Review: Psalter concert
Lyndelle Lawrence
Connections arts writer
Cooranbong, New South Wales, Australia
The manager of Adventist Media Network’s new music ministry Psalter is on record in Record describing this as a time for Seventh-day Adventist music to “step up.” “We are people who believe we do our best for God,” said Tim Burcham in an interview published in the church in the South Pacific’s magazine on April 17. “Musically, we should be, too.” He spoke of knowing Adventists who are writing contemporary yet reverent music with “depth and feeling.”
Leoni Gardner’s soaring voice opened the Psalter concert. Credit: Ann Stafford.
Some of those artists helped Adventist Media Network and the church’s Institute of Worship launch the ministry at a concert in Avondale College Seventh-day Adventist Church this past Saturday (May 22).
The concert showcased Psalter’s newly signed artists Leoni Gardner, Ali and Leighton Heise, Jarel Kilgour and Emily Rex, Quartet, Sapphire Singers, The Promise, Jackie Ward and Anna Weatherup.
Leoni Gardner performed at the beginning and end of the concert, a clear, soaring voice the perfect fit for her Celtic-flavoured, almost ethereal songs. Taking the audience on a spiritual journey, she weaved through the melodies of “Hymn of Praise” and “It’s Time.”
The contemporary sounds of Ali and Leighton brought us back to earth—I found the personal content of “Beyond,” “Joshy’s Song” and “Love Takes Time” highly relatable. Their performance helped set the tone for the concert—an evening of honest praise and worship and music of high standard.
Anna Weatherup displayed raw and controlled vocals; each delivery sincere and uninhibited. Her interpretation of “Because He Lives” encouraged the audience to sing, too.
The silky tones of Em’s agile voice and Jarel’s guitar-playing captivated the audience; their music fresh and light. Em shined on her high notes, hitting and sustaining them, as Jarel supported her with his smooth finger work and backing vocals.
Vocal ensembles included Quartet, which impressed with a blend of tight, four-part harmony and strong vocals. Sapphire Singers interspersed their soulful music with feats of vocal acrobatics. And Avondale College vocal ensemble The Promise performed two a cappella songs, including a southern hemisphere debut of Greg Jasperse’s jazz arrangement of “Amazing Grace.” The Promise will perform the hymn again in a concert at Sydney Opera House on June 10. Greg will travel from his home in Los Angeles (California, USA) to hear it.
A band comprising Tim (drums), Korey Dowling (piano), Leighton Heise (bass), Blake Robinson (cello and acoustic guitar) and Mark Robinson (electric guitar) provided most of the backing music. The result: a cohesive, current and dynamic sound.
Earlier, a surprised Tim joined the artists at the front of the stage where Leighton read a passage from the Bible and prayed for God’s blessing on Tim and on the ministry of Psalter.
The concert ended with all the artists joining master of ceremonies Peter Dixon to sing “Turn Your Eyes Upon Jesus.”
Lyndelle Lawrence sings tenor with The Promise.
Links
Slideshow (Credit: Ann Stafford)