Though he has toured all over the world, it?s clear that American gospel artist James Hall and his choir, Worship & Praise, have a soft spot for Canada. And the feeling seems to be mutual.
?We love coming to Canada because of the appreciation and the love that we receive from Canadians when we go there,? the New York City-based singer/songwriter said in a recent phone interview. ?There?s never been a time when we?ve come that people didn?t give us a great response.?
Hall, who performs Saturday, Nov. 24?at the Outremont Theatre, said it?s that kind of reception that prompted him to record two live albums in Canada: this year?s Trip Down Memory Lane, which was recorded in Toronto, and 1995?s King of Glory, recorded in Montreal.
?We made a trip to Canada before (King of Glory) and we really liked the whole Canadian vibe because the crowd was so energetic; we wanted to capture that on a CD. And it was just like that when we recorded the album in Montreal. Before we even came out, the crowd was chanting ?James Hall and Worship & Praise!? We definitely don?t see that here in the States.?
In fact, Montreal audiences won?t even let personal safety concerns deter them from enjoying Hall?s shows.
?One time we were in Montreal, and we were performing in an old cathedral. In the middle of the concert, a part of the ceiling fell in. In most places, the concert probably would have ended right there, but those people just wiped the dust off their shoulders and just kept right on enjoying the concert!?
Audiences have been enjoying Hall and his stellar choir for a staggering 25 years. He said the group planted the seeds of their longevity early in their career.
?When Worship & Praise first started, we were really strong on prayer visuals. We did a lot of retreats where we would go away and be with the Lord and pray for the ministry. And I really believe that what we did when we first started out built a strong foundation.?
That foundation has seen the choir through many changes over the years.
?I don?t have most of the people who started out with me 25 years ago. As a matter of fact, there are people in the choir now who are not even 25 years old. But I have (choir members) who have been with me for over 15 years, so we?re like family. And I think building this family over the years has made us strong.?
It?s also made them music industry favourites. The group is not only nominated in the Choir of the Year category for the 2013 Stellar Awards ? the gospel industry?s equivalent of the Grammys ? but for the first time in their career, they are in first-round considerations in the gospel category for the 2013 Grammys. Hall seems to take it all in stride.
?It?s a humbling experience to be recognized by such great organizations, because there?s so many gospel artists that when you?re singled out to be nominated for awards it?s always like, ?Wow, me?? But it?s not a deal breaker. It?s not like if I was never nominated, I would stop doing what I do. The real reward is when people come up to you and say, ?Your music has changed my life.? ?
Ultimately that fits Hall?s goal of finding new converts, and not just preaching to the choir.
?I mean, we could sing all day to other Christians and encourage each other, but it?s really about drawing new people to Christ. That?s supposed to be the main purpose here.?
James Hall and Worship & Praise perform Saturday at 6 p.m. at Outremont Theatre, 1248 Bernard Ave. W., with Krystaal, Peter Moncrieffe and Andrae Byrd. Tickets cost $30 to $40. Call 514-963-7677 or visit www.jameshallmtl.com.
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