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The 40th Radio Anniversary of Brother Robert Stevenson August 5th 2006 Rome City Auditorium, Rome, Georgia
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What a blessed evening we all shared in Rome Georgia on Saturday, August 5th 2006. The Rome City Auditorium was jam packed with supporters and well wishers as we all joined Brother Robert Stevenson in his celebration of 40 years in radio. Having attended several of Bro. Stevenson’s Anniversary programs, I know that this is one of Georgia’s top shows of the year. Fans are guaranteed a professional presentation with plenty of opportunities to enjoy Jesus in your own way. Highlights of the evening included the return of The Singing Disciples of Baltimore, Darrell McFadden & The Disciples first appearance in Rome, and the set from the up and coming group Blest By Four.
The Singing Disciples of Baltimore, MD
The phrase “Back & Better Than Ever” is definitely an apt description of the set from the Singing Disciples. It was pure perfection. For a group to have been off the scene for as long as the Disciples have been and sound so crisp is unheard of. The Disciples hit the stage in hip hop gear and rocked the house with renditions of their audience favorites. Pastor Timothy Moore was nothing short of amazing on guitar. His solos left many of us with our mouths wide open as he praised God. Jack and Kim did their thing as usual. They haven’t lost a step. Songs like “Rapture”, and “Remember Me” were the huge audience favorites while Kim’s “Walk Through The Valley” was definitely the push that got the ball rolling for an evening of great gospel. By the end of the Disciples set the audience was buzzing. What a way to open the show!! Simply put if you are a promoter reading this review BOOK THE SINGING DISCIPLES TODAY!!
The Jackson Southernaires
Rome Georgia holds a special place in the heart of the newest major addition to the Jackson Southernaires Larry Brown. It was at this very event two years ago that Huey Williams introduced the world to the new replacement for the late Rev. Roger Bryant. During that appearance Larry showed that he definitely was no amateur. Two years later on this special evening, Larry simply stole the show. His amazing runs and silky transitions from soulful growls to Sunday morning whoop had the crowd mesmerized. This is not to say that Big Huey Williams was not in rare form as well. Huey showed a few signs of hoarseness but as he ministered to the capacity crowd with songs like “I Can Do All Things” and “Grace & Mercy” it really didn’t matter. The Southernaires were awesome.
Blest By Four
One of the major highlights of this concert for me was the opportunity to see Blest By Four. I remember this group from their days as The Spiritualaires of Duncanville, Alabama so I really was interested in seeing how they have progressed. While I was impressed then, this family group has taken their ministry to another level. As you can see, they only preformed four songs, but this was not due to poor management of time. The Spirit was so high during the middle of their set (Pressing On & especially The Anointing) that they literally could not move on to anything else. With a certain youthful appeal to match their rock solid harmony, this group is definitely on their way to great things in the industry. Their style is unique, and that’s what makes for a great group in these days and times.
Darrell McFadden & The Disciples
It has always been said that first impressions mean everything. If that age old adage rings true, then Darrell McFadden & The Disciples have nothing to worry about. Representing New York well, The Disciples hit the stage with urban style. After opening with the familiar “Have You Heard of A City” Bishop McFadden polled the audience for song suggestions. What followed was some serious house wrecking exciting energetic singing and dancing from the group. This is defiantly one group that continues to get better and better every time I witness their ministry. The dynamic duo of Spanky Williams & Bishop McFadden always makes for some serious fireworks, and tonight was no exception. “Shackles” from their latest project literally tore the roof of the auditorium leaving the MC and much of the audience shoutin’ in the aisles. What a Drive!!
Doc McKenzie & The Hi-Lites
Is their a Doctor in the House? Yes there is, and his name is Doc McKenzie. Simply put Doc McKenzie & The Hi-lites are professionals. As Doc continues to grow in his spiritual walk I have watched as his sets have focused more and more on Ministry in song. Each song preformed throughout the evening was an opportunity for the Doctor to speak a word of encouragement to the people. After amazing the audience with his vocal range on the classic “What A Friend” songs like “After While” and “I’ve Won” were just what the people needed. Their was a clear progression during The Hi-Lites set that once again set the house up for a roaring good time. The group’s drive number “Live So God Can Use You” had a thump to it that refused to let the people go. Several times the MC tried to move on but the audience and their hand claps would not allow the group to stop. Though definitely in a playfully manner, it was not until the MC mentioned cutting the power that the song reached its conclusion.
The Mighty Clouds of Joy
Well, needless to say I was chomping at the bit waiting for the Clouds. While speaking with some of the singers in the hall throughout the show my comments were the same. “I’ve come to see the master in action”. As a lover of the history of this music, there is a certain excitement that rushes over me when I am afforded the opportunity to sit and listen to a Legend perform their craft. The hour was late and I was tired and beginning to think about the almost 2 hour drive home. Yet, nothing could keep me from hearing the legendary Mighty Clouds of Joy. The Clouds came on stage to a thundering standing ovation as people all over the building stood to their feet to show them the respect they deserve. Opening with “Order My Steps” settled things down and allowed Mike Cook a chance to showcase his soaring falsetto. After a quick A cappella bar of “I Need A Church” Joe switched things up. The tight harmonies of “Nearer My God To Thee” rang throughout the building. It was right around this time that I noticed Richard Wallace pick up the bass guitar and finish the set. To hear Richard play on Clouds classics like “Somewhere Around God’s Throne” and “I Came To Jesus” was awesome. He’s still the master. The trip down memory lane would climax with a rousing rendition of “I Came To Jesus” complete with Joe Ligon shoutin’ and shakin’ hands in the audience. It was during this number that I bid farewell to my quartet friends and Rome Georgia until next year. Much of the crowd began filing out during the conclusion of “I Came To Jesus" so thus ended a night of praise to God through the sweet sounds of Quartet Gospel. |
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Minister Donnie Addison |
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Copyright © 1997 - 2006 Gloryland
Gospel Music |
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