CONCERT REVIEW: GAITHER HOMECOMING TOUR 2015: LA MESA, CA
SOUTHERN GOSPEL SPOTLIGHT PRESENTS
CONCERT REVIEW:
GAITHER HOMECOMING
LA MESA, CA
OCTOBER 4, 2015
ARTISTS:
GAITHER VOCAL BAND (BILL GAITHER, DAVID PHELPS, WES HAMPTON, ADAM CRABB, AND TODD SUTTLES), THE ISAACS (LILY, SONYA, BECKY, AND BEN), THE MARTINS (JOYCE, JUDY, AND JONATHAN), GENE MCDONALD, CHARLOTTE RITCHIE, GREG RITCHIE, AND KEVIN WILLIAMS
THOUGHTS:
Let me start this review by saying that out of the four times I’ve seen the Gaither Homecoming group in concert, this was my favorite of them all. Each artist was at peak vocal form and the musicians shined as well.
People gathered out front of Skyline Church in La Mesa, CA in the rain this past Sunday night as they waited in great anticipation for the concert. The church itself was beautiful and spacious. When you walked into the main atrium of the building, the artists had the product tables ready for people to browse. The groups performed to a sold out crowd of all ages which is refreshing to see. I love to see other people my age enjoy this great music!! In fact, that is one of my hopes for this blog: to see more young people get involved in Southern Gospel Music. I strongly believe that Bill Gaither and his dear friends truly champion this hope as well.
Once everyone took their seats, the concert began with guitarist Kevin Williams, who has toured with the Gaithers for over 20 years, playing a hymn medley accompanied by Matthew Holt on the piano, and Greg Ritchie on the drums. Next, Mr. Homecoming himself, Bill Gaither, took the stage and welcomed the audience. Gaither and Williams engaged in some classic banter as always. They commented on the rain which then led Bill to conduct everyone in sing-along of “Showers of Blessings” followed by the great standard “It Is No Secret” written by Californian Stuart Hamblen. In typical Gaither concert fashion, the other artists each sang a set before the Gaither Vocal Band takes the stage. First to sing was the lovely Charlotte Ritchie, longtime Gaither performer formerly of the Nelons among others. Ritchie began with a fun upbeat tune the title of which escapes me, followed by a powerful ballad about genuine relationships called “Building Bridges.” The song beautifully addresses the need for people to be kind to others and be a light to the world. Ritchie’s voice was better than ever; delivering the lyric with the great emotion and heart.
Next, as Bill introduced him was the “dean of the bass singers” Gene McDonald. McDonald’s clear and resonant bass voice has also been a longtime fixture of the Gaither concert tour as well as the many Gaither videos. He sang a popular song from his latest album From Love To Love, “A Thing Called Love” which showcases his amazing range and an unbelievable low note. Gaither then introduced the talented family trio the Martins who delighted the audiences with three fantastic songs. As usual, the group led with the upbeat “Count Your Blessings” which always has the audience on their feet. They then slowed it down and performed their most requested song “The Promise” which beautifully talks about God’s promise to us, His children. I’ve heard this song many times, but this time it really struck a chord with me. It was an incredibly moving performance which received a standing ovation. In my opinion, I have never heard the group sing it better than they did at this concert. The siblings closed their set with another unbelievable performance: an a cappella version of the Broadway standard “You’ll Never Walk Alone.” Once again, the tight harmonies were breathtaking and moving. This was also well received as evident by another standing ovation.
Following the Martins, another amazing family group took the stage. The audience was delighted with the beautiful Bluegrass harmonies of the Isaacs. They began with the fast paced bluegrass tune “Get On Board” which features the twang and soaring soprano of Sonya Isaacs Yeary on the verses. She was joined by her sister Becky Isaacs Bowman and their mother Lily on the harmonies. Brother Ben Isaacs blew me away with his bass playing on this song as did Sonya’s skill on the mandolin. Next, the group tried their hand at a cappella with fun mid-tempo “Walk Together Children” which featured Bill Gaither’s now classic “boom booms” or bass line. This provided for some more comedic moments. They followed this with the poignant and powerful ballad about forgiveness called “Why Can’t We.” Ben takes the lead on the first verse showcasing his warm lead/baritone voice. Becky beautifully delivers the lyrics of the second verse followed by Sonya on the bridge. This was another highlight of the night along with the following testimony. Lily Isaacs then thanked the audience for their love and support of the group. She felt moved to read from her autobiography which tells of her family’s history. Isaacs, whose mother was a Holocaust survivor, tells a moving story of a woman named Sabrina who saved her mother’s life. Her mother was among the many Jews who were taken from Poland to Germany by the Nazis in crowded train cars experiencing unimaginable horrors. The Nazis divided the Jewish people into different lines: one which ultimately led to the gas chambers. This was the line that Lily’s mother was pushed into, but a woman named Sabrina forced the guards to let her into her other line. What a powerful story of God’s faithfulness. One action can save a life. Bill then took a seat at the piano to accompany the trio on the beautifully fitting “If That Isn’t Love” which was absolutely incredible. The harmonies were flawless! The audience gave the performance a standing ovation and the group sang another chorus. This was another personal highlight of the night!!
Bill Gaither then began talking about the many artists that have sung with him over the years. He then praised the current lineup of the Gaither Vocal Band and welcomed them to the stage. The GVB which consists of Gaither (Bass), David Phelps (Tenor), Wes Hampton (Tenor), Adam Crabb (Lead), and Todd Suttles (Baritone/Bass), opened with a Gaither classic “Yes, I Know” which was took me by surprise as I was expecting “Alpha and Omega” which is their usual opening number. This mid-tempo tune proclaims the power of Jesus’ blood. Next, the quintet picked up the tempo with the fun “Love Is Like A River” which showcases each member and features both the baritone and bass voice of Todd Suttles. Wes Hampton was featured on the powerful old hymn “Til The Storm Passes By” written by the late Mosie Lister. This is always a delight to hear as Hampton’s clear resonant tenor shines on the second verse. Continuing with hymns, Bill took the lead on the classic “God Leads Us Along” which also features the warm tones of Suttles and the soulful lead of Adam Crabb. This was a song from their Grammy nominated Hymns project that I had wanted to hear live ever since I first heard it. I was blown away by the intricate and beautiful harmonies. Following this spirit-filled moment, the group sang the song that started the homecoming videos “Where Could I Go.” Bill brought Gene McDonald up to sing the bass part of this classic tune. Also, perhaps the funniest moment of the concert happened during this song when Todd Suttles stood on a chair next to Gene in order to “stand” at his height. Adam Crabb also put forth his best Jake Hess impression on his solo verse. The group then performed another classic song “Happy Rhythm” with a new spin. The booming bass voice of Todd Suttles shined on this groovy track from the group’s latest album Sometimes It Takes A Mountain. Gaither then introduced pianist Matthew Holt who performed “Goodbye World Goodbye” which was well received. His piano stylings also took the lead on “Lonely Mile.” Next, David Phelps performed the incredibly moving “Lord’s Prayer” from his Classics cd which received a standing ovation. Phelps never ceases to amaze me with his unbelievable tenor voice. The GVB closed the first half with the thoughtful and powerful lyric “Sometimes It Takes A Mountain” which features Adam Crabb and the powerful “He’s Alive.” The rest of the artists joined in on the final chorus and Phelps knocked it out of the park.
At intermission, I was able to get pictures with many of the artists and have them sign autographs. Everyone was so kind which truly means the world to me! Also, before the show, I was able to get a lot of great stuff at the various product tables which will be reviewed in the coming weeks.
The second half began with the gifted guitar stylings of Kevin Williams and the fantastic fiddle playing of Kevin Moore. Next, Bill and the group previewed their upcoming Christmas project by singing a new arrangement of “Changed By A Baby Boy” which featured both Todd and Adam. This new version included a break down towards the end that felt as though we went to church. Buy the record and you’ll see what I mean! Following this song, The Martins led the choir on the classic “Life Is Like A Mountain Railroad” then sang another a cappella tune called “Shut De Do” which also featured Bill’s “boom booms.” Bill then asked them to perform the “Doxology” which is one of my personal favorites by the group. I have never heard it sung better than at this concert. It was absolutely incredible!
Next, Bill and the Homecoming choir went down memory lane singing some of Bill & Gloria most well loved songs such as “He Touched Me,” “Something Beautiful,” and “I Will Serve Thee.” The Gaither Vocal Band then sang in my opinion the most beautiful version of “Sinner Saved By Grace” ever. This stripped down arrangement was absolutely breathtaking. Other highlights of the second half included Charlotte Ritchie, Jonathan Martin, and David Phelps on “I Stand Amazed,” the Isaacs on “I Don’t Know About Tomorrow,” and Wes Hampton singing “Little Is Much.” This incredible night of worship, fun, laughs, and music came to a close with powerful performances of “I Then Shall Live,” “Let Freedom Ring,” and “Holy Highway.” David Phelps nailed his solo on his signature song which got a great response from audience as did the impressive low note from Gene McDonald on “Holy Highway.”
After the concert was over, I was able to get autographs and pictures with the artists I had missed at intermission as well as the opportunity to spread the word about this blog to the various artists. I greatly appreciate the interest that everyone has shown in this blog! I’d like to thank all the artists and crew for an unforgettable evening of great music.
I cannot recommend enough that you attend a Gaither concert!! You will not be disappointed in the slightest! These artists are the real deal both on and off the stage.
For more information on the Gaither Homecoming Tour and all things Gaither Music, visit www.gaither.com