Julia Harries on 11/11/2000 [Other
reviews by Julia Harries ]
Open this video with a fabulous Rodney Matthews cover and you have a live performance recorded in an outdoor amphitheatre in Caesarea, Israel in 1988. It starts at sunset and the backdrop to the performance is a tranquil beach. Rick, soberly dressed in a black suit and wing collar shirt with sparkly dicky bow, looks really great and the performance is lovely. The story of Jesus Christ is narrated capably by Robert Powell both live and in the intercut scenes out and about in the Holy Land. This gives the video an interesting dimension and adds texture to the musical performance. Rick performs with the Israel Symphony Orchestra, the Eton College Chapel Choir and Ramon Remedios and the whole show is delightful. Regulars David Paton and Tony Fernandez are also in evidence. There are good shots of Rick playing and although his performance in this show is obviously more restrained than his rock shows, it's good to see him perform in this style. Highlights for me are the charming "Welcome a Star", Rick's great twiddly bits in the style we know and love on "The Baptism", "The Lords Prayer" which Ramon Remedios does brilliantly and "Children of Mine" which combines a terrific melody with great playing by Rick and vocals by Ramon.
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