Concert/CD Review: Once Again (The Kingsmen)
On Friday, February 1, I had the blessing of seeing my first-ever full concert of the Kingsmen. It was at the Chenery Auditorium in Kalamazoo, MI. I’d never heard of this auditorium before but I was excited about checking it out. The promoter told me that they used to have southern gospel concerts there a lot but they haven’t had any now in a number of years since The Bill Gaither Trio stopped singing there. He is planning to bring in more southern gospel groups, and I really hope it goes well for him. It’s a nice place.
I met Ray Reese a couple years ago and, since that time, had put the Kingsmen on the top of my list of groups I wanted to see. God finally worked it out and I’m so grateful.
They started with a couple old songs: “Traveling Home” and “Called Out.” Then they sang a song that came out a couple years ago: “He’s Everything I Need.”
After that they sang, “After the Sunrise” and then Randy Crawford introduced the group. I had seen Ray Reese and Randy Crawford previously but was not familiar with Chris Jenkins and Bob Sellers. I enjoyed hearing each of them as they were featured on the various songs. On a side note, I did not know before the concert that Ray Reese is still going through cancer treatments. It sounds like God is answering prayer though for which I’m very grateful.
“Loving Shepherd, Gracious God” is a beautiful song featuring Ray. Then they sang “I Can Hardly Wait” and “Meet Me at the Table.” I’m glad they still sing some of their old classics. I never tire of hearing them.
After that, they went into an acapella version of “How Beautiful Heaven Must Be” and then Chris sang, “O What a Savior.” They ended the first portion of the concert with “Saints Will Rise.”
After intermission, they began with the uptempo, “I’ll Live in Glory.”
Throughout the concert, Randy talked about how going to church, being a good person, etc. doesn’t save you. It’s Christ that saves you. I also appreciated it when he said ,”The Great Commission was given to everyone.” Too many think that the call to go and make disciples was given to pastors and missionaries but that’s not true. We all have mission fields. We just need to be obedient to serve God in that way.
They then sang “What a Day That Will Be” and the chorus of “Beulah Land.”
During intermission, I had decided to go ahead and make my CD purchases to save time afterward. As I listened to “Here Comes the Bride,” I wished I had bought the CD that included that song. After I got home and started listening to the CDs I got, I found it is included on their latest CD. Songs on that CD not included in the concert are listed on the CD review portion of this post.
After that, Randy talked again, giving a powerful message. One thing he said, I’ve not heard anyone say before but it is so true. He was talking about how, when Jesus was praying in Gethsemane, His prayer was, “Father, if it be possible, let this cup pass from me.” God’s answer was “No.” “Do we think we’re more important than Jesus? Jesus went to the cross not to accomplish His will but His Father’s will.” Stop and think about that. God doesn’t owe us anything, yet He blesses us daily.
Randy then gave an altar call, encouraging people to come forward if they needed prayer for anything but especially salvation. Chris sang, “He’s All I Need.” Bob prayed and then they sang “One Way Trip” which they encored a couple times. They had fun as Chris would go up and hit especially high notes.
Randy closed in prayer and dismissed everyone. I was so blessed by the ministry that went forth that evening. I was expecting to be entertained (and they are entertaining) but I was blessed that God was at the center of every song and every word spoken.
The Kingsmen recently released a CD of all previously released but re-recorded songs. For long-time fans like myself, this is a great CD to add to your collection. I remember Jim Hamill saying years ago that the Live recordings always sold well but they couldn’t give the studio recordings away. As I’ve listened to the Kingsmen’s music in the last few years, I believe that’s got to be changing. They’ve put out some good recordings with excellent songs and this is no exception.
When you first push play, you will hear their popular song, “God Sits On High.”
I hadn’t heard “I’ve Never Trusted You” previously but it’s a beautiful song which talks about surrendering to God and fully trusting Him.
“Justified” talks about what it means to be justified and what a blessing it is for those who are justified.
“What a Happy Time in Heaven” is an uptempo quartet song about Heaven.
“Without Jesus” talks about the hopelessness without Him but how, with Him, we have everything.
As mentioned earlier, many of the songs on their latest CD were sung in concert so they are mentioned in the concert portion of the review. I’ve been enjoying listening to these songs afresh and I’ve no doubt you will enjoy them as well.
Thank you for the wonderful review of my favorite group. I still love them after all these years. They still have that classic Kingsmen sound and do the classic songs that people love to hear. I agree that their new CD is wonderful. Hope i get the chance to see them again. Loved reading your review.
Thank you, David. I hope you get to see them again too. I’m so grateful I was able to.