I became aware of the band Caedmon's Call during high school when they had several songs on the local Christian music station. Although pop-savvy, they had a folksy sound and honest lyrics that made them stand out in the Contemporary Christian Music (CCM) scene. I saw them in concert the first time nine years ago, during the fall of my freshmen year of college. At that time the band had been together for seven years, but only experienced "mainstream" success with two albums. They were young. They were talented. They were rock stars.
Within a couple of years, the band joined the already declining worship-band-wagon and recorded several albums that did not impress me musically or lyrically. Gone were their roots of guitar-driven introspection and hope, replaced by simple chord loops and repeated choruses. As much as I'd always enjoyed their music, I just couldn't get into their new watered-down CCM pop. Like many, I blamed this on their parting ways with talented band member and songwriter, Derek Webb, who decided to pursue a solo career and audiences of less than a dozen members. On that point, if nothing else, I can relate to him.
In the years that followed, Caedmon's Call released four studio albums and two "greatest hits" discs, all hits, but none of them worth listening to. Derek Webb released four studio albums, all of which sounded fantastic even if they never cracked the Billboard charts.
Fast forward to 2007.
After years of traveling their own musical paths, Caedmon's Call reunited with Derek Webb for their new album, "Overdressed," and the ensuing tour, including their stop in Chicago on Saturday. Derek Webb opened for his old-and-current band-mates, then joined them for a two hour set consisting of many old songs, many new songs, and (thankfully) only handful from in between. In 1999, the band was playing to some of the biggest crowds they'd ever seen, filling auditoriums like college gymnasium where I first saw them. Now nine years later, they were again playing a sold-out show, though the venue this time probably only held 300 people. In an ironic twist, I imagine this was one of the biggest audiences Derek Webb has entertained during his solo career, but one of the smallest as a member of his old band.
They put on a great show. I thoroughly enjoyed the show, reminiscing about the old times and catching up with what they've been doing since. After many years apart, it was good to see them all again.
Derek Webb
Cliff Young
Danielle Young
Andrew Osenga
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