Songs of praise at Hymnspeak

Spontaneity and passion defined Hymnspeak Redeemed, staged by Gospelfest Barbados on Tuesday night at St Mary’s Anglican, The City.
The production, now in its seventh year, continues to attract participants who relish the occasion to peel back the years and recapture songs and hymns that spoke to them long ago in their youth.
The event is mainly about singing, but the overwhelming presence of the horns, drums and organ brought a richness to music once only associated with solemnity. In no way are the songs and hymns compromised, but a vibrancy and enthusiasm are lent to their execution.
And then there is the ever enthusiastic musical director Mike Roberts. He does not hold back on his involvement, and left no doubt that he thoroughly enjoyed himself. His congregation sang from their heads and not their chests.
“Let us sing that chorus again,” he intones.
He does not settle for just good when, in his opinion, it can be done better.
Hymnspeak 2012 was another success.
It was a mixture of talent, testimony and unspeakable joy. (JS)