WOMAD

Soul Jazz Sound System

From United Kingdom

Multi-tasking. That’s the best way to describe the breathless activities of the Soul Jazz collective. First off there’s the London record shop they’ve run for nigh on 20 years, most recently answering to the name of Sounds Of The Universe. Selling a commendably catholic selection, it’s safely assured its place among the capital’s finer record emporia. Then there’s the Soul Jazz record label, an undisputed byword for range, consistency and quality. Every discerning record collection will have at least one Soul Jazz release on its shelves, most likely one of their New Orleans funk compilations or something from their formidable 100% Dynamite series of classic Jamaican recordings. But where we come in is with the team’s incarnation as club promoters par excellence. For half a dozen years now, the Soul Jazz guys and gals have hosted the 100% Dynamite night in deepest central London, an unpretentious fortnightly affair that serves up the finest moments of Jamaican music history (from ska to dancehall), all with a generous side order of funk, soul and hip-hop. And for one night only, the Soul Jazz express is coming west. Ring the alarm!