Shropshire Star

Party time as soul maestros get back together

Get ready to party again – because Shropshire outfit The Soul Party is reforming for a special concert in Telford.

Published
The Soul Party in action after their 1990s rebirth

"We originally formed back in the 1960s, working all around the country and in Europe, and then suddenly folded, but were then rebooted in 1991, playing again from then until last year – we last played 12 months ago in Aberdeen – so this is the second birth," said vocalist Jeff Mansell.

"We were asked to get the band together again for this fundraiser for the Anstice in Madeley, so that's what we are doing."

The group will be in action at the Anstice Memorial Hall on December 8, raising money for the hall's refurbishment.

"I'm the only remaining member from the original 1960s band, although the rest of us have been together for a long time and they have all been in the soul music era.

"It's all soul and Tamla Motown – Otis Redding, Wilson Pickett, Jackie Wilson, and so on. It's a dance, but there will be adequate seating as well, because we are all approaching the age where we need that," said Jeff, from Muxton, who will turn 70 on Christmas Eve.