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A Sentimental Journey
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London,
Jane Cornwell's rating
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Description: The church go contemporary with a free afternoon of gospel music, mellow jazz and acoustica.
Phone: 0870060 3777
Website: www.jazzcafelive.com
Trains: Tube: Camden Town 
Extra info: Taxi, Air Conditioning, Food, Pub
The Reverend Bazil Meade was realistic. "Most of you won't venture into a church over the next few days," he mused, gym-buffed in white T-shirt and trainers, from behind his keyboards. "So we have been commissioned to turn this place into a temple."
With its tricky acoustics, tinsel-wrapped stairs and row of holly wreaths, the Jazz Café didn't feel particularly holy. But the London Community Gospel Choir have been around a long time - 25 years, as it happens. They know how to work a room.
Back for their annual residency, this multi-denominational Walthamstow institution served up exuberant gospel music alongside festive cheer and a little light evangelism.
Backed by a funky band on electric guitars, synthesiser and drums courtesy of Reverend Meade's goatee-ed son Leon, the seven-strong choir performed vocal gymnastics, harmonised with gusto.
This was the young, hip version of the LGSC - five women, two men - drawn from a pool of some 50 musicians. A sort of Christian So Solid Crew in track pants and hoodies, they delivered staples including Joy to the World and Hark the Herald Angels Sing with contagious optimism.
A smiling audience danced, clapped and sang along to original material among such rousing spirituals as Go Tell It On the Mountain. While none of the singers were a match for Annette Bowen - who has the pipes of an avenging angel, notably on the mighty flood warning It's Gonna Rain - all proved themselves worthy of the task.
Stylistically varied, commanding attention as an ensemble (they could lose a solo or two), they delivered Christmas spirit. "Love is what matters," said Meade, reminding us what Christmas is about.
Details are correct at the time of publication - please check with venue before booking.
