DJ David Katz' in fine style

I had originally intended to use this week's post simply to capture the solid progress I'm making on my Dub Revolution but after attending DJ David Katz' Dub Me Always last night Upstairs at the Brixton Ritzy I felt compelled to do something completely different. Luckily, the feeling soon passed so I am still able to provide you with an update on where things are at, project-wise. But before I do that, please indulge me a little as I share my thoughts on why Dub Me Always is such as special night.

Dub be good to me

The flyer for Dub Me Always describes the night as a 'reggae and dub extravaganza'. And for once a flyer delivered. After making my past the regular Ritzy crowd of cinema-goers we followed the low-key sign for the night and headed upstairs. There, we were greeted by the warm sound of vintage vinyl, with DJ David Katz sharing some of his rare and not-so-rare selections that stretched across rocksteady, reggae and dub. David delved deep into some heavy dub, all the while keeping things melodic and, dare I say it, infused with a jazz sensibility.

Besides the first-rate music being served up, Dub Me Always was notable for it's relaxed and friendly crowd. While I appreciate a gathering of people in the upstairs space of an independent cinema in the middle of the week is always going to feel more chilled out than  a trip to Liquid on a Friday night, I was pleasantly surprised by the distinct lack of any hipster pretension that sometimes comes with specialist music nights. Instead, Dub Me Always attracted an unshowy crowd from a range of different ages and backgrounds who were clearly hear to enjoy some good music and good company.

Observing The Observer 

(Left to Right) Bunny 'Striker' Lee, DJ David Katz and Niney The Observer. Photo:  Louis Rougier

Whilst the music and mood clearly make Dub Me Always a great fixture on the London music scene, what made last night particularly special were the living legends of reggae and dub in the audience. After sitting down with a beer I couldn't help but overhear the conversation of a group of older men and the recurrence of the nickname 'Niney'. Surely that couldn't be the legendary Niney The Observer, producer of some of the finest dub alongside King Tubby? And who's that old guy with a yachtsman's cap on? He looks kinda familiar. And come to think of it, the nickname Tapper rings a bell too.

After catching up with David I subsequently discovered that the group we had been sat next to did include some bona fide legends, namely Niney The Observer, Bunny Lee (sporting the cap) and Tapper Zukie. Although I was too awed to introduce myself to them, it was still great just to see them hanging out and having a laugh with each other as old friends. Seeing how much these living legends were appreciated by the younger audience makes me even more committed to making a go of my own project, which aims to use dub to bring people from different backgrounds together.

Next steps for Dub Revolution

I'll look to provide a fuller update on my Dub Revolution in my next post but, for now, I just want to let you know that things are looking good.

Over the past week or so I've continued to build better links with the London reggae scene, most notably connecting with Sly and Reggie of The Suburban Pirate fame. I've also arranged to visit a music club for older people run by Age UK in Brixton, where I'm hoping I will get lots of valuable ideas on what older people think of my project. Lastly, I have also been exploring opportunties to partner with other organisations that are operating in a similar space.

All in all, I am really enjoying developing the project and have been blown away by the goodwill I have received from the people I have spoken with. Fingers-crossed I will be in a position to make some big announcements about the project within the next couple of weeks.

Watch this space ...

Every revolution needs a soundtrack

There were so many good songs at last night's event but, for me, the one that really stood out was Niney The Observer's cracking take on Sly and The Family Stone's Everyday People. Enjoy:

And here's the original: