I have to say that this review is extra special and dear to me because for the first time ever I am able to cover a phenomenal performance/event at our local church! With the Christmas season upon us, Daniel Oberreuter came to town bearing gifts of spiritually uplifting music. On Sunday, December 2, 2018, Daniel Oberreuter visited St. Charles Borromeo Catholic Church in Bloomington, Indiana and poured his heart & soul out to everyone in attendance that night. The true spirit was alive and well; you could feel it in the air!
Oberreuter hails from Portland, Oregon and is lead singer/guitarist for The Thirsting, a Catholic rock band. The group’s mission statement, as a whole, is “to inspire souls to know, love and serve Jesus Christ in the Eucharist”. Even though Daniel didn’t have the rest of the band to back him up, he was able to feed off the people and positive energy in the Church. With God leading the way, there was no turning back for Daniel and I must say that he crushed it with One incredible set. There were a mix of songs performed that night featuring music from The Thirsting along with two covers. Daniel played a wonderful version of Lifehouse’s “Hanging by a Moment” that was most certainly full of zest. Actually, I was pleasantly surprised to hear a heavy Green Day/Billie Joe Armstrong influence right off the bat on the song “Alone”. I picked up on very similar vocal & musical stylings to that of the Green Day song “Good Riddance (Time of Your Life)” and I’m sure I’m not “Alone” there. Next up, Daniel is spreading his wings and sounding heavenly on “Holy Angels” and then learn to live and let go on “The Road”. One of my favorite songs of the night was “Ocean” because it had such depth and calming current that came rushing over you like a big wave. The chorus “Ocean of mercy is falling down on you” will sink in fast and be swimming through your mind for days to come. Enjoy some Warrior spirit and a KO delivery on the closing number, “I Have Fought The Good Fight” where Daniel proudly proclaims “I have finished the race, I have kept the faith”. Put your best foot forward on “Stepping Into The Day” where you just stop for a second to breathe in the fresh air and just feel thankful & blessed. And finally, THE song to me is “Come Hold My Son” because the message is so powerful and performed beautifully by Oberreuter. It’s about Jesus dying on the cross and his Mother Mary bearing witness so she solemnly says “Come Hold My Son”. This is one emotionally-charged song that hits you from deep within due to the Almighty words and strong yet delicate conviction from Daniel Oberreuter’s voice. “Come Hold My Son” is a real showstopper that deserves the highest praise and not going to lie when I say I almost shed a tear or two during this one.
Daniel Oberreuter proves to be a powerhouse singer with pitch-perfect harmonies and also a fantastic guitar player hitting all the right notes. What I really loved about Daniel’s performance is that he wasn’t just playing the music but truly feeling it and was IN THE MOMENT that night. Daniel even told motivational stories in between sets adding real life experiences and a bit of humor to the mix. Then, toward the end Daniel got everyone involved by having people clap and sing along at different sections of the songs. Oberreuter connected with the audience in a BIG way and left a lasting impression for sure. Normally, I leave a show/concert feeling good and happy I heard some of my favorite songs but this was a completely different experience. I was in the presence of God & Greatness on Sunday, Dec. 2, 2018 at St. Charles Borromeo Church and Daniel Oberreuter was the masterful guide providing inspirational words of wisdom and shining chords. This was a night to remember!
Daniel Oberreuter will be doing a Lent Mission Tour in 2019 and will actually be back in Bloomington, Indiana in March for 3 days/nights! I HIGHLY recommend checking out Daniel Oberreuter and his band The Thirsting for lively, soul-stirring enlightenment. Now let’s get out there and help others and do great things in our communities; BE THE CHANGE YOU WANT TO SEE! God bless, Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to ALL!
www.comeholdmyson.com
http://www.thethirstingcatholic.com/
http://www.stcharlesbloomington.org/
By Jimmy Rae (jrae2@att.net)
