Nearly two weeks ago, I had the privilege of attending a Crabb Family concert in Greenville, SC. I attended last year when the tour was basically Jason’s solo dates with his siblings. Song selection was Jason Crabb solo 85% last year. However, the entire family has created a unique tour this winter/spring for fans to enjoy them at the deepest of their thoughts. Titled the “Front Porch Tour,” this exciting and mesmerizing concert series is full of light-hearted and serious moments which are well-balanced for an effective concert.
Due to this event’s being held in a church, there is an already churchy atmosphere. Looking around, people are dressed in their Sunday attire even though this is a Friday night event. I must say this isn’t entirely an outside-looking-in perspective; I, too, am dressed in Sunday clothes. After a brief encounter with the ticket handlers, I traverse to the already filled church auditorium. The church hosts the Crabb Family with ticket charges at $25 for Artist Circle and $20 for General Admission. After their welcome to the platform, the clan performs a few fluffy ditties. Then, church starts.
Aaron Crabb stepped up to sing a new song, “Come Home.” This song moves the audience, but the family still seems to be a bit disconnected from the fans. Between songs, Jason Crabb serves as the emcee for the group. One can tell that he isn’t quite used to setting up songs for other people, but he handles the song transitions adequately. Fortunately, not every song is given the “the minute I heard it we had to record it” statement. Unlike last year’s event, the concert attendees are likely sitting on their hands. Minimal applause for songs like “Don’t You Wanna Go?” and “I Go to the Rock,” two tunes which received standing ovations halfway through last year, leaves ardent Crabb Family fans scratching their heads.
However, the audience does shower love for the newest Crabb Family bread and butter, “If There Ever Was a Time.” Each of the family members compliments the other with this excellent tune speaking of God’s provision. The song features balanced performances from each family member. Aaron Crabb shows his range with the soulful “extras” given to his notes. He keeps the melody alive, but he tastefully adds to the music. The massive vocals from the clan build the song’s momentum, creating a vocal conglomeration similar to a traditional Gospel choir. The large vocals contrast the smooth piano-only accompaniment which Blaine Johnson gives expertly.
In contrast, the most electrical moment of the evening is surprisingly “God on the Mountain.” The song appears on Jason Crabb’s latest solo effort, but he uses his siblings as back-up for this McKameys/Lynda Randle cover. The familarity of the lyrics help the audience to relax under Crabb’s fresh approach. Clearly, this performance is the moment of the evening. On the other hand, there are the concert attendees who are there to hear/see the family perform their anthem, “Through the Fire.” Until the bridge, Jason performs the tune solo with piano-only instrumentation. When the other musical instruments join in, one little woman starts to run around near the Artist Circle barrier. Going by people’s expressions, it seems that this song is at least part of why people love to see the Crabb clan together again.
Throughout the entire evening, there are effective moments of praise and worship. Each member of the group stands on his/her own feet and applauds the other members’ performances. Since their “retirement,” the family has managed to capture a unity not previously seen. At least in medium-to-large quantities. The union is so tight with this tour that one will more than halfway want the family to tour full time again. However, realizing how great these are together helps augment their separate ministries. With their “Front Porch Tour,” the Crabb Family weaves strong messages of hope and encouragement in varying styles. The tour works well, and everyone – family and fans- is satisfied.
