SPOTLIGHT CONCERT REVIEW: GAITHER HOMECOMING AT SHADOW MOUNTAIN
SOUTHERN GOSPEL SPOTLIGHT PRESENTS:
CONCERT REVIEW:
GAITHER HOMECOMING
APRIL 9, 2017
VENUE: SHADOW MOUNTAIN COMMUNITY CHURCH, EL CAJON, CA
ARTISTS: GAITHER VOCAL BAND, THE NELONS, CHARLOTTE RITCHIE, GENE MCDONALD, WITH THE GVB BAND (KEVIN MOORE, KEVIN WILLIAMS, GREG RITCHIE, MATTHEW HOLT)
THOUGHTS:
Bill Gaither and the Homecoming crew continue to truly impress me with each concert and their ability to minister and entertain. At eighty-one years old, Gaither is just as energized as ever and still is a fantastic MC. Dr. David Jeremiah’s Shadow Mountain played host to this exciting night of worship featuring The Nelons, Gene McDonald, Charlotte Ritchie and of course the Gaither Vocal Band. The crowd was quite large almost filling the entire sanctuary which is always great to see! Once everyone took their seats, the concert began with guitarist Kevin Williams, who has toured with the Gaither for 24 years, playing a hymn medley featuring “Nothin’ But The Blood,” and “I Stand Amazed,” accompanied by Matthew Holt on the piano, and Greg Ritchie on the drums.
Following this typical opening, Dr. Jeremiah introduced one of the members of his worship staff, Michael Sanchez, who made it to the top 34 on NBC’s The Voice last year. Sanchez performed as song full of energy and fun. Next, Gaither took the stage and of course the usual banter with Williams ensued. Gaither then introduced Charlotte Ritchie who performed a rousing rendition of “Bedside Of A Neighbor,” from her latest album A Beautiful Life. Next, Ritchie was joined by Amber Nelon Thompson and Autumn Nelon Clark on the classic “Down To The River.” Ritchie sounded incredible on both of these great songs. After Gaither introduced him as one of the best bass singers in the Gospel field, Gene McDonald took the stage to sing the Stuart Hamblen classic “This Old House” from his new CD Reflections. McDonald’s clear and resonant bass voice shined on this fun arrangement of the popular song.
Speaking of bass singers, Gaither took time to honor Gospel Music legend Rex Nelon when introducing the next group, The Nelons. This fantastic family group is currently comprised of Kelly Nelon Clark, Jason Clark and daughters Amber Nelon Thompson and Autumn Nelon Clark. The group kicked things off with the upbeat “I Just Can’t Make It By Myself,” which featured Jason and Amber. There is nothing like family harmony which was beautifully showcased here. Next, Amber Nelon Thompson took the lead on the powerful Gaither classic “Then Came The Morning,” which was incredibly moving. Thompson’s voice is simply amazing and she did not disappoint on this song.
The Gaither Vocal Band took the stage next with their usual opening number “Alpha And Omega,” which saw Wes Hampton take the melody line usually featuring David Phelps. The group now featuring Reggie Smith joining Wes Hampton, Adam Crabb, Todd Suttles and Bill Gaither, sounded great right from the opening notes! Smith impressed me right away with his ability to blend with the group as well as his impressive range. 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 who nailed his parts as always. Wes Hampton was once again featured on the powerful old hymn “Til The Storm Passes By” written by the late Mosie Lister. I always enjoy hearing this version as Hampton’s clear resonant tenor shines on the second verse. Gaither stepped back and let the other four members loose on the fun “That’s When The Angels Rejoice,” which really got the crowd excited. Each member shined on this “Gaitherless Vocal Band” track.
Next, following some more comedic banter, Gaither introduced baritone Todd Suttles and featured him on the tender ballad “More Of You,” which asks Christ for Him rather than other gifts and earthly things. Suttles’s warm smooth voice sounded great and his performance delighted the audience. Gene McDonald joined the quintet on stage for the classic song that started the Homecoming videos “Where Could I Go?” which featured several comedic elements such as Suttles standing on a chair to reach McDonald’s height and Adam Crabb’s “impression” of the legendary Jake Hess. Suttles was featured once again on the fast, groovy “Happy Rhythm,” which had the crowd on their feet, clapping and singing along. Next, Gaither took time to feature pianist Matthew Holt on two tracks: “Goodbye World Goodbye,” and “Lonely Mile.”
Both were absolutely incredible and, in my opinion, Holt is one of Southern Gospel’s best pianists. Reggie Smith was featured on the Ira Stanphil standard “We’ll Talk It Over,” which can be found on their latest CD Better Together. Smith blew me away with his impressive tenor voice and his blend with the group. He definitely had big shoes to fill as this was a recent David Phelps feature, but he did an incredible job. I am looking forward to the next recording that will feature him on new material. Adam Crabb took the lead on “Sometimes It Takes A Mountain,” which received a standing ovation. Crabb never ceases to amaze me with his soulful and powerful vocals. The GVB then performed one of their signature ballads “It Is Finished,” which simply brought the house down. Wes Hampton took the second verse which usually Suttles would sing which I found interesting. However, the most interesting and impressive was Adam Crabb taking on the verse usually sung by David Phelps. Crabb absolutely blew me away with the power and range of his voice nailing the Phelps part.
Rather than taking intermission, Gaither continued the festivities with a great rendition of “Life’s Like A Railway,” featuring the Nelons and Gene McDonald. Next, Bill Gaither and Kevin Williams had the audience in stitches with their comedy bit while introducing the tender hearted “You’ve Got A Friend,” which featured Gaither and Suttles.
Adam Crabb was let loose on a rousing rendition of “Winds Of This World,” had the audience on their feet with several members of the GVB going out into the crowd. Crabb not only shines vocally on this song, but he also plays harmonica incredibly on it as well. Next, Bill and the Homecoming choir went down memory lane singing some of Bill & Gloria most well loved songs such as “Something Beautiful,” "The Family Of God,” and “There’s Something About That Name.” Autumn Nelon Clark took the lead on a beautiful rendition of “When God Seems So Near,” which was one of first songs Bill Gaither ever wrote. The young alto’s performance on this incredible song was simply magical. Next, Wes Hampton sang one of his signature songs “He Is Here,” which got great reception from the audience as always. Hampton is truly one of Southern Gospel’s best tenors in my opinion. Charlotte Ritchie was featured once again on the worship classic “Revelation Song,” which had the audience singing along in praise to Christ! Following that powerful performance, the GVB blew me away with “Worthy The Lamb,” and “I Then Shall Live,” with McDonald and Clark on the latter. Bill Gaither addressed the crowd with an truly important message that really resonated with me: many people live in the past and the future, but not in the present. We need to be more present and cherish the moments we have in this life. The GVB then sang another old Gaither song “We Have This Moment Today,” which was simply magical. As always they closed the concert with their classic rendition of “Because He Lives,” which featured Wes Hampton, Gene McDonald, Reggie Smith and Adam Crabb. I loved the the combination of Reggie Smith, Wes Hampton, and Adam Crabb on the last verse. Of course, they also sang a chorus of “Holy Highway,” as well which featured an earth shaking low note from McDonald.
FINAL THOUGHTS:
ANOTHER TRULY INCREDIBLE NIGHT OF WORSHIP AND PRAISE! EACH ARTIST WERE AMAZING VOCALLY AND GAVE ENGAGING AND POWERFUL PERFORMANCES. REGGIE SMITH FITS IN WELL WITH THE GVB AND I LOOK FORWARD TO MORE NEW MUSIC WITH HIM SOON. SMITH HAS INCREDIBLE RANGE AND TONE TO HIS VOICE. ADAM CRABB WAS IN TOP VOCAL FORM AND BLEW ME AWAY WITH HIS SOLOS ON “IT IS FINISHED,” “SOMETIMES IT TAKES A MOUNTAIN,” AND “WINDS OF THIS WORLD.” I ALSO LOVED TAKING PICTURES WITH AND TALKING TO THE MEMBERS OF THE GVB AND GENE MCDONALD AGAIN. THEIR KINDNESS MEANS A LOT TO ME AND IT IS REFRESHING TO KNOW THAT THEY ARE THE REAL DEAL ON AND OFF STAGE. I ALSO GOT A CHANCE TO MEET BILL GAITHER AGAIN AS HE DECIDED TO JOIN THE OTHERS AT THE PRODUCT TABLES AFTER THE CONCERT WHICH IS VERY RARE FOR HIM.
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
