Review: The Cathedral Concert Series
[Written by Dale Butler]
On Saturday, April 1, Nashville recording artist Bethany Bordeaux [violinist] and Jonathan Noël [pianist/vocalist] gave eager patrons “An evening of Hymns and Other Songs” along with Bermudians Amoti K. Nyabongo, Tiffany Fox, April Roach Maule, Kevin Bean, Keible Hart and C. Shelton Bean.
Her 90-minute performance was well spent, and she captivated the audience with a slice of something for everyone from Bach to fiddle tunes, used creatively to highlight her love of the violin that began with the Suzuki Method at age 2 and a half. Her mom was present and rightly glowing with pride, as well as Reverend Dr. Jerry Smith, sub-dean at the Cathedral, who had been rector of her church in Nashville. It was indeed a spectacular night.
With 13 plus years of touring the Christian music scene and performing with stars like Kellie Pickler and Taylor Swift, she agreed to enter “the triangle of music critics” Bermuda, where many a superstar has been disheveled by our aloofness and critical eye. But she did not seem worried at all and took to the stage in a relaxed manner as if she has always been a part of the Bermuda family.
Having only a few days to orient herself with the huge Cathedral and the Bermudian players, she was able to win lots of admirers with stories which accompanied her songs. The event did not have a distinguished patron, but the Right Reverend Nicholas Dill, Bishop of Bermuda, and Mrs. Dill were present, along with other members of the Anglican clergy. Commendations should go to Walter Carlington, who did the sound system to perfection, which couldn’t have been an easy undertaking given the immensity of the Cathedral’s interior.
The first song, Hibernia [Classical Latin name for the island of Ireland] by Michael W. Smith from his album Freedom [2000] was a lively dance tune which she played with intense passion and liveliness. It was followed by:
- “What a Friend We Have in Jesus” [Joseph M. Scriven: 1855], a beautiful version of this popular song. She was accompanied by Jonathan Noël on piano. The complete repertoire that sustained this night of superb music were:
- “My Shepherd Will Supply My Need”
- “Eventide”
- “Be Thou My Vision”
- “Bach Double Violin Concerto: A Suzuki “Graduation Song”
- “Psalm 16 ESV: You Will Not Abandon My Soul”
- “Morning Has Broken”
- “Scott Valley Rain”
- “Agnus Dei”
- “Pass Me Not, O Gentle Savior”
- “Give Me Jesus”
- “Encore: 78 Eatonwood Green”
Two additional highlights put the icing on the cake. A gentleman was randomly selected and called to the piano and asked to play just three notes. Jonathan Noël, pianist, then used his expertise to take the notes and perform a song with Bethany on violin. Wow, innovative and creative!
The second highlight was the playing of the “Doxology,” used in all churches to signify its opening. I had never heard it played as a concert piece, but with great reverence and respect for its significance in the Christian church their version was graceful, yet intense and dignified. I can honestly say that I was blessed from hearing it this way.
The encore song was “Amazing Grace,” which allowed the Bermudian ensemble to shine again, and Amoti K. Nyabongo, bassist and one of the organizers, wasted no time in amplifying his bass to give the event the crescendo it deserved from the beginning to the end. The standing ovation was well-deserved.
Future historians will have the detailed stories of Bethany and Jonathan that were covered by the daily paper and Bernews. It was left to the Cathedral to also tell us about the Bermudians who performed with only a smidgen of time to gel with these international stars, and they are as follows:
- Tiffany Fox [violin]: classically trained violinist and music educator. A York University graduate who has worked with Kenny Rogers, Quincy Jones and John Legend.
- April Roach Maule [cellist]: started piano and violin in Trinidad. At age 18 she started the cello, and majors in biology with a minor in music for her bachelor’s degree. She regularly plays with the Bermuda Philharmonic Society.
- C. Shelton Bean [drums]: taught by his legendary father Clarence “Tootsie” Bean. He earned his BA Degree from The Berklee College of Music in Boston. Has played for international stars like Freda Payne, Melba Moore and The Four Tops, to name but a few. He currently teaches drums at the Bermuda School of Music and plays for the Vernon Temple AME Church.
- Kevin Bean [drums]: plays the West African Djembe and doun doun drum. He was inspired following his family trip to Ghana. Kevin is a student of Professor Kwesi Danyuo of Ghana, a teacher of African music and cultural studies at the University of Toronto and York University.
- Keible Hart [Conga drums]: passionate about Afro-Cuban drumming; well-known performer with the Bermuda Steelers. He is currently performing with Wendell “Shine” Hayward.
- Amoti K. Nyabongo [bass]: his parents were musically gifted. He plays mostly gospel and jazz and formed the quartet Leviticus. Amoti is looking forward to doing more creative musical projects in the near future. He worked with Dr. Jerry et al. to execute the night’s activities.
No doubt the Cathedral Series will continue because it has a can-do team, which is led by the enthusiastic, diplomatic and knowledgeable Reverend Dr. Jerry Smith, who has laid a strong opening foundation. Ride on King Jesus, no man can a-hinder thee!
- Dale Butler is proud to say he grew up in a spiritual home: led by his grandparents Vaughan & Myrtle Butler, his mother Stella Butler, Bermuda’s top contralto Una Butler and his sister Cherie Butler who sang the lead in the Berkeley album “The King of Love My Shepherd Is.” Spirituals were played in his home every evening. He can be reached at: daledbutler@gmail.com or 595-9841.
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