The Lower Lights • Masonic Temple • September 14, 2024
Reviewed and Photographed by Kevin Rolfe
In the past decade, there hasn’t been a year that has gone by where I haven’t seen The Lower Lights in concert. Over that time I’ve seen this band more than any other. Typically I’ll catch one (sometimes two or three!) of their holiday residency at Kingsbury Hall on the campus of the University of Utah. Those concerts are a Christmas tradition that I refuse to miss. In the last couple of years, in addition to the Christmas concerts, The Lower Lights have gone back to their roots and performed non-holiday shows filled with classic hymns and old spirituals sprinkled with some more modern classics. Last year they played Sandy Amphitheater to great acclaim. For the first time in ten years, The Lower Lights returned to the Masonic Temple in Salt Lake City. A venue where they played many of their early now legendary shows.
The Lower Lights perform hymns and spirituals in an Americana, Bluegrass, and American Roots style. Having lived a portion of my life in Virginia, the region where much of this musical style was formed, I have been drawn to the band because it takes me back to my days living in the South and hearing this kind of music on a regular basis. The depth of talent in this band is incredible. Each vocalist can front their own band. Every instrument is a master at their craft. The combined forces of this Americana Orchestra produce a sound that cannot be compared. It pierces me every time I hear it. I’m in constant awe and envy of their talent. I would put them up against any of the biggest artists today. Their vocal prowess, musicianship, and passion for music give their shows a genuine authenticity that I have rarely seen elsewhere.
This was my first time attending the Masonic Temple. Or any Masonic Temple come to think of it. It was fascinating to talk inside and get to look around. The architecture on the outside has always been of interest, but getting to peak inside was a thrill. One thing I have always been told, and quickly noticed once inside, Masonic Temples or lodges don’t have windows. At least not many. Apparently, they also don’t have air conditioners? Folks, it was cooking in there. I walked into the main hall where the concert would be taking place and the sweltering heat was impossible to not notice.
My first thought was about the band. On stage with all those lights and in this heat did not sound great. But then I selfishly focused on how sweaty I would be throughout the night. And I wasn’t even performing! I quickly changed my attitude and thought, “Hey, The Lower Lights just wanted us to feel like we were in the South while we listened to this music.” Also, I was at a Lower Lights concert, and no matter the temperature, I knew I was in for a good night.
The show began with a bang. Leading off with crowd favorite, “River of Jordan”, The Lower Lights got things going with a high energy song that drew the audience in immediately. They followed “River of Jordan” with another favorite of mine and I’m sure many others, “Just A Closer Walk With Thee”. Sarah Sample’s vocals seem effortless and yet I don’t think anyone can deliver this song quite this way. There are many recordings of this song, but this version is my favorite. PS, you might hear me say that a lot in this review because I really do love the arrangements The Lower Lights do on these classic songs.
For example, “I Hear A Call” featuring Marie Bradshaw on lead vocals. I’ve enjoyed seeing her evolution with this band. As the years have gone on she’s become more and more featured and I think that’s great. I had never heard this song until The Lower Lights released their version. If you haven’t heard it, I recommend it. The message is powerful and Bradshaw’s vocals are perfect for this song
I think one of the more underrated vocalists in The Lower Lights is Cherrie Call. Now underrated might be a stretch. She has released several solo albums and is featured quite a bit in The Lower Lights concerts. So obviously we love her voice and look forward to her songs. But her performances are very understated and subtle in comparison to the massive production that most of these songs give us. I look forward to when Call solos. The change of pace and dynamics is always welcome and always brings focus on the message of some of these songs. The Lower Lights version of “Where the Soul of Man Never Dies” totally stopped the audience in their tracks. I noticed quite a few tears in the crowd. It was beautiful.
A massive highlight of the evening is when Debra Fotheringham takes lead vocals for “Wade In The Water”. This is not an easy song to sing. I know this because I’ve actually sung it! But not very well. Nowhere near as good as Debra Fotheringham. The audience is left totally stunned by the power mixed with ornamentation and dynamics. I looked around the venue throughout this song and loved seeing how fired up people were getting as this song builds and builds.
I love the banter between the band. It seems clear that these guys really enjoy performing together. Quite often Paul Jacobson will offer a line that seems to not only crack up the crowd but make the band laugh. We’ve had the opportunity to see Paul emcee and perform in a few Tom Petty tribute shows and his storytelling and crowd work are becoming almost as acclaimed as his powerful raspy vocals. But not quite. Because people are for sure coming to hear him sing. I heard several people before the show talking about how excited they were to hear him sing this or that song. I sat behind a group of people wondering during the show when they would hear him sing next.
The setlist was well-curated. I remember leaning over and often saying, “Oh, I love this one!” or “I was really hoping they’d do this one!”. The Lower Lights mixed in some of their great classics like “When the Roll is Called Up Yonder”, “Nearer My God To Thee”, “Will the Circle Be Unbroken” and of course “Brightly Beams Our Father’s Mercy”. They also performed some more contemporary songs like Stevie Wonder’s “Have a Talk With God”.
One huge surprise for me was when The Lower Lights played one of my favorite songs, “Crowded Table” by The Highwomen. A country supergroup that features Brandi Carlile, Maren Morris, Amanda Shires, and Natalie Hemby. This song in some ways is a departure from the songs The Lower Lights usually perform. But as far as the song’s message it fits right in. It was by far the highlight of the evening for me. The band performed it perfectly and I hope it’s a song they continue to include in their setlist.
The night seemed to go quickly despite the twenty-three-song setlist. It has to be impossible for the band to choose what songs they’re going to do. Inevitably some songs won’t make it on the setlist. I was surprised that “This Little Light of Mine” wasn’t performed. It’s a song that always seems to get the crowd going and is a long-time staple for the band. I was hopeful that “Sorrow” a song by Bad Religion that The Lower Lights played last year would be revisited. I enjoyed their arrangement and it seemed to go over well with the audience.
Another song I’m surprised they haven’t played in a while is “Down to the River to Pray” off of their Old Time Religion Album. As I said, it must be impossible to decide what songs they’ll include and leave out in their set. I thought overall the setlist for this show was great! These songs being omitted from the show did not lessen the quality of the concert.
The night ended with a rousing, “Didn’t My Lord Deliver Daniel” with strong passionate vocals by Dominic Moore and crowd favorite “Calling You”. The audience was up and clapping and those in the Masonic Temple seemed eager for more. The Lower Lights closed their main set with a peaceful and purposeful rendition of “God Be With You ‘Til We Meet Again”. It felt like a perfect way to end the night. But we definitely wanted more and The Lower Lights accommodate our shouts for “One More Song!”. The band returned to the stage and performed “Spirit In The Sky”, a song they recently released on their album Sorrow. It was an excellent closer and while we would have gladly listened to more, it appeared that the audience was more than satisfied with what had just transpired.
I have never been disappointed after seeing The Lower Lights in concert. This was no exception. I could not recommend attending their concert enough. You’ll never get over just how much talent is on that stage with artists who are either based in or previously rooted in Utah. The good news is you’ll have an opportunity to see The Lower Lights in December. They’ll be playing their holiday shows at Kingsbury Hall once again. It’s a show that should not be missed!
For tickets to The Lower Lights Christmas shows go to thelowerlights.com