Concert Review - April 20, 2008 - Mundelein, IL
by Blake HillOn a warm April night, hundreds gathered on the campus of the University of St. Mary of the Lake at Mundelein College in Mundelein, IL for “Jammin’ With the Word On Fire 2008.” Those lucky enough to be in attendance experienced a night of art, poetry, friendship, and celebration.
W. Keith Moore started things off with the title track from his latest album, “Soul,” an acoustic-driven call to consider a place “where angels hover.” Those familiar with the newly released album might have wondered how such a richly-arranged recording would translate into a live show, but Moore had no trouble bringing the full energy of the song to the stripped-down acoustic version.
The next song was “Just Like You,” another track off the “Soul” album. Keith really used this song to loosen the audience up, with an up-beat, more country-inspired rhythm. By the end of the song, the audience was clapping along, and the chemistry of the evening was established.
Other highlights of Keith’s set included the Cash-esque “Cold, Cold, Hell” and the tender “In Your Coat.” Both songs are un-released tracks written for the upcoming “Rosary Project”, a group of songs inspired by Keith’s journey into the Catholic Church. “Cold, Cold, Hell” was inspired by Father Robert Baron, professor, author. and host of the “Word On Fire” program on Sirius Satellite radio. Father Baron spoke to the audience between sets, encouraging them to seek to serve God over self in their daily lives.
Phil Keaggy opened his set with “Salvation Army Band”, a truly impressive performance. Keaggy’s use of the guitar and what this author can only describe as a “looping machine” is as technically impressive as it is artistic – one really must witness the performance to understand. Phil continued his set in the virtuosic style which he is known for, leaving a delighted audience wanting more.
The true highlight of the evening was the combined effort of Moore and Keaggy on “Little Bit of Light”, “St. Augustine’s Blues” and “Sorrow”. The harmonies on “Little Bit of Light” were soul-moving, as the audience was encourage to not “run from the darkness in this life / ‘cause if you turn around you’ll find a little bit of light.” Moore and Keaggy traded vocal duties on the verses - apropos, as both of these artists have previously recorded the song. “St. Augustine’s Blues” - another “Rosary Project” track - featured Keith on the bluesy rhythm guitar, complimented by the raspy timbre of his soulful vocals over Keaggy’s solo guitar. A Chorus of “Our Souls Won’t Rest / Until they rest in You” rang through the auditorium, as the audience joined in the powerful declaration.
The April 20, 2008 concert was truly a great journey into the soul. Moore and Keaggy both gave fantastic performances, which were augmented by their combined talents, obvious friendship, and the words of Father Baron. I was lucky to have been witness to such an evening and look forward to more such performances and songwriting for years to come!
www.wesmanmusic.com / www.myspace.com/wesmanmusic / Booking: moorkeith@gmail.com