Feature

Norman Jay

After postponing our first interview with (Sir) Norman due to illness caused by fatigue, this seemingly tireless musical magician granted us a second audience. I was surprised at how exuberant and excited he was giving me information on the impending Good Times NYE gig. Considering how ill he had been just two days before, I felt him telling me what was happening and who was on the bill was just what the doctor ordered!

NJ:We are going back to the Clapham Grand because we loved it there so much last year and it’s very popular venue with friends and fans. We are really excited this year to bring in a new live element to the night in the shape of ‘Bugz In The Attic’. Also, Ben Westbeech will be playing a DJ set, but don’t rule out the possibility of the odd tune being sung as the party gets into full swing! Not to mention yours truely doing a 4 hour set.
B&S:Only four hours!? ;-)
NJ:Also the up and coming DJ's Loud Minority (Ben & Russ), will be spinning some tunes in different slots through the night and of course my trusted aid Rudy Ranks.
B&S: Of course! So why no other high profile lucrative venues that night Norman, no driving or flying all over the world and bringing the New Year in, in different time zones?
NJ: Yes, (he chuckles) I have turned down some very good international lucrative offers, (being sure not to mention who he’s let down).
Just the day before Norman plays a sell-out gig in Turkey, arriving back in to London on New Years Eve afternoon (cutting it fine) It’s a night when you don’t think of the money.
NJ: It’s all about seeing the new year in with friends, family and people who really want a good night out.
B&S: The last few New Years Eve’s which I have been in clubs and didn’t realise that it reached the magic hour till it was too late, and feel a little short changed when the night was over.
NJ: I know what you mean, it’s that essence we want to bring back, I pipe in the chimes from Big Ben at midnight and everybody joins in the count down, giving people time to have a snog and really get the night started!
B&S: obviously you mean dancing!?
NJ:This year also for the first time you will be able to have your own private box.
B&S: Phew! Well, that’s New Year Sorted! What are you up to in 2008?
NJ: Busy! I play Cielo in New York on Martin Luther King Day (Sunday January 20th). I played there last year and they (Giant Step) have invited me back. The venue and sound system are fantastic, one of the best I’ve played. The lighting rig is very unusual, couple that with the sunken dance floor and that in turn makes the sound sensation amazing. For me the symbolism of the occasion is quite intense and I’d love to share that with fans and friends from here. An open invitation if you like, to come and have Good Times Stateside.
B&S: Also a great excuse to go to New York in January when flights are cheap and hotels are very reasonable. (Our Stateside readers can obtain tickets direct from Celo nightclub New York where they can check out one of the best DJs in the world) If that wasn’t enough he adds...
NJ: I’m also keen on developing extra elements to Good Times In The Park. I am in negotiations at the moment to work with The Reggie Philharmonic Orchestra. It will be quite special, I love working with live musians and hope to unleash this exciting project next summer. (We will let you know any new developments as soon as they happen).
NJ: Believe it or not I am cutting down on work this year as not to over do it (forgive me if I don’t!)

Whether you listen to the Radio London show ‘Giant 45’, the Radio 2 show ‘The Funk Factory’, or go to the ‘Big Chill’, ‘Good Times’ at the Notting Hill Carnival’, NYE at the Clapham Grand or just go to normanjay.com and download at your leisure. You can’t help but be infected by the music and sprit that Norman enthuses.

For those of you that didn’t know Norman has a keen interest in bikes. Peddle bikes to be exact and likes nothing more than to go out on Christmas Day on his Chopper and show off his bike. Makes me smile as one of his friend’s sons is none other than Lewis Hamilton, I can just imagine Sir Norman having races with a young Lewis Hamilton and the local kids trying to keep up with him on their new bikes they got for Christmas!

Times 9pm - 6pm
Tickets cost £20+Booking Fee up to £35+BF More on the door.
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Words LEE TYLER