Album Reviews
Movies
Concert Reviews

Top 10
Resources
Contact Us

After releasing a brand new instrumental album called Freedom right before Thanksgiving, one wonders why pop star extraordinaire and piano tinkling mastermind Michael W. Smith would resort to his Christmastime album from a few years back to tour behind this winter.  Although one can only guess why Smith would choose Christmastime as the theme behind this year's stint, a probable answer would be because he was so successful co-staring on Amy Grant's holiday tour for the last few yuletide seasons.  

His stop in Chicago, surprisingly, featured just a sprinkling of the Christmastime album, as well as a few selections from Freedom, and a mixed bag of treats from his supporting acts Anointed and The Katinas.  Highlights of the first portion included the title tracks from both 1998's seasonal disc and the instrumental album.  In addition, Smith was joined by supporting acts The Katinas and Anointed for a stirring version of "Crown Him With Many Crowns" from 1995's I'll Lead You Home project.

After a 15-minute intermission, Smith returned to the stage for a gentle version of "Carol Ann," off of Freedom, followed by a magical version of "We Three Kings."  The set also featured the worshipful "Angus Dei," as well as the toe tapping "Joyful, Joyful," which featured all of the performers on stage in a choir like atmosphere.  

The evening ended with a touching version of the holiday favorite "The Happiest Christmas," which took place after Smith's one on one chat with the audience about what his family was planning to do on December 25th.  Although the set was tight and passionately charged, as the lights went on to signify the end of the evening, fans checked their watches to find out the show only lasted about 1 hour and 40 minutes.  The 17 song set featured three instrumental performances by Smith, three solo perfo1rmances by Anointed, and two tracks sung solely by The Katinas. Smith sang alone on only two songs, and split up the vocal duties between the other artists for the remaining seven tracks.  His total stage time was a mere hour and 20 minutes.  The show could certainly have gone much longer, but those that made it out on the breezy night went home refreshed and ready for the holiday season.