“For those looking to sharpen their gospel chops, or for those looking for an uninhibited evening of singing, clapping, and testifying: DTEC caters to all.” If you want to attend the next Daniel Thomas Experience Choir workshop, please contact Daniel on bishopblackdiamond@hotmail.com to be added to the mailing list!

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Within industry circles, Daniel Thomas is widely known and respected. As a backing vocalist, he has supported sublime soul artists (Luther Vandross, James Brown, Beverley Knight), as well as pop acts (Peter Andre, Simon Webbe, Westlife). Moreover, he has coached Girls Aloud, Boy George, and contestants on X Factor and The Voice. However, he is also an esteemed choir director with over thirty years experience, having formerly directed the world famous London Community Gospel Choir (LCGC) and many others.

Thomas’ gospel workshops – the Daniel Thomas Experience Choir (DTEC) – are his way of celebrating his musical heritage and sharing his passion for the fully-fledged gospel choir. Speaking exclusively to The House That Soul Built, Thomas shared his insights on the evolution of the gospel choir in the UK: ‘I was heavily influenced and was deeply involved in the ‘Gospel Explosion’ which hit the UK in the early to mid 80’s. This time period saw the birth of community choirs such as The London Community Gospel Choir, The Inspirational Choir, The Angelical Voice Choir, The Church Of God In Christ Mass Choir (aka C.O.G.I.C), and my very own DTFC – The Daniel Thomas Fellowship Choir , plus many others. Nearly every predominately black-led Pentecostal Church in the UK had a gospel choir in their church every Sunday. This has slowly changed over the years – with most churches opting for a ‘Praise & Worship’ team of singers (which often comprises of up to 6 singers more or less) and choirs now seemed to be a thing of the past. In the very early noughties the interest of learning about this style of singing / music started to spread (ironically, as the traditional church choir was already in decline) and various gospel based performing arts companies hired out choir directors (myself included) to hold workshops to the wider community – meaning that it wasn’t just exclusive to folks who attend a Pentecostal church. This platform has lead to the birth of many performing choirs which are around today and although they do not necessarily subscribe to being a ‘gospel’ choir, will include some popular, mainstream-appeal type gospel. This is all well and good but it really does not reflect the fervour, passion, inspiration or conviction that was once taught to the likes of me growing up in church.‘

Thomas’ last workshop was based in St Stephen’s Church, Islington, which The House That Soul Built was fortunate enough to attend. ‘This was the same venue that I used to attend regular rehearsals for years when I was the choir director for The London Community Gospel Choir. I began inviting guest soloists to pop in and lend their voices to some leads (namely Michelle John – The Voice Finalist, Lois Kirby and others from the gospel community) [and] I also received great support from fellow gospel choir directors who have since become regular attendants. Being an inspirational person who often acts on impulse, I would often ‘jam’ on a reprise of a song, calling out folks whom I have worked with on and off over the last 30 years to demonstrate what we used to do back in the day.’

The attendees were a mixed bunch – split between talented/professional vocalists, recreational singers, and the ambitious if vocally limited (this writer most likely falling into the latter category). For those looking to sharpen their gospel chops, or for those looking for an uninhibited evening of singing, clapping, and testifying: DTEC caters to all. Thomas does an excellent job in pushing everyone to be their best, while still creating a warm and accommodating environment for all abilities.

Separating the attendees into sopranos, altos, and tenors, Thomas began delegating specific parts of his self-penned compositions. With his characteristic humour, Thomas joked that he would subject us to the pedagogical pressures he experienced as a child singing in church. After coaching each segment – and demonstrating his remarkable vocal chops in doing so – he meshed the different parts together. He scatted, wailed, adlibbed, and squalled over the choir. His own compositions – ‘Let Me Say So’ and ‘This is the Day’ – were soaring triumphs. Watch and listen to the videos below. I, for one, thought we sounded pretty alright!

In addition to his own compositions, he coached the attendees to perform a rendition of ‘Safe in His Arms’, originally performed by Rev. Milton Brunson & The Thompson Community Singers. It is a song dear to Thomas’ heart, and he was clearly moved by choir member Lois Kirby’s lead vocal.

If you want to attend the next Daniel Thomas Experience Choir workshop, please contact Daniel on bishopblackdiamond@hotmail.com to be added to the mailing list!