Mitch McVicker Concert
with special guest Tom Frye
St Mark's United Methodist Church, 7:00pm
Decatur IN, March 27, 2004
review by Tim Francis

I was privileged to catch Mitch and his band at a coffee house at St. Mark's United Methodist Church in Decatur, Indiana Saturday Night April 27th. They were on a break from the Potter's Field tour with Ray Boltz. Mitch came out to sing on one song by opening artist Tom Frye. I really enjoyed Tom's music. It is always a pleasant surprise when the opening band is worth going to see just on their own. If you get a chance to see Tom don't miss him. Excellent songwriter.

Mitch opened his set with Upside Down from Chasing the Horizon followed by a hard hitting, powerful version of Take the Wheel from the Without Looking Down cd. The band was tight all night and all of the songs were well polished. Mitch then spoke briefly about some of the trials he has been through and played a most compelling version of My Deliverer. Brad did some excellent electric guitar work during this song. Next up was a new song that I already know is going to be one of my favorites. It talked about how all creation praises God all the time and how even the "rocks cry out." We should be hearing that one on the radio some day. I think Mitch mentioned that it would be on the forthcoming live cd which he said would be out in a few months. Next they played the old hymn Solid Rock as only they can play it with intricate rhythms of percussion backing those timeless truths. Next Mitch introduced the band in a rhyming, rappish sounding, extended version of the Lemonade Song. This classic song was really quite a jam. Then Mitch, Brad, and Joe played the best version of Heaven is Waiting I have heard in a long time. The song came across very strong, yet tender, moving and hopeful. Cobra seemed to have some great bass programming going on in this and several other songs that let you feel the music as well as hear it. Next was another new one about a "Party Going On." It speaks of the Great Party we are all looking forward to. The new music is really well written and very catchy. They really stick in your head. I felt like I was listening to them all the way home. Here and Now came next, and they played the full power version from the very first cd. Mitch then slowed it down a bit with one of my favorites "Don't Let Your Heart Be Troubled." Then Mitch and Joe took a break and Brad played 3 excellent songs. My favorite was Mourning Glory's. Another one was about walking in the dark with the lights out. Nice acoustic set, very well done.

Mitch and Joe then came back on to wrap things up with I Need You Jesus, Burning the Fields, and another new one. I enjoyed myself and felt refreshed as I drove home. Mitch's music has a way of ministering to a weary soul like a cup of cold water to a tired traveler. Thank you Mitch, Brad, Joe, and Tom for a wonderful night of music.