Meet PJ – The Man Behind Soul Intimacy
Meet PJ – The Man Behind Soul Intimacy
25 Years Behind the Microphone, a Lifetime in Love with Soul Music
There's something rather special about Sunday evenings. The weekend is winding down, the pace of life slows a little, and there's no better time to sit back, relax and enjoy some beautifully selected soul music.
And that's where PJ comes in.
Every Sunday evening, from 7pm until 9pm, PJ takes to the airwaves of Love Soul Radio London with Soul Intimacy, a programme dedicated to the finer side of soul music. Think sophisticated soul, luxury grooves, beautiful slow jams, soulful jazz and those wonderful forgotten gems that make you stop what you're doing and ask, "Now, who's this?"
But behind the music is a man with an interesting story, a genuine passion for broadcasting and a few surprises along the way.
Where It All Began
PJ is certainly no newcomer to radio. With around 25 years of broadcasting experience behind him, he's spent a considerable part of his life sharing his love of music with listeners.
Interestingly, Soul Intimacy wasn't originally his creation.
The programme was the brainchild of his good friend Tony Ray, who invited PJ to join him as a co-presenter on a fortnightly basis.
What began as two friends sharing their enthusiasm for quality soul music gradually developed into something much more significant.
When Tony eventually relocated, he gave PJ his blessing to continue presenting Soul Intimacy.
And the rest, as they say, is history.
PJ has proudly carried the programme forward, preserving its original spirit while developing his own distinctive style and musical identity.
It's a lovely example of how a shared passion for music can create something that lasts for decades.
A Man Who Knows His Music
Spend a little time listening to PJ and you'll quickly realise that this isn't someone simply pulling together a handful of familiar soul records.
There's thought behind the selections, an appreciation of musical quality and, perhaps most importantly, a genuine understanding of what makes a great listening experience.
Soul Intimacy isn't about chasing trends or playing the obvious hits.
It's about discovering those beautifully produced records that sometimes slip beneath the radar. The kind of music that appeals to collectors, enthusiasts and anyone who appreciates a little sophistication in their soul.
From timeless classics to contemporary luxury soul, mellow grooves, soulful jazz and irresistible slow jams, PJ creates an atmosphere rather than simply filling two hours with records.
And that's what makes the programme so listenable.
The Man Away from the Microphone
Of course, there's considerably more to PJ than his record collection.
He's a proud dad and grandad, a self-confessed music junkie and something of a synthesiser wizard.
Clearly, his fascination with music doesn't end when the microphone is switched off.
He's also rather partial to a good curry, which suggests he appreciates a bit of spice in his life as well as in his musical selections.
And then there's the football.
PJ is a devoted supporter of West Bromwich Albion.
Now, we wouldn't dream of questioning his judgement when it comes to soul music, but supporting the Baggies does suggest that he's developed a remarkable capacity for patience, optimism and occasional disappointment!
Still, nobody's perfect.
It's these little personal touches that make PJ such an interesting character. Behind the carefully chosen music is a family man with a sense of humour, plenty of experience and an obvious enjoyment of life.
The Art of Sunday Evening Radio
There's a particular skill involved in presenting a Sunday evening radio programme.
It's not necessarily about being the loudest voice, playing the biggest records or filling every available moment with conversation.
Sometimes the real skill is knowing when to let the music do the talking.
And that's something PJ understands.
His programme has a natural warmth and an unhurried quality that makes it perfect for that particular time of the week.
Whether you're preparing for Monday morning, enjoying a quiet evening at home, relaxing with a glass of something nice or simply escaping the noise of everyday life, Soul Intimacy provides a wonderfully appropriate soundtrack.
There's a certain elegance about the whole thing.
Nothing forced, nothing unnecessarily complicated. Just great music, carefully selected and presented by someone who genuinely loves what he does.
A Welcome Member of the Love Soul Radio London Family
At Love Soul Radio London, we've always believed that a great radio station is about more than simply playing good records.
It's about the personalities behind the programmes, their knowledge, their enthusiasm and the individual character they bring to the airwaves.
PJ fits that philosophy beautifully.
With a quarter of a century in broadcasting, an impressive appreciation of quality soul music and a programme that has developed its own identity over the years, he brings something distinctive to our Sunday evening schedule.
And we're delighted to have him as part of the family.
So, Put Your Feet Up...
Every Sunday at 7pm, when Neil Greaves closes the lid on his Big Box of Chocolates, the musical journey continues.
Only this time, we're turning down the lights, easing back into the sofa and allowing PJ to take us somewhere a little more intimate.
Two hours of sophisticated soul, luxury grooves, beautiful slow jams and musical discoveries, all delivered with the experience and affection of a man who has spent 25 years doing something he clearly loves.
And if West Brom have lost that afternoon, perhaps those two hours of beautiful soul music are exactly what he needs!
PJ – Soul Intimacy
Every Sunday | 7pm–9pm (UK Time)
Love Soul Radio London
From London to the World.
Because great soul music deserves to be heard.