The "Still Something Big" Tour was a trio of gospel's legendary past, powerful present and cutting edge future all grouped together.
The format was interestingly unusual. Vashawn Mitchell began the show singing with tracks in front of the stage curtain. It was reminiscent of an amateur high school performance, although his vocals were good.
After Mitchell, Bebe & Cece and Mary Mary appeared together with a mixed-medley of past hits from both duos. That was an original twist for a concert presentation. Thankfully, Vashawn Mitchell did perform his mega-hit "Nobody Greater" amidst the established artists' combined set.
Finally, Bebe & Cece and Mary Mary performed their individual sets. Both duos, having such extensive catalogs, were not able to perform some of their past hits. Both artists had several moments of "realness" that had a great impact on the audience. The house rose to their feet on several occasions when hits like "I'll Take You There" "God In Me" and "Get Up" were sung. They showed how seasoned gospel artistry should be exemplified.
The band was above average, but not spectacular. And, the sound quality was not up to par. They could have used better audio engineering. The mic mix was slightly muted and could have been more crisp. Also, the band sound was not as full as it should have been. The stage set design did not live up to the quality of the artists.
Overall, Bebe & Cece and Mary Mary met my performance expectations in spite of some minor technical annoyances. With the tour having such a short time span, the artists did not have a chance to "polish" the presentation to the expected level. But, I would go see them again, given the opportunity.
The Theater at Madison Square Garden @
- New York @
, NY @
- Sat, Apr 9, 2011 @
Favorite moment: I had a few few favorite moments: "Lost Without You" and "God In Me" and "Grace" were a few. @
Setlist: "Heaven", "I'll Take You There", "It's Okay", "Addictive Love", "Celebrate New Life", "Grace", "Yesterday", "God In Me", "Walking", "Nobody Greater", "Get Up", "Shackles" @
Opening act(s): Vashawn Mitchell @