The
celebrations were about to get underway
at the Dominion Centre in Woodgreen, London
as it played host to IDMC's 13th Anniversary
Reunion and Live Recording Concert.
There was a nice mellow atmosphere around
the Auditorium as it slowly filled with
people who were gathered to see what South
London's front man of UK Gospel John
Fisher had in store this time around.
IDMC (Individuals Dedicated to the Ministry
of Christ) have successfully been a choir
since forming in 1994 under the direction
of John is the founder.
As with any standard show there needed
to be a great compeer, someone to keep you
amused, and fully keeping them in tune with
what to expect next. The humorous talking
Dave McQueen did just this.
Some time after the choir emerged on to
the stage. They looked slightly unrecognisable
of course because faces of past and present
were combined together.
They went into their first set which was
all about their old albums such as
'Take it to the streets’ and
'Lift your head up'.
I couldn't name every song line for line
but some particularly struck a chord. Classics
like 'Only You' and the
golden oldie by Walter Hawkins,
'If anybody asks you' instantly
captured the minds around the building.
You could see and hear people singing along
confidently as they reminisced on the early
years.
This was enjoyable and kept people on their
toes dancing with the help of the band who
were on point throughout.
To some surprise, John hopped onto the drums
for one number as you might have thought
those days were long gone. But it was clearly
obvious that he still remembered how to
make a beat!.
The set carried on for a good amount of
time, and it didn't drag on as it may have
appeared in the beginning. This went well
as it gave you more of a chance to hear
the variety of songs.
The choir then came off for the end of
their first set and their supporting acts
did their thing.
Natalie Philips, a former
member of IDMC featured and performed a
couple of songs which gave a wholehearted
performance that embraced the crowd.
Also flowing lyricist Alan Charles
who is well known for his explorative poems
excited everyone. Particulary when he did
his 'Everybody Ought to Know’
piece. It brought laughter and
passion to the meaning of what God was.
He got everyone involved but they didn’t
need any help with the words as they became
catchy after a time.
Other highlights of the night included
Juliet Fletcher, a UK pioneer on the gospel
scene, paying homage to John. She appreciated
his contribution and called him "A
Hero of British Gospel Music". This
was nice to hear more fetching words said
about him.
It was now time for the Grande finale,
which was to be memorable. John promised
that he would do as much as he could before
they had to vacate the premises!.
His old pal and renowned worship leader
Noel Robinson, joined him for the song Noel
wrote and has been famously recognised
'It is to you'. They also performed
a few new tracks that will be on their new
album, including 'Yes'
and 'It's not about me’.
This had a motowny, 70's feel and took some
getting used to but it goes to show that
a new era had approached the choir, so this
meant bravely attempting new styles.
The new album would be a compilation,
' The Best of IDMC’; the
first of it's kind as John pointed out to
be done by any choir in the UK.
There was no disputing that the show was
good as it was entertaining. The singing
and music blessed people but it would have
been nice to perhaps have other features
to the show since it was an Anniversary
Celebration.
I'm sure this was just a taster for more
albums and shows that IDMC will do, so let's
keep watching this space!.
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