This is Why We Sing

The Saltburn Songsters had a lot to be happy about in their latest concert “This is why we Sing” performed in the beautiful Emmanuel Church in Saltburn, the acoustics were fantastic as the ladies delivered their programme of numbers with perfect harmonies to the delight of the packed church. Under the Musical Director Dan Matuszak and accompanist Gillian Ash the strong chorus of 38 ladies all dressed in black trousers, white blouses and adorned with navy scarves embroidered with gold musical notes they certainly looked professional and confident and I loved the overhead projection to help the audience recognise each musical number.

The wonderful, packed programme of 18 musical numbers gave the ladies the opportunity to showcase their beautiful vocal ability and from the opening number “The Best of Broadway” which included songs from Kiss me Kate- Another Op’nin, Another Show , “On Broadway”, the feature song “Hello Dolly”, “We Go Together” from Grease, Kiss the Day Goodbye from the musical Chorus Line and  “The sun will come out tomorrow” from Annie, this was a perfect start to what was going to be a beautiful medley of musical numbers. The next number was more famously sang by Rod Stewart “Sailing” which showcased the beautiful soprano’s reaching them top notes beautifully. I loved the number “One “from Chorus Line, and a new song for me “Just One Person” from the musical Snoopy which I would like to hear more from was delivered beautiful well delivered and the harmonise showed how well rehearsed the group of ladies were.  Great delivery of Rhythm of Life from Sweet Charity and given that we were in a church made it feel really special. A beautiful number “For Good” from Wicked delivered by three beautiful singers Jenny Ash, Catherine Ing and Becki Stowe their vocals complemented each other perfectly very powerful and great harmonies well done on a difficult number. One of my favourite songs “Unexpected Song” from the musical Song and Dance was wonderfully delivered as was “I’m Gunna Wash That Man Right Outta My Hair from South Pacific which was much appreciated by the audience.  Great performance of the number “I’ve Been Waiting for You” from Mama Mia and concluding Act 1 was the up tempered number “Blame it on the Boogie” originally by the Jackson 5 the arrangement could have not been out of place in Sister Act great finish to Act 1.

Act 2 opened with seven of the best loved songs from the hit musical Oklahoma including “O What A Beautiful Morning, Oklahoma, The Surrey with the Finge on Top, Kansas City, I cant Say No, Many a New Day and People will Say I’m in Love” a fantastic opening to act 2, next was the classic Barry Manilow number “I write the Song” it certainly made the choir sing and they delivered it beautiful, I loved the number “My Way” which is a music tribute to Frank Sinatra in the musical of the same name, again well delivered and beautiful sang, with great use of chiaroscuro bringing out the vocal tones of the performers. One of my favourite musicals “Godspell” was next, outstanding vocals delivered a medley of four numbers “Day by Day, Light of the World, Beautiful City and Prepare- the name of the Lord” this sounded beautiful especially the vocals and the acoustics in the church and it was lovely to hear Dan join in with “prepare”.  Next was “Don’t Sit Under The Apple Tree” by the trio of performers Jenny Ash, Catherine Ing and Becki Stowe, another classical musical number from Jesus Christ Superstar, “I Don’t Know Have To Love Him” again having 38 female vocalists singing this number just sounded wonderful.  The original Motown Label featured with the beautiful number “My Guy” and finally two beautiful numbers closed the performance “Why We Sing” an inspirational musical number which gives a sense of hope, peace and belonging and this is what The Saltburn Songsters are all about, they delivered this number from the heart and looking at the joy on the performers faces you can understand why they have been growing stronger over the past 15 years. We had a beautiful presentation from John Stockham a gentleman living with Parkinsons disease to personally thank the audience for the donation of the bucket collection to Parkinson’s UK, a very funny and inspiration speech and finally concluding the evening was the beautiful number from Moulin Rouge” Come What May” a fitting number to end a perfect evening of pure entertainment.

Well done Dan and Gillian on supporting these ladies to deliver a first-class concert, I can wait until 14 December to join you all in your Christmas showcase.

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