Magnificently Classical David
Classic means a model of excellence in literature or art. The evening of excellence at the Franklin Theater was that and so much more than we could imagine. The atmosphere was electric as no one knew where the experience would take us. David is a master of change and he follows God’s leading to the fullest.
The intimate setting felt cozy, warm and comfy so we were all prepared for maybe mellow nostalgic or glorious old revised hymns. Bill stood up and casually gave us the general instructions and taped the various applause levels and then… the orchestra and choir that were on both sides of the stage began a theatrical overture that was full and richly beautiful. As they transitioned into somewhat familiar music, the curtain was pulled back and a lone figure emerged in a handsome tuxedo and walked to the center mic. David acknowledged the thunderous applause and, with a twinkle in his eye, and with a deep breath taken, he floored us completely by singing PANIS ANGELICUS. It is a stunning Italian aria.
The curtain opened behind him and Jack (playing a grand piano), Kari, Alita, Danny, Greg & Scott along with Callie, Charlotte Ritchie and Lana Ranahan were beaming with pride. David stayed up front and together they did JOYFUL, JOYFUL and rocked the house! David switched gears again and sang the beautiful aria O MIO BABBINO CARO. Following that, the musicians started the haunting melodic ANGEL BAND. Grant walked out and sat on a step in the middle of the band and with mic in hand and a baseball cap on his head, sang his angelic verse. David finished with a full orchestra worshiping with him. Stunning!
Next, David talked a little as they brought a children’s choir on. They had to do this song out of order because of the time and the children’s ages. . So he started GOING HOME and when those young voices chimed in, the whole room collectively smiled at the beauty of the moment. It was just so sweet!
After that, David went to the piano and began the notes of MOONLIGHT. However, he has written new words and made it a stronger, fuller version. Loved it! He then stood up and walked up front again as Jack slipped onto the seat and began playing a very familiar melody. The band gently joined in as Sherri came around the piano and sat on a stool. David started YOU’LL NEVER WALK ALONE and Sherri joined in singing sweet harmony with her brother and we were tearfully embracing the intimate moment. Then Callie, Charlotte and Lana joined Sherri and the song grew into a superbly passionate ending. We were on our feet long before the final notes. WOW!
Kari moved to center stage and played a fantastic solo opening to MORNING HAS BROKEN. The orchestra, band and choir intertwined with her trumpet as David sang the words. The vocal duet with trumpet is not easy to do at full volume, yet was splendid and exactly perfect for this magnificent piece. Amazing to say the least!
Following that, David acknowledged the conductor, orchestra and choir members and the musicians around the stage. The last one to be introduced was Greg Ritchie on DRUMS…unfortunately, David accidentally said Greg Ritchie on Drugs…haha… and then lost his impeccable composure…it was sheer hilarity and we howled with laughter. It’s a good thing Greg was introduced last!!!
It took a minute to change pace, but we all know David’s way of turning a mood on a dime so, amazing us once again, he walked to the front mic, the lights dimmed, he settled himself in, took a breath and treated us to a most beautiful a cappella AVE MARIA. Then to our utter delight, they needed to do it again to get a timing transition right. (YAY!!!!) Kari & Alita came forward and together began THE LORD”S PRAYER. David then set into motion a story of the greatness of God unfolding right before us. By the end, the band, choir and full orchestra were in full flight and David’s voice was soaring high over it all. God was cheering with us. Overwhelming !!! Another transformation of emotion brought Jack and David together and the orchestra filled in quietly as they did WHAT A WONDERFUL WORLD. It was simply charming.
There was now a bit of a break for make-up fixing and repositioning of the mics etc… So…David chatted for a while. He told us that the reason he wanted to do this particular cd/dvd was that he wanted to record great standards in different genres…with memorably great melodies. He wanted us to notice the great beauty and artistry of God. David’s own musical artistry and talents are the rainbows that God dips His brush in to paint and create that beauty. We are so blessed by David as he shares God’s love for us in such magnificent ways!
And then, as he stood next to the piano, Maggie, Grant, Coby & Callie walked out. He introduced them, Jack played one chord and these angels of God sang HOLY IS THE LORD & HOLY, HOLY, HOLY. Their natural harmonies are gentle & flawless. The enormous talents gently flow from them by nature. David just watched them beaming. What a moment!!!
Then came a moment I shall never forget! As the children walked off, David asked Maggie to stay with him. She stood back center. David walked front center, the orchestra played the strains of again…something familiar, but I couldn’t place the melody yet. David began to sing the gorgeous aria AGNUS DEI. After a moment, Maggie walked up quietly with her own mic and added perfect harmony to her dad’s perfect melody. The song built with superb energy and splendid melodic passages until finally they turned and looked at each other eye to eye. She met him word for word, volume for volume and the harmony of father /daughter was breath taking. We were standing and cheering and overtaken by what came out of our sweet gentle Maggie Beth. This child of God has a path laid out for her that only God knows where it will go…who knew???
After that, Alita stepped forward and started playing a beautiful melody that quickly turned into a pulsing rhythm and David, the band, choir and orchestra did THE DREAM. It was all over the place in music, sound, harmonies and volume changes and stunning towering rhythmic passages and then if that wasn’t enough…the GVB walked on stage and added their rich blended harmonies to the creation happening on stage. Absolutely thunderous applause followed!!!!
Now the GVB was there (what an entrance!) and they went right into SWING DOWN CHARIOT, a great, fun song. And once again, David threw in another musically rearranged WOW moment. They sang GLORIOUS IMPOSSIBLE with richly colored harmonies and exceptionally spirit filled inspiration. We cheered again and Bill stepped forward and said to the audience, “Let’s do that again and get those little lights out.” So…..out came the lights and another round of Gloriousness (haha) floated through the room twinkling and sparkling. YAY!!!!!
Alita , soon after, stepped forward between the GVB guys and played the beautiful intro to the enchanting ALL IN ALL. David sang it so wonderfully majestic yet emotionally elegant. Then, adding to the spiritually honoring theme of the evening, as the GVB drifted off stage, David went forward and sang the aria DONNA NON VIDI MAL. We are so blessed to see David expanding his repertoire and can see the divinely brilliant gifts God has given him. It is awe inspiring. And…just because he likes to sing it, he treated us to the extraordinary NESSUN DORMA.
Honor and praise continued in a most reverent way when Scott began to play the familiar, loving tones of BRING HIM HOME. David sang each note with stirring compassion and finished with a long held, heartfelt tone of splendor. Following that, with deep emotion for God and country foremost in his mind, David began the great AMERICA THE BEAUTIFUL – painting the picture of God’s immensely glorious and beautifully color-filled country of ours. So…with pride unequaled he finished the evening’s royally splendid concert with the beloved GOD BLESS AMERICA. We were shown the power and the glory of our loving God and our massive gifts here on earth. The scenery created by God was artistically crafted and shown to us through David’s masterpieces of music.
Much to our sheer delight, there were do-overs of PANIS ANGELICUS and then YOU”LL NEVER WALK ALONE with our dear Sherri. This time, however, David moved closer to her and the duet was stronger and even more emotional. Sweet David hugged her when they were through. (We felt that hug, too!)
The evening was overwhelming in its regal, awesome performances by masterful musicians and choir members led by a maestro of magnificence. David is pure joy to watch as he commands the stage with so much surety of purpose and messages from God. From the whispered passages to the exploding walls of sound, the band, singers, orchestra and choirs filled the theater and lifted David’s voice to spiritual highs lofting way above what we have seen before. Where he goes from here is unimaginable, but I for one want to travel the journey with him.
I can’t wait for the world to experience this artistry and watch it again and again. Thank you, David and thank you also to your family and band, Bill & Gloria, the GVB and all the musicians for sharing their talents and hearts with us. Thank you to my phamily and phriends for sharing hearts and hugs.
Blessings,
Lee
GASP! Now I'm even MORE anxious for Oct 9th. Thanks Lee for another wonderful review. I am so impressed with your dedication to detail. THANK YOU!