Monday 15 September 2014

Dig Deep on Cowbell Radio #17 with Yogi Haughton (SSW)


This month Dig Deep gears up for a very special guest DJ mix from the huggable hulk that is Yogi Haughton.

Writer, broadcaster, producer and former Red Bull Musical Academy rep, Yogi is arguably the best known DJ in Scotland. Widely regarded by many as the man that took house music and techno north of the border, his thirst for rare, quality black music has never waned. The Edinburgh Evening News branded Yogi as “probably Scotland’s most important DJ”.



Yogi has worked with the biggest and best DJ’s around the world as well as some incredible live acts including, Chaka Khan, Leroy Hutson, Todd Terry, Tony Humphries, Terry Callier, Roger Sanchez, Danny Tenaglia, Roy Ayers, Kenny ‘Dope’ Gonzalez and Giles Peterson to name just a few.

Trips to Brasil, Australia, North America, France, Sweden and numerous other countries have all been highlights in Yogi’s DJ career, as well as the hundreds of gigs he has played around Britain including 14 Southport Weekenders and numerous Prestatyn Weekenders and venues throughout Britain. Yogi was also at the arrow head of the U.K. Warp bleep sound where he played regularly with Nightmares On Wax, Unique 3 and Sheffield’s Winston during the early 90’s.

Yogi has recorded for some of the world's top labels, including the prestigious Guidance stable in Chicago, Vibe Records (Murk’s sister label in Miami) and the legendary R&S stable where his ‘Tribal Tone’ track sold by the shed load. Not to mention the numerous U.K. labels he has recorded for over many years.

There is no doubt that Yogi’s record collection, now around 70,000 strong, has stood him in good stead. He is still playing every weekend at either a northern/modern soul gig, jazz gig, rare soul or a bread and butter house night.

Always striving to break moulds, boundaries and keep pushing the scene on, Yogi now concentrates all his energy on the international event that is the SSW Weekender. A whole weekend of clubbing in the huge and plush Park Hall Hotel, near Preston, that is literally turned into a giant night club for the weekend.

With sessions each night until 7.00am, SSW boasts a line up to shame even the best Miami Winter Music Conference party! With 4 indoor arenas, plus a 5th area outside, the huge 30-50K Void Incubus sound systems ensure the tunes get the respect they deserve. With a line up of 70+ acts, SSW is an essential event for anyone with a love for rare Northern Soul, rare Modern Soul, Boogie, Disco, Jazz, Afrobeat, cutting edge House and US House.

SSW DJs and artists include: Danny Krivit, Horse Meat Disco (Luke Howard), Mad Mats (Local Talk), Anne Sexton live, Crazy P (Ron Basejam DJ set), Medlar, Cottam, Jimpster, Groove Assassin, Michael Watford live, CeCe Rogers, Graeme Park (Hacienda Set + Disco Set), Colin Tomlinson, Let's Go Way Back, plus many more including Skiddle's own TW Wizard and Simba.

Described by DJ Magazine as "The John Peel of dance Music", it is an honour and a privilege to broadcast an exclusive mix from this pioneer and stalwart of the U.K. house and techno scene.

Tracklist:

Thursday 11 September 2014

The Craig Charles Funk & Soul Club returns to Preston


In around 5 week's time The Craig Charles Funk & Soul Club returns to Preston's 53 Degrees. This will be the 4th time Craig has brought his legendary Trunk Of Funk to the city, and if the previous events are anything to go by, this will be another sell out night.


The atmosphere that Craig generates is 2nd to none; the crowd are always on the dance floor from the moment the doors open till the end of the night. His ever charismatic sets are a culmination of years of work as a presenter and stand up comedian fused with a life long obsession with funk and soul music.

With an explosive party feel, the place literally 'erupts' as soon as Craig gets behind the decks. A natural entertainer, anyone that can smoothly take a crowd from a peak time jump up and down anthem into a chilled out version of Bob Marley, with just a mic, and then have the whole room singing along will always get my respect. Craig loves the music that he plays and that comes across in bucket loads.

Thursday 4 September 2014

Cream Of The Crop - September 2014 Vinyl Chart


Number 1 in this month's chart goes to Madlib. It's rare to hear decent new hip hop these days and Stones Throw's finest doesn't let us down. Check Cues 2, 3, 4 and the massive soul sampling 6. The 10" vinyl comes in a lovely package, including that all important download code.

All 3 tracks on NDATL's Special Edition 2014 EP are great - Michael Huckaby's Analog, Tapes & Things moves my head the most, Simbaz Groove by Kai Alce is a sultry deep houser, whilst Jay Daniel drops a ruff Detroit floor wrecker. Originally these 12"s were only available to those that attended the Deep Detroit event back in May 2014. The 3 track white label release is already going for double money on Discogs.

The Detroit vibes continue with scattered snares and squelchy bass from Kyle Hall aka Funkineven's Discipline which features Jay Daniel. The aptly titled Abyss on the flipside takes things darker and more soundtracky.

All Under One Roof Raving by Jamie xx is finally out and gets the award for the freshest tune of the year. Check the full review here.

Amir Alexander beefs up the drums on Hanna's Moonshine for some peak time action on the strong Allied Forces EP, whilst his remix of Martin de Brig's Stop Stop keeps it bubbling and deep.

Daze's Lips EP on an amber coloured Lobster Theremin 12" is pure Detroit. The Larkin-esque Drag Ball is my pick but Drexciya fans should also check the acid electro of the Untitled track.

Max Graef, one of my favourite producers of 2013, takes on Mr Scruff's We Are Coming and delivers some jazz laced house grooves. On the flip is a Scruff re-tweak of Feel Free. Click on the link below for this month's chart.

http://www.juno.co.uk/charts/dj/536543-Paul_Thornton_itch_Dig_Deep/1103455-Chart/

Tuesday 2 September 2014

Deep Disco and Boogie tips from Zafsmusic.com


Deep Disco and Boogie guru Zaf from Zafsmusic.com shares the knowledge. If you have not seen this video before it is well worth a watch.

Collector, dealer, soul boy and all round vinyl enthusiast chats about the London scene, his (then) forthcoming compilation Deep Disco and Boogie Vol 1 LP on Kindred Spirits, and gives out plenty more tips along the way.

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A reissue of Deep Disco & Boogie Vol  1 (Part 1) featuring the long version of China Burton's You Don't Care (About Our Love) and Razzmatazz's Set It Out is available now from all good record shops.



For a treasure trove of rare soul, disco, funk, boogie, jazz, latin and afro check out zafsmusic.com