03/08/2024
It’s Throwback Thursday !!! This pic speaks to a musical genius and American figure whose music made a monumental impact on the Montreal Gospel scene, as a musician (Hammond B3 organist extraordinaire), songwriter, Artist and choral commander (Director). Brooklyn native, James Hall, rolled into Montreal with Worship & Praise (the choir) in 1991 and instantly became folklore with tailor made suits, sequin dresses, church hats, fur coats, masterful musicians and vocalists from the gates of Zion. In fact, his first concert appearance at Trinity Memorial Church in NDG, the venue was packed and the concert was such a raucous, the roof of the church partially caved, causing folks to scramble in the pews, as James Hall, the choir and the musicians didn’t miss a beat. This pic was at the sound check at St James United Church in downtown Montreal. James Hall & Worship & Praise would return to Ville Montreal many times over, including for the recording of what I consider his best album, King Of Glory: Live In Montreal, recorded at L’universite de Montreal in Ville Outremont at Salle Claude Champagne. Being 20-something, working with Intersound Records as Project Manager of the Live Recording ranks as one of my favourite experiences. James Hall & Worship & Praise was one of only 4 American recording choirs to record an album in Canada (the others being Hezekiah Walker & The Love Fellowship Crusade Choir - Live In Toronto / Ricky Dillard & New G - 7Th Episode: Live In Toronto / Craig Hayes & United Voices - Live In Montreal). James Hall’s influence on choral music is truly international and remains a pivotal point in my personal musical journey.