Lift Every Voice, SJA’s 2004 Martin Luther King, Jr. concert tribute welcomed Gospel wonder Robert Robinson to the stage in his first appearance in the annual dedication concert that has become a favorite tradition for audiences and performers alike. Placed high above the stage read the banner “A day on . . . and not a day off,” a reminder that MLK’s peace message is a necessary deed for every day. For remembrance, celebration and action we were treated to an extraordinary lineup of musical talent that included Robinson and his backup singers Annette Hardy, Sandy Hodges, Valerie Robinson (the latter two, his sisters), T. Mychael Rambo, Percussionist Daryl Boudreau and the Chouinard Brothers—keyboardists Dan and Joe and bassist Bill.

Our always enjoyable host, Dan Chouinard, provided some historical content regarding MLK; there have been 18 observances of MLK Day, which signed into law in 1983 and became effective in 1985. “For the camaraderie of friends, the conviviality of music . . . we need this holiday as much as the Super Bowl,” quipped Chouinard.

Rambo opened the concert a cappella with ”Ain't Gonna Let Nobody Turn Me ‘Round.” In the same style, Robinson followed with “Couldn’t Hear Nobody Pray” supported by an arousing chorus accompaniment of “We Shall Overcome” by the SJA Choir. With moving prowess, Rambo intervened strong excerpts from MLK’s infamous “I Had a Dream” speech. Robinson and his backup trio kept the music in the church with the spiritual medley “I’ve Got a Robe/Down By the Riverside,” an audience sing-a-long that got the house to their feet.

Talk time followed as Chouinard got acquainted with the family background of Robinson, who was born and raised in Minneapolis:

Chouinard: “[At St. Joan’s] We’re kind of the pop music Catholic Church.”
Robinson(dryly): “I’ve noticed.”
Chouinard: “You’re pop music challenged.”
Robinson(laughing): “If it didn’t have Jesus on it, I didn’t bring it into the house. [However], I bought Jennifer Holiday’s ‘Dream Girls’ album. Snuck it into the house and listened to it all night long . . . One of the reasons I keep coming back to St. Joan’s is you believe that God is a loving God.”
Rambo’s father, a Lt. Colonel in the army, had T. Mychael reared all over the country. Previously Chouinard asked Robertson if as a child had he rehearsed in front of a mirror using a hair brush as a microphone. He asked the same of Rambo:
Chouinard: “Did you do the hair brush thing?”
Rambo: “You keep talking about a hair brush. I know what I’m gonna get you for Christmas.”
Robertson: “You could’ve said, ‘[did] you have a pick in the mirror?’”
Getting back to the music, Rambo crooned a wonderful cover of Otis Redding’s “Dock of the Bay” while the audience left him in stitches doing the familiar whistling accompaniment. Feigning reluctance to sing pop music, Robinson gorgeously performed Al Green’s “Let’s Stay Together,” playfully scatting the rhythms of “times are good and bad, happy or sad” and hilariously improvising “please don’t tell my mama I’m doing this.” We could’ve used a few more verses of Rambo’s Marvin Gaye signature “What’s Going On.” This soulful singer nailed the chorus with such exquisitely hushed whispers that accelerated into sexy growls, he could’ve kept it goin’ on indeed.

Not to be left out (she’s been in all four SJA MLK concerts), Gwen Matthews delightfully made a surprise guest appearance with “People Get Ready,” accompanied by the mighty SJA Choir. Jackie Wilson had a huge hit with “(You Love Keeps Lifting Me) Higher and Higher.” Chouinard dedicated the song to this soul legend who past away 30 years ago this night. Robinson, about to sing the first verse, was bumped when Bassist Bill Chouinard jumped his cue. It didn’t matter. The big laughs that ensued just energized the performance even more. The band, Robertson and the SJA Choir excelled, building to a frenzied close for intermission.

Intermission

The SJA Choir, under the able direction of Anna Vagle, kicked off the second half of the concert with their winning staple “Total Praise,” a song which one audience member later said “transcended itself to yet a new level.” Rambo provided perfect cadence to MLK’s speech in between verses. Reginal Pretorius’ “Highest Praise” received a glorious treatment from Robinson, his backup singers and the choir. After this mighty singer coaxed the audience with “you don’t start none, there won’t be none,” the audience got to their feet and joined in on the “hallelujahs.” Robertson and his backup trio delivered stunning intricate harmony with the traditional “Oh Freedom,” a wonderful arrangement that lead into a powerful “Battle Hymn of the Republic.” With all his being, Robertson wailed “he died to make us free” sending the audience right to their feet in joyous celebration.

Rambo slowed the tempo down with a beautifully mellow rendition of The Hollies’ hit “He Ain’t Heavy, He’s My Brother” but Robertson wasn’t finished yet. He vocally soared with all out abandon in the African-American Spiritual “Steal Away,” a tight collaboration with the SJA Choir that shows them off at their finest. To close this phenomenal evening, Robertson joined Rambo, Matthews and the choir for a breezy romp of Johnny Nash’s “I Can See Clearly Now,” including a sustained bridge that offered amazing harmony and competitive breath support between the two men. An encore of “This Little Light” kept the audience swaying in loud approval. Speaking of approval, sound just doesn’t get any better thanks to the meticulous Doug Lohman. A riveting musical night of remembrance and celebration that befits the memory and message of MLK.



Michael Reinbold, a continuing web reporter, freelances as a writer and banquet caterer. A passionate believer in SJA's mission of social justice and collaborative ministry, Michael is an SJA Choir member, mass reader, Team Oz AIDS rider and Grace House volunteer cook. With an extensive background in theater, photography and fundraising, he relishes all aspects of the arts, staying fit and inspiring and working with people.
Bill Cameron was a pilot at Northwest Airlines for 32 years until his retirement in June of 2001. Also an attorney, Bill now practices law about half-time. The rest of his time is spent taking pictures (... a serious photography habit), playing tennis, and working on volunteer projects. Bill's wife Connie is an educational consultant and they have three adult sons.
Rick Spaulding is a photographer specializing in digital photography for the theater and works for National Camera Exchange. He is also an antique dealer and eBay afficianado who enjoys collecting marbles but his true joys in life are his two boys and his beautiful wife, Tinia.


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