Posts
I was told about this movie by a friend. It looks quite compelling, and I think that Ben Stein might actually be onto something here....
http://www.expelledthemovie.com/home.php
Wednesday, January 30, 2008
Tuesday, January 29, 2008
Followup on Kurt Young
In the few months that Kurt Young was with the Cathedrals, no audio projects were released with him singing. However, if you look close at the liner notes for "Climbing Higher and Higher," (Ernie Haase's first album with the Cats), you'll find that there is a line thanking the people at Pinewood Studios (now Gaither Studios) for their "last minute rescue efforts" on this project. What I wonder is, given the relatively short time that Kurt was with the group, if the project began while he was still a member, and Ernie redid the parts after he joined (and added "Oh What A Savior" to the package)....
YouTube Finds of the Day (and week!)
UPDATE: A very special thanks to Scot Eaves for posting these videos and allowing their use here!! Visit his YouTube site here.
Thanks to Scot, I've finally found footage of Kurt Young singing tenor with the Cathedrals (the short-lived tenor between Funderburk and Haase)....I had heard about him and his "infamous" ending on the Dove Awards, but this is the first time I've seen it.....
If you notice, Kurt starts to crack somewhat during the last chorus, and good ol' Mark Trammell pats him on the back, as if to acknowledge that he knows Kurt's having trouble (not the best time for a backstage shot!). I do feel bad for the guy....in front of the entire gospel music industry. To add insult to injury, the mix has his voice louder than everyone else.
However, to be fair, here is a much better performance from Young with them on "Nashville Now"....
Thanks to Scot, I've finally found footage of Kurt Young singing tenor with the Cathedrals (the short-lived tenor between Funderburk and Haase)....I had heard about him and his "infamous" ending on the Dove Awards, but this is the first time I've seen it.....
If you notice, Kurt starts to crack somewhat during the last chorus, and good ol' Mark Trammell pats him on the back, as if to acknowledge that he knows Kurt's having trouble (not the best time for a backstage shot!). I do feel bad for the guy....in front of the entire gospel music industry. To add insult to injury, the mix has his voice louder than everyone else.
However, to be fair, here is a much better performance from Young with them on "Nashville Now"....
Monday, January 28, 2008
Just show up and sing
For 8 years, I was essentially a soloist. I sang with my brothers as a quartet for special occasions, but anything that was recorded was done by me. I released 5 solo CD's (of varying quality) in that time, on which I played and sang every note. Anything related to promotion, sales, inventory, etc., was handled entirely by me.
Then I joined a quartet.
The joy of being in a group is that you don't have to take care of everything yourself. The curse of being in a group is that you have 3 other people who have 3 different ideas and 3 different ways of approaching issues. You have to check your ego at the door (which some people never quite learn how to do).
When I first joined, I had all kinds of ideas and suggestions spewing forth, not even thinking about the fact that I was the new kid. The idea that I might be overstepping my bounds never even occurred to me. Eventually, I was told (in a very diplomatic way, mind you) that I should "just show up and sing."
This has taken some getting used to. I still have many ideas and plans and suggestions and goals, but they have to be handled in a way other than the "wide-eyed" approach. In some cases, they have to take a back burner entirely (at least for the time being). It's not MY group; I don't pay the bills, so why should I be trying to run it?
My duties, as it stands right now, are to handle the product table and sing. That's it. Everyone else has their own duties; mine are CD's and singing. And the more I think about it, the better that arrangement works for me!! I don't have to worry about setting up or tearing down the sound system, and once my job is done, I have some down time until I'm called to go sing.
Works for me!!
Then I joined a quartet.
The joy of being in a group is that you don't have to take care of everything yourself. The curse of being in a group is that you have 3 other people who have 3 different ideas and 3 different ways of approaching issues. You have to check your ego at the door (which some people never quite learn how to do).
When I first joined, I had all kinds of ideas and suggestions spewing forth, not even thinking about the fact that I was the new kid. The idea that I might be overstepping my bounds never even occurred to me. Eventually, I was told (in a very diplomatic way, mind you) that I should "just show up and sing."
This has taken some getting used to. I still have many ideas and plans and suggestions and goals, but they have to be handled in a way other than the "wide-eyed" approach. In some cases, they have to take a back burner entirely (at least for the time being). It's not MY group; I don't pay the bills, so why should I be trying to run it?
My duties, as it stands right now, are to handle the product table and sing. That's it. Everyone else has their own duties; mine are CD's and singing. And the more I think about it, the better that arrangement works for me!! I don't have to worry about setting up or tearing down the sound system, and once my job is done, I have some down time until I'm called to go sing.
Works for me!!
THAT'S not right!!
David Bruce Murray's post on Scripturally Incorrect songs made me kinda chuckle, as Acclaim's latest single, "Shake The Master's Hand," has gotten some complaints from people saying that it is not scripturally correct (their complaint, "We're not gonna shake His hand, we're gonna bow down in front of him in praise!!"). While this is a somewhat valid argument, the idea is that we can't wait to see Jesus. Many songs use this as a theme. The fact that we say, "Shake His hand," is a euphemism. We'll be there, we'll see Him in person. That's the point.
The funny thing is, the song itself is an old LeFevre's song....
The funny thing is, the song itself is an old LeFevre's song....
Thursday, January 24, 2008
Dare to offend
EVERYONE knows the story of the Three Little Pigs (and I'm not talking about my brothers). It's a cute story and somewhat of an analogy to the Biblical story of building a house on the sand or on the rock. It's a story that's been told in elementary school classrooms and on Sesame Street for decades. Well, today I saw this headline....
Okay, okay, I KNOW that pigs are a no-no in Islamic customs, but come on. A children's story is offensive just because the characters are PIGS?? I really hope they never see the Muppet Show....
Alright, a simple solution to this problem would be, if you REALLY are that worried about it, to change the characters to something else. Say, "The Three Dogs," or "The Three Beetles," or "Three Bridges," what have you, just to keep the peace. That wasn't a good idea either, according to the article....
My favorite line is, "....it should not alienate parts of the workforce." What three year old gives a hoot about the workforce?? And for that matter, what whiny adults in the workforce are going to take time out of their busy, lawsuit-happy lives to pay any attention to a children's "virtual book" (or, sadly, even pay attention to their children in general).
It seems that this entire world is so concerned about neutrality, tolerance, and trying to keep the peace that we have fallen to absolutely ludicrous levels to do so. Granted, there ARE some times where you need to draw a line. I highly doubt a book titled "Three Little Turbans" would be considered kosher (no pun intended) by any stretch of the imagination, but when the above judgements are being made (and just the fact that there even has to BE a judgement) just goes to show that the entire population has turned into the equivalent of preschool crybabies who are repeatedly complaining to the teacher that "she won't stop looking at me."
As a Christian singer (heck, as a Christian in general!), we are often a large target for being "intolerant" and "offensive" to others. I was once told that I couldn't wear the classic "Lord's Gym" t-shirt because it might offend non-Christians.
You know what.....I DON'T CARE!!! I'm offended by so much stuff that I see, hear, and read about that I could probably retire on lawsuit winnings alone if I really wanted to. But as I said on a recent forum, Christians are playing the victim card instead. We will cry, whine, and complain when we're not allowed to say "Merry Christmas," but that's all we do. NO action is taken. Meanwhile, groups like the ACLU, United Athiests of America, and the like, are taking all kinds of action because they know that Christians will play victims.
Well, I am tired of playing the victim. I am a Christian. I believe in God the Father. I believe that Jesus is the only begotten Son of God, that He gave his life to buy our salvation, and that one day he will come again. I also could care less if this offends you in any way, shape, or form. I will NOT back down, I will NOT compromise, and I will NOT change just because someone is whining about it. What's the worst that could happen to me? I get sued? If the ACLU really wants to spend thousands of dollars on a court case to collect the meager amount in my bank account and my music collection (the only real things of value I have), they can have at it. They'd just wind up with $137 and a bunch of gospel music anyway (talk about irony!!).
Three Pigs story ruled 'offensive to Muslims'HUH?!?!?!?!?!
Okay, okay, I KNOW that pigs are a no-no in Islamic customs, but come on. A children's story is offensive just because the characters are PIGS?? I really hope they never see the Muppet Show....
Alright, a simple solution to this problem would be, if you REALLY are that worried about it, to change the characters to something else. Say, "The Three Dogs," or "The Three Beetles," or "Three Bridges," what have you, just to keep the peace. That wasn't a good idea either, according to the article....
Offend BUILDERS?! This has got to be the dumbest argument I have ever heard!!! Not only from the standpoint of builders being offended enough to whine about it in court, but the absolutely ridiculous connection they make between builders, cowboys, pigs, and moronic judgements. Besides, any halfway-attractive female who walks past a construction site will say that most builders could care less about being offensive....The animated virtual book for primary school children, The Three Little Cowboy Builders, was also criticized for its potential to offend builders.
The row centered on the Bett awards, which were supported by Becta, the Government’s technology agency for schools. The judges’ remarks, reported on the education technology Web site Merlin John Online, included: “Is it true that all builders are cowboys, builders get their work blown down, and builders are like pigs?
“The idea of taking a traditional tale and retelling a story is fine, but it should not alienate parts of the workforce. Judges would not recommend this product to the Muslim community in particular.”
My favorite line is, "....it should not alienate parts of the workforce." What three year old gives a hoot about the workforce?? And for that matter, what whiny adults in the workforce are going to take time out of their busy, lawsuit-happy lives to pay any attention to a children's "virtual book" (or, sadly, even pay attention to their children in general).
It seems that this entire world is so concerned about neutrality, tolerance, and trying to keep the peace that we have fallen to absolutely ludicrous levels to do so. Granted, there ARE some times where you need to draw a line. I highly doubt a book titled "Three Little Turbans" would be considered kosher (no pun intended) by any stretch of the imagination, but when the above judgements are being made (and just the fact that there even has to BE a judgement) just goes to show that the entire population has turned into the equivalent of preschool crybabies who are repeatedly complaining to the teacher that "she won't stop looking at me."
As a Christian singer (heck, as a Christian in general!), we are often a large target for being "intolerant" and "offensive" to others. I was once told that I couldn't wear the classic "Lord's Gym" t-shirt because it might offend non-Christians.
You know what.....I DON'T CARE!!! I'm offended by so much stuff that I see, hear, and read about that I could probably retire on lawsuit winnings alone if I really wanted to. But as I said on a recent forum, Christians are playing the victim card instead. We will cry, whine, and complain when we're not allowed to say "Merry Christmas," but that's all we do. NO action is taken. Meanwhile, groups like the ACLU, United Athiests of America, and the like, are taking all kinds of action because they know that Christians will play victims.
Well, I am tired of playing the victim. I am a Christian. I believe in God the Father. I believe that Jesus is the only begotten Son of God, that He gave his life to buy our salvation, and that one day he will come again. I also could care less if this offends you in any way, shape, or form. I will NOT back down, I will NOT compromise, and I will NOT change just because someone is whining about it. What's the worst that could happen to me? I get sued? If the ACLU really wants to spend thousands of dollars on a court case to collect the meager amount in my bank account and my music collection (the only real things of value I have), they can have at it. They'd just wind up with $137 and a bunch of gospel music anyway (talk about irony!!).
Tuesday, January 22, 2008
To Be[ard] or Not To Be[ard]
It's been a slow blogging week, so after seeing a recent concert video online of Gold City (the link for which I can't find anymore, so if someone has it, feel free to post it), I notice that both Daniel Riley and Aaron McCune have been sporting full beards.
I'm not gonna get into a philosophical discussion over facial hair in SG. I'll just say this....any thoughts????
I'm not gonna get into a philosophical discussion over facial hair in SG. I'll just say this....any thoughts????
The duty of Radio
Recently, I have been taking advantage of stations that have an online feed (usually I switch between Solid Gospel and enLighten34), since the only local station close to me doesn't have an online feed (preventing me from listening at work), and the majority of the music time has been cut down to a few hours a day. I keep one ear bud in while I work, and go back and forth between my mp3 collection and online radio. When I get bored with one, I switch to the other.
I am sad to say that there is quite a bit of music on SG radio today that simply doesn't impress me. A lot of rehashed songs and arrangements make for a somewhat boring listening experience. And odd side effect of this downward spiral is that when really GOOD songs come on, they really stand out.
Recently, I have been hearing "Finished Indeed" a lot by the Kingsmen. This is probably one of the best cuts they've had in the last several years, at least in my opinion (which is what this blog is, so THERE!). The production is very tight, and the vocals surprisingly smooth. As a result, I have obtained the CD this came from, and am finding it quite enjoyable.
Another group that has stood out recently is the Total Praise Quartet. Their song, "Keep Walking," really seemed to stand out to me for some reason. It's not the most original song or arrangement, but the performance was well-done. In away, the group's blend sounded very similar to The Oak Ridge Boys of 1972. This is another CD that I plan on getting a hold of (which, for the time being, appears to be only available online, so if you're interested, check it out here).
Some of you may be scratching your heads and saying, "Well, isn't that the whole POINT of radio....to promote songs that make the listener want to purchase an entire project?!" The short answer: YES. The problem is that there is such an overabundance of mediocre music on the radio today that I haven't really had any interest in buying anything I heard (cue the Nick Bruno rant here). When I've heard the same old recycled songs, tracks, arrangements, etc., over and over, I get to the point that I would spend money just to keep from hearing them again (part of the reason for subscribing to XM....).
I am sad to say that there is quite a bit of music on SG radio today that simply doesn't impress me. A lot of rehashed songs and arrangements make for a somewhat boring listening experience. And odd side effect of this downward spiral is that when really GOOD songs come on, they really stand out.
Recently, I have been hearing "Finished Indeed" a lot by the Kingsmen. This is probably one of the best cuts they've had in the last several years, at least in my opinion (which is what this blog is, so THERE!). The production is very tight, and the vocals surprisingly smooth. As a result, I have obtained the CD this came from, and am finding it quite enjoyable.
Another group that has stood out recently is the Total Praise Quartet. Their song, "Keep Walking," really seemed to stand out to me for some reason. It's not the most original song or arrangement, but the performance was well-done. In away, the group's blend sounded very similar to The Oak Ridge Boys of 1972. This is another CD that I plan on getting a hold of (which, for the time being, appears to be only available online, so if you're interested, check it out here).
Some of you may be scratching your heads and saying, "Well, isn't that the whole POINT of radio....to promote songs that make the listener want to purchase an entire project?!" The short answer: YES. The problem is that there is such an overabundance of mediocre music on the radio today that I haven't really had any interest in buying anything I heard (cue the Nick Bruno rant here). When I've heard the same old recycled songs, tracks, arrangements, etc., over and over, I get to the point that I would spend money just to keep from hearing them again (part of the reason for subscribing to XM....).
HDTV - a curse in the making??
I saw a recent celebrity news program that stated that many stars are not happy with the onslaught of HDTV's on the market. The reason being? People can see the details in their faces....as in botox, makeup, plastic surgery, and wigs/hairplugs. Now granted, I doubt that we'll be seeing the McKamey's loading up with botox injections (although there ARE a few artists that I wouldn't put it past), but if wigs become more and more noticable, maybe Gaither might wanna wait on releasing any Homecoming BluRays anytime soon.....
Monday, January 14, 2008
Joint ventures
A post over at the SoGospelNews.com forums got me to thinking.....why don't SG artists venture into other aspects of SG instead of starting other business ventures? As noted, several artists have owned business outside of the industry to supplement their income. This is fine for those who have the ability to do so, but I would think that you would want to focus your business on something within the industry, allowing more ways for your paths to cross.
A good example of what I'm talking about is Greater Vision. Their publishing company alone could probably fund the group for a year (thanks in LARGE part to Rodney Griffin!!). Nearly every group has recorded at least ONE RG tune. That's all money in GV's pocket (provided the royalties are paid up). This is nothing new....Duane Allen built up the Oak Ridge Boys' catalog in the late 60's and early 70's on gospel music, and as they made the switch, made a fortune on their country catalog (he sadly had to sell it in the mid 80's during the Golden split).
I would suggest if a group (or group owner) were to run a secondary (or primary, as the case may be) business, look into an industry-related business. Publishing, studio, graphic design, or even promotions.....
A good example of what I'm talking about is Greater Vision. Their publishing company alone could probably fund the group for a year (thanks in LARGE part to Rodney Griffin!!). Nearly every group has recorded at least ONE RG tune. That's all money in GV's pocket (provided the royalties are paid up). This is nothing new....Duane Allen built up the Oak Ridge Boys' catalog in the late 60's and early 70's on gospel music, and as they made the switch, made a fortune on their country catalog (he sadly had to sell it in the mid 80's during the Golden split).
I would suggest if a group (or group owner) were to run a secondary (or primary, as the case may be) business, look into an industry-related business. Publishing, studio, graphic design, or even promotions.....
Commitment?
I have recently heard of a group that we've known for a while that will be losing a singer soon. Sadly, the circumstances to which this singer will be leaving are VERY rare in gospel music.....
1. When he joined, he agreed to a minimum amount of time. He stayed that entire time as agreed.
2. He gave a notice of two months. He will fulfill every date within that notice.
Now, you might say, "Why would someone stay with a group that long if they weren't enjoying what they were doing?".... When we saw them sing recently, this singer looked like he was having the most fun of anyone in the group! You'd never have thought he didn't enjoy what he was doing.
Given the recent movements among several groups recently, one must wonder why people can't handle such changes with the integrity of the above individual. Not only would the drama be avoided (at least to an extent), but bridges wouldn't be burned, and at least SOME form of stability is maintained. It also allows the groups time to make a smooth transition from one singer to the next.
That's not to say that I'm so naive to think that there are never problems among group members. People get fired, people get mad and walk out, things happen, I understand that, but even in those cases, if cooler heads can prevail, not only would there be stability, but also consistency.
Gaither usually requests at least a three-year commitment when he hires a new singer (Mark Lowry joked that Bill asked him for three and he gave him 13!). I know another group required their bass singer to sign a 5-year contract (which was initially a cause for hesitation before the group solidified). Perhaps other groups could learn from this (and save mucho pesos on publicity shoots!!!)....
1. When he joined, he agreed to a minimum amount of time. He stayed that entire time as agreed.
2. He gave a notice of two months. He will fulfill every date within that notice.
Now, you might say, "Why would someone stay with a group that long if they weren't enjoying what they were doing?".... When we saw them sing recently, this singer looked like he was having the most fun of anyone in the group! You'd never have thought he didn't enjoy what he was doing.
Given the recent movements among several groups recently, one must wonder why people can't handle such changes with the integrity of the above individual. Not only would the drama be avoided (at least to an extent), but bridges wouldn't be burned, and at least SOME form of stability is maintained. It also allows the groups time to make a smooth transition from one singer to the next.
That's not to say that I'm so naive to think that there are never problems among group members. People get fired, people get mad and walk out, things happen, I understand that, but even in those cases, if cooler heads can prevail, not only would there be stability, but also consistency.
Gaither usually requests at least a three-year commitment when he hires a new singer (Mark Lowry joked that Bill asked him for three and he gave him 13!). I know another group required their bass singer to sign a 5-year contract (which was initially a cause for hesitation before the group solidified). Perhaps other groups could learn from this (and save mucho pesos on publicity shoots!!!)....
Tuesday, January 8, 2008
"The Only Thing Good In Me"
If you visit my personal MySpace site (which I'm not gonna link, but I'm sure you can find with enough work), you'll hear Michael English's new single, "The Only Thing Good In Me." I think this might actually be Michael's chance to finally make a true comeback in the Christian music field. His vocal performance is reserved and restrained, which is a departure for the vocal powerhouse, and if it's a sign of the rest of the project, this should be a rather personal project.
English's last album of all-original material was eight years ago (Heaven To Earth). While the project yielded some good music, English has admitted that he was high during much of the production of the album, and right at the time of it's release, he was admitted to his first stay of rehab from painkillers. His only other project since then was his Christmas project released in 2003.
The notes I have seen for this new project, The Prodigal Comes Home, say that Mark Miller produced the majority of the album. I have been quite intrigued to see Miller's transition from lead singer of Sawyer Brown to in-demand CCM producer (I believe his big production debut came when he worked on Casting Crowns' first project with Steven Curtis Chapman). In Michael's case, it doesn't entirely surprise me that Miller would be producing, considering they are both on Curb Records.
With the single already available on iTunes (and I would imagine hitting radio), hopefully Curb will stick with their February 28th street. It seems they have the publicity behind this project with the new single, and English is slated to perform on a group tour with Avalon, so we shall see....
Either way, this is gonna be a CD I can't wait to get a hold of!!
English's last album of all-original material was eight years ago (Heaven To Earth). While the project yielded some good music, English has admitted that he was high during much of the production of the album, and right at the time of it's release, he was admitted to his first stay of rehab from painkillers. His only other project since then was his Christmas project released in 2003.
The notes I have seen for this new project, The Prodigal Comes Home, say that Mark Miller produced the majority of the album. I have been quite intrigued to see Miller's transition from lead singer of Sawyer Brown to in-demand CCM producer (I believe his big production debut came when he worked on Casting Crowns' first project with Steven Curtis Chapman). In Michael's case, it doesn't entirely surprise me that Miller would be producing, considering they are both on Curb Records.
With the single already available on iTunes (and I would imagine hitting radio), hopefully Curb will stick with their February 28th street. It seems they have the publicity behind this project with the new single, and English is slated to perform on a group tour with Avalon, so we shall see....
Either way, this is gonna be a CD I can't wait to get a hold of!!
Mercy's Mark revisited?
A post over at Aaron Swain's site seems to have the possible future of Mercy's Mark. It features Brent Mitchell on tenor, Josh Feemster on lead, Garry Jones and/or Craig West on baritone, and Chris West back on bass. Could this mean that Garry is considering moving to the piano and letting four guys take care of the singing? Either way, this is indeed some VERY exciting news.
I'm not going to speculate as to what Garry's plans are at this point, but from what I've seen on Aaron's site, I am VERY interested in what may come....
I'm not going to speculate as to what Garry's plans are at this point, but from what I've seen on Aaron's site, I am VERY interested in what may come....
Sunday, January 6, 2008
God said, "Sing"
A good friend of mine gave me some wonderful advice once, and although I was too young and star-struck to listen at the time, I have learned that he was 100% right. After literally traveling all over the world for years with several top gospel and country acts, he told me, "If I knew I could've done this from my own back yard, I would've never left home."
The point he was making is that you don't have to travel the world to reach lost souls. Look around your home town. Look around your own region. Look next door. There are people all around who need the touch of God. If you're on the other side of the globe, you may be reaching strangers for Christ, but the ones you see every day remain in the dark.
A lot of local and regional groups and singers are repeatedly discouraged when they don't get the chance to go "big time." They feel that they have failed, or have not reached the "top." They defend their feelings by saying, "God, you called me to sing, why aren't you giving me the chance?" That's right. God called you to sing. He never said WHERE, he just said "Sing!"
The group I sing with now travels regionally. We get some airplay across the country and some national exposure through various conventions, but as it stands right now, we actually try to avoid traveling too far unless it makes financial sense. Before I joined Acclaim, I spent 8 years singing locally as a soloist. I sang and played for teacher's meetings, nursing homes, coffee shops, a Republican party chapter meeting, dinner theaters, customer appreciation days, and the like. There were times where I felt that I was doing all of this work in vain. One particular date, I paid two friends to accompany me and carried an entire sound system to a store to play on their front sidewalk. I had one person stop and listen in a matter of two hours. But I can always say, I was doing what God called me to do. He'll take it from there.
So if you are spending your time singing for group of 10-20 people, just think....that's 10-20 people who might otherwise not hear the word of God. He could be using you specifically to reach someone in this crowd. How awesome is that, to know that the Creator of the universe thinks so highly of you that he has placed you right there at that specific time to minister to these people??
The point he was making is that you don't have to travel the world to reach lost souls. Look around your home town. Look around your own region. Look next door. There are people all around who need the touch of God. If you're on the other side of the globe, you may be reaching strangers for Christ, but the ones you see every day remain in the dark.
A lot of local and regional groups and singers are repeatedly discouraged when they don't get the chance to go "big time." They feel that they have failed, or have not reached the "top." They defend their feelings by saying, "God, you called me to sing, why aren't you giving me the chance?" That's right. God called you to sing. He never said WHERE, he just said "Sing!"
The group I sing with now travels regionally. We get some airplay across the country and some national exposure through various conventions, but as it stands right now, we actually try to avoid traveling too far unless it makes financial sense. Before I joined Acclaim, I spent 8 years singing locally as a soloist. I sang and played for teacher's meetings, nursing homes, coffee shops, a Republican party chapter meeting, dinner theaters, customer appreciation days, and the like. There were times where I felt that I was doing all of this work in vain. One particular date, I paid two friends to accompany me and carried an entire sound system to a store to play on their front sidewalk. I had one person stop and listen in a matter of two hours. But I can always say, I was doing what God called me to do. He'll take it from there.
So if you are spending your time singing for group of 10-20 people, just think....that's 10-20 people who might otherwise not hear the word of God. He could be using you specifically to reach someone in this crowd. How awesome is that, to know that the Creator of the universe thinks so highly of you that he has placed you right there at that specific time to minister to these people??
Thursday, January 3, 2008
The Same Old Debate
A couple posts with Matt Baker have lead me to this topic, especially since it's kind of a hot topic over at the SoGospelNews.com forums. Everyone has their take on "Ministry vs Entertainment." Here's an interesting approach to the issue....
God does not show up based on what we do. He's not some ghost or spirit who is summoned. He'll move on His time when He wants to, and He'll use any means necessary, whether it be a church, a concert, a TV show, or a bush (Moses, anyone??). Perhaps....just perhaps....He is using this "entertainment" to reach souls. Just because someone is using screens, lights, fog machines, choreography, what have you, doesn't mean that God is going to stay away.
On the same note, just because someone stands still on a stage in a neat suit with a well-combed wig and old-time music doesn't mean that God's waiting in the wings to arrive. I've seen plenty of these people fall flat on their face musically, and use God's "presence" as a method of pulling the audience back in after they've pretty much fallen asleep. "Can I get an amen?!"
I did a show with several other artists back on the 4th of July in 2003. All indications showed that I was bombing big time. There were no more than 20 people in the sanctuary and my singing was mediocre at best. I walked off stage disappointed, thinking, "Well, I sucked." I was more concerned about "self." As I walked down to my seat, hoping to just forget that the whole thing happened, a gentleman stopped me with tears in his eyes. He told me how one of the songs I'd sung had deeply touched him. God had moved even when I thought I bombed. I was thinking in terms of "me."
You can't get in God's way. If God's going to move, He'll move. After all, He's God!! Now there ARE those out there who sadly are out to further themselves under the false pretense of honoring God, but even in those instances, He can have an impact. God can take the bad and turn it into good. I'm not saying that we should all get out there and start pushing ourselves; while He may bless the listener, He will also take note of who's trying to overshadow Him, and they shall reap what they sow.
So the argument that you are taking away from God, to me, is ridiculous. You can't take anything away from God that He wants to hold on to.
As an old song from 1975 said, "Nobody wants to play Rhythm Guitar behind Jesus, everybody wants to be the lead singer in the band."
God does not show up based on what we do. He's not some ghost or spirit who is summoned. He'll move on His time when He wants to, and He'll use any means necessary, whether it be a church, a concert, a TV show, or a bush (Moses, anyone??). Perhaps....just perhaps....He is using this "entertainment" to reach souls. Just because someone is using screens, lights, fog machines, choreography, what have you, doesn't mean that God is going to stay away.
On the same note, just because someone stands still on a stage in a neat suit with a well-combed wig and old-time music doesn't mean that God's waiting in the wings to arrive. I've seen plenty of these people fall flat on their face musically, and use God's "presence" as a method of pulling the audience back in after they've pretty much fallen asleep. "Can I get an amen?!"
I did a show with several other artists back on the 4th of July in 2003. All indications showed that I was bombing big time. There were no more than 20 people in the sanctuary and my singing was mediocre at best. I walked off stage disappointed, thinking, "Well, I sucked." I was more concerned about "self." As I walked down to my seat, hoping to just forget that the whole thing happened, a gentleman stopped me with tears in his eyes. He told me how one of the songs I'd sung had deeply touched him. God had moved even when I thought I bombed. I was thinking in terms of "me."
You can't get in God's way. If God's going to move, He'll move. After all, He's God!! Now there ARE those out there who sadly are out to further themselves under the false pretense of honoring God, but even in those instances, He can have an impact. God can take the bad and turn it into good. I'm not saying that we should all get out there and start pushing ourselves; while He may bless the listener, He will also take note of who's trying to overshadow Him, and they shall reap what they sow.
So the argument that you are taking away from God, to me, is ridiculous. You can't take anything away from God that He wants to hold on to.
As an old song from 1975 said, "Nobody wants to play Rhythm Guitar behind Jesus, everybody wants to be the lead singer in the band."
Wednesday, January 2, 2008
Nails on a chalk board
Now granted, I have had several years of classical vocal training, so I'm picky anyway, but there are just some things that absolutely drive me nuts when I hear them, especially from "professional" singers:
- "chew" - This is when a singer runs a "t" and "you" together (i.e. "How do I live withouchew"). Much more common in budget releases.
- "the missing 'g'" - Okay, this is a simple phonics lesson. Length. Strength. These two words have G's in them. They are NOT pronounced "lenth" and "strenth." If anything, they are closer in pronunciation to "rain" and "pain" than they are to "tenth."
- "rrrr" - I heard a relatively new artist on MySpace doing a cover of a very popular song, and every single "r" sound was turned into a growl. I have heard multiple voice teachers say that "rrrr" is considered a rather ugly sound because it closes the mouth and throat. The only two people who can get away with going "rrrr" are Vestal Goodman and George Jones ("God walks the darrrrk heeeee-ills"). Anyone else just sounds amateur.
- over-enunciation - Now I know this almost sounds like I'm contradicting what I said above, but there IS a such thing as over-enunciation (also known as adding syllables where they don't need to be). Again, the only two people who can get away with this are Vestal and the Possum ("He stopped loving Huh-errrr today").
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