Northern Soul

Northern Soul

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Posted 2010-08-07 by Richard Walkerfollow

is sixties soul music, typically by black American artists who had no or limited chart success with their recordings. The music was discovered and made popular by clubs in Northern England (Hence the name). The music still has a cult following today and has made it’s way to Brisbane.

The heavy beat and fast tempo makes these songs fantastic to dance to. Many sound so familiar that you'll honestly think you’ve heard them before yet they are so rare that only a handful of people own originals ( classic “Do I Love You” by Frank Wilson sold for a world record 25,742 British Pounds earlier this year)

Soul in the City is held at The Polish Club in Milton and began around 5 years ago after The National Weekender was held there in 2004. The Weekender is Australia’s biggest gathering and is alternated through each state annually. This year’s event is on the Gold Coast on November 6th, 7th and 8th.

Other than the music, the main attraction is the dancing. has it’s own unique style of dancing which may bewilder you at first. It basically consists of shuffling your feet along the floor (traditionally talcum powder is placed on the dance floor to reduce grip.) Despite looking a bit strange and fairly easy, it does take a little bit of getting used to. But that’s half the fun.

If you’re lucky you may see some of the classic old school moves. During the 70’s visiting American performers and the emergence of disco & break-dancing resulted in certain moves being incorporated into the dancing. Some of the spins, flips and most particularly backdrops these dancers can pull off are awesome. It’s one of the few scenes that has more male dancers than female.

Despite the intricacy of some of the moves the main aim is to let loose and enjoy yourself. Nobody is watching you for mistakes.

Resident DJ Gary Williamson has been involved in the club from the start and is still very passionate about the music. “It’s carefree dancing to brilliant music, it’s friendships and good times that have lasted decades found through a love of rare soul music. It’s an underground scene that has lasted 40 years and is still as important to me now. If not more than it was when I first discovered it.

The venue itself is good and drinks are cheap. The beers are of strong European style (It is The Polish Club after all). Ask the barmaid for a cinnamon vodka and apple juice. Delicious!!

Anyone who loves Motown music (and let’s face it, who doesn’t) should certainly give this night a go.

#music
#nightlife
%wnbrisbane
106651 - 2023-06-12 12:35:51

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