The Aaron Pelsue Band has become a fortunate fixture on the Indianapolis worship music scene. From its `home stadium’ at the Circle City’s East 91st Street Christian Church, the band has developed a dedicated following among Christian worshippers who appreciate—in addition to some rockin’ music—the band’s ability to play alternating lead and supporting roles in that spectrum of Christian experience that unites biblical instruction to the emotional expression of corporate worship. As an occasional visitor to East 91st Street Christian Church, this reviewer is a card-carrying member of TABP’s enthusiasts.
Though this live CD provides a glimpse of the energy TAPB brings to live worship, it undersells the bands other strengths. Unimpressively mixed, the album fronts Pelsue’s voice at the expense of the band’s broader sound. This is, of course, an occupational hazard of both live and debut albums. At points on TAPB LIVE, the band seems to have reaped the downside of these twin liabilities.
Not to worry: TAPB has moved on to more refined recorded offerings and those already convinced of the band’s virtues will `hear past’ these limitations and read into their hearing the band’s true capacity.
So what’s to like on this warts-and-all album? Pelsue’s indomitable baritone, for one. One hears in the band’s lead voice hints of Creed, Third Day, and Hootie and the Blowfish. ‘Famous One’ encases that voice within some strong guitar work and begins to show the band’s potential and throws in some respectable harmonizing to boot.
The repeating cycle of phrases in ‘Prepare the Way’ display a remarkable intensity in both form and function. It is a piece of elevated music making and one of the CD’s memorable moments.
Then, in the spirit of closing with a bang, the CD draws its curtain with two studio ‘bonus trax’. ‘To Live’ is everything TAPB can be and has become, though that musical persona is nearly impossible to be captured in a budget-restricted live album.
LIVE was not a bad start because things didn’t stay here. Enjoy it for what it is.
Canter Bridge 
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