We're groovin'...now what?

When the whole band is playing full-out...guitars are strumming, drums are groovin', synth is wailin'...how do you stop that train? More specifically, if it's a Gathering Song, how do you come out of it into the Opening Prayer? You wouldn't necessarily want to end with a big, loud chord, complete with tremolos in the piano left-hand, huge guitars, and a drum fill with a 'stinger'(crash) at the end. To me, that just says, "Good night everybody!!! Thanks for coming!"  Instead we should find a way that helps the song 'ramp down' naturally, setting up the next moment.

One way is to have the drums stop before you sing the last phrase, when they would normally keep playing. To illustrate this, first listen to this soundbyte from the song "At the Name of Jesus." This is the end of the song where there is a double refrain and the band plays out to the end.



Now listen to this same segment of the song played as a Gathering Song at Mass. Notice the ending.

See how the drums ended early and everyone else held out the chord?  It made for a natural-sounding ending that didn't require a long, drawn-out outro. Often times, that's all it really takes...one phrase to make it work. The drummer can still 'cymbal-out' (play cymbals lightly to keep some light rhythm happening) while the guitar, piano, and bass play only on the downbeat, letting the chord/note ring.  The vocals continue on like normal, maybe dropping out the harmonies or bringing down the volume.

This is one way to end a song gently that is going full-bore!

Let it ring!

One last thing on this topic: ever notice how choirs and orchestras have a conductor that keeps their hand raised at the end of a song so the musicians will know to hold out the last chord and then 'cut-off' together?  Of course!  We all have!  Our liturgical groups should not be any different. Even though there isn't necessarily a conductor standing in front, SOMEone needs to be the leader and indicate to the rest of the group when they should cut-off. It sounds more polished, professional, and musical when we do that.
Practice with a simple head-nod or some other clear sign that will let the band know when they should cut-off the last chord.

 

***I also want to let you know that the guitar edition of More Voices As One just arrived today!  Check it out...many, many new and recent songs from WLP!  A great addition to the Voices As One series.

January 13, 2013 – Baptism of the Lord

(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.)

In addition to the traditional Christmas hymns which are often sung on this day, here are a few other suggestions:
 

Flowing River by Paul and Rita Baloche (Integrity) – the acoustic guitar really sets a nice rhythm in motion on this song, though it can be done on the piano as well. I've found that all ages respond to this melody and text with enthusiasm. The three part harmonies (especially on the Refrain) really add a nice touch. Listen to the version recorded on Voices As One vol. 2. CD "Come, Holy Spirit."

Suggested use: Song of Preparation/Offertory, Second Communion

Go Out in the World by Ed Bolduc (WLP) – gospel-style song with verses that can be sung straight or soloistic. An assembly part in the verse encourages even more participation.  Easy key change from F to G. (From the CD Awake to the Day)

Suggested use: Sending Forth/Dismissal

I Send You Out by John Angotti (WLP) – GREAT song to send forth your assembly. The Refrain is instantly memorable and the key changes feel so natural. Definitely consider this one! It's becoming a standard! (From the CD's Rise Up, My People and Angotti Live)

Suggested use: Sending Forth/Dismissal

Lord, Every Nation by Jesse Manibusan (spiritandsong.com) – (From the Spirit and Song CD set)

Suggested use: Song of Preparation/Offertory, Second Communion

 

Spirit of God by Michael Gleason (Gleasongs/CCLI) – the melody is beautiful and the chord changes are nice. The rhythm section keeps the pulse going through the refrain while the vocals and other instruments hold some longer notes at the end of the phrases. The music can be found in WLP's Voices As One vol. 2. on the CD "Come, Holy Spirit."

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

 

Take Me to the Water arr. by W. Clifford Petty (WLP) – Cliff has crafted an upbeat gospel arrangement that has an easy Refrain for choir and assembly, with plenty of room for improvisation, especially on the verses.  (From the CD Touch Jesus)

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

 

 

 You are the Voice by David Haas (GIA) – I love this song...so singable and beautiful. I take it a little slower than most, I've found. I guess I don't want to rush through it. At the end of the verse I always invite the assembly to sing that last phrase, which echos the one before it. I transpose this song to G sometimes...just a little easier on the vox (especially early in the morning  :-)  )  (From the CD Without Seeing You)

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

 

 

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.