The Praise and Worship Band Bassists Club Part 17

[SoVeryTired]

Originally Posted by Mr. Majestic

What type of church "denomination" and church size do you guys play bass at.

Independent church (with Assemblies of God (Pentecostal) background). Average Sunday attendance around 900 over two morning services. Very mixed demographic - most age ranges (except no university locally so fewer of the 18-21 age group), and many nationalities with British, Nigerian and Ghanaian being the most represented. I love it!

[mtb777]

Originally Posted by 5StringFool

I play this all the time at CR group.

Here's another favorite... complete with beatboxing cellist.
GUNGOR "When Death Dies" Acoustic Performance Video - YouTube
I saw them blow the roof off of Bogart's in Cincinnati performing this song.

Great song even with the girl Cellist. I've seen that guy named Kevin before doing that on the cello. He has some mad skills for sure!

Gungor just rips it in concert! Maybe one of the best live shows in a long time.

[PaladinofBass]

Originally Posted by Mr. Majestic

What type of church "denomination" and church size do you guys play bass at........

My church is a non denominational church with close links to Hillsong, CCC and Edge church. We are a multi site church with congregations across the UK as well as Ghana and Frankfurt. My congrgation in Leeds is about 200 people. Our Sheffield cong is closer to 1000.
Our music style means all musicians memorise all music - we are not alowed sheet music during the worship. This can be both challenging and rewarding; you have to memorise everything, but once you have, you know it better so your concentration can be on worshiing and not on the notes.....

[capnsandwich]

Originally Posted by Mr. Majestic

What type of church "denomination" and church size do you guys play bass at........just checking on what and how different churches play. Through ministry and business and current occupation, I've had to move many times and played everything from super small bluegrass gospel redneck church, to big redneck country church, to large and small black church(some of my favs!), to extremely large, and small, combined mixed churches. Most all of those churches are Pentecostal, either organized or independant. Not trying to stir up anything.....just checking on the different variations.....meaning, every single church seemed to have chord variations on many of the same songs...so paperwork was hardly ever completely usable through two churches.

I play at a Vineyard church here in the Columbus, Ohio area. We have 3 services a weekend and within those 3 services there's probably anywhere from 600-800 people, 1000 on Christmas and Easter.

[JeffLieby]

I play @ Church on the Rock in Bridge City, TX. We are a non-denominational church part of the ARC family of churches. We do modern worship, and straight-up solid Bible preaching. All of our musicians are volunteers. We have about 300 on average at our Sunday service. We are working on adding a second Sunday service. Less than 18 months in our new building and we have already outgrown it. We play music from Bethel, Hillsong, Christ for the Nations, New Life Worship, Rita Springer, and more.

[timmus]

Originally Posted by Mr. Majestic

What type of church "denomination" and church size do you guys play bass at........

The church I go to is an Assemblies of God with a population of about 80 people.

On another note (as it were), we had WT practice last night and we started working on a song that is kicking my tail....Praise Him by Third Day.....I was familiar with the song as Third Day is one of my favorite CCM bands but wasn't aware until I started playing it that it is written in 7/8 time....I thought I had it pretty much figured out until I went to practice last night and the guitarist is REALLY struggling with the timing (he's a folky and pretty much anything outside of 4/4 or 3/4 throws him). It's going to be interesting synching up myself and the guitarist....wish we had a drummer right now.

[SteveC]

We're a fairly large lutheran church - yeah, getting people into it is a tough job. Everyone says they love the contemporary service but you couldn't tell by looking at them while it's happening. I would guess we see 300 or so between 2 services on Sunday. We are a fairly "well off" church with pretty deep pockets and a giving membership. Considering adding on to the contemporary worship space.

[Longhornhombre]

Great to hear about all these churches!

Our church is the Austin Stone Community Church (affiliated with the southern baptist convention). We've got three campuses across sunny Austin, TX. I play primarily at our north/central location which has 4 services every Sunday.

[khutch]

I was a Baptist for forever but we joined an awesome Evangelical Free Church last October. Attendance is between 800 and 900 in two services that are identical except for the occasional gaff or off the cuff joke that is not repeated in the second service/could not have occurred in the first. Otherwise if you are on the platform you are honor bound to laugh at the same joke twice! Our services are contemporary with some hymns, straight up or on the rocks. We tend more towards easy listening than rock and roll in style, for the most part. One thing I like, and it will surprise no one here, is that you can hear just about anything in this church from time to time. Gospel, Latin, Handel, barbershop quartet, a string/wind orchestra, and even a bit of rock and roll, it's all been there in the less than a year since we started attending. Who knows what the coming year might bring?

It is good to hear from a Converge Worldwide member here! I've been four different kinds of Baptist over the years and the BGC/CW was always my favorite "brand". The congregation in Schaumburg, Illinois was our last church. Except for not requiring baptism for membership the EFCA reminds me a lot of CW. Both were founded by evangelical Christian, Swedish immigrants and I suppose that has a lot to do with the similarity.

Ken

[JMimbs]

Originally Posted by khutch

It is good to hear from a Converge Worldwide member here! I've been four different kinds of Baptist over the years and the BGC/CW was always my favorite "brand". The congregation in Schaumburg, Illinois was our last church. Except for not requiring baptism for membership the EFCA reminds me a lot of CW. Both were founded by evangelical Christian, Swedish immigrants and I suppose that has a lot to do with the similarity.

You are one of the only people I've ever met who has heard of our denomination! Good to hear from you! And actually, I attended Elgin Evangelical Free Church for a while in college. It was a great church; the bass player there is incredible. And interestingly, the music was similar to what you are describing.

[khutch]

Originally Posted by caeman

With practice, it is not mind-bending at all to switch from 4th to 5th tuning and back. As with many things musical, you take your time learning it and just feels natural.

I have a violin, cello and mandolin tuned in 5ths. My U-Bass and electric bass are the only thing I have in 4ths.

Thanks, it is good to hear that it can be done. The man who literally wrote the book on tuning a double bass CGDA, Dennis Masuzzo, has been gracious enough to converse with me by email and he is telling me the same story. He plays his double bass tuned CGDA and his electric bass tuned EADG (or in fourths anyway). As anyone who follows that link will learn he likes the tuning for the double bass because he finds that they resonate better and give a better tone when the non-fingered open strings are tuned in fifths. I'm considering the idea merely to make four strings give me the range of five.

I guess I will try a little longer to find a fiver that works well for me. If I cannot I may buy a P bass, tune it CGDA, and go on a little adventure.

Ken

[steve_rolfeca]

I guess I have musical ADD, as I crave more variety than one congregation can provide. I'm currently playing in the following settings:

- Non-denominational "Community Church", ~ 200 people. Younger congregation, and most band members are in their mid-20's. Definitely a rock attitude, mostly Hillsongs United, Chris Tomlin, Gungor, etc. We generally hit each song a little harder than the originals. High level of technology, lots of thought put into media, staging, lights, etc., but a somewhat patchy level of musicianship.

- Small supper club/church service, older crowd, many are on disability, about 40 people most Sunday afternoons. Duo setting, Marcel sings a lot of country gospel and some older hymns. Near-unplugged levels, even when he brings his electric archtop. No PA, just a mic shoved into the guitar amp.

- Seniors Facility, sometimes in the Alzheimer's ward, sometimes not. Still with Marcel, but we turn it up a little for those who want to dance, and mix in some 50's pop music. Whatever get's 'em up and moving!

- Monthly city-wide worship service. All ages, and denominations. VERY enthusiastic crowd- banner-waving, dancing, artists painting during worship, etc. Boisterous, jam-band presentation reminiscent of Rita Springer. A mix of originals, Jesus Culture, MWS, Tomlin, wherever the spirit leads. 3 hour worship sets, songs run about 6 to 10 minutes each. Inter-racial and inter-generational band. Very accomplished musicians, which allows us a lot of freedom for improvised song creation, extended drum solos, mid-set song list changes, etc. Fairly loud. We use in-ears more as a matter of self-defense for the musicians, than as a way to create a quiet stage.

- Conferences and special music for other churches, thanks to the city-wide folks. Same musicians, but the set lists, presentation, etc., vary widely, depending on the setting.

I find it a blessing to be so busy at this late stage in my career. It's much easier to maintain a servant attitude, with this much variety in my musical life. After all, if I don't like what I'm playing Thursday afternoon, at the very least I can be sure that I'll be doing something different on Friday night, Sunday morning and/or Sunday afternoon.

God is good indeed.

[caeman]

This is one of the songs we are playing Saturday for Shabbat service:

Marty Goetz - "Oh L-rd, Oh L-rd"
Marty Goetz - Oh Lord, Our Lord - YouTube

[capnsandwich]

Originally Posted by caeman

This is one of the songs we are playing Saturday for Shabbat service:

Marty Goetz - "Oh L-rd, Oh L-rd"
Marty Goetz - Oh Lord, Our Lord - YouTube

Just transcribed it. Sounds like a cool song to play. If you need, I got it down and can sub for you if need be. JK(seriously though, cool song)

[sjphi26]

Originally Posted by Longhornhombre

Great to hear about all these churches!

Our church is the Austin Stone Community Church (affiliated with the southern baptist convention). We've got three campuses across sunny Austin, TX. I play primarily at our north/central location which has 4 services every Sunday.

That's where Tomlin came out of, isn't it? That's quite a legacy of worship there... I'm not the biggest Tomlin fan myself, but I do like some of his stuff. But the impact he's had on modern worship is quite amazing.

[Rudyboy98]

Hello all:

...in a weird kind of way. I have been away because I haven't been able to log in to my account. Just tried so many times and every week..but just 15 minutes ago I just changed the cookies settings on this computer and...voilá. It works. I'm back.

But not for very long...

I am in a bad spot right now in my life and feel like the joy has been drained out of me. Unless I get a seriously great paying gig...I'll be retiring from music for good very soon.

Money isn't everything..but right now it's been very nice to get paid for what I do.

It was my intention to have a farewell concert at my church, but external pressures have prevented me from doing so. At this point I am leaving my church of 8 years altogether. Church has been great...I can't complain there. Music at church is another issue, but it doesn't bother me any.

I'm still teaching and leading worship at my friend's church but I have tendered my resignation as of 30 March. That gives them time to find a replacement.

Thanks guys...and gals for being there for me. I appreciate you all from the bottom of my heart. I'll be checking in from time to time and will answer any comments or PM's sent my way. Special props to CapnSandwich who has been a source of inspiration and guidance.

Blessings,

R...

[Sidewinder IV]

Originally Posted by mkandolf

OOps, actually, you are #1083, I put it in the official list as 1083, but typed it wrong in the post. Sorry about that.

Here's the last ten or so from the list:

1070 JMimbs
1071 Philip2bass
1072 Oddfeen1
1073 ColoradoJake
1074 Syncopath
1075 kevwalker
1076 chiefnobum
1077 cwmuller
1078 stuhammfan
1079 TodB
1080 pusangtaba2011
1081 velvet_u
1082 spindoc
1083 NoisyFroggy
1084 Crazy Climer

Got room for another? I play bass at Newsong Fellowship in Edwardsville, IL.

[mtb777]

Wow Rudy.
Welcome back but sorry to hear of the woes. I have been going through similar stuff with working my butt off blessing brothers and sisters after painting two houses and working on a new dance floor and framing for elevated catwalks for the new Grace Cafe Arts Center and barely clearing 5 bucks an hour working day and night. Just spent 8 days of indoor camping because of an ridiculous deposit for the power bill and now coming up short of the rent because one room mate doesn't want to get a regular job and the other seems to be trying to do a stock market hostile takeover of the house. Ah, my Christian brothers! Count it all joy!! So says the half brother of the owner of nail scarred hands.

Praise report is that there is finally contact from my estranged wide and she has finished her chemo and she is now 100% cancer free. Now God has to heal her heart and she will be in good working order! Praise God!! Yes, we are talking finally.

My concert tonight for Worship under the Stars was cancelled tonight due to the chance of rain and windy and cloudy conditions. We could have played but most of the presentation by the Creation Studies Institute program was to center around the stars and telescopes and some video presentations. It will be rescheduled.

Tough times indeed but exciting seeing God working and showing up big time for things like my old boss telling me he would sign over to me the truck I've been using since my wife bailed with our car. God is so good!

I also got info tonight on getting worship cd's from my Friday night spirit filled church worship and that they are having auditions very soon! Yes!

[sjphi26]

Originally Posted by Rudyboy98

Hello all:

...in a weird kind of way. I have been away because I haven't been able to log in to my account. Just tried so many times and every week..but just 15 minutes ago I just changed the cookies settings on this computer and...voilá. It works. I'm back.

But not for very long...

I am in a bad spot right now in my life and feel like the joy has been drained out of me. Unless I get a seriously great paying gig...I'll be retiring from music for good very soon.

Money isn't everything..but right now it's been very nice to get paid for what I do.

It was my intention to have a farewell concert at my church, but external pressures have prevented me from doing so. At this point I am leaving my church of 8 years altogether. Church has been great...I can't complain there. Music at church is another issue, but it doesn't bother me any.

I'm still teaching and leading worship at my friend's church but I have tendered my resignation as of 30 March. That gives them time to find a replacement.

Thanks guys...and gals for being there for me. I appreciate you all from the bottom of my heart. I'll be checking in from time to time and will answer any comments or PM's sent my way. Special props to CapnSandwich who has been a source of inspiration and guidance.

Blessings,

R...

Dude, it sounds like you're just giving up.

I don't know you, and you don't know me, and I hope this doesn't come across as accusatory or judgmental. But I've seen your posts over the last several months, and I've seen the negative direction your outlook has taken, even if I've never commented on your posts.

Just remember, there is hope in our savior. And whatever trials come your way, you can always rest in the fact that you are, indeed, a child of God.

Don't give up. If you take the time to post on this forum, you obviously care about playing bass, and playing worship music. Just because you may not get paid doesn't mean you shouldn't do it.(I get paid too, and it would SUCK to lose that income, so I empathize with you) But, just as you said, money ISN'T everything.

Stay strong, brother.

[capnsandwich]

Originally Posted by Rudyboy98

Hello all:

...in a weird kind of way. I have been away because I haven't been able to log in to my account. Just tried so many times and every week..but just 15 minutes ago I just changed the cookies settings on this computer and...voilá. It works. I'm back.

But not for very long...

I am in a bad spot right now in my life and feel like the joy has been drained out of me. Unless I get a seriously great paying gig...I'll be retiring from music for good very soon.

Money isn't everything..but right now it's been very nice to get paid for what I do.

It was my intention to have a farewell concert at my church, but external pressures have prevented me from doing so. At this point I am leaving my church of 8 years altogether. Church has been great...I can't complain there. Music at church is another issue, but it doesn't bother me any.

I'm still teaching and leading worship at my friend's church but I have tendered my resignation as of 30 March. That gives them time to find a replacement.

Thanks guys...and gals for being there for me. I appreciate you all from the bottom of my heart. I'll be checking in from time to time and will answer any comments or PM's sent my way. Special props to CapnSandwich who has been a source of inspiration and guidance.

Blessings,

R...

Hey Rudy, do you really have it in your heart to quit music altogether? I know I couldn't do it. It's too much part of me. I think it's too much part of you as well. I understand taking a hiatus from music and leading worship, especially being part of 2 teams, but I have no doubt in my mind that God will see you THROUGH this. I've been there a few times myself and, in some ways, still going through it. Your Ramirez can't just stay in a closet. It has to be played!!!

Seriously though, I'll be praying for you and I'm playing at church this weekend so when I get together with the team I'll have them all lift you up just before service when we pray for one another's requests. I know times have been hard on you here recently, as it's been hard on a lot of us here in this club, but He sticks us in the fire for a season to prove us. I know sometimes that fire is hotter than usual and sometimes we seem to bake a little longer but it's not for naught. I honestly believe He has something for you. I'll call you this weekend and we'll chat. Feel free to call me any time. You know my number.