Well, it seems as if the stage is set. An unlikely split between two Schools of thinking within the world of Garage has happened.

Those that prefer traditional sounding Soulful Garage sounds; against those that prefer the new sound too the scene, the Ragga/Jungle entry to the Garage world known as the "Sunday Scene".

It been a good year for the Music that we call "Garage". More artists/DJs/producers with their different interpretation to the music are springing up from all over the place from areas such as Nottingham, England, to Washington D.C USA, from Naples, Italy to Sydney, Australia and from New York City,Usa to Hamburg, Germany just to name a few.

However, its within England, that changes are taking place where we could see another scene opening up. The term called "The Sunday Scene" (first coined by DJ/Journalist and Head of Hott Records..Alan Russell) has really put the cat among the pigeons.

House and Garage in London,and probably the world over was to be enjoyed on those traditional party nights…… Friday and Saturdays. However such was the fervor for this style of House music that clubbing on a Sunday was a new note to put down in your Diary.

Was that only the appeal of this scene you are asking? No not really! Some who are regulars to the scene state that going out on the more traditional nights you couldn't really let your hear down. These nights weren't really for the music.Those clubs are really for the Beer Boys, a chance to meet the Girlies, and finally to you the chance off dressing to impress, not necessarily to impress the Girlies!!!

The "Sunday Scene" say its devotes allows the music lover to dress down, instead of up. The music that was to be played was a street level. Similar some say into going into a specialist record store and hearing a multitude of wicked sounds but not having enough money to buy them!!. Many also adds that it allows them to enter a club that doesn't employ a racist or have unreasonable door policy that still exists in London, and in other parts of the country (UK); and finally there's none of that guest list shenanigans that also exist in Clubland. You know what I mean!!. I been there so many times its now not funny.

Linked to the many of the pirate radio stations that have also taken this sound to there hearts within London, with its dub basslines and strong drum patterns, touched up with girlie vocals has, more or less widen the appeal of this scene. So when a tune is dropped within the clubs in around the London Club scene it usual meets with mass approval!!!

However, its at the club called Sun City, which has seen this scene develop the most. Where DJ's such as Karl "tuff enuff" Brown, Timi Magic and Matt "Jam" Lamont make surprise appearances that also sees the London Underground DJs playing there as residents!!! (You might see Hermit, Spoony, Scott Dominic, Operator, playing there all together, or a small amount of them at any one time!)

However, critics of this style state that its too street. Its too stripped down of its "Soulful, Gospel Roots". Instead we are presented with an hardcore /jungle influenced sound inserting its way into the Garage way of things. Many state the attitudes of this scene owes more to the Rave Scene of 1991/2, which is now fuled by champagne swilling, cocaine attitudes of some of its devotees….who see Garage as the next big thing.

One of its components Matt "Jam "Lamont, states that this could be true during an article that he was featured within the Echoes Magazine - Insdie Traxx -21/28^th December, 1996. He states that the "Sunday Scene" movement will be moving to include more vocals within their sets too make them more soulful!

"People don't just want to hear the deep stuff all night. You've got to slip in some quality vocal tracks and some old skool". There is going to be an influx of quality British vocal tracks in months to come which the Sunday clubs will pick up on".( Echoes Magazine - Inside Traxx -21/28^th December, 1996 Interview conducted by Rory McCafferty)

My opinions? Well, being lucky to visit both styles of garage at clubs within London. I have found that I love both. "Sitting on the fence" ( I can hear you !!!!).

No its not that. I just love that bass in your face approach by these guys. But where they fail is that sometimes it can get monotonous. How many times can you play… "Got to get together" by 24 Hour Dub Experience (G.Nelson ), CJ Bolland's "Sugar is Sweeter", or "Dreams" (mixed up with a heavier bassline of course) by Smokin Beats. They are fine for the first couple of plays but after the 3rd or fourth time in the same night… well it gets a bit boring!!! Also the attitudes of some of the peoples their leaves a lot tot be desired. Thankfully not all have chips their shoulders .What I do like about the scene, is it gives you the chance of hearing really ruff tunes that might get sneered at the more Soulful inspired clubs. A sense that you know that everybody else is on the same level. Kerri Chandler ruffer tunes are well respected hear!!!!

As to the more Soulful inspired clubs this takes the line of allowing you to hear vocals tracks full on such as from artists such as Blaze, Mone', Barbara Tucker, Carolyn Harding, or Urban Blues Project. Please take bow …… The Loft!!

Here the host Mr Paul "Trouble" Anderson

takes you on ride where for a brief moment you could be forgiven if you where to think that you where at the Zanzibar Club in New Jersey. The music is first class ( playing the best in Soulful Garage and old soul tunes if the vibes are right); and has attracted some of the biggest names with the music to play at there venue…. from the Masters of Work to Barbara Tucker, from Colonel Abrams to Norman Jay. I must admit that I do like this place. The vibe is right!!! But sometimes it can be too soulful. A good dub now and again didn't harm any one !!!!

I wish there could be more clubs such as the Gass Club and the Ministry of Sound. Out of the two that I mention I believe that the Gass Club, has been the closet to successfully merging the two styles together. Maybe its because they allow DJs from the Sunday Scene to play as guest alongside their residents DJs who are more vocal routed.

The Ministry of Sound, London, England works on a different wave length as it tries to achieve the same results. They have different rooms for different styles of music where you can wander in and around and listen and experience the sounds you want.

They have themsleves attracted the world best Djs. From the Masters of Work, Jazz N' Groove, Tony Humpheries, Todd Terry, Claudio Coccoluto, Victor Simmonelli, etc

Maybe I am expecting the impossible. Maybe they will always be a divide between those that are or where brought up on smooth or soothing Soulful sounds against those that have experienced rough, basslines tunes as they musical diet (Reggae comes to mind here)

However, could it be these differences in styles which allows music the chancing to avoid becoming staid and boring. The continual battle between Rough and Smooth, should be taken to its fullest content I believe. There should be clubs that are prepared to play the full variety of sounds available to them. Not just one side of it.

Moving on there are other sounds coming out the kitchen that the music press has taken more interest that the one you are reading. Nu House is a term that is being heralded by the UK Dance press as we speak. The Nuophonic label has really caught the imagination so had others labels such as Smokin Beats, Paper, Hott Records, Centerstage, Azuli, Resolution Records, Other Records,etc.

Sally from Other Records

Using Jazz/ Funk and Latin beats as their inspiration we see these labels coming close to the sound which New York and Chicago had with the early release from labels such as Nu Groove and Strictly Rhythm, etc. during the early 1990's.

It seems that all is well with new creations coming out of the stables of England. But I'll leave you to decide what you think.
All I can say is that I can't wait for the Nottinghill Carnival to take palce
It gonna be a roadblock with both styles of Garage crews up to prove who's the best

By the way, if you what is your club scene like?

What do you think Australia??
Australia are you still there??