Though I’m not up on my biblical quotes, the one about “make thee a joyful noise unto the Lord” had a particularly accurate ring to it, in listening to the Gospel Christmas Project concert at Massey Hall lastnight.
Lead by CBC personality and composer Andrew Craig, the show featured the considerable and awe-inspiring talents of Jackie Richardson, Alana Bridgewater, Kellylee Evans, Chris Lowe, as well as the truly uplifting voices of Sharon Riley and Faith Chorale.
Combined with a stellar lineup of musicians, the evening was one filled with joy, soul, and Christmas cheer.
Even the most overwhelmed shopper or cynical Scrooge would’ve found something to raise their spirits.
Featuring funky, inventive renditions of classics such as O Come, all ye Faithful, Hark! The Herald angels Sing, and What Child is This?, the evening was a panoply of incredible voices, perfect harmonies, and crunchy beats that made it hard to sit still.
However, being typical Canadians, that’s just what much of the audience at Massey Hall did, despite being chided more than once by bandleader and accomplished pianist Craig.
Following an upbeat South African carol, complete with audience sing-a-long (the phonetics and translation were even provided), Craig noted, incredulously, that “I can’t believe you’re still in your seats!”. Ah, the Canadian curse of being proper in public. Lord forbid we block a view or emote in front of others.
So it was with a lot of joy and smiles I noted more and more people getting up to celebrate and shake off the seasonal blues as the concert progressed. Jackie Richardson’s happy, upbeat demeanor and singing were inspiration enough; her version of I Saw Three Ships with the Faith Chorale, leading to the first half closer, Go Tell It on the Mountain, were invitations to get up and make that joyful noise –and add the footwork too.
There were, however, quiet moments to contemplate between faster numbers, providing a nice break in pace and a chance to reflect on the incredible musicianship onstage. Kellylee Evans’ beautiful rendering of the only Canadian carol on record, Huron Carol, was a show-stopper, and Chris Lowe’s In the Bleak Midwinter brought a new sort of poetry to the words his voice shaped so lovingly.
Craig duly and wisely noted, after thanking his CBC colleagues, that the entire stage was filled with Canadian artists. Bravo.
Bv the show’s celebratory ending (an entirely soulful and beat-terrific version of Handel’s Hallelujah Chorus from the Messiah) the entire house was up, dancing, clapping, singing along.
It was the star on the top of the tree of Christmas experiences this year.
Here’s to more joyful noises next year.
For more information on the Gospel Christmas Project, follow this link:
http://www.cbcshop.ca/CBC/shopping/product.aspx?Product_ID=3023&Variant_ID=TRCD+3023&lang=en-CA
For information on Massey Hall programming, go to www.masseyhall.com
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