Review: Soul Beat Sundays (+ photos)

April 26, 2012 — 2 Comments

by Amanda

It was a cold and rainy sunday in Brooklyn. The damp hung thick in the air, creating a heavy vibe throughout the day. I must say I was skeptical about whether folks would turnout for this first Soul Beat Sundays event. The weather was enough to make even the most passionate music lover seriously consider staying in – dry, warm and cozy. Furthermore, the event was held in an underground venue which one would need commitment to find. Nonetheless, I kept hope alive as I headed out into the torrential rain to check out this kickoff event.

The venue itself was the basement of a nondescript apartment building not far from Brooklyn’s soundclash headquarters, Albany Manor. One might feel trepidation approaching this basement entrance, as it was just an unmarked house like all the rest on the block. However, if you gathered the courage to open the door and walk in, you suddenly found yourself in a cool and spacious underground lounge and club. As you walk in the door, directly ahead is the DJ booth with graffitti art adorning the wall. To the left is a candlelit lounge area with tables, chairs, and a bar. To the right is a large dance floor. It was quite roomy and inviting.

The event is scheduled to begin at 6pm every sunday, but people began to filter in around 8pm or so, perhaps due to the weather. First in were the ladies, and then soundmen, collectors and friends began to trickle in – some prepared with bags of records. As Ras Tayo of Majestic Twinsound spun soul classics like “At Last” – Etta James, “Is It Because I’m Black” – Syl Johnson and “Ain’t No Sunshine” the venue took on a cool underground lounge vibe. Most people were gathered around the candlelit tables, socializing and enjoying their beverages. Conversations were easy to strike up with the friendly session-goers. Incense and ishens smoke created lovely visuals and scents in a scene that was taking on more and more ambiance with every dirty 45rpm that played on the wheels of steel. I felt transported to some hip and cool lounge in some other space and time.

Once the vibes were warm, selectress African Violet took to the control tower. She played a range of roots classics and rarities – displaying command of the genre. She kept a cool profile and handled the turntables with ease. People were gathered around the DJ booth, with Ras Tayo occasionally taking on mic duties to add even more vibes to the fire. As African Violet was nearing the end of her set, Persian Cat started thumbing through some 45′s, and stepped up to the control tower, MC in tow. Persian Cat brought his own party to the session, because as soon as he assumed the controls, and the MC took to the mic, it became a reggae session reminiscent of early sound system sessions. The MC was quite adept at the 70′s deejay style made popular by the likes of U-Roy and Big Youth. Persian Cat played mainly 70′s and 80′s reggae, and not long after Bobo Saw (Devon Clarke) graced the mic, singing in his 80′s digital style. Also gracing the mic was master of the punch, Taitu Records’ own Willow Wilson, singing some classics in fine style.

The vibes were lovely, and the entire underground lounge was enjoying the moment. With monday morning lurking just around the corner, people started to slowly filter out at about 11pm or so. To close out the night, Ras Tayo took to the 1′s and 2′s once more, playing a selection of mainly soul tunes, as well as some reggae, that he has for sale. Soul Beat Sundays is not only a session, but a meeting of 45 collectors and selectors. Tunes may be bought, sold, or traded on any given sunday, so a collector or selector may want to come prepared with tunes (or extra cash)  if they make the trip. Soul Beat Sundays continues next sunday with a special tribute to Studio One. Anyone interested in attending is encouraged to call (718) 467-5515 or send a message to this email for location info.

Photos below (video coming soon)!