Reviewed by Trevor Kirk

Following on from 'Out Of The Blue', reviewed below, Madeleine and James have collaborated on a musical called Hot Gospel; if, looking at that title, you're expecting traditional black gospel music, with righteous brothas and sistas wreckin' the church, then you'll not find it here. This is an original work in firmly easy listening mode, which the composers say differs from other religious musicals, in that it begins where they finish, covering the story from after the crucifixion until the apostles go out to spread the word. Apparently they've not heard of Birmingham's prolific musicals man Roger Jones, who's covered this area of early church history in at least three of his works, but I digress. This CD is really only of value as a teaching aid; I found it difficult to assess the quality of the songs because most of them are sung so badly, with little tonal quality and not a great deal of technique, and the production and vocal arrangements are nothing to write home about either. I can't think of any reason why you should buy this to sit down and listen to; equally, there's nothing here to convince any radio station to give it airplay. Disappointing.

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