The Permanent Members:-

All of the musicians in the band are top professional musicians, with years of experience, ensuring your event is always a success!

Lee Collings – Lead Vocals, Backing Vocals, Lead Guitar

Lee started music at an early age and proved to be something of a virtuoso! He has a wide ranging musical talent across many different styles. With many qualifications in music, including an AVCM diploma, he is also an accomplished pianist as well as guitarist. Lee has also performed as a vocalist in many stage productions throughout his career. As a founding member of ‘Soul Desire’ he is particularly proud of the way the band has developed into the totally professional outfit it is today. Lee’s distinctive vocal style, superb musicianship and personality always shine through with each performance; which is always greatly appreciated by every audience! 

Sandra Carroll – Lead Vocals, Backing Vocals, Keyboards

Sandra has been performing most of her life and has played some major venues in Ireland. She has also appeared on prime time national radio and television. She moved to England a few years ago and is now head of music and performing arts at a local secondary school. A superb keyboard player and vocalist, her amazing performances and the way she interacts with the audience is becoming legendary!

Melanie Cripps – Lead Vocals, Backing Vocals, Keyboards

Milayna aka Melanie Cripps has been performing since the age of 3 and is an accomplished Singer/dancer having attended the north Herts College in Hitchin for performing arts and the prestigious Urdang Academy in Covent Garden London training in Ballet, Contemporary, Jazz, Hip hop, singing and acting. she attained a btec national diploma and a diploma in dance and musical theatre. She has been signed to independant record label MKVibe in Milton Keens for the last 8 months and has just released her first two debut singles ‘Can’t Let Go’ and ‘My Wish’ on iTunes. Her phenomenal voice has made an amazing difference to the band!

Hilary Dennis – Backing Vocals, Tenor Saxophone

Hilary started playing flute at the age of 7 but didn’t take up sax till she was 17. Since then she has taken every opportunity to play in as many different settings as possible, including big band jazz, swing, rock’n’roll, dinner jazz, blues and soul.  She has certainly made up for lost time and is now an amazing player! In 2006 Hilary completed her music degree at Colchester Institute where she majored in jazz performance taking a particular interest in improvisation. Since joining Soul Desire, her distinctive style has added a new dimension to the band and everyone who sees her absolutely loves her!

Beth Pratt – Backing Vocals, Bass Guitar

Beth started her career in local dramatic and operatic societies, but realized that her real passion in life was in playing music. Discovering the Bass guitar, she went on to get a diploma from the Institute of Contemporary Music Performance. She is now widely acknowledged as being one of the best female bass players in the South East. She is proficient in a wide range of styles and has studied Jazz for many years to a high level. It is this background which allows her to play the songs in the set so authentically. Since joining ‘Soul Desire’, her musical and personal influence has seen the band go from strength to strength.
 

Jon White – Backing Vocals, Drums & Percussion

Jon began performing at a very early age, and has appeared in many stage productions both locally and also in the West End. After starting stage school on the strength of his singing and acting he discovered drums at the age of 10. Jon was quick to show an aptitude and ability far beyond his years. Not only has he great timing, he also has a highly developed sense of musicality and feel for the style of music, and it is this which adds an extra edge to the sound of the band. He is widely respected not just for his superb drumming but is also a highly successful and popular percussion teacher.

Michael Tsim – Trumpet, Backing Vocals

Michael first started playing the cornet at the age of 7. He quickly took up large ensemble playing and eventually joined the Essex Youth Orchestra, with which he toured Berlin, Lyon, Belgium and Strasbourg. Michael completed a course at the Royal College of Music in 2006, was conducted by famed choral composer John Rutter in 2007, and completed his Grade 8 in 2008. Michael is currently principal trumpet with the University of the Arts London Orchestra and the St.Barts and the London University Orchestra. Since joining Soul Desire in 2010 he has brought a fantastic, authentic brassy sound to the band.

The Deps:-

The three superb deps are always on standby to ensure your event is always covered by top professional musicians!

Maddie Cole – Lead Vocals, Backing Vocals, Alto Saxophone, Rhythm Guitar, Keyboards

Maddie started her vocal training at the age of 10. She had Classical musical training at Cardiff University. She was the South Regional Winner of Jumpin’ Jaks ‘This Is Your Moment’ and Cardiff Winner of HTV Wales’ ‘Karaoke Queen’. She also performed in many professional theatre productions. Since graduating from university she has now returned home to her Southend-On-Sea roots. Her versatility as a vocalist is unsurpassed and her enthusiasm and talent for singing soul is obvious when she sings with Soul Desire.

Katherine Clark – Lead Vocals, Backing Vocals,  Keyboards

Katherine is a BA Hons graduate of The Liverpool Institute Of Performing Arts. Founded by Sir Paul McCartney, the performing university is one of the top in the country and focuses on training its students for a lasting career in the entertainment industry. Katherine completed the intensive 3-year music degree consisting of vocal technique, performance skill and song writing. She developed her passion for singing and music, focused on writing and producing several project albums. She has been performing for over 10 years and during this time has received regular one-on-one vocal training from some of the best in the business. Katherine has an amazing voice and it is always a delight for audiences when she is able to perform with Soul Desire
 

Abi Ponton – Lead Vocals, Backing Vocals,  Keyboards, Lead Guitar, Bass Guitar

Abi was one of the founder members of soul desire seven years ago. She is a superb musician being proficient in lead and bass guitar as well as keyboards. Her stunning voice is always a delight for audiences lucky enough to see her perform with the band. Having finished University where she studied Art, she is now hoping to be able to again perform with Soul Desire on a regular basis.