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The above distinction doesn't completely mark the difference between the two acts on this nearly co-headlining show (with encore, Schultz sang two more) benefiting World Vision nationally and the provider of many a concert for Wisconsin's Fox River Valley in recent years, Acts 1:8 Ministry. But it may go a way in telling why Schultz closed for the vocal trio who has been around longer and has more radio hits.

Schultz pretty well won me over; I had never been terribly enthused when hearing him on the radio. He has long struck me as an adult-contemporary piano popster working somewhere within the more middling aspects of Michael W. Smith's and Five For Fighting's artistry, albeit with a distinct tenor and friendly enough persona.

But like I said, the guy fairly won me over. He might not have to the degree he did were he not so unselfpossessingly funny, usually at his own autobiographical expense. Were he ever led out of the music business, he could do far worse than to consider a career in stand-up comedy. Really, I didn't quite expect to laugh so hard at and with him. But, when he goes on about his misadventures on his cross-country bicycle trek a couple years ago, the Southern hospitality he encountered as a Northerner transplanting himself below the Mason-Dixon line and even a bit about his wife's career as an OB/GYN, it was tough not to chuckle along.

All that said, Schultz on stage hews closely to his work the studio. Balancing among songs, as Charlie Peacock would say "in the Light, not about the Light," and more overtly biblical, Schultz gave a fully-rounded impression of what a Christian singer working within the strictures of adult-contempo/inspirational cCm can address.

The drummer (both acts shared a band) did, however, bang out on a full drum kit, and the two guitars were electric behind Schultz, his upright piano and occasional acoustic guitar. So there was a semblance to rock, but we are talking about one of the most successful Christian radio acts of the past decade who's not getting much of any play in rock and contemporary hit formats. Schultz may not pushing any envelopes, but he's solid at his game. In retrospect, he works that game better as he matures so far, too.

And just as with his between-song banter, he can imbue some humor to his music, too. The travails of corporate ladder climbing in "Running Just To Catch Myself" come on like Schultz's onetime fellow piano popster, Billy Joel, aiming for Dr. Demento's playilst. Turning that into a medley of the Isley Brothers' "Shout" and one American Idolator's lament about young folks' saggy pants made for a bit of good-natured nonsense. That such a rousing trifle fit un-embarrassingly between more serious numbers such as "Come Alive" and "You Are A Child of Mine" demonstrates his ability to use the same breezy style adeptly to different ends.

The most affecting back stories he gave, though, were to two of his more balladic pieces. "Taking Her Home" derives from the story of the elderly couple who adopted him upon his move south. "Letter From War," probably Schultz's greatest inroad into the general market, resulted in a relationship with the Pentagon that led to a concert wherein he led a roomful of military and national security personnel in what Schultz deemed a praise&worship event (Schultz, probably wisely, refrained from suggesting whether the same kind of concert could take place under the current presidential administration). It's always a bit bothersome for me when singers croon along to videos of their songs, as Schultz did with "War," but it worked well enough all the same.

Point Of Grace have, arguably, made even greater strides outside the Christian market. From their set list, kinda cowgirl/kinda hippie wardrobe and the way their latest longplayer was showcased on the powerpoint slides that preceded the show, it seems like the gals and their career handlers have sites on furthering their success on commercial country radio.

And good for all concerned should work out. POG were once a group I loved to hate, too, but their grown-up pop for grown-up godly women won me over some years ago. The titular tune from their previous album, How You Live, nearly cracked the worldly country top 40. And they've been occasional guests on The Grand Ole Opry since then.

Based on what they sang from their latest disc, they want to solidify that connection. "Love And Laundry," "A Good Place To Turn Around" and "No Changin' Us" draw richly from hoary country tropes: the harried mom, last -minute redemption and domestic bliss, respectively. The ladies sell them, too. It's no wonder they were listed as a Word/Warner Brothers Records act on one PowerPoint slide. The parent company of their label is likely already working hard on how to make the Grace'sters a triple threat like a Martina McBride/Reba McEntire/Faith Hill onslaught. They possess, even dropped down from a quartet to trio, the kind of tripling power of the aforementioned girl singers, too.

A gender-appropriate reworking of John Denver's "Thank God I'm A Country Boy" seems a touch of overkill in this setting, but fun enough. Thing is, POG have 17 years' worth of #1 hits. Thankfully, they played a smattering of those, as well.

Oldies like "Steady On" may have slyly predicted their current direction. As a bridge for crossing over--and taking the Cross over--what they're doing now is a bit of genius that fits into the flow of their career development.

Oh, as for those brushed drums? POG's entire set was something of a semi-unplugged affair, with acoustic guitars and more subdued bass-lines making for a hushed, but bright, sound.

As might seem a matter of course, POG joined Schultz toward the end of his set to sing background vocals. Harmony was their original draw, and it's still a strength.

What might have seemed a no-brainer co-billing in terms of compatibility came off a touch odder than expected with POG's toned-down presence, but it was still a solid night of artistry.

And of course, Acts 1:8 would still like you not in attendance to know of the work they're doing domestically and internationally, so what they're doing can be seen at <http://www.acts18.org/>www.acts18.org
 
Jamie Lee Rake  March 3, 2010