Having impacted the sounds and direction of Gospel Music and after producing so much great music over the past 12 years, it was inevitable that Commissioned would team up again for one more encore appearance. For the first time in a decade, all the original and current members of Commissioned reunited recently for a truly historic concert at Straight Gate Church in Detroit, MI, which is pastored by Bishop Andrew Merritt. The anticipation was well worth the wait… and Omega’s Paul Christensen and his wife Donna Christensen and their award-winning team were on hand to capture all the action.
As the evening began you could feel the electricity in the air as more than 3,000 of the faithful sat in anticipation of the journey they would soon take. With talented performers like Fred Hammond, Keith Staten, Mitchell Jones, Karl Reid, as well as Marvin Sapp and Marcus Cole, not to mention the RFC Singers, the MO’ HORNS, two drum kits being played by Commissioned’s Michael Williams and RFC’s Marvin McQuiddy, members of both bands and a full set of percussion, the audience was not to be denied. In a period of 2 1/2 hours, this all-star collection of musicians delivered a veritable smorgasbord of more than 30 signature songs covering material from the group’s 12-year collection of successful albums – hits like “So Good To Know,” “Will You Be Ready,” “Victory,” “I’m Gonna On,” “Back In The Saddle,” “Ordinary Just Won’t Do,” “He Set Me Free,” “Let Me Tell It,” “King of Glory” “I Can’t Live Without You” “Secret Place,” and “Love Is The Way,” among many others.
Critics agree Commissioned is one of the top Gospel groups of this generation. Over the past 12 years, they have consistently offered soulful, inspiring music setting the standard for Gospel and R & B artists alike. Commissioned forever changed the sound and direction of Gospel music… innovating and invigorating contemporary Gospel music with a sound that became the basis for all contemporary Gospel and R & B male singing groups, steering the genre in a new direction.
As the evening progressed, those present soon understood they were experiencing history… the opportunity to be part of what will certainly go down as one of the most memorable Gospel music events of all time.
Fred Hammond and his brother Ray Hammond Produced the project along with Executive Producer and Head of Gospel for Verity Records, Joseph Burney . Face to Face Ministries’ Kevin Wilson served as Assistant Producer, while Face to Face’s PamKeyon Donald handled the myriad of administrative duties surrounding the concert event.
Omega’s Award-winning team captured the concert on video with the assistance of Director, Kevin J. Swain, and AD, Lizz Zannin. Mark “Miyagi” Meana with Odyssey Lighting, Grand Rapids, MI served as Lighting Designer, with Odyssey providing lighting facilities. Omega’s Ruthel Flunder was also on hand to handle talent and the many details relating to the shoot. Omega’s project engineer, Sel Warren, from New Orleans, made sure all the technical issues were handled as well as painting the final pictures to tape. Mike Garner EIC of Mobile Production Services Unit 1 based in Columbus, OH, also provided engineering services. Detroit-based TD Reggie Smith, assisted Kevin by switching the show. Paul and Donna Christensen were fortunate to have discovered one of Detroit’s lesser-known secrets – Jeff Moon. Jeff who, with his wife Peggy, owns Jeff Moon Productions provided additional Beta record decks, cabling, monitors and wide-angle lenses, which were crucial for this shoot. In addition, Jeff supplied two of his staff, Dan Robertson and Mike Ventimiglia, who served as A1 and Tape Operator, respectively.
Glenn “GT” Taylor, New Orleans, took on Hand-Held Operator duties along with Detroit-based, Leonard Thompson. Omega’s Andrew Dean , Memphis, served as Steadicam Operator while Don Warren, Jackson MS, Omega’s Jib vendor, provided his boom and served as Jib Operator. Rounding out the crew were Steve Cobb, Anniston, AL, who serves as Omega’s Chief Fixed Operator. Steve was ably assisted by Vanessa Gandy and Robin Thompson, both from Detroit. Because of their commitment to quality and attention to Detail, Mobile Production Services (MPS), Columbus, OH, was again tapped to provide remote video facilities, by supplying the largest of their three units, the 52 foot Mobile 1.
As with two previous Fred Hammond projects, Tim Powell’s Chicago-based Metro Mobile recording facility was brought in to record the live CD and video soundtrack. Tim Powell, owner of Metro Mobile engineered the recording. Sound Reinforcement services were provided by Creative Sound, Ann Arbor and Greg Snyder. Ray Hammond mixed the house sound as he so ably has done for all of Fred Hammond’s appearances.
The live CD will be mixed at Face to Face Ministries’ studio complex in suburban Southfield, MI., by Fred and Ray Hammond . The video will be edited at Face to Face by Perry Trest, owner of Post Digital, a DVD authoring and video post production house in Nashville. The live Verity CD is scheduled for a March release, followed soon after by the video.
A big thank you to Ray, Fred, Kevin and all the folks at Face to Face Ministries , for making our job so rewarding and pleasant. We feel blessed to be a part of this dynamic team.
And to Bishop Merritt, his wife, Viveca and all the family of Straight Gate Church, thank you for welcoming us and making us feel so at home.
