USA 2011 Concert reviews.

Talks and reviews about Libera concerts or public appearances

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Malibu
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Re: USA 2011 Concert reviews.

Post by Malibu »

Phineaspgage,
That was beautifully written. I understand exactly what you are saying.

In particular your second paragraph:
phineaspgage wrote:A 4/6ths Tour Review
Libera touches something within me that is far beyond my comprehension. They heal what has been broken, soften edges made jagged by hardship and struggle, release tension born of stress, and bring hope to the places where fear and dismay have made their homes. I will remember this tour as one of the most precious experiences of my life. I do not travel well. I'm bashful, reserved, and easily intimidated. I do not care for long drives or stays away from home. Yet I drove over 2800 miles for four concerts and a church appearance, lived in hotels among strangers, spent my next year's entertainment [and a good part of my food] budget. Yet, upon returning home I still found myself checking flight schedules to see if perhaps there might be some way to make the Texas shows after all. It isn't just that I've never been this fanatical about anything before; its that I've never cared about anything this much before.
That is exactly how I feel. The feeling I get listening to Libera, even the feeling I get thinking about what they do doesn't compare to anything else. I felt like I was floating on air after the Chicago concert.

I rarely go to concerts that are 5 minutes away from me. Why would I drive 10 hours round trip to see Libera in Chicago? I don't know, but I felt like I needed to - something drew me to go. There is just something about them. And like you, I thought about trying to make it to the St. Louis, and Texas concerts, but ultimately decided against it.
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The night is dark and I am far from home.
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tom413
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Re: USA 2011 Concert reviews.

Post by tom413 »

Michael,

Definitely a different kind of concert review. It is not easy to put into words the effect
that Libera, their music and their performances have on us. You have done a wonderful
job.
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Jenn
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Re: USA 2011 Concert reviews.

Post by Jenn »

Michael, that was the most beautiful review of...well, anything...that I have ever read. I'm speechless.
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maartendas
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Re: USA 2011 Concert reviews.

Post by maartendas »

Michael, your story puts to words what I have also felt many times, both from my own experience and from what I have heard from others. As a Christian, my way of expressing that is by saying the Holy Spirit works through them. And I thank God for that.
You are right about those 'fruits'. Because there are many stories out there of people who have experienced a powerful positive change after they encountered the music of Libera. I myself can vividly remember the moment I finally 'succumbed' and admitted that their music genuinely touched me (I have written about this several times on the forum, how I could not accept at first that I loved to listen to Libera, because I was afraid it was too 'saccharine' or 'uncool'. It coincided with my journey back to faith and life has become a lot better for me since that moment :)).
Thank you for your story, it seems that more and more of these 'testimonies' come to the surface, or maybe I am just more receptive to them. But I think you definitely spoke the truth about Libera. And the world needs to hear them.
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LuxVenit
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Re: USA 2011 Concert reviews.

Post by LuxVenit »

Michael - great and beautiful concert review. It is VERY difficult to put into words the effect Libera has on us, and sometimes a simple and traditional review seems inadequate. Sure, one could write about the technicalities of each song, each soloist, who sang each song, etc, but every Libera song stirs something deeper in the heart and soul. It goes beyond that ethereal sound, for me at least, and people who dismiss Libera as "those boys who sound like girls" (as some of my family do) don't know what they're missing out on, both on the musical and emotional fronts.

Anyway (before I start babbling incoherently) thanks for sharing your "review."
“My heart, which is so full to overflowing, has often been solaced and refreshed by music when sick and weary.” ― Martin Luther
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JimmyRiddle
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Re: USA 2011 Concert reviews.

Post by JimmyRiddle »

Just got around to reading your review Michael. It was deep and meaningful and struck a chord with many of us who have been lucky enough to see & hear Libera sing live. Thanks for sharing your unique thoughts with us.
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Murkskis
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Re: USA 2011 Concert reviews.

Post by Murkskis »

phineaspgage wrote: ''Libera touches something within me that is far beyond my comprehension. They heal what has been broken, soften edges made jagged by hardship and struggle, release tension born of stress, and bring hope.''

''.. upon returning home I still found myself checking flight schedules to see if perhaps there might be some way to make the Texas shows after all. It isn't just that I've never been this fanatical about anything before; its that I've never cared about anything this much before.''

'As Stephen Phillipp stated in the Songs of Praise special, "If there is truth behind something,...it bears witness in the hearts of individuals that hear it." Bearing witness cannot be accomplish through recounting a series of songs and stage movements; it is accomplished only by entering fully into the experience and allowing Libera to work their magic.''
Thanks Michael ! Wonderful review!
Their music is just beyond this world. It can't be told or described fully but witnessed and felt deeply within. I think that's why live concerts are valued so much.

Flight schedules are very 'popular literature' by many forum members :)
I nearly took out a loan to fly across the ocean to be there. The temptation is that strong!
I've also never been this fanatical about anything else before 8)
Lauren
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Re: USA 2011 Concert reviews.

Post by Lauren »

phineaspgage wrote:I have no qualifications for writing a concert tour review,
Wow, phineas! You definitely DO! That was beautifully written and quite moving to read. Thank you for sharing. Glad you got to experience 4 concerts. I hope you get to go to more so you can share your thoughts again. :D
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Re: USA 2011 Concert reviews.

Post by smiley_pinder »

Thank you, Michael, for a perfectly written review of the meaning of a Libera concert that I have ever read. Your words were crafted to paint the most accurate picture of the feelings that "being there" evoke, and what the music does for me. Thank you so very much for sharing them with us.
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Craig
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Re: USA 2011 Concert reviews.

Post by Craig »

I realize this review of the Chicago concert is coming very late but I guess better late than never. I posted this to AV earlier this week. I hope you enjoy it.

The setting was Rockefeller Chapel, a beautiful chapel built in the 1920's on the campus of the University of Chicago. Although it was on the north side of the downtown area, it was very park like in appearance and some quaint university style shops and restaurants were a couple of blocks away.

Unfortunately, like most churches in the Northern US that I know of, it was not air conditioned and it was exceedingly hot and humid that day. The dedicated crew members that set up for the show were drenched in sweat very quickly after starting their work. Many younger crew members went without shoes to try to cool themselves on the chapel's stone floor. During the show, the boys could be seen pulling on their robes to keep them from sticking to them and wiping their brows from sweat. Fortunately for them, I believe their dressing room below the chapel was air conditioned. As far as their performance, the heat did not deter them from putting on a fantastic show!

In general, I saw them twice in the 2011 Canada tour (London and Hamilton) and I would say this was a better vocal performance than both the Canada shows I saw, primarily due to many of the soloists clearly being more comfortable with their songs. Also, I didn't see evidence of any of the kids appearing under the weather like I did in Canada. Where Canada froze them with cold rain, we in the US burned them to a crisp with hot, sunny weather. They were probably glad to get back to the UK after these tours. ;)

The show was pretty close in content to the Canada shows with some great surprises thrown in. Two soloists that did not make the trip include Stefan and James M. which gave the opportunity for some other capable singers to display themselves. We got to hear four new voices that I haven't heard soloing live before - Cassius, Sam, Eoghan, and Josh's new voice. All were great additions to the show!

The show started the same as the Canada shows did - with Jubilate transitioning into Libera. I loved this in Canada and it still hasn't lost its impact with me. Ralph, Jakob, Alex, Eoghan, and Carlos were the primary singers for Jubilate and Eoghan and Luke really sounded great leading the group's theme song, Libera.

Barney and Cassius provided some humor with their speaking parts. Both these boys come across as being very comfortable on stage and are very effective at being playful in their parts. Later in the show Kavana and Jude also deliver punch lines at different times and seem to have fun with their speaking parts. By now they have done it many times and they seem to look
forward to doing it.

Next we get two consecutive songs by Ralph: Songs of Life and Sanctissima. Ralph continues to sound better and better every time I hear him. I could listen to him all day. He has such a beautiful voice!

Sanctus was next with the final solo being ably handled by Luke. Here's another boy who has obviously worked hard at his voice. Luke has a bigger part in this show than others I've seen and he deserves it.

You are going to get tired of hearing this statement from me but the next song we really get to hear some improved confidence in a song, this time with Freddie doing Always With You. I wrote in my review of the London show how he has made this song his own. He really has and his confidence seems to grow each time I see him do it which translates into a better performance. This continues to be a show highlight for me. While I am making a case for Freddie's improvement, I also need to say this show is the best I have ever heard Jakob sing. Jakob did the high parts on this song and really nailed them. Great job guys!

There is a great freeze frame moment in Always with You that I hope Libera shares with us sometime on their pictures. It is when Freddie is singing out front with all the boys on either side leaning towards him with their eyes closed. It is a great shot that I really wished I had a picture of (but of course pictures are not allowed to be taken).

I kind of wished I didn't know ahead of time that Josh was going to do Eternal Light because seeing him come forward to sing this song would have really had a surprise impact, but Josh with his new voice did not disappoint. What a beautiful lower voice he now has as he sang this song with Ralph and Daniel!

Salva Me has a special place in my heart as it is the song that introduced me to Libera back in 2001. Matthew RA really did a wonderful job as the high note specialist on this song.

Lamentione was amazing. This is a very haunting song that really grows on you. If I remember right it is done with very little accompaniment so we get to hear the beautiful harmonies (with lots of reverb added) that makes this group so special. I think Jakob and Ralph had solo parts but most was harmonies from nine of the boys.

The first half ended with Exultate and it brought a nice ovation from the appreciative audience.

Just like that it was time for the interval which seemed to come too soon. The usual appeal was delivered with the following numbers given. This tour costs $17,000/day, including $15,000 for visas and $50,000 for air fare.

When he finished, most poured outside to take in some of the cooler air. The chapel was still sweltering hot but outside it had cooled off. Unfortunately, the wind which this city is so famous for was virtually nonexistent so the cooler air wasn't making it inside even with the doors open at both sides.

It was now dark outside so the lighting could have its full effect. On AV we were wondering which song from the first album they would resurrect for this tour. They started the second half with that song - Te Lucis.

Seven of the older boys were in the back of the stage with dark green floor lights pointed up at them. They sang Te Lucis beautifully with Sam taking much of the solo parts. It was hard to tell who was singing because the lighting made them appear ghostly. It was a really great idea to have the older boys sing a song just by themselves. They sang it like the veterans they are. I just wish the lighting was such that you could see their faces better.

Te Lucis went right into Mysterium then right into Gloria. Mysterium featured Ralph and Luke as soloists. Gloria was not done with a booming organ this time. The organ was there (played very well by Sean Groombridge) but it wasn't overpowering like I have heard in the past. This allowed the boys to take the lead and they were clearly up to the task!

Next are two more from Ralph - The Fountain and When a Knight Won His Spurs. The Fountain never gets old. It didn't impress me much when I first heard it on the album but now that I have seen Ralph very capably perform this song several times, it has become one of my favorites. Kavana also does a great job on this song as one of the soloists.

When a Knight featured a new approach to this song which I really liked. I can't describe what is different but they did alter the song. I hope they record this new version. It was a really good song already but they made it better and Ralph did his usual amazing job of delivering it.

Stay with Me was next. What more can I say about this song? It is one of my favorites and Daniel is fantastic, delivering it with his sly grin that I have come to enjoy seeing. I wish more boys would sing with a smile as he does. Matthew RA was flawless as the high note artist.

Sam came out to deliver the speech about the older boys and the lower notes. When he said something like, "I have been in this group since I was seven," the audience erupted into a loud applause that clearly surprised Sam. He paused his speech with a wide grin at the reaction before delivering the rest with renewed enthusiasm. It was good to see Sam smiling more back there after that.

Ave Verum was well done by Jakob and Carlos, who both improve each time I see them do this song. The V formation with a much bigger Josh out front is a freeze frame I hope Libera releases on their website at some point. They did this with Jonathan out front for the Canada shows and it was a great shot that I'm happy they shared with us.

Love and Mercy featured the first appearance of another new soloist - Cassius. The boy who has become young Mr. Confidence when it comes to the speaking parts was just as comfortable in James' spot singing this song with Freddie. Cassius has a beautiful voice and really did a great job of it as did Freddie.

Glory to Thee (aka Talis' Cannon) was next which was a reprise from the morning when Eoghan started the song. Eoghan has an amazing voice and he is definitely one to watch for the future. The harmonies were fantastic, even better than the morning at the Moody church. Libera has sweated their way nearly through the concert and there was no sign at that point of them tiring out. They still sounded fantastic.

Then for the big finish, Jakob and Eoghan did How Shall I Sing That Majesty. They did a good job at Moody Church in the morning but they were both much better at the concert. Eoghan has such a beautiful voice and we all know how good Jakob is. Jakob was at top form on this song - probably the best I have heard him. Fantastic job!

The encore was a brief version of Exultate, after which they got another long standing ovation. The concert seemed to be over way too soon. Talking to some folks in the audience after the concert, all seemed to be impressed with the performance whether they were a long time fan or someone who happened by from the University wanting to see the show. I feel so fortunate that I was able to see them. Once again, a long trip to see Libera was well rewarded with an incredible show by the group we all love.

It needs to be mentioned that every person on that stage did an outstanding job that night - whether they soloed or not. Harmonies are one of the key things that make Libera special and one singer can't do that by himself. Everyone is a part of that harmony and even if they don't get a special mention on this or other sites, even if no one dedicates posts to them, they
are very important and valuable to the sound that we all love.

If members of Libera ever were to read this, I have a message for all of those who were part of that show -- from Robert to Ralph, from Big Ben to Mini Ben to Nano Ben, from Tiernan to Thomas - I am proud of you!

Craig
Lauren
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Re: USA 2011 Concert reviews.

Post by Lauren »

Thanks for sharing that great review, Craig! I got to relive that concert all over again as I envisioned everything in my mind. I agree with everything you said. Freddie's voice is so much stronger in just the few months since Canada. Did you know his dad was there for that concert? It was the day after Freddie's 11th birthday, too. :D

I wonder if it's possible that the heat was good for their voices. They sounded so good in St. Paul and Chicago (the 2 without air conditioning). Good singers I know often wear scarves around their necks to keep their throats warm. Anyway, they sure did give their all for 6 concerts in a row. :D
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tom413
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Re: USA 2011 Concert reviews.

Post by tom413 »

Thanks for posting this Craig.

I was hoping you would write a review of the Chicago concert.
Your description did not disappoint.

Thanks again for the kindness extended to your parched fellow fans that night! :D
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Craig
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Re: USA 2011 Concert reviews.

Post by Craig »

Thanks Lauren! I did not meet Mr Ingles but I should have been able to spot him. He must have been the one with his chest stuck way out with extreme pride! I can't imagine how proud he must be of his 11 year old.

Tom -- it was great to spend time with you at Chicago! I really hope we can do that again soon. I'll bring the waters! :D
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Re: USA 2011 Concert reviews.

Post by phineaspgage »

Great review, Craig, and certainly not too late in my book (though my reply to you on the other hand....)

I really appreciate your memory for details, which help to jog my own recollection now that time is beginning to fade them. Now I can relive the experience more vividly. This should get me into October, by which time I'll need them to come back!

Peace,
Michael
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natsumi
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Re: USA 2011 Concert reviews.

Post by natsumi »

Awesome review Craig!! this brought back sooo much memories from the concert!
thanks again :D
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