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Billboy -> RE: The Perrys Thread (3/9/2008 9:05:56 PM)
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We just returned home a little bit ago from seeing the Perrys at Fairfield, IL. I usually post reviews in the "recent concerts attended" thread, but since this one is on the first page, I will post it here.
It had been almost a year and a half since we last saw them, at another town in our area. Joseph and Nick have really jelled into their parts during that time. The change was still relatively fresh the last time we saw them, although they did well then, too. We have seen them several times over the past few years, but this concert was unique.
They sang about 4 or 5 songs, and then Tracy introduced Matthew, the piano player. Tracy told a bit about Matt's early connections with Anthony Burger, and then he asked Matt to tell his story or testify. Tracy said it was impromptu, and I really believe it was. Matthew gave a moving testimony, even getting teary-eyed, and told the story of how he started playing at a very early age. He concluded his testimony by playing, at Tracy's request, "When They Ring Those Golden Bells", just as he had played it at Anthony's induction into the SG Hall of Fame. He got a standing O for a very moving, and beautiful rendition. Tracy then went on to repeat the procedure with Joseph, again seemingly unplanned. Joseph responded with a heartfelt testimony about his Mom's struggles raising 3 young sons by herself, and the impact of the Lord on his own young life. He chose the next song, (Can't remember what it was, Geezer moment) that the group sang. By now Nick had a clue as to what was coming, and Tracy repeated it with him. He also gave his story and testimony, and picked the next song. That meant there was a lot of talking compared to singing in the first part, but I honestly do not think a single soul in the crowded house complained. The Spirit of the Lord was on the place, and we were having Church, in song and testimony.
The second half, they did mostly requests, some with piano accompaniment only (Tracy told Matt to not turn on the tracks, just do them like we practice them) on the old Goodman songs, such as "I Wouldn't Take Nothing For My Journey Now", and "God Walks the Dark Hills". They also sang some from their new project. It was a very moving, and entertaining concert. Tracy and Libby have surrounded themselves with a cast of dedicated and talented young men, and they are doing the Lord's work.
Tracy also introduced his and Libby's teenage son, and Troy Peach, both of whom were working on the sound. The sound was very good, and it was kind of refreshing to hear some songs done with live piano only.
One other highlight, I had told the host about Tracy's "chainsaw" prowess.
He asked Tracy to do it, to the delight of the crowd. Tracy opened the second half with that, and said that he sure hoped we got a blessing from it.[:D] Another funny thing, Tracy will occasionally put his mic in front of Matthew, and Matt will always shake his head no. After several shake-offs, (to use a baseball term) Matthew actually hit a few licks on the bass part. It was the first time I had seen him do anything other than shake off the offer. In summary, it was a great way to spend a sunny Sunday afternoon, in worship, including good music, clean humor, and sincere Christian witness and fellowship.
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