Reviewed by Tom Lennie

Remarkably, since their formation in 1988, the Oslo Gospel Choir have released around 20 recordings and sold well over a million albums. Their success, no doubt, is due not just to the novelty of a Scandinavian Gospel Choir, but to their obvious professionalism and the fact that they seek to make gospel music more accessible to non-black audiences. In this they certainly succeed - their self-created songs tend to carry more melody than black gospel counterparts and there is less repetition. In this their music is perhaps comparable to that of Andrae Crouch, who has been a major influence on the group and who has sung on several of their discs. Indeed, on 'This Is The Day', second in a 'Live From Switzerland' series, the 16-piece white choir renders two of Crouch's creations, not least the renowned "We Are Not Ashamed". Other than a lively rendition of "Oh Happy Day", all other tracks are penned or co-penned by OGC director, Tore W Aas. While "Get Together" and "Glory To God Almighty" are high-powered and black gospel sounding numbers and "Celebrate" is a delightful upbeat celebration, most others are gently-flowing choruses with gorgeous, touching melodies. The vocal team are remarkably tight in delivery and numerous members come to the fore to give lead vocals to make an enjoyable hour's worth of listening.

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