Review: Craig Charles Funk ‘n Soul DJ Set

OK, I should probably get this out the way first. YES, this is the guy from Robot Wars and Red Dwarf. Nowadays, though, he hosts a fantastic funk and soul show on BBC 6Music (7 til 10 on Saturday evenings), and appears for the odd DJ set, as on 18th Nov in The Lanes, right here in Bristol.

It was strange seeing the man I knew primarily from Robot Wars up behind the decks playing Parliament-Funkadelic, but I honestly don’t think I’ve ever seen a DJ having so much fun. He was singing along, climbing around in the crowd and dancing like a complete maniac. Its clear, then, that this man LOVES funk and soul.Yes, he may not be the most competent DJ in the world, so those expecting extensive scratching skills or some high quality mixing will be disappointed, but the atmosphere in the place was electric, and the enthusiasm of the man on stage was definitely playing an important part in creating it.

From the moment we got in (The Apples’ cover of Killing in the Name was playing), I was hooked. And for a mere £5, this definitely ranks up there as one of the best nights out I’ve had in Bristol, capped off by actually having a nice chat with the man himself outside afterwards.

So, for DJ purists, this might not be your thing. But anyone else, I would thoroughly suggest you catch Mr Charles at some point.
Good times (pretty much) guaranteed!

Will Tiley

For more information on Charles’ Funk and Soul Show, see http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b0072ky7