Derek Webb in Concert - I Was Wrong, I’m Sorry & I Love
You
Derek Webb
Green Bay Community Church
Green Bay Community Church
Green Bay, Wisconsin
October 27, 2013
Enjoying Derek Webb in a solo acoustic concert in a
relatively small and intimate setting brings a quieting light to this artist
who is often thought of for shaking the pillars of faith. Touring in support of
his recent I Was Wrong, I’m Sorry & I Love You album, Webb chose small
venues for an acoustic rendering of this latest and a spattering of his past
songs.
Beginning with an hour of meet and greet with a portion of
the night’s audience, Derek talked of his latest release, his music and his
life. The heart of this artist honestly shown as he fielded tough questions
with an open honesty, smiled and laughed at comic moments, and gave of himself
without reserve. Among topics Webb made clear his latest offering was not meant
as an apology for past reflections on the church and religion - this is
certainly not in his make up. The theme and message of I Was Wrong, I’m Sorry
& I Love You is simply that this is the statement all of us should be
making more often to bring us closer to the compassionate church Christ
intended for us to be. Webb also cleared up the mystery of recent releases Sola
Mi and CNTL stating they were a story similar to his own life, with CNTL being
a chapter within Sola Mi. He also talked of how busy his schedule has been over
the last few years with his three recent releases, as well as, the double
Democracy fan-based release, Feedback and the related movie Sabotage, and
Stockholm Syndrome (not to mention EPs with his wife Sandra McCracken and
written works). Webb discussed at length his music, use of samples, and the
importance of his personal studio to his music.
Opening with the title track from his recent release, “I Was
Wrong, I’m Sorry & I Love You” shined in its acoustic version. Additional
songs from this new release included “Closer Than You Think” and “Everything
Will Change”. Interestingly, the bulk of songs played were from his first album
“She Must And Shall Go Free” including “Nobody Loves Me”, “Nothing (Without
You)” sounding much like a Bob Dylan production, “Lover” and “Take To The World”. Additionally,
“New Law” from Mockingbird, “Reputation” from I See Things Upside Down, a great
rendition of “Heaven” from Stockholm Syndrome and “This Too Shall Be Made
Right” from The Ringing Bell.
Throughout the concert Webb connected with his audience. At
one time sharing how hard it can be to truly follow Jesus but how He follows us
in our daily lives. When we turn around Jesus is always there with us, ‘closer
than you think’, which led into his new song of the same title. At other times
he spoke extensively of the Jars Of Clay charity effort “Blood Water Mission’,
its achievements and new, extended focus, and also a call out for the Packers
even though he is not a sports fan (remember, the concert with in Green Bay).
Much has been said of Derek Webb’s recent “I Was Wrong, I’m
Sorry & I Love You” release, most of which stated this was an apology for
past artistic stands on the church and various social issues. Clearly, as Webb
mentioned during this concert’s audience feed back session, this is a statement
we have lost and need to regain. Regain and say often to each other. If we are
to live as Jesus lived and walk in His footsteps, we must forgive, be
compassionate, and love. This is the message He left us. This is the message
Webb brings.
Scott S Mertens
4 tocks
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