Sean & Alison Treacy's Review
from the Blackpool Smooth FM Weekender
January 2006

Well, where can I start. What a soulful weekend it was at the Smooth FM Soul weekender at the Hilton In Blackpool. The live acts and music were top draw.

We arrived about 7.00pm at the Imperial Hotel our home for the weekend - straight down for dinner then a wash and brush up and outta there for a 2minute walk to the Hilton.

Our first stop off was at the Queens Room where we settled down with the Family Tree posse for a couple of hours i.e. Pete Haigh, Andy Lett & Steve Naylor - Superb as always.

It was soon 10.30pm and live acts were about to kick off in the Royal Room; first on stage was Ledisi, brilliant entertainer. She has a very unique style bouncing about the stage like a Mexican jumping bean on acid!

Next up was Maysa Leak with her smooth and heavenly voice; the only disappointment was that she only did a short set; but by the time Adriana Evans came on stage, she more that made up for it. She was amazing, so soulful and a beautiful person. She worked the stage like a true professional and when she sang it was as if she was just singing to you!

Then it was time for the dancing back in the Queens Room where Bob Jefferies was doing a blinding spot to a full house of party people, the atmosphere was amazing. After a while we made our way downstairs to Springs Night Club where we caught up with our friend Roger Williams playing anthems of old - to another packed crowd, Mike Stevens followed Roger and by this time it was difficult to find a space to dance, we were also a little tired, well it was about 3.30am so off to bed (pacing ourselves of course…).

Well Saturday afternoon soon came round, so after a hearty full English breakfast it was back for more. Back to the Queens Room for more Family Tree vibes - we weren't disappointed. With their own unique and cutting edge style of music it wasn't long before the dancefloor was full again with people from all over the country strutting their stuff to the vibrant sounds. It certainly was entertaining, even just to watch the excellent dancers do their stuff.

Then back to the hotel for dinner and a change, ready for Saturday Night. - First on stage was Ledisi, who carried on from where she had left off the previous night. She warmed the crowd up big style ready for the man himself Lenny Williams. He came on singing "Sho sho fu fu" a big favourite of ours.

For a man of 61 years young we were not to be disappointed - he finished around 1.30am with "Gotta Lotra Luv" - Brilliant. He was then joined on stage by all the acts for an amazing finale - everyone went crazy (never forget that!)

We ended our fantastic Saturday night upstairs in the Lounge where Gary Dennis was pumping out tune after tune. Followed by Terry Jones who did his own tribute to the late Lou Rawls, who had sadly passed away on Friday.

Then came Richard Searling who finished the night off doing his set dressed in Pyjamas and slippers, assisted by the fantastic Jim Hargreaves (not in P.J.'s).

We finally gave in about 5.30am having had an awesome evening.

Sunday was upon us very quickly, feeling a little subdued we went up to the Lounge where Roger Williams was playing some mellow tunes to a very appreciative crowd. "Bigger" followed who had the crowd up in no time. But alas we had to leave and head home.

It was really hard to leave, lots of people staying for another great day/night. If like us you like soul music of a Modern nature, you will, without a doubt love the Smooth FM Weekender. Plush surroundings, great food, fab people and mostly the best soul music you will ever hear.

All the very best from Sean and Alison Treacy - here's to the next one January 2007, can't wait.

P.S. Many, many thanks to Richard Searling and his many helpers, the weekend was fantastic.
X.

Sean and Alison Treacy