Reviewed by Andy Charalambous

In their present format the IDMC (Inter District Mass Choir) has been around for only a short while, yet their first album recorded last February suggests that their formation bears all the maturity and hallmarks of a choir that's been around for years. The album itself was taped in front of a live audience in Brixton and possesses one of the best introductions I've heard in ages. All the featured songs were written by people connected with the IDMC and are definitely in the positive and moving vein. This factor alone will present to you an offering of what's good about British black gospel music - which at long last seems to be entering into a phase of initiative and productive flair as demonstrated by the IDMC. Strangely enough, the title track "Prove Me" is an instrumental and is by far the best musically co-ordinated track on the entire album, although there are songs which do balance the album vocally such as "Down On My Knees" and "God Will Watch Over You". Considering that there isn't another UK choir currently producing the goods, and that this project was independently financed and packaged especially for the IDMC, 'Prove Me' deserves to be out there with the best of them.

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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