Sep 10
25

On The Block

As a musician or worship leader, during the week you probably take time to review the upcoming songs and diligently practice, right? Sometimes that doesn’t happen until the night before! : )
 
During practice I sometimes find myself in the middle of some spontaneous worship-writing-composing-thingy on the guitar, and maybe even some lyrics to go with it, especially if I’m using a partial "cut" capo, but that’s another post.
 
In keeping with priorities, I stop and focus on the original goal, and continue reviewing the upcoming set list – hopefully, not before recording my rabbit trail though. Most of the time I forget the musical idea by the time I get back to it. However, in those times that I stop and record the idea, I run into this mental block of sorts whenever I return to work on it. Like everyone, we all work within time constraints. When I finally find some time – or make time – to work on it, sometimes it’s just difficult to get back into the zone so to speak.
 
Hello Writers’ Block! Need some help getting there too? Check out this article by Paul Baloche on removing writer’s block. It’s called, Twelve Keys To Unlock Writers’ Block.
 
Be encouraged to share your thoughts and ideas, and let me know what you think!
 
~Frank
 
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Aug 10
23

Today Is The Day

"Today is the Day", a song written by Lincoln Brewster and Paul Baloche, is a great song that will work well within a Sunday morning set for your church. It has a number of good qualities. From the perspective of the congregation, it’s easy to sing and learn. The lyrics remind and inspire us to trust in the Lord, and are scriptural as well (Psalm 118:24, Matthew 6:34). And, depending on what version you play (Baloche or Brewster), it’s a fast, high energy song.

Actually, I really like both versions so I plan on weaving them together – taking the cool guitar riff (with delay) from the Baloche version and mixing it with the high energy of the Brewster version. I’ve referenced the Baloche version on YouTube (see below). You can search for the Brewster version on YouTube and find it easily.

I’m looking forward to introducing this one at church. Check it out.

~Frank

 

Today is the Day (Baloche Version – Full Video)

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Aug 10
23

Before The Throne

This song has been around for a while. I believe it’s one of those songs that will be around for a long time to come, and one we won’t get tired of. It was written about 140 years ago! There are quite a few singers that have recorded it, but I found this video on YouTube and wanted to share it with you all. It’s very well done, but more importantly, it touches you in a way that is difficult to describe. The lyrics are so full of God’s promises to us. I hope it moves you as much as it moves me. Check out the first few lines of the song:


Before the throne of God above
I have a strong, a perfect plea:
A great High Priest, whose name is Love,
Who ever lives and pleads for me.

My name is graven on His hands,
My name is written on His heart;
I know that while in heaven He stands
No tongue can bid me thence depart
No tongue can bid me thence depart.

 

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Jul 10
30

Gear I Use

Some of my close friends say I have really bad GAS (“Gear Acquisition Syndrome”). I’ve learned to keep it under control for the most part. I’m not sure it really qualifies as an illness, but it appears it may have been contagious at one point, because some of my buddies, which I won’t name here (they know who they are), seem to be suffering from the same thing these days.

Anyway, here’s a list of some of the gear I’m currently using live:

McPherson Acoustic Guitar – MG 4.5 (Indian Rosewood, Redwood Top)
Taylor Acoustic Guitar – 814ce (Indian Rosewood, Spruce Top)
LR Baggs Para Acoustic DI
Boss RV-5 Digital Reverb
Boss TU-2 Chromatic Tuner (Never leave home without it!)
Elixir Medium Strings

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