Reviews
Beyond Blue @ First Baptist Church, 11/1/09
“On November 1, 2009, First Baptist Church in Portland, Maine had the distinct privilege of having Beyond Blue lead us in worship in the contemporary service. The people loved them! Their music is worshipful. The sound is agreeable for all audiences. The quality is very good. More than that, I had the impression that each member of the band led us out of a heart of deep love for Jesus. We will remember that great experience for a long time. I would recommend that pastors of churches seriously consider giving your worship leaders a break on a Sunday morning and bring in Beyond Blue to lead in worship before your message. Your people will thank you!"
- Dr. Keith Moore, Senior Pastor
“On November 1, 2009, First Baptist Church in Portland, Maine had the distinct privilege of having Beyond Blue lead us in worship in the contemporary service. The people loved them! Their music is worshipful. The sound is agreeable for all audiences. The quality is very good. More than that, I had the impression that each member of the band led us out of a heart of deep love for Jesus. We will remember that great experience for a long time. I would recommend that pastors of churches seriously consider giving your worship leaders a break on a Sunday morning and bring in Beyond Blue to lead in worship before your message. Your people will thank you!"
- Dr. Keith Moore, Senior Pastor
Beyond Blue @ Holy Grounds, 3/21/09
Citing the likes of Stevie Wonder, Alicia Keys, Bruce Hornsby, Eric Johnson, and Queen as their influences, you wouldn’t immediately think of Wells, ME-based Beyond Blue as a ‘Christian’ band. That is, until you take a lyrical listen to songs like “I Run to You” and “Higher” and realize they’re apt to cite Jesus as their first and foremost inspiration. To see them live, you may believe, as they do, that God is in the room.
If you’re like me, you don’t immediately run out to see every live act at local churches or church-run coffee houses. But, having previously seen Beyond Blue (www.beyondbluemusic.org) in a live-recording setting, I was curious to see how or if their sound would change according to venue. On this particular occasion I caught Beyond Blue at the Holy Grounds Coffeehouse, part of the Church of the Holy Spirit on Congress Street in Portland, ME. Holy Grounds currently hosts shows every 3rd Saturday of the month, and it’s the “mission of the coffeehouse to provide an entertaining and inspiring environment where Christian people can gather and be blessed.” With Beyond Blue providing the entertainment that night, I’d say this mission was accomplished.
Beyond Blue’s musical repertoire consists of original songs that have been developed over a number of years by a number of different band members. Currently, guitarist John Edwards and keyboardist Justin Havu are the only two remaining members of what is usually a six-piece band. But, you really wouldn’t know that unless you’ve done your research or have seen them play several times. Granted, Beyond Blue has had trouble maintaining a consistent line-up, but each time I see them they sound better than ever—a testament to hard work, and faith in new talent.
Getting back to the songs, Beyond Blue know how to tailor the energy level of a set list and feel comfortable both elevating and soothing the audience through out the course of a show. Kicking it off, the joyful and uplifting coupling of “Arise” and “You’re Not Alone” had the audience clapping and smiling along to what’s become Beyond Blue’s consistent calling card—jazzy pop-rock fused with soulful, gospel vocals. Highlights of that night’s set were the U2-esque “Higher,” the punchy “God Will Make You Laugh,” and the soaring, guitar-driven encore of “Freedom.” Here and there, Beyond Blue wound the audience down with deeper, soulful expressions, like the lounge-soaked mellow jazz of “Mountain Top” and the slow-piano-build of “Can You Hear Me.”
Christian-centric music can often be limiting in its own quest for live audiences, but where Beyond Blue is bound to succeed is in their balance of musicianship. Each member brings confidence, love, and joyful respect to their role in the band. Not to mention ample talent. At Holy Grounds, I was pleased that Edwards’ guitar sound was more pronounced in the mix. In past performances, Havu’s keyboards tended to get special attention, especially in regards to volume (although, I don’t think anyone was complaining; he’s brilliant). But for me, a rock fan, I go for the guitars and drums. Perhaps the most seasoned member of Beyond Blue, Edwards lends enough tasteful flash and reserved chops to warrant at least one ripping solo or two. I’m sure God wouldn’t mind. And, in terms of rhythm section, drummer Josh Fournier did not disappoint. I’m pretty sure he intends his snare to be heard in Heaven. Bassist Ray Braxton and new backup vocalist Whitley Nabintu Newman laid down solid support for the band and seemed to genuinely enjoy themselves.
While each Beyond Blue song unselfishly provides moments for each band member to shine, perhaps the most dominant presence on the stage continues to be lead vocalist Anniya Mvula. Born in Lusaka, Zambia, Mvula’s accent is rich with African melodies as she addresses the audience between each song. At times difficult to understand, her intentions are always clear—she is singing for God. And boy does she. She’s got the pipes, and the range, to take the audience beyond what they probably expected to hear. Her performance at Holy Grounds was no different. Mvula, per usual, consistently attempted to goad the audience into singing along with her, and I genuinely believe the silence she received back simply reflected their desire to just listen to her wail.
The sound was clear and the volume was appropriate that night, as it usually is. Edwards and co. have access to top-of-the-line gear, as he is owner of Tune Town (www.tunetownmusicgear.com), a music store complex in Wells, ME. The room at Holy Grounds was adequate for their dynamic range, but made me look forward to the next time Beyond Blue play at a venue where people can stand up and move to the music.
Visit www.beyondbluemusic.org to order Say the Word, a CD recently recorded during a January Tune Town performance.
- Ian Sawyer
Citing the likes of Stevie Wonder, Alicia Keys, Bruce Hornsby, Eric Johnson, and Queen as their influences, you wouldn’t immediately think of Wells, ME-based Beyond Blue as a ‘Christian’ band. That is, until you take a lyrical listen to songs like “I Run to You” and “Higher” and realize they’re apt to cite Jesus as their first and foremost inspiration. To see them live, you may believe, as they do, that God is in the room.
If you’re like me, you don’t immediately run out to see every live act at local churches or church-run coffee houses. But, having previously seen Beyond Blue (www.beyondbluemusic.org) in a live-recording setting, I was curious to see how or if their sound would change according to venue. On this particular occasion I caught Beyond Blue at the Holy Grounds Coffeehouse, part of the Church of the Holy Spirit on Congress Street in Portland, ME. Holy Grounds currently hosts shows every 3rd Saturday of the month, and it’s the “mission of the coffeehouse to provide an entertaining and inspiring environment where Christian people can gather and be blessed.” With Beyond Blue providing the entertainment that night, I’d say this mission was accomplished.
Beyond Blue’s musical repertoire consists of original songs that have been developed over a number of years by a number of different band members. Currently, guitarist John Edwards and keyboardist Justin Havu are the only two remaining members of what is usually a six-piece band. But, you really wouldn’t know that unless you’ve done your research or have seen them play several times. Granted, Beyond Blue has had trouble maintaining a consistent line-up, but each time I see them they sound better than ever—a testament to hard work, and faith in new talent.
Getting back to the songs, Beyond Blue know how to tailor the energy level of a set list and feel comfortable both elevating and soothing the audience through out the course of a show. Kicking it off, the joyful and uplifting coupling of “Arise” and “You’re Not Alone” had the audience clapping and smiling along to what’s become Beyond Blue’s consistent calling card—jazzy pop-rock fused with soulful, gospel vocals. Highlights of that night’s set were the U2-esque “Higher,” the punchy “God Will Make You Laugh,” and the soaring, guitar-driven encore of “Freedom.” Here and there, Beyond Blue wound the audience down with deeper, soulful expressions, like the lounge-soaked mellow jazz of “Mountain Top” and the slow-piano-build of “Can You Hear Me.”
Christian-centric music can often be limiting in its own quest for live audiences, but where Beyond Blue is bound to succeed is in their balance of musicianship. Each member brings confidence, love, and joyful respect to their role in the band. Not to mention ample talent. At Holy Grounds, I was pleased that Edwards’ guitar sound was more pronounced in the mix. In past performances, Havu’s keyboards tended to get special attention, especially in regards to volume (although, I don’t think anyone was complaining; he’s brilliant). But for me, a rock fan, I go for the guitars and drums. Perhaps the most seasoned member of Beyond Blue, Edwards lends enough tasteful flash and reserved chops to warrant at least one ripping solo or two. I’m sure God wouldn’t mind. And, in terms of rhythm section, drummer Josh Fournier did not disappoint. I’m pretty sure he intends his snare to be heard in Heaven. Bassist Ray Braxton and new backup vocalist Whitley Nabintu Newman laid down solid support for the band and seemed to genuinely enjoy themselves.
While each Beyond Blue song unselfishly provides moments for each band member to shine, perhaps the most dominant presence on the stage continues to be lead vocalist Anniya Mvula. Born in Lusaka, Zambia, Mvula’s accent is rich with African melodies as she addresses the audience between each song. At times difficult to understand, her intentions are always clear—she is singing for God. And boy does she. She’s got the pipes, and the range, to take the audience beyond what they probably expected to hear. Her performance at Holy Grounds was no different. Mvula, per usual, consistently attempted to goad the audience into singing along with her, and I genuinely believe the silence she received back simply reflected their desire to just listen to her wail.
The sound was clear and the volume was appropriate that night, as it usually is. Edwards and co. have access to top-of-the-line gear, as he is owner of Tune Town (www.tunetownmusicgear.com), a music store complex in Wells, ME. The room at Holy Grounds was adequate for their dynamic range, but made me look forward to the next time Beyond Blue play at a venue where people can stand up and move to the music.
Visit www.beyondbluemusic.org to order Say the Word, a CD recently recorded during a January Tune Town performance.
- Ian Sawyer