The Charlie Hall Band played a “show” at our church this past weekend. It was less of a show and more of a worship service. It was an exceptional experience. I have followed Charlie Hall since discovering him through Passion back in ‘96. Frankly, even back then, of those involved in leading the Passion conferences - Charlie was the worship leader I felt I most connected with (through the many recordings) - and it has only taken 12 years to actually see him live!

I had volunteered to help set up for the show and it was probably good I did - as it was a relatively light crew. We were all efficient and well ahead of the curve by the time the band showed. I actually wired a good part of the stage - (yeah, that is what my wife said!) - and it all worked. The only real snafu of set-up was the rented Vox AC-30 wouldn’t emit any sound - so that sent me back to the house to pick up my trusty Fender DeVille 4×10. It was great to hear Kendall (guitarist for The Charlie Hall Band) make my amp soar and sound so beautiful.

Charlie has just released a new album of tunes called, The Bright Sadness. When I first heard it - I knew it was going to be great; because it didn’t sound immediately accessible on a first listen. That is always a clue to me that this is a release worth giving some time to. This is a release that has some longevity (it isn’t just the sound of the moment). I have found that to be true. There are many levels to the recording; layers of sonic goodness and various layers of meaning - this is not your average worship release in my opinion.

It was great to worship along with my church family and with Charlie and his band as they led us through one of my favorite tunes of The Bright Sadness, called simply “Mystery.” The beauty of the songs melody; the intensity and passion of the groove and the great lyrics enhanced by singing possibly the most ancient of Christian creeds - makes this for me a perfect tune.

Here is a taste of the lyrics of Mystery:

Mystery
by Charlie Hall

Sweet Jesus Christ my sanity
Sweet Jesus Christ my clarity
Bread of heaven, broken for me
Cup of salvation held up to drink
Jesus the Mystery

Christ has died and
Christ is risen,
and Christ will come again

Anyway - I can’t commend Charlie Hall’s newest release highly enough - pick it up (and if the chance to see him comes along - take it!).

Set List from 10/12/2008 @ Chippewa Evangelical Free Church