Where to be:
Cartulis // Summer Closing
FOLD, Gillian House, Stephenson Street, E16 4SA
Saturday September 26, 23:59-11:00
DESPITE the still-generous temperatures, summer has now officially drawn to a close, and plenty of London’s clubs are marking the occasion with big parties this weekend. There are strong line-ups across the city, most notably at Gaffe, Phonox and Outernet, but for me the one that stands out is Cartulis’ Summer Closing at FOLD.
Cartulis have built a strong reputation in London’s underground scene, running parties that move through electro, progressive house and minimal techno. Saturday’s line-up reflects that, bringing together the likes of Borja S, Junki Inoue, Z@p and Cartulis founder Unai Trott, who I am particularly keen to see again.
The main party runs from midnight until 11am on Sunday, before continuing nearby at Starlane into the evening. Tickets are still available online, and if you’re looking for somewhere to properly see out the summer, this is the one I’d be heading to. https://ra.co/events/2264990
Paradise. Studio album by Leroy Hutson, 1982, Elekra label
Artist to check out:
Leroy Hutson
Leroy Hutson is a name you may never have heard of, but he is an artist that has maintained a devoted following among soul fans.
In 1971, just three months after leaving university, Hutson was asked to replace Curtis Mayfield as lead singer of The Impressions.
He stayed with the group for around two and a half years before beginning his own solo career, developing into an accomplished singer, songwriter and producer. Both his own productions and projects with The Impressions warmly focus on themes of love, producing some beautiful melodies worth listening to in a crisp autumn evening.
Although he never reached the fame of some of his contemporaries, his catalogue is full of records worth discovering. If you like soul or are interested in the genre, Hutson is someone worth knowing.
Album to check out:
Curtis – Curtis Mayfield
As Leroy Hutson was stepping into Curtis Mayfield’s shoes in The Impressions, Mayfield was beginning a new chapter of his own.
Released in 1970, Curtis was his debut solo album. As seen in later projects such as Super Fly, Mayfield discusses poverty, inequality, race and the realities of life in America throughout the record. The Other Side of Town and We the People Who Are Darker Than Blue are two of my favourites on the album, combining Mayfield’s unmistakable voice with gorgeous instrumentation.
The album also hosts the joyous and upbeat Move On Up, a track that remains one of the greatest soul songs ever made.
With only eight tracks on the original release, Curtis deserves a listen from start to finish.
