Paul Christensen and the award winning Omega Productions crew were recently in Cleveland, Mississippi shooting renowned Gospel artists the Bolton Brothers for a live CD and DVD release. The concert, held at Union Baptist Church where Sammy Rash is Senior Pastor, featured performances by the Bolton Brothers and their consummate band, accompanied by a Choir. Few in the music world are aware the Bolton Brothers are part of a family of 20 brothers and sisters with a rich heritage whose roots can be traced back to the faithfulness of their parents. As part of the live concert DVD, Paul Christensen, Omega’s President, is also producing a mini documentary on the history of the group as well as the legacy of the Bolton family.
The expectant crowd, many traveling out of state and from as far away as Detroit and Atlanta, were treated to a high energy evening of electrifying songs by the Brothers and their accomplished band. The evening got off to a rousing start with an introduction by Gospel icon Bobby Jones. For the next three hours the six Brothers took their devoted fans on a tuneful journey, providing song after song on a set laden with energy and rich color. The second half featured more of the same, including an extended interview segment with the Brothers and the venerable Jones.
The Bolton Brothers served as Executive Producers and Producers, assisted by Shawn Williams, who is serving as the Record Producer. In addition, Carol Nelson-Bolton served as Associate Producer, handling many of the logistical needs. Paul Christensen served as Television and Live Event Producer bringing in the award winning Omega team of shooters, including Director Don Moore. Ruthel Flunder assisted with talent and logistics. Rounding out Omega’s talented crew were Logan Gilpin and Charlie Faciane on Hand Held Cameras, Don Warren on Jimmy Jib and Steve Cobb and David Bunger on Fixed Cameras. Logan Gilpin also provided all of the behind the scenes and interview footage. The stage was transformed into a spectacular wash of color and impressive set design by Lighting Director Josh Cochran. Stagelite Sound and Lighting, Pelahatchie, Mississippi, provided the conventional and intelligent lighting for the project, as well as Staging, Soft Goods, Backline and Sound Reinforcement. Corredo Media Solutions, Inc., Mobile, Alabama, provided remote television facilities. Herbie Strickland, Corredo’s President and Chief Engineer served as EIC and shaded the cameras, assisted by Jesse Day. Remote recording facilities were provided by Forrest Productions Services, Tulsa, Oklahoma. Forrest’s Owner, Tim Kennard, served as Recording Engineer, assisted by Quinton Davis. Geri O’Neil provided the Monitor Mix for the Band, serving as Montor Engineer. Mike Corr mixed the house sound, serving as FOH Engineer. Tony Santangelo provided backline tech support for the band. Dallas Stage Scenery, Dallas provided the Bolton Brothers custom backdrop.
Early in the Bolton’s career, Omega was privileged to produce two of the best selling CDs and DVDs in the history of the group, Live in Mobile I and Live in Mobile II. We have always enjoyed a close relationship with the Brothers and have admired their dedication and integrity as artists and individuals. So for those of us at Omega Productions, to be asked to do this project, was a special honor. We wish to thank all the brothers, James, LW, Jerry, Byrone, Ray, and Jessie Bolton. A big thank you also goes out to Carol Nelson-Bolton who handled so many logistics and supported all of our crew during the project. And not to be overlooked would be the support and encouragement we received from all of the staff at Union Baptist Church, especially Senior Pastor Sammy Rash and Pastor Terrance Rash.