Swedish Sensation

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10.05.2013

Having previously heard the work Fred Påhlsson had done with the Joyful Voice choir I could not wait to
hear what was to come with this new group.

From the first moments when they opened the morning service at Birmingham Citadel with an arrangement of “This is the
Day” I knew that I would not be disappointed.

In the afternoon the group ventured out to Victoria Square in the city centre and the crowds were soon
drawn to the sound that could be heard throughout the town. It was also a delight to note the number
of people who came to the evening concert purely because of what they had heard out in the town that
day.

Mercy provided music for everyone. There were gospel arrangements of the traditional hymns “Blessed
Assurance” and “How Great Thou Art” and prayerful moments such as “Förlåten (Forgiven)”. There were
big rousing songs of praise such as “God, You are God” and some very laid back funky moments in songs
like “Change”.

I wish I could highlight every song they did throughout the day, they were all phenomenal, but my
personal favourite would have to be when they sang “Cleanse My Heart”. It’s a song I have had the
pleasure to sing with a number of groups in recent years but the song was really brought to life in such a
powerful way that you could not help but be moved by it.

From a musical perspective they were fantastic. Everything was so tight and well-rehearsed it was an
absolute pleasure to listen to.

But it was so much more than that. They brought an infectious energy that meant you couldn’t resist
clapping and singing along. There was such a passion in everything that they did, it was clear that God
was working through them.

It could all be summed up by the words of their finale, I am the Messenger. They came with a message
and delivered it loud and clear to all the people of Birmingham.

Report by Adam Hayward