Members of the Acappella group performing at the Cinema 2 Theatre last Saturday night. (Photo: Garfield Robinson)

GOSPEL group Acappella has performed in Jamaica four times and if you were among the unfortunates who were only seeing them for the first time Saturday night, you would have felt slightly embarrassed for not having logged on to their unusual style much earlier.

Their music shouldn't be strange to adults, especially those '50s/'60s generations who grew up on a diet of R&B and doo-wap largely influenced by acappella singing. But, surprisingly the few thousands who turned up at Cinema 2 on Saturday night for their latest show were overwhelmingly teenagers.

Acappella has obviously built upon a fast expanding repertoire of gospel and worship songs done in their own unique style. So unique is their style that their version of the perennial favourite, Amazing Grace, was hardly recognisable until it was half way through. But, obvious favourites of local gospel DJs, they seem to have built up a large and faithful youth following.

Gary Evans, the group's bass singer, seems to be such an essential part of the unit that they call him "wonder bass," and it was quite evident why every time he did his bass act. The rhythm couldn't have been better with Robbie Shakespeare strumming his bass guitar and his antics gave the music a renewed flavour which delighted patrons and won screams from teenaged girls every time he did a solo.

Patrons weren't deprived of their favourites like Lead Me To Rest, Set Me Free, Only Truth, Let's Get Together among others. But, the programme really covered a variety of gospel favourites ranging from the aforementioned Amazing Grace to Who's Gonna Tell The Child About God.

After they completed their performance, fans wouldn't let them go and shouted for more.

Former lead singer, Wayburn Dean, who had opened the show with them, kicked off the encores with about four songs, including a really danceable Reggae version of Awesome God and Acappella completed this segment with a moving rendition of God Is Standing By, which must have left an indelible print on the hearts of those listening.

Although this is Acappella's fourth visit to Jamaica, this was the first time local fans were seeing ther new youthful line-up known as Acapella The Next Generation, and which also includes Nic Dunbar, baritone, Matt Nunnally, high tenor and Sean Samuel, second tenor.

In their 20-year history, Acapella and Wayburn Dean have performed in over 2,400 concerts worldwide. Dean, who left the group 10 years ago for a solo career, says he was happy to rejoin them on this reunion in Jamaica. His latest album, As Long As I Live, released last year is also a big hit with Jamaican gospel lovers.

The group donated part proceeds of Saturday night's show to the Maxfield Park Children's Home. With such immense talent matched by such a big heart, we are certainly looking forward to seeing them here again in the near future.

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