ZEALAND
an interview with Phil Joel /’ze-lend/ OR [zee-luh nd]. Noun. A state of heart and mind; where the soul is awakened and the leaves turn ‘greener’.
Product Review
Grace Design’s FELiX Instrument Preamplifier
Product Review
Henriksen Amps introduces “The Bud”
More Product Reviews
JAN/FEB 2016 Volume 14, Issue 1 01
l l
0
74470 58440
7
US $5.95 Can $6.95
Boldface Gear Gig Bags TC Electronics BodyRez Pedal
Record Reviews
Hillsong l Freedom Church l Zealand Worship l Tim Timmons l Austin Stone Worship l
“Avoid the Awkward: Four Simple Ways To Make Musical Segues” by Jon Nicol
5501 U.S. Hwy 30 W • Fort Wayne, IN 46818 (800) 222-4700 • Sweetwater.com
PRESORT STANDARD U.S. POSTAGE
VOLUME 11
PAID
SPREAD
5501 U.S. Hwy 30 W • Fort Wayne, IN 46818 (800) 222-4700 • Sweetwater.com
PERMIT NO. 815 EAST GREENVILLE, PA
THE WORD!
Presort standard u.s. Postage Permit no. 815 east greenville, Pa
THE WORD!
Church Sound & Music Technology Guide
(800) 222-4700
Simply have them call us at
for a FREE copy!
$
Volume 11
Do you know of a church, a pastor, a worship leader, or a volunteer who might enjoy reading Worship Sound Pro?
Simply have them call us at
(800) 222-4700 for a FREE copy!
Church Sound & Music Technology Guide
PRO
PRO
WorshipSound
Check out the latest products for your house of worship, inside and online at Sweetwater.com.
the right music gear
BEST PRICES
ON THE
BEST GEAR!
Check out the latest products for your house of worship, inside and online at Sweetwater.com.
Church Sound & Music Technology Guide
LINDSAY McCAUL
See Page 6.
EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW
- WITH THE -
BREAkTHRoUgH
SINgER/SoNgWRITER SEE pAgE 6 ite
er-favor
Custom
Pro 101
Worship Sound
info
Stabilize Technology Costs • Update every 3–5 years with NEW equipment — and keep the SAME PAYMENT. • Trade in your equipment or add to your lease at any time — with just a phone call.
Plans That Protect the Church and the Pastor • No financial statement • No personal guarantee from the pastor • No collateral
Creative Payment Options • No payments during slow (summer) months • $99 per month for the first six months • Additional finance plans available
(800) 222-4700 • SWEETWATER.COM
FOR YOUR HOUSE OF WORSHIP
SWEETWATER?
Stabilize Technology Costs
ing Buildrd
Keyboa
Worry-free
MAIN
and help you choose what’s best for your goals. Plans That Protect the Church ™ • Our FREE Total Confidence 2-year andCoverage the Pastor warranty protects your church’s investments. • No financial statement
• No personal guarantee • We offer a huge hand-selected inventory of thefrom the pastor • No collateral right pieces of technology. Creative Payment Options • We’ve got the LOWEST prices possible!
ES FEATUR ER
101 GuIDEs
our guides help you make better mixes, choose the right wireless systems, and much more! 700
Call us
RECEIVERS
More info on
pg.
today
THE RIGHT SYSTEM FOR YOUR
99
Compact..$1999 Behringer X32 87 All professional wireless
receivers are true-diversity receivers, which means that they use two independent antennas. That way, if the wireless signal doesn’t reach one antenna, it can still reach the other. Quality wireless receivers have antennas that twist off, allowing you to mount them on stands and spread them out. Separating your antennas vastly increases their effectiveness. Also, if you have a multichannel wireless system, adding an antenna distribution system will allow you to connect only a single pair of antennas to multiple receivers.
at (800)
NEEDS
222-4
Call us today
at (800) 222-4700
Whether your future wireless system is a single-channel, single-speaker setup or a larger system for the whole worship team, it should effectively and accurately spread the message. If the number of quality wireless systems you need is beyond your current budget, practice wise stewardship and save your money until you can afford the system that your house of worship deserves. There are excellent single-channel wireless systems that you can start with and expand later. Your Sweetwater Sales Engineer will be happy to help you find the right system for your church.
Call us today at (800) 222-4700
$
THE
bEST pRICES oN THE
bEST GEAR!
• Our friendly tech experts answer your questions and help you choose what’s best for your goals. • Our FREE Total Confidence Coverage™ 2-year warranty protects your church’s investments. • We offer a huge hand-selected inventory of the right pieces of technology. • We’ve got the LOWEST prices possible! • Get help when you need it, with our FREE Sweetcare® online support, available 24/7.
• No payments during slow (summer) months
• Get help when you need• it, with FREE $99 per our month for the first six months • Additional SweetCare® online support, availablefinance 24/7. plans available
FREE 2-YEAR WARRANTY Total Confidence Coverage™ Warranty
FREE 2-YEAR WARRANTY
Whether you’re a worship leader, a pastor, or a volunteer, call us TODAY to learn how a lease from Sweetwater can help you get the right pro-audio gear, right now! Call the leasing pros today!
FREE PRO ADVICE
SWEEtWatER.com/WSP-lEaSE Total Confidence Coverage™ Warranty We’re here to help! Call today!
Whether you’re a worship leader, a pastor, or a volunteer, call us TODAY to learn how a lease from Sweetwater can help you get the right pro-audio gear, right now! Call the leasing pros today!
FREE
VOluNTEER-FRIENDlY
Wireless
5 TO CONSID
SwEETwATER?
• Update every 3–5 years with NEW equipment — and keep the SAME PAYMENT. Trade in your your equipment • Our friendly tech experts• answer questions or add to your lease at any time — with just a phone call.
00
$899
INsIDE
Worship Sound Pro 101 Guides
WHY BUY FROm
FOR YOUR HOUSE OF WORSHIP WHY BUY FROM
PICKS
Pro 101 Guides
00
$2995
Sk1-88.... 41 Hammond on pg. More
ARD
POWERFU of TIONS: rely LEADER ideal for a number are of worship a WORKSTAWORSHIP if you’re instruments other houses THE FOR
Guides
Rigshtof Basic The g the a Mix Choosin
THE RIGHT MUSIC GEAR for the Modern Sounds
LEASE GREAT GEAR
KEYBO
L TOOLS
with fact, VR-09............ (pg. 41) keyboard perform piano-likepianists, many sounds. In library Roland able to called performance sound streamlined, just piano well be Portable While leaders and church instrument more than you may very Sweetwater-exclusive powerful hundreds, then worship for much a single leader, with on keyboards worship service with just keyboards these instruments different piano-centric your entire More than all the sounds, and produceworkstation. instrument you can layer to working to of so similar a keyboard thousands, sequencers, not tethered It’s very 00 right from only you’re sometimes multitrack full orchestration. tracks a $2199 often featureparts into production software, complete 4D....... these backing have a backing Electro and organs plus instrument editing and can easily play if you do choice Nord a pianos (pg. 42) And even to add a few trumpet part, outstanding with audio — and you playability services. excellent a second during a computer power. use a workstation for more — perhaps you can your keyboard 95 band, your sound drum sound worship $1999 to fill out an extra kick Presonus SLRM32AI.. instruments or even FOR pg. 89 section, 99 More info on string still like $999 OF FEATURES but you’d 88............ you create drum patterns Kross also lets WORSHIPpower of a workstation, A BALANCE built-in sketch Korg live keyboard (pg. 44) FOR THE EQUALIZERS. — maybe songwriting between (tone IT’S TIME Fantastic MODERN 11. the all-out accompaniments the equalizers in great capabilities for a quick an SOUND SOURCE we haven’t touched the sound is getting too don’t need somewherechoosing If you Up to this point, nd that sequencer that fallTESTING of cutting-edge of EACHyou to reduce mixer. If you fi lighter 6. BEGIN Instead aMAINS. piano, a handful controls) on the and a or bass tone control such as of options THE as full use the “low” trade his or her mic. Bring mentioned.of keys on instruments for rehearsals are a numberalreadyTHROUGH bassy or boomy, male a small amount or sing into and there 00 instruments speak highest we’ve in the main real acoustic achurch’s regular sound person vocalist same number pad — the bass frequencies and piano. Vocalists, especially the mainThese the hear the vocals like a maybe categories there’s has the Have $1999 reduced a small amount. your keyboards, until you can — version. slider use form factor.sends until the vocalist know a volumethe two which bass guitar, sounds incredible their bass up the volumenever portable mix disaster. or monitor Integra-7..... need add a small ambitions, for your and the alsoplus person doesn’t circumstance, 88-key option, that — or smaller can may the auxiliary sounds point: keyboardists more vocalists, Turnaup Roland plays some team’s keyboardsound or you monitors. As you verify at just vocal or an instrument, Roland the a 76-key controls (manyspeakers. and 6,000 happen the clarity of a the new volunteer herself in the a blendfader back down to over or piano, weight by using the tone thatminute. won’t be bowl. Whatever can select reduced range lightercan worship To increase (pg. 43) It’s bound to important hear himself mixing a 76-key if you perform perfect effects or high frequencies the tone controls, as yourmaybe pull its volume for from up so that at the last asathe keys onor source with a slightly sound, the congregation wellworks,strictly piano. amount of treble instrument on theboard for all or ain mixing sends turned calls in sick each micworks run keys anyway) weighted as well channel. Be careful aux (monitor) than Without decent that zero lost. leave the a sliding door, feedback, don’t lowest still get fully on that mixer service. You can rather the for a simple you prevent centerpiece completely version microphone To zero. save be to feedback! slider from available, to may help sounds, hear themselves. for be done a built-in to to looking a powerful You can semi-weighted overuse can lead has the message the singers can feature and great instrument a you’re something church. too loud. of keyboards that the music, and AND leader choose and modern through THE MIX inspired bydecision. the stage monitors 00 orkinds worship Whether you’re seeking for your TO ALREADY THERE. are keyboards engaged goes right TEAM 12. FINE-TUNE $1799 your of classic Better BEGIN right or different performing the cables and 2. USE WHAT’S controls, signal. that’s in popularity for the piano, is a true is already set up, at the when making THE WORSHIP THE MONITORS. with tactile only one HAVE vocal microphone ne the and vocals are piano are tuned Increasing are perfect sound system 7. FA-08.......... mix for a service 43) The a look the monitors amplify you can refi workstation that(pg.instruments can Hopefully, your so on the perfect sound digital Roland sounds the mixer, and If you so keyboard levels volume needAtoSONG. treble controls mixing experience run to mixer or snakeinput. These youth services. great PLAY Though creating let’s take Adjust to consider of gear. Premium over 2,000 with built in, piece the snake are mics into the next few lights on the mixer. that with little or no the bass and the so you’ll effects 99 Samson or “clip” harshness, or Synth needs, you’ll want and and adjust on the down Plug the $349 overload deliver the message art, a sound person pads, balanced, for red7..... the same “old standby” isscaled-down output,Morevocal an extra gain controls at the top of in to prevent feedback. to prevent boominess, Watch featured sonic clarity and info on what he or pg. 69 Try to use the tips for saving narrowing factors — again, now the keyboard’s still achieve good channels as necessaryeach worship team member turn down the professional see Here are some to purchase usual positions. start their can Wireless the keyboards working so that Sounds youin technology you usually use by effective audio. youaare having these, gear be there are little look at in sound. Ask daunting — one at a time andaother — whethertake pleasant and will help yet, at spikes first. Organ mix channel. And But without gear! don’t worry, new microphones source’s much wireless systems are last-minute from the monitors adjust the auxiliary ve factorseasier to understand of a volunteer. As you a quick,by services. the you UP THE today with withoverwhelmed experiment IS MORE day feel Realistic worship vocal sound she needs to hear — and have the help these fifor sound, BRINGING not the time to just like anthan ever before. Most speak at once LESS with ofteneven more so yourself or you, and once for MIX BYorgan pages, themselves up About THEwireless systems set FIRST. you’ve THE set them — the sound booth “All I WITH everyone doesn’t 00 your up, you don’t and play we work — and WHEN need to touch themForget 8. BUILD THE BASICS instrument a built-in your decision:overview of wireless to feel FOR drawbars pianists Here’s CONVERSATION there a simple feature Aparts? on keyboards. popular acoustic microphone FADERS with glide beneath up sends accordingly. Don’t again. $1799of sounds, technology, how you can put weighted3. that HAVE church choices out a very VOLUME we carry — complete the bass guitar, turning them ITanSIMPLE. THE MIX, keys some it to work Many that aretowant is still in plays like you how and controls of your church, (pg. 47) avoid TEAM. 1. when and 1. ACTION and with hundreds common and organ MP7............... thatKEEP OVERTUNE pitfalls. sound person is not rarely occur piano TO capability bass drum WORSHIP want keys Or do you play synth TRY The organ of the keyboards against one another. task. choose experience with the the numberknobs, buttons,instrument sound.” them DON’Tstage Start you mix emergencies Do you — it almost regular to 13.Kawai for the of an and controller IT TOO LOUD. easily go well. while most that level and balancing called on a solution piano’s?you Unfortunately, volume fader to help the master Great-playing or the piano effects, MAKE us, “is organ-playinginstrument tocan number a comfortable are here to have the service acoustic what’s time to work Explain to everyone of see in DON’T sound, TRANSMITTERS is supposed incredible AND and at a the levelyou so that they tell fantastic natural need to can get that dedicatedto selectof spare help is required pianothatsynths, have loads we weighted drummers need to adjust clean and clear, before the service fingers of processors a a need,” want to happens available MINIMIZING You may Engineers acoustic and fact, what point. of 88 minutes Once you PROBLEMS so that they are racks There are keyboards need to turn down, monitor system and has as strings, levelInto the right Our Sales guitarists level. Then stop! authentic goals. Set things up a full set by choosing many then you’ll withalways actually booth may have to two such types means anbasic piano the overall of that the wireless time need This get church’s transmitters: of the not the is SOUNDS conservative volumeokay — this should happen sounds questions? your FOR so on. Explain like you, one While your sound Feedback now 2. everything and keyboards is start. always handheld that the a concern other comfortable, units more volume, FADERS during and team equipment, primarily bodypacks. IES ideally services for the knobs. These control Handheld units where audio Have combine turninglike where it sounds to have and more? small sampling Do you forewarning easy to lose If this sounds — and start aand sophisticated performances. the processUsing action). andkeybed, keys keyboardwith UP THE VOLUME a microphone perfect — you easing a microphone get to the point you the knobs. It’s piano is ajust not be CAPABILIT TURN cardioid transmitter 9. upper mayING effects or to randomlytowould job done. pickup organs, and a wireless into so,one the best Sound Pro with long way toward pattern stop tweaking though the goal get theThey a stage called weightedgrand piano’s go adevice. experiment pianos, and the ideal Ifwillsounds, you need electric minimize feedback. ThisTHE are extremely convenient sound fairly quickly — turning, even be a VOCALS. what to expect! will help to Worship level, the minimum is especially keyboard? for may not worship leaders, get lost in knob to strike, nailbare drum a comfortable keys (also response of they will know G/RECORD critical for lavalier mics, which least Focus onTothe At with your and even some perspective and for another time. pastors are often available with on the vocals. Set them to The lead the onboard them. more force fingertips.themanufacturers for everyone. songs prefer Wireless handheld have available. achieved. special effects focus mimic either cardioid or omnidirectional and the bass drum. or your Leave sequencer, 3. ARRANGIN has already been nest keys require capsules. Now the bass guitar be composing microphones built-in lowest and airy beneath top keyboard of the fi inside with the background balanced against Will you to have a IT ON. are loudis er connection. Signal today’s record some prevents dropout 4. TURNalso right to be the loudest, just as bad as feedback. Even A FINAL TIP. less susceptible last; this feel light piano, may want spoken to vocalist needs 88-key TY the amplifiers 14. HERE’S or direct-to-comput these sounds of a classic speakers lengths system. dropout can ruin an otherwise wonderfulvocals filling in behind. the vocals, whetherhear the full-size to while dropout, becausethrough theintermittent and a of an acoustic of athe Turn on focus on making weight to great world, putting get the sound button to PORTABILI is there to on from coming instead down service. An unbroken line of sight between harmony pops When in doubt, AND FADERS ON have gone thumps the transmitter in the cut andthe transmitter audible. The congregation can you push a single a characterVOLUME to SIZE a 76-key keyboard lyrics. The music and clearly THE 4. and way only pianos the words sung, receiver’s UP or the antennas is ideal, but seldom or also Not unit a TURN great BOARD. grand experience.part of the MIXING 10. is that is contained in Choosing can be a but it plays just you can a Yamaha C7, THEpoints an possible. Most playing INSTRUMENTS. message, which often, the wireless signal must rebound naturally great service, many Start out down to zero. 5. RESET the instruments. that the THE OTHER off (faders) essential to a instrument a first-class but on Bosendorfer, resemble of walls of things. Ensure yousliders and other volume on surfaces to reach the receiver, up the other instruments. is inspiring and consider towardall thereceiving the channel Steinway, of a pulling maintaining pianos, the and that begin turning in the grand scheme be a success! or wouldthe bottom of each should Begin bykeyboard CE sound increases(Usually One at a time, the guitars, the at stand, the riskthis will supporting role of dropout. To minimize the risk antennas. as then you you have are found your church’s get the stand? these of signal the drums, then and the service a mid position. integrated piano, If (Usually Adjust the volume dropout, is it that want an with the rest of keepNext, keyboardchannel gain to 5. APPEARAN look vocals are heard, Bodypack filled upright. on the mixer.) your bodypack in your front jacket pocket. and any other instruments. vocals, the bass drum, an acoustic your church. natural mixer.) Set the the stage-style Do you the How important keyboards, of each channel a really to their transmitters replacing aesthetics to more the piano? allow at the top portable the mixer each one against Another on major problem seeking to choose a you can err on of knob is found acoustic use a more is broadband noise andneeded. If you’re with or radio Balance or are you to plug in a (tone) controls interference. and is a place where to the auxiliary prefer the main focus, If your bass guitar. This an reset all the equalizationis essentially off. Turn the importance l services you may want options available are house of worship is locatedand in athe The vocals are city, other choose lavalier which then or solo buttons are that an entry-level analog wireless side of being conservative. We have so you can audible. Use the center position,microphone more-traditiona that mute chances clearly sure are system platform, position.) Make piano. they them. up off. cable, or a guitar that the in the simply obscuring won’t work for you. Digital wireless are off g stage monitor sends of finishes, church. want to ensure up on you which vocals, without systems, these buttons the giving(Usually you both fill around the reject noise and other nondigital signals, in a variety decor of your 50%. Shure QLX-D.........$107200 disengaged. fader to control authentic-lookin instruments to are excellent, fader to about the cabinets, the master volume and handsmaster volume cost-effective alternatives to traditional More info on pg. 63 Set thewireless wooden As you go, adjust wireless systems. that matches free convenience. instrument overall level.
p Sound
Worshi
ISSUE
A SWEETWATER
for the modern sounds A Sweetwater-exclusive Interview of Worship! with for King & Country Inside!
of Worship!
LEASE GREAT GEAR
FREE
Church Sound & Music Technology Guide THE
wOrSHIP SOUND PrO Fa
SWEETWATER WORSHIP SOUND PRO SPRING 2015
WorshipSound
Volume 10
paid
SPREAD
Do you know of a church, a pastor, a worship leader, or a volunteer who might enjoy reading Worship Sound Pro?
CALL FOR Y OUR
SWEETWATER.COM/WSP-LEASE
FREE PRO ADVICE
We’re here to help! Call today!
FAsT, FREE sHIPPING
On most orders, with no minimum purchase!
FAST, FREE SHIPPING
• Sweetwater.com On most orders,(800) with no222-4700 minimum purchase!
(800) 222-4700 • SWEETWATER.COM
Finding the Right Music Gear for Your Church
JUST GOT EASIER!
Get the Latest FREE Issue of Worship Sound Pro — the Ultimate Music Gear Guide for Houses of Worship! The Best Technology for Worship Worship Sound Pro features the latest and most essential music equipment and technology for today’s houses of worship.
Essential Guides for You & Your Volunteers
Online Sweetwater.com/worship
In-depth, down-to-earth articles help volunteers, pastors, and worship leaders understand the ins and outs of the latest in worship sound technology.
Essential 101 Guides
Sweetwater-exclusive Interviews
Helpful Videos and the Hottest Gear
Read in-depth interviews with today’s top worship leaders and artists. Learn about the gear, the techniques, and the inspiration — straight from the sources themselves.
Latest News and Articles
(800) 222-4700 Sweetwater.com
FREE Expert Advice
FREE Tech Support
FREE Shipping
FREE 2-year Warranty
!
How Do You
WORSHIP? D
Do You...
• Project Lyrics? • Print Song Sheets/books? • Record Your Song Services?
• Use Music Charts? • Share Audio Tracks for Rehearsal? • Webcast Your Song Service?
We Offer... D
Church Copyright License
SongSelect
Rehearse
Stream
Protect and Honor: This blanket license covers your church’s on-screen or printed lyrics, song service recordings and more. Legally copy from over 300,000 worship songs while honoring their creators.
Easy Preparation: Instant access to thousands of worship songs, including transposable chord/ lead/vocal sheets and complete lyrics.
Practice with Confidence: Your worship team can legally copy and share the commercial recordings of songs you need to learn—or record and share your own homemade rehearsal tracks.
Share Online: Legally share your live worship online with webcasts and podcasts, on your own website or any other streaming service.
Questions? Ready to order? Just go to ccli.com Or call us at 1-800-234-2446, ext 4
WWW
?
Real people will be available Mon – Fri from 7 am to 4 pm (Pacific Time). A161
Begins with Audix Audix pioneered application—specific microphones for drums and percussion.
D6
Designed for the kick drum, the D6 offers the perfect balance of groundshaking lows along with clarity and attack. Lightweight and easy to set up, the Audix D6 sounds great in just about any position making it the mic of choice among top drummers as well as live and studio engineers all over the world. Audix is proud to have served the professional music and sound market for over 30 years. From our state-ofthe-art manufacturing facility located in Wilsonville, Oregon, we design, machine, assemble and test our products. We strive to bring you high performance, innovative products —the kind that keep our customers coming back for more.
Innovation. Excellence. Performance.
www.audixusa.com 503.682.6933 ©2015 Audix Corporation All Rights Reserved. Audix and the Audix Logo are trademarks of Audix Corporation.
Editor’s Corner
Spiritual Foot Massage
JAN/FEB 2016
Features
As I write this piece I am two weeks past our 13th Christian Musician Summit conference in Seattle (actually in Issaquah, WA). It was our second year at Eastridge Church, and what 8 was cool about that is not only is this the most beautiful church building I have seen in the state of Washington (it looks like a ski lodge in Aspen, Colorado) but the staff there at the church had already worked with us the year before, so we just clicked. It was an easy flow, from the pastors on 10 down through the tech teams and maintenance folks… an easy-going “we can make this work” attitude.
Product Review By Eric Dahl Henriksen Amps introduces “The Bud” From the Drummer’s Perspective By Carl Albrecht A Drummer in the House of the Lord
vol. 14, issue 1 40 Guitar Grab Bag By Jeffrey B. Scott Recording “Highest Heights” 42 The Band By Tom Lane Let Your Excellence Be Your Protest
Now, I feel like I was born to produce these type of events, and I love to try and meet each one of the registrants that attend (and there are a lot of them). We offer about 100 workshops over the two days, and there is so much good 12 Keyboard practical training and advice to take in.
44 Ministry By Rick & Logan Muchow 7 Secrets of Spirit-Led L.E.A.D.E.R.S. Part 2
At the start of each CMS I give the “three things you should Until It’s Automatic do to get the most out of the conference” (eat well, network with others, and grow close to the Lord during the time you are there and He will draw close to you) and after I stated 15 Bass By Gary Lunn those I still felt compelled to speak to the crowd. What was on my mind is that many of these folks give of themselves Roadworthy, Part II week in and week out (both staffers and volunteers) and that they really needed to “take in” this time of worship (soak 16 Vocals in it, as for once they were not responsible for any part of By Sheri Gould the service). I wanted them to know that we (CMS) were Nailin’ Those High Notes going to give to them for a change. We wanted them to Part 1 be refreshed. Like a pit stop to a race car, or like a spiritual foot massage to encourage them in their giftedness and give 18 Equipping the Church them new tools to use to help fulfill their calling.
45 Product Review By Mitch Bohannon TC Electronics BodyRez Pedal
By Ed Kerr
By Brian Graves Digital Signage for the Church (Part 2)
Our worship leaders and musicians on the stage and all of our teachers in the classrooms poured themselves into the attendees, and it was an amazing time. We heard back several inspiring testimonies of what the Lord did there – He gets all the glory for that! Giving of ourselves actually gave us 25 Songchart wind beneath our own wings… but you know that because ”That’s Who You Are” you give of yourselves already. So as you give week in and week out – remember to also work the other side of 26 Product Review the equation and still take a few minutes for yourself… read By Eric Dahl an article in this magazine, attend a conference, watch Boldface Gear something meaningful on-line that uplifts your spirit. We can all use that spiritual 30 Record Reviews foot massage from time to time to help By Gerod Bass us walk on. In His Grip, Bruce & Judy
4227 S. Meridian Suite C-275 Puyallup, Washington 98373-5963 Adolph Agency Direct Line: 253.445.1973 Fax: 888.391.4440 Website: www.worshipmusicianmagazine.com Publisher/Editor: Bruce Adolph bruce@christianmusician.com Vice President: Judy Adolph Customer Service: Brian Felix, 888.391.4440 x1 brianfelix@christianmusician.com Design Layout & Production: Matt Kees Director of Advertising: Steve Sattler steve@creativesalesresource.com 626-836-3106 ©2015-16 Worship Musician! is published bi-monthly by The Adolph Agency, Inc.
• Hillsong • Freedom Church • Zealand Worship • Tim Timmons • Austin Stone Worship
34 FOH Engineer By Kent Morris Gear and the New Year: How to Know What’s Important
45 Teams By David Gauthier Seven Things Regular Bands Do That Worship Bands Don’t (But Should) 48 Ministry + Artistry = Profitability? By Scott A. Shuford 7 Simple Things You Can Do To Build A Better Social Following 50 Worship Team Training By Branon Dempsey A Tale of Two Voices Improving the Vocal Sound for Your Worship Team 51 Product Review By Jack Mao Grace Design’s FELiX Instrument Preamplifier 54 A Few Moments With... Jon Nicol Avoid the Awkward: Four Simple Ways To Make Musical Segues
36 Percussion By Mark Shelton The Steady Streams 38 Cut-Capo By Mitch Bohannon Introducing the song, “We Enter His Gates” by Simon Dunn
Interview 20 Phil Joel of Zealand Worship by Bruce Adolph
WORSHIPMUSICIANMAGAZINE.COM JAN/FEB 2016
7
Product Review
By Eric Dahl
Henriksen Amps introduces “The Bud”
I was recently joking with the Pastor of my church that I feel like a pack mule as I load my guitar and music gear in and out of the church for the services. Fortunately, music equipment has continued to get lighter and smaller, but also be louder than gear we used in the past. Henriksen Amplifiers has been around since 2005, but they built their reputation by developing amps for Jazz musicians. They recently launched a new model, “The Bud”, that is designed with acoustic worship musicians like us in mind. The amp is built in the shape of a cube (similar to the Borg from Star Trek, but less deadly) since it is 9”x 9”x 9” and only weighs 17 pounds. A padded gig bag with a handle on top, shoulder carrying strap, and a pouch on the front is included.
For an amp that is so small Henriksen did not cut corners on the features, such as: two independent channels that can accept ¼ inch plugs or XLR microphone plugs, 6.5 inch speaker and a tweeter (that can be disabled), headphone jack, speaker extension output, 1/8 input (for your IOS devices), and XLR output for routing your sound to the church PA system. Each channel has an independent 5 band EQ, along with presence, reverb, and gain controls.
To test it out with an extension cab I used my Orange P112 cab, and I was impressed by the added low end that it brought out of the amp. Besides its diminutive size and weight the other feature that amazed me most was that “The Bud” has 135 analog watts of solid-state power. The amp has a light up logo on the front and some European styling to its design, but it is built in Arvada, Colorado. As a worship musician I can see many uses for this amplifier, not only as an acoustic amp but also as a stage monitor or as a direct box to the PA. Plus it’s perfect for rehearsals, music in the fellowship hall, or at small crowd events since it has one channel for guitar and the other for a microphone. The street price for Henriksen’s “The Bud” is $999, and unfortunately they aren’t carried by many local dealers at this time but you can check them out at http://henriksenamplifiers. com. It’s a bit on the pricey side for an acoustic amplifier, but for the added features, wattage, and carrying bag you do get more for your money – and less strain on your back when you carry it in with the rest of your gear! Eric Dahl resides in Nashville TN with his wife and daughter. He is the author of “B.B. King’s Lucille and the Loves Before Her” and he does a weekly TV gear review show called the FOX 17 Rock and Review.
8
JAN/FEB 2016 WORSHIPMUSICIANMAGAZINE.COM
Come Visit us at NAMM Booth #2575
From the Drummer’s Perspective
By Carl Albrecht
A Drummer in the House of the Lord It’s a great privilege to play music for the Lord. I believe musicians and singers are the gatekeepers to His presence for the church and the whole earth. All believers have a call to be worshippers, but the artists have a significant role in being the leaders. We are not better people or God’s favorites. We were just made to “create a space” where we can all meet with the Lord. That’s our job . . .our calling. (REV. 5:10 “…You have made them to be a kingdom and priests to serve our God.” / II CHRON. 34: 12 – 13 “… The Levites – all who were skilled in playing musical instruments – had charge of the laborers and supervised all the workers from job to job.”) I am often asked what it is I feel during a worship event. What is going on that stirs such joy and celebration, or sometimes intercession and supplication? So I will dig deep to see if I can explain the experience that is so beyond words. In these days of such great technical advances for musicians it’s easy to get lost in the performance of music and forget what we are called to do in the church and in the earth. I pray that we all keep our hearts turned to Him as we serve Jesus together. Help us Lord! The training for church musicians should be twofold. Both technical and spiritual disciplines are a must. (I CHRON. 25: 7 “…all of them trained in music for the Lord…”) So besides the hours of practice and study it takes to hone your musical skills we also need to pursue spiritual disciplines. I know for a musician this can seem like a big responsibility. You may be thinking, “Hey Carl, I just want to play drums in the band. Give me a break!” But stay with me here and I believe you’ll find something in your playing that perhaps you’ve never experienced before. My technical training involves practicing new ideas. I buy new drum books, videos, and CDs. I go to all the drum and percussion clinics I can fit into my schedule. In fact, I just started looking for a new teacher. That’s right! After 30 years of playing professionally I’m looking for someone to help me get to the next level. And yes, I love checking out all the great drum concepts shared on YouTube and other sites. I like working on new grooves, new songs, and just having fun learning more about the gift the Lord has placed in me. Remember… there’s always more! The spiritual studying is just as important. I’ve just finished reading Zach Neese’s book “How To Worship A King”, and I’ve also been going through the last couple issues of “Modern
10
Drummer.” One is more about the “heart” issues of being a worshipper; the other discusses all the latest happenings in the drum world. These writings and others stir something deep in my spirit about the calling God has on my life as a worship drummer/ musician/ priest in the house of the Lord, even though some of it is just technical stuff. I continue to look for material that stirs my gifts, including Bible study. You have also been “called” if you are playing for any worship event. There are no accidents in the kingdom of God. The Lord has given you an assignment. Keep “sharpening your sword.”
my “spiritual antenna” up trying to sense what’s going on in the atmosphere. Sometimes the Lord convicts me of something and I have to repent. There are times I feel intercession rise up in me because there is a battle raging in the spirit realm. I’m also listening to the lead worshipper. How do they feel today? What do they want to accomplish in the worship time? How is the rest of the team doing? Everyone is important! So you see there is a lot happening before the music even begins.
When the music starts and we’re moving towards the throne room I have a sense of It’s also critical to stay involved in a local church being “on guard.” Yes, I’m doing the job of a or fellowship group. Don’t just hide out at home musician. I’m checking the song list, checking my reading the Bible. Being personally disciplined is equipment, setting click tracks, and listening to good, but stay connected to the “body of Christ” the other musicians, but there is so much more. at large. And I don’t necessarily mean “church” as Don’t miss your primary purpose while attending we know it. There are things we only learn while to the mechanics of music. in relationship to other believers. The sense of As the worship continues I listen to any prayers community and covering are vital in surviving the that come forth. Maybe the worship leader journey of life. My wife, Leann and I love being in pauses because they sense something from the worship services with our church family, hearing Lord. I go there with them in my heart. I start the Word of God preached, and rejoicing when to pray for them; pray “with” them. I’m asking the testimonies of God’s faithfulness are shared. the Lord to help us meet Him where He is and Is the church perfect? No. And neither are we. do as He pleases. If a pastor comes up to pray Just find a place where the Lord plants you and or read I stay engaged. I listen and watch flourish there. Sometimes my “artsy” friends say carefully for anything that is stirring in the spiritual I’m the “church guy.” But I’ve seen too many atmosphere of the meeting. What are the leaders talented people flounder because they had no and the other team members doing? Is something “spiritual family” to help them. I know this whole “stirring” in the congregation? Stay alert!!! idea could lead to further discussion, but let’s just Musically I have no idea what I will do next say don’t be a “lone ranger.” if we’re moving beyond the song list. As I’m The spiritual life of a musician effects how they playing all of a sudden sounds will rise up out worship. If you are just playing the instrument and of me, like the groaning of the spirit in prayer. not pressing into the presence of God you are A loud cymbal crash, a thundering tom fill, or only doing half of the job. I personally believe maybe a light tap of a cymbal or triangle, or… if you are not pursuing the Lord like the “lead who knows … maybe I’ll just keep a steady worshipper” you could be dead weight in a pulsing groove moving along. It’s like I’m playing worship band. I know that’s strong talk, but I’ve the lyrics of a song, the words of a prayer, or just seen it happen. Musicians and singers who don’t undergirding what’s happening at the moment. join the worship leader in the pursuit of God The actual notes or technique of playing is no seem to wear them out. When you are pressing longer a concern. Yes, I’m “in tune” and unified into the worship experience something happens. with the team. I am also reaching out to the Lord Worship leaders have said to me, “Carl, it feels and praying for His purposes to be fulfilled. like you’re pushing or compelling me to go after God deeper when you’re playing. What is that?” In all of these instances I’m aware of being in I’m not totally sure what that all encompasses. All the presence of God and wanting the people to I know is that I’m as desperate for the presence feel free to enter. I’m standing guard at the gates of the presence of God so the lead worshipper of God as they are. can take the people in with him. Before worship starts I’m praying. I talk to the Lord about what He would like to see happen. Even as I prepare my drums and music, I have
JAN/FEB 2016 WORSHIPMUSICIANMAGAZINE.COM
Continued on page 54
Visit us at NAMM in Hall E Booth #1400
Carbon fiber guitars have never sounded this good. The Kevin Michael™ Touring Guitar combines the guitar making expertise of luthier Matt McPherson with state of the art carbon fiber body materials and bracing systems that have been fine-tuned to create levels of tonal warmth and dynamic range never before heard from a carbon fiber instrument. T
C
O
A
U
R
R
B
I
O N
N G
F G
I
U
B
I
E R
T A R
Find out more at: McPhersonGuitars.com
Keyboard
By Ed Kerr
Until It’s Automatic For three semesters now I’ve served as Director of Worship Studies at The King’s University/Gateway Church in Southlake, Texas. Among my responsibilities there is teaching private piano lessons. This semester one of my students will be performing a piano piece in his final as he reads the piece’s sheet music.
Key
1
4
5
6
C
C
F
G
Am
D
D
G
A
Bm
When he started learning the piece he would spend lots of energy looking back and forth between his hands on the piano and the sheet music to be sure he was on the right piano keys. Now that he’s worked on the piece for several months he’s able to keep his eyes on the music and trust that his peripheral vision and general sense of his hands’ position on the keyboard will let him play the piece accurately. Something that had been quite challenging and limiting is now comfortably within his ability.
E
E
A
B
C#m
G
G
C
D
Em
A
A
D
E
F#m
The progress this student has made this semester has reminded me that keyboard players in modern worship should have things they can do with similar ease. Briefly stated, keyboard players should be able to play the 1456 progression, and its variation in lots of keys. For those new to the 1456 concept, these numbers describe the chords used within a song. Composers of most modern worship songs limit themselves to these four chords: 1456. They’re defined by the scale tone that’s the root of each chord. In the key of D, for example, D is 1, G is 4, A is 5 and Bm is 6. Here is a list of the 1456 chords in all major keys.
Take a moment to quickly glance through the shorter list of 1456 chords shown above, looking for chords that appear in multiple keys. I call these common chords. You’ll see that there are several of them. Common Chords Between Keys
Key
1
4
5
6
• D is the 1 in D, the 5 in G and the 4 in A
C
C
F
G
Am
• E is the 1 in E and the 5 in A
C#
C#
F#
G#
A#m
D
D
G
A
Bm
Eb
Eb
Ab
Bb
Cm
E
E
A
B
C#m
F
F
Bb
C
Dm
F#
F#
B
C#
D#m
G
G
C
D
Em
Gb
Gb
Cb
Db
Ebm
Ab
Ab
Db
Eb
Fm
A
A
D
E
F#m
Bb
Bb
Eb
F
Gm
B
B
E
F#
G#m
I’m sure some of you are thinking you have never played and will never play a worship song in Gb major or F# major. I get that. Unless the guitar players on your team never leave home without a capo, that will probably continue to be the case. Most worship songs are presented in guitar-friendly keys like G, D, A and E. That said, here’s a shorter list of 1456 chords that you’d do well to master.
12
One of the benefits of being comfortable playing these chords in these keys is that you will grow in your ability to figure out ways to smoothly connect songs in your worship sets. Let’s say you’re playing a song in the key of D and the upcoming song is in the key of G. You could end the current song on the G, the 4 chord in D. Hold that chord out, cue the next tempo, and begin the intro to the next song. Note that this approach assumes that the intro of the upcoming song starts on the G, the 1 chord in the key.
JAN/FEB 2016 WORSHIPMUSICIANMAGAZINE.COM
• G is the 1 in G, the 4 in D and the 5 in C • A is the 1 in A, the 5 in D and the 4 in E Is this concept well within your grasp? Then go further into a more advanced concept, looking for common tones between your keys. The list of common tones is quite long, but here’s one example. The note D is: Root of D major, 3rd of B minor, 5th of G major, 2 of a C2 or Cadd2, 3rd of Bb major, 4 of an Asus, 4 of an Aadd4, 4 of an Aminor 7 add4. The information I’ve presented here might strike you as overly analytical. The reality is that growing in your ease playing the 1456 progressions in many keys and creating voicings within your keyboard parts that utilize common tones will only enhance your contributions to your worship team. With disciplined practice of these concepts I’m confident that, with time, you can progress as my student did in piano lessons this semester. What now might seem challenging to you can become automatic and instinctual. Push yourself, challenge yourself, and the payoff will be great.
Ed Kerr is Director Of Worship Studies at The King’s University/Gateway Church in Dallas, TX. He has a Master’s Degree in piano performance, has written many songs published by Integrity Music and teaches as a clinician with Yamaha and Paul Baloche. He plays Yamaha’s motif xf8. Visit Ed online - www.kerrtunes.com
Visit us at NAMM Booth #4210
ArAgornguitArs.com Aragorn-Gtrs-Banner.indd 1
Reverb Preferred Seller
VINTAGE u o NEW uo USED BUY uo SELL uo TRADE If you have a vintage guitar that you’d like to sell please contact me, maybe we can work something out... interested? Contact Bruce Adolph uo 253.445.1973 uo bruceadolph@mac.com
9/28/15 2:13 PM
Bass
By Gary Lunn
Roadworthy, Part II Okay, folks, another “WOW” has happened! I have had yet another unforgettable experience worshipping in another country. This type of experience has been on my “bucket list” for quite some time. It has also broken every record for attendance at any event that I’ve had the privilege to play. As usual, I learned something while doing it. I hope to convey to you what I have learned (if I can put it into words). The ministry of Reinhard Bonke has always fascinated me. I’ve heard him speak on a few occasions and seen his effectiveness through his call to Africa from videos of his crusades there. He has reached millions for the cause of Christ and for the kingdom of God. His successor, Daniel Kolenda (www.danielkolenda. com), was the worship leader and the evangelist on this gig. When I played for Dolly Parton at Glastonbury (for 200,000 people) I experienced worship, but it was very horizontal in nature. Ever since that time I have longed to be in a crowd of that magnitude worshipping God instead of a person. I got my wish! Over four nights the crowd grew from 80,000 to 300,000. All told, for the four days there were approximately 750,000 people in attendance. Every night I heard thousands of people recite the sinner’s prayer in a call and response manner. It was my observation that for so many people who have so little in material possessions, there was joy emanating from people on a level that I have never witnessed. The reason I am sharing this with you is to emphasize the importance of preparation when playing with a worship band. We only had one short day of rehearsal literally a day before we left for the 20 hours of flights that it would take to get there. I was able to get copies of the songs and the charts (with their unique arrangements) a few days before that, but then some of the arrangements changed several times before the actual rehearsal (which can be a bit confusing). Because of that it made some of my preparation even more last minute. Trying to make all of this work around sessions, packing, life,
etc., got pretty crazy, but this is typical. I need to learn my own lesson over and over again with regards to this: if you are invited to be a part of a significant event, stuff like this WILL happen.
notation “stamps” (including notes, rests, accidentals, etc.), the ability to add lines of texts or numbers, and much, much more. With an iPad stylus you can do just about anything with ease. In an on-the-fly I believe that I have mentioned this before, edit situation, you can use your fingers, but but I never use paper charts at a live event you will REALLY want to use a stylus. unless I absolutely have to (I have had Along with ForScore I use an iRig too many bad experiences with fumbling BlueBoard by IK Multimedia (http:// through ten-page charts on a single music www.ikmultimedia.com/products/ stand, bad lighting, stand light bulbs irigblueboard/). It’s very lightweight, breaking, the wind blowing charts to the travels easily, and is totally wireless. It floor while I helplessly noodle, etc.). So a can also function as a keyboard patch very significant part of my preparation is controller, but I use it just to turn pages. It copying every chart and mp3 on to my works great! iPad for reference, practice, and reading At rehearsal the bandleader had a at the gig. To accomplish this I have a few couple of newly charted songs in paper different methods that all work together in format (only). Thankfully, there are many a wonderful way. programs for iPad and iPhone that turn The main program that I use on my iPad is called ForScore. It has many cool, specific features, but is still relatively simple to get up and running quickly, just for basic chart reading (it’ll be the best $5.00 you will ever spend).
your device into a scanner. The one that I use is called DocScan Pro. It allows me to use my iPhone with its great camera (with flash) to scan charts in quickly, name them, and save them to the phone. It even flattens a curved page, brightens it up, The bandleader emailed the charts to and turns it into a small black and white me. From the email window I can open pdf document that I can either upload them directly into ForScore, but you can to Dropbox, email, text, or Airdrop right also load charts in from Dropbox or to my iPad into ForScore. I think it costs $4.00 and it’s totally worth it. Airdrop them directly into ForScore. The mp3s were sent via Dropbox. These two programs will change your ForScore has a direct link to your Dropbox world in the efficiency department. They account so opening them up in ForScore is will also help you to be a better player, a snap. It copies the mp3s to a designated keeping you more at ease by not being memory section designated to ForScore, nervous about having your charts ready. It so you always have them no matter what also frees your mind up to be more creative you do with your iTunes library (you can and confident. This is so important when also access songs from your iTunes library playing in a worship team. You have to but it’s not as safe in the long run). Once be as ready as you possibly can, but you I load the charts into a set list I can easily never know what will be “thrown” at you. assign each mp3 to each chart. I can play You also never know what opportunities to the mp3s while following the chart. There serve may come your way. are also controls that allow you to play the mp3 file at 3/4 speed or 1/2 speed. Gary is a session player/ This is a very handy feature for rehearsing producer/writer in sections. Nashville, TN. He plays When we got to rehearsal there were more arrangement changes to be made, chords and format-wise. To do this on iPad, ForScore has many annotation tools to choose from. Pencils, erasers, staff drawing tools, highlighters, crude
for many recording session accounts, does home recording and producing, and attends Grace Church (gracechurchnashville.com) in Franklin, TN. Email him for questions, comments or scheduling at garylunn@me.com.
WORSHIPMUSICIANMAGAZINE.COM JAN/FEB 2016
15
Vocals
By Sheri Gould
Nailin’ Those High Notes-Part 1 With regard to today’s modern music culture, I’ve often said that we have a tendency to strive for what I call “vocal gymnastics”. I suppose that if we did a historical study of vocal genres down throughout the ages we might find varying degrees of the same type of thing. People have always sought to push the limits of what the human voice is capable of. Our generation is certainly no different. We want more: more power, more control, more trills… just more of everything! Yet, I would be willing to bet that throughout ALL generations of singers from the beginning of time, one vocal skill has pretty much always been on every singer’s wish list: more range. Additionally, with the exception of a small percentage of singers, most vocalists would love to take their range higher. So, I’m going to try and help you figure out how to NAIL those high notes, once and for all!
The Importance of a Vocal Workout
There are some singers who have learned the value of warming up their voice. This is invaluable and perhaps one of the most important habits a singer can employ. However, for those of us who want to take our voice to the next level, there is another important step that needs to be taken: working out. A solid vocal workout is how we can learn new skills. A workout can help us to hone our old skills and safely push forward to find new ones. It is a vocal workout that can enable us to reach the goals that we may have as singers. Without a regular, proper workout, pushing for new heights can not only be ineffective, but it can even be disastrous for us vocally. It is during your vocal workout that you want to try to stretch your range and learn to “nail First Things First those high notes”. There really is no more One of the first mistakes that singers will effective time to attempt this. If you don’t make is to simply not be prepared vocally. have a good warm-up routine or don’t In my video “The Ultimate Vocalist” I outline really understand how to truly workout some key things that can help any singer vocally, I have a DVD available on my maximize their potential. The first one is website to help you with this. “being prepared”, and I contrast this with the The “How-to” idea of practice. As singers, we often spend In order to maximize your ability to not time practicing and preparing our music, but only hit those high notes, but actually we tend to spend very little time preparing nail them, you have to understand two our voice to meet the many physical different aspects of singing and employ demands placed on our vocal mechanism them at the same time: breath support and body overall. and resonance. Breath support is the Singing can actually be very demanding underlying foundation for every successful physically, and without a proper warm-up vocal endeavor. If you don’t understand and work out, our vocal strength, stamina and employ proper breath support, you and ability will be hampered. So many should not try to extend your range. The singers spend little to no time putting in the only way to achieve a powerful high note necessary time to prepare their bodies for the (or any note for that matter) is with proper physical undertaking of singing. Our bodies breath support. The inherent problem and voices are capable of SO MUCH with reaching for higher notes is that MORE than we may realize, but without they require adequate support. If you’re proper conditioning we put ourselves at a not using the right muscles, you’re using disadvantage. Because of this, we will most the wrong ones. This is improper vocal likely never reach our full potential. technique and can lead to vocal damage. As with any physical exercise routine, the Please, never try to stretch your range muscles associated with singing need to be without using the proper support; you can warmed up and stretched on a regular basis really hurt yourself. to maintain elasticity, strength, and flexibility. If we want to get the most out of our voice, we need to get prepared. This takes time, effort, and commitment. Most of the singers I know tend to have unrealistic expectations with regard to what they should be able to accomplish with virtually zero preparation.
16
JAN/FEB 2016 WORSHIPMUSICIANMAGAZINE.COM
While we commonly think of breath support as a very basic aspect of singing (and it is), many people do not fully understand it. If you need help with understanding breath support, I offer instruction on my DVD “Basic Vocal Technique”.
Resonance, on the other hand, is commonly misunderstood and not often taught in contemporary vocal instruction. I think this is because most people really don’t think about this “more advanced’ technique with regard to contemporary music. Often, our training is “dumbed down”, with little or no attention given to understanding different areas of resonance. This is a shame, really, because the ability to do so can enable us to achieve much more diverse styling. Without it, the modern singer is relegated to one sound, or perhaps two if they are able to sing in falsetto effectively (men) or have a break in their voice (women). So understanding tone placement is the other key to being able to hit those high notes easily, with power and without strain. In my DVD called “Developing Style” I outline several areas of resonance and explain how to access different areas of a singer’s body to produce different tone qualities. When we are trying to sing higher, it’s important that we learn to place the tone higher in the head so as to avoid vocal damage. Unfortunately, many people end up misplacing the tone when they attempt this and thus achieve an airy, operatic, small, or “hooty” sound—none of which is appropriate in contemporary music. Next time I will try to explain, as much as it’s possible through the written word, where to best place your tone to achieve the power and the tone quality you want for a dynamic upper register. In the meantime, try working on some of the things I’ve mentioned so far so that you might be better prepared for the next steps! (I’m sorry for the triple DVD comments by the way. I don’t usually mention my products in these articles, but I wanted to offer some resource options for you in case you didn’t know where to turn.) May God bless you as you seek to serve Him with singing! Sheri Gould is an internationally acclaimed vocal coach. With a degree from the University of Ill, she has been coaching since 1979 and leading worship since 1985. For weekly vocal tips, check out facebook. com/officialsherigould. For information on products, including instructional DVDs, check out www.sherigould.com
ANYWHERE WIRELESS
SYSTEM
PRO
| 2.4 GHz Digital High-Fidelity Wireless System
Finally, there’s a digital high-fidelity wireless system that simply works – anywhere, in any situation, for anyone. With ground-breaking remote-mountable receiver units and the ability to operate anywhere in the U.S. with no chance of broadcast TV interference, the System 10 PRO digital wireless system offers the flexibility, dependability, and plug-and-play operation to fit any application. Rack efficient (four channels in one rack space), System 10 PRO offers simultaneous use of up to 10 channels with automatic frequency selection and coordination. It truly is the wireless for anywhere. audio-technica.com Featuring Remote-Mountable Receiver Units
EQUIPPING THE CHURCH
by Brian Graves
Digital Signage for the Church (Part 2) In the last issue we addressed digital signage from the perspective of church demographics as well as a “good” vs “bad” signage campaign . Within this issue we want to move a slightly different direction and discuss the importance of using proper communication while using digital signage. How effective is your church at communicating important information to your congregation and visitors? If you are able to reach everyone in your church about every event going on then digital signage may not be necessary. However, if you are having issues communicating with your people, or want to connect with a younger demographic of attendee, then digital signage might make perfect sense. Implementing digital signage isn’t just a way of communicating, it’s also a way of re-branding your church. It’s not necessarily about calculating the cost of the investment, but rather deciding whether having a modern way of communicating is necessary for your church culture. Let’s face it, we always have something to communicate…the biggest question is how to go about it. A big thing that many churches overlook is their content. In this arena, content is king. Are your announcements informative or confusing? Do they convey the message you’re trying to get across in a timely manner? One of the biggest things to learn is the “less is more” approach - particularly if your signage system is located in a high volume traffic area like a foyer or hallway. One exception to this rule would be in an area where you have a captive audience like a church
18
JAN/FEB 2016 WORSHIPMUSICIANMAGAZINE.COM
Digital signage is showing up everywhere - like grocery stores, movie theatres, and even bathrooms. If your church wants to be relevant to a younger generation (say, thirty-somethings or millennials) you may need to add a level of high-tech communication tools. This demographic will rarely read bulletins or watch slideshow loops, which means The placement of your digital signage you’re probably not connecting with a big can also have a huge impact on the part of your younger church age group. results. Very few announcements apply Keeping this in mind when it comes to to everyone in your congregation so implementing digital signage will help displaying specific messages to a target you decide if you should consider digital group of viewers will have far more signage and how to best implement it. impact. For example, a TV in your youth area would be the perfect place to Brian Graves currently serves announce an upcoming teen retreat via digital signage. Remember that advertising as the Traditions Worship Pastor at Christian Faith Center is all about location, location, location. in Nampa, ID. He has been Keeping your message in front of the right involved in worship ministry for audience is your best chance for success. over 25 years and currently bookstore, coffee shop, or a children’s check-in area. Here you have a bit more time to get your message across. But, as a rule, you want just enough information for your viewer to get the important facts in just a few seconds. If they have to stop and read your ad it’s likely your ad was too long.
resides in Meridian, Idaho. Brian also works as the Technical Support Supervisor for GoFishMedia. bgraves@gofishmedia.net
EXPERIENCE Musicians love older, experienced guitars. The legendary team of craftsmen at Takamine have unearthed a method to bring you the sound of a guitar that has been played for decades. “Thermal Top” technology transforms the resins and sugars in the wood, revealing the liveliness and character of a perfectly aged vintage instrument. The result is pure tonal magic at a very fair price! Experience the new TT dreadnoughts today at your Takamine dealer. You might just meet your brand new “old friend”.
EF340S TT
w w w. e s p t a k a m i n e . c o m
For more information, contact The ESP Guitar company 10913 Vanowen St. North Hollywood, CA 91605 800-423-8838
Come Visit Us at NAMM Booth #208 AB
EF360S TT
ZEALAND
an interview with Phil Joel by Bruce Adolph
/’ze-lend/ OR [zee-luh nd]. Noun. A state of heart and mind; where the soul is awakened and the leaves turn ‘greener’. Syn: ZEALOUS: [zel-uh s] OR /’zelus/: (ADJ) To be inspired by intense enthusiasm or zeal; describes one who is devoted, passionate, or fervent regarding the ‘land’ they’ve been given and the [LIFE] we‘re born to live.
20
JAN/FEB 2016 WORSHIPMUSICIANMAGAZINE.COM
Worship Musician: I have known you for more years than I can count. As a concert promoter in the Great Northwest I have been involved in several Newsboys concerts over the years, not to mention scores of Creation West Festival events where the Newsboys performed. Tell us first how you joined the Newsboys years ago? Phil Joel: Ha, you’re right, we’ve known each other for a bunch of years; it’s been a wild ride huh? Actually, before we move into the interview I want to say how much I really appreciate all the great work you’ve done over the years. Most of it’s been behind the scenes and not always recognized but I hope you know how valuable it’s all been. It’s a big deal for me to know guys like you who have stayed faithful to what God’s called them to do, so . . . thanks! Ok, where were we? Enough mushy stuff. Oh yea, how I joined Newsies? Well, I was the lead singer/guitarist for a band in my home country, New Zealand, that opened for Newsboys back in march of ‘94. Our
bands got on really well and six months later their bass player left and somehow they thought of me and gave me a call. My phone rang at 3 A.M. and the manager asked me if a could play bass. I lied and said “yes” (although at the time, I honestly didn’t think I was lying, I was half asleep and I just figured It’s got two less strings than a guitar so how hard can bass be - I was 21 and had way too much confidence back then.) They asked if I would get on a plane and fly from New Zealand to LA the next day to try out, and I said “Great, I’ll see you tomorrow.” The next morning, I called a bass player friend of mine and asked if he wanted to swap his bass for my Ibanez 335? He agreed and before I knew it, I was on a plane heading to the other side of the world with my headphones on trying to work out Newsboys bass lines.
on my right hand just wouldn’t do what my brain was telling them to do. After about a verse and chorus of the first song I realized that everyone’s eyes had dropped and that this was a bad situation. After we finished the song it was awkwardly silent. At that point I reached into my pocket and found a guitar pic. I held it up and said, “do you guys mind if I use this?” They all shrugged and someone, I think it was Peter said “Sure mate, do what you can…” his voice trailed of into a didgerydoo like mumble and I think he said something like “…because in a couple of hours we’re gonna take you back to the airport.” I’m not sure if those were his exact words but I got the point.
Anyway, we kicked into the next song and I began to play bass like I played guitar, somehow the whole atmosphere changed, it was working and we all felt it. The mighty Sure enough the guys were there at LAX guitar pic saved my bacon and I got the to pick me up. We had lunch, and then job. That’s probably why I always have a headed to a rehearsal room in Hollywood guitar pic in my pocket. where my ‘bass player cover’ proceeded WM: When you decided to leave the to be blown. I was awful. The two fingers Newsboys that was a major life change for
WORSHIPMUSICIANMAGAZINE.COM JAN/FEB 2016
21
you. Next, you started deliberatePeople, tell us about that ministry? PJ: Well, back in 2001 Heather and I had a powerful encounter with the Lord that made us hungry for more. We began getting up early each morning to meet with Him. We started using a one-year Bible reading plan that became our appointment book with the Lord. So each morning we would sit in His presence with our hearts and Bibles open ready to hear His voice and He began to show us things which led to profound change in our lives. There are so many voices wanting our attention, but there’s just one we need to tune our ear to and it’s God’s.
PJ: After leaving Newsboys I felt clearly that I wasn’t meant to have management or booking or a record company and was to wait on the Lord to make the moves. That was kinda freaky, but also really peaceful feeling. Anyone who’s taken a life leap of faith knows what I mean. After awhile I began to get invitations to come and sing and share the deliberatePeople message. So off I went, going where I was invited, sometimes to big events, but mostly to small churches and smaller communities. These WM: What else did you do in the interim past 7 years the Lord has put me in some of between the Newsboys and starting the wildest yet fruitful ministry situations and Zealand? has taught me a lot about hands on ministry, which has been real gift.
Zealand at Christian Musician Summit Northwest 2015
Anyway, it’s still how we start out everyday and the deliberatePeople ministry came from that because we knew there are a lot of people out there who just need to be encouraged to be still and shut out the noise, turn off the devices, and spend some quality time with the Lord. Whatever I’m doing, whether it’s an acoustic concert or leading worship with Zealand, this message always seems to find its way out.
22
JAN/FEB 2016 WORSHIPMUSICIANMAGAZINE.COM
What I’ve learned is that you go where you’re welcome and when you see a need that you’re able to meet, meet it! One of those needs was that, as parents, we wanted to find music for our kids that would nurture their spongy little souls and that would be fun for us to listen to as well. We couldn’t find what we were after, so Heather and I wrote a bunch of rock songs, recorded them in our home studio and called the CD’s deliberateKids ONE & TWO. After releasing the kids music, I started getting asked to come and do ‘family concerts’, which we started doing, and it wasn’t long before Focus On The Family got wind of it and came alongside to help us put on a tour
called “Family Fight Night”. It was a super being able to turn up with a guitar that has fun and fruitful tour and at some point we’ll a perfectly balanced output and EQ so the do it again. FOH guy should be able to leave his EQ fairly flat. Like I said. Its been a wild ride and the path has been so unpredictable, I love it! It’s For me, the best guitars for the job have meant to be an adventure, right? been my McPherson’s. I actually have an early blonde maple McPherson that I love. WM: What was the main inspiration for I sent it back to the factory to get refretted your new band, Zealand? recently and they freaked out. It’s the only blonde they ever made, which I think is PJ: In a word, Youth! Over the past few pretty cool. It plays like an old Martin but still years I’ve had the privilege of leading sounds like a McPherson and it’s my “go to” worship at a bunch of youth conferences acoustic. I also carry a basic SM58 Shure and summer camps, and through those mic just in case they have some kind of experiences three things happened: I fell in inexpensive wireless mic that someone got love with leading worship, the band began talked into buying. I run my acoustic guitar to form, and a fire got lit in my heart for through an LR Baggs preamp that puts some this next generation. I truly believe that kids kind of mojo on it, and that’s it; I like to keep today are amazing and they want to know it really simple. the Lord, experience His presence, and know the truth, but they have so many things As for electric guitar I recently bought a coming against them. We can’t write them Korean-made Epiphone 335 to take on the off and leave them to their own devices and road with Zealand. It was affordable and watch the culture steal the allegiance of plays and sounds amazing. I love it. I plug their hearts. We called the band Zealand it into my Boss tuner I’ve had since I was because we want to see people become 14 years old and a Boss DS-1 pedal direct ‘zealous for the land’ - zealous for the Lord into my Vox amp. I don’t use a wireless and the life with Him we’re all to born live because I’m still a believer in real cables and enjoy. running from real guitars directly plugged into real amps… old school. Although I do WM: What kind of gear are you using find myself getting tangled up in my cables now? Tell us about your guitars, basses, on stage most nights. (laughing) amps, and effect pedals? WM: We really enjoyed the music and PJ: Over the past 7 years I’ve been in so ministry of Zealand at our recent Christian many different situations with such a wide Musician Summit conference in Seattle. range of sound systems and sound techs. Plus you taught a workshop for us as well. In fact, most of the sound guys have been As a worship band that travels, what role volunteers, and so the best thing for me is do you see Zealand playing, not just in 24
JAN/FEB 2016 WORSHIPMUSICIANMAGAZINE.COM
the music market but also in the worship community itself? PJ: Hmmm, I hope we can inspire other music ministers and worship leaders to keep moving, always allowing the Lord to lead, because when He does it gets wild and dangerous and super fun. I never want to rest on what I’ve done in the past or do things the same way each time and follow a formula that works. God has fresh manna for us all and fresh vision and dreams to cast in order for people to be reached. We’re all different and our worship expressions are unique. We’re not all meant to wear the same style of hat or sound the same. Sure, as worship leaders we learn and glean from one another but at the end of the day, we all need to be authentic - living out what God is uniquely calling each of us to. That can only come as we cast off the junk and run the race with Him at the center. This is all about creating an atmosphere through worship that invites God in wholeheartedly where the worthless things we focus on will burn away and what’s left will be the things that matter to God’s heart. That’s why I do what I do; I truly want to see people become zealous for their land, excited about the relationship they were born to live with the Lord at the center –in a nutshell, that’s why Zealand is a band. Visit Zealand online at: www.zealandworship.com
oh woah - oh
Key - G
WORSHIPMUSICIANMAGAZINE.COM JAN/FEB 2016
Strings of Music Publishing / One In Tenn MusicCapitol (SESAC). © 2015 Wordspring Music, LLC / PJoel Songs (SESAC), CMG Amplifier / All Rights On Behalf Of Itself And PJoel Songs Administered By Wordspring Music, LLC. Strings of Music Publishing / One In Tenn Music (SESAC). All Rights Reserved.
© 2015 Wordspring Music, LLC / PJoel Songs (SESAC), Capitol CMG Amplifier / Strings of Music Publishing / One In Tenn Music (SESAC). All Rights On Behalf Of Itself And PJoel Songs Administered By Wordspring Music, LLC. All Rights Reserved. © 2015 Wordspring Music, LLC / PJoel Songs (SESAC), Capitol CMG Amplifier /
Are
Chorus CC G G Cweary, You are are the theRest Restforforthethe weary, Hope Healer You thethe Hope andGand the the Healer You are the Rest for the weary, the Hope and the Healer Em D Em D Em D God above that's who You are are God above allthings, things, that's who God above all all things, that's who You areYou C G G C G C You are the Truth that is standing when the world is changing You are the Truth that is standing when the world is You are the Truth that is standing when the worldchanging is changing Em D D Em Em D You are for - ever Lord of it all You ofGof it all You are are for for- -ever everLord Lord it all C Em D C Em D You Yeah That's who You are C G oh woah oh that's who G Em D Yeah who oh woah - oh that's who You C That's G Em You are D Yeah That's who You are oh woah oh that's who You oh Em woah - oh C AreG D C G Em D Are oh woah - oh
Chorus Chorus
Em D You are moving and You are good
You are moving and You are good
C D C And all through the chaos we will re D- member And Pre-chorus all through the chaos we will re - member Em D D C Em D YouAnd areallmoving and You are good through the chaos we will re - member
Pre-chorus
I will sing when the reasons can't be found Em D Pre-chorus I will sing though my heart is on the ground
I will sing C though my heart is on the G ground
G Words Verse 1 and music by Phil Joel, Heather Joel and Matt Armstrong I will C sing when the world is upsideG down Intro Em when the world is upside down D I willC sing / G / Em / D I will Em sing though the troubles over D- whelm C 1 though the troubles over - whelm G I willVerse sing C G I will C sing when the reasons can't be G found I will sing when the world is upside down EmEmwhen the reasons can't be D I will sing found D Em D ground I willI will sing mytroubles heart over is on the singthough though the - whelm
That's Who You Are C
C / G / Em / D Verse 1
Intro
C / G / Em / D
Words Intro and music by Phil Joel, Heather Joel and Matt Armstrong
That's Who You Are
Words and music by Phil Joel, Heather Joel and Matt Armstrong
That's Who You Are
Key - G
That's Who You Are - 2
C G Em D That's who You are oh woah - oh that's who You C G Em D Are oh woah - oh, that's who You are C G Em D C G Em D You are for - ever Lord of it all
Outro
C G D Em The One who holds my future, You are, You are, You are C G D For - ever working all things for good, yeah C G D Em My heart cries out de - claring the truth of who You are C G/B D The Savior of my world
Bridge
C G When I let go the treasures of my heart Em D When I lay my tomorrow in Your arms C G There is peace like a river running free Em D There's a song that rises up in me
Verse 2
Key - G
C
SONGchart
25
Product Review
By Eric Dahl
Boldface Gear
Let your Gig Bag Speak for You! Gig bags come in many shapes, sizes, and prices, but in general most of them look fairly plain and certainly don’t reflect the musician or their beliefs! The founder of Boldface Gear ran into the same problem when he was searching for a unique gig bag to show his creative side, and when he couldn’t find one he launched a company! What makes Boldface Gear truly different from their competitors is that you can change out the artwork on your gig bags with their interchangeable “face” system, which seamlessly attaches the printed face panels to the front of the bag with Velcro. They currently offer acoustic and electric gig bags and two different sizes of backpacks, all of which you can apply different printed faces to (expect more options in the future). When you visit their website you can choose from a huge variety of colorful artwork and images like the one above, but what appealed to me most is that you can also create your own artwork and have it printed on the face. So, depending on the gig, event, or your mood, you can change out the face on your gig bag to match it. I was also impressed by their willingness to work with “Non-profits” and donate a percentage of their proceeds to help support the charities.
26
JAN/FEB 2016 WORSHIPMUSICIANMAGAZINE.COM
Boldface Gear “faces” are custom created in Redondo Beach, California and once you place your order online the turnaround time is amazingly fast, considering the custom work. Features of the gig bags include polyester canvas exteriors, protective padding on all sides, front and back, two rear pockets, padded backpack style shoulder straps, large zipper, and side and back handles. These bags would be perfect for a Praise or Worship team, or anyone that wants to show their artistic side not only when they’re playing their instrument but also when it’s being carried! The gig bags are $89.95 and the backpacks start at $69.95, both with free shipping. There is no extra charge for having your custom design printed. If you plan on buying extra “faces” they are $19 each and can also be used as beautiful wall hangings. These gig bags are built to last, but they’re also made to reflect the person that is carrying them so you can show the world your beliefs! To check out the full line of Boldface Gear and start creating your custom artwork today, visit them at www.boldfacegear.com
Eric Dahl resides in Nashville TN with his wife and daughter. He is the author of “B.B. King’s Lucille and the Loves Before Her” and he does a weekly TV gear review show called the FOX 17 Rock and Review.
THE KYSER® QUICK-CHANGE® AND
ZEALANDWORSHIP MAKING BEAUTIFUL MUSIC
www.kysermusical.com | www.zealandworship.com Come visit us at NAMM Booth # 5977
THE STAYZEALOUS QUICK-CHANGE® CAPO Zealand Worship, NEW EP OUT NOW!
Pick one up at a live event or win one at ZEALANDWORSHIP.COM/KYSER Scan code to watch Zealand Worship’s version of “Good Good Father” here CONTEST ENDS 1/31/16
KYSER® MUSICAL PRODUCTS
smarturl.it/ZealandGGFVideo
MADE IN USA
Proud member of the
planning center family.
Because Amazing Grace shouldn’t be a sprint.
Record Reviews Hillsong Open Heaven/River Wild 1. Oh Praise The Name (Anastasis) 2. Love On The Line 3. One Thing 4. Open Heaven (River Wild) 5. Transfiguration 6. What A Savior 7. Heart Like Heaven 8. Jesus I Need You 9. Here With You 10. In God We Trust 11. Faithfulness 12. Never Forsaken
By Gerod Bass favorite is the mid-tempo prayer “What A Savior”, that speaks of how our shame was taken on the cross of Christ. This song has all the crescendos and soft musical moments woven together into one that has made Hillsong such a staple of modern worship. Brian Doerksen talks a lot about how important it is for the church to write worship songs that “fill the gap”. For instance, there is a lack of good worship songs about baptism, or the Lord’s supper, or confession, etc. The best song on this album is one that does an incredible job of filling the gap speaking specifically about the transfiguration of our Lord. Brook Fraser’s “Transfiguration” is a creative and fresh ballad that parallel’s Christ’s transfiguration and how He transforms us daily. Honestly, this might be one of my new favorite songs and is one you should immediately introduce to your church.
Hillsong Worship has long been one of the most widely recognized worship brands on the planet. They pretty much pioneered the modern worship genre and helped spread the popularity of rock worship anthems around the world. Their 24th worship album, Open Heaven/ River Wild is another powerful collection I would venture to say that, musically of anthemic worship and features 12 speaking, there is nothing earth-shatteringly new offerings that are sure to be sung in different about this release from Hillsong. churches around the world. However, this is one of the better Hillsong If you have heard any album from albums that have come out in the past few Hillsong, you pretty much know the drill years. This album is better written with and this album is no different. The recipe deeper lyrics and less repetition than the for success continues on this offering with last few, which is a relief to this reviewer. lots of warm keyboard pads, soaring There are lots of great instrumental choruses, driving guitars, and pounding moments and every song can be easily drums amidst a seemingly endless throng learned and sung by your worship team. of worshippers joining together to lift their praises to God. Freedom Church Using Acts 2 as its scriptural foundation, Uncharted the title cut, “Open Heaven(River Wild)” lives up to its title. It’s a torrent of a ballad 1. Gravity that calls for the outpouring of the Holy 2. Love Like This Spirit on the church. The idea here is that 3. Awake when Heaven opens and we encounter 4. Name Above Jesus, His spirit runs through us like a wild 5. In This Moment 6. This I Know river. 7. This Is Love A few other cuts stand out including “Love 8. Find You On The Line”, which begins with a cool 9. Amongst The Waves little electric riff in 6/8 time and features 10. Not Alone a catchy hook line in the chorus that you 11. Here Now will be singing for days. Another personal *Gerod’s Personal Picks in bold.
Overall impression Average person could learn/participate on the first hear Can be learned/adapted by a band of average skill Lyrical creativity and integrity
Hillsong Open Heaven/River Wild Freedom Church Uncharted Zealand Worship The EP Tim Timmons
Awake Our Souls
Austin Stone Worship
This Glorious Grace
highest marks
30
JAN/FEB 2016 WORSHIPMUSICIANMAGAZINE.COM
Centered in the UK, Freedom Church has been producing their youthful brand of relevant, authentic worship since 2009. Each year, they reach millions of people around the world with the Gospel of Christ through not only their music, but also the church’s unorthodox style of grass roots ministry. In 2015, God spoke to the leadership of Freedom Church about heading into an “Uncharted” season. “The unknown” and “the untraveled” always reveal who we really are. When we meet Jesus amongst the waves, faith is tested and character is forged. Freedom’s latest project, Uncharted, is an invitation to journey out into the unknown, to fight for faith, to surrender every fear, and to walk empowered into the fullness of God’s calling. Their 3rd release features 11 powerful songs of worship that remind us of the incredible heart of Christ while calling believers to boldly live life centered on God’s call to our communities and our world. Most of the songs rest on a musical foundation of ethereal keys and EDM house beats, which seems to be the emerging trend for many of the millennialage worship bands of today. I would say though that Freedom Church is not just a trend follower, but rather have carved out their own niche of creative, raw, and engaging worship. I found it interesting how well Freedom Church is able to adapt musical styles and instrumentation that would seem to be opposite sides of the musical spectrum into songs that actually work. For instance, on the propulsive side, “Love Like This” has a stately dance beat somewhat reminiscent of “God’s Great Dance Floor”, yet contains lyrics that are very prayerful and intimate. “Awake” begins with an almost classical piano intro that is quickly melded by a wave of electronic beats and synth. George Downes’ throaty Gospel voice adds to the blend of old and new, making this track stand out. These are just two examples, but are indicative of a deep understanding of both music and the audience they mean to reach. “Not Alone” is a mellow drift of piano and gentle rhythms as we are told of God’s unending faithfulness while we are in the storm, and “Gravity” calls to mind Hillsong United’s “Oceans” and features a haunting female lead over an ethereal keys-driven sounding ballad equipped with lots of suspense-building stops and crescendos. Uncharted is a wonderful collection of songs from Freedom Church filled with scriptural truths and real-life lyrics that are a far cry from the cliché laden worship songs so prevalent in today’s CCM worship world. These songs are not easy
The acoustic preamp everyone is talking about. Studio Quality, Stage Friendly, 2 Channel Instrument & Mic Preamp / EQ / DI / Blender
“Man, FELiX sounds great! And it really helps because it eliminates another piece of gear for me. Now, I have everything I need in a single unit: the mic preamp for my acoustic bass, great EQ, and flexible I/O. It works great for my electric bass too. Home-run! Killer!” — John Patitucci, Solo Artist, Chick Corea, Herbie Hancock, Wayne Shorter “I’ve been loving the FELiX. I feel that the pure tone of my banjo is now coming through, and that nothing is degrading the sound along the way. I would highly recommend it to those that can hear the difference!” — Béla Fleck, Grammy Winning Instrumentalist and Composer
“After trying what seemed like every preamp on the market, I’ve happily settled on the Felix for upright bass. Sounds amazing, is very flexible and works better than anything I’ve tried...This thing is genius!” — Mark Robertson, The Legendary Shack Shakers “Congrats on making a great box. I’ve been hoping for something of this caliber for years and years. It renders my pedal board of the last several years obsolete and useless. It’s easy to use and sounds like I’d hoped. Bottom line - this is the best preamp I’ve ever used.” — Bryan Sutton, Six Time Winner of the IBMA’s Guitarist of the Year
Come meet FELiX at NAMM booth #1779
www.gracedesign.com
to sing and I doubt they are easy to play, but Tim Timmons the musical creativity, authenticity, and lyrical Awake Our Souls strength make this one of my favorite worship 1. Awake Our Souls albums of the year. 2. Everywhere I Go 3. Like I’ve Been Changed 4. The Outcome Zealand Worship 5. Rest My Soul The EP 6. Right Beside Me 1. Awaken (Prelude) 7. You Are Good (That I May) 2. You Awaken My Soul 8. Spring Up 3. Good Good Father 9. Finally Breathing 4. Savior 10. All I Really Want 5. Greener Tim Timmons is a walking miracle. According 6. That’s Who You Are to doctors, he should have died from his terminal 7. Lead Us To Your Heart cancer diagnosis 9 years ago, but it’s obvious Former Newsboys that God is not done using him as he continues members Phil Joel and to write music that is both personal and inspiring. Peter Furler have given Timmons came into the CCM scene two years their faithful fans many a ago with his debut album, Cast Your Cares, recording project since which received a lot of attention and rose to #13 their departure from on the CCM Worship charts. His second studio the supergroup back in release, Awake Our Souls contains 10 fresh 2009. Joel’s newest project, Zealand Worship, new songs speaking of God’s goodness and the features a brand of pop/alternative worship power that He has to change lives. that, while has obvious Newsboys DNA all over The title tracks kicks off the record in classic it, brings its own brand of high energy, vertical worship that is engaging and compelling to listen Timmons style. “Awake Our Souls” is a call to God and to each other to surrender ourselves to. fully and allow Him to awaken us. This brightly The album opens interestingly with a two-minute colored jam has a throbbing bass line that instrumental called “Awaken”. This track paints is accented by rolling keyboards and guitars a beautiful musical picture and foreshadows the which, when paired with Timmons’ unique next track, “You Awaken My Soul”, which speaks singing voice, makes this track stand out. of how a relationship with Christ changes our Another fun track is the pop-tinged hoedown, lives. “Everywhere I Go”. Featuring peppy acoustic “Greener” is a laid-back pop number that uses guitars and handclaps that give this song a nature imagery to assert that although God down-home feel, this song speaks to every heart allows us to go through troubles and hard times longing for the expectant hope of Christ’s return. in life, when we rely on Him, our hearts grow “Right Beside Me” takes us to the opposite end closer to His. of the lyrical spectrum as we are reminded that “Savior” maintains the album’s energy well there will be dark days in our lives, and when with its driving melody lines, wrapped around we refocus our eyes we are reminded that Jesus powerful synth and guitars. Based on Philippians has felt what we feel and has walked where we 1:6, it is an interesting take on how God is not walked. done molding and renewing us day by day. The challenge of many a believer is tackled on Zealand’s version of the now popular “Good “Like I’ve Been Changed,” which calls listeners Good Father” adds an electronic twist, but isn’t to remember that Christ has changed us now as warm and intimate as other versions. “Lead Us and that we no longer live in darkness. “The To Your Heart” ends the EP well and finally gives Outcome” speaks of how God holds every listeners a chance to breathe as Joel cries out, outcome of our lives while showcasing a clever “Show us who You really are, take us further than arrangement of electronic keyboards and house beats. we’ve known, Jesus. All we want is You” This album isn’t quite as moving or musically Newsboys fans will love this little collection from Zealand. It’s basically different guys doing interesting as his debut, however I wouldn’t call essentially the same thing, but with a little more this collection a sophomore slump either as it bend toward vertical worship. Most of the songs is clear from the songs contained here that Tim are easy to sing but the production will be tough Timmons is resting in the path that God has laid to emulate. There were a few moments where out for him. His soul has been awakened by I was a bit perplexed by the theology of the God’s incredible grace and he wants to share lyrics they chose, and even though I think I knew that so that our souls too will be awakened. what they were meaning, this could confuse Timmons’ interesting vocal timber and personal some newer Christians. The songs are tight and style keeps the album interesting and fresh seemed to fit well together, and you can tell that throughout. I wouldn’t classify every song as “worship-ready” for use in a congregational Phil Joel is a veteran worship writer. setting, but there are a few that could definitely fit into your Sunday set list.
32
JAN/FEB 2016 WORSHIPMUSICIANMAGAZINE.COM
Austin Stone Worship This Glorious Grace 1. Center Of My Life 2. Trust 3. You Never Change 4. You Are God And You Are Good 5. Jesus True And Only 6. This Glorious Grace 7. Gracious Redeemer 8. How Deep The Father’s Love For Us 9. Everything And Nothing Less 10. Cornerstone 11. It Is Well With My Soul Located in Austin, Texas, Austin Stone Worship is a collective of worship leaders based out of Austin Stone Community Church. Their latest release, This Glorious Grace, showcases their collective passion for worship while sharing their hearts for collaboration, community, and theology. Stylistically, Austin Stone is along the same vein as Jesus Culture and Bethel worship with most of the arrangements hovering in the pop/rock electronica genre. Every song is vertical in nature and most are very easy to sing. “Center My Life” is a heartfelt call to worship, asking God to center our lives in Him set against a mid-tempo backbeat accented with bright keys and warm vocals, while “You Never Change,” speaks of the rest that we receive in Christ and features some Stu G-esque guitar work and a gorgeous vocal. “Jesus True and Only” is a acoustic centered celebration of God’s sacrifice and our salvation that is intimate and stirring while we hear about the rewards of a life in Christ on the slow building “Gracious Redeemer“. “How Deep the Father’s Love For Us” brings an old favorite back to life, while a new favorite, Chris McClarney’s “Everything and Nothing Less” gets airplay here too and is a big, bold explosion of energy. The album wraps up with a cover of Hillsong’s “Cornerstone” that sounds a bit cookie cutter but still has a nice energy and enthusiasm, while the classic “It Is Well With My Soul” does a nice job of paying homage to the original hymn for those who love the classics. This was a nice album. I appreciated the mix of old and new. The mixing and instrumentation was solid throughout and there were a few songs that stood out even though a few tended to run together because of the similar arrangements. Still, This Glorious Grace is worth the price of admission and has a few offerings that should find their way into your church’s repertoire. Gerod Bass is a ministry veteran who has been serving God’s people through worship and youth ministry for over 20 years. Since 2009, he has been living his dream serving as the minister of worship and Jr. High at Our Savior Lutheran Church in Tacoma, WA. He’s a singer, guitarist and recording artist who has a passion for impacting lives for the sake of the Gospel. Find out more, including his newest album release at his website, gerodbass.com.
a conference for musicians, leaders, technicians, songwriters & indie artists
CMS Northwest 2016, November 4-5 in Issaquah, Washington will feature KATHRYN SCOTT, ZEALAND WORSHIP, PAUL BALOCHE & PHIL KEAGGY
ChristianMusicianSummit.com For information on other events and resources, visit us online.
FOH Engineer
By Kent Morris
Gear and the New Year: How to Know What’s Important The New Year begins with high hopes in the tech booth. A fresh budget, an enlightened perspective, and all the Christmas production nightmares in the rearview lead to a collective, satisfying sigh amid thoughts of what’s to come in 2016. While Amazon Prime is a good start, the real solution to wielding tech properly lies in knowing what is important. So, let’s delve into the fun: Cables matter. Monoprice DMX cables may work if the lighting fixtures are identical, the runs short, and the installation is permanent, but for all other applications, go with something better. While superpremium cables are unnecessary, quality
American-made products from ProCo, Whirlwind, and Rapco will provide decades of uninterrupted service at a reasonable price. This edict applies especially to stage cables where constant use takes its toll on longevity. Most American manufacturers provide a hasslefree lifetime warranty on their cables, so you only have to buy them once. Good gear is usually good enough. There is a reason the Toyota Camry continues to be the top selling car: it is costeffective and reliable. AVL equipment in the mid-range represents the best long-term value and tends to have a modest learning curve since it is neither short on features nor overly complex. If an AVL system is in balance, with the quality level of the mics equivalent to that of the console and the power amps, the system will function well with little tweaking required. As a famous tech once said, “Nobody ever got fired for using an SM58.” The primary exception to this axiom is flown loudspeakers where inherent inaccessibility requires investment in the best available components.
paycheck away from being able to afford it. We should, instead, strive to master our craft by practicing recognition of feedback frequencies, honing our soldering skills, and studying what makes a great mix and lit stage scene. All equipment is made from the same component materials. In fact, now that $30,000.00 digital consoles are built in China, basically all our gear comes from a small collective of CM (Contract Manufacturers) who share workers and materials. To illustrate: recently, a famous speaker brand had its China CM shut down by the government for code violations. Another speaker brand bought the factory and simply restarted the assembly line with the same speakers rolling down the line and just stuck a different name on them at the end.
There is a spiritual component to what we do, so resourcing our spiritual lives will pay dividends. A weekly devotional email sent on Thursday can lift the hearts of the tech team and prepare them for the weekend work to come. Providing a safe zone of no condemnation in the booth will allow our teams to mature through making Service and support are more important mistakes. One church took part of their than the lowest price. Dealers all pay tech budget and sent the techs away to a approximately the same price and sell retreat center with their families in return for around MAP (Minimum Advertised all the “apart” time they give each week. Price) so the difference is how well they And finally, remember to pray for each take care of their customers. When a other daily – it’s a great investment. wireless mic goes down two days before a major production, the $15 saved at Bob’s Blowout Bargain Barn pales in comparison to the value a professional Kent Morris is a 35 dealer brings to the table with expedited year veteran of the repair or replacement. worship technology There is no magic in the gear. Techs suffer from the same malaise as our guitarist friends: we are always one special item away from solving our problem and one
34
JAN/FEB 2016 WORSHIPMUSICIANMAGAZINE.COM
arena with a passion for excellence, balanced by the knowledge digital is a temporary state.
POWER TO PLAY AUDIO SOLUTIONS
SAVE BIG ON DBR! For details please visit:
4wrd.it/SaveOnDBR
“The Guitarist” It’s like home. It just feels right. Ingredients: (1) L-series acoustic guitar (1) DBR12 (1) cables Directions: 1. Plug in. 2. Power up. 3. Play
For more information visit 4wrd.it/DBRWM2
DBR10
DBR12
DBR15
PERCUSSION
By Mark Shelton
The Steady Streams The ostinato was a part of music long before “groove” was coined. An ostinato is simply a repeated rhythmic figure, usually heard in accompaniment. A great deal of rhythm section work in modern worship music (and mainstream popular music) is groove based and percussion parts often include ostinatos of steady streams of eighth or sixteenth notes. Think about the typical tambourine or shaker part in either 4/4 or 12/8 time. Frequently, it is a steady stream of sixteenth notes. If you are going to lay down an intensity-building snare drum or tom-tom line, a steady stream of sixteenths or thirty-seconds is probably your choice.These rhythms give energy and drive to the music while slicing the beat into smaller parts, providing a steady time reference for the ensemble. Whether beginner or a seasoned professional, you can find value in refining your ability to control rhythmic subdivision, consistent tone, and the dynamics of a steady stream of equal value notes. The focus of this article is on the sixteenth note version of the steady stream, but the practice techniques can be applied to other note values. The steady sixteenth stream is notated below in both 4/4 and 12/8.
Real-time Analysis And Correction Set the metronome at a comfortable speed and play the 4/4 steady stream version on a drum with alternating strokes beginning with your dominant hand. Play each version for about one minute. (You might want to set a timer.) Listen critically. Are the downbeats lining up with the metronome?
The Recorder Is Really Your Friend As musicians, we sometimes listen as we play and think that the great sound in our minds is being transferred through our hands onto our instruments. An audio recorder is a truth machine. Listening to yourself on a recording can reveal the stark differences between perception and reality. Record about thirty seconds of a steady stream of sixteenths and immediately analyze the recording. Make it a goal to produce a one minute recording of a your best steady stream of sixteenths. It might take several takes, but you will benefit from the self-evaluation. Seeing Is Believing Along with aural feedback, it is possible to evaluate your steady stream using visual information. If you have access to a digital audio workstation such as Pro Tools, Logic, or Audacity, that displays the waveform of your playing, you can see where there are minor flaws in volume and rhythmic subdivision. It can be surprising to record eight bars of sixteenths with a shaker and afterwards view unintended accents and inconsistencies in rhythmic spacing on your computer screen. In my decades as a worship team percussionist, a steady stream of sixteenths is probably my most-played ostinato. In addition to mastery of both the 4/4 and 12/8 versions for groove playing, control of a steady stream is crucial to the development of the single stroke roll used on snare drum, congas, timpani, and a variety of percussion instruments. You need not be concerned about sounding mechanical. If you get to that point, it should be easy to loosen up and inject your humanity. Check out my two-part video tutorial on practicing the steady stream at www.youtube.com/marksheltonmusic.
Is the spacing between the subdivisions even? Do you hear big differences in the tone quality between the hands? How about the consistency of volume from hand to hand? Make another run and adjust your playing to correct any problems you heard. During real-time playing your ear, brain, muscle combination can accomplish a lot. Apply the same process to the 12/8 version. As you work the 4/4 and 12/8 steady streams to a satisfactory level, increase both the tempo and duration. Can you make the steady streams sound great for 90 seconds at a tempo of 150 beats per minute?
36
JAN/FEB 2016 WORSHIPMUSICIANMAGAZINE.COM
An active freelance musician, Mark’s percussion work can be heard live and on recordings with Gateway Worship. A member of the Texas Commission on the Arts Touring Roster, Mark performs frequently as a percussion soloist. Mark’s compositions are published by Per-Mus Publications, HoneyRock, & Heritage Music Press. Check out more of Mark’s educational materials at www.percussionforworship.blogspot.com. © 2015 Mark Shelton Productions Percussion For Worship
THE cymbal choice for churches everywhere! Designed to be quieter and darker for contemporary worship.
New from
:
Designed for lively rooms and gymnasiums, the Custom Dry cymbal series brings a quieter, more controlled sound with a very quick decay.
Heartbeat-Percussion @HBpercussion
www.heartbeatpercussion.com
866.988.1277 info@heartbeatpercussion.com
Cut-capo Guitar
By Mitch Bohannon
Introducing the song, “We Enter His Gates” by Simon Dunn We Enter Your Gates [E] [Default Arrangement] by Simon Dunn
I ran across a song last month that I simply could not stop listening to. On October 12, I had the opportunity to teach the Short-Cut capo to the Verse.1 Worship Majors at CFNI in Dallas and had a blast! ...............E................C#m Upon leaving, my friend, Simon Dunn (Worship We.enter.Your.gates,.with.Thanksgiving Major Director for CFNI) gave me their latest CD ..........A.......................E Into.Your.courts,.with.a.shout.of.praise release, Faithful. I was just captivated by the first We Enter Your Gates [E] song and, come to find out, it was written by Simon! [Default Arrangement] by Simon Dunn
(Repeat)
“We Enter His Gates” is one of those songs that is Verse.1 a perfect fit to start off a worship set following the Chorus/Pre-Chorus Biblical model for worship. It’s ...............E................C#m got a catchy melodic We.enter.Your.gates,.with.Thanksgiving ........E/G#.A.......................E..(C#m) ..........A.......................E hook and a fantastic simple bridge. To top it off, The.Lord.is.good,.His.mercy.lasts.forever Into.Your.courts,.with.a.shout.of.praise it’s a great fit for the Short-Cut capo. When I first ............A........................Bsus..B (Repeat) introduced this song to our congregation, my son, His.faithfulness,.stands.the.test.of.time..(repeat) Sam, played the lead guitar part. Last week, after Chorus/Pre-Chorus ........E/G#.A.......................E..(C#m) CMSNW, I had the opportunity to introduce it to Verse.2 The.Lord.is.good,.His.mercy.lasts.forever ............E..................C#m CityLights Church in University Place, WA. (They ............A........................Bsus..B We.lift.our.hands,.in.the.sanctuary loved the song btw). We hadHis.faithfulness,.stands.the.test.of.time..(repeat) a full band, but no ..............A.....................E electric guitar. With the Short-Cut capo, I was able Verse.2 To.bless.you.Lord,.and.praise.Your.name ............E..................C#m to cover the lead melody. We.lift.our.hands,.in.the.sanctuary ..........E...................C#m
..............A.....................E The chart to the right is available here (http:// For.You.O.Lord,.are.a.shield.around.us To.bless.you.Lord,.and.praise.Your.name cfnmusic.com/img/charts/We-Enter-Your-Gates. ..........E...................C#m ..............A......................Bsus..B For.You.O.Lord,.are.a.shield.around.us pdf) …simply apply these Short-Cut chords to the You're.our.glory,.and.You.lift.our.heads ..............A......................Bsus..B chart: You're.our.glory,.and.You.lift.our.heads
Verse.3 There is a really catchy 2-measure lead-guitar Verse.3 ..................E...................C#m melody that plays throughout..................E...................C#m the intro and the It's.good.to.give.thanks,.to.God.our.maker It's.good.to.give.thanks,.to.God.our.maker verses… It’s played three and a.........A.........................E half times for the intro .........A.........................E Sing.our.praise,.to.the.Lord.most.high and both phrases of the verses.......E.........................C#m Having the Short-Cut Sing.our.praise,.to.the.Lord.most.high capo on fret 2, you don’t haveYou.O.Lord,.are.the.true.life.changer to only play the lead ......E.........................C#m .......A..........................Bsus..B melody notes from the tab…I Now.we.sing.at.the.work.of.your.hands will use a choppy/ You.O.Lord,.are.the.true.life.changer muted strum to add some body and percussion to .......A..........................Bsus..B Bridge/Chorus the melody. Now.we.sing.at.the.work.of.your.hands ......E Your.love,.your.love,.your.love.endures.forever
I’ve written articles previously .....C#m explaining the benefit Bridge/Chorus of being able to add melodyYour.joy,.your.joy,.your.joy,.there's.nothing.better to a song using the ......A ......E Short-Cut capo. Often in classes that I teach, I Your.peace,.your.peace,.your.peace.is.like.a.river Your.love,.your.love,.your.love.endures.forever ......E.(B) am quick to admit that I consider myself strictly a You.reign .....C#m rhythm player. I do play some finger-style and any Your.joy,.your.joy,.your.joy,.there's.nothing.better melodies that I play are simple, vocal melody lines. ......A This little riff, however, is a great example of being Your.peace,.your.peace,.your.peace.is.like.a.river able to play what would be considered a lead-guitar ......E.(B) melody line all while keeping the rhythm going with You.reign the simplicity of the Short-Cut chords shapes. I would love to hear from you. How has the ShortCut capo been a blessing to your worship team and worship leading? I’d also love to send you my Short-Cut capo Handbook that you could use to help teach a young guitar player! Send me an email at mitch@kysermusical.com
38
JAN/FEB 2016 WORSHIPMUSICIANMAGAZINE.COM
© 2015 © CFN Music (Admin. by Music Services, Inc.) CCLI Song # 7045647 -- CCLI License # 347690
Mitch Bohannon developed 1 the Short Cut Capo for Kyser and is a worship pastor in Louisiana. He and his beautiful wife, Noelle, have been married for 22 years and have three awesome kids! www.kysermusical. com
© 2015 © CFN Music (Admin. by Music Services, Inc.) CCLI Song # 7045647 -- CCLI License # 347690
the inspiration begins here P R O D U C T S
•
C O M M U N I T Y
•
E D U C A T I O N
JUNE 23-25, 2016 • MUSIC CITY CENTER • NASHVILLE, TENNESSEE • NAMM.ORG/SUMMER
GuiTAR GRAB BAG By Jeffrey B. Scott
Recording “Highest Heights” I want to use the column this month to share my experience recording my latest project, an EP called “Highest Heights”. Hopefully you can gain some wisdom for your own musical endeavors! Choosing Material In any recording project, the song choice is by far the hardest decision to make, but the most critical to its success. For me, there were a few underlying factors that led to the final three songs chosen for the EP. I knew I wanted to do a cover. I had been doing Lincoln Brewster’s “Made New” at a couple of events and at home at my church, so I knew it would connect with the people I was leading. The other two songs were almost as easy to choose. Even though they were originals, they had both seen significant use at conferences and camps, and had both been around for a little while, so I had some positive feedback to go on. I also had some tracks I could use to get down the road a little quicker on those, so I definitely wanted to use them if I could! The Recording Process
SIDEBAR: THE GEAR Paul Reed Smith Guitars • Custom 22 • Mira • McCarty Taylor 512C Basses by Spector and Fender Audio/Technica AT4050 PreSonus Studio One PreSonus FireStudio Tube Waves/PRS Guitar Interface Waves GTR 3.5 Positive Grid BIAS
40
My DAW of choice is Studio One by PreSonus. It’s fast and efficient, and sounds great. So I started with a template for each song that included all the basic tracks I might need. The songs were already sketched out, so getting through them for basic tracks didn’t require a whole lot of thought. I wanted them to be great, not just good, so I spent a good deal of time making sure I felt strong about the parts as well as the tones I used. I am mostly an analog guy when it
JAN/FEB 2016 WORSHIPMUSICIANMAGAZINE.COM
comes to playing guitar live, but for recording, it’s just too easy and sounds too good NOT to record with amp modeling and plugins! One of my go-to plugs for any outfront tones is BIAS by Positive Grid. The solo in “Lord of All” is that plugin, and I was very happy with how it turned out. The Waves GTR plugin was also used extensively on the EP for guitar and bass tones. I like doing vocals last - I think it helps me sing more passionately if the track is pretty well realized, and I can work with what’s there to find my best performance, so I tried to make sure that all the parts were finished before I did any “keeper” vocal tracks. I also tried to go in some order and work on each element as it fit into the whole; I did all the bass first, then focused on guitars parts and layers, then any other elements that I felt were needed. And then came producing the vocalist…
not feel to the listener like they were rushed at all. In My Corner
I did have two guys I couldn’t have done this without: Matt Gilder and Christian Paschall. I have the good fortune of getting to work with them on several projects throughout the year, and they both agreed to help finish out the EP. Matt is a phenomenal keys player, but also has a great producer’s ear. Christian is an amazing drummer with great feel and a stellar mix guy, and both of them made Producing Yourself significant impact on the project as a I’ve done plenty of recording in my whole. Which only goes to prove that if career - live tracking with Passion you have good people who are willing to conferences, studio sessions with other help, use them. It can only make it better! artists, overdubs from home for someone miles away. Each one has their particular I hope you’ll take the time to find the challenges, but there’s nothing quite like EP on iTunes or your favorite streaming trying to “produce” yourself sitting in your site and give it a listen. And if you have office at home. (I don’t recommend it for any questions about the project, please everyone!) You have to be really hard on feel free to reach out to me on Twitter that guy in the mirror, and pay attention (@jeffreybscott) or Facebook (fb.me/ to the smallest detail. No one else might jeffreybscottmusic). I would love to hear catch those little things you missed, but from you! you’re going to hear them every time you listen to the song. You have to be your own worst critic in those moments and not let yourself off the hook. There are only rare cases when something can actually be fixed “in the mix!”
I wish I could say that vocals were “spread out over the course of two months, with plenty of breaks and water, and not any stress at all!” But alas, we live in the real world! So the vocals were done a little more quickly than that - ahem - and I had to make sure that they were as good as can be in my limited timeframe, and
Jeffrey B. Scott lives in Atlanta, GA with his wife and 3 children, and is dead-set on delivering his best for God’s glory. He’s a guitarist, vocalist, producer and songwriter. Check out his new EP, Highest Heights, available now on iTunes! Twitter: @jeffreybscott Facebook: www.facebook.com/jeffreybscott
Your one-stop-shop for the entire worship team when it comes to accessories. Across the board, we have the best prices on:
guitar and bass strings, drum sticks and heads, tuners, capos, straps, reeds, instrument & mic cables,
RESOURCING SKILL || EQUIPPING TALENT
and much more!
ChristianMusicianStore.com Visit us at NAMM in Hall E Booth #1308
Designed in the UK by Patrick James Eggle
Now distributed in the U.S. via Connolly Music
Contact Us For A Dealer Near You
info@connollymusic.com www.connollymusic.com
SUBSCRIBE
The Band
By Tom Lane
Let Your Excellence Be Your Protest “So you don’t agree with the music pastor’s style or methods... You’d rather do newer songs, you wanna bring the post-modern sound but the rest of the team is a bit old school... You want to introduce playing to stems but the team is not interested. Or maybe it’s the opposite and you’re a veteran musician and the new is sounding “canned and cheap.” Well this is your chance to be excellent. Instead of whining, it’s time for shining. Let your excellence be your protest!” ~ Tony Hooper
like, but do it well. The seasoning, if you will, is always evident and isn’t something that ever needs to be proven. So it is a balance for both older and younger to be on teams together.
The best way to achieve balance and unity on teams is to communicate through the preferences and differences, to hear the arguments on both sides. The reality is that there’s room for both and it’s more genuine to embrace both than to disregard some because they don’t fit a style or vibe we are going for. I do understand I’m tag teaming with my buddy Tony relevancy, but I also know that unity and here who has faithfully served a number authenticity trumps it every time. of churches and grown more bands and Where we have historically struggled in teams than anyone I know. His challenge is a great one, especially in light of the The Church is in walking out the joining of fact that worship should always be the generations. The new moves of God about aiming to please God more than are not about excluding those saints that feeding our own need for a certain type have led the way before. Being relevant is part of what every generation faces to of experience. advance the gospel, but it’s not a rebellion Excellence starts with having a right or divorce from the rest of His people. heart, attitude, and posture. It’s ironic that Sadly, it too often divides us. Even in even some of the most dull instruments can the face of opposition, criticism, or even be used excellently. When our focus is persecution from other saints, our attitude selfish we start off being dull. It’s not that and heart should ever be to do our best, we can’t come as we are, and certainly humbly and lovingly. That is the type of we enter worship with any number of protest that invokes the best response, issues, problems, and emotions at play always! in our lives. It’s that we choose to act If we find ourselves disgruntled, irritated, opposite the circumstance. negative, or critical in worship, let’s rise It’s a real thing that some older players above it and determine that as far as it struggle to play todays worship music, goes with us, we will do our very best no especially if they are old school, feel matter what! This is the way to foster and oriented players. Some hate the click, in encourage unified worship among our ears, the style of the music, the sounds, teams. etc. Though it’s true that much of the more As my parents used to tell me, “No modern worship is 4 chords and lots of delay and eighth notes, it’s not healthy that whiny babies please!” Still good advice we develop or nurture a disdainful spirit. I think! We may hate a song or a style, and yet others love it. Who can judge either side Nashville, TN is home for when it involves the heart? At the same time a more seasoned player or singer brings a lot to the table that younger ones can learn from. But it doesn’t happen by forcing a context or style on them. In truth, it happens naturally when the older enters the world of the younger, adapts some to the very things we may not
42
COMBO PACKAGE
Tom Lane though he is involved in ministry and music around the world. As a singer, songwriter and guitar player, Tom has been teamed with many worship leaders and artists. He continues to record his own work, lead worship, and writes regularly for various worship publications worldwide.
JAN/FEB 2016 WORSHIPMUSICIANMAGAZINE.COM
1 YEAR of BOTH MAGAZINES for only
$39.95 SUBSCRIBE TODAY
WorshipMusicianMagazine.com
Informative Interviews with prominent leaders in the Worship Community Regular Educational Columns on Musicianship Gear Reviews Record Reviews Song Charts
personal monitor mixer
Visit us at NAMM...Booth #6911 (Hall A)
Deliver the music: Simply. Consistently. Empowering.
Dante, MADI, ADAT, analog, mic and line level...We speak it all!
The personal monitor mixing system that helps you: Improve overall sound quality | Get more rehearsal time | Enjoy making music Find out what other Houses of Worship are saying about myMix! Scan the code for more info
www.mymixaudio.com
Š2016 MOVEK, Inc.
MINISTRY
By Rick Muchow & Logan J. Muchow
7 Secrets of Spirit-Led L.E.A.D.E.R.S. Part 2 from the plant on the porch, kind of like He did to Moses. I stood on the porch for 30 minutes, tired and cold, asking God to speak to me through the plant. The plant never caught on fire and I didn’t hear God’s audible voice that night. Disappointed, I went inside my warm home and went to bed. What I learned that night is that while God is capable of communicating to His people in countless ways, He speaks to us most often not through an audible voice from heaven, but though the written voice of truth in scripture. God uses the impact of this written voice to transform our lives, which includes creativity and imagination. The Spirit of God is alive and speaking Throughout the Bible, we see that when through the Bible. Envisioning the future, God calls a person to accomplish a task, then, often involves re-visioning what God He first gives a clear vision of the future. has already said to us. When we look How incredible! When the Lord set apart to the bible as the written source of all of Noah to build the Ark, He spoke to him God’s truth and purpose for our lives we directly with specific instructions on how to hear His voice in a tangible way. build it, including the exact measurements and the type of wood to use. The Patriarch Finally, God encourages us to use our Abraham was given an incredible vision imaginations and to dream! The bible by God that he would be made into a says: “Now glory be to God, who by his great nation and through his descendants mighty power at work within us is able to the whole world would be blessed. God do far more than we would ever dare to gave Joseph the dream of being a leader ask or even dream of — infinitely beyond that would save his people and He gave our highest prayers, desires, thoughts, or Nehemiah the dream of building the wall hopes.” (Ephesians 3:20 LB) Dreamers around Jerusalem. Does God still give are able to see past the present reality and see the way things could be in the future. visions to His people? Absolutely yes! Not all dreams please God, and not all Years ago, I came home very late at night dreams are from God. Pastor Rick Warren from playing music and was experiencing says, “God will never tell you to do a “spiritual high”! It was a cool, Northern something that contradicts his truth.” God California evening and before going uses scripture led dreamers to change the into the house I decided to say thanks to world. God in prayer. After I prayed I thought: Secret: Spirit led leaders Dream “Wouldn’t it be cool if God spoke to me In last month’s edition, we began a sevenpart series called “7 Secrets of Spirit Led L.E.A.D.E.R.S.” It is my heart to share with you these key lessons that every servant leader in ministry must understand if we really seek to be led by the Holy Spirit in all we do. Last month we discovered that Spirit Led Leaders LEARN TO SEE. While it is easy to fixate on the past and to focus on present problems, God is calling us to a higher standard. The importance of learning to see leads us to the second important secret of Spirit Led Leaders: Spirit Led Leaders ENVISION THE FUTURE.
44
JAN/FEB 2016 WORSHIPMUSICIANMAGAZINE.COM
I can’t wait to share with you about the third secret: Spirit Led Leaders Dance! Invite Rick to your church to encourage and equip your team and learn more about the personal worship leader coaching he offers.www.rickmuchow.com Free App for Worship Leaders: Rick Muchow
Rick served as Pastor Of Worship at Saddleback Church with Rick Warren for 24 years. Rick encourages and equips worship leaders through Coaching, Speaking, Writing and Leading Worship. His book, The Worship Answer Book is available on iTunes, GooglePlay and Amazon). www.Rickmuchow.com Facebook: Rickmuchow band Twitter: @Rickmuchow
Logan J. Muchow is a worship leader for youth and children at Mission Viejo Christian Church. Logan earned his bachelors degree in Christian Studies from California Baptist University. You can read his devotional articles and enjoy his music at loganjmuchow.com.
Product Review
By Mitch Bohannon
TC Electronics BodyRez Pedal
I really can’t wait to get started on this review. I absolutely love getting my hands on new gear! It is fun to explore and I always hope to find new gems! Of course, there are pedals and products that just don’t live up to my expectations, which really means that I just couldn’t make it sound good...Then, of course there is Bruce’s big find that he was showing off at the Dallas Guitar Show, the “Talent Booster”, which is a True-Bypass on Reality! Yesterday, I received the new acoustic guitar pedal from TC Electronic, the “BodyRez Acoustic Pickup Enhancer.” It’s a nice mini-pedal with one in, one out, one level knob, and a dedicated power (I connected it into my power chain with no problems). I have a few acoustic guitars that I wanted to try out through the BodyRez, and the guitar I that ended up taking to rehearsal was really the last one I had in mind. As of late, I have really been pleased with my tone with that guitar. By the way, don’t you just love plug-and-play gear? I sure dig technology and programming, but simplicity can be very freeing. I tuned up, strummed to get a reference with my clean tone and then turned on the BodyRez…Oh… my… goodness! Needless to say, I found a real gem with this one. I am certain I have mentioned before that I am always hunting for something to make the sound of my acoustic have that THING, that sparkle, that Tone that I often hear in recordings or live music that leaves me wondering, “what does it take for mine to sound like that?” I was just recently at the Chris Tomlin concert in Beaumont, TX having those thoughts! His acoustic tone was incredible. Well, back to my setup…this particular guitar (that I thought didn’t need help) absolutely came to life last night! Here’s the deal. TC Electronic recognized how
our acoustic guitars often sound great until we plug them into the PA, which has the tendency to “flatten out the sound” and take away the resonance and natural feel of the acoustic guitar. The BodyRez was designed to bring “Studio-Quality Acoustic Guitar Tone” to the live sound with pre-configured filters and a subtle compression. It has a builtin “Feedback Suppression”, true bypass, and the ability to mute the signal. The “Body” control knob allows you to dial in just the right amount of the effect (filters and compression) you want to be applied to your sound. Across the sweep of the control knob, I found the clarity and crispness of my guitar sound really come to life. However, if I had the Body knob turned up too high, my rhythm became too compressed and I lost a lot of dynamic that I’m used to playing with. I turned it down, found the sweet spot, and it sounds great! A few weeks have passed and I’ve run a couple of different guitars through the BodyRez pedal. I’ve had very similar experiences with each of them. Today is Sunday; it’s a great day for me to add comment to this review after I just finished playing a service. So, what happened today? Guitar sounded fantastic! I did not have to make any adjustments… I find that I like the “Body” level right about 9 O’clock and I never found a reason to turn it off! If you like to conserve your guitar battery life by unplugging (I highly recommend doing this), please, please, please, either run a volume pedal or use a clever pedal like the BodyRez. Step and hold to mute your signal so that you don’t POP the system by unplugging while
the sound engineer something else!
is busy doing
The BodyRez has an MSRP of $149.99 and a street price of $99.00. For too many years, I’ve had very nice guitars squashed by running them through mediocre systems at church. Just to think, a $99 pedal was all it would take!
Mitch Bohannon developed the Short Cut Capo for Kyser and is a worship pastor in Louisiana. He and his beautiful wife, Noelle, have been married for 22 years and have three awesome kids! www.kysermusical.com
WORSHIPMUSICIANMAGAZINE.COM JAN/FEB 2016
45
TEAMS
By David Gauthier
Seven Things Regular Bands Do That Worship Bands Don’t (But Should) Most church worship bands aspire to be as good as the sources from which they draw their music for congregational worship. This is a high ideal that requires more investment than most are willing to give. Often the goal is just to be good enough for this week’s services. That paradigm will never satisfy the desire to be better.
sharing meals, watching TV, going to Memorize the top 25 or 35 songs your concerts, movies and attending each church does. Don’t waste time and energy other’s birthday parties, weddings and going over songs the church has done funerals. dozens of times. Plan long-term
Plan efficient rehearsals. Go over new material first. Capitalize on the group’s freshness and eagerness to play.
Regular bands are in it for the long haul. They do not have a “gig mentality” or short-term perspective only looking Get to know each other and build While looking to the semi-pro and toward the next gig to drive their efforts. friendships. professional worship bands as models They prepare for the future and do so with Look beyond this Sunday for music for church worship bands, let’s also take expectation. They do this because they prep. Use part of the time for future prep. a look at “non-worship” bands to glean Have goals some tips and practical wisdom that we Talk about longer term goals. Are you can apply. There is a mutual understanding that satisfied to just pull off this week’s service? Here are some lessons we can learn every member must bring their A-game. Be willing to accept the accountability Their future depends on it. This motivates from our musical cousins. each member to pursue becoming the best that comes with relationship. they can be. And in doing so they – Memorize songs Ask for feedback from the congregation. You are here to lead them in worship Hold each other accountable Regular bands memorize their songs. through music, not educate them on your That may be 25, 35 or 105 songs. But They welcome accountability as musical preferences. they are memorized. No music, no chord charts, no lyric sheets or iPads. One of the affirmation of their place in the band. They Let me know how it goes. For His glory! reasons they can do this is because they – relish the safety net of knowing the others care for them and are watching out for their best interests. If a member starts to Practice regularly be late, doesn’t do the work or slips into Regular bands usually practice regularly substance or relational abuse the others David Gauthier is on a weekly or bi-weekly schedule. They will act immediately to identify and rectify a musician, worship the problem. love music and love getting together to leader and songwriter play it. They do what it takes to master with (gulp!) over 40 Care what their audience thinks the material and are dedicated to years worship leading accomplishing that goal. That often means A regular band is very concerned experience as well as that one session is dedicated solely to learning one song. And once mastered, that their music is hitting the target. They 26 years with CCLI in may never need to be rehearsed again. welcome feedback from their fans and sales, marketing and publisher affiliation. As a One reason they can they can pull this off colleagues. They want to know how they former music director at five churches, worship feel and what they like. They try to be leader at camps, conferences and retreats, is that they love to – pragmatic about their art and not to be guest leading at churches of nearly every denomination, and a veteran of rock, R&B, offended by critical feedback . Hang out together How can we implement these principles Regular bands enjoy each other’s company. They spend time together and into our worship bands? Here are some are part of each other’s lives. That often take aways: means doing things together such as
46
JAN/FEB 2016 WORSHIPMUSICIANMAGAZINE.COM
blues and swing bands, he brings a wealth of experience to the subjects of worship leading and band leading. He can be reached via e-mail at dcgauthier@gmail.com.
Ministry + Artistry = Profitability? Creating your MAP™ By Scott A. Shuford
7 Simple Things You Can Do To Build A Better Social Following One of the most common questions we on social media, or have even seen the get asked at FrontGate Media is, “How icons. do we get more people to follow us on 3. Put Social share buttons on your Social media?” Today I want to give you website. 7 simple ways you can promote your Be sure you add social share buttons social pages. to key places on your site. Have a great blog article you want shared? Put a social 1. Add Social Links to your email share button next to it. Have great pictures on your site? Make sure your photos are signature. pinnable so they end up on Pinterest and For that matter, everyone on your church direct people back to your site. Have a team should have a link to your social great event coming up? Put a share button pages in their signature. Every person who there. Be sure your site content is easy to encounters you, your team, your band, or share. your church via email should be given the 4. Put Social Follow icons at the opportunity to follow you on social media. bottom of every blog post. 2. Put Social “like” or “follow” icons Most people are reading blog posts on on every page of your website. their smartphones these days. This means Make sure social share icons are in the they aren’t seeing the fancy sidebars and header or footer of your website so that, headers on your website. On mobile as people visit other pages on your site, devices, it’s very likely that even though they can follow you. It may take a few you have social follow icons on your pages of browsing on your site before website, the majority of your blog readers they are ready to commit to following you aren’t seeing them. Be sure to add social
follow buttons on the bottom of every blog post, and while you are at it add social share buttons too! 5. Put Social Follow icons at the end of every email blast. You’ll be amazed at how many people on your email list don’t follow you on Social Media simply because they weren’t given a link. 6. Send an eblast specifically about following you on social media. Don’t be afraid to send a shameless “follow us on social media” email, just make sure to make the content relatable. Tell people what will happen when they follow you. Will they get great tips about… daily inspiration, opportunities only social followers get, something else? What benefit will they get for following you? Tell them. You also can consider giving an incentive for following your social pages. 7. Ask your current following to refer a friend. People are following you for a reason. They like what you do! Leverage that relationship by asking them to share your social pages with their friends. What about you?
YOUR GATEWAY TO THE CHRISTIAN AUDIENCE
TM
“As I thought about where to create impact that would expand our audience for LifeWay Worship, I immediately thought of FrontGate. Their leadership position in reaching worship leaders, musicians and music fans continues to deliver for us.” —Brian Brown, LifeWay Worship
media buying
48
JAN/FEB 2016 WORSHIPMUSICIANMAGAZINE.COM
visit FrontGateMedia.com
Are you following FrontGate Media on Facebook to receive regular Faith-based Advertising and Social Marketing Tips? Scott has led classes for us at CMS and NAMM as well as teaching on marketing for the Gospel Music Association, Christian Leadership Alliance, and the Evangelical Christian Publishers Association. Scott is the Chief Engagement Officer at FrontGate which provides marketing strategy, online promotions, public relations, and social media marketing to reach the Christian audience. Get more marketing and social media tips at FrontGate’s blog www.FrontGateMedia.com.
Yamaha is listening We have conversations with thousands of worship leaders, musicians and techs all over the country at dozens of worship events each year • NEW - Video Content • Worship specific product training • Exclusive On-Line training • Tips and Techniques • Newsletter • Events Calendar • Free Webinars • Special Offers • Latest news
we hear you
...
Join the conversation
www.yamahaworship.com © Copyright 2016 Yamaha Corporation of America
www.yamahaworship.com
WORSHIP TEAM TRAINING by Branon Dempsey
A Tale of Two Voices
Improving the Vocal Sound for Your Worship Team You’ve heard it before. The loud wailing wobbly vocal sound of vibrato. It could have come from somewhere in the rafters of the church, or from someone on your worship team. Right?
vocal cords producing a solid unwavering tone. The note is pure and consistent. Good breath control will establish this pure straight sound. It feels like gently pushing air through the vocal cords There is a tale of two voices, one that without interruption. uses vibrato and the other that uses straight- The benefit for straight tone singing tone. How do you know to use which one maximizes your sound and strengthens to use and why? Most importantly, how your vocal production. Vibrato tends to do we better use the vocal sound of the discolor your true voice, while straight worship team to bring more consistency tone singing reveals your voice’s true color and a solid foundation for leading and character. worship? If you hear any good vocal artist sing, Having good vocal tone is more you will hear how they focus on straight important than the use of any effects, runs, tone and their pitch is near perfect (without or gymnastics. The main key to any vocal Autotune). When they use vibrato, it is sound is to use your voice in the way God well placed and stands on its own nicely. designed it to be used and to sound: To practice straight tone singing, there is naturally (not forced). an exercise I like to perform: Most contemporary music is moving Hold your hand out flat, at the same towards a straight tone style of singing. height as your shoulder - to the side of This means little to no use of vibrato. your face - pointing forward. Imagine your Vibrato is not bad, if used well and in hand like an airplane. Move your hand the right place. That’s just it; vibrato is the slowly forward in a straight line, while icing on the cake and is best used as an keeping it flat. effect, rather than as the norm. Reset your hand back into position and What is Vibrato? A natural oscillation of sing any note on an open vowel: “na,” the vocal cords. A slight regular fluctuation “ne,” or “ni”. As you sing, move your hand (wave) in your tone. This is caused by the slowly, keeping it flat. You want your hand natural, normal relaxation and contraction to mimic the straightness of the note as you of the throat’s inner involuntary muscles. A are singing. natural vibrato can range from a 4-6 wave cycle per second. This refers to the number Don’t waver, keep your tone and hand of waves produced from vibrato over a moving together in a flat line. Here, you’ll find the challenge of keeping your voice given sung note. on pitch and straight. If possible, use a When we speak about vibrato, it is piano to help you also match the desired important to understand that a tremolo or pitch. wobble is not the same as a vibrato. A Continue this exercise over a variety of wobble is caused by the use of the outer muscles that force your voice to produce different keys, pitches and new vowels. Next, try singing a familiar worship song an unnatural bump in the tone. or hymn. Focus on keeping the tone pure What is Straight tone? A stable natural and straight. You may be surprised just note produced by a flow of air over the
50
JAN/FEB 2016 WORSHIPMUSICIANMAGAZINE.COM
how simple, yet difficult it is to maintain a pure tone and not to wobble. Practice may not make you perfect, but you can perfect your practicing by focusing on good tone. Many singers underestimate this value. They sing Sunday after Sunday thinking their voice improves, but they may not realize that they keep singing over the same mistakes. Again, the only best way of improving your team’s vocal sound is to stick with the basics of tone. The more you focus on tone, the easier and better the other effects will come together. At the same time, the vocal line of the group will be consistent, clear, and uncompromised. For a tale of two voices: It is a far, far better thing we do, than we have ever done; it is a far far better rest that our voices can go than we have ever known. Branon Dempsey is the CEO/Founder and Training Director of Worship Team Training® a ministry providing live workshops and online resources for local worship ministries. Branon holds an M.Div in Worship and BM in Music Composition/Performance and is an instructor with Christian Musician Summit, a writer for Worship Musician Magazine, Shure Notes as well as other worship publications. Branon and is a Training Partner with Yamaha Corporation of America | Worship Resources, and the Expert Panel for Shure Microphones; Contributor for Creator Leadership Network, Christian Musician / Worship Musician Magazine / Christian Musician Summit and a partner with Compassion International. Artist/Teacher Endorsee through Line 6, D’Addario, Proclaim Church Presentation Software, iSing Worship, Promark Drumsticks and Jim Hewett Guitars. Visit: www.WorshipTeamTraining.com Copyright 2015 Branon Dempsey | Worship Team Training® | Administered by For His Music. All Rights Reserved. Printed in the United States of America. www.worshipteamtraining. com
Product Review By Jack Mao
Grace Design’s FELiX Instrument Preamplifier Purpose built to be a world-class professional instrument preamplifier for working and touring musicians, Lyons, Colorado based GRACE Design brings us FELiX. a floor mounted instrument and vocal preamplifier. Grace Design has a long history of making state of the art studio preamplifiers in various configurations. FELiX is the first product in this form factor Grace has ever built, and I suspect came at the request of many of their end users. This thing is built like a tank on a solid steel and anodized aluminum chassis and features top shelf components and overbuilt specifications throughout.
instrument pickup installed or mounted - in or on any Acoustic instrument you can think of. In short, FELiX can make pretty much anything you run through it sound great assuming you are willing to take the time to use its controls and features to their best advantage. This is to say that FELiX is a professional tool and takes a little more effort to maximize its capabilities then some of the other acoustic instrument preamplifiers on the market.
If all this is not enough sonic flexibility for you there are also a set of Jumper controls located inside the unit. There is a low end EQ range jumper; a jumper to set the secondary footswitch function, Channel One’s input gain range, and controls Each Channel has an identical set of Filter to adjust the twelve-volt power supply and EQ controls. From left to right there configuration. Adjusting the jumpers is a Gain control, A High Pass / Notch requires opening up the chassis and is, for Filter, a Low frequency control, a fully the majority of users, not necessary (unless parametric mid-range section allowing you are using FELiX consistently with an you to adjust Midrange gain and High instrument where that would make sense and low frequency settings as well as the to do so). overall frequency curve via a Q Control, Overall the EQ section is designed to and a High Frequency control. There is allow the user to fine-tune the voice of also an overall signal boost control which your instrument in whatever performance affects the overall output on both channels venue or acoustic environment you might and is accessed via the foot switch on the encounter. As readers of my past product front of the unit. The manual cautions the reviews may notice I’m big on technology A big part of FELiX’s design specification user to experiment with the Boost control that works in the real world, and FELiX is is based around it being able to before show time to avoid unwanted that kind of product. You can use FELiX in a accommodate just about any kind of feedback from your instrument. Continued on page 54 FELiX is built around a two-channel design that has pretty much every conceivable IO a professional or working musician might encounter. The two channels can be used independently or mixed together. For example, you might want to use one channel as a stage mix and send one channel to front of house, of blend both channels together into a single output. FELiX has an adjustable Line Mic level output via XLR jacks on both channels so you can, as mentioned previously, run FELiX into your studio or stage rig or simply through a Guitar Amplifier. Overall the two-channel design of FELiX, along with its ability to have a microphone and instrument sourced on separate channels make FELiX ideal for singer songwriters.
WORSHIPMUSICIANMAGAZINE.COM JAN/FEB 2016
51
A Few Moments With…
John Nicol
Avoid the Awkward: Four Simple Ways To Make Musical Segues An awkward silence. The shuffling of charts. An ill-prepared verbal fill. An impromptu, rambling prayer. The congregation staring at the first verse of a song that hasn’t started.
Reprise the chorus or bridge of the first song, but do it rubato (out of time) or at the slower tempo of the next song. And match the instrumentation of the beginning of the next song. Then, as that reprise ends, simply flow into the second song.
Transitions happen in worship whether we plan them to or not. And the less we 2. Different Key: The Five (5) Chord plan them, the more they look and feel like The 5 chord can be a simple way to that: Awkward. Disjointed. Accidental. move from one key to another. Not a Clumsy. music theory person? Hang with me for a Transitions Matter few moments. Intentional transitions matter in worship. We work so hard as musicians and leaders to make a song sound great. But whatever momentum and mood was created in that song, it can all be lost by a lousy segue. A well executed segue in worship keeps the congregation in the moment of the previous song and helps intentionally move them to the next. A poorly planned transition jars them out of the moment and into a momentary worship service purgatory. It leaves them wondering what’s next instead of you purposefully leading them there. Not all good transitions need to be musical. But musical elements can be effective for segueing from one song to the next. Here are four simple musical segues: Four Musical Segues 1. Same Key If two of your songs are in the same key, it’s a no-brainer. Just flow from the end of one into the next. Here are some various ways to do that: Just start singing the first verse or chorus as the band holds out the final chord. If it’s a different tempo, hold out the final chord while the drummer counts or the guide track starts. If it’s a vastly different feel between the two songs, like moving from a up-tempo song to slower one, try this:
resolve to an A or A7 to pull the ear to the key of D. We don’t have time in this article to discuss this in depth. My book, Worship Flow, goes into detail on how to use the 5 chord in various ways to make a musical transition. It also teaches the music theory better than I can in this limited space. 3. The Cross-Faded Pad
Another way to make a musical transition from one song to the next, especially if the Every naturally occurring chord in a key two songs are in different keys, is to fade has a unique function and personality. The in a pad in the new key while the ending 1 Chord (C in the key of C) is stable and of the previous song fades out. final. It’s “home base” for the key. The 4 chord (F in the key of C) is also stable For example, let’s say we’re ending but doesn’t feel final. You can hang out Good Good Father in G and moving to on the 4 chord for a while and the song Forever in the key of B. As the last chord doesn’t feel done. But the 4 doesn’t create of Good Good Father is played, simply so much tension that it feels like it needs to use a sustaining keyboard patch (a warm pad or B3 are always good) to fade in resolve quickly. an A chord. But the 5 chord (G in the key of C) wants to resolve back to the 1 Chord. If you While you don’t want a G major and make it a dominant 7 chord (G7 in the key B major to overlap for very long, a crossof C), it pretty much screams, “Resolve me, fade effect can keep an awkward silence dangit!!” (I’ve always thought dominant from occurring. chords were a little pushy.) And bonus: this fade-in of the new key immediately as the other song ends will So the 5 chord of the next song can be buy you more time to get into the song. used as a pivot to the new key and as a You can change a capo, take a drink musical transition. of water, or read a scripture. Just having Let’s say you’re in the key of C, and you that pad there gives the congregation the want to transition to the key of D. The 5 assurance of intentionality. They can rest chord of the key of D is A major. easy knowing that something else is about So let’s assume the first song ends on the to happen. 1 chord - C major. If you then play an A 4. The Count-In major, our brains are immediately beamed Sometimes, all you need to kill the dead out of the key of C. Why? Because the space is a well-timed count-in. As one naturally occurring A chord is minor in the song ends, the drummer can be ready key of C, so the A major chord takes the to count in the next song. While this is listener’s ear out of the key of C. the simplest of the four segues we talked If you then resolve that A to D, you will about, there are two things to consider have established the new key of D major. with this transition: In this case, moving abruptly from C to First, if you’re using a click or guide track, A is a stark change. Sometimes that’s a you may need to fire it before the first song good. Sometimes, not so much. To soften ends so the drummer catches the tempo. it, consider moving to an Asus4, then Continued on page 54
52
JAN/FEB 2016 WORSHIPMUSICIANMAGAZINE.COM
Dummer’s Perspective Continued from page 10
That sounds pretty wild doesn’t it? Well, that’s what it “feels” like to me. Yet, my words seem so incapable of creating a complete picture. I just pray it helps you discover why the Lord made you a musician. (I SAMUEL 10: 5 – 11 “… they will be coming down from a high place with lyres, tambourines, flutes and harps … and they will be prophesying. The Spirit of the Lord will come upon you in power, and you will prophesy with them; and you will be changed into a different person.” I SAMUEL 16:23 “… David would take his harp and play. Then relief would come to Saul; he would feel
better, and the evil spirit would leave him.” *emphasis by Carl*) Stir up the gift within you as a priest in the house of the Lord and you will see the Lord honor your efforts. Of course we don’t twist God’s arm, but He desires to see us fulfill the calling He has given us. The Lord truly inhabits the praises of His people. He said He will be found when we search for Him with all of our heart. Even though I feel I know Him well I’m still searching and still reaching. “Lord, I’m desperate for You!”
Blessings to you as you reach out to Him, Carl Carl Albrecht has been a professional drummer & percussionist for over 25 years. He has played on over 70 Integrity Music projects; Maranatha Praise Band recordings & numerous other Christian, Pop, Country, Jazz & commercial projects. He currently lives in Nashville doing recording sessions, producing, writing and continuing to do various tours & seminar events. Visit his website: www.carlalbrecht.com or send an e-mail to: lmalbrecht@aol.com.
FELiX Review - Continued from page 51
small club, coffee house or even Carnegie You also get an effects loop, a tuner output, and a guitar amplifier output. There hall with equal effectiveness. is also a built-in headphone amplifier (the FELiX features two ¼ inch inputs that headphone output follows the amplifier out can be used to source the two separate source, which can be via channel two or instruments or a stereo input via a Y cable. the mix output). FELiX also features three (Channel two can accommodate a TRS stomp box style footswitches that allow stereo signal – the ring is normaled to the you select channels one or two, a gain channel one input) These two inputs can be boost switch, and a mute button (that outputted individually or mixed together. mutes all outputs except the tuner output, Channel One on FELiX features a XLR allowing you tune silently) if so connected. Microphone input that can accommodate FELiX is powered via an internal universal just about any type of microphone from a AC power supply with a standard three SM57 to a large diaphragm condenser prong plug – no wall wart to worry about mic – even a ribbon microphone. It should losing between gigs. be noted that the Microphone preamplifier is borrowed from GRACE Design’s highly It’s not really the primary design successful m101 Microphone preamplifier specification, but FELiX also makes a great which features a unique transimpedence addition to your home or church recording design architecture with no electrolytic rig owing to the high quality onboard capacitors in the signal path. There is a preamplifiers, flexible routing design, 48-volt Phantom powered supply switch and small form factor which won’t take on the side of the unit as well as a phase up much desktop space. You can also reverse switch for each channel. The mount FELiX on a Mic stand via a ¾ inch two phase reverse switches are useful mounting flange. for dialing in a good sound if you are blending two sources into one instrument.
All this flexibility makes FELIX a great investment for houses of worship, as its flexibility and rugged construction is ideally suited to a constantly changing set of performance requirements. Actually, two FELiX preamplifiers, a portable PA and few good microphones would be all you would need for many church venues, especially those renting space from another church or facility and have to set up and tear down on short notice. Priced at $995 retail, all this quality does not come cheap. Many end users will find FELiX overkill for most of their performance requirements. However, if you are looking for a top shelf instrument preamplifier that you can depend on night after night in any performance venue you might encounter, FELiX may be just what you are looking for. Contact GRACE Designs at 303-8238100 or check out www.gracedesign. com for more information. Jack Mao is a staff writer for Worship Musician Magazine.
A Few Moments WIth... Continued from page 52
Second, if you’re not using a click or a guide track, is the drummer using a metronome or just trusting his own internal sense of tempo? I’ve played with one drummer who could count in a spot-on BPM. His accuracy was a tad freaky. Every other drummer I’ve played with, well, needed a little help from the metronome. And the really good ones have NO issue using one. (Not So) Deadly Silence One last thing I want to make clear: we shouldn’t avoid silence in our worship
54
JAN/FEB 2016 WORSHIPMUSICIANMAGAZINE.COM
services. In fact, most of our churches could probably stand to have a little more of it. But the issue here is the unplanned, awkward silences that distract people from the journey of worship you’re trying to lead them on. To learn more about musical segues and planning transitions, check out Worship Flow on Amazon. You can also get a free tool I put together called The Five Rules of Flow. Go to WorshipTeamCoach.com/5rules to access that.
Jon Nicol is a worship pastor and the founder of WorshipTeamCoach.com, a site designed to help worship leaders build strong teams that lead great worship. He lives and works in the Mansfield, Ohio area with his wife, Shannon, and their four kids.
Artists believe in Yamaha.
“I have been performing on the Yamaha Silent Bass for over 10 years and love everything about it...the sound, the touch, the feel and the compactness of the bass, which makes it convenient for travel. It produces the sound of a ‘high end’ acoustic bass but it is actually more even from top to bottom. I have always treasured my relationship with Yamaha. The company is totally dedicated to music education and to their artists.”
- Jim Widner
Leader of the Jim Widner Big Band and Director of Jazz Studies at the University of Missouri-St. Louis
YamahaCorpUS
www.4wrd.it/sbvwm2
www.4wrd.it/thr100hdwm
YamahaCorpUS