Sky's The Limit (From Oxford Mail)

Sky's The Limit

6:00pm Thursday 13th January 2011 in Club Reviews By Rachel O'Connor

Rachel O’Connor on Skylarkin’ Soundsystem’s night at The Cellar, Frewin Court, in Oxford.

For many, January spells payback time for the over-indulgence of recent festivities and is the month on the calendar known as detox.

But now that the festive season is but a distant memory, what better way to stave off the January blues than to retox with a really great club night?

Last Friday, Skylarkin’ Soundsystem presented DJ Derek at The Cellar. On the night, he proved too much the performer to adhere to seasonal norms. Hailed as the ‘Grandaddy of Reggae’ with a career spanning more than 40 years, Derek’s popularity in Oxford has been unwavering. Whenever he graces the turntables, a great night is anticipated, and on this occasion – true to form – he didn’t disappoint.

The underground basement location of The Cellar gives the feeling of entering a secret event, but on this particular evening the secret was out. The night was packed with everyone from the popular venue’s regulars to die-hard Derek fans – all buzzing in a collective readiness “to party and lose control” (in the words of the maestro himself).

A lively mix of reggae, rocksteady, dancehall and soul got people on the dancefloor – and they didn’t leave all night. From the word go the night was in full swing, helped along with very reasonable drinks prices – £3 for a spirit and mixer.

Skylarkin' Soundsystem next month features the ‘Queen of Rocksteady’, Dawn Penn – this is another not to missed!

If DJ Derek is anything to go by, March 4 is a date to put in the diary now.

All in all, a night that could tempt out even the most determined of January hibernators.