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Writer's pictureJonathan Dean

Motown, Detroit and The Drifters - Soul Kinda Wonderful

Updated: May 28

Lockdown closed the country down and mean that live music just got switched off and unfortunately for many venues this was the final nail in the coffin.


In the UK most small music venues ran on extremely tight budgets and when the income stream disappeared, the non-vairable costs did not and it was enough for the owners / promoters that ran the venues to through in the towel.


I have been a great advocate of the live music scene, trying to get to at least a couple of venues every month to see either local acts or well recognised cover bands. But since lockdown I have just struggled to get out and about.


This lack of activity has of course been couple with my move to the south coast and having to understand the music scene in this area as opposed to the area that I had lived for nearly 20 years.


Which brings me to Soul Kinda Wonderful.


Soul Kinda Wonderful

Last night was a chance to hear a 4 piece vocal group called Soul Kinda Wonderful play back all those songs that mainly came out of the Motown and Philadelphia soul scene, especially those we all remember from the Drifters.

This group perform these songs in the spirit of how they were designed to be herd. A multi-voice black vocal group harmonising through the evening to a precompiled backing track.


Soul Kinda Wonderful describe the music that they perform as celebrating the music of the golden era of Soul and Motown


Honestly with the exception of a few individuals I think I was the youngest person in the room. But that didn't stop me from singing along as I knew all the words. The thing is that this music may be 50/60 years old, but it is still as relevant now as it was when it was released. Soul is soul.


The venue

I have never been to this venue I. the few years that I have lived down near the sea. But I have to say it was absolutely the right size for an intimate gig.


The Spring
The Spring

It was set up with a dance floor from for those of a more energetic disposition and a seated area for those that just wanted to sit back and sing along.


I will be coming back, when I find the next act to tickle my fancy.


So that was my Saturday night this week. Did you get uptown anything fun in your part of the world.



About the Author

Jon describes himself as a frustrated musician with a passion for the electronic instruments that help him and other musicians be creative. He started playing keyboards in his late teens and re-ignited his passion and built a new studio following his seperation.

About the Blog

The Blog, Website and YouTube channel were started to share Jon's experiences and views on the industry at large and how these effect the small musician. Plus technical tips how to configure and maintain the equipment he owns.

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