Académique Documents
Professionnel Documents
Culture Documents
Product Reviews:
Flaxwood’s Liekki 290-T
Planet Waves’ O-Port
SEPT/OCT 2010
Volume 15, Issue 5 Selective Hearing:
09 Waterdeep • Glass Harp • Sandra McCracken
The Choir • Ed Kowalczyk • Michael W. Smith • Jars of Clay
0 74470 95962 5
US $5.95 Can $6.95 15th Anniv. Give-Away: Roland’s CD-2i: SD/CD Recorder
The Best Of Everything
Goes Into Every UltraSound Amp.
3/4” Solid-Sheet, Void-Free
Baltic Birch Plywood for
Heavy Duty Nickle-Plated strength, stiffness, lighter
16 Gauge Cold-Rolled Corner Protectors can weight and tighter sound.
Steel Chassis stands up Heavy-Duty Strap
take a beating. Handle for saftey when
to the heaviest playing
and lasts a lifetime. moving your amp.
Finest-rated Components to
assure highest quality tone High-Grade Cross-
& performance. Stitched Grille Cloth for
lush looks & natural
acoustic tone.
Specially-Designed
1/8” Dense-Pressed UltraSound Midrange Driver
Alluminum Heat Sink rated above power output to
transfers heat properly. insure best possible tone
and longest life.
Oversized Power
Supply Filter Caps for 1” Voice Coil, Studio-Quality,
low noise & efficiency. Super Tweeter for sizzling
high-end harmonics when
you want them.
Grab one of the control knobs on an UltraSound amps are ultra reliable, with less
UltraSound amp. Try to shake it from left to than 1/10th of 1% repair problems—that’s
right. It doesn’t happen. When you turn it, an industry record! The best in design,
it’s incredibly smooth and a bit resistant. engineering, materials, construction, and
That’s because we use the best Oil-Filled tone—you’ll hear a beautiful lush tone that
Metal Shaft, Chassis-Mount Potentiometers brings out the best in your sound and will
you can buy. That’s why they feel so solid last forever and ever. You and your music
and work so well—year after year after year. will never be the same.
©Feb 2010 UltraSound Amplifiers
www.UltraSoundAmps.com
1-888-993-5091
Flaxwood: Totally Tourworthy
Ace guitar tech David Graef has a simple goal in
life: to make sure that Rascal Flatt’s Joe Don
Rooney enjoys killer guitar tone every time he
takes the stage. That’s why David loves Flaxwood
guitars. They look great, play great and sound
great...night after night.
Christian Musician
our date night in a more quieter environment.
An interesting sidebar… the cover shot of David playing live
with Megadeth was taken by none other than Randy Johnson
(famed major league baseball pitcher). Since Randy was once
a Seattle Mariner we have been fans of Randy’s for quite some 4227 S. Meridian, Suite C PMB #275, Puyallup Washington 98373
time. He took several really good shots for us to choose from Phone: 253.445.1973 Fax: 253.655.5001
and has quite an eye for photography. Thanks to the Big Unit! Email: bruce@christianmusician.com
Enjoy this issue. We are already work- Website: www.christianmusician.com
Editor & President: Bruce Adolph
ing on the next one and we have some
Vice President: Judy Adolph, judy@christianmusician.com
great interviews we are lining up for you. Customer Service: Brian Felix, brian@christianmusiciansummit.com
Remember wherever you may find Street Team: Mike Adolph, Jesse Hill & Caj
yourself; be salt and light! Layout: Matt Kees Accounting: Debi Davis
Bruce and Judy Advertising Sales: bruce@christianmusician.com
Published by the Adolph Agency Inc.
7
Spreading the Word
“Players at my clinics and concerts are
always floored by the tone, punch,
clarity and headroom of my GK.”
Norm Stockton
Lincoln Brewster
POWER TO GROOVE
www.gallien.com
Intro to Solo Bass Arranging (Part 1)
Welcome back to the woodshed! I hope road, the simple stuff can be really sweet and mode section in Volume 2 of the Grooving for
you found our recent series on “Chimes, beautiful, too. Heaven DVDs.
Thuds & Swells” helpful for expanding your We’ll be looking at the traditional Christ- Please take some time to play and assimi-
palette of available timbres. mas tune, Angels We Have Heard On High late the verse melody. After getting comfort-
Our discussions over the past few years (Gloria). In this installment, we’ll take a look able with it, try playing the root of the chord
have been preparing us for this next step: at just the melody and harmony of the verse while playing that melody. Don’t worry about
today, we’ll be dipping our toes into the pool section. We’ll get to the actual solo arrange- trying to make it smooth and “solo-ish”…
for some solo bass arranging. Before some of ment after we have a solid understanding of we’ll get to that stuff soon! Blessings and see
you go running from the room, screaming the piece, ok? :^) you next time...
something about “I’m too old to be playing With a bass guitar, it’s helpful to put the (Adapted from curriculum in the Grooving
coffee house gigs”, please hear me out (and song in a key where you can take advantage for Heaven instructional DVDs)
you’re never too old to be playing coffee of open strings, as that obviously somewhat
house gigs, by the way!)! :^) lightens the burden on your fretting hand. Norm Stockton is a bassist/clinician/solo artist
The bass is an amazingly rich and versa- For this reason, many solo bass arrangements based in Orange County, CA. He spends most of
tile instrument; it’s surprisingly well-suited can be found in the keys of E or A, as they his time these days touring
for playing as a solo instrument. But even if allow for melody or chord tones to be voiced and recording with worship
that’s not your bag, I think it’s nonetheless on the higher strings while letting a low artist Lincoln Brewster,
hugely valuable for your musicianship to string ring. but his recently-released
delve into this area at least a bit…even if just We’ll be playing this tune in the key of E. 2nd solo project (“Tea In
as an educational endeavor. The basic chord motion will be very simple, The Typhoon”) has been
There’s something about time spent be- modulating back and forth from the I to the receiving widespread
ing involved with all aspects of the musical V chords. The melody should be a familiar acclaim from media around the world. Visit
arrangement – melody, harmony, rhythm, one to most of you. In the text above the Norm at www.normstockton.com and
sonics – that can dramatically affect your staff, you’ll see both the default applicable on Facebook & Twitter for much bass-
understanding of music and how ensembles scale and the intervals found in the melody related info and fun. While there, be sure to
function. It can make you a better bass player, Bassic Communication
(relative to the underlying chord). Pretty check out his blog (The GrooveSpot) and register
arranger, producer…and can even enhance
your compositional skills.
Intro to Solo Bass Arranging (Part 1)
straightforward stuff - if any of this is confus-
ing for you, I encourage you to review the
for his e-newsletter (the groove update) for tips,
interviews, clinic invites, exclusive discount
Getting into a lengthy explanation of ar- prices, and more.
rangement concepts and everything Intro to Solo Bass Arranging
that can possibly go into putting Melodic/Harmonic Analysis: Verse Section
together an unaccompanied bass "Angels We Have Heard on High" (Trad. Christmas Carol) Norm Stockton
piece goes beyond the intent of this
series. But pretty much every con-
cept we’ve discussed in this column E Ionian (Major Scale) B Mixolydian E Ionian (Major Scale) B Mixolydian E Ionian
"Root, b7" "3, 3, 2, 3, 5" "6, 5"
"Root"
over the years (fingerboard familiar- "3, 3, 3, 5"
E B E B6 E
ity, groove, playing a part, phrasing,
technique, etc.) can have direct ap-
plicability to putting together a solo
bass arrangement of a tune.
Not every piece need be a vir-
13 13 13 16 16 14 13 13 13 16 13
16 16 14
tuosic, slappa-tappa-bippity, mind-
boggling-jazz-reharmonization-
from-Mars, by the way. :^) Although
that’s a fun area to explore down the © 2009 Stocktones Music
9
Learning to Transcribe
I know this is a tough thing for many of helpful to wear headphones so you can really frustrated. It is difficult at first but it is well
you who don’t read music but transcribing hear the subtleties of the drum parts. Here is worth the effort.
drum parts is such an essential part of becom- the bass drum and high hat part for a couple
ing a competent drummer. Being able to hear bars of the basic groove from Charlie Hall’s Blessings ….. David
something and quickly write the basic drum Walk The World.
part out has saved me in many musical situa- Next I write out the snare part. Here is David currently tours with
tions during my career. It is a skill I use every what the whole thing looks like. Fernando Ortega and has
week of my life. Whether it be just learning Here is what the first 8 bars of the piece worked with Sara Groves,
some songs for Sunday services or having to looks like. The intro is fairly complex. Notice Bebo Norman, Crystal
transcribe note for note parts for a very com- the high hat openings and the syncopated Lewis, Cheri Keaggy, Tommy
plex composition, the ability to transcribe is bass drum and snare parts. Walker, Paul Baloche among
priceless. The next series of articles will cover Writing out this intro would be a bit of others. He has played for Billy and Franklin
different aspects and uses for transcribing a challenge for a beginning transcriber but Graham Crusades, Harvest Crusades, Maranatha
drum parts and some tips on how to start the basic groove is very doable. Start out with Worship Leader Workshops and for over 2 years
transcribing and get better at it. something real simple. The best thing about he was the house drummer for the Los Angeles
The ability to quickly write out a bass getting good at transcribing is it will help production of The Lion King. His home church is
drum, snare drum and high hat or ride pat- you understand what drummers are playing Plymouth Church in Whittier, California. www.
tern quickly is not easy to do at first but we when you see them play live. Try not to get DaveOwensDrums.com
have to start somewhere. Pick a basic groove
that you already know or want to
learn and try writing it out. There
Walk The World Charlie Hall
are programs you can get on line
that can help. Audacity is one that
will slow down any piece of music
and it is downloadable for free.
Start by writing out the high
hat or cymbal part because that
will give you the basic subdivision
of the groove. That might look
like this.
I scribble stuff out on music
paper and then put it in Sibelius.
It is not necessary to use music Walk The World Hat
writing software but for the pu-
pose of this article I am using Sibe-
lius so the transcription will look
nice and clean. When you do it by Walk The World Hat & BD
hand make sure all the subdivided
notes are evenly spaced in a bar. I
have music paper that already has
bar lines on it so it makes it easier
to space the notes evenly. Walk The World Hat, BD & SN
The next thing I write out is
the bass drum part. I always find it
10
Speak Up or Speak Down!
I have a young student who talks too low. misuse of the voice”. Speaking with too low of If you find your voice is too high you must
Her speaking pitch is way down there. This is a pitch is flirting with vocal disaster. work to develop a lower, deeper-feeling sound
not a good thing for her vocal development To find your habitual speaking pitch, try that you can feel in your upper chest. You
and it certainly makes us work harder when in- pronouncing a few syllables using a vowel and might try to imitate the sound of a nineteen
troducing head voice sounds to her pitch and a consonant. Maybe try tah, tay, tee, toh, and seventies disc jockey. Keep in mind deeper,
tonal awareness. Since the basic mechanism is too. Try this a couple of times and then stop rounder, richer. Go easy and let the voice find
the same for speaking and singing, this leads to on one of these sounds and hold the pitch. a lower place.
the old adage that “one affects the other”. Now match the pitch on a keyboard. This note If your voice is too low try to feel vocal
Speaking and singing use the same respira- is the center of your habitual pitch area. You sound in your head, nasal cavities, and the
tor (breathing), larynx (phonation), resona- probably move this pitch up or down one or front of your mouth. Use humming exercises
tor (tone), and articulators (pronunciation). possibly two whole steps throughout the day. to feel these vibrations, higher and forward in
Even the physical functions are essentially the To find your optimal pitch keep in mind your face. Once again, remember it is an area
same. In singing, vowel sounds are extended that there is no agreement as to the best way of pitches not a specific pitch.
and consonants have a longer duration than to determine this. Following are some basic The young singer and I are working on all
speech. A normal speech rate is much faster guidelines. When you find it, the optimal of these higher pitch exercises at every lesson.
than that used in singing. Speak the first pitch area sounds better than the other It is a slow process but we are seeing some
phrase of the Star Spangled Banner, and then choices. Boy that really helps doesn’t it. Please improvement. Apparently this young lady has
sing it. If you had timed it you would have keep in mind that optimal pitch area refers picked up a tonal model and adopted a wrong
noticed the singing takes about twice the time to an area of your voice not a specified pitch. pitch level and is not aware that she did so.
as speaking. Also, vocal problems can sometimes conceal Surprisingly her mother speaks at a nice pitch
Speaking also uses a limited range of your optimal pitch. So always work on freeing and her younger sister speaks higher that the
pitches. This range does not extend past a up unwanted vocal tensions. voice student. It is an interesting case study.
perfect fifth. A singer schooled in contem- As you try to find this optimal pitch area Now you make the call, speak up or speak
porary vocal techniques is required to use an speak a sentence on each pitch of an ascend- down. Now go sing well! I mean, go speak
octave and a fifth. On the other hand, singers ing or descending scale. When a good vocal well!
who sing in the classical tradition would be sounds jumps out at you that will be the start
required to use at least two octaves. As you can of your optimal pitch area. The pitch will flex Roger Beale is one of the nation’s
see pitch level in singing is much higher than up and down a bit. It is an area not a pitch. foremost vocal coaches. He presently
that used for speech. This is why I am work- After working to find your optimal pitch
works with professional
ing on the young singer’s higher range and area you will discover a voice that sounds
am very concerned about the unusually low great, has more power, and endurance. It is singers in all areas of
speaking voice. important to find this voice and use it. It will musical performance.
Good speech habits are a necessity for make you a great communicator. His teaching and
good singing. Speech therapists work on the Speech therapists point to four faults coaching facility, The
basic principles of posture, breathing, and dic- related to pitch. Speaking with too high a Voice House, is involved
tion. They teach these same singing principles pitch level, speaking too low, speaking in a in the management
while working with their clients getting them restricted range (monotone), and speaking in and care of the professional voice. Many
to speak at a comfortable pitch level. a stereotyped pitch pattern. When the speech of his students have won prestigious
When talking with other voice teachers level is too high a person sounds small, thin
vocal competitions and scholarships. In
and speech therapists, two terms keep popping and immature. When the speech level is too
up: habitual pitch level and optimal pitch low a person sounds gravelly and robotic. The addition, he has worked with Grammy
level. Habitual pitch level is the general pitch pitch and dynamic level may be so low that and Dove award winners and nominees.
area which a person uses in everyday conver- clarity of speech disappears, and you can’t be He also offers vocal clinics and seminars,
sation; optimal pitch level is the pitch area understood. as well as assistance in recording
where a person finds the best quality of tone It is my personal observation that when sessions. Roger is founder and host of
with efficiency. Most speech therapists and girls go off to college they will sometimes the Christian Singers Workshop (www.
voice teachers agree that the habit of speaking develop an extremely high, squeaky, childlike, christiansingersworkshop.com), dedicated
above or below one’s optimal speaking pitch annoying voice. I don’t know why that is, it to the teaching of contemporary and
level will result in vocal damage. is just an observation. One girl that I know is
commercial vocal techniques. Roger can
Some of the results can be listed as nod- now twenty-seven years old and has been in
ules, hoarseness, fatigue and various other the workplace for five years, and her speech be contacted at: The Voice House, PO Box
vocal malfunctions. One of the therapists I still has not come down to anything close to 87136, College Park, GA 30337, (404)
have assisted actually feels that “speaking with a normal level. Folks, I am talking extremely 822-5097, e-mail: voicehouse@mindspring.
too low of a speaking pitch is the number one high here! com, web site: www.thevoicehouse.com.
11
It is Well
A few months ago I made a youtube to the ‘minimum movement principal’ which Have you seen John’s free
video describing all the custom features of makes the movement from chord to chord ‘Praise Guitar Lessons’
my new ‘John Standefer Signature Model’ very smooth and easy once you get used to online yet? Go to CCLI TV
Bertoncini guitar. At the end of the video I them. and start the weekly lessons
needed to play something to demonstrate the And… if you haven’t been to my website today. And make sure to look
sound. The tune that came to mind was ‘It Is lately, do a little investigating at www. over John’s calendar at www.
Well With My Soul’. I had recorded a really johnstandefer.com and be sure to sign up for praiseguitar.com to find an
pretty duet version of the song on my latest my new monthly e-newsletters, which each event near you where you can hear him live.
CD, ‘Guitar Café’ a year ago and had been contain a free video tip, a deal of the month,
recently working on more of a solo version an ‘Ask John’ forum, etc. Thanks, and enjoy
of the song for concerts. I went ahead and ‘It Is Well With My Soul’.
played a verse of what I had developed so far
to end up the youtube clip. To
my surprise, the song arrange-
ment made almost as big of a
splash as the guitar design. I got
several emails wanting to know
where folks could find the TAB
for ‘It Is Well’. That spurred me
on to finish a nice solo arrange-
ment, TAB it out in the computer
and offer it as a TAB download at
the website. For this issue of CM
I thought I’d give you a similar
styled accompaniment version of
the piece.
More modern chordal har-
monies and the fingerpicking
style give this arrangement a sort
of folk/bossa style that is really
quite compelling to play and
to listen to. Hopefully you’ll be
able to use these features to draw
folks into worship with this fresh
arrangement of a great standard
hymn.
I’ve written this one out in
my ‘picture-perfect’ TAB format
so you can see the left hand
fingerings I use to play these
chords. A classical player will
want to shoot me for using my
thumb to create the bass notes
here and there, but try these
specific fingerings for awhile and
see what you think. They are a
bit unorthodox but they adhere
12
Chris Tomlin
and Collings Guitars
The
variety of pickup choices, dif- string in. Three of my friends and I poured
ferent humbuckers, lipsticks, over the instruction sheet & were still con-
or combos & finishes with or fused. I remember thinking that it must be “re-
Amazing
without a tremolo. They also ally” simple to cause this much trouble. Later I
build custom guitars to order. went to the Flaxwood site and watched one of
The Liekki model (Finnish for the instructional videos. These Gotoh locking
flame) is a fine instrument with tuners were too easy. You just put the string
Liekki
filled playing. It’s got a flawless fret http://www.youtube.com/
job like you would expect from a watch?v=IfudI2d_TPY&feature=player_embed-
very expensive custom shop guitar. ded
290-T
This is a big deal when you’re in the The Seymour P-90s give the Liekki a vin-
moment and reach for that “big” tage Les Paul vibe. I’ve had a couple Les Pauls
note in your “little” solo, only to and my biggest frustration was intonation.
have it fret out and quack like a Fortunately this guitar is killer! The body felt a
by Michael Hodge duck. How about when you have
your clean delays set just right and
little small at first but I quickly got used to it.
The weight (7 pounds) and balance are nice.
When I first heard about Flaxwood, I was that buzzing note jumps out with The shape of the body is very friendly for sit-
really intrigued. A Finnish company that makes every delay. Yikes! Fortunately you ting or standing. The Kulta gold finish is truly
high-end guitars?... Cool. A guitar with no dead won’t have that issue with this beautiful as well.
spots and perfectly consistent tone?... Sweet. guitar. The intonation is excellent This is actually a hollow body guitar by
I decided to do a little research before as well. design. Because of that resonating back plate
the guitar showed up. I Google’d Flaxwood, The case is a nice lightweight on the guitar there is a lot of sustain! I plugged
& found some videos on YouTube of molded black hard shell type. At into a variety of amps, a Top Hat Royal, a 62
their guitars and was really looking first sight the guitar itself is beauti- Fender Deluxe & a Vox AC30 and they were all
forward to the review. So you ful. The workmanship and set up happy with this guitar. Pedals liked it as well.
might ask, “Please explain. are good to go right out of the box. I was digging the classic P-90’s tone in every
What is “Flaxwood”? Flax- The body is a hollow arch top de- amp. It rocked in the bridge position, had the
wood is actually the name of sign with a nice F hole on the front sweet vintage Les Paul thing in the middle
the material that these guitars like a 335. The back of the guitar position & in the neck position. The P-90’s
are made of. Their goal was to has an innovative have a warm sound with some nice high end.
create an “almost perfect” tone resonator-style If you are a soloing kind of guy, you are going
wood with the properties of the back plate made to love this guitar! There is of course a little
most expensive and best sounding of flaxwood. This vintage noise that all single coils have. Clean
exotic woods. also gives the into the amp it sounds fantastic. It’s got that
Wood by nature is amazing in guitar more sustain vintage “chimey” bridge and sweet middle po-
how it vibrates and is wonderful and volume when sition with very a cool vintage neck position.
for making instruments. The played acoustically. In summary, the tone is woody and expensive
beauty and challenge with It comes equipped sounding.
wood is that every single with a Schaller The Flaxwood Liekki 290-T is a versatile
piece is slightly different. LP Tremolo guitar that plays & sounds amazing… and it
No two guitars ever sound or a hardtail won’t ever be affected by humidity! This is
or behave the exactly Gotoh 510UB great guitar, sturdy enough for the road and
the same. This is largely (model tonally rich for the studio. Plus you won’t find
because of the actual in- 290-H) and a better playing neck anywhere. If you are
dividual grain patterns Elixir 10- looking for a unique high-end guitar, check
and knots in the wood. 46 strings. out Flaxwood’s website & find a store near you
The Liekki to play one. This guitar WILL surprise you!
Knots can make for “dead 290-T has Current MSRP is $3,242 / MAP is $2,199;
spots” on the neck where a Seymour the hardtail version MSRP is $2,919 / MAP
certain notes don’t ring out Duncan $1,979. www.flaxwood.com
well. “Flaxwood” is a wood SP90-1 Vintage Specs are as follows:
based tone material made primar- Soapbar pickup in • Scale: 25.5”
ily of Spruce wood particles with a the bridge position and • Radius: 12”
proprietary “acoustically sensitive binding an SP90-1RwRP in the bridge • Frets: medium jumbo
agent” mixed in. The necks, bodies and back position. Standard on the Liekki is a custom • Measurements: 1st Fret: 43.5mm /
plates are all made by a high tech injection- Tune-X tuning system nut made of a self-lubri- 20.5mm; 12th Fret: 52.5mm / 23mm
molding technology. These days all big guitar cating hi-tech material. Again the intonation • Nut: Tune-X tuning system (Flaxwood
makers are using manufacturing techniques is spot on. exclusive)
involving computer assisted designs (CAD) The Liekki features a master volume • Bridge: Tremolo – Schaller LP
and machines. The Flaxwood company has control and two individual tone controls and a • Pickups: Bridge: Seymour Duncan SP90-1
really taken high tech to the next level. strat style 3-way selector switch. Vintage Soapbar; Neck: Seymour Duncan
The tuners are Gotoh model SG360 SP-90-1 RwRp Vintage Soapbar
14
©2010 PreSonus Audio Electronics, Inc, All Rights Reserved. StudioLive and Capture are trademarks of
P reSonus’ new StudioLive™ 24.4.2 Virtual Studio Live GUI. It’s an easy-to-
PreSonus. Weather in Baton Rouge during preparation of this ad: occasional thunderstorms and 86.
just to be sure you are in the groove. Looking unfinished projects do you have going on?
helps, but hearing is essential. When a singer Whether it’s a song, a task around the house,
sings part of the verse, chorus, or bridge lyric a ministry responsibility or the BIG finish of
to cue the band, you need to hear that cue life, hearing will help you complete well the
to be able to go there. Although we follow things that you start.
charts, we want to accommodate freedom as First of all, you need faith. Romans 10:17
well. And, as you know, playing in the mo- says, “So then faith comes by HEARING, and
ment is where the wonderful is. hearing by the word of God.” You have to
Another area critical to hearing is know- believe in your heart that you can do it, what-
ing when to lay back and when to step out. ever the “it” is. Can you do it? Philippians
When you are hearing the whole band, you 4:13 says yes! “I can do ALL THINGS through STICK WITH MANY DRUMS
ONE WOMAN...
can get into the zone easier, which makes Christ that strengthens me.” Remember –
way for great playing and not stepping on faith to believe this starts with hearing.
your band in the process. Most train wrecks Next, you need to be confident that if you
happen when musicians can’t hear well; the do your part, God will do His. In Philippians
mental distraction that comes from it takes 1:6b we read, “He who has begun a good
you totally out of the band and into a very work in you will complete it until the day of
uncomfortable place. Jesus Christ.” Again we see that hearing God’s
Being completely honest, I have to say word leads to believing and believing leads to Retail Orders Welcome
that there is a unique joy that comes from completion.
wonderfully mixed wedges and hearing the I remember probably fifteen years ago, I 253.445.1973
overall sound from the room. But, as wonder- was at a concert in Fort Lauderdale, and the
Find it at
ful as that can be, it’s also dependent on many Pastor’s wife looked at me at the end of the
factors, most of which are out of your control. evening and said, “You will finish well.” I still
www.musiciansthreads.com
16
ROCKHARDER
BOOMERS
Introducing the GHS Bass Boomers Fresh Pack™.
Our new airtight packaging technology locks out air and
moisture to prevent string corrosion. Every GHS string is
manufactured in our state-of-the-art humidity controlled
factory for consistent intonation and the highest quality
sound. You can depend on GHS Bass Boomers strings
being as pure and perfect as the day they were made.
GHS Strings – Made Pure To Endure.
ghsstrings.com
Max Crace
RANDY ARMSTRONG 800.388.4447 GHS Corp. 2813 Wilbur Ave. Battle Creek, MI 49037
www.redmusiconline.com
current guitars sound.
roduct eview The O-Port sup-
presses feedback
V E N U E D I ACOUSTIC EQ/DI/TUNER
“So, for us, it's bye-bye separate pedals and patch leads and hello to improved EQ, DI and superb
feedback-busting. If you're a gigging acoustic musician, just buy one – you'll thank us.” - Guitarist magazine
18
L I F T AV
PRECISION.
QUALITY.
PERFORMANCE.
LIFT i p
Wo rs h
TRAIN. MENTOR. INSPIRE.
A few years ago we interviewed David Ellefson
and heard about how he had left Megadeth and
started a local worship ministry called Megalife.
As that new venture was maturing and David was
spending his time in other music related pursuits, a
call came in from an unexpected source. That led
to a chain reaction that has spiritual significance
as well as a musical resurgence. But let’s let
David tell the story...
20
So instead, I put together several This was a huge time of growth church. So there I was, all those
rock bands, played on a bunch for me. As the worship leader years playing in Megadeth but
of different records, and did and co-founder of the MEGA being groomed spiritually behind
Artist Relations work for Peavey Life! Ministries, I held a part-time the scenes.
Electronics Corporation, all based position with the church and that When Megadeth disbanded in
out of my home in Arizona. enabled me to participate in the 2002, I intuitively knew God was
Another thing I really wanted to do weekly staff Bible studies. Those doing for me (and probably all of
in my time away from Megadeth studies groomed me in huge ways. us!) what I couldn’t do for myself,
was develop music as it tied into They gave me the chance to ask which was to pull me out of a day-
my Christian walk. I had co-written questions to the clergy as I read to-day life on the road in a band
a few tunes that ended up on the and studied the Word. I had just as I had known it, so that I could
CCLI registry. “I’m Free” was the finished my Bachelor’s degree in experience some new facets of life.
first I wrote with a Praise leader, marketing around this time and One of those facets was my faith
Jonathan Foster, from my former began to read the Bible cover to and how music would become part
home church of Scottsdale Family cover anyway, something I had of that development with Christ. I
Church back in 1999. never done before. truly believe that it was God’s time
A few years later, my family So, fast-forward to February of to move me, and seemingly all of
took up membership at Shepherd 2010, when the call came to me to us, off the Megadeth campus and
of the Desert Lutheran Church in re-join Megadeth. Some Christians into some new opportunities of
Scottsdale and my children went to and church folk may ask “How can growth, something that probably
school there for their Pre-K through you go back to Megadeth after wouldn’t have happened if the
elementary years. I was raised being a worship leader?” A fair band kept rolling.
Lutheran, so I still had my “rite of question, indeed! But, as on the one hand, I saw
passage” back to the congregation So here is what I came to. I God’s hand on the wheel, I was also
with my confirmation card from had been in Megadeth as a co- scared as I hadn’t done anything
when I was a teenager (Ha!). During founding member since I was 18 other than be in a rock band
this time I was asked to become an years old. I grew up there and had for my entire adult life up to that
Elder, and shortly thereafter, our been given a good life as a result. point. As a result, there were legal
new Pastor Jon Bjorgaard asked if I got sober in 1990, at 25 years of disputes during the disbanding,
I would help create a new Worship age, and that brought me back to a which were very negative, and
service with him, which he wanted renewed Christian walk that I had damaged relationships between
to call MEGA Life!, based on John as a kid growing up in the Lutheran certain members of the group. I
10:10. quickly learned my errors as I read
passages like 1 Corinthians 6, and
was able to clear those matters
with scriptural help a couple years
later.
So, I clearly see the invitation
to return back to Megadeth as
God’s timing, not mine. I view it
as a way to finally clear the past
once and for all, to mend fences
and show the world that even a
messy situation like a rock and roll
band’s demise could be made right
through Christ. I also see that in
many ways, my return to the band
probably has more to do with
22
From all of us at PRS Guitars,
thank you for your support.
Adam Agee, Stellar Kart • Andy Davis/Randy Williams, Jeremy Camp • Hector Cervantes/Juan DeVevo,
Casting Crowns • Derek Mount, Family Force 5 • Matt Hoopes, Relient K • Sameer Bhattacharya/Jared
Hartmann, Flyleaf • Jon Foreman, Switchfoot • Jon Schneck/Matthew Thiessen, Relient K • Justin Cox,
Fireflight • Ben Kasica/Korey Cooper, Skillet • Mac Powell/Mark Lee, Third Day • Noah Henson, Pillar •
Pete Prevost, Sanctus Real • Jonathan Steingard, Hawk Nelson • Barry Graul/Mike Scheuchzer, Mercy Me
• Jeremy Holderfield, Seventh Day Slumber • Tim Rosenau, TobyMac • Tim Skipper, House of Heroes • Jeff
Owen, 10th Avenue North • Paul Zach, Remedy Drive • Jack Parker/Mark Waldrop, David Crowder Band •
James Mead/Nick DePartee, Kutless • Anthony Armstrong, RED • Justin York, Steven Curtiss Chapman •
Jason Roy, Building 429 • Trevor McNevan, Thousand Foot Krutch & FM Static • Eric Miker, Decemberadio •
Todd Agnew, Todd Agnew Band • Luke Graham, Since October
© 2010 PRS Guitars photo of Jason Lee © Jannis Lootens Photographic | www.jannislootens.nl
that if there were a problem onstage
I could plug my bass straight into
the amp or direct box with a cable
and the show would go on.
Looking back on it, it’s kind of funny
how our Thrash era of music has
actually made musical instrument
and amplifier manufacturers finally
design products to the standards
we created years ago. The genre’s
influence has been huge on so
many young players. Plus, Guitar
Hero and Rock Band games have
introduced our music to a whole
new generation who will inevitably
be tomorrow’s musicians. For a
movement that started out so young,
loud and angry, we actually made
some valuable contributions to the
world after all!
CM: What is the next step
for Megadeth? Are you and
Dave writing new songs for
an album? If so, to what
extent will your beliefs/world
views inform this record?
DE: We are writing and cataloging
new ideas while we tour. The
process is usually just that; get
the creative headspace open and
let ideas flow. It isn’t usually until
the band get in the studio with
the producer that songs really
cement themselves together into
compositions. So for now, we are
enjoying a creative camaraderie
together while we travel, which is
a fun thing for us to do in the hours
before a show.
As far as future lyrical messages,
placed here for us to partake in, stage set and certain clothing. So, I’m not sure Megadeth will ever be
so long as our convictions aren’t after trying many bass and amp a band blatantly singing songs of
compromised in the process. I view options, I settled on the Jackson praise to Jesus, nor should it. It’s
it as being ‘in the world, but not Concert basses (four and five okay to sing songs about various
of the world,’ and not conforming string versions) and the new Hartke topics outside of just your faith.
to the world’s benchmarks, as amps and cabs (LH1000 heads However, it is very evident to all
expressed in Romans 12:2. & HyDrive 810 cabinets), which of us that God has done some
CM: Right on. I do see that were the brands I used in back in huge things in our personal and
when you play. Switching the original “Rust In Peace” era. professional lives this year and that
gears a bit, what is your I have a new signature set our current success is to His glory.
current set-up equipment of SIT Strings (David Ellefson It’s humanly and mathematically
wise for this tour? POWERWOUND Nickel Bass) and impossible to go from where we
still use .80 Jim Dunlop Tortex picks were last year to where we are
DE: The main thrust of my return
and Shure wireless systems. My now, and I think that’s the point of
back to Megadeth was embarking
only effect pedal is a Digitech stereo grace – to have gratitude for an
on the 20th Anniversary “Rust In
chorus for a couple solo moments in underserved gift.
Peace” tour, which celebrated
one of our landmark ‘fan-favorite’ the show. We use in-ear monitoring
albums released in 1990. I really with Sennheiser transmitters and
Shure vocal microphones. Other For more information about MEGA
wanted to display the look and the Life! Ministries, see their website at
sound of that era all the way down than that, my signal is really simple
and straightforward. I like to know www.megalifeaz.org.
to the instruments, amps, even the
24
�������������������������������� ��������������������������
NEWWORLDSON
PHIL KEAGGY
PHIL KEAGGY
BRENTON BROWN
ANDY PARK
LAURA STORY
AUDREY ASSAD
BLUES COUNSEL
SCOTT
WESLEY RITA SPRINGER
BROWN
BRIAN WEAVER
christianmusiciansummit.com/southwest GREGG BISSONETTE
christianmusiciansummit.com/overlake
PLUS ONE-DAY INTENSIVES for SONGWRITERS, VOCALS or AUDIO
these are 1-day events the day prior to the conference (Oct 14 in AZ, and Nov. 11 in WA)
We exist to provide practical training, equipping and resources
for musicians, worship leaders, technicians, pastors, songwriters, and independent artists
in order to improve skill and inspire talent for God’s glory and His kingdom.
www.CHRISTIANMUSICIANSUMMIT.com
info@christianmusiciansummit.com 253.655.5000
selective hearing by Shawn McLaughlin
Waterdeep sics, as well as a few Keaggy songs re-imagined from Amos 5:24; the tender hymn of parental
In the Middle of It for the live trio. One thing that a live setting expectation, “Hidden Place;” the title track,
Squint does for Glass Harp is illuminate just how good featuring the astonishing vocals of Thad Cockrell
Entertainment bassist/songwriter Dan Pecchio and drummer/ (think Vince Gill with a lump of fervency in his
Lori and Don Chaffer songwriter John Sferra are. Keaagy’s prowess is throat) and Webb; and the early Beatles-inspired
continue to expand their well known (and, frankly, is highlighted on the “Faith’s Review and Expectation,” which revives
musical palettes with In ten song set), but the inventive, muscular drum- the original verses and title of the church’s most
the Middle of It, a grand ming of Sferra and the pulsating, in-the-pocket- recognized hymn. While hymns have experi-
experiment of pop-rock genre hopping mixed bass groove of Pecchio are an essential ingredient enced a renaissance of sorts in this decade, the
with introspective lyrics about redemption and to the alchemy of the band’s music. Keaggy’s unfortunate stench of profiteering has rendered
the moral fallibility of humankind. Family is a funk/rock/folk “A Sign Came Through the Win- much of the output mawkish and awash in
central theme (the Chaffers recently moved to dow” highlights each band member at his best, self-promotion. McCracken represents a light in
Nashville to spend more time at home rais- as insistent bass lines, empathetic drum fills, and the darkness for the modern hymn movement,
ing their children) and the duo seems to draw Keaggy’s fluid-yet-fiery guitar work transcend the along with small but dedicated collectives like
wisdom from their own time growing up, even boundaries of genre labels. The sixteen-minute Red Mountain, Sojourn, Indelible Grace, Sov-
if the lessons are what to avoid as a parent. “Beachland Jam” is an impressive freestyle ereign Grace and BiFrost Arts – all of whom are
“Gimme My Walkman” features this heartbreak- improvisation in which many themes from past dedicated to making hymns relevant to today’s
ing line amidst a sprightly chorus: “Gimme My Keaggy numbers are recycled in a hodgepodge generation. In Feast or Fallow and McCracken’s
Walkman Mom / I need it bad / That way I don’t that allows each member to stretch out a bit, first hymns record, The Builder and the Architect,
have to listen to the fights you have with dad.” but never varies from a central motif. The rest represent the very best this movement has to
The musical lyrical dichotomy echoes the ups of the album has just as many highlights and, offer: accessible, artistically conceived songs that
and downs of family life, even as the joyful mu- while not revealing anything new to fans of the offer the ultimate answer to questions that have
sic of the disc appears to be a metaphor for the band or of Keaggy, certainly dispels any notion plagued humanity since its fall.
joys of parenthood and watching one’s children that Glass Harp’s chops have diminished over
grow. the years. Burning Like the
The jammier aspects of early Waterdeep Midnight Sun
continue to dissipate on the new disc, as Lori ac- In Feast or Fallow The Choir
cesses her inner Karen O (The Yeah Yeah Yeahs) Sandra McCracken Galaxy 21 Records
on “Couple Cheap Rings,” while Don meshes his Independent www.thechoir.net
love for acts like Van Morrison and Neil Young www.newoldhymns. I will be a bit more
with modern production tricks on “Haven’t You com impressionistic with
Always” and “Only One Time,” while embrac- If nothing else, this review than normal
ing his musical past fully on the jaunty folk Sandra McCracken’s new because I have a million thoughts running
shuffle of the title cut. Lori really shines on the record, In Feast or Fallow, through my head after listening to The Choir’s
weary, resigned “Difference Between,” while is the most Christ- first release in nearly five years. The band has
the comforting “Easy Baby” features the couple focused, God honoring collection I’ve heard in been around for almost thirty years now (formed
in tandem giving reassurance to their children ages. In an era where modern worship is often in ‘82, first record in ‘84), and if they had broken
that there is a light amidst all the darkness of more about the worshiper than the worshiped, in on a mainstream label, it undoubtedly would
the world. There is a depth and creativity to it is refreshing to hear these modern hymns have been the 4AD label out of England. So
Waterdeep’s music that escapes most market- (some reworked texts, some new compositions). much of their music has that murky, ambi-
driven Christian acts these days. One listen to Ironically, they seem to come from a deeply ent texture that filled the 4AD roster, which
the diverse backdrops and insightful lyrics of In personal well of fear and questioning, yet point included bands like The Cocteau Twins and
the Middle of It should to the perfect balm to combat self-tyranny: the Durutti Column, as well as the commercially
convince you that this is promises of Christ’s resurrection, the liberating successful Modern English. What makes The
a record worth owning. freedom of The Holy Spirit, and the comfort of Choir transcend these bands is their determina-
knowing a God who, while not safe, is very, very tion to fit these experimental urges within a pop
Live at the Beachland good. Agriculture seems to be a “fertile” meta- song structure, giving listeners a real treat with
Ballroom, 11/01/08 phor for much of the collection, as humanity all eminently listenable songs that have substance.
Glass Harp but sprang from dust, and God is often seen as In so doing, they remind one of the wonderful
Roots of American the “Tree of Life.” The title track richly echoes Australian band, The Church (“Under the Milky
Music this theme, comparing life’s phases to a crop Way”), whose guitarists Marty Willson-Piper
www.rootsofamericanmusic.org rotation, pointing out that sometimes, the seeds and Peter Koppes are an obvious influence on
www.glassharp.net for our greatest growth are germinated in barren Choir git-slinger Derri Daugherty. With “Burning
Speaking of albums that will appeal to aficio- times. Producer Derek Webb is the husband of Like the Midnight Sun,” The Choir continues
nados of great guitar playing, along comes this McCracken, and that sacred tie can be felt in to create deeply personal music with a distinct,
special live album, culled from a show benefiting the synergy between artist and producer. Webb’s original sound. Each of the members is at the
the Roots of American Music Foundation, an song treatments are experimental, utilizing top of his game musically, and I especially like
organization that helps find funding for music many of the tricks he employed on his electronic hearing more of Dan Michael’s saxophone.
education in schools across the country. Glass masterpiece, Stockholm Syndrome, but in a much Lyrically, The Choir continues to present issues
Harp does not play all that often these days, more organic manner. Combined with the of faith and relationships in a way that is not
but when it does, it is an occasion to celebrate. earthy, acoustic tones and naturalistic melodi- preachy or candy-coated, but rooted in real life.
Guitarist Phil Keaggy is, of course, one of the cism of McCracken, the result is a veritable feast In fact, this album is particularly self-referential,
finest assailers of six strings that this country has of kaleidoscopic pop and infectious tunefulness. with no fewer than six songs written either to a
ever known. He is in fine form throughout the Highlights include the Jeff Lynne-influenced band member, family member or about a friend.
album, as the band does several of their old clas- “Justice Will Roll Down,” adapted faithfully The exquisitely beautiful “A Friend So Kind” is a
26
tribute to the life of recently departed musician, somber mood, it was transformed into the pen- However, the thematic content is hardly explicit,
Tom Howard, a valuable mentor and sounding sive, tone poem it became, albeit with a lovely and alternates between Faith-based musings -
board for a whole community of musicians, in- verse and chorus. “The Word Inside the Word,” the album’s best track, the rousing, stadium blare
cluding The Choir. The warmth toward Howard “Invisible,” and “It Should Have Been Obvious” of “Grace,” “Drink (Everlasting Love),” and the
is especially poignant in the humorous lyric, are all textbook examples of the type of fetching bluesy “Zion” - and the sticky- sweet romantic
“You’ll be smoking fine cigars at the table of hooks Daugherty writes with startling regularity, sentiments of “In Your Light,” “Just In Time,”
The Lord.” “Mr. Chandler” is the re-telling of an and include some of Hindy’s most clever and and “Drive.” Kowalczyk has a way with impos-
incident that happened at the expense of bassist, pointed prose. Daugherty and Byrd add brilliant, sibly big choruses and arena rock arrangements,
Tim Chandler, while the band was touring in yet dense shards of ambient color to give the but few of the songs here add anything new to
its earlier days. Oddly, the melodic line in the songs aural depth. With Burning Like the Midnight his modus operandi, instead often regressing
chorus where Daugherty sings “Mr. Chandler, Sun, Hindalong, Daugherty, Michaels, Chan- into cliched musical strokes and clumsy lyrical
Mr. Chandler,” sounds like it is going to evolve dler and Byrd continue to create albums that, metaphors like those in the album opening
into the chorus of the Lost Dogs classic, “Elea- while highly artistic, prove commercially viable, “Drive” and “Drink (Everlasting Love)” . All this
nor, It’s Raining Now.” The song “Legend of providing a sonically satisfying experience that to say that Alive will be nectar to the ears of
Old Man Byrd” is the ironically titled tribute to carries wonderful layers of sound without losing Daughtry and Kutless fans, but will probably be
the youngest member of the band, Marc Byrd, its center. The music is complex while remaining dismissed by those that value a more creative
written for his 40th birthday. The lyric, “Forever undeniably human and organic. Let’s hope more arc.
strumming his maple black guitar” references of the record buying public will begin to recog-
a guitar that drummer/lyricist Steve Hindalong nize this great band for its commercial potential, Wonder
gave him before he (Byrd) became a member of while we true believers continue to hail their Michael W. Smith
the Choir. Another story from the band’s past is artistic genius and startling transparency. Reunion/Provident/
the psychedelic ballad, “I’m Sorry I Laughed,” Sony
in which the dancing dervish, (Buckeye) Dan Alive For those lamenting
Michaels, playing his saxophone with his Ed Kowalczyk the extended vacation of
usual enthusiasm, somehow fell hard onstage, Soul Whisper Records “Smitty,” the pop-rock
terminally bruising his precious ‘63 Selmer www.edkowalczyk. alter-ego of current adult-
Saxophone on which he’d learned to play. To his com worship artist Michael W. Smith, Wonder will feel
credit, lyricist Hindalong gives this personal tale For those not famil- like water to a dehydrated body. The first four
universal meaning, as it serves as admonition for iar with the name Ed cuts of the disc are all full of inventive keyboard
the human tendency to delight at others’ mis- Kowalczyk, just imagine patches and muscular guitar work, reminiscent
fortune. Giving the track yet more of a feeling of rock radio in the mid 90’s without the songs “ of early Smitty favorites like Big Picture and I
deja vu is Michaels’ saxophone solo that was ac- I Alone” or “Lightning Crashes,” the anthemic 2 Eye. Pretty good for a guy well into his 50’s!
tually lifted from the Chase the Kangaroo album uber-hits from Kowalczyk’s band, Live. Always “Save Me From Myself” and “Take My Breath
(an in-between songs blip). The gentle, moody an act that played fast and loose with spiritual Away” are rousing pop pleasers, while “Run to
“Between Bare Trees” was a musical idea that imagery – a little Christian thought here.....some You” and “I’ll Wait For You” are more textured,
started as a stock pop song (quite reminiscent of buddhist leanings there.....their lead singer/song- mature slices of understated rock, influenced
Crowded House’s “Better Be Home Soon”); then, writer is much more explicit about his Christian by Smith’s working relationship with a certain
when Hindalong’s lyric required a slightly more faith on “Alive” (see what he did there? A Live?). iconic Irish band. The latter, in particular, is
SHUBB
is this clearer than the stark, stunning ballad of cohesive collection of sonically adventurous Shawn McLaughlin is a hard
desperation, “Leave,” a dissection of the circum- worship songs that hint at the messages of com- working dedicated, tireless
stances that lead one to thoughts of ending their munity and human frailty that were the crux
worshipper of Christ
info@shubb.com
www.shubb.com
707-843-4068
The best capo for intonation for the past 30 years
is still the best today!
Like your fingertip...
Most capos use a material to press the
strings that is too hard. It bends the
string over the fret, stretching it sharp.
The thicker the string, especially wound
strings, the more drastic the effect.
Q
The pickguard on my pickguard is so severely warped that the only customers using everything from drop “D”
1967 Guild D40 acoustic solution is to remove it and replace it with to drop “A”, and beyond. The letter name
guitar is starting to lift from a new one. This should be performed by a is referring to the actual pitch of the low, or
the top. Should I remove it professional repairman, to minimize the risk “dropped” string. Ex: drop “C” would look
and replace it with a new one? of damage. like this (low to high):C-G-C-F-A-D.
In this particular case, the pickguard is What strings should I use to play in The best way to keep the tension proper is
A
only lifting slightly from the “drop” tunings? to use a specific guitar, to be set-up and used
Q
guitar and would be better left This is becoming a more and exclusively for a particular tuning. My general
on and having the lifting areas more common question from rule of thumb is to adjust the string gauge,
re-glued. The issue with older gui- customers of my shop. String one set away from your usual preferred gauge,
tars like this, and vintage Martins in particu- manufactures are offering all sorts for each half step you are tuning down to.
lar, is that the original method of manufac- of string sets, designed to use with this kind Did I lose you? Sorry, I’ll again clarify. Let’s
A
ture was to glue the pickguard to bare wood, of tuning and it can be a confus- say that you’re using a standard set of 10’s
then apply the guitars finish over the entire ing task to decipher the set, best at regular pitch. If you are tuning down, one
guitar. Years later, when the pickguard begins suited for your needs. half-step (for drop “C#”), I suggest that you
to shrink and warp, it is very common to see Let me start by defining that use a set of 11’s, to achieve the same tension
corners and edges lift from the body. If you the modern drop tuning usually refers to a and feel that you’re used to. Remember to
choose to remove it, you are both taking the standard tuning relationship, but with the make an even larger jump up, in string gauge,
risk of damaging the soft wood below and low string tuned down a whole step flat. for the low string, which is being tuned
down an extra step. If you can’t find a set to
suit your liking, some string manufacturers
will make custom sets, through their dealers,
with no cost mark-up. Feel free to contact me
about this.
It’s very important to have the guitar
set-up properly, when using heavy strings and
low tunings to achieve acceptable playing
action and good intonation. Taking the extra
time and effort to do this right will pay off
with an instrument that is fun to play and
one that plays in tune.
30
You’ve been searching
for an overdrive
that’s unique,
not like all the rest...
It’s time to feel
the Open Road.
www.visualsound.net
RED
Even the Quiet is
by Bob Waller
RED is a band that hones in on every alike, but are they brothers or what?’” tions, and a lot of the ‘how do you get signed’
minute detail when it comes to their brand Grammy nominated, multi-time Dove questions,” adds Anthony. “Most of the time
of incredibly heavy rock, and their unique Award winners, including most recently for they come up and thank us and tell us that
imagery. Rock Album of the Year at the 2010 Dove our music helped them get through a tough
Bassist Randy Armstrong explains, “I awards, breaking sales records on Christian time in their life.”
think that has to do with us branding what music charts, and climbing high on main- “The majority of emails we get are just to
that word ‘RED’ means to us. In our music stream charts, RED has achieved quite a bit say thank you,” said Randy. “We got a suicide
people get different meanings from different with their first two recordings. Along with note on our MySpace about a year ago and
songs, as we intended. Our song “Never Be singer Michael Barnes and drummer Joe Rick- that was tough to read. It was a kid who said
The Same” talks about the first time we fell ard, the Armstrong brothers see more growth ‘if someone doesn’t talk to me I am going to
in love with Christ. Others may relate that to ahead. kill myself’. We all just started emailing this
the first time they fell in love, or something “We’ve got a ways to go,” says Randy. kid and he ended up coming to a show and
like that. “We’re only on our second record and we we hung out with him and talked to him and
“With our live show, we want people to learn a lot from the bands we tour with. We told him, ‘we are no different than you are’.
come and have an experience. When they pay a lot of attention to the way they run “We tell people every night, don’t put us
leave the show we want them to have that their show, the way they run their backstage, up on a pedestal. You guys love what we do
RED logo burned into their minds, and one what their tour manager is doing. We are a and that is awesome, but to us when some-
thing we want them to remember is that the finely tuned machine…our stage crew can body cheers for us we feel like we are encour-
band looked and sounded amazing and that strike the stage in two minutes can get us on aging them through our music and they are
will help us stay at the forefront of people’s stage doing a sound check in fifteen minutes. getting something out of it and that is why
minds and help us move to the next level That whole way that we implant ourselves they are cheering. To have that happen on a
through the years.” has been important from the start.” nightly basis is reason enough to do what we
Twin brother and guitarist, Anthony That caring about even the do,” Randy continued. “Sometimes when you
Armstrong adds, “Every little thing has to be smallest details carries over into are out here, you start asking yourself if you
in place.” another facet of their career, are really making a difference…but when that
Yes, the Armstrong brothers are identi- and that is dealing with fans, one kid comes up and says ‘you guys saved
cal twins. They have taken to announcing including those who reach my life’ you know it is worth it!”
as much during their live shows just to stem out in need. “We have a lot “It is a big responsibility,” notes Antho-
the never-ending questions about the topic of kids come up and ask ny. “We kind of get numb on the road after
during meet and greet sessions. Being twins questions like, how did awhile and we ask ourselves if what we are
actually enhances the stage imagery. you guys get a record doing on the road is having the effect we set
Anthony comments, “Our manager calls deal?” Randy notes. out for?”
us the ‘pillars’. But what is cool about it is our “I get a lot of “I don’t know why it is that
latest record The Innocence and the Instinct, has gear ques- people who are in stressful situa-
a theme of black and white, and our stage lit- tions go to guys in bands, or to
erally goes from white to black. On my side, I movie stars for help.” said
am wearing all white and Randy Randy. “I don’t know
is wearing all black and people
still are just so confused. They
see us and think…’they look
33
RED
what it is, but that is the way it is.” thon does have a purpose. Randy indicates, ing experience is far and beyond anything
But Anthony remembers the brothers “the marathon to me is commitment, heavy else. The paramedics showed up and said
actually doing the same thing. “We did it. commitment.” ‘where are the dead bodies?’ But we all made
Growing up, we wanted to do this because Anthony points out, “I think we’re trying it out.”
we were inspired by other bands, but what to prove something to ourselves as artists and Randy’s eyes begin to get slightly teary
inspired us was that they could speak to us we’re trying to prove something in higher when he speaks of the accident. “Every time
and we could understand them. places as men of faith too. We’re trying to live we get asked (about the accident) I get choked
We understood their music,” Anthony up to our obligations and just be obedient for up. I was the guy that was driving. I don’t
continued, “understood what they were say- the most part. Every day is a different day. know that I would be the same person today
ing, more than we ever could understand at Some days can be great and some days can if someone was dead because I would blame
church, or could understand from our pastor be troubles but all of us on the bus try to pull myself and I don’t know if I could live with
talking to us, or our youth group leader. together and get through it.” that. Luckily I don’t have to live with it. My
When you get there to a show you kind of Few bands have seen the trouble on the brother was in the front seat and if I had lost
lose yourself in the music and it’s all fun and road that RED has. In November of 2007, my brother…..” he tails off.
games with the live show and everything, but their van and attached equipment trailer The accident certainly tested them. “We
when that part of it gets inside of you that is crashed on an Interstate highway into un- still have cases out with us on the road that
when you start dissecting the band and trying marked construction, destroying the van, are daily reminders,” said Randy.
to understand what their lyrics are about and trailer and nearly all of the contents. “We don’t want to replace them,” com-
that is the biggest thing a lot of kids get into. “The paramedics were telling us that they ments Anthony, “because we see those cases
“They see your live show and they love had seen wrecks that were nowhere near as and they are so chewed up and barely stand-
that we are energetic and after that, that seed bad as ours, and there were no survivors,” ing, but every time we see them we get those
is planted and that is when the ministry kicks said Randy. “Minus some injuries and bumps flashes in our head…the imagery of what we
in for us because we get to answer all these and bruises, there was no reason we should saw that day.”
really cool questions. And they are questions have walked away from that accident.” “It’s like us, as individuals in the
that we welcome.” He believes it was a wake up call. “God band,” notes Randy, “and that is how we feel
Touring can often take a toll on most wanted us to know that he could take it away some days. We’re beat up and we’re struggling
bands. RED is no exception. “Often haven’t from us anytime He wants to, so we’ve got to and we miss home, or we’re sick, and we’re
seen our families,” comments Anthony. “I live every day to the best that we can and do like a road case, replacing the rivets here and
missed my three year anniversary. I missed a what we can every day to the best of our abil- there to get through it.”
few pretty important things on this tour. It’s ity because tomorrow it could be gone.” RED’s ultra-heavy sound has shaped their
hard, man, it really is. We’d be lying to say Anthony has some thoughts on this. “We first two recordings. What is the difference
we’ve got it all figured out and that it’s easy. never really looked at it as a punishment between the first two albums?
We always look at it like a marathon.” whatsoever. It was an eye opening experience. “I think the difference is that we’ve
While it may be a marathon, that mara- Something like that, a near-death eye open- Continued on page 44.
34
™
ntroducing...
The
world’s
firsT MP3
equipped
guitar
record
Playback
Create
www.ovationidea.com Learn
The Thunder Has No Voice
© Ramirez & Associates
H E L I X
Helix HD’s HyperElliptical Winding process allows an increased number of wraps across the length of the string
without altering it’s diameter. More mass, tone & life eclipsing all others.
deanmarkley.com e 800 800 1008
String Bending Part 2 Roger is a member of the
Audio and Praise teams
at Freedom Life Church in
Welcome Back, We have been look- Keaggy. All three of these players have Kissimmee Fl. Endorses Greg
ing at expanding our vocabulary with great control when bending notes, give Bennett Design Guitars by
string bending. Last time we covered them a listen and hear it for yourself. Samick , G&L Guitars, BBE
single string bends by half and whole Next time we will cover Blues and Sound and PedalTrain Pedal Boards. Is an award
steps (tones), occasionally you may Country style bends. Play well and winning guitarist from the “Songwriter Showcase
play pushing the string over one and a GOD Bless, Roger out. of America”. For music, videos and more surf
half steps however your strings could to www.rogerzimish.com, email: rogerzimish@
break under the pressure of the bend. yahoo.com
Let’s take a look at some classic rock
style bends, we will be playing them
out of the A pentatonic minor scale
starting at the 5th fret (exp.1). The first
bend (exp.2) is a single string bend
and will be done with your 3rd finger;
you can add your 1st and 2nd finger to
the same string behind it for support,
push the string with all 3 fingers; your
thumb should be on the top edge of
the neck to help with your grip. Bend
the note a whole step up D to E and
hold the bend up letting the note
sustain. Next make your bend up then
back down this is called “bend and
release” while the note is sounding.
The next set (exp.3) will consist of 2
notes. Pick both notes at the same time
using a down stroke while the notes
are sounding bend up a whole step
with your 3rd and 2nd finger for support
while keeping your 1st finger in place
on the next string. Bend the note up
till the pitch is the same as the higher
string. Our next set (exp.4) is a group
of ascending unison bends moving up
the neck, then descending back down.
The grandfather of classic rock bends
(exp.5) your 1st finger will cover the E
and B strings, the 3rd finger will bend
the G string a whole step. Start using a
down stroke, bend the note then play
the next 2 strings together.
Some guitar players that have influ-
enced me in this technique are David
Gilmour, Stevie Ray Vaughn and Phil
37
Slash Chords G G7/F | C/E D | C D/A D/F# | G |
/ / / / / / / / / / / / / / / /
Have you ever seen the chord D/F#, I’m sure you have. Basically Now let’s modify the progression giving us a chromatic descending
it’s a D major chord with an F# in the bass, in other words, the F#, the bass line.
3rd of the chord, is voiced as the lowest note. As a guitar player or a
keyboard providing 100% of the accompaniment you would play the D G D/F# G7/F | C/E Cmin/Eb | G/D A7/C# | Amin/C D/F# G |
chord with F# as the lowest voice. However, if there is a bass player in / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / /
the group, it’s his job to play the F# and the others might not have to,
it’s a matter of taste. Some of the chords were changed, inspired by the bass line, but we
are still within the 4 bars.
The slash chord also lets us know that the bass player is supposed
to be playing something different from the rest of us. So if he plays The point of all this is to always consider the bass line. The next
the F# while we are all playing a D we’re not all freaking out. While time that you write out a chart or write a song ask yourself “How can
we are on the subject of playing within a group, sometimes it’s best for the bass add new colors to the progression?” It will usually spark your
keyboard and guitar players to voice their chords so they’re not sound- creativity, inspire new chords and progressions. This can step your
ing the lower end of their instrument. This leaves a greater harmonic writing up a notch, you’ll be please with the result.
distance from the bass players and we can be assured we are not mask-
ing their sound and the bass note can really be heard. Until next time, may God bless your work.
Rich
Slash chords can add new life to tried chord progressions. Play this
progression Rich has a 6 CD audio program for learning, hearing
and memorizing music theory called “Theory For The
G | C D | C D | G | Road” which can be found at www.GuitarCollege.com.
Now let’s use slash chords, giving us a new bass line It explains everything in detail and includes audio music
/ / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / illustrations on keyboard and guitar, and ear training.
38
Turning a Mistake
wash book cover with its “when pigs fly”
artwork, making it a “guerilla marketing”
billboard to be seen everyday where ever
I go, with the memory of the redemp-
By Bryan Duncan tion story that comes with it. This was
something I had prayed about before, but
I was looking left while turning right not surprised by future events. He can still given up on a year ago as too expensive.
one balmy summer Monday night about draw a straight line with a crooked stick Now, because of an accident it had to be
a month ago. On my motorcycle, I hit the as a theologian friend of mine, Anthony done anyway. It shall always be to me a
curb on a sharper right turn than I had ex- Campolo, likes to say. reminder of transformation as a direct
pected. And at forty miles per hour, I got This little story is probably the least result of a mistake.
a free flying lesson off the on ramp of the of my mistakes I could share. I know If change must come, let us be for-
freeway. Thrown forty feet into a ravine, I you have your own, beyond embarrass- ward thinking in our circumstances, see-
did a triple back flip with a twist, stick- ing “falls.” If you have any time in faith ing “What was meant for our destruction,
ing the landing on my head. My friends at all, you know yourself in God’s eyes. God has now purposed for our good” (an-
gave me a “7” on the dismount! Until You know why you need Jesus in the first other rough application of Genesis 50:19-
then I was riding carefully, and I had my place. I follow Jesus because he brings 20). I can’t tell you how that works in
little dog Shuggs on the back; she was in a beauty from ashes. I follow him not just your disasters, but I am sure that redemp-
harness and unharmed. We were filming for the education but for the transforma- tion and restoration are possible, not just
some road clips for a music/video promo tion! Taking our bricks and turning them in the surface paint of our proclamations,
for my biker humor book Hogwash. This into three point shots! but born of a victorious heart instilled in
highlight was missed on camera, probably I read somewhere that some of the us by the Savior of our attitudes as well.
a godsend, in that these were circum- best inventions known to man were
stances I would never live down. discovered accidently in mishaps. I don’t Bryan Duncan... CCM
artist for thirty years. With
The bottom line is that little moment know why “Corn Flakes” comes to mind
the Sweet Comfort Band,
of distraction cost me more than any first, but someone forgot to clean out a then solo and now with the
video project I ever did, with the possible mixing bowl and the residue created a Nehosoul band. Owner of
exception of one. Just the short bus ride new product all by itself. That’s the short Red Road Records and Host
was more than the budget! Medical ex- version. Google it if you’re really that of Radio Rehab at www.
penses as a precautionary checkup came interested. Some of the coolest chords radiorehab.com inducted into
to 6K. All I had was some road rash on my I’ve discovered in music have been my the Christian music Hall of Fame in 2007.
left arm and an incredibly disfigured sense ineptness at playing a
of professional pride; there was no charge three chord ditty, my
for that repair. But, being unconscious
for, I don’t know, a nanosecond, gave
thumb falling on the
wrong key. You know
Quality Comfort Style
cause for further review of my condition. that surprise, right?
That, and paramedics found me weeping Wow, that has a cool
over “Jezebel,” my Heritage Softail Harley sound to it. And sud-
Davidson, in my bloodied condition. She denly you’ve started a
took some 5K in damages herself. whole new song from
I spent the next five hours in an ER, an accidental discov-
strapped to a backboard and a neck brace ery!
(against my will, of course). “The only That’s not only
pain I feel is coming from the jokes I’m learning from a
hearing in the waiting room,” I com- mistake, but turning
plained, speaking of my friends in Black a mistake into a tri-
Sheep Harley Davidsons For Christ who umph (or in my case
arrived within minutes of hearing. It’s a new Harley David-
amazing that a single Twitter post can fire son)! In the insurance
a shot heard round the world these days. coverage, Jezebel will
But the aftermath of a mistake is slow be born again. But my
in taking shape, and so too is finding mistake came with
a way to pray about it. We’ve all heard a deductible I had
about “learning from our mistakes,” but to pay as well. And
here I’m talking about “turning a mis- by that, I was given
take.” God causes all the things to work the opportunity to
for good when we are called to his good
purpose, to paraphrase Scripture. Learning
make a tax deductible
investment in promo-
LONG 1131 W. Main St.
Franklin, TN 37064
can be seen as simple notes on paper ap- tion. To repaint the HOLLOW 1-800-545-1181
plied to memory. But maybe God is say- bike in a custom color
ing something more about mistakes. He is layout of the Hog- LEATHER www.longhollowleather.com
39
Indie No Spin Zone wait are waiters. We must continue on and push
through.
O-PORT
acoustic sound enchancement
fits easily and discreetly inside the sound hole
planetwaves.com/oport
Planet Waves is a registered trademark or trademark of D’Addario & Company, Inc. or its affiliates in the US and/or other countries.
© 2010 D’Addario & Company, Inc. All rights reserved. O-Port is a registered trademark of DMG-Austin.
Rewind
by Jim Oas
Leslie Phillips
(aka Sam Phillips)
Leslie Phillips burst onto the Christian such as Randy Stonehill and Mark Heard.
music scene in 1983 – only to leave just as It wasn’t long before she was noticed and
abruptly in 1987. During those four years she signed to a solo contract with Myrrh Records
left an indelible mark on the music indus- at age 18; she stayed with Myrrh for the
try that she came to disdain. Her music was entirety of her Christian music career. By the
punchy, bright, with poignant lyrics tackling time she began working on her fourth album,
tough issues, many based on her own teen The Turning, she had met and teamed up with
years. Born in East Hollywood in 1962 and producer/musician (and future husband) T-
raised with two other siblings in Glendale, Bone Burnett. Leslie was selling over 200,000
CA, she was home-grown for the early ‘80s records per release. She graced the cover of
Christian music market, which was at that the Contemporary Christian Festival Program
time based out of Southern California before (issued by CCM) in 1983 and in May 1987,
its exodus to Nashville. Leslie was and is very she graced the cover of CCM magazine. She
talented, an “all American” kind of singer/ toured the country playing festivals, church-
songwriter/musician. Oh yeah, and I forgot to es, coffeehouses, and was on fire.
mention – she was not hard on the eyes! Myrrh Records tried to promote Leslie
Leslie’s musical career began in the early as the Christian Cyndi Lauper. Leslie was
1980s singing background vocals for artists uncomfortable with this stereotype, and it
44
met lace ipsanis eum a c m eumquid es a quamusapel ini est volum hic te orem
ic eiu se ta ll
perum al tatur, officient ersp icius, simi, stiandessi dolup libus, que niet u orum
Christian Musician
up sp
earci dol blatior errovit a resti qui coremo llam inctios ma olent laute cons nias-
tiumquo mporehente nim ita tenimi, et, so ist ut eum essi tum fugia culpa rem
n te il
le
en c
pe
d
ita porpo
er
VOLUMES 1 & 2
each feature 7 DVDs
with over 10 hours
of practical training
in several workshop
categories...
AUDIO, BASS, DRUMS,
GUITAR, KEYS, VOCALS,
Volume 1 LEADERSHIP, TEAMS
Lincoln Brewster Volume 2 and more... $119.95 each
Gregg Bissonette Abraham Laboriel
David Ellefson Kirk Whalum
Brian Doerksen
Bob Kauflin
Zoro the Drummer NEW!!
Laura Story
Tom Brooks and more... Doug Doppler and more... SINGLE DVDs
2 workshops per d
isc
only $29.95 each
Sheri Gould
Tom Brooks John Mills
Abraham Laboriel &
& Doug Gould with Doug Doppler
Norm Stockton with Mike Johns, Adam &
Zoro the Drummer Duncan David Harsh
www.CMSconferenceinabox.com
> with its legendary Martin tone, striking aesthetic features and
onboard intelligence, the Performing Artist Series
will take your body, mind and soul to new heights.