New York - As daylight dimmed, on Saturday
May 30, the half moon showered a bright silver glow over the Premier Baptist
Church (PBC) at the corner of Tilden and Utica Avenues in Brooklyn, where
the Rev. Robert Watler pastors. Inside, parishioners waited patiently past
the 7 PM start time for the opening of a fund raising concert featuring
Crossfire Steel Orchestra. Sensing the tension of the delay, Khuent Rose,
the musical director of Premier Baptist Church and the arranger for
Crossfire took to his double second (pictured). Accompanied by drums and bass and lead
guitar, Khuent delivered a reggae-flavored version of “Glory To His Name.”
With the space warmed and opened to praises, Assistant Pastor Gideon Akers
assumed his master of ceremonies duties declaring, “The Holy Ghost Power is
in the house tonight, what we can’t do with words, we will do with music.”
Assistant Pastor Gideon further reminded those in attendance to honor
God in all of situations, good and bad. With that said, he brought on the
PBC Singers led by soprano, Inga Wynn, supported by altos Sheila Parson,
Mildred Bodden, bass Norman Ankle and Minister of Music, John Callendar
on drums. The PBC singers offered in spirited song, “Holy Are You Lord”,
“Shout To The Lord”, “All My Help” and “I Feel Like Running.” Their singing
brought hands in the air and invoked dancing in the aisles. They sang with
exuberance and profound gratitude for deliverance, “I feel, like stepping,
praising the Lord, for what He has done for me.”
An appearance then came from the tall and elegant soprano
soloist, Carla Fouche. She graced the audience with her first song, “We
Shall Behold Him.” Her charming, powerful, yet smooth voice commanded the
hush of a deep listening. She followed with “Lord You’re Holy.” In moving
and outstanding clarity, she sang the words, “We lift You up and magnify
Your Name-- Not enough words I can say, to appreciate all that You have
given to me—You’re worthy of all the glory and all the praise – I don’t why
You would love me and show me so much mercy.” Ms. Fouche sang with
pre-recorded background music that worked within the context of a small
church concert but the attentive listener could hear her voice calling for
the complement of a full orchestra. The audience responded to Ms. Fouche’s
gift of song with a standing ovation and shouts of approval.
At 8:45 PM Crossfire Steel Orchestra, smartly dressed in maroon shirts
and black pants, took their positions at their instruments. The orchestra of
seven women and four men were the perfect picture of Caribbean warmth,
African beauty, talent and youth. Crossfire tendered a series of short medleys
to the immense delight of the audience. The first included renditions of
“Stand Up, Tell Me If You Love My Jesus”, “This Is The Day”, and “If You
Want To See.” With these songs, followed by a tenor and cello duet of “Great Is
Thy Faithfulness,” by Navarre Mason and arranger Khuent Rose, the magical sound of steel pans filled
Premier Baptist Church with a ring of authenticity and the pride of all the
history, charm and genius that has fashioned the art form of playing and
constructing the instruments.
The second medley included “Deliverance”, an upbeat, Baptist version of
“By The Rivers Of Babylon” and “I Am Delivered.” At this point the
performance was exciting enough to want more. But after only twenty-five
minutes Rev. Gideon called for an intermission that appropriately
provided
an opportunity to support the fundraiser by purchasing home baked sponge
cake, beef patties, corn soup and refreshing Mauby.
Returning from the
intermission, Sister Carla Fouche sang Betty Fender’s, “I Give You Jesus”
with a commanding presence. Crossfire followed with a soul-stirring
rendition of Richard Smallwood’s, “Total Praise” and finally
- (as pictured) - a spell-binding
rendition of George Frederic Handel’s, “Hallelujah Chorus.” The concert
ended with a moving prayer by Minister Anthony Saunders, giving thanks for
the expression of the talents of the youth in Crossfire, calling for their
continued undergirding as they walk the narrow path of righteous living,
that leads to joy, love and fulfillment.
The steelband/gospel concert at Premier Baptist Church was an idea
conceived by the gifted young musician and arranger, Khuent Rose. In his
dual role as musical director of Premier Baptist Church (PBC) and arranger
of Crossfire Steel
Orchestra he saw in a concert an opportunity for the two organizations to
offer mutual support to each other. The Premier Baptist Church provided the
venue, and Crossfire along with other artists offered inspiring music. The
proceeds of the concert will be shared between Premier Baptist Church and
Crossfire. What is remarkable and commendable in this successful effort is
that Mr. Rose initiated a conversation between two groups that would
otherwise never have conferred. It is this kind of collaboration that can
focus and propel the interests of steel bands as institutions that afford
youth creative and social outlets.
The
following is a list of the players in Crossfire Steel Orchestra
who performed at Premier Baptist Church. They are acknowledged
for their extraordinary commitment and discipline, their love of
music and generosity in sharing their talents. A special thank
you is extended to Iman Pascall from Khuent Rose for taking on
the task of playing drums on such short notice. With profound
appreciation: Tenors- Sparkle Demming, Navarre Mason,
Elizabeth McPherson; Double Tenors- Liddell Rose, Marlon
Andrews; Double Seconds- Alicia Andrews; Guitar-
Olivia Graham; Cello- Khuent Rose (Music Director);
Bass- Jelani Williams, Tanika Phillips; Drummer- Iman
Pascall; Congas- Aldwyn Barton. |
Contact Khuent Rose at his Ning profile
http://whensteeltalks.ning.com/profile/KhuentRose
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