The Young Messiah Tour Puts On Heavenly Evening

The Young Messiah Tour, with Sandi Patti, Steven Curtis Chapman, Wayne Watson, Twila Paris, Larnelle Harris, Michael English, Kathy Troccoli, Steve Green, Phil Driscoll, Cindy Morgan, 4 Him and the Young Messiah Orchestra and Choir conducted by Ralph Carmichael, at the Tacoma Dome last Saturday.

Contemporary Christian music runs on something of a parallel course with secular popular music. It has its own hierarchy of stars, some of whom - like Amy Grant - cross over and back.

The music making utilizes the same technology as secular performers and is marketed with the same zeal. Perhaps more. The genre enjoys millions of fans, who in turn enjoy music that moves them spiritually and physically.

Some of the best in the business were on hand for the Young Messiah presentation Saturday night. The arena audience of 10,000-plus had its favorites and responded accordingly, whooping and cheering as each took the center-placed stage. It was a special evening. More than a few couples came decked in tuxedos and gowns.

The program was presented in two parts. After the overture and an opening number performed by the entire cast, each of the 11 featured performers had his or her own spot, either a traditional Christmas hymn or carol or an original song germane to the season. The second half of the nearly three-hour program was devoted to a contemporary reworking of Handel's "Messiah," retitled "The Young Messiah."

Larnelle Harris served as master of ceremonies and minister, welcoming the house, introducing the acts, setting the tone. Harris is a strong-voiced gospel singer with pleasing tone and an affable manner. It didn't take much coaxing from him halfway through the first half to get the house on its feet and singing.

The first performer up was songwriter and vocalist Twila Paris. Dressed in a tartan skirt, she opened with a Scottish flavored carol. She was followed by Michael English, whose Michael Bolton-esque voice met with solid approval.

Next up was 4 Him, the gospel quartet of Andy Chrisman, Mark Harris, Marty MaGehee and Kirk Sullivan. The group did a humorous take on "Deck The Halls," reworking the song through the styles of the '40s, '50s, '60s, '70s and '80s. The best was the '70s, doing the song to the disco tune of "Stayin' Alive," although the group sounded more like the Chipmunks than The Bee Gees.

Cindy Morgan's jazzy reading of "The Christmas Song" came next, then trumpeter and vocalist Phil Driscoll, whose voice, phrasing and body English had an amazing resemblance to Ray Charles. Tenor Wayne Watson, who followed, was warmly received, as was Steve Green and Kathy Triccoli.

But it was nothing compared the reception Steven Curtis Chapman and Sandi Patti received. Chapman ambled out with a headset microphone on, strumming a guitar and singing with the same warmth and appeal of Garth Brooks. He had an immediate affinity with the audience.

Patti simply blew everyone away. With her great pipes and strong emotional delivery, it's no wonder she was introduced as the queen of gospel music. She ended the first half on a very high note.

The reworking of "The Messiah" by Don Hart and Paul Mills has been very well received since it was first presented two years ago. The main change in the arrangement is in instrumentation, augmenting the orchestra with electric guitar and keyboards.

It worked well enough. Veteran conductor Ralph Carmichael did good work with the orchestra and the 200-voice choir was, well, heavenly. Each of the featured vocalists retook the stage in various configurations throughout the work, coming out in full force for the final Hallelujah chorus.