Dave Francis
Dave’s love affair with Jazz-Funk, Soul and Disco began back in 1979, when artists such as Locksmith, Slave and Tony Rallo & The Midnight Band first caught his attention.
There was just one small problem, the records belonged to his brother!
While his brother was at work, Dave would sneak into his record collection and listen to as many tracks as he could. Those secret listening sessions introduced him to a whole new world of music and started a passion that has stayed with him ever since.
By the early ’80s, Dave’s brother had become a DJ himself and began taking him along to gigs. Being around the music, the equipment and the dancefloors firmly cemented Dave’s love for the scene.
A few years later, Dave met Nigel Watson of Starpoint Radio, who at the time was considering getting back into DJing. Fortunately for Dave, he did and Dave became his roadie. He later roadied for another Nigel, Nigel Allen, and it was through him that Dave got the opportunity to meet one of his musical heroes, Les Adams.
Like so many soul music lovers of the era, radio played a huge part in Dave’s musical education. He was an avid listener to JFM, Horizon and Greg Edwards, but the broadcaster who became his biggest influence was the legendary Robbie Vincent.
Eventually, Dave found himself on the other side of the microphone.
Now with 14 years of radio experience, Dave has had the opportunity to interview some fascinating figures from the music he loves, including Lester Batchelor from Atmosfear and the man behind The RAH Band, Richard Anthony Hewson.
From secretly borrowing records to interviewing the people who helped create the music, it’s been quite a journey — and Dave’s passion for Jazz-Funk, Soul and Disco remains as strong as ever.
And as for Dave’s brother?
Apparently, he still doesn’t know about those secret sessions with his record collection all those years ago.
So, if you ever happen to meet him…
Dave Francis, Jazz Funk & Soul Show on Monday, Thursday, 1:00pm-4:00pm and Sunday, 2:00pm-4:00pm
Mum’s the word!