Blog of James Goodhead

The University of York Jazz and Blues society celebrated the year’s finale by going to The Wadrobe, Leeds. After manoeuvering ourselves from York’s campus, at a dozen strong, the society started its first ever event in Leeds. For people that are unaware, The Wardrobe is a fine venue for live music, predominantely jazz, and it is based on two floors. The top floor can be described as a hybrid of Wetherspoons and a bohemian cocktail bar (Evil Eye), and this floor offers a fine opportunity to discuss the event ahead whilst quaffing a fine selection of drinks. Indeed, the society took great advantage of this and all around the table there was friendly and lively conversation. Just over an hour pasesd before the downstairs became open for the public. On entering for the first time, one is always extremely impressed by the expansive dancefloor combined with stylish red leather seats and a large bar sweeping most of the far corner.

It did not take much persuasion for many of the society to enter the dancefloor when DJ Eric Speak started his set. Combining broken beat with jazz funk, DJ Eric Speak created some high octane mixes that envigorated the whole area. From a personal perspective, I generally go to The Wardrobe for the live act, however, DJ Eric Speak provided such an excellent set it was worth the entry fee alone.

Midnight came and this marked the start for Soul Vaccination. Soul Vaccination are a 10-piece band who are a tribute to the legendary Tower of Power, which is certainly a hard act to copy. The set started in a rather weak manner, mainly as the lead vocalist’s voice was flat combined with little feeling and emotion. These two characteristics are imperative for Soul music to come across in the right manner. To my surprise, the dancefloor began emptying.  More of the same quality was to follow and unfortunately I started to become disinterested with the music. The band began to redeem themselves with a few excellent guitar solo’s combined with three strong saxophonists and mellifluous backing vocals. Yet, when the lead vocalist started to have a larger combination in the track, the song started to decline in quality once more. Maybe my judgement is too severe, however, when a tribute band is on stage they can put themselves up for a fall as generally the band they are trying to take influences from are extraodinarily good. To conclude, Soul Vaccination have some compensating features in their band but an overall impression is somewhat negative as the togetherness and musicianship of the band is lacking compared with the impressive Tower of Power.

Soul Vaccination left the stage to a muted reaction. DJ Eric Speak was aware of this and to counterbalance played some stupendous mixes to really give the evening a fine finish. The society members had a positive reaction by the end of the evening and are certainly keen to have another event at The Wardrobe. Arriving back to my home at 4.30, I tried going back to sleep despite rays of sunshine beaming into my room and the birds singing melodically outside. Well, at least this gave my ears the opportunity to hear how music should be sung!