STYLE: Pop RATING OUR PRODUCT CODE: 18171- LABEL: Night Music Productions FORMAT: VHS video Music video
Reviewed by Mike Rimmer
The video to accompany Rob's latest album features a straight forward live concert performance where he is backed by a band, 40-piece choir and a classical horn quintet. The performance is extraordinary as Mathes is an enigmatic figure. One moment he is singing his heart out at the piano, the next he is conducting the choir or playing amazing guitar solos. The marriage of styles, pop turning to classical, jazz to choral is intriguing as Mathes performs the best songs from the album. Standout moment for me was the romp through "Five Sparrows" where Mathes straps on a guitar and lets loose with the jazziest selection of licks. (It's not fair! Not only is he a composing genius, has an excellent voice and plays the piano wonderfully...he's just as good on the guitar!). Musically very inspired, this former sideman for Chuck Mangione demonstrates that as a writer and performer, he doesn't need thousands of special effects and a huge budget, this simple performance video simply highlights an excellent musician letting loose in front of an appreciative audience. Low key but highly creative. Clever but simple in its message of exploring the hopes and questions of faith.
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