The Variety Show

Join us on this captivating journey into the fascinating world of live entertainment. Host Adam Sternberg brings you engaging conversations with remarkable entertainers, from magicians and jugglers to aerial artists and contortionists. Discover the unique stories behind their extraordinary careers, the challenges they have faced, and the motivations that drive them. If you are passionate about live entertainment or simply curious about the lives of extraordinary performers, this podcast is a must-listen.

Episode Highlights

In this episode, Adam welcomes Reverend Bazil Meade, founder of the London Community Gospel Choir, widely recognised as a pioneering force in British gospel music. Bazil traces his path from a childhood on the Caribbean island of Montserrat to becoming one of the most influential figures in UK choral music. He shares moving and sometimes dramatic stories about migration, racism, faith, early musical mentorship, the formation of LCGC in the early 1980s and its rapid rise to performing on global stages and collaborating with major artists including Paul McCartney, George Martin, Luther Vandross, Foreigner and Madonna. Basil also breaks down the sound, history and emotional heart of gospel, the distinction between spirituals and modern gospel music, and how improvisation, movement and community inform the choir’s world-renowned style. We hear candid reflections on creativity, the transition to handing leadership to his children, unforgettable stage moments and a live lesson in singing that leads Adam to his first gospel duet.

Key Discussion Points

  • Origins and Early Life in Montserrat: Born in Montserrat in the Caribbean, raised in a small wooden house and living largely off the land and the sea.
  • Migration to the UK and Culture Shock: Travelled alone at age nine on a two week boat journey to Southampton, experiencing seasickness, unfamiliar food and the tight communal conditions typical of early Windrush-era ships.
  • Early Musical Influences and Church Community: Grew into music through church life in Hackney and Dalston Lane.
  • A Dramatic Escape and New Beginnings: Recounted a frightening confrontation with his stepfather that led him to flee the house, land in Leicester Square and impulsively leave for Germany with a group selling encyclopedias to US bases.
  • Founding the London Community Gospel Choir: Co founded LCGC in 1982 with Lawrence Johnson, John Francis and Delroy Powell.
  • Weekly Rehearsals and National Influence: Wednesday rehearsals began in the early years and continue to this day.
  • Gospel: History, Sound and Soul: Explains the origins of Negro spirituals in slavery, the emotional weight of songs reflecting suffering, longing and coded expressions of hope.
  • Improvisation, Movement and Choir Culture: Contrasts gospel with classical choral traditions, emphasising freedom, spontaneity and connection.
  • Collaborations with Major Artists: Shares vivid stories from working with Paul McCartney on Give My Regards to Broad Street and with producer George Martin who had Montserrat ties.
  • Recounts multiple recording and rehearsal sessions with Madonna, describing her intense focus, high standards and direct creative involvement.
  • Reflects on an unforgettable collaboration with Luther Vandross, praising his warmth, respect and genuine connection with the choir.
  • Passing the Baton to the Next Generation: Bazil’s children, Leon and Venetta, now lead LCGC. He speaks honestly about the challenge of stepping back after four decades, learning to let go and trusting a new creative vision.
  • New Music and British Gospel Identity: Previews tracks from the upcoming LCGC album written by Leon and collaborators.
  • Live Performance Moments and Things Going Wrong: Reflects on the occasional onstage mishaps, including brain fog during complex a cappella sections and how professionalism lies in carrying on seamlessly.

Interactive Segment

Bazil demonstrates vocal lines from God Has Smiled On Me, explaining how he teaches gospel phrasing, why certain keys colour the music differently and how singers follow emotional cues rather than written notation.

Get in Touch

For more on Bazil Meade visit:

👉https://www.instagram.com/bazil.meade/?hl=en

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🎵 Original title music written by Peter O'Donnell and produced by Chris Burgess.

Join Adam Sternberg next time for another captivating glimpse into the world of live entertainment.

What is The Variety Show?

The Variety Show is a celebration of the extraordinary people who bring live performance to life. Each week, host Adam Sternberg sits down with a dazzling range of guests – from magicians to contortionists, gospel singers to tap dancers to uncover the real stories behind their craft. How do artists decide to dedicate their lives to performing? What inspires them, challenges them, and keeps them coming back to the stage? Through intimate conversations, Variety gives listeners a behind-the-curtain look at the journeys, passions, and influences that shape today’s performers. Whether you’re a fan of live entertainment, a lover of the arts, or simply curious about the paths less traveled, this podcast offers a fresh perspective on the world of performance.

If you have any comments about the podcast or are a performer who wants advice please do email info@thevarietyshowpodcast.co.uk