Mind The Bass
March 28, 2009
Those ominous words can only mean one thing – Mr. Scruff has been to town! It was a warning that was heeded by few, but felt by many!
Friday 20th March was the date, the LCR of the University of East Anglia was the location for some quality music, mixing and, well, tea! Mr. Scruff brought his “Keep It Unreal” night to Norwich, and it was a night to remember. 5 hours, a number of turntables, CD decks and breeze blocks, not to mention the trademark screens, animations and VJ to provide the comic relief, incoming bassline alerts and smiles all round.
The night started out with some chilled out hip-hop and funk (and some exceptionally keen dancers, they shall remain nameless… until tagged on Facebook) with things tootling along nicely, there was plenty to keep the crowds (who pooled outside of the LCR building for some time before the doors opened at just after 9) occupied and interesting as we were taken on a musical journey.
Ninja Tuna
In his own trademark style, Scruff weaved effortlessly and evasively through the genres, and felt free to drop a number of tunes of his own – both old and new to keep the fans’ legs wobbling! I found it quite encouraging to hear tunes I knew but hadn’t heard before such as the funk backdrop to the obscure Untitled on DJ Shadow’s Endtroducing amongst others.
Further highlights included (but weren’t limited to) a dub of Bob Marley’s Exodus, and one of my personal favourites – Not So Blue by Quantic. Similarly the “sing-a-long” enthusiasm taken to by the crowd for Scruff’s Get A Move On was positively joyous! Finally, the chest-shaking madness that accompanied Whiplash (another Ninja Tuna cut) was immense – took me back to the days when I used to go to the Notting Hill Carnival. Class.
Again, as with essentially every Scruff gig I’ve been to, there was that unforgettable atmosphere of every person having a good time and a smile on their face. It’s a somewhat bizarre and fairly lacking element at most club nights. Yes, there is a sense of atmosphere and enjoyment elsewhere, but I haven’t found that ubiquitous sea of smiles elsewhere yet. The search continues.
All in all, a fantastic night, and something I’d love to repeat in the not too distant future, preferably with friends to share it with!
God bless,
Dr. J.
Dr. J Presents... 