In the groove with Soul Reason | CPT PPP Coverage

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By Lydia Flock, audience member and voice coach

Pics: @RedtopImages

THE night came alive once again as Soul Reason, Newbury’s Soul & Groove Choir, took the stage at The Phoenix Centre for their much-anticipated Summer Concert. Expertly led by local voice coach Maia Hendrickx, the choir enchanted their sold-out audience with remarkable development since last year’s debut performance.

In the span of just one year, the choir has undergone a transformative musical evolution; honing their harmonies, achieving impressive vocal balance between the parts and tackling an increasingly demanding repertoire. The growth was evident throughout their captivating renditions, leaving this reviewer in awe of the progress Soul Reason had made.

The concert was an eclectic mix of fun and heartwarming song choices that had everyone dancing in their seats. From the delightful The Things We Do For Love, showcasing the choir’s impeccable vowel shaping, to the poignant performance of And So It Goes, with truly excellent dynamics; the evening was a celebration of musical diversity and soul.

Since planting their roots as an online singing club during the pandemic, Soul Reason has blossomed into a fully-fledged choir of nearly 50 people, and this concert was a testament to their journey. Sporting outfits in Soul Reason’s signature bright orange and teal, the choir not only sounded amazing but also looked the part and their stage-presence belied the years they have been singing together.

Among the highlights of the night was the outstanding rendition of Edge of Seventeen, showcasing the choir’s note-worthy improvement in their musical cut-offs; a very exciting performance! The choir’s ability to tackle the tricky rhythms of “Virtual Insanity” with laid-back ease highlighted their exceptional musical growth, while inclusion of songs such as “Cut From The Same Cloth’ gave us an opportunity to enjoy the lush harmonies that are becoming a signature for this ambitious group of singers.

Supported by an outstanding band of professional musicians – Nikos Pyromalis on guitar, Will Miller on keys, Ash Hendrickx-Nutley on bass, and Jon Scott on drums; the band really added to the performance experience. It’s not common to see a choir supported by a full band – no doubt it’s a tricky thing to coordinate – but, in this instance, it made for an exciting and exhilerating show that challenged traditional notions of what a choir can be.

Of course, Soul Reason’s own talented members shouldn’t be left out; what a treat to see a choir with so many accomplished soloists! Throughout the night, Aimee Brooks, Alison Hoult, Laura Hardy, Liz Noyce, Susy Sales, Peter Hendrickx, Bronwen Davies, Patrick O’Donnell, Brian Daws, Nikki Rands, Sarah Youd, Gail Hendrickx and Elly Greenwood took turns to front the choir. Each delivered solos with a fantastic understanding of style that took the audience on a musical journey from James Taylor to The Roots, via Billy Joel and Curtis Mayfield.

The concert ended with an a capella arrangement of Lennon & McCartney’s ‘Because’. Rich harmonies and beautifully controlled dynamics; it was a delight to hear the many musical sides of this accomplished choir.

Soul Reason’s 2023 Summer Concert was a true celebration of music, growth and passion. Whether you’re a music lover or aspiring singer, keep an eye out for their upcoming events on their website where you can also enquire about joining.