Reviewed by Ian Hayter

Hot Gospel are a community choir based in Hull, the brainchild of professional singer Helen Garnett. The 25 member, multi-ethnic choir, accompanied by a powerful four-piece band, tour the north of England and perform a set of songs that would grace any gospel ensemble. This is their first CD and contains covers of songs by the likes of Hezekiah Walker ("Do You Know Jesus?") and Kirk Franklin ("Now Behold The Lamb"). Helen Garnett herself takes the lead on several of the songs, with other choir members doing the honours as well. With the driving bass of Dave Short and some great guitar and organ work from Antoine Robinson, who mixed 11 of the 12 tracks, the choir sing their hearts out. For those who are well acquainted with African American gospel, this set simply won't compare with the originals. But taken on its own merits, this is an impressive debut.

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