Straight Gate Church was full and notable artists in the Gospel music industry turned out in droves. The Commissioned Reunion was a definite draw. Here’s what some had to say after the concert was over:


MOHORNS
Mohorns was recruited to add brassy support to the Commissioned Reunion sound. These specialists have been in demand from everyone from Richard Smallwood to James Hall to John P. Kee. (See previous interview with Mohorns)

The Mohorns trio usually lets their horns do all ‘the talking’, but in this case, they couldn’t quite resist adding some vocal comment too. Randy Ellis (tenor saxophone) explained that “Growing up listening to the music of Commissioned, and being a long-standing fan of Fred Hammond & RFC made this session truly an honor to perform on.”

The brass specialists have been on multiple big-name Gospel projects, but Clifton Brockington (trumpet) defines their Commissioned Reunion participation as “a milestone in our lives and the continuum of Gospel Music.” Group manager and trombonist Marvin Thompson summed it all up this way: “The music of Commissioned has brought me through some very tough times in my past... I am overwhelmed that I am now blessed to be a part!!”


JOEY WOOLFALK
Joey Woolfalk and his guitar took his place on the third tier of the Commissioned Reunion stage, you could hear his sometimes-sizzling, sometimes-subtle stylings throughout the set. Woolfalk has played on many of Fred Hammond’s recent projects; you can also find him in credits on projects ranging from Clay Evans to Marvin Sapp to DeAndre Patterson.

I considered it a privilege as well and an honor to be allowed to utilize my talent to help make CR a success. It is an honor, considering the reunion history. I've always been a fan and when I think of all the times I paid to see the group in concert, I’m overwhelmed that I was chosen as acoustic guitarist.

One time in particular comes to mind. About ten years ago, Commissioned came to the Regal Theater in Chicago. While watching them on stage I never thought that a group of that talent would disband, but more importantly, that years later they would reunite and that my talent would be a part of the celebration that the Gospel community reveled in to make history.

From a musician's standpoint I'd have to say that it was hard but fun and interesting work. Listening to those guys sing was awesome! But to be allowed to play some of my all time favorites such as "Tis So Sweet”, “Ordinary”, “King of Glory” and “Running Back To You" was really a privilege. And I was completely honored to have Fred feature me on "Running Back to You". It was truly a blessing for me to learn and play those songs. I was pleased to be allowed to bring my own flavor and creativity to the table and know that it was accepted and appreciated.

That's a recording that I will never forget and I'm blessed to have been a part of it.


JOSEPH BURNEY
As Verity Records’ A&R Manager, Joseph Burney’s job is to co-ordinate, direct and position the various projects that come across his desk. He has been assigned A&R director duties for the upcoming Commissioned Reunion album and video. (See previous interview with Joseph Burney).

"Seeing the audience, from far and near, singing along in reminiscent praise and celebration without missing a beat is testament that Commissioned's influence on the lives of their fans is far reaching and deeply ingrained."


PARKES STEWART
Parkes Stewart has been called an ‘unofficial member of Commissioned’. His role in the group over the years has been siginficant, with multiple co-writing credits for some of Commissioned’s most cherised songs. His skills as vocal arranger and backing vocalist have also been used. Stewart has releases two solo projects, and is currently putting the finishing touches on his third, a an album about ‘relationships from the Top down”, scheduled for release late in 2002.

“Wow, the concert brought back a lot of memories for me. It was great seeing everyone up there again, I can hardly describe how I felt. I really hought it was awesome the way that it was put together, the way that Fred had it organized from beginning to end.

Several songs stand out, on the uptempo side, I really like the way they did “Help Me To Help Somebody Else” and ”Keep On Blessing Me”, and all those medleys. I enjoyed the structure. I thoroughly enjoyed “Running Back to You” with the acoustic guitar. Really smooth, almost breathtaking. I was very happy, the whole concert was a blessing. Excellent.”


LONDA LARMOND
EMI Gospel’s wunderkid artist Londa Larmond took in the concert from a few rows back of front, whooping it up with the other Commissioned fans happy to be so close. Larmond’s Love Letters project is spinning in CD players of some of Gospel’s finest vocalists, and that’s no surprise once hearing her project. (See previous interview with Londa Larmond).

“Commissioned, how do I find the words? Their performance was astounding, impeccable and exhilarating! My feet are still killing me from standing up the whole evening listening to them perform songs from "I'm Going On " to "Running Back To You" to "King of Glory"! Their musical style is consistent; yet it's been tastefully enhanced. Their signature sound has not changed.

"I left the concert a new and improved fan! From their dramatic entrance on stage to their exit, they had my full and undivided attention. As a new artist, I was captivated by the way they they entertained and were 100% ministers, as well. They showed me that God ordained all 20 plus years of Commissioned. They affected me back in the day and continue to do so in a very personal and powerful way today. That's I want to do within my ministry, affect audiences now. So, that if God blesses me to be ministering 20 years from now I'll see the fruit which has bloomed from the seed I planted in the hearts of many years before. Just like Commissioned."


DEBORAH SMITH POLLARD
Deborah Smith Pollard was the MC for the evening, introducing both the opening groups and Commissioned themselves. As radio announcer for Detroit’s FM 98 WJLB and with the top ratings in her time slot, she is considered an authority not only in what’s hot in Motown, but in what’s sparkling across the entire spectrum of Gospel music. She offers her unique backstage perspective of the Commissioned Reunion.

“From the stage, it was visibly clear that Commissioned has touched an international, multi-generational, multi-ethnic audience who expressed their excitement in various ways. There were people in the front waiting patiently for them to take the stage with their hands quietly folded while in the middle of the sanctuary on the left hand side, there were people doing the wave.

The energy generated from the audience was almost palpable; talk about being able to feel the spirit of the group!

Backstage, there was praying going on —Radical for Christ and the other featured performers and then, just before they hit the stage, Commissioned prayed.

Oh, and there was some quick changes, too. When I talked with Fred Hammond just before 8 PM, he had on jeans. A few minutes later, he was decked out in his Commissioned reunion attire and ready to join the rest of the gang in wowing us for more than two hours.

More Reaction

It was a night to remember, as Gerard Bonner reflects on the significance of the entire eveing of October 26, 2001, that was the Commissioned Reunion. Click below. A Night To Remember

I also saw a lot of smiles —on the faces of Commissioned. Karl had told me during an interview two Sundays ago that they had rehearsed twice a day for more than three weeks. What I heard was the tight harmony we have come to expect; what I saw was a bunch of guys enjoying the audience and each other.

One favorite moment: Marvin and Karl gave each other a look and then launched into a little choreography that no one else was doing. I took time to ask Michael Williams how he felt when it was over, to which he replied: "I had a good time." Clearly, there were a lot of people saying the same thing, including yours truly....