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CeCe Winans
Rhema Christian Center
Toronto, Canada
November 5th
They stood in the pouring rain for more than two hours waiting to get into the sold out concert to hear Detroit's diva of soul CeCe Winans. On Saturday November 5th Winans performed at Toronto Canada's Rhema Christian Centre before an audience that was already chanting CeCe, CeCe long before Winans, her band and backup vocalists hit the stage.
As talented as this seven time Grammy winner is she is an equally gifted preacher. If she ever tires of caressing our souls with her magical vocals this phenomenal songstress doesn't need to look very far for a second career. She reminded us continually throughout the concert that we were there first and foremost to hear the voice of Jesus and to worship. She slid easily between songs, medleys, casual conversation, missives and proclaiming the virtues of organizations such as World Vision.
As good as CeCe Winans and her entourage were it was obvious the volunteer staff at the Rhema Centre and the concert promoters House of Levi were overwhelmed by the number of fans who turned out. The concert was delayed for more than an hour while fans were slowly ushered into the venue and to their seats.
The number two song "Alright" is a fun tune that began with a regular R&B beat and segued into Jamoo and Soca stylings. At one point during this song Winans had her backup singers Jerard Woods, Christie Richardson, and LeAnne Palmore lead the men and women in rounds of singing the word alright.
During the song "I Am" there was a splendid bridge where the singer as the voice of God asks during a series of questions, "Do you know who I am?". The guitarist Ricky Watford answers with a rhapsody of chords.
As an introduction to the song "He's Concerned" from her Purified album Winans shared how the song was originally written to bring comfort to those who had lost a loved one. Only a few months after the song was written her brother Ronald passed away. It is a beautiful, peaceful song that reminds us of God's comfort, love and longing to hold us close when trials beset us.
For this reviewer, the most moving song was "Alabaster Box" a musical recounting of Mary Magdalene anointing the feet of Jesus with fragrant oil. Winans knelt on stage as she sang and took upon herself the role of Mary. Her impassioned vocals and body language brought to life one of the greatest written accounts we have of an act of servitude.
"Alabaster Box" was a fitting introduction into her closing two songs "Jesus Beautiful" and "Hallelujah Highest Praise".
Luther "Mano" Hanes (keyboards), drummer LaDell Abrams, Ernest Tobert (Organ / Keyboard), and bassist Maurice Fitzgerald rounded out the compliment of fine musicians who accompanied Winans on stage. In fact, Fitzgerald and the guitarist Ricky Watford were worth the price of admission alone as they laid down some deep R&B grooves.
By Joe Montague, exclusive rights reserved
Joe Montague is an internationally
published journalist / photographer. His ministry is dedicated to the memory
of his late son Kent David Montague who went to heaven at the age of 18.
All copyright and distribution rights remain the property of Joe Montague.
