DUNCAN BARKES: Music Matters: Calling all soul brothers and sisters!

Soul and R&B legends The Drifters play Portsmouth Guildhall on 26 September. The band was originally created in 1953 by George Treadwell and Clyde McPhatter. George managed the group which saw them begin a career that spawned many chart hits throughout the 1950s, 1960s and 1970s on both sides of the Atlantic.

The journey of The Drifters is a tad complex - the group have endured many line-up changes over the years, and the current incarnation does not contain any of the original members, but their musical DNA lives on in 2026, and the group are currently managed and promoted by Tina Treadwell – daughter of George. Tina is currently collaborating with producers to in the UK and US to bring the story of The Drifters to London’s West End and New York’s Broadway. Get your tickets now to see them perform their hits including ‘Under The Boardwalk’ and ‘Like Sister and Brother’.  

If you fancy enjoying soul on vinyl head to The Escapist craft beer pub on Crane Street, Chichester on Saturday 12 September as top DJs Ant and Jamie spin the tunes and create a soulful and jazzy vibe between 5pm and 10pm. Entry is free and as you would expect from The Escapist, there is an immense choice of beer available!  

My musical gem: The Darling Buds are a Welsh indie/alternative band who had hits and released albums in the late 1980s and early 1990s before disbanding. But they have now returned and have a cracking new album out called ‘Same Sun/Same Sky’ on Cherry Red records. It sounds amazing and the vocals of lead singer Andrea Lewis are as strong as ever. Listening to the CD in the car last week and I was immediately transported back to those hazy days of the early 1990s. Utterly blissful!  

Listen to Duncan Barkes on Nation Easy Radio, Monday to Friday nights from 10pm. Nation Easy Radio can be heard on DAB digital radio, via the Nation Player app and on your smart speaker – just say “Play Nation Easy Radio.”