Many thanks to David Lynch for the following review:
The late snow of March fell steadily all day, slowly turning this corner of the Highlands into a slushy white freezer box, and with many people travelling a fair distance, the potential for Leonard Jones 8 piece band was looking decidedly low key.
As we climbed the road into Strathpeffer, it was clear that the snow was here to stay, but it was also clear that the band and DJ’s were up for a night of funk and soul to melt even the deepest freeze.
The appearance of the Victorian facade of the stunning venue that is Strathpeffer Pavilion, caked in snow and looming large in ghostly lightly, made for a scene from The Shining, but this night was never scary.
The evening started with some firm funky soulful beats from the brilliant Jamie B, playing new and classic tunes to the gathering people who had by now arrived in a slush covered Spa coach from Inverness. Some very funky fancy dressers added colour to the night, and this had to be the first time an afro haired roller skater had graced the huge dancefloor. The band started gathering as a few Motown classics and Northern Soul tunes kept people on the fantastic smooth wooden Pavilion dance floor.
The weather kept the numbers moderate if not wall to wall, but what the crowd lacked in numbers, they certainly made up in willingness to fill the dance floor.
The Leonard Jones Potential began their set, and from the opening track to the very last, the tight rhythm section and room filling horn section kept everyone dancing as if they were alone in their bedroom.
Not one single part of the band can be singled out for special mention, all eight pieces worked in perfect unison, drums, guitars, sax, trombone, trumpet, keyboard all conspired to create an amazing set of funk filled soulful music. Top all that with Michelle’s stunning vocal, caressing each note and bringing each track to its perfect conclusion, and you can be left in no doubt how good this band is.
If you get chance to hear them you really should, they are that good. The sound and lights provided by Calum Martin filled this historic building just perfectly, a more professional set up would be hard to find.
The band were followed by Butterscotch with his magical bag of funk vinyl, the opening bars of Stevie Wonders ‘Superstition’ created a rush for the dancefloor, and that state of full dance floor rarely changed.
Taking the evening through to its end at 1am, Butterscotch was the perfect topping for what will be long remembered by those who attended.
Funk and Soul in Strathpeffer Pavilion is a rarity, but from the reception it received, it may not be the last.
All this was a charity fundraiser organised and promoted by the rapidly growing innovative social project The Greenhouse, the only Community Shop in the UK.
The Greenhouse Project is a shop based local environmental initiative created by Dingwall and District Environment Group. It consists of one outlet, The Greenhouse. We sell Donated Goods, Recycled Products, Local Goods, Crafts, Books, Vintage Clothing, Current Fashion, Jewellery, Accessories and Reclaimed Textiles from our two shops. We also have an active arts space for music, films, crafting, knitting and local community groups. Public donations of unwanted items have enabled us to provide much needed financial and practical assistance to many community groups within Dingwall and the surrounding area. We are a centre for information, providing a monthly events list, wildlife sightings, local activities, environmental advice and community directory. Our purpose is to see community growth through sustainable living and transitional practices, providing financial help and education where needed. Our shop is open 6 days a week, 10 till 5.00pm, call Dave Lynch or Lynn Brydon on 01349 867135 or on 07944288562 for more info. 14 High Street, Dingwall, IV15 9RU, see us on Facebook or email ddeg@live.com.
