Black VoicesThe New Wolsey Theatre, IpswichThey have performed at The BBC Proms; for Nelson Mandela in South Africa; with Ray Charles and Ladysmith Black Mambazo.

Black Voices

The New Wolsey Theatre, Ipswich

They have performed at The BBC Proms; for Nelson Mandela in South Africa; with Ray Charles and Ladysmith Black Mambazo.

This skilful talented and beautiful group have toured all over Europe, Africa and Australia.

Add Ipswich to the list of triumphs!

Full marks to whoever it was at The New Wolsey for booking this group.

This is an a cappella group, whose roots are steeped deep in the church.

From humble beginnings careful management, tireless work and talent by the barrowload have brought them to the professional outfit we saw on stage last night.

A virtually full theatre welcomed this wonderful quintet. No fancy lighting, no electronic wizardry -nothing was required to boost this show because everything was there.

They opened with the Sting song – Fragile which was a joy, far far better than the original and then moved through the programme. Then came a Gospel number, 5ft-nothing powerhouse Sister Monique Reid stepped forward to testify; man did she testify, she all but brought the house down. Not since my time in an Atlanta Gospel church have I witnessed anything like this.

The audience loved it.

The group say they are happiest when they see the audience reaction.

So I suspect that on Saturday night they were delirious.

If you ever get the opportunity to see this group. Go!

Nigel Lungley.