Symphony Hall, Springfield, MA
through January 17, 2026
by Paul Jenney
Springfield Symphony Orchestra presented "Let’s Groove Tonight – Motown and the Philly Sound" -- a joyful and stylish celebration of funk and soul. The orchestra delivered a performance that was infectious and brought the beat, and the house down several times.
Conductor William Waldrop began with a driven rendition of TSOP (The Sound of Philadelphia) before the guest singers, Cherise Coaches, Brik Liam and Jeremy Keith, came on stage to start the party with “Let’s Groove". And the audience did. This was Keith's debut with the act, and he brought his “A” game and never stopped. Coaches' soaring vocals were stellar and Liam's baritone became the vocal bass for the others to perform on.
Providing warmth and sheen, the strings echoed the lush arrangements that made Philadelphia International Records famous, while the brass and percussion brought punch and swagger to the Motown classics.
Particularly impressive was the thundering sax that punctuated several songs, and a driving trumpet on others. The orchestra’s versatility shined as the program shifted seamlessly between the driving backbeat of funk and the smoother, orchestrally rich textures of Philly soul.
What stood out most was the sense of fun and connection in Symphony Hall. Waldrop and the singers clearly understood how to engage both musicians and audience. The crowd responded accordingly, with audible enthusiasm and a palpable sense of nostalgia for the 70's. Many danced in the aisles and even hopped aboard the O’Jay’s “Love Train” that wound round the perimeter.
"Let’s Groove Tonight" showcased the SSO's versatility and its willingness to meet audiences where they are, while maintaining high musical standards. The program honored the legacy of Motown and the Philly sound on MLK’s birthday weekend.
