SPOTLIGHT CONCERT REVIEW: TRIBUTE QUARTET
SOUTHERN GOSPEL SPOTLIGHT PRESENTS:
CONCERT REVIEW:
TRIBUTE QUARTET
JANUARY 12, 2019
CASA DE ORO BAPTIST CHURCH
SPRING VALLEY, CA
MEMBERS: GARY CASTO (LEAD), JOSH SINGLETARY (BARITONE, PIANIST), ANTHONY DAVIS (BASS), AND GUS GACHES (TENOR)
THOUGHTS:
On the rainy evening of Saturday January 12, 2019, Casa De Oro Baptist Church played host to the talented,Dove Award nominated Tribute Quartet. This small, quaint church was packed with a very lively audience whose comments led to some hilarious moments throughout the concert. After a word of prayer, Tribute took the stage and opened with the classic quartet tune “I’ve Been With Jesus,” which featured Josh Singletary as well as new member Gus Gaches, who joined this month following the departure of longtime tenor Riley Harrison Clark. It was great seeing Gaches on stage again after his several year absence from full time ministry. Gaches’s powerful tenor fits with the quartet perfectly, in my humble opinion. Next, the groups kicked it up a notch with the fun, bouncy rhythm filled, “Move That Mountain,” which featured Gary Casto, Josh Singletary, and Anthony Davis. This song had the audience clapping along and set the tone for the rest of the evening. Josh Singletary took the lead next on the energy filled “Everybody Come See Jesus,” which is one of my favorite tracks from their latest mainline release Here For You. After Casto’s group introductions, Anthony Davis was featured on the bass singer classic “Let’s Go To That Land,” which showcases both his lower and upper registers. The song, that looks toward Heaven,as well as Davis’s smooth bass voice was a hit with the audience.
Speaking of audience response, Josh Singletary made his way to the piano next to play a rousing rendition of Power In The Blood. Wrongly timed applause and other responses from the audience led to some hilarious moments of natural comedy from Singletary, who was in top form throughout the concert. His “antics” have been a highlight for me personally both times I have seen the group in concert. Next, Gus was featured again on the classic tenor track “Over The Moon, which showcased Gaches’s incredible control and range. It also provided a fantastic moment of comedy with Davis kicking up his leg toward the end of the song. “What A Meeting In The Air,” was next which was well received. Gary Casto’s powerful lead vocals were showcased on the incredible “His Tomb Is Empty Now,” which tells of His Resurrection. Gus Gaches was featured once again on the powerful anthem “Who Am I,” which reminds us of His Sacrifice even though we are unworthy. I was blown away by his performance!! In my humble opinion, he sounded better than ever on this track and throughout the entire concert.
The first half of the concert came to a close with the Tribute classic “Good News From Jerusalem,” which had the audience on their feet in praise!
Following an encore of the chorus, the pastor came to the stage for the love offering during which Singletary played another hymn. Singletary once again provided a bit of comedy as he called to an elderly gentlemen who was slowly making his way outside saying; “I’m not done. Don’t be too long.” His witty remarks were on point throughout the evening. The second half began with a rousing rendition of “I’m Standing On The Solid Rock,” from their latest album Quartet Tribute. Next, Gary talked about his love for cruises which led into the fun, cruise inspired “Those Who Know Me,” featuring Josh and his “antics” once again. Next, the group sang one of their most popular songs and one of my personal favorites “Homesick Angel.” Gus is still relatively new the song so Gary advised him to “make it up if he had to” in case he forgot the words. He did very well missing only one phrase which led to another funny moment. Gary then talked about his family and his grandfather whose favorite song was “How Great Thou Art.” Singletary then played the hymn beautifully. Casto went on to tell of a concert turned memorial service for which Anthony had to quickly learn the classic “Leaving On My Mind, “ Davis then performed. I really enjoy his rendition of this Rusty Goodman standard.
The group sang an impromptu rendition of the classic “What A Day,” which featured Gus on the second verse to great effect. Following an encore of the chorus, Gary went down memory lane singing several hymns (including “In The Garden,” and “Because He Lives,”) as well as sharing from his heart and giving words of encouragement. The group then closed the night with another rousing chorus of “Let’s Go To That Land.”
Before the audience was let out to the product table for fellowship. Anthony and Josh did a “quick” advertising session of their products. Both Davis and Singletary once again were in top form comedically with the latter tossing cds to floor if people were disinterested etc. They were fueled by the hilarious comments from the audience as well. Someone asked Davis: why he speaks like a tenor, but sings bass. This led to one of my favorite responses of the evening. “Well, I’m not a real bass singer. I just play one on TV,” Davis responded. Following a few more announcements, the audience was dismissed and I was able to chat with each member of the group. I was shocked that Gus remembered me as it was at least six or seven years ago since I had seen him. I had a nice chat with Gary about upcoming concerts as well as the upcoming CD. I also had a blast talking to both Anthony and Josh about the earlier technical difficulties and CD/concert reviews respectively.
FINAL THOUGHTS:
OVERALL, I HAD A ABSOLUTE BLAST AT THIS CONCERT! TRIBUTE IS ONE OF THE BEST QUARTETS ON THE ROAD TODAY IN MY OPINION. THIS CONCERT SHOWCASED NOT ONLY THEIR INCREDIBLE VOCAL ABILITY, BUT ALSO THEIR PROFESSIONALISM (HAD TO WORK THROUGH SOME BARELY NOTICEABLE SOUND/TECHNICAL ISSUES) AND LOVE FOR THE LORD AND THEIR “FANS.” GUS GACHES IS A FANTASTIC ADDITION TO THE GROUP AND I LOOK FORWARD TO THE FIRST PROJECT FEATURING THIS NEW LINEUP. THEY ARE THE REAL DEAL BOTH ON AND OFF THE STAGE.
IF YOU EVER GET THE CHANCE TO GO TO ONE OF THEIR CONCERTS, DO NOT HESITATE! GO! YOU WILL NOT BE DISAPPOINTED.
FOR MORE INFORMATION AND SCHEDULE: www.tributequartet.com AND FOLLOW THEM ON THEIR SOCIAL MEDIAS.