Review

From Jazz Funk & Fusion to Acid Jazz: The History of the UK Jazz Dance Scene

If there has ever been the right time to use the expression “Does what it says on the label” it is now, as this king amongst source books stands up to take a bow. If there is a book on this subject that is more comprehensive, more enlightening, more enthralling and more unpretentious as writer Mark ‘Snowboy’ Cotgrove uses his well renowned ‘no nonsense’ journalist verve to report engrossing fact after fact then I haven’t read it!

Clear, concise and essential; Snowboy captures the essence of this genre perfectly as he leaves no stone unturned - proving to be a must on all fronts, this title must be hailed as a triumph in its subject matter. Perhaps unrepeatably so, as I cannot see where another author will go from here - such is the meticulous nature of this veritable Bible of the UK Jazz Dance Scene.

Documented as; “Ten years in the making” and in my opinion well worth the wait, we glide effortlessly through 25 years of history. Taking in '70s Jazz Funk, '80s Jazz Dance and finally landing in the '90s with its, some say, inevitable decline (hey, nothing lasts forever kids!?) Most interestingly for me was the reporting of the undergrounds aspects of the dance movements and talking to the key players who made it happen. What it meant to them personally as the scene evolved – the highest of highs and the (in some cases) inevitable lows.

“Alright, we know it’s good, but what’s actually in it you say”. Well, how about for starters a plethora (over 200!) of fascinating interviews which cross reference DJ’s/Promoters impact in their respective fields, with the areas of the country they were best associated. This cataloguing process of each area of the country really helps the reader understand the movement whilst giving a definitive list of some outstanding talent. Pioneers who pretty much engineered and shaped dance for all.

For example, if you followed London maestros Robbie Vincent, George Power, Mark Webster or Eddie Piller. Or took an interest in Pete Tong (Kent), Paul Lewis (Swindon), Bulldog (Birmingham), Kenny Macleod (Scotland) or Ian Dewhurst (Yorkshire) – the list goes on, they are all here. If you were a regular at Tiffany’s (Purley), or frequented London’s Wag club, or popped to Manchester’s Hacienda – again they are all here. If you like going to, or are interested in Soul Weekenders e.g. Southport, Prestatyn and Caster – then this book is for you. And as I scratch the surface further for material covered in this book I’d just like to mention standout items on the likes of Colin Curtis, Chris Hill, Bob Jones, Giles Peterson, Robert Elms and Chris Sullivan. AND a special mention has to go to a first class introduction to the proceedings from Professor Robert Farris Thompson - You maybe forgiven for muttering "Who?" But when you take into account that he is one of the worlds leading authorities of Afro-related Art, History and Music (Based at Yale University). You will attain that the bar is well and truly set sending the reader off (if you excuse the corse embellishment) to a preverbal flyer!

So! As I wrap up this review, I’ll just repeat the back cover to you in case I miss something covered (Snowboy hasn't, so I won't!?), such is this engrossing list – so here goes... “If you like Music history, Social history, Northern soul, British black youth culture, Football hooliganism, Factory records, The origins of house, Acid ‘Ibiza’ culture, The roots of British Punk, The roots of New Romantics, The second wave of the Mods, Two-tone Ska, Cult street fashion, Break dancing and Electro”. Phew! As you catch your breath I'd also like to mention that the book also takes into account the relevant fashions, dance styles and musicians... And if that wasn't enough, it's backed up with rare memorabilia and some cracking photos (Surprise, surprise!?) I thoroughly enjoyed reliving the moments that shaped the UK Jazz Dance Scene, mixed with superb interviews from the people that made it happen... Well, what can you say after that...

Go buy it!
Words LEE TYLER