Derrick Carter Does Deaf Institute review

Image: Derrick Carter (Credit: Jack Kirwin)

House legend Derrick Carter delivered an extended set as part of a special series of events celebrating one of Manchester’s most loved small music venues, The Deaf Institute, turning the mighty age of 10.

First things first, an extended set by Derrick Carter was never going to be one of those evenings where a DJ just rocks up around midnight, tears it up for three or four hours playing their ‘safe bets’ and leaves straight back to the hotel or to another gig and repeats the same selection of records. This was going to be something different.

The Deaf Institute was the perfect setting for this performance. For a long time, the venue has had a growing reputation as one of the best and hippest small venues in the country. Its shabby chic, dome-shaped music hall hosts everything from rising stars to the occasional more venerable name, and of course, club nights. 

The intimate setting of Deaf is what makes it so special and there aren’t many other venues in Manchester that can offer this. I actually couldn’t think of a better way for Deaf toast to being 10 than being able to see a true house hero deliver a set of his internationally renowned innovative production, eclectic mixes, and polished technical proficiency in the intimate setting of the music hall.

The night itself was split over two rooms, with DJ Paulette and Will Tramp providing a somewhat slightly more chilled vibe in the bar and Derrick Carter, Joe Motion and Henri Moore keeping the crowd moving in the upstairs music hall. 

Pre-party ales were consumed just a short stroll away from the venue and we arrived just before midnight fully refreshed and just in time for Derrick to launch one of his famous musical assaults on the dance floor. As we made our way upstairs to the music hall, we could already hear Derrick’s relentless Chicago house chuggers. 

Walking in, the room was completely packed and few words can express the riotous brilliance that Carter unleashed over the next few hours. Few breakdowns clawed their way out of the sweat drenched speakers, as an insurmountable number of tracks, including Harry Romero’s ‘Indy Loop’ and Derrick’s own edit of Kid Enigma’s ‘On The Ropes’ thundered  into ear shot.

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As always, Derrick did what Derrick does best; throws down one hell of a party that you can’t help but dance to. Even during the closing minutes and standing at the front of the room it was great to look back and still see the place packed to the rafters. 

Hats off to the inimitable DC for the music, as usual a diverse funky selection of jaw-dropping records put together with passion. It was as real as it got on Friday night. No glitz, no glamour, no VIP room. One great venue, one great soundsystem, and a crowd looking to have a good time - you really can’t fake the funk.