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DJ Norman Jay is set to play at the Forum on New Year’s Eve |
New Year breaks from the Norm...
NORMAN Jay’s New Year’s Eve party at the Kentish Town Forum has sold out three times in a row, and the DJ, with his legendary Good Times Sound System, continues to attract new followers.
Perhaps it’s because it is virtually impossible to pigeon-hole him. What is in his record collection? Frankly, everything.
Jay first took his unique blend of disco, soul, rhythm and blues and funk music to the Notting Hill Carnival in 1980. His sound system, to be found on the corner of Cambridge Gardens, has grown into perhaps the No1 and longest-lasting attraction of the annual street party.
When you consider his background, it is hardly surprising Jay plays all sorts of good music. He was influenced by his father’s taste – he filled his home with jazz, blue beat, ska and rock steady reggae. He also introduced his son to the wonders of rhythm and blues and soul – playing him the likes of James Brown and Marvyn Gaye.
Jay has managed to be where it matters, when it matters – from running a sound system at Carnival to being in New York when hip-hop kicked in. When he first played at Notting Hill, he was spinning music that the Carnival-goers were not used to.
After honing his talents in New York clubs, Jay was behind the launch of pirate station Kiss FM. Set up in 1985, it broadcast for a time from the Holloway Road.
He was also there when the whole warehouse thing started – he played as the Acid House boom hit Britain, and, in recent years he has carved a niche at the Big Chill festival with his Sunday afternoon sets.
For New Year’s Eve, Jay has hand-picked his favourite performers of 2008 – Crazy P, whose album, 24-hour Psychedelic Freak Out, was well received this year, and who have underlined their talent with October’s follow-up, Stop Space Delete. It’s good-time dance music and not surprising Jay wanted them on the bill.
On the decks Jay has invited A-Skillz along too. Known for his scratching and mixing, he plays hip-hop, funk and breaks. It will be a great way to see in 2009.
DAN CARRIER
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