Jubilation (concert review)

Malcolm McA told us there was going to be an a cappella gospel choir performing.
Jubilation is its name, and it is currently touring the North Island.
On Friday they performed at Mangere East Metro Theatre at 8pm.
Unfortunately, very few Polynesians in the audience, which was pretty full.
Unfortunate because this is exactly the kind of thing most South Aucklanders would lap up!
So, marketing/publicity/etc. need to be addressed, because it seems such a waste!

Still, for those of us who were there, a terrific night was had.
The concert began and ended (sort of) with solos from Rick Bryant, a seasoned veteran of the Ak music scene (remember the Jive Bombers??No?? Where WERE you in '82??).
One of the very pleasant surprises for me was the wide variety of stuff that constitutes an a cappella gospel repertoire.
As well as the more trad numbers (including a raucous and dynamic rendering of "Samson and Delilah") we were treated to no less than 2 originals from the choir - "Learn to Forgive" by Rick Bryant and "First to Come Home" by Jean McAllister (Malcolm's sister).
Learn to Forgive is a deep, moving and true song - the kind Van Morrison would love to get his hands on (maybe the choir could send him a copy of their cd?).
"First to Come Home" is a rare thing - harmonically sophisticated and spiritually spot-on...sung and led by Jean...this is a song which grows on you as you repeat your listenings, so get the CD and explore it fully!
And...Tom Waits! "Come on Up to the House" (solo by Jackie Clarke, who is apparently quite well-known - a hugely spirited performer).

To sum it all up, this was more than a concert...seeing the way the group moved physically with their performance was refreshing - like the late, great Uncle Bob (Marley), they appear casual but are musically very tight beneath that appearance.
The moves flowed naturally from their singing, unlike the stilted mannerisms one sometimes finds with barbershop groups.
This made the separation between audience and performers (they were on a stage) frustrating...you wanted to get involved beyond mere foot stomping and hand clapping.

If you have not yet experienced Jubilation, get along to their next gig (I wanted to go again on Saturday night, but was prevented by personal concerns)...
At least get hold of the CD (go to jubilation.co.nz).
And if you attend a church with a bit of money (Destiny, maybe??)...you could get them in to lead a service!

Love,

G.