T In The Park 2006: Bacardi B-Live

United Kingdom | | 11 July 2006

SATURDAY

ITCHY SAX 12-3pm
THE Bacardi B-Live moto is "Many artists collaborate. One spirit released" and that certainly seems to be the case as opening act Itchy Sax whip their eager crowd into an opening day frenzy. As the rain threatens to spoil the early excitement at Balado, clubbers in the B-Live tent seemed to revel in the Latin American beats as Itchy taunted and teases their willing crowd throughout a mammoth three hour set. The collaboration of musical styles on display by the immense Scottish five-piece soundsystem gives a clear taste of things to come from the Bacardi DJs and sets the crowd up nicely for Kevin F.

KEVIN F 3-6pm
Bongos and drums are once again the order of they day as Kevin F takes to the decks - providing his waiting crowd with the trance they need to pound their feet into the bouncing Bacardi floor.  The party atmosphere is now in full swing, with cocktail swigging levellers throwing their bodies all over the dancefloor - matching their host's tempo beat for beat. Whistle-wielding clubbers add to the building Latin American atmosphere as the Bacardi crowd stick two fingers up to the poor weather unfolding barely a few feet away. The special collaboration by world-class musicians, vocalists and live percussionists throughout the first two sets creates a unique Bacardi rum vibe as the crowd get lost in their element.

OSUNLADE 6-9pm
Big things are expected from Osunlade after such an explosive opening to the weekend's proceedings. However, the internationally renowned DJ fails to capture the crowd, who are entitled to expect much more after such a great opening to the Bacardi B-Live day. Compared to the opening two sets, the audience seem strangely subdued with the majority of clubbers, who were flinging their bodies uncontrollably around the dancefloor just a few hours earlier, merely going through the motions.

GARETH SOMMERVILLE 9-11pm 
The headline act has a job on his hands to recapture the party mood after Osunlade's lacklustre showing and does so like a man possessed. After a phenomenal reception, Sommerville goes to work on the decks, delving into his record collection to play a stomping two hour set which re-ignites the Latin American flavour of the party. The funloving crowd wait with bated breath each time the DJ teases them with his next track, and explodes into life as the full on beats pound through the massive Bacardi sound system and pulse through the veins. A super house and funk show from Sommerville, who proves why he is so highly regarded throughout the international club scene. Bacardi's B-Live tent, situated almost slap bang in the middle of the festival site, has certainly caught the imagination of the weekend's revellers.

SUNDAY

MASH 12-3pm
Step up Sunday's opening artists Mash who plays solid set of funky pounding beats and crushing baselines forcing clubbers, who have packed themselves into the B-Live tent, to forget the torrential rain outdoors. A set filled with favourites and, along with the added influence of percussionist Shovell, an outstanding start to the final day.

STEVIE SOUL & GEOFF M 3-6pm
Mash has set the standard with his strong opening set so Stevie Soul and Geoff M are given a hard task to follow. The duo manage it, firing off a consistent set of house tracks throughout their three hour set. Although continuing the feel and pace of the party that predecessor Mash had set up for them, the duo should really have brought something else with them to the table. A strong set, although not spectacular.

QUENTIN HARRIS 6-9pm 
With the Slammin Boys headlining on the Sunday, this much loved DJ is given the job of lifting the crowd to a new level ahead of the final act. His three hour set provides clubbers with the right blend of house and rhythm to keep their dancing juices flowing. The dynamic house style blitzes its way through the gathering crowd and proves a fitting end to the weekend that Bacardi has provided for the thousands who've partied hard in the B-Live tent.

SLAMMIN BOYS 9-11pm 
B-Live favourites Slammin Boys bring the house down with an outstanding set to close the Bacardi experience on the Sunday. Excitement has been hanging in the air throughout the day as eager fans party on, knowing that these two are waiting for them at 9pm. When the moment finally arrives, the DJ duo take their chance with confidence and style, making you realise why they have performing at some of the finest venues throughout the UK and Europe. Their mix of stomping soulful house grooves are just what the doctor ordered as their scantily clad audience frolick and funk over every inch of the bouncing dancefloor. The fact they've been together  for the last 12 years shows as the fun-loving chemistry between the two of them oozes from the stage, mustering its way between the writhing bodies. The set is finished with an ear-bursting track complete with the full regalia of bongos and drums, sending the final night's crowd into a sea of clubbing ecstasy and rounding off an outstanding two days of clubbing at Bacardi B-Live.

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