Petra Farewell (2006) Review

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(More customer reviews)Great concert. Only a stereo mix but it sounds great. Would have been nice to have had keyboard for the whole concert rather than just for 1 or 2 tracks. Video editing was pretty lame. Tried to do too much, fading, shaking of camera, zooming in ultra close, fast chopping between shots... Needed to be a little less jumpy. Focus is mainly on vocals the whole time when the band are good enough to warrant a bit of coverage. But thats all I can fault it on. Great sound, great concert - could have been a bit longer though, only an hour or so of actual concert here. If you like Petra's music I doubt you will be dissapointed here.

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Christian rock group Petra celebrates 33 years of musical success with FAREWELL a concert marking the end of their run as a band. Filmed during a performance on March 7th 2005 FAREWELL features old favorites going back to 1972.Format: DVD MOVIE Genre:MUSIC DVD/CONCERTS Rating:NR UPC:804147137694 Manufacturer No:G9DF-71376

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Beat the System Review

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(More customer reviews)This cd was influenced by the keyboard sound of the mid '80's. That being said, it applies that sound very nicely. The electric keyborad has come and gone from time to time in pop culture, however, this album does not sound dated because the songs are very solid. All of the early Petra albums are great anywayl.

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Not of This World Review

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(More customer reviews)This is one of my all-time favorite Christian rock albums. It still holds up well. I just listened to it again recently.
"Not of This World" begins with a heavily layered synthesizer version of the "Doxology," called "Visions," which flows into the title track, "Not of This World." These two songs are reminiscent in style to Pink Floyd's "Wish You Were Here" album--mysteriously slow tempo, acoustic guitar, multi-layered synthesizers, and straight-up bass and drums. The melody and vocal harmonies are hauntingly beautiful.
The next track, "Bema Seat," is an exciting, up-tempo rocker that really draws no comparisons to mind. It is uniquely Petra's style.
The fourth track is "Grave Robber." This is a beautiful acoustic-rock song that has very powerful lyrics, especially for anyone who has lost a loved one.
The fifth track is "Blinded Eyes." Great medium tempo rock riffs along with interesting high-hat rhythm on the drums. During a tasteful bass solo break the background sounds remind one of old '70's R&B (e.g. "Papa Was A Rolling Stone"). Incredibly, vocalist Greg X Volz stretches his tenor voice to soprano range(again)!
Track number 6 is a catchy gospel message to walk by faith, "Not By Sight." It makes effective use of stop time, not normally heard in rock. Good medium rock tune.
The next track, "Lift Him Up," is a mediocre pop tune, but works in the context of the rest of the record.
Track 8, "Pied Piper," is another good fast-paced rocker. To anyone familiar with Petra's "Never Say Die Album," it sounds similar to the song, "Chamelion." It is difficult to draw a comparison to this song with anything in the pop/rock genre, since it has a distinct Petra sound.
Track 9, "Godpleaser," is a nice, medium-tempo with a happy sounding melody and spiritually uplifting lyrics and a motivational message. It works well on this disc especially near the end.
Track 10 is a reprise of the "Visions/Doxology."
This is definitely worth having in your collection. It takes one on a mystical musical journey from start to finish. Buy it.

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Farewell Review

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(More customer reviews)Petra's final moments are captured in the apt-titled "Farewell" disc, recorded October 4, 2005 at the Nashville stop of the same tour.
Bob Hartman's tight guitar work, John Schlitt's distinctive gritty vocals, Paul Simmon's tight drum work, and bass player Greg Bailey's talent come through loud and clear. A rush to production -- in the hands of fans a month later -- the disc could have spent more time in post-production. The bass and treble are a tad muffled, but with a near-flawless performance, this live album stands on its own next to the studio releases.
The concert showases new hits and old favorites -- featuring recent Jekyll & Hyde hits and the the standard Petra concert "Rock Medley" and "Acoustic Set". In the latter set, former lead singer Greg X. Volz joins the stage for a reprise of songs familiar to fans of the Beat the System tour and prior releases. Keyboardist John Lawry returns for his famous "Jesus Loves You" solo from the Captured in Time and Space live album. (My two-year-old and five-year-old laughed out loud at this fun bit of synthesizer sampling.) Louie Weaver is noticeably absent, but his replacement Paul Simmons has a very similar style with a crisp, clean, driving beat. Also absent is my favorite Petra song of all time, "Godpleaser", but you can't win 'em all.
Bob Hartman, Petra's founder and lead guitar player, exudes the soul of the band. Never have I heard such guitar work -- tight rhythms, punchy riffs, catchy licks, and driving power chords that fill the auditorium. Fans will complain that his guitar solo was only one and a half minutes long.
Truth be told, the musical performance is carried by Bob's guitar; nevertheless, he simply will not step into the limelight and take the attention to himself. Bob's purpose is to glorify Jesus Christ. His lyrics pull deep from Scripture, and point straight up to God. And that's what he did on tour; during the encore set, Bob personally challenged Christians to love one another and live as soldiers in a spiritual battle. He challenged non-believers to take the ultimate step of faith.
You won't hear these words spoken on the CD, buy you'll hear them loud and clear in the lyrics. Once more, Petra delivers a rock-solid message with a rock-solid performance. (Love it and live it, that's the soul of a Petra fan.)
Petra will long be remembered as a pioneer band in Christian rock music. High-energy songs, powerful guitars, soaring vocals, timeless ballads and straight-to-the-point lyrics have been the signature elements of this band going strong for 33 years and now entering retirement.
Farewell, Petra, we honor your work which continues to inspire and energize our lives of faith.

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