Harlem Gospel Choir – Darlington Civic Theatre

MC: Allen Bailey

Reviewer: Ian Cain

The Public Reviews Rating:

There cannot be another gospel choir who can count two Popes, two Presidents and several superstars among their fan base. But, then again, there cannot be another gospel choir like the Harlem Gospel Choir.

Inspired by the work of Dr Martin Luther King Junior, Allen Bailey founded the original choir after attending a celebration of King’s life. Since forming in 1986, at Harlem’s Cotton Club, they have become America’s premier gospel choir and have performed with a wide range of contemporary and traditional artists. The Harlem Gospel Choir shares its message of love and inspiration, through its dynamic performances, with thousands of people around the world and raises funds for many children’s charities in the process. From China to Australia, Russia to Alaska, they have travelled more than 3 million miles with their rich harmonies and songs of hope. Now, as part of their 25th anniversary celebrations, they are back in the United Kingdom after a six year absence and performing a 30-date tour.

Staying true to their original form, the choir still draw their core singers and musicians from black churches in the Harlem and New York area and the first half of this heartfelt, celebratory concert retained a distinctly Christian feel. Several members of the choir took it in turn to sing solo spots and demonstrate the strength and clarity of their powerful voices, whilst the proceedings were fused together by Allen Bailey, who charmed the audience as MC.

The second act was a more up-tempo and commercial affair with the choir performing more recognisable numbers which included ‘Amazing Grace’, ‘Oh, Happy Day!’ ‘Celebration’ and ‘We Are The World’, the charity single recorded to raise funds for the Ethiopian famine, in 1985. Audience participation was actively encouraged and several members of the crowd were brought on stage to join the choir in a couple of numbers – some needed far less persuasion than others!

Although this concert is a glorious and uplifting evening, filled with soulful harmonies and divine inspiration, I was slightly perplexed as to why a few more sing-along numbers were not included. The choir could easily have integrated songs such as ‘I Will Follow Him’ from ‘Sister Act’ or even an old favourite like ‘When The Saints Come Marching In’. However, this is merely an observation rather than a criticism.

The appreciative audience clapped along, stamped their feet and danced in the aisles, and there was little doubt that they’d had a heavenly evening. Hallelujah!