It's not everyday you get to have a chat with a chivalric champion of the UK club culture and dance scene, and frankly, I'm under-prepared. With Notting Hill Carnival around the corner, I've put in a phone call to Norman Jay MBE's booking agent. Norman takes the helm of Carnival's most popular, eclectic sound system, Good Times, accesible via Southern Row from Ladbroke Grove. (Good Times runs this year from 11am to 7pm and once the area is full, you won't be allowed in. Get there around lunchtime if you're going.)
I'm phoning for permission to fire over a few generic questions about Carnival. No chance, is the answer. He 'never does written questionnaires', but instead I'm transferred to the man himself. I'm talking to DJ royalty armed with nothing but a pencil and five lame questions. Time to ad lib.
He sounds exactly like he does on the radio. And he's forgiving. I've got all kinds of daft questions about what other sound systems he likes, but this is a man who plays 11am to 7pm both days. He gently points out that he's pretty busy around Carnival, although he generously gives props to some other stalwarts, namely his neighbours Sancho Panza, dub veterans Aba Shanti, the massive Rampage system on Powys Square and Gaz's Rockin' Blues. They've been around almost as long as Good Times.
How many years have you been doing Good Times?
This will be my 28th year. We've been on our corner since 1991 and … I'm excited about the changes to the layout and production we're making this year.
Did you do Carnival before that? Ride the floats?
Yeah but I was just a kid. I've always done it... I've got family in the area.
So do you hang out with them after or do you get away?
No, I stay around. Most of the time, we get so much love from the people and it's so busy, it takes three hours until we can pack up, shake hands and get our stuff off the corner.
Where's the after party then?
I can't tell you that, it's
in a secret location. The only way to find out is to be at Good Times
on the day. Tickets are available in advance but I can't tell you
anything about the line up. You'll just have to trust us, it's going to
be a great party.
We're also doing a pre-party at another secret
location in south London, again everything's a secret but you can get
tickets via Plan B. [Note that the party is not at Plan B]
What has been your favourite year?
I suppose 2002, when they came down and filmed the Good Times Movie, was pretty special. But the whole idea, with the production, the music and everything, is to make it better, to make it the best ever year on year... and that's what we're doing.
And what's your favourite part of the day?
The beginning and the end, for me. I love getting there and setting up, and putting on those first tracks. Some gospel, some London jazz, very gentle. Then at the end when the place is absolutely packed, the crowd is electric and the last two, three or four records really send the place wild. The end of the day is the best.
Have you any top tips for Carnival goers?
I can't emphasise this enough. If you're coming to Good Times arrive early. The only access to the corner, and this applies to Sancho Panza as well, is via Southern Row [off the float route on Ladbroke Grove] and you can't get in any other way. Once the police decide that the place is full, they won't allow any more in and all other routes are barred. They did it last year without telling us, but this year we know. You'll just have to get there early or queue.
What do you think of the police crowd control measures? Have barriers helped the crush?
Yeah, I really don't know. We, and everyone, has to do what the police say, but that just means turning up early and being prepared. The layout this year is really going to work.
Should we bring anything?
Absolutely. Bring a smile, bring a good attitude... and bring water.
So there we have it. I've been let off lightly by Mr Jay, and if possible I'm looking forward to Good Times more that I already was.
One thing to take note of: these crowd control measures are serious. There's only one way in and out of Good Times and that area, and it's definitely worth turning up before 2pm, with a rucksack full of beer and water, to guarantee entry. We expect that in the words of Norman Jay it will be the 'best ever'.
Photo credit: via Norman Jay myspace
Read more about the Notting Hill Carnival
Check out our guide to the floats and sound systems
Check out House Music in London
Check out DJ Music in London
Check out Things To Do in London
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