Send the Beggar
Send the Beggar
Reviewed by Jay Winchester
Send the Beggar is made up of five guys who played in a youth group praise and worship band in Columbus, OH. Talent-wise, these guys have everything it takes to make it big ... really big! Musically, the disc features sterling guitar work by Chris Freeman and Cris Anthony, backed by steady rhythm players Matthew Wootton (bass) and Brett Fitzer (drums). Matt Bentley handles the vocals. Everyone contributes to the words and music, but the lion's share of credits belongs to Mr. Freeman. It would be wrong to label the efforts of the band as ground-breaking. That shouldn't denigrate the considerable accomplishment this disc represents. Imagine taking elements of Sting, U2, Jars of Clay and Toad the Wet Sprocket, and distilling that potent mixture down into something called Send the Beggar. That's not to say everything the boys touch is golden. Bentley's vocal musings could stand to be reigned in a little. And if he's got any grit in that liquid voice, he should use it next time out. Some of these songs simply scream for a raspy-throated singer! Lyrically, there are times when the band's reach exceeds its grasp. Take this snippet of lyric from "Tangled with the Error": All my doubting and needing are dependent on Your bleeding. It's an awkward phrasing at best. The disc offers several gems, chief among these the poignant reading Bentley and guest vocalist Christine Glass give Freeman's "Prodigal." It's a simple song, beautifully written and performed. "Tuesday Afternoon" aches with the loss of love due to higher callings, and the lyrics to "Rome is Sinking" are pure poetry. Here's hoping the next time around Freeman steps up to the task of doing all the writing (it's a band--but learn to play to your strength, boys). He's a major talent in the making. Those who listen to Send the Beggar will soon be begging for more.