January.

If you've not yet read the magazine, you can find it at http://www.puregrooves.info - and don't forget it's FREE to read, and whenever we can procure goodies, we have competitions too. Steffie Evans won the last competition which was for 3 Shakatak albums. I received a message from her yesterday on facebook that read: "Just wanted to send a HUGE Thank You for the Shakatak cds, James! Arrived this morning and I've been Shakatakking all day! : ))))) "

If you buy goods on the internet, please take a look at our Pure Grooves Store, it's our only income from the magazine at the moment, and although we only get 5% from each item bought, it does help us, and with the amount of hours going into it, the money does help us eat! We have teamed up with Amazon to bring you the store, so you can be sure you are getting quality products at great prices. If there is something you'd like that Amazond do, but we don't have in the store, please get in touch and we'll add it. The store is Here.

Right I'd better get ready - see you later!

Well it's just a few days until the Christmas Soul Express and so I though I ought to sort out some of the music I'm going to play. Well a few hours later, I've got enough music to play for the whole evening. And that's just the Northern Soul part of my tunes, now I've got to decide what Motown I'm going to play. Once that's done, it will just be a case of deciding on the night as I play.

As well as that, I've sorted out the playlist for this week's Pure Grooves show, which is going to be a funk special. A lot of people came up with ideas for songs, and although I won't be playiing them all, I have chosen a lot them for the show.

It's nice to see that the temperature has risen to just above freezing. My fingers have now thawed out! I'm really not very good in the cold.

I'm going to be recording this week's Pure Grooves show tonight.

Not much else to say today

Well since Sunday it's been all about preparing for next Saturday's Soul Express. I'm going to be playing in the Motown & Northern Soul room.

This is essentially the biggest gig I've played in Cambridge since i've moved up here, so it's going to be important to play an excellent set, so that the local soulies, most of whom, will be seeing me play for the first time, don't think I'm rubbish!

With that in mind, I spent a lot of yesterday just going through my Northern Soul tracks, listening to, and trying to decide what I might want to play on Saturday. At this momnt in time, I'm still not sure, but I reckon by Saturday I'll have a pretty good idea what I'll be playing.

Yesterday morning though, I had to get this week's Pure Grooves webmag online. It's there and you can find it as always, at www.puregrooves.info

There's a lot of great stuff in this week's issue. Lulu is the featured artist this week. I have to say, I hadn't realised quite how many records she's made.

As well as the usual radio show links, and the coming events, we have features on Chris Jasper and The Jazz Funk Appreciation Society which celebrated its 2nd birthday last week.

The Gallery, this week', features photos from last weekend's Hunstanton Weekender.

Talkback this week, features my musical influences. And I've also included a look back at a feature on Billy Paul from an old issue of 'Blues & Soul from 1974.

There is much more in the magazine tham that, so it's well worth a browse.

What's more it's FREE to read.

One way you can help to contribute to our finances, is to use our new Store to buy items. We've linked up with Amazon UK to provide a store and we'll get a 5% payement based on your purchases. You'll be paying the same price you already would have, but they'll now give us a finders fee , if you like for introducing you.

If you want something that we don't have in our store, but is on Amazon, just let us know what it is and we'll add it and you can then get in from our store. You cange to the store by clicking here.

I've been to the college today for the first part of my new course. I'm working towards an NVQ in IT and I was starting on the Excel part of the course. I have to say I really enjoyed it. ANd I'm learning more too!

I'm going to record this week's 'Flashback' in a while. See, I'm like a worker bee!

Last night I did my first Christmas Party of the year. One thing you can almost guarantee about a Christmas party is that at some stage, you are gonna play 'Macarena'.

However, each party is totally different, not only in the music played, but in the organisational structure of the event. On top of that I was playing in a venue I've not played before.

Set on the first floor of the venue, it entailed getting all the equipment up to the first floor - fortunately they had a lift, which is good because I have to get four speakers, a heavy amplifier and mixer, my computer, boxes of lights, bags of wires and all the other stuff needed to do a disco, in my case 16 bags and boxes + one disco stand. Luckily, when I can use a lift it just means 3 trips using my trolley (much like one of those high sided trolleys the deliver food to shops with).

20 minutes later, all the equipment is upstairs and in the room. Setting up the disco takes around 45-50 minutes, and then trying it out and making sure all lights are working and the soundcheck takes around another 15 minutes.

Then I needed to get changed into my suit. Fortunately, I was doing the staff party for the venue, and they fed me as well (always appreciated!).

Now the running order for the evening was to be as follows 7pm-8pm Pre-meal drinks (background music to be played) 8pm-9pm The meal (Christmas Songs to be played in the background). 9pm-9.30pm Raffle and Quiz. 9.30pm - 12.30pm Party!

In real life, it doesn't always follow to plan, but last night was quite good, the timetable only ran about 15 minutes over and so I started playing the main part of the night (the party bit) at around 9.45pm.

One of the things that has held me in good stead over the years is that I know I'm a decent DJ, but I'm not a mindreader. I've never met 98% of the people I do a disco for, which means I have no idea what they like. Last night the audience was aged between 18 and 55.

It's for this reason I use request sheets. They were placed ion all tables and around the bar prior to the start of the night and it's a great help to me, because if they're telling me what they like, I can build from there.

As always happens, there are a few different genres requested along with the odd silly request and also the stupid names added as the requester's name. Last nights example was for Dominic the Donkey, requested by R. Soles. They always think I'm going to read their name out.

Anyway I try to get the requests least likely to start the dancing out of the way first. Last night however was quite good. You always need someone to get the floor started and that happened quite quickly.

One of the things I never expect to get is a full floor straight away. The reasons for this are because people rarely dance all night and to everything played. What happens is that people get up and dance to the songs they like, and then when I change genres to accomodate other people's requests, some go and sit down and then others come on the floor. And that's usually how it is until the drink kicks in!

After that it's all systems go. The drink kicked in last night around 10.30 last night which meant I had 2 hours to keep the floor as full as possible and I'm pleased to say it was accomplished.

All in all, it was an enjoyable night and by the looks on people's faces, they enjoyed it as well.

So what did I play? Here's the playlist. If you think about the order of event's you'll be able to work out what was played in each section.

1 Shalamar - Night To Remember
2 Hall & Oates - I Can't Go For That
3 Clubhouse - Do It Again - Billy Jean
4 Johnny Mathis - Marshmallow World
5 Sheryl Crow - All I Wanna Do
6 George Michael - Fast Love
7 Chris Rea - Driving Home For Christmas
8 Leann Rimes - Can't Fight The Moonlight
9 Donell Jones - You Know That I Love You
10 Anastacia - One Day In Your Life
11 Gabriella Cilmi - Warm This Winter
12 Roy Orbison - Candy Man
13 Sam Cooke - Another Saturday Night
14 Georgie Fame - Yeh Yeh
15 Elvis Presley - Here Comes Santa Claus
16 Eliza Doolittle - Pack Up
17 Paolo Nutini - Pencil Full Of Lead
18 Olly Murs - Thinking Of Me
19 Elton John - Step Into Christmas
20 Rod Stewart - Maggie May
21 David Bowie - Golden Years
22 Kylie Minogue - Santa Baby
23 Luther Vandross - Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas
24 Darlene Love - All Alone On Christmas
25 Bobby Helms - Jingle Bell Rock
26 Alan Jackson - Holly Jolly Christmas
27 Mud - Lonely This Christmas
28 Perry Como & Fontaine Sisters - It's Beginning To Look A Lot Like Christmas
29 Dean Martin - Let It Snow
30 Andy Williams - Sleigh Ride
31 Jona Lewie - Stop The Cavalry
32 Band Aid - Do They Know It's Christmas
33 Wham - Last Christmas
34 Ronettes - Frosty The Snowman
35 Beach Boys - Little Saint Nick
36 Shakin' Stevens - Merry Christmas Everyone
37 Brenda Lee - Rockin' Around The Christmas Tree
38 Crystals - Rudolph The Red Nosed Reindeer
39 Darlene Love - White Christmas
40 Paul McCartney - Wonderful Christmas Time
41 Elvis Presley - Blue Christmas
42 John Lennon - Happy Xmas (War Is Over)
43 Showaddywaddy - Hey Mr Christmas
44 Wizzard - I Wish It Could Be Christmas Everyday
45 Mariah Carey - All I Want For Christmas
46 John Paul Young - Love Is In The Air
47 Van Morrison - Brown Eyed Girl
48 Elton John & Kiki Dee - Don't Go Breaking My Heart
49 Cockney Rebel - Make Me Smile
50 Stealers Wheel - Stuck In The Middle
51 Katy Perry ft Snoop Dogg - California Gurls
52 Abba - Dancing Queen
53 Jacksons - Blame It On The Boogie
54 JLS - Beat Again
55 Cheryl Cole - Fight For This Love
56 AR Rahman & The Pussycat Dolls - Jai Ho (You Are My Destiny)
57 Lady Gaga - Poker Face
58 Madonna - Like A Virgin
59 Fatback Band - I Found Lovin'
60 Sister Sledge - Thinking Of You
61 Yarbrough & Peoples - Don't Stop The Music
62 Rosie Gaines - Closer Than Close
63 Robin S - Show Me Love
64 Mousse T vs Hot N Juicy - Horny
65 Weather Girls - It's Raining Men
66 Wham - Wake Me Up Before You Go Go
67 Jam - Town Called Malice
68 Madness - Baggy Trousers
69 Bad Manners - Lip Up Fatty
70 Culture Club - Karma Chameleon
71 Chumbawumba - Tubthumping
72 Beyonce - Single Ladies (Put A Ring On It)
73 Rihanna - Don't Stop The Music
74 Whigfield - Saturday Night
75 Los Del Rio - Macarena
76 DJ Casper - Cha Cha Slide
77 Wild Cherry - Play That Funky Music
78 Heatwave - Boogie Nights
79 Britney Spears - I'm A Slave 4 U
80 Kylie Minogue - Spinning Around
81 Take That & Lulu - Relight My Fire
82 S Club 7 - Reach
83 Nolans - I'm In The Mood For Dancing
84 Kelly Marie - Feels Like I'm In Love
85 Village People - In The Navy
86 MC Hammer - U Can't Touch This
87 Salt 'N' Pepa - Push It
88 James Brown - Sex Machine
89 Fatback Band - Do The Bus Stop
90 Labelle - Lady Marmalade
91 Stevie Wonder - Superstition
92 Michael Jackson - Billie Jean
93 Cheryl Lynn - Got To Be Real
94 Tina Turner - The Best
95 Slade - Merry Christmas Everybody

As soon as the music stops, I start to pack everything down, It takes around 20 minutes to do this and then it's time to get it all downstairs.

This turned out to be the part of the night when I almost lost my temper with an officious member of staff.

I was taking the stand to the lift, had just got it an and closed the door when I heard someone call me. I opened the lift door and Mr. 'Walkie Talkie' said 'Are you taking it away tonight?' 'Yes' I said. He then mumbled to himself (but loud enough for me to hear 'For f**k sake!'). Then he asked how long would I be. I replied, 'About 20 minutes' and took my stand down.

I went back up with the trolley loaded it up and then took that down and packed it in the van.

It should also be noted, that the guests were still chatting in the building, so I wasn't holding the holding Mr. 'Walkie Talkie' up.

Anyway, he was in the function room when I went back to load the trolley for the last time. As I was loading the trolley, he asked had I worked there before. I replied no, and he pointed to a set of stairs leading down to the rear of the building and said 'It'll be much easier and next time you can take the stuff down that way' I said ' I very much doubt it.' and he replied 'No it'll be much easier'. For him maybe, but certainly not for me.

He obviously has never spent around eight hours on his feet and then had to lug half a ton of equipment downstairs on his own.

You may have realised by now I can't stand idiots. And last night I had to meet one at the end of the night.

Still, I suppose his mother loved him.

 

 

Last night was probably the the worst attended Motown & More night I've had since the first night, and I put it fairly and squarly in the hands of this wonderful British weather we're having at the moment.

The reason I say this was that even I didn't want to go out last night, and I always look forward to the M&M night. It was bitterly cold when I was loading the van ready to go, and much like Requestfest the other week, I felt that it wasn't going to be a great turnout.

I have to say it's a bit disheartening to work when you think no-one's going to be there, but the truth of the matter is, that even if only two people had turned up, it's my responsibilty to make sure they hear some quality tunes and try to ensure they have a good time.

Luckily, the people that did turn up last night are people who've supported the night almost from the start, and they danced, albeit with more space around them than normal, but more importantly, didn't let the lack of numbers ruin their night.

As usual, I received more than my fair share of requests and even though the numbers were down, the tempo was not and all who came seemed to have a good time.

I had some quality requests during the evening and it was a pleasure to play for these people.

So what did I play? Here's the playlist from last night

1 Wilson Pickett - 634-5789
2 Erma Franklin - Abracadabra
3 Jimmy Hughes - Neighbor Neighbor
4 Four Tops - Where Did You Go
5 Gladys Knight & The Pips - I Heard It Through The Grapevine
6 Jimmy Ruffin - It's Wonderful To Be Loved By You
7 Barrino Brothers - Trapped In Love
8 Buddy Miles - I'm Just A Kiss Away
9 Johnny Moore - Don't Let It Blow Your Mind
10 Jnr Walker & The All Stars - How Sweet It Is
11 Martha Reeves & The Vandellas - Honey Chile
12 Stevie Wonder - I'd Be A Fool Right Now
13 Barbara Lewis - Pushin' A Good Thing Too Far
14 Mary Wells - You Beat Me To The Punch
15 Ruby & The Romantics - Our Day Will Come
16 Billy Butler & The Enchanters - Right Track
17 Ruby Andrews - Just Lovin' You
18 Dean Parrish - I'm On My Way
19 Chris Clark - Love's Gone Bad
20 Earl Van Dyke & The Soul Brothers - All For You
21 Chairman Of The Board - Elmo James
22 Detroit Emeralds - You Want It You Got It
23 Don Covay - It's Better To Have (And Don't Need)
24 Hank Jacobs - Elijah Rockin' With Soul
25 Jackie Ross - Selfish One
26 Marv Johnson - I'll Pick A Rose For My Rose
27 Supremes - When The Lovelight Starts Shining Thru His Eyes
28 Temptations - Ain't Too Proud To Beg
29 Marvin Gaye - One More Heartache
30 Millie Jackson - My Man A Sweet Man
31 Tammi Lynn - I'm Gonna Run Away From You
32 3 1/2 - Angel Baby
33 Artistics - I'm Gonna Miss You
34 Donnie Elbert - Where Did Our Love Go
35 Bobby Williams - I've Only Got My Self To Blame
36 Johnny Caswell - You Don't Love Me Anymore
37 Isley Brothers - Put Yourself In My Place
38 Supremes - He's All I Got
39 Newbeats - Run Baby Run
40 Temptations - Girl (Why You Wanna Make Me Blue
41 Lou Rawls - See You When I Get There
42 Lou Johnson - Unsatisfied
43 Velvelettes - Needle In A Haystack
44 Four Tops - Standing In The Shadows Of Love
45 Isley Brothers - I Guess I'll Always Love You
46 Tams - Hey Girl Don't Bother Me
47 Blackbyrds - Walkin' In Rhythm
48 Smokey Robinson & The Miracles - Tears Of A Clown
49 Marvin Gaye & Tammi Terrell - Ain't No Mountain High Enough
50 Martha Reeves & the Vandellas - Dancing In The Street
51 Isley Brothers - Tell Me It's Just A Rumour
52 Barbara Randolph - I Got A Feeling
53 Kurt Harris - Emperor Of My Baby's Heart
54 Timi Yuro - It'll Never Be Over For Me
55 Elgins - Heaven Must Have Sent You
56 Supremes - Baby Love
57 Marvin Gaye & Tammi Terrell - Onion Song
58 Temptations - Get Ready
59 Supremes - You Can't Hurry Love
60 Four Tops - I Can't Help Myself
61 Billy Ocean - Red Light Spells Danger
62 Billy Ocean - Love Really Hurts Without You
63 William Bell - Happy
64 Drifters - Come On Over To My Place
65 Young Holt Trio - Wack Wack
66 Robert Knight - Love On A Mountain Top
67 Supremes - There's No Stopping Us Now
68 Dobie Gray - Out On The Floor
69 Frankie Valli - You're Ready Now
70 Kim Weston - I'm Still Loving You
71 Willie Tee - Walking Up A One Way Street
72 Delegation - Where Is The Love
73 Detroit Emeralds - Feel The Need In Me
74 Jimmy Ruffin - Tell Me What You Want
75 Four Tops - It's The Same Old Song
76 Isley Brothers - Behind A Painted Smile
77 Contours - Just A Little Misunderstanding
78 Chairman Of The Board - Give Me Just A Little More Time
79 Freda Payne - Band Of Gold
80 Supremes - Floy Joy
81 Invitations - Skiing In The Snow
82 Platters - With This Ring
83 Trammps - Hold Back The Night
84 Stylistics - Rockin' Roll Baby
85 Imperials - Who's Gonna Love Me
86 Reperata & The Delrons - Panic
87 Jean Knight - Mr Big Stuff
88 Al Green - Tired Of Being Alone
89 David Ruffin - Walk Away From Love
90 Al Matthews - Fool
91 Marvin Gaye & Tammi Terrell - Two Can Have A Party
92 Martha Reeves & The Vandellas - Love Is Like A Heatwave
93 Isley Brothers - This Old Heart Of Mine
94 Tams - Be Young Be Foolish Be Happy
95 Sam Cooke - That's It - I Quit - I'm Movin' On

Not a bad playlist I have to say, and one that would have pleased most of the people that normally come to the nights.

Mind you, having had a few nights lately where the numbers have been poor, I reckon I'm due a cracking night soon.

As for the snow - well, it's thawing at the moment and I'll be glad to see the back of it along with the biting cold that we've endured lately.

Well, it's official, I'm now a student again! I signed up to do an NVQ level 2 in ICT at Cambridge Regionall College today. On the back of enjoying the course I did last week, I figured it would be nice to learn more as I've been using a computer, building websites and running my business  on one since 1987, and up until last week, I'd never had a lesson.

Although I found the course fairly easy, I picked up a lot of hints and tips that have made things quicker, which I why I decided I'd like to do more.

It seems these days that my whole life revolves around a computer. Like most people, I spent a lot of time interacting with people on facebook. Then I have the magazine which wouldn't even be in place had it not been for the computer.

I've been running my discos from a computer for the last 5-6 years, and my radio shows are done from the computer, so if I learn some new skills which will imporve the way I use a computer, it can only be good.

Tonight's Motown and More night for December, so I'm looking forward to that. It's growing slowly and I'm getting more people coming back month on month which is great. Hopefully people are going to be in party mode throughout this week as there are some great events coming up throughout December.

I'm listening to a Vintage Cheese compilation (Disc 1)while I'm writing this and I'm ashamed to say I'm really enjoying it hahaha

Not much else to speak about at the minute except it's soooooo cold! Oh yeah, and I promise I won't play anything of this compilation tonight lol

So December is with us, and with it, the run up to Christmas. For me though, it also had my two sons' birthdays before that.

So as well as it being an expensive month, it's also one that heralds parties and suchlike.

This morning I've sorted out the playlist for this week's 'Pure Grooves' show and I'll most likely record that this evening.

Friday night is my 'Motown & More' night at the newly named 'The Med' in Perne Road, Cambridge. It was, until recently, called 'The Master Mariner'.

I really enjoy the Motown & More nights as I seem to get a lot of requests, and they are usually across the board. I'll give you an example - this is last month's playlist:

Earl Van Dyke & The Motown Brass - 6 By 6
Chuck Jackson - Are You Lonely For Me Baby
Martha Reeves & The Vandellas - Bless You
Goldie & The Gingerbreads - Can't You Hear My Heartbeat 
Barrino Brothers - Trapped In Love
Don Downing - Doctor Boogie 
Aretha Franklin - Soulville 
Bobby Moore & The Rhythm Aces - Searching For My Baby 
Hugh Masekela - Grazing In The Grass
Billy Eckstine - I Wonder Why (Nobody Loves Me) 
Eddie Holland - Jamie
Smokey Robinson & the Miracles - Shop Around 
Marvelettes - Playboy
Bunny Sigler - For Crying Out Loud 
Judy Street - What
Carstairs - It Really Hurts Me Girl 
Buddy Miles - I'm Just A Kiss Away 
Denise LaSalle - Trapped By A Thing Called Love
Garland Green - Ain't That Good Enough 
Quik - Bert's Apple Crumble
Tony Middleton - Paris Blues
Smokey Robinson & The Miracles - Just My Soul Responding
Marvin Gaye - Too Busy Thinking 'Bout My Baby
David Ruffin - I Can't Stop The Rain
Lenny Williams - Shoo Doo Fu Fu Ooh!
Tymes - Ms Grace
Al Matthews - Fool
Lou Rawls - From Now On
Barry White - Honey Please Can't You See 
Chi-Lites - Too Good To Be Forgotten 
Isley Brothers - I Guess I'll Always Love You
Jimmy Ruffin - Lucky Lucky Me
Stevie Wonder - Shoo Be Doo Be Doo Da Day
Supremes - There's No Stopping Us Now
Temptations - My Baby
Ruby Andrews - Just Lovin' You
Darrell Banks - Open The Door To Your Heart
Tammi Lynn - I'm Gonna Run Away From You
Newbeats - Run Baby Run
Millie Jackson - My Man A Sweet Man 
Marvin Gaye & Tammi Terrell - Onion Song
Jnr Walker & The All Stars - How Sweet It Is 
Martha Reeves & the Vandellas - Jimmy Mack
Four Tops - I Can't Help Myself
Chairman Of The Board - Give Me Just A Little More Time
Freda Payne - Band Of Gold
Michael Jackson - Rock With You 
George Benson - Never Give Up On A Good Thing 
Booker Newberry III - Love Town
Phyllis Hyman - You Know How To Love Me
Delegation - Where Is The Love 
Imperials - Who's Gonna Love Me 
Harry J All Stars - Liquidator 
Pioneers - Let Your Yeah Be Yeah 
Nicky Thomas - Love Of The Common People
Dave & Ansil Collins - Double Barrel 
Barbara Randolph - I Got A Feeling 
Isley Brothers - Tell Me It's Just A Rumour 
Frank Wilson - Do I Love You 
R Dean Taylor - There's A Ghost In My House 
Foundations - Build Me Up Buttercup 
Tams - Be Young Be Foolish Be Happy 
James Brown - Sex Machine 
Fatback Band - Do The Bus Stop 
Beginning Of The End - Funky Nassau 
Aretha Franklin - Think 
Arthur Conley - Sweet Soul Music 
William Bell - Happy 
Desmond Dekkar - Israelites 
Nicky Thomas - Love Of The Common People 
Bruce Ruffin - Mad About You 
Kim Weston - Take Me In Your Arms 
Stevie Wonder - Uptight (Everything's Alright)
Smokey Robinson & the Miracles - Going To A Go Go 
Temptations - Get Ready
Tams - Hey Girl Don't Bother Me 
Epitome Of Sound - You Don't Love Me 
Kurt Harris - Emperor Of My Baby's Heart 
Dobie Gray - Out On The Floor 
Kim Weston - I'm Still Loving You 
Neo - Smile
Candi Staton - Young Hearts Run Free 
Gladys Knight & The Pips - Baby Don't Change Your Mind
Detroit Emeralds - Feel The Need In Me 
Trammps - Hold Back The Night
Isley Brothers - Harvest For The World 
O'Jays - I Love Music
Barry White - You're The First The Last My Everything
Jacksons - Show You The Way To Go
Sam The Sham & The Pharoahs - Wooly Bully

As you can see it's a very mixed bag, and the reason for that is that the evening is guided by the requests I get, meaning that we can go off in different directions. I think it's the first time I've had 60s reggae requested at one of the nights, and it went down very well.

It's also the time of year when I'm starting think about the Christmas events coming up and what I'm going to play at them. So it's all systems go until the New Year. And in between all that I've got to start planning next year and the progression of Pure Grooves - both radio shows, and the web-mag.

So busy times ahead!

Don't forget, if you're looking to buy music as Christmas presents, take a look at the Pure Grooves store. We'll happily add things to the store that you'd like to buy, just get in touch with me at james@puregrooves.info

Click Here to visit the shop.

Till next time, keep wrapped up!

Well it's a bit later than I expected, but here is a list of the songs that people felt were their favourite funk songs.

What is apparent is that we all think of something different when we think of funk, and so when you read the list so far, you may think to yourself, 'that's not funk'. However, this is the list as it stands at the moment.

There is more than enough great music that will make a 2 hour special show, so you can safely say that one is on the cards!

Anyway, without further ado, here's the list so far:

Archie Bell And The Drells - Tighten Up

Average White Band - Cut The Cake

Average White Band - Pick Up The Pieces

Band AKA  - Grace

Bar-Kays - Holy Ghost

Bar-Kays - AJ The House Fly

BB&Q Band - On the Beat

Beginning Of The End - Funky Nassau

Bobby Thurston - Very Last Drop

Brass Construction - Ha Cha Cha

Brass Construction – International

Brass Construction - Movin'

Brothers Johnson - Ain't We Funkin Now

Brothers Johnson - Get The Funk Outa My Face

Chocolate Milk - Action Speaks Louder Than Words

Con Funk Shun....Got To Be Enough

Crown Heights Affair - Galaxy Of Love

Crusaders - Streetlife

Curtis Mayfield - Get Down

Curtis Mayfield - Move On Up

Curtis Mayfield - Pusherman

Dennis Coffey - Theme From Black Belt Jones

East Coast Connection - Summer In The Parks

Evelyn Champagne King - Love come Down

Fatback Band - Wicky Wacky   

Fred Wesley & The Horny Horns - P-Funk We Came To Funk Ya

Fred Wesley & The JBs - Same Beat

Freeez - Southern Freeze

Fresh Band - Come Back Lover

Funkadelic - Knee Deep

Funkadelic - One Nation Under One Groove

Gap Band  - You Knock Me Out

George Clinton - Atomic Dog

Headhunters - God Made Me Funky

Herbie Hancock - Rock It

Hi Tension - Hi Tension

High Fashion – Feelin’ Lucky Lately

Hugh Masekela - Soul Makossa

Isaac Hayes - Puruit Of The Pimpmobile

Jack Ashford - Las Vegas Strut

James Brown - Money Won't Change You

James Brown - Signed Sealed And Delivered

James Brown - The Payback

James Brown From The "Black Caesar" Soundtrack - The Boss (Paid Da Cost)

James D Train Williams  -Shadow of your Smile

JB's - Gimme Some More

Johnnie Taylor - What About My Love

Kool & The Gang - Open Sesame

Kool An The Gang - Fresh

Locksmith - Unlock The Funk

Looking For Love - Fat Larry's Band

Lynn Collins - Rock Me Again And Again

Lynne Collins - Message To The Soul Sisters

Mahogany - Ride On The Rhythm

Manu Dibango - Big Blow                    

Marva Whitney - I Made A Mistake

Mass Production - Cosmic Lust

Maze - Twilite

Mutiny - Semi First Class Seat

Natures Devine - I Just Can't Control Myself.

New York Skyy - Call Me

Ohio Players - Fire

Ohio Players - Funky Worm

Parliament - Give Up The Funk

Positive Force - We Got The Funk

Prince Charles - Cash Money

Rick James - Mary Go Round

Rose Royce - Best Love

Sinnamon - Thanks To You (Dub)

Skipworth & Turner - Thinking About Your Love

Slave - Wait For Me

Slave- Slide

Steve Arrington - Way Out

Steve Arrington - You Meet My Approval

Steve Arrrington - Feel so real

Sugarhill Gang - The Lover in you

Sun - Sun Is Here

Teena Marie - Behind The Groove

Teena Marie - Square Biz

The Counts - Funk Pump

War - Galaxy                        

War - Me And Baby Brother

Wee Willie & The Winners - Get Some

West Phillips - Sucker For A Pretty Face

Whatnauts - Help Is On The Way

Wilson Pickett - Engine, Engine #9

 

Not a bad list is it? Can you add to it?