The London Community Gospel Choir have for years made a home of the Jazz Café. Every Noel they hold a festive show and belt out in their inimitable style a range of tunes from the Christmas catalogue. As a consequence it’s not a surprise to see them back at one of Camden’s premier music venues for a show that, outside of the limitations of a December set list, can be freer, more wide ranging and more experimental in its song choices.

The crowd was noisy in their anticipation. The MC introducing had to ask for quiet with a school-teacherly shush, a request which was petulantly ignored. The choir, unlike the MC, had the crowd immediately in the palm of their hand, opening with the lesser known "God Is the Lord", which set the religious tone of the evening. A range of gospel songs followed, from the ever popular "Precious Lord" (second only to "O Happy Day" in the recognition stakes) to the more obscure "Everlasting, Everlasting, Everlasting". All were delivered with LCGC’s trademark confidence and flourish.

There are few vocal harmony groups who so consistently deliver on all fronts. They started with an overwhelming and joyous energy, and miraculously continued in that vein all the way to the final song, during which they got the whole room two stepping, spinning and squatting in unison.

It became clear around halfway through the evening that the March timing wasn’t quite as random as it first appeared, as they performed a couple of Easter songs typical of Pentecostal services at this time of year. It was the only moment in which you really felt preached at, and there was a mixed reception from the crowd as a consequence. One wonders if they hope to add this Easter gig to their regular schedule of Jazz Café appearances.

The highlight of the evening was the wholly unexpected Prince tribute, featuring hits like "Nothing Compares To You", "Diamonds and Pearls", "1999" and "Purple Rain", which had the audience squealing with delight. They even squeezed in my personal favourite, the funk classic "Musicology".

Overall, a stupendous night of entertainment with some undisputed masters of voice. The band were solid, the lead guitarist in particular stepped forward a couple of times during the Prince tribute to take some hot solos, but with LCGC it is all about the voices. The blend was perfect, the attitude fierce, and the evening a joy for gospel fans religious and secular alike.

Set List

God is the Lord
Everlasting, Everlasting, Everlasting
Precious Lord
Going Up
At the Cross
Lord I Lift Your Name On High
He Can Work It Out
Nothing Compares To You
Diamonds and Pearls
When Doves Cry
The Most Beautiful Girl in the World
1999
Purple Rain
Musicology
Take a Step
Give your Praise

By Alexander Williams