The Reverend: Be blessed by a rock star pastor

The Reverend: Be blessed by a rock star pastor

Cast: Rev. Vince Anderson, Billy Campion, Questlove, Bud Schmeling, Eric “Roscoe” Ambel, Paula Henderson, Dave Smith, Ryan Sawyer, Daniel  Fabricatore, Kyp Malone, Jaleel Bunton, Torbitt Schwartz, Millicent Souris, Jay Bakker, Nell Archer (as themselves).

Critic’s Rating: 3.5 Stars out of 5

Director: Nick Canfield

Duration: 1 hour, 26 minutes

Genre: Documentary, Musical, Biopic

Language: English

Release Date: 2021, March 2024

What’s it about?

The true ongoing story of quirky gospel music performer and songwriter “Reverend” Vince Anderson.

Review

Here is an unusual documentary about the most offbeat gospel-singer and Christian reverend minister you are ever destined to meet. You don’t have to be religious to appreciate Rev. Vince Anderson’s original journey in which he shares his music with congregations and audiences. To amplify his spiritual messages, this song-writer, keyboardist and singer has assembled a band to back him for Monday-night gigs at an intimate pub in New York City. An ambitious little film which spans over 30 years, it demonstrates how one man’s passion for his craft can provide a mode for bonding and inclusivity. 

However, those who are anti-Christian, or followers of another persuasion, or not fans of this genre of music, might be 
put-off by the film’s general theme. Others might even be scandalised by the protagonist’s unconventional behaviour which
could be seen as unbecoming of a Christian pastor. Still, the odd nature of this complex real-life character is what is almost guaranteed to keep viewers riveted. Also, while most churches in the U.S. insist that its members conform to rigid conventions,
here is man and movement that encourage people to let their hair down and enjoy being part of musical energy.

In his first and fairly impressive outing as film director, Nick Canfield leads us through the story of the sermonising musician.Raised as a Lutheran and briefly enrolled in seminary school, Vince claims to have received his true calling in a most miraculous manner. Indeed, he literally felt “the music in him was trying to get out.” This assertion may draw scepticism from both sides of the aisle. But what follows will keep all viewers enthused as we are invited to join Rev. Anderson on his path to success. Drawing from a palate of Blues, Funk and Soul music styles, he begins garnering a following from the NYC joints lucky enough to sign him on. 

We learn from former club-owners Bud Schmeling and Eric “Roscoe Ambel” how the talented Vince brought in huge business for them in the 1990s. Plus, his performances at popular hang-outs for youngsters like the Avenue B Social Club and the 11th Street Bar served as a springboard for the young man's career. Vince's former collaborator and fan Billy Campion speaks of the “carnival” atmosphere that his idol was able to conjure up. But some of his antics earned him the dubious title of “Dirty Prophet” in the media. Then after taking us through a sampling of his song-writing process, director Canfield gets other members of Vince’s band – the Love Choir - to speak. 

Saxophonist Paula Henderson, guitarist Jaleel Bunton and drummer Torbitt Schwartz attest to Vince’s penchant for spontaneity, while his love-interest Millicent Souris sheds light on his romantic naiveté. We also see the Reverend lending his voice to political causes and entertaining young adults at his co-founded church Bushwick Abbey. Here, he actually breaks the boundaries of his musical genre. Interspersed with scenes from his life are experts from his performances, highlighted by the numbers ‘Ring in my Pocket’ and ‘Come to the River’. From displaying Vince’s unique music and lifestyle, Canfield shows us the persona of a hippie priest of sorts and how one can run wild in a religious milieu.