Review: Sunday Afternoons At Dingwalls

 

22 Nov 2010

 

 

 

The demi-gods of Camden Lock, Gilles Peterson and Patrick Forge, spun back the sundial more than 20 years on November 14 and treated their throng of disciples to a now-annual 'reunion' of their legendary gig, Sunday Afternoons at Dingwalls.

However, rather than simply preaching their brand of music – a finger-clicking blend of jazz, funk, bossa nova and soul – to the converted, this year there were many new worshippers who helped to modify the completion of the seminal event, breathing more life into it and ensuring the second coming is prolonged.

"It's weird," said 46-year-old Peterson. "From my point of view it's now become a 50-50 split between originals and newies. And as such, the event is going from a reunion show to something kind of new and fresh."

Next year it will be 25 years since worldwide music guru Peterson asked Kiss FM's Forge to warm-up for him at the old jazz haunt in north London, and little did the pair know that the fusion would ignite a musical reformation; a breakaway schism for the funky few.

Offering a new way, alongside the mainstream rave revolution, the Dingwalls sessions took off and a variety of groups, who wanted just to groove and shake, formed an odd homogeny of faithful zealots.

From 12.30pm to about 7pm every Sunday, the music was the audience's cohesive as they shook away their end-of-weekend blues. Either side of the turn-table sermons a band would feature, and artists like Galliano, Courtney Pine and Brand New Heavies were catapulted to stardom on the back of their gigs in the dark, dank basilica. That was, until the curtain came down in March 1991.

But, like the Victorian owner, T.E. Dingwall's painted name on the building, the night could not fade away in the consciousness of neither Peterson nor 'Reverend' Forge, nor their followers. And, in 2007, the new-look Dingwalls agreed to open their doors once again for the divine duo, but – like Christmas – only once a year.

The fifth modern installment of Sunday Afternoons saw midday pilgrims snaking their long queue though Camden Lock Market in the autumn drizzle. Nothing could dampen the revellers' mood, however, and when in the darkened venue – full to bursting its 500-person capacity – they welcomed the vibrant assault on the senses. All around dancers peacocked themselves, jiving, hopping and grooving in hidden corners, or in pockets of circles, whooped on by new friends. The music was loud, intense and heady, swinging from nu-jazz classics to Brazilian bangers, with Peterson and Forge taking turns on the decks.

Adhering to tradition, a band was soon ushered on to the stage. Eight-piece jazz ensemble the Elliptics played a flawless rendition of A Night in Tunisia before introducing nu-soul diva Vanessa Freeman who whipped the adoring crowd into a frenzy. (Incidentally, look out for their debut album, which is rumoured to be coming out in spring.) Porkpie-hat wearing oldies boogied and laughed with tattooed girls and boys half their age – and everyone buzzed all the better for it. First-timer Adam, 28, from south Manchester was enjoying himself and remarked: "I haven't seen this many cool kats since my mum took me to that Andrew Lloyd Webber musical!" Aside from the Dingwalls regulars, there were also some familiar faces in the crowd: Norman Jay MBE and Emanative's Nick Woodmansey head-nodded with the best of them.

"You bring such great energy," Forge told his fans. "It's just a joy for the DJs and musicians to play to you. Thanks to Gilles for playing a blinder, and to The Elliptics and Vanessa Freeman for tearing the roof off the place."

If the roof had been ripped off, one thing's for certain: this congregation would ensure there was was enough silver in Dingwalls' coffers to repair it, and make certain next year's 'reunion' takes place. Amen to that.

Words: Oliver Pickup

 

 

 


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