Mark Schultz

Item: Mark Schultz Live . . . A Night of Stories & Songs
Author: Joe Montague

Mark Schultz Live . . . A Night of Stories & Songs

(2005)

Reviewed by Joe Montague

Apple Music TIDAL Amazon Music Spotify YouTube Music

Label Word RecordsThe Phantom Tollbooth2005

adult contemporary ccm pop rock

Mark Schultz's CD / DVD set A Night of Stories and Songs is a rarity in the music industry today. The always personable Schultz set out to provide glimpses into his personal life and to pay tribute to the people who helped him along the way. What we get instead is a mini biography of one of the more gifted and nicest people in the industry today. If you have the advantage of meeting Schultz, you will soon realize that A Night of Stories and Songs is much less staged than it is a genuine portrayal of this Colby, Kansas native.

The fourteen track live concert album features songs that are now firmly entrenched as favorites among his fans, "When You Come Home," "Remember Me" (originally recorded as a duet with Ginny Owens), the pop driven "Back In His Arms Again," and the funny "Running Just To Catch Myself." If you have been fortunate enough to be married to the same person most of your life, "Walking Her Home" will bring tears to your eyes.

If you haven't had the opportunity to attend a Mark Schultz concert, I predict after you listen to or watch this CD/ DVD you will be the first in line to buy tickets the next time he visits your city. Shot at the Marion Civic Centre (IL) A Night of Stories and Songs is a CD that comes closer to capturing the feel of a live concert than most albums are able to. Schultz combines those extraordinary qualities that separate simply good artists from great artists, he can send an electric current through the audience and still remain personable.

As good as the music is on this disc, the DVD is even better. We walk through the hallways of the high school he attended. The current owner of the house where Schultz grew up was gracious enough to let the film crew in and Schultz strokes the keys of the piano in her living room while singing. There are genuine not contrived scenes when Schultz recalls special moments with his now deceased grandfather. The DVD is a walk down memory lane with a terrific artist and human being.

Along the way we visit Ryman Auditorium a venue Schultz thought he would only dream about playing. He recalls his first concert at Ryman and how the volunteer staff at the church sold every last ticket to the concert.

There are several conversations with Mark DeVries the senior pastor at First Presbyterian Church (Nashville) where Schultz worked as the youth pastor prior to his embarking on a fulltime music career. The kibitzing that still takes place between the two of them provides yet another insight into the man behind the music.

I remember sitting and chatting with Mark Schultz between sound checks last spring and being impressed with how relaxed and personable an individual he is. What you get on this CD/DVD collection is the same person I met. You get a guy who is just grateful for the opportunity and the people who have helped him along the way. The only items missing from this DVD are the wedding pictures. Mark, where are the photos?? Oh yeah, the DVD was already in the can before his recent wedding.

This weekend instead of going and renting or buying a new Hollywood DVD to pop into your player mosey down to your local Christian bookstore, put your hand in your pocket and purchase Mark Schultz's A Night of Stories and Songs. Make some popcorn, grab a soda and put your feet up. You are in for an enjoyable experience