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By J. MATTHEW COBB Siskel & Roper does an excellent job reviewing the latest motion pictures to hit theaters each and every week. With two hi-definition DVD's packaged for this unforgettable moment in history from the Tri-City Singers, PRAYZEHYMN decided to look a little deeper into the visual part of these musical productions, except without the 'thumbs up and down'. We certainly don't want to spoil the mood of future viewers, but we decided to talk a little bit about some of the major highlights contained on both discs. And yes, we thought it was well worth the posting. Each blurb posted contains either a RED or BLUE description; which will help lead you to the right disc. For those who have already experienced Finale', this excellent retrospective will help relive the highs, the emotional outbreaks, the funny moments and everything that helped make this event so phenomenal. Now, unto our feature presentation:
Sheri Jones by herself? On the microphone by herself? And why is she looking so...out-of-place. [ACT I, ACT II] I just love that kick Blanche McAllister gives on "These Nails". She just works the floor, and that smile. Irresistible. [ACT I] Ohh Lordy. The directing of Donald Lawrence is something else. Age ain't nothing but a number, but you can easily see that years of not working out, not eating healthy and just not directing enough can make a director look...a bit unprepared. The vocal stunts and harmonic aerobics are too far fetch for Lawrence, as you can witness on Act II. Check him out on "Matthew 28". But you must give him his props for messing with such a monstrous piece. Funny he even knows he's out of his league on this song as he proclaims, "Ricky (Dillard), you can have that one." [ACT II] The gospel celebs are in tha' houze'. As the camera pans and swings though the crowd, you can witness artists like Ricky Dillard, Edwin & Walter Hawkins and Deitrick & Damita Haddon having a good time. My favorite clip: witnessing Walter Hawkins giving his sign of approval to Lejuene Thompson on "Cast Your Cares". [ACT I, ACT II] On "Giants", catch Arenetta Murrill-Crooms clapping like she's in the Mt. Hebron Youth Mass Choir right before the vamp kicks in. A moment worth watching even if it's just for a few seconds. [ACT I] White men can't jump...but some can cut a step. Check out the young man, whom gets its ten seconds of fame, in the audience on the "Praise Break". And of course, there's always gotta be someone in the choir to outstep everyone. This person would be one of those Murrills. He even did the see-saw kick. Lejuene and Blanche, also in the tenor section, are working the fancy footwork with the slight lifting of their gorgeous dress. Check the heels, check the heels. [ACT I] Lejune's facial expressions on "God's Favor"...so much emotion. And another thing about this version (without the divas - Karen Clark-Sheard, Kelly Price and Kim Burrell) sounds so good by the Tri-City soloists...so good that you almost forget about the original. And the audience agrees. [ACT II] I'm falling in love wih the charm of Erica McCullough. She has the stage presence of a tamer version of Lecresia Campbell...much sweeter...much relaxed. And she just sings the song and works her audience with her eyes, smile and her honest expressions. Not too many singers can sing with that kind of character. [ACT I]
Daryl Coley...when he steps out on stage on "When Sunday Comes"...the audience jumps in pandemonium. I don't think the audience was expecting that one.[ACT I] How much weight will LaShun Pace loose next time? Geesh, she almost looks like a different person. She truly belts the heck out of "And Yet I'm Still Saved" and punches at the audience; working a major exercise routine. But we do miss the late Robin-Rowe Stewart on this vocal - her voice was just right for the song. Even though Shun did a great job covering the track, Robin's absence was greatly felt. Another sidenote: can you notice all those video edits on that track in particular. Not good. [ACT II] "Seasons"...oh lord...just to see the legendary Walter Hawkins doing what he does best. We are definitely ready for Love Alive 6. [ACT II] Wasn't Vanessa Bell Armstrong working that fur coat. Make-up...just flawless. And I love that moment of anger she had on "It's Your Time"...while she throws that black-power fist in the air. Darwin's performance was sweet...with the Luther Vandross vocals...especially when he shouts out, "I'm standing here tonight"...and the echo can be heard. Incredible. But why is it he cut off the loop of the "woo-woo-I'm standing" when the band picked up the volume; it was sounding so good. And Karen Clark-Sheard's magical moment..".it's yo-yo-yo-yo-yo-yo-yo-yo-yo-time". Also, the "yeah-yeah-yeah-yeah-yeah" phrasing; which was an unforgettable flashback to the Clark Sisters reunion on the Florida A&M University Gospel Choir project on "Nothing To Lose". You can only imagine how long this song actually went that night. You can even see Damita & Deitrick Haddon and Walter Hawkins getting prepare for their turn at the microphone. If left unedited, this would have been Act III by itself. [ACT II] And the building - the gorgeous Tabernacle in Atlanta, Georgia. Wonderful facility for this recording. This hotspot in the ATL is now an entertainment facility used by major bands, headlining concerts and local shows ranging from all music genres. This is probably the only documentation of a gospel recording at the famed location. And yes, the Tabernacle used to be a church, can't you tell? [ACT I, ACT II] OTHER VALUABLE RESOURCES TO LOOK INTO:
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The closing, "The Best Is Yet To Come", has a sneaky sample in it. If you are not careful, you will miss it. Relive the disco days with the simple high part of "Ain't No Stoppin' Us Now" towards the ending of the song. We kinda wish this was extended a lil' bit more. Just so we can get our groove on. [
Sharla Byrd is another one of those clones that carry Erica McCullough's personality on-stage. Graceful, yet bold on the strong notes. [