THE MISSISSAUGA NEWS
Olliver brings The Power Of The Passion
Chris Clay
Apr 6, 2006
When R&B vocalist George Olliver comes to Streetsville this Sunday, don't expect to hear any hits from his The Mandala or Natural Gas days.
In fact, when the eight-piece outfit Caught Away with George Olliver takes to the stage at Trinity Anglican Church for The Power Of The Passion concert, fans can expect to hear a mix of traditional and contemporary gospel-inspired music.
"Although the concert is entirely gospel, the energy that The Mandala would create will be there, for sure," said the Juno-nominated musician. "I've got the same type of feeling with Caught Away that I had when I first started out with Mandala."
A long-time Christian, Olliver decided to form his gospel band in 2001 after hearing a tape from seminal gospel singer Edwin Hawkins. Inspired by the pious music, Olliver began dabbling in the genre before forming Caught Away.
"The music just knocked me off my feet," said Olliver, a Whitby resident. "I'm a Christian but I had a calling on my heart to put together a new band and, for some unknown reason, the Lord came to me and told me to put (this one) together. Gospel has moved people to rethink their lives and possibly investigate Christianity a little further and my calling is to move people closer to God through music."
At the two-hour concert, the band will perform original gospel music plus some covers.
With the show happening the weekend before Easter, Olliver said there will be references to Jesus' death and resurrection, important aspects of the Christian faith. However, don't expect a mournful afternoon of music.
In fact, the concert will be a joyous way to praise God through song, said Olliver.
"The majority of my work is secular, unfortunately, and I wish it was the other way around," said Olliver, who still tours and records with his non-religious band, Gangbuster.
A previous winner of the Durham Region Music Society's Male Vocalist Of The Year award, Olliver has shared the stage with legendary performers The Rolling Stones. He has also worked with stars such as Etta James and Wilson Pickett.
Partial proceeds from the concert will go towards the church, which supports community social programs and organizations such as Hazel's Hope, The Dam Youth Outreach and The Open Door.
Show time is 7 p.m. Tickets cost $15. Call 905-826-1901.