Oslo Gospel Choir - This Is The Day: Live In Montreux Part One
STYLE: Gospel RATING OUR PRODUCT CODE: 21274-DVD334 LABEL: PK6900100 FORMAT: DVD Music video ITEMS: 1 RRP: £15.31
Reviewed by Lins Honeyman
In the prestigious setting of the Stravinski Concert Hall in the legendary Swiss town of Montreux, Norway's Oslo Gospel Choir played to a full house under the watchful eye of Scandinavian writer and arranger Tore W Aas back in February 2006. This DVD captures that night and it is a very slick piece of work to say the least. Featuring a 16 strong choir backed by an extremely tight five piece band, the choir work their way through a mixture of songs written by Aas and other contributors in a style that is their own. As with any good gospel choir, there are plenty of individuals ready to take the lead and this particular group is no exception. Male vocalist Hans Esben Gihle opens the set with the funky title track whilst soprano Kine Ludvigsen joins him on Andraé Crouch's "Comin' Back". Elsewhere alto Gro M Vaernes delivers a soulful vocal in the punchy song of redemption "Born Again" and the choir corporately perform a relatively low key version of "Bridge Over Troubled Water". Whilst it is difficult to match the sound and freedom that their black counterparts have, the Oslo Gospel Choir do at times come across as slightly mechanical. For instance, "Eternal Sunshine" - their attempt at reggae - doesn't quite come off and their version of Richard Smallwood's "In This House" is regrettably wooden. This does not take away from the obvious skill contained within this collective and this skill is arguably more evident in the four additional tracks included as an add on to the main feature. Contained within this bonus feature is a simply stunning rendition of "Joy To The World" showcasing Ludvigsen's true vocal potential together with a brief snatch of Handel's "Hallelujah Chorus" thrown in for good measure. There is also a breathtaking version of the traditional Scandinavian song "Mitt Hjerte Alltid Vanker" which sees the choir at their best and most natural - complete with a stunning vocal from Gihle and some great guitar work from Bernt Rune Stray.
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Product Description
This Is The Day – Live in Montreux was recorded in February 2006 in the Stravinski Concert Hall, Montreux, before an audience of 1,800.
Under the inspired leadership of composer and arranger Tore Aas, the Choir have produced a thrilling sound. The 5 piece accompanying group are some of the finest Christian musicians in Norway and the driving rhythm really lifted the singing. The recent introduction of new soloists, mainly in the ladies sections, gave a fresh interpretation to some of the older songs. The newer numbers are, as ever, God inspired, written and scored in the brilliant style of Tore Aas.
From the difficult Got me some Angels to the simple, but emotional beauty of God so loved the world this concert will remain in the memory of everyone present for many years to come.
hi sissel is singing tribute to God be the glory with oslo choir can i buy this ? i just bought 2005 we life our hands great