All Rise - for I AM

One of the worlds great concert halls, filled to the brim, with a choir of over a hundred, an full orchestra, and in the middle one of the worlds greatest jazz bands - it all came together last night in Sydney to witness a rhapsodic and majestic musical odyssey underpinned by pleas, calls, petitions and praise to the great I AM.

All Rise, written by Wynton Marsalis, with his irrepressible spiritual upbringing breaking through in every one of its 12 epic movements (apparently a nod to the 12 bar blues, but with some undeniable resonance in its epic ancient chords to the 12 tribes of Israel, Gods chosen people) , the Sydney Opera House capacity audience bore witness to this work that weaves a redemptive narrative, celebrating the jubilance of life ( Jubal Step ) , but then following up with desperate calls to “Save Us, for we know not what we do …” and “Help us o Lord”. These are met at first with stern rebuke, but give way to a washboard blues - the blues that purges, cleanses and replenishes - and a call to “Look Beyond…”, climaxing with an acknowledgement of the great I AM.

The crowd was enthralled. Standing ovation. And I was humbled - as I witnessed how Gods wonderful message of redemption still has the power to move the cynical and sophisticated with joy and hope, without them even knowing.

As Elijah learnt, there is always a remnant of the faithful, filling their corner with truth, hope and love. Praise to the great I AM!