'Gospel with a Difference' delivers

Marcia Rowe, Gleaner Writer

The awesomeness of God was on show at Gospel with a Difference.

The show, produced by its main act, Kamila Isaac, a visually challenged vocalist, was, in essence, a testimony in song and a history lesson on gospel music.

Held at Campion College on Sunday, the event began with two prayers; one was the National Anthem and the other a spoken prayer.

The prayers were followed by an unseen MC who began the gospel lesson with a promise of inspirational edutainment in old-time gospel, Jamaican gospel, jazz and international gospel.

"Gospel music has been created to express religious beliefs and features the use of dominant vocals. Many historians believed that gospel music came about in the days of slavery," the MC explained.

And to illustrate his point, the Reverend Grace Jarvis rendered the powerful words of Amazing Grace, done by former slave owner, John Newton.

spiritual and emotional content

Jarvis was preceded by two female dancers who highlighted the song's spiritual and emotional content through movement. Then the baton of old-time gospel was passed on to Isaac, who opened her account with Steal Away and followed it up with a jazzy Swing Low Sweet Chariot. Isaac also did justice to Somebody is Calling Out My Name.

Subsequently, the lesson continued with an introduction to Jamaican gospel.

Perhaps from being onstage for a long period, Isaac's performance faltered in this section of the gospel journey. Except for her original, My Faithful Friend, the performance was somewhat flat.

But on her return to the stage for the international set, the talented Jamaican redeemed herself with her personal testimony, supported by a medley of songs.

Her testimony spoke of a child born blind, becoming a Christian a few days shy of her fifth birthday, and her commitment since that day.

"Serving the Lord is a beautiful thing; the Lord has done so many beautiful things. He is awesome, He is incredible," Isaac said, before having an altar call with a rendition of He's Still on Time.

Isaac was backed by Desi Jones on drum, Chris McDonald on keyboard, Kenroy Mullings on guitar, and Adrian Henry on bass.

The fair-sized turnout was also treated to a performance from the ever-maturing Levy's Heritage. The group performed One Touch, a song that won them the Jamaica Cultural Development Committee's Gospel Song Competition.

Gospel with a Difference was conceptualised by Isaac after a successful staging of Who Is A Girl? last year, which encouraged her to do a full-length gospel show.

"But I did not want it to be just an ordinary gospel concert, where you have various artistes. I wanted it to be me alone. I wanted a difference," she said.