Monday evening, 10pm, the weary end of a holiday weekend. Out emerged six gentlemen, in single file, dressed in the sharpest looking matching silver suits to have graced the Enmore stage.
From the outset the show took on the feel of a Christian revival concert, the electric feeling in the air almost had people looking under their seats for a tambourine to shake. “People Get Ready” is a gospel standard, but was served up as almost a warning to the audience that passive enjoyment was not going to be the order of the evening.
“Spirit In The Sky” brought an infectious feeling to the room, and the Tom Waits tune (and The Wire theme song) “Way Down In The Hole” often had The Blind Boys up and out of their seats dancing.
It wasn’t long before the entirety of the crowd joined them, clapping out of time and doing all the wonderful things that white people do at concerts to compensate for a lack of natural rhythm.
Founding member Jimmy Carter is unashamedly a fan of country music, and they showcased their talent for blending country and gospel with “I Know A Place” from their country-inspired Take The High Road record. For a man well into his eighties, Carter shows he can still hold a note longer and higher than men a third his age.
As well as being an outstanding vocal group, the musicianship of this group was not to be overlooked. Tracy Pierce looked menacing as he almost dwarfed his five string bass, but moved with precision that appeared effortless.
Nothing says gospel music like the sweet howling organ of Peter Levin. Joey Williams performed triplicate roles – as musical director, lead guitarist, and safety supervisor he constantly watched over and ushered his less sighted friends back to their seats.
During “Uncloudy Day” Carter insisted on being led by his helper down off the stage, and delighted the crowd as he took time to shake hands, dance and revel with the folks on the floor. All seats in the house were now empty, everyone had joined the party and it was something rather marvellous to be a part of.
“You either really like it, or you’re putting on a good show of it” remarks Bishop Bowers, as the group move into their closing numbers. “There Will Be A Light” the Ben Harper tune, “Free At Last” from their New Orleans record, and perhaps the standout of the evening, a haunting version of “Amazing Grace” sung to the tune of “House Of The Rising Sun” are the chosen goodbye tunes.
All the true performers on stage join arms and take their bows collectively at the end of a concert.The great ones then form an arm-to-shoulder chain and move in unison off stage as applause continues to ring out for them, and deservedly so.
