Israel Houghton in Nashville review
I just saw Israel Houghton and New Breed in concert this past weekend in Nashville. Few bands or artists will get me out of the house, Israel being one of them.
I appreciate the fact that the music began with Israel alone at a piano leading the audience in some familiar worship choruses. This set the tone and focus of the evening nicely which was to worship God and enjoy His presence. Once the band joined him they turned up the volume and energy to perform a set of popular New Breed songs including a few from his new Grammy award winning recording Love God. Love People.
Before finishing strong Israel made an appeal to sponsor children through Compassion International. This was consistent with the theme of the evening which I interpreted to be encouragement for Christians to make a difference.
There were a couple of things that could have been improved upon. I couldn’t make the connection between the video that played before Israel started the worship set and anything that followed it. It seemed out of place. Also, the mix wasn’t great. You could not hear the sax player apart from a few times when he was featured. The bass could have used more definition, too. The musicians that tour with New Breed are always tremendous and it would have been nice to hear them mixed better. I can’t complete a review without a shout out to the drummer who is one of the most creative and musical timekeepers in gospel music today. As a bass player I know the difference between someone who holds drum sticks and a master beat keeper. This fellow knows what he is doing! What a joy to witness.
All in all, I am glad I went and would recommend anyone in a city near a concert date to attend. Here is a link to the current tour schedule:
John DiModica
