Gospel choirs double act warms up Norwich
 Two gospels choirs provided the perfect antidote to the freezing weather currently gripping the country, during a brilliant concert at Kings Community Church in Norwich on December 16. Review by Stuart Field
I have finally found the ultimate cure for coldness in these nasty conditions of ours: gospel music! On a freezing, snowy night, 500 people or so were treated to a night of outstanding music all in the aid of very, very worthy cause at Kings Community Church.
The London Gospel Community Choir, supported by the excellent Norwich Youth for Christ Gospel Choir, were raising money for the International Justice Mission (IJM) who dedicate themselves to freeing people from the bonds of slavery all over the world; for instance, freeing people trapped by bonded slavery in India or girls and boys forced into a horrifying life of prostitution.
The night got off to a fantastic start with the NYFC Gospel Choir, who really did Norwich proud showing off their vocal and musical talents. I especially enjoyed I Found the Way. (Do check out their debut album, God has Smiled - very good indeed!)
And then came the London Gospel Community Choir...who were just stunning!
Led by the engaging Bazil Meade they had us all dancing within two songs (it seems people in Norwich need to be invited to dance!?) and there was a great feeling of joy and freedom in the main hall.
Unrepentant and very vocal about their belief in God, they showed us that joy is at the heart of the Christian message - which is something we all need to be reminded of sometimes (especially in weather like we have been having!).
They played a good range of songs, taking in modern gospel, traditional gospel and pop classics One Love and By the Rivers of Babylon. Highlights for me were a run through of Swing Low Sweet Chariot with actions, I go to the Rock and Amazing Grace - which still never fails to move me.
But I think everyone would agree with me the moment of the night came with Eye on the Sparrow. I didn’t catch the singer’s name, but her voice was out of this world. Her vocal range and performance left everyone breathless.
It was a brilliant night and it we all left feeling lifted and joyous. The LGCC are an incredible choir who play throughout the world (including the Glastonbury festival) spreading the message of salvation and I was excited to hear that the LGCC would love to come back to Norwich! If you missed them this time round then I would definitely keep an eye out: well worth seeing.
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