Sunday
Sep302007
Good Vibrations
Sunday, September 30, 2007 at 02:49PM
I played "There is a Reason" this morning at Alison's parents' church. I enjoyed it.
I've said many times before that I believe a church is usually a terrible place for a rock and roll concert. In a traditional church building sound bounces all around, so drums are a mush, lighting has to fit in weird angles, pews make for awkward seating. There is often a cross or crucifix or a bunch of banners; things to take the focus away from what's being presented and put it on other things.
But all those things are why sometimes I really enjoy just walking up with my guitar and singing a song.
The band at their church had in-ear monitors, digital drums, headset mics, that sort of thing. They asked if I wanted to use any of it and I said no.
In this kind of room, you don't really even use the sound system that much. You just sort of step back and sing and play. The sound carries. You don't need a monitor, the sound just swirls around you.
I love the feeling of being exposed in this way. Of having nothing between me and the congregation. It's like I'm almost in the audience to my own performance. And so for a split second, I can focus on that cross, too.
I've said many times before that I believe a church is usually a terrible place for a rock and roll concert. In a traditional church building sound bounces all around, so drums are a mush, lighting has to fit in weird angles, pews make for awkward seating. There is often a cross or crucifix or a bunch of banners; things to take the focus away from what's being presented and put it on other things.
But all those things are why sometimes I really enjoy just walking up with my guitar and singing a song.
The band at their church had in-ear monitors, digital drums, headset mics, that sort of thing. They asked if I wanted to use any of it and I said no.
In this kind of room, you don't really even use the sound system that much. You just sort of step back and sing and play. The sound carries. You don't need a monitor, the sound just swirls around you.
I love the feeling of being exposed in this way. Of having nothing between me and the congregation. It's like I'm almost in the audience to my own performance. And so for a split second, I can focus on that cross, too.
Reader Comments (5)
Do you plug your guitar in when you play in a palce like that? I always do, but then end up turning it down so much it almost makes no difference... Oh and do the older folks (bless their hearts) always say stuff like "you can really pick 'at geetar cantcha. I bet God's gonna use you in a mighty way"... 'Cause I get that a lot from traditional churches, it's endearing...
"There is a Reason" is already one of my favorite songs and an excellent choice for you to play.
This is Julie (I played piano this morning at CGS). Thanks so much for coming...it was a real blessing. Just wanted to tell you a cute story. "There Is A Reason" came on K-Love while I was driving home from church. My 4 year old had a really hard time figuring out how you were on the radio AND at our church during the same morning. "Mommy? That guy can't be on the radio yet. He was just at our church!" I never realized that little kids probably think the radio is live performances. Anyway, he's a smart kid but I don't know how my explanation of radio air waves came across:) Thanks again for ministering to us!
Andrew, I was at CGS (actually I was the minister assisting David in the first service). Thanks so much for using your musically gifts, I was encouraged and uplifted by the song...and was certainly able to focus on Christ in and through it. Sorry I didn't get a chance to tell share this with you in person. Much appreciation!
Loved the song! It prompted me to hit the "send" button on my Amazon cart. So far I really enjoy the CD. Thanks again for keeping us as an occasional tour stop.