Defected In The House
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So when I heard the incredible news that Defected were bringing their ‘In The House’ (ITH) tour to the Cube, one of Southampton’s finest clubbing venues, I had to go and buy my ticket right there and then. The night was indescribably excellent. I lack the vocabulary to give you a proper picture of this night – it was that good.
As soon as you walked in to the Student Union foyer, the bass came rushing up the stairs to meet and greet you. Hearing the sounds of Ashley Wilson got heads nodding instantly.
I must admit I spent most of the night either in the Bridge Bar, with DJs Dan Reid, James Talk and Tom Budden, who were pumping out some of the finest, tougher house and tribal grooves – from progressive house to acid, it was all there and made for a very nice atmosphere for some warm up drinks.
As the music got progressively more upbeat, a trip downstairs seemed inevitable to see the transformstion of the Cube. Defected had decorated it with the ITH banners along with various other shiney decorations making it look superclub-esque! The sound was excellent; justice was done to both music and the system – we are really very lucky to have the Cube, and I hope it hosts more of these events – they really suit it. Ryan James (Odyssey) performed a blazing set, warming the crowd up with a truly excellent selection of tunes, including many Defected back catalogue classics.
After a short set from Ashley Wilson (who DJs at Rhino Club for the Emotive nights) which was equally admirable, Oli Lazarus stepped up to the decks, and dropped a couple of tunes which sent the room into a state of rapture, before applause signalled the arrival of the one and only Reel People: who were absolutely superb. Incredible vocals were provided by Vanessa Freeman and Angela Johnson, that I feel confident to say were comparable to the likes of Kathy Brown or Loleatta Holloway.
Neville Freeman provided percussion and his enthusiasm was immense. He added so much, not just to the music but to the performance. Mike Patto, on keyboards, was equally brilliant adding those killer chords and notes that make funky house so appealing.
Mike said that it was "great to do the show" and drew attention to the new album out in February 2006 on Defected – definitely one to look out for.
An attempt to follow the Reel People would be a difficult task for any DJ, so up next was not just any DJ or any performer. Putting Copyright next was a very good choice! The duo, comprising of Gavin ‘Face’ Mills & Sam Holt, took the helm for the last couple of hours of the night and were tremendous from start to finish. The crowd were blown away, judging by the frequent shouts and applause. Track after track of superb funky house were blended seamlessly – one impressive moment was when they dropped the summer floor filler Most Precious Love by Blaze, which won the best track of 2005 at the House Music Awards ceremony (the track was nominated no less than 3 times).
Oli Lazarus from the Reel People will be DJing at Pacha London on Saturday 3rd December for those of you who want to catch the penultimate ITH tour date. Also making an appearance at the wheels of steel will be Bob Sinclar, whose hit track Love Generation has been literally forcing people onto the dance floor with its infectious beats. Held at one of the best clubs in London this is guaranteed to be an unmissable night. With Oli bringing the best of funky house to the fore, this will shake the foundations. Whatever you’re doing on the 3rd, make sure you defect to Pacha!
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