Old Skool Summer Sessions Part 1

reviewer: Sandeep

Damn, what a night! My head hurts, I've had 4 hours sleep and feel like crap. But it was so worth it. Bacon kicked things off in the Lounge VIP area - Booker T's Vocal Lick on Hinda Hicks "You Think You Own Me", MJ Cole's Mix on 3rd Core "Mindless And Broken", Detah "Relax", Mousse T Dub on Randy Crawford "Give Me The Night" and just to show he has a bit of mersh in him - Louise "All That Matters" (Cas-Roc Mix) - first time I've ever heard that in a club. Tayo came on next with House, and the choon selection was good but the set was blatantly pre-planned. Ray Hurley & Pied Piper warmed up the Bar, it was a bit weird hearing them DJ to no one for 45 mins cos the doors weren't open but they quickly got everyone buzzing. Some of those records were sounding a bit crispy! But "Key Dub" got everyone bopping their heads, "Tumbling Down" got everyone singing, and Nu-Birth "Anytime" got everyone dancing.

In the main room MJ Cole working his Ableton skills again. Always fun to see a rewind being done at the click of a button lol. Last time his big choon was Geroge Benson, this time it was definately Nuyorican Soul "The Nervous Track". Sounded incredible on the MOS dancefloor. Jason Kay stepping up next. I wish I could remember more of the choons he played, but was too busy staring at the Narnis (who were looking incredible as per). He dropped The Bucketheads "The Bomb!", which pushed Ministry into overdrive, and "God Made Me Phunky". Then probably my favourite moment of the night - he ended with Inner City "Big Fun". I've never heard an entire crowd scream as loud as they did when the keys came in. Amazing stuff.

The PA of "Feel The Vibe" by Shola Phillips was sweet, everyone singing along. Dominic Spreadlove worked the crowd as best he could. Legs were lagging at this point, given that it was the final set so it started to filter out a bit. But always nice to hear "Gabrielle", Jocelyn Enriquez/Booker T "A Little Bit Of Ecstasy"; and I finally got to hear classic Armand - "Spin Spin Sugar".

But without doubt, the night belonged to Norris "The Boss" Windross. Absolutely fzcking amazing performance. Best set of the night. Best set I've ever heard at Back To 95. And one of the best Garage sets I've ever heard in my life. Tuff Jam "Feel The Love" getting everyone in the mood. Then just bomb after bomb. Booker T's Vocal on "Bizzi's Party", Sole Fusion "Bass Tone", Filthy Rich's disgustingly dirty Dub on Somore "I Refuse" (stopping the record for a good few seconds just before that drop was a very cute touch), classic Tuff Jam Dub on Sprinkler, G-Funk Remix on Barbara Tucker "Stay Together". It was almost getting too much to take. Then Todd Edwards "Saved My Life" even pushed the legendary Steve Jackson into overdrive on the balcony. Breathtaking set.

reviewer: Kerri

I had the most amazing night out in a long long time in Ministry on Friday at Back to 95. Reminded me of good old times (yes yes I am only 21, but I started going out proper when I was 15, I was very naughty, so technically that makes me 27 in my head).

The tunes were wicked and everyone was out for a dance and a good night, not many of them sorta parties anymore; everywhere's been taken over by poncey clubs where everyone wants to pose.

Sapphira joined me and I would like to thank Mikee for his great hospitality and organising such a great party; not forgetting Norris who provided us with jokes! Bring back garage, now, now and parties like that every week.

Saf don't forget our PA in the RnB room, jokes, Massage the beat

reviewer: Sapphira

I had a mad mad night. Absolute jokes!! It was so refreshing to go somewhere were everyone is there for the music. instead of everybody standing around trying to look good & pouting alot. (as is standard up west end) everyone was just having it on the dance floor. Norris the boss what a ledge!!

reviewer: DJ Dominic Spreadlove

Back to 95 last friday was once again completely off the hook!

You can allways tell if its a busy night when you cant find a parking space outside the ministry. We drove about for 10 mins b4 I found a space then we (My flat mate Zara and Rio) entered the club. Luckily as we got there at 2 as I was on last, the queues had died down outside but as soon as we were in the club the athmosphere hit us.

As I got into the main room I could hear the unmistakable sounds of mr MJ Cole who now plays entirely on his laptop using Ableton Live. Next up was a real gent Mr Jason K who's class really shone thru who drop classic after classic. On stage we had MC's DT, Blakey and resident, Mr BuzzHard with the gorgeous Narni girls Kirstie and Co shakin the place down.

The set b4 me was Norris da Boss who smashed it up to with countless classics and some real old school House. A quick guest appearance from Mc Creed who was not on the bill but who got on stage to say hello with a rapturous reaction from the crowd was a nice touch from the Godfather. Then It was my turn to play. Each time I play i really try to bring some real rare classics that dont get played week in week out at these events. So I started with an old Nervous records toon by masters at work wich went down a treat. By now the crowd are getting tired so its my job to try to liven them up for the final hour. So by mid set i had the ususal rewind requests and i bought the night to an end with a nice standing ovation. A wicked night was had by all. Not 1 incident just nice people having fun.

On talking to my pals Norris n Creed after, we all agreed that the UKG old school scene has come full circle, and matured into a thoroughly enjoyable night out with fantastic music and a crowd to die for! Mikey, Jermaine and all the Back to 95 crew are at the forefront of this revival, and it can only get better.

Big up all the heads, (you know who you are) See ya at the next one.

Dom Spreadlove 2007

Check www.backto95.com for future events