Noel: A Unique Christmas Experience
Dec 23, 2011 Concert News
Posted by
wiegmake
I was beyond excited when I heard Josh Wilson would be on tour in my area this holiday season. His music has set the bar high – very high – and I went into the concert with great expectations. Naturally, Josh challenged my preconceptions and provided the audience with a shining performance that was truly second to none.
Josh along with tour partner and long-time friend Wes Pickering (who’s music I highly recommend!) played over 21 instruments and recorded entire songs live with the assistance of a loop pedal. Accordions, harmonicas, mandolins, xylophones and a host of other instruments were played in perfect sync to create live masterpieces. It was fascinating watching Josh and Wes quickly switch from one instrument to another while managing to keep in time with each other and the songs they were performing.
The meaning of Christmas was proudly proclaimed through short videos narrating the nativity story and tying in each song that was performed. Many famous Christmas favorites, a handful of hymns, and several of Josh’s most popular songs were sung, each being tied in somehow to the Christmas story. The duo also captivated the audience with a handful of instrumental tracks, including Josh’s recent hit “Amazing Grace”. “Carol of the Bells” was the evening’s showstopper and honestly one of the outstanding performances I’ve ever seen!
The audience was involved (and recorded) in many songs with handclaps, singing, and even a few whistles. Scripture verses were read together and stories were shared. Josh and Wes are two phenomenal singers, songwriters, and musicians with hearts on fire for God. While they’re show was breathtaking, it was a joy to watch them pour their hearts and souls into what they were singing about. They managed to transform some of the most familiar, well-known holiday songs into profound worshipful moments. I’ve never seen anything as spectacular as what I saw at the concert that night. The concept of recording each song makes for a truly unique and memorable concert experience. To be honest, it didn’t feel like I was at a concert. I felt like I was sitting in a living room with a group of my closest friends celebrating Christmas together. It was a truly wonderful experience I’ll remember forever.
- Tom F.
