Marcia Rowe, Gleaner Writer

There was a strong offering of superb singing and joyful music at the Gospel for Peace II concert at the University of the West Indies Assembly Hall, Mona on Sunday.

It is said that a child shall lead the way, and so it was. The choir of 50 members from St Andrew Preparatory School decked in black bottom and white tops was the first act. Their energetic and well-harmonised rendition of We lift Our Hands and The Greatest Love set the tone for the rest of the programme.

Next was Andrew Lawrence, who took up the challenge set by the little ones from Cecelia Avenue. He filled the assembly hall with a powerful performance of My Confession and Christ My Lord.

Thereafter the first segment of the programme continued with a steady progression of wonderful singing from Harold Davis and Friends with a Jazz arrangement of Blessed Assurance and People Get Ready There's a Train Coming. Davis and Carole Reid combined to deliver The Lord's Prayer, a beautiful arrangement that excited the packed house.

Visually challenged

Soloist and visually challenged Kimela (Candy) Issacs, proved that one does not need sight to sing well as she delivered Nothing but the Blood of Jesus and How I Love Him. For her effort she received a sustained applause from the audience.

The Reverends Jervis, Jackson, Kitson and Parkes showed their flock how to sing a joyful song unto the Lord. Jackson, Kitson and Parkes sang as a trio and delivered a spirited version of It is Well with My Soul. Grace Jervis, the lone female reverend on the programme, delighted her "congregation" with My God is Real.

There were two instrumental acts. In segment one, a double act with Craig Henry on trumpet and Taffane Buchasaeb on saxophone. They were joyful as they played Yes Jesus Loves Me and Lean on Me - "Music that you will find at the gates of heaven" chimed MC Aggrey Irons.

In the second segment, Jon Williams, with an electric violin, was the other instrumental selection. Held to his neck, the violin looked like an extension of Williams' body. He dazzled the audience with Shackles and Agnus Dei.

Second segment

Reid and Jervis also performed in segment two along with Bishop Johnson, DiMario McDowell and Jon McFarlane.

McFarlane, decked in full black, commenced the second segment. He entertained the audience with controlled singing of He Ain't Heavy, He's My Brother and I Believe; McDowell gave a great performance in his rendition of Great is Thy Faithfulness and Lionel Ritchie's Jesus is Love; Reid, in her solo appearance, made her entrance through the audience as she delivered Amazing Grace; she ended her act with "You Raise Me Up".

Also making an appearance was the group Nexus, on the heels of their Austrian tour. Comprising of 19 vocalists and four musicians, the group gave a brilliant performance of a classical version of Holy, Holy Mt Zion and a creative composition of Psalm 123 by Dr Cathy Brown.

The singing of Ernie Smith's All for Jesus by some of the performing ensemble concluded the performances.

Generally, the show was fulfilling spiritually. Aggrey Irons was witty throughout and the spot prizes and gate prizes meant that the lucky ones began the Yuletide season with joy.