Sunday, December 04, 2011

Greatness

As a musician, my radar is always on. Without even realizing it, I'm always on the lookout for greatness.
Earlier this year, I experienced it when I heard the Decoys in Florence when they played behind Christine Ohlman.
Just sitting there listening to the music they played was a humbling experience because I've played for many years and I still don't know squat about playing. But these guys made it sound simple.
This weekend, we went to help our friend Edie, who is a motivational speaker, do a gig at a Christmas Gospel Music show at the Huntsville Coliseum.
They had several singers and groups and they were all quite good. But then they had the choral group from Lee College in Tennessee and these kids were remarkable.
I'd never heard of the headliner Larnelle Harris, so I had no expectations. I had to admit when the guy who introduced him said Larnelle had won 5 Grammies and 15 Dove Awards (I think). I sat up and listened. What I heard is one of the most remarkable voices I'd ever heard. He sang the hard Christmas songs. At one point in his show, he asked the kids from Lee College to join him to sing a few songs.
They'd never performed together so that part of the show was by the seat of their pants, but I can tell you it was like nothing I'd ever heard before. They wove a Christmas tapestry in front of us all.
After the show, our friend Edie who knew Larnelle from when he sang with her cousin Elvis (the real one) introduced us to him. He was kind and gracious.
Since I was with Edie, I had the run of the stage area, so I shot tons of pictures. I particularly like the one above.
I hope you all have a remarkable week.

8 comments:

  1. You are right, that is a great picture. Lovely that you were there.
    -Joy

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  2. Larnelle sang with Elvis!?! WOW!

    I'd love to hear his voice so will youtube him when I get home!

    Take care
    x

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  3. that's a wonderful and great experience and encounter Sir Rick! have a great week ahead!

    JJRod'z

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  4. Anonymous9:13 AM

    beautiful and a beautiful post, have a wonder filled week!

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  5. I'd love to see a Christmas gospel!

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  6. That is so wonderful. What a perfect experience. I've listened to Larnelle before and I know what you mean. He has one of those voices that grabs your attention and doesn't let go. The memories last a long time. Hope you have an equally remarkable week.

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  7. The music that comes from this time of year is the best part of Christmas. How fun to see and hear such greatness. You have the best experiences! Thanks for sharing them with us.

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