Album Reviews
Movie Reviews
Concert Reviews

Top 10
Resources
Time Wasters
Contact Us

Mark Schultz  Live . . . A Night Of Stories & Songs is a gift for fans. The two disc CD/DVD, with matching audio content except for the studio version of "I Am" (a new song) at the end of the CD, showcases the stories that have become songs like the popular "He’s My Son." If you have listened to Christian radio for any length of time, chances are you have heard his hit songs, which are faithfully and energetically reproduced here.

He does so with warmth, a sense of humor and the occasional brief background information. We get a partial preview of another new song, "Walking Her Home," which Schultz has some fun with even though it’s not complete. 

The songs alternate between the upbeat, when he plays keyboards and is joined by a band consisting of guitar, bass and drums, and the piano ballads where he gets excellent cello support from the renowned John Catchings.

The DVD production is excellent with good lighting, quality sound, an enthusiastic audience, and multi-angle shots in an intimate theater setting. There is plenty of bonus material including the music videos "I Have Been There" and "Letters From War," which are both well done. In the section titled "Stories Behind The Songs" Schultz walks us through the places and memories of his past and recounts his quest to make it in the music business. 

If you like Mark Schultz, or if you like adult contemporary pop that pulls on your heartstrings, you will most likely enjoy this. On the other hand, songs that can be similar sounding and ballads that may seem overly sentimental might not be enjoyable for those who want something more. His voice is so strong and he sings with so much passion that it can be a little overpowering at times. I found myself drawn to the softer and slower "Time That Is Left," and the closing song, "Remember Me." 

On this release Mark Schultz reveals himself as a likeable and talented artist. It’s obvious from the crowd singing along that his songs move many. The CD and the DVD together make for a good value. 

Michael Dalton
10/8/2005

Mark Schultz's CD / DVD set A Night of Stories and Songs is a rarity in the music industry today. The always personable Schultz set out to provide glimpses into his personal life and to pay tribute to the people who helped him along the way. What we get instead is a mini biography of one of the more gifted and nicest people in the industry today. If you have the advantage of meeting Schultz, you will soon realize that A Night of Stories and Songs is must less staged then it is a genuine portrayal of this Colby Kansas native.

The fourteen track live concert album features songs that are now firmly entrenched as favorites among his fans, "When You Come Home," "Remember Me" (originally recorded as a duet with Ginny Owens), the pop driven "Back In His Arms Again," and the funny "Running Just To Catch Myself." If you have been fortunate enough to be married to the same person most of your life, "Walking Her Home" will bring tears to your eyes.

If you haven't had the opportunity to attend a Mark Schultz concert, I predict after you listen to or watch this CD/ DVD you will be the first in line to buy tickets the next time he visits your city. Shot at the Marion Civic Centre (IL)A Night of Stories and Songs is a CD that comes closer to capturing the feel of a live concert than most albums are able to. Schultz combines those extraordinary qualities that separate simply good artists from great artists, he can send an electric current through the audience and still remain personable. 

As good as the music is on this disc, the DVD is even better. We walk through the hallways of the high school he attended. The current owner of the house where Schultz grew up was gracious enough to let the film crew in and Schultz strokes the keys of the piano in her living room while singing. There are genuine not contrived scenes when Schultz recalls special moments with his now deceased grandfather. The DVD is a walk down memory lane with a terrific artist and human being.

Along the way we visit Ryman Auditorium a venue Schultz thought he would only dream about playing. He recalls his first concert at Ryman and how the volunteer staff at the church sold every last ticket to the concert. 

There are several conversations with Mark DeVries the senior pastor at First Presbyterian Church (Nashville) where Schultz worked as the youth pastor prior to his embarking on a fulltime music career. The kibitzing that still takes place between the two of them provides yet another insight into the man behind the music.

I remember sitting and chatting with Mark Schultz between sound checks last spring and being impressed with how relaxed and personable  an individual he is. What you get on this CD/DVD collection is the same person I met. You get a guy who is just grateful for the opportunity and the people who have helped him along the way. The only items missing from this DVD are the wedding pictures. Mark, where are the photos?? Oh yeah, the DVD was already in the can before his recent wedding.

This weekend instead of going and renting or buying a new Hollywood DVD to pop into your player mosey down to your local Christian bookstore, put your hand in your pocket and purchase Mark Schultz's A Night of Stories and Songs. Make some popcorn, grab a soda and put your feet up. You are in for an enjoyable experience 

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. 

Hearing Mark Schultz always makes me think of a relatively unknown artist from Cincinnati named Jeff Sack.  Both are adept at power pop vocals and both write moving, sometimes maudlin songs that will tug at your heartstrings.  But while Sack never rose above opening for Rich Mullins and playing the church camp circuit, Schultz has become a rising star in the CCM world. 

_Live_ is almost a greatest hits collection, which is what most fans would desire at a concert.  Everything you would expect to be here is: "I Have Been There," "Back in His Arms Again," "He's My Son," "You Are a Child of Mine," "I Am the Way," "Letters from War," and "Remember Me," as well as other lesser known songs from his albums.  The one notable omission is "Kyrie," the Mr. Mister cover that was all over CCM radio last year.

Schultz has a self-deprecating style of patter between songs, making the audience laugh with tales of his childhood and his personal foibles, and keeps a good flow going from one song to the next.   The CD offers a bonus studio version of a newer Schultz song, "I Am."  Other than that, the DVD doesn't offer much different than the audio version, other than putting faces with names. 

The disc is as advertised – a night of stories and songs.  And while Schultz occasionally comes off as a one note Johnny, he does what he does well.   Most listeners will find something entertaining here.  Schultz fans will treasure the entire thing.

Brian A. Smith
29 December 2005

Schultz endears himself to the crowd immediately with his heart-on-his-sleeve opening remarks leading into "When You Come Home" and an explanation after the song that gives a behind-the-scenes look at how he writes songs and an example of how the song might have turned out. Schultz's tear jerk hit songs are interspersed with more up tempo and even fun songs like "When You Give" and "Running Just to Catch Myself." There is loads of audience interpersonal involvement throughout. Tremendous sound and production quality all the way around.

The main difference between the CD and DVD concerts are bits of sharing, but generally it is all here.The extras on the DVD give a very personal 40 minute look at Schultz's life. A trip back to Colby, Kansas (a great shot of his first song in high school) and Kansas State University. The story about his Grandpa that will touch the coldest heart. Next off to Nashville and the God-guided rise to prominence in CCM. There are 7 short bonus scenes that add to knowing Schultz better.

Truly a most personal and personable experience. 

Bob Felberg 2/22/2006