Stax of musical nostalgia for DJ

Doncaster DJ Alan Taylor will be spinning the wheels of steel at Sheffield’s Showroom cinema tonight to celebrate the legacy of classic soul label Stax - which celebrates its 50th anniversary this year.

The Memphis-based label was responsible for the release of dozens of classic tracks, including Dock of the Bay, Green Onions and Sweet Soul Music in the 60s and is regarded by soul boys and girls as one of the cornerstones of the genre.

And Rossington-based Alan, aged 57, has revered the label for years. He said: “I think I bought my first Stax single in 1966, when I was 16.

“I’m pretty sure it was Sam and Dave’s Hold on I’m Comin’ and I was just hooked from there on in.

“I sort of grew up on Stax, Atlantic, Volt and Motown as a group of labels – its really been the soundtrack of my life.”

Just before Alan gets down and funky the Showroom hosts the Sheffield premier of the film The Stax 1967 European Tour, a concert movie featuring performances from Otis Redding, Carla Thomas, Eddie Floyd and the Bar Kays.

Alan said: “I never got to see the original concerts, although it came to Leeds, and I’ve always regretted missing out – it would have been wonderful to be there.

“I’m really looking forward to seeing the film – apparently there’s loads of unseen footage. For music fans it’s a real piece of history.”

After the film Alan will be spinning the discs in the Showroom’s bar.

He said: “That should be great fun - we want people to make a proper night of it.”

And a couple of his personal favourites are sure to make the playlist and fill the Showroom with funk.

He added: “I think my favourite Stax track is probably You Don’t Know Like I Know by Sam and Dave, and I’ll definitely be playing that.

“But my all time favourite track isn’t on Stax at all - it’s Billy Stewart’s Exodus. It wasn’t even a single - just an album track - but it’s certainly the song I want played at my funeral.”