Stepping back in time to the fifties and sixties era of the forgotten lights of R&B music is Keb Darge and Little Edith’s Legendary Rockin’ R&B series.

Keb Darge is the legendary out-spoken Scotsman who has been around the Northern soul and funk scene since the start and began his career as a dancer. Once he had obtained enough cash he began buying and collecting Northern Soul records in the UK and started playing around the Wigan area, by 1981 he had gained a good reputation as a DJ.

Since 1996 Darge has become a regular name on the international DJ circuit playing his inimitable brand of deep funk, northern soul and rockability. His Lost and Found Saturday residency at Madame JoJo’s, in Soho, is now in its 4th year and has regular guest DJs such as Andy Smith (Portishead) , Paul Weller, Peanut Butter Wolf (Stonesthrow), DJ Shadow and Cut Chemist.

Boasting 20 tracks this is a CD full of swinging tunes, there wasn’t a single track that I didn’t find myself jigging too. It’s such a refreshing change to find that every song on the CD is jumping with beats and jives.

Artists on this R&B series include the likes of Little Ike, Bill Johnson, The Electras and The Rays, to name but a few.

With a much purer and more honest sound than today’s overrun attitude gangster sounds this compilation reaches parts that modern day R&B cannot reach. It leaves us on a high with a light groovy sound which brings a smile to your face and a jig to your feet that you just can’t control. Superb.

10

Helena Rea