Does this sound a little 'off' to you? Cool.

It is very common to find syncopation in contemporary music: chord changes happening on off-beats, acoustic guitars playing rhythmic patterns apart from everyone else that set the song in motion, etc. Sometimes the whole band plays the off-beats together; sometimes only certain players do. That’s what makes the music so interesting and exciting.

The guitar is an integral part of contemporary worship music. I have found in my many years of playing at church that learning to ‘fake’ guitar rhythms on top of chord changes has been very helpful…when there is no guitar player!  Sometimes it’s a really important–almost crucial– part of the song.

But then I’ve found that when I DO have a guitar player, I need to simplify what I’m doing so I’m not playing the same thing, getting in the way of the other players.

That’s the challenge…and the fun…of playing with a band or contemporary ensemble. It’s an orchestra of sorts that needs to be arranged.

The following (brief) video clip will help explain what I’m talking about. The first part shows the beginnings of learning to ‘fake’ guitar parts on the piano, or on a synth with a guitar sound.  If you don’t have a guitar, this can help in creating some of these ‘grooves’ I am referring to. However, see how the keyboard plays a much simpler part when there is actually a guitar playing…NO NEED TO DOUBLE THE GUITAR PART. (I’m guilty of this…sometimes.)

The second part takes you through a simple chord progression played several different ways. Sometimes the ‘band’ is playing together. Sometimes only the bass (and kick drum) are on the off-beats while the keyboards and guitars play ‘on the beat’…or vice-versa. Watch and listen to the several examples. (The hi-hat is simply for reference...not necessary a part of the arrangement.)

 

 

The point is…depending on how you arrange syncopated chord changes for a band, or a piano and guitar (or even just the piano) it can have a different effect. Whatever song you’re playing, try out some different options with the rhythm section and see what works best.

Keep in mind, if everyone plays the off-beats at the same time all the time, it won't sound as syncopated or nearly as interesting as when someone is staying on the beat. There has to be contrast to show the syncopation. Different players doing different things at different times.

DECEMBER 9, 2012 – SECOND SUNDAY OF ADVENT (C)

(These songs are off of my planning notes for this particular Sunday, which means I am strongly considering using them on these days. After each title I’ve added some thoughts to consider.)

(Click on titles for links to their respective pages.)

Advent Gospel Acclamation by Ed Bolduc – this is a setting I wrote that 'borrows' a bit of the melody of "I Wonder as I Wander." I've always loved that melody. I will include an audio link next week, but for now, here is the sheet music. Feel free to use it. We've done it with a full band, or simply with guitar or piano. (not too fast!!!)

Suggested use: Gospel Acclamation - Advent

 

 

Awake, O Sleeper by Ike Ndolo (spiritandsong) – this song starts simply, building from the beginning. "In the darkest times of life when our lights refuse to shine you are there." A good medium-tempo song that works great at entrance, offertory, or closing. (From the CD We are the Beggars.)

Suggested use: Entrance/Gathering, Song of Preparation/Offertory, Dismissal

Awake to the Day by Ed Bolduc (WLP) – as it says in the first reading from Baruch,  Jerusalem should put on the splendor of glory from God "wrapped in the cloak of justice..."  and see your children "gathered at the word of the Holy One." Be careful not to play the 6/8 time signature like a waltz! Listen to the recording. This song can be used throughout Advent. (From the CD Awake to the Day.)

Suggested use: Entrance/Gathering, Song of Preparation/Offertory, Dismissal

Come, Emmanuel by Deanna Light and Paul Tate (WLP) – This song has a recurring melody that ties the verses in with the refrain. Your assembly will love this piece and sing it! There are four verses for the various weeks in Advent, and verse 4 refers to the "baptist's cry."  (From the CD Hope in the Lord.)

Suggested use: Song of Gathering/Entrance, Song of Preparation/Offertory, Second Communion

Emmanuel, Come to Set Us Free by Jolanda Robertson (WLP) – a nice gospel-style advent song. The refrain can easily be sung by the assembly, while the verses offer the opportunity for some solo interpretations. The repetitive "Watching and waiting for you, O Lord," is a powerful build up to the last Refrain. This piece can be found in the new More Voices As One vol. 1. published by WLP.

Suggested use: Song of Preparation/Offertory, Second Communion

 

 

Homeward Bound by Ken Macek (WLP) – This song uses the text from today's Psalm 126 in the verses. The refrain repeats "Homeward bound are the captives," and is easily sung by the assembly. A simple, straightforward gospel approach is a nice touch. (From the CD Father, We Thank Thee (Voices As One vol. 2)

 Suggested use: Song of Gathering/Entrance, Song of Preparation/Offertory, Second Communion

 

 

O Come, O Come, Emmanuel (Traditional) – We only get to sing this song four Sundays out of the year! Your assembly will know it and they will treasure singing it. Consider D minor as an alternative to the typical E minor. Also, be careful not to get too creative with this one, particulary with the melody and the rhythms of the melody. The band can do some interesting things around it, but keep it pretty traditional.

Suggested use: Song of Gathering/Entrance, Song of Preparation/Offertory, Second Communion

 

Prepare the Way by Tom Booth (OCP) – Based on a simple chord progression this song has an instantly memorable refrain that really sets the tone as a gathering song for Advent.

Suggested use: Entrance/Gathering, Preparation/Offertory, Second Communion

 

Prepare the Way by Charlie Hall (worshiptogether.com) – A simple melody with a simple chord progression...the repetitive nature of this song enables easy singing by the assembly. It can start simple with a single instrument and build to a full band, and back down again.

Suggested use: Entrance/Gathering, Preparation/Offertory, Second Communion

Ready the Way by Curtis Stephan (spiritandsong) – Beautiful assembly-friendly song that works well in almost every part of the mass. Strip it down to just piano or guitar, or play with a full band...it works great! (From the CD Amid Passing Things)

 Suggested use: Song of Gathering/Entrance, Song of Preparation/Offertory, Second Communion

We Await You, O Lord by John Angotti (WLP) – Check out this song by John Angotti, written to be performed with a band or choir...or both. "We await you, O Lord. We keep watching the darkness. You have promised the dawn." Again, the choir or soloists can lead the verses while the assembly comes in strong on the refrain. (From the CD Welcome Home for Christmas)

 Suggested use: Song of Gathering/Entrance, Song of Preparation/Offertory, Second Communion

Please share your song ideas with me and I will post as many as I can so we can all share our knowledge of resources. Remember, what works for one parish might not work for another. We should be open-minded to all styles and preferences of music. As long as the music serves the liturgy, it may be listed here.