Live From Portland [CD & DVD] by Kutless (CD, Dec-2006, BEC Recordings)

"Live From Portland" is a CD/DVD combo pack of a live concert performed by Christian rock band Kutless in their home city and state of Portland, Oregon in March 2006. These guys have been in the scene for quite a while, releasing four albums (2002's self-titled, 2004's "Sea of Faces," 2005's worship album "Strong Tower," and 2006's "Hearts of the Innocent"). I was fortunate enough to be able to catch a show of theirs last month in Hamburg, NY as part of the "Hearts of the Innocent" tour. The show I saw featured Kutless, of course, as the headliners along with supporting acts Run Kid Run, Red, and Disciple. It was easily the best concert I had ever seen, Christian or otherwise. Kutless are one of the few bands I have heard whose music translates extremely well to the live performance. Many bands are judged by how they sound live, and thankfully the guys in Kutless do not disappoint. Frontman Jon Micah Sumrall has got to be one of the most energetic singers I've ever had the pleasure of seeing perform, and the other band members (guitarists James Mead and Ryan Shrout, drummer Jeffrey Gilbert, and bassist Dave Leutkenhoelter) are far from slouches themselves.

The songs played on this CD/DVD are, for the most part, identical to the ones Kutless played at the show I went to, with perhaps a few exceptions. (I don't remember the exact set list.) Standouts for me include the band's performances of "Hearts of the Innocent," "Treason," "Shut Me Out," "Pride Away," "Let You In," and "Somewhere In The Sky," but they pull off every single song flawlessly. Sumrall and Co. easily manage to get the crowd on their feet with every song.

The DVD contains some neat bonuses that you can't catch on the CD. For instance, you get to watch drummer Jeffrey Gilbert perform four killer drum solos after "Tonight" and before "Let You In." If by hearing Kutless' songs you have any doubt that this guy is really talented, watch this clip; your doubts will be washed away. Also, in the "Special Features" part of the DVD, not only do you get the full-length music video for "Shut Me Out" (which is excellent, and very brooding) but also a behind-the-scenes look at Kutless on the road. Each member of the band is interviewed and provides their thoughts on the current tour, and hilarity ensues when two of the band members (I believe it is guitarists Shrout and Mead) go over to the bus of their tourmates Falling Up and wake them up at 9:00 in the morning, asking them what they think about touring with Kutless. It's classic. :-D

Overall, pick up this package. It's a great deal for everything you get: seeing/hearing the best band in Christian rock today perform fifteen songs in all their intense, live glory, an awesome music video, and a bunch of other little goodies. You can't go wrong with this one folks.

I think that my oldest son summed it up best. Last week while we were getting ready for school I was playing this CD VERY loud. On the ride to school my son said "There is something about the music you were playing Mom, it made me feel peaceful."

If you want alternative rock with a Jesus message, this band is it. Well worth the price to fill your house with True Love. Wonderful music, meaningful lyrics. This music is a way to reach people.

Highly recommend for the Christian Rocker. Kutless has some jammin' tunes and also some mellow tunes and it's all about Jesus.

The seller was selling what I was looking for at an excellent price. There was not many other people selling this CD/DVD combo. I was very pleased with the transaction and I am enjoying my new CD/DVD

I love everything about it! Kutless is my favorite band!! I have every cd they have recorded. They are a great christian rock band.