Reviewed by Lins Honeyman

To tie in with the London Community Gospel Choir's 30th anniversary, its founder and leader Bazil Meade has finally put pen to paper to chronicle the birth, development and continuing success of one of the world's most sought after gospel outfits. With a conversational writing style that immediately draws the reader in, it's clear that Meade is writing from the heart when detailing the aims and goals he originally had for his beloved choir as well as some of some of the opposition the choir faced - almost exclusively from church people, sadly - at its inception. Whilst Meade uses fairly broad brushstrokes when detailing what LCGC has been up to since its formation in 1983, perhaps the most fascinating chapters of this autobiography deal with his early life in Montserrat and the character-shaping challenges surrounding his subsequent relocation to England as a young boy. Elsewhere, Meade includes an informed section on the history of gospel music whilst social and racial snapshots of the 60s and 70s are scattered throughout to add meat to the bone of this intriguing read. Despite having rubbed shoulders with the likes of Paul McCartney and Elton John (not to mention having Beatles producer Sir George Martin write the book's foreword), Meade humbly offers up a refreshingly realistic slant on LCGC's achievements - often crediting the success to other members of his team and family - whilst detailing his relationship with Jesus Christ in an accessible manner throughout.

The opinions expressed in this article are not necessarily those held by Cross Rhythms. Any expressed views were accurate at the time of publishing but may or may not reflect the views of the individuals concerned at a later date.

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Bazil’s journey has taken him from the cotton fields of Montserrat to the 2009 FA Cup Final where the London Community Gospel Choir performed the FA Cup hymn. He was born into poverty and a life without hope but found his future fulfilled through his calling to music.

Bazil left the Caribbean and came to England at 9. A difficult relationship with his stepfather led to his leaving home at age 13 and moving in with his pastor who suggested he take up music. She prayed and laid hands on him and by the end of the evening he could play the piano. Within a fortnight he was performing in public. To this day, Bazil still can’t read music and plays purely by instinct.

He has worked with most of the greats – from Daman Albarn (Blur) to Beverly Knight – and commendations will be significant and numerous.