Photo by SHANE KEYSER/The Star
An old-fashioned variety show enthralled an audience of approximately 10,000 at Kemper Arena Thursday night. A series of remarkably talented entertainers offered a vibrant mix of country, bluegrass, blues, soul and rock performances. And by the way, it was almost all gospel music.
The "Homecoming" tour of Southern Gospel giant Bill Gaither was originally scheduled for December. A winter snowstorm had postponed the concert. "Merry Christmas, Kansas City," the 71-year-old Gaither joked. "We finally made it."
The show lasted almost four hours. While not every musician's turn was memorable, a few were exceptional. Four artists in particular stood out. The single most resonant performance of the night- both musically and spiritually- belonged to Kansas City resident Lynda Randle. Gaither called her magnificent voice "as big as Texas."
Randle's stunning interpretation of "His Eye Is On the Sparrow" showcased her broad range and magisterial artistry. "It's good to be home," Randle said. "I can sleep in my bed tonight."
Young bluegrass group the Isaacs had the unenviable task of following Randle's potentially show-stopping performance. Yet their three-song set demonstrated why they're stars on the bluegrass circuit. Their tender reading of "It Is Well With My Soul" was especially masterful. In an evening distinguished by brilliant harmonies, the Isaac's vocal mix sparkled in the dazzling fashion unique to family acts.
Gordon Mote, a top Nashville session pianist, turned in the most unlikely highlight of the evening. The blind man's unabashedly personal love song to his wife, "If They Could See You Through My Eyes," was deeply affecting. It was the sole song of the evening that wasn't overtly Christian-themed.
His soulful accompaniment of other entertainers provided a welcome blues undercurrent throughout the show. Opening with the jaunty "Livin' In the Rain," the traditional country of Jeff and Sheri Easter also impressed. The married couple's song "Life Is Great and Gettin' Better" served as an apt theme for the hope-filled evening.
Their witty banter with Gaither also amused the audience. "We've never had an argument," Jeff Easter drawled. "We just have intense moments of fellowship."
The energetic work of Ernie Haas and Signature Sound received several ovations. The group updates the traditional Southern gospel male quartet sound. Russ Taff, Ben Speer and Joy Gardner were also members of the cast.
In spite of the night's lengthy string of entertainers, Gaither dominated the proceedings. In addition to serving as a jovial master of ceremonies, Gaither wrote many of the 44 songs performed at the concert. Gaither's genial persona is equal parts preacher, self-help guru and salesman.
The performers' merchandise tables lined Kemper's concourses and the concert was loaded with Gaither's pitches for each entertainers' line of "products." A 25-minute intermission gave fans an opportunity to meet -and purchase- these wares.
Gaither is so gracious and self-aggrandizing, however, that his come-ons never seemed overly intrusive. Even so, Gaither's own singing became slightly tedious. The concert would not have suffered if he had performed a little less.
Only the striking presence of the Gaither Vocal Band's Guy Penrod, known just as much for his long gray hair as for his vocal talent, seemed to hold the attention of many of the audience's women as he harmonized with Gaither.
The night's hour-long second set was a casual affair. The entire ensemble gathered on stage to trade songs and jokes. "These are Southern convention singing songs," Gaither said. They transformed the cavernous sports arena into a spirited tent revival. The sense of intimacy was enhanced by the excellent production. The concert's center stage and sharp video projection system were no different than the ones employed by George Strait in Kemper Arena earlier in the month.
"The good news tonight," Gaither said near the end of the hope-filled night, "Is that death loses and life wins."
| Bill Brownlee, Special to The Star
If anyone had a complete set list
for Bill Gaither's Homecoming
Tour I would very much appreciate
it...
cat
[email protected]
Posted by: cat | October 08, 2007 at 08:06 AM