2008 Woodie Awards
Upton concert heartfelt for some, repetitive for others
Christian artist performed at Finch Fieldhouse Thursday night
By: Lalita Chemello
Issue date: 3/28/08 Section: News
If you listened to "Freedom" by Jason Upton Thursday night at Finch Fieldhouse, you might imagine a Christian Rock band that sounds like One Republic.
The actual sound itself was a surprise.
Upton has an ambient sound with his melodies and chords sounding like something out of a love song in a Disney movie soundtrack. Those in the Christian music scene would be into it.
I and many others who are not really a part of the Christian music scene may want to think twice before attending another one of Upton's performances.
The first 15 minutes of the concert was one song with a few different lines of lyrics and a lot of praying and gospel preaching. And a lot of white noise.
Upton has an amazing voice. The collective instrumental sound filled Finch Fieldhouse, and whether you were enjoying the faith or dreading the long pauses, you still had to move to the beat.
There was a break in the ambience halfway through the concert where they pulled out some bluegrass but it quickly went back to the ambience - maybe even more of a lullaby standard.
And don't let us forget the same one-lined lyric repeated continually for a five- to 10-minute span.
Upton's lyrics moved many of the people in attendance, bringing about the raising of hands and the frequent praise throughout the one and a half hour set.
I'm glad someone got an experience out of it since I was busy counting the times they repeated the same line and hoping someone would bring some life to that stage.
Don't get me wrong, I am a Christian, I go to church quite regularly. I just felt a little out of place Thursday night. Perhaps it's my background in music and concerts that gave me the frequent habit of checking my phone for the time. At this concert, I think I checked my phone at least once every 10 minutes.
For me at a concert, that's a record.
Upton had a beautiful sound and a great message but I would rather listen to it at home, rather than stand through a live performance.
The actual sound itself was a surprise.
Upton has an ambient sound with his melodies and chords sounding like something out of a love song in a Disney movie soundtrack. Those in the Christian music scene would be into it.
I and many others who are not really a part of the Christian music scene may want to think twice before attending another one of Upton's performances.
The first 15 minutes of the concert was one song with a few different lines of lyrics and a lot of praying and gospel preaching. And a lot of white noise.
Upton has an amazing voice. The collective instrumental sound filled Finch Fieldhouse, and whether you were enjoying the faith or dreading the long pauses, you still had to move to the beat.
There was a break in the ambience halfway through the concert where they pulled out some bluegrass but it quickly went back to the ambience - maybe even more of a lullaby standard.
And don't let us forget the same one-lined lyric repeated continually for a five- to 10-minute span.
Upton's lyrics moved many of the people in attendance, bringing about the raising of hands and the frequent praise throughout the one and a half hour set.
I'm glad someone got an experience out of it since I was busy counting the times they repeated the same line and hoping someone would bring some life to that stage.
Don't get me wrong, I am a Christian, I go to church quite regularly. I just felt a little out of place Thursday night. Perhaps it's my background in music and concerts that gave me the frequent habit of checking my phone for the time. At this concert, I think I checked my phone at least once every 10 minutes.
For me at a concert, that's a record.
Upton had a beautiful sound and a great message but I would rather listen to it at home, rather than stand through a live performance.
Viewing Comments 1 - 2 of 3
Adam
posted 3/28/08 @ 3:29 PM EST
I totally agree with you. I am a Christian and felt out of place at this concert. I did connect to a couple of the songs, which were kinda long. I did see some people full out praising God, which is always inspiring and amazing! Of course all we could see was the outward reactions from people. (Continued…)
Greg
posted 4/25/08 @ 11:12 AM EST
The concert was worship not a concert. Those going to be entertained probably did feel "out of place." By the way, the repetitiveness is to allow people to think about God more than the lyrics. (Continued…)
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