Comments on: NQC 07: Final Thoughts http://averyfineline.com/2007/09/21/nqc-07-final-thoughts/ Criticism and commentary on southern gospel music Wed, 23 May 2012 09:52:13 +0000 http://wordpress.org/?v=2.3 By: EH http://averyfineline.com/2007/09/21/nqc-07-final-thoughts/#comment-134459 EH Sat, 29 Sep 2007 16:23:51 +0000 http://averyfineline.com/2007/09/21/nqc-07-final-thoughts/#comment-134459 #40 I do not doubt the ability that they can jump right in with other musicians that are already familiar with the group, I have no problem with some of those pickers sitting in on a set, but to give me 4 or 5 musicians who may have not played on any of my stuff during a performance as the NQC would be quite frightning. And as to Jimmy Swaggart he may change up a program and call out different progressions but his band is familiar with him and they play together on a regular basis. Folks, it just my opinion #40 I do not doubt the ability that they can jump right in with other musicians that are already familiar with the group, I have no problem with some of those pickers sitting in on a set, but to give me 4 or 5 musicians who may have not played on any of my stuff during a performance as the NQC would be quite frightning. And as to Jimmy Swaggart he may change up a program and call out different progressions but his band is familiar with him and they play together on a regular basis. Folks, it just my opinion

]]> By: Montana Man http://averyfineline.com/2007/09/21/nqc-07-final-thoughts/#comment-134038 Montana Man Sat, 29 Sep 2007 03:57:39 +0000 http://averyfineline.com/2007/09/21/nqc-07-final-thoughts/#comment-134038 36 and 37, very simply, "If Dan feels uncomftorable (sic) repeating it..." he shouldn't have said anything about it. That's the reason for the rudeness and arrogance comment, and I stand by it. Integrity? Hardly. It's the childish "I know something you don't know." And I do have a life, thank you. 36 and 37, very simply, “If Dan feels uncomftorable (sic) repeating it…” he shouldn’t have said anything about it. That’s the reason for the rudeness and arrogance comment, and I stand by it. Integrity? Hardly. It’s the childish “I know something you don’t know.” And I do have a life, thank you.

]]> By: Tele D. Trooth http://averyfineline.com/2007/09/21/nqc-07-final-thoughts/#comment-132322 Tele D. Trooth Thu, 27 Sep 2007 19:28:06 +0000 http://averyfineline.com/2007/09/21/nqc-07-final-thoughts/#comment-132322 #38, any musician worth the ice in his Diet Coke can read a chart and jump right in. Session players often see the charts and hear the demos minutes before they lay down the tracks; to the songs we hear daily on SG radio stations. If the NQC stayed with the musicians most often used by SG artists (Joel Key, Mark Fain, Johnathan Presnell et al) I don't foresee any train wreck. As a case in point, watch Randy Miller in action at NQC, various showcases, concerts, etc. Much of the time, someone spots him and asks him to set in, and he has no clue about the song, the arrangement or the key. It doesn't take him long to "get it" though. Give him a chart and hum a bit of the melody, and he can lay down a track that any "headliner" would be proud to sing to. Personally I think the spontaneity seems to add to the excitement of a "live band"...imagine turnarounds and modulations on the fly...listen to Jimmy Swaggart's radio station once in a while and hear how he calls the chord progressions and key changes on the spot, when he is singing/preaching (by the way, I am not promoting JS with that statement, just braggin on his musicians and their ability to roll with the program as it changes). I guess what I am saying, from a musician standpoint, is that given a reasonable amount of data (charts, keys, etc) a good musician can "wing it" for lack of a better phrase...and "bring it" as well. I think the live band idea at NQC is great. They could even hide a soloist on main stage (gasp!) in all that mix...lol... #38, any musician worth the ice in his Diet Coke can read a chart and jump right in. Session players often see the charts and hear the demos minutes before they lay down the tracks; to the songs we hear daily on SG radio stations.
If the NQC stayed with the musicians most often used by SG artists (Joel Key, Mark Fain, Johnathan Presnell et al) I don’t foresee any train wreck. As a case in point, watch Randy Miller in action at NQC, various showcases, concerts, etc. Much of the time, someone spots him and asks him to set in, and he has no clue about the song, the arrangement or the key. It doesn’t take him long to “get it” though. Give him a chart and hum a bit of the melody, and he can lay down a track that any “headliner” would be proud to sing to.
Personally I think the spontaneity seems to add to the excitement of a “live band”…imagine turnarounds and modulations on the fly…listen to Jimmy Swaggart’s radio station once in a while and hear how he calls the chord progressions and key changes on the spot, when he is singing/preaching (by the way, I am not promoting JS with that statement, just braggin on his musicians and their ability to roll with the program as it changes).
I guess what I am saying, from a musician standpoint, is that given a reasonable amount of data (charts, keys, etc) a good musician can “wing it” for lack of a better phrase…and “bring it” as well.
I think the live band idea at NQC is great. They could even hide a soloist on main stage (gasp!) in all that mix…lol…

]]> By: Deb Chuvalas http://averyfineline.com/2007/09/21/nqc-07-final-thoughts/#comment-131428 Deb Chuvalas Wed, 26 Sep 2007 23:57:10 +0000 http://averyfineline.com/2007/09/21/nqc-07-final-thoughts/#comment-131428 Whatever happened to the glory days of the NQC when it was couth to give new groups a boost and a shot at the main stage. Of Course the politics play out and always seem to win. IE...... Three Bridges were yanked from the Wednesday night program because of a mad talent agency and record producer. Why? Because of a change in personel. Duh! Every group in the industry has had changes. Where the smart people? J. D. Would have put them on to showcase their new and bigger and better sound,. The NQC bores me. They need some new blood. Or maybe just some red blood. Whatever happened to the glory days of the NQC when it was couth to give new groups a boost and a shot at the main stage. Of Course the politics play out and always seem to win. IE…… Three Bridges were yanked from the Wednesday night program because of a mad talent agency and record producer. Why? Because of a change in personel. Duh! Every group in the industry has had changes. Where the smart people? J. D. Would have put them on to showcase their new and bigger and better sound,. The NQC bores me. They need some new blood. Or maybe just some red blood.

]]> By: EH http://averyfineline.com/2007/09/21/nqc-07-final-thoughts/#comment-130299 EH Wed, 26 Sep 2007 03:23:09 +0000 http://averyfineline.com/2007/09/21/nqc-07-final-thoughts/#comment-130299 Not knocking the musicians one bit but unless you have some rehersal time which would almost be impossible to do and as far as these musicians taking the time to listen to all of the songs that the groups would be doing to work out the arrangements, I dont think so, all I see is a train wreck......if it aint broke dont fix it, it's been working for 50 years. Dont get me wrong I love a live band better than the next guy and over the years have become more reliable on tracks like the next guy but I do feel the stacks are piled way to high and do take away from alot of the vocal talent that these groups have. Just my two cents worth ! Not knocking the musicians one bit but unless you have some rehersal time which would almost be impossible to do and as far as these musicians taking the time to listen to all of the songs that the groups would be doing to work out the arrangements, I dont think so, all I see is a train wreck……if it aint broke dont fix it, it’s been working for 50 years. Dont get me wrong I love a live band better than the next guy and over the years have become more reliable on tracks like the next guy but I do feel the stacks are piled way to high and do take away from alot of the vocal talent that these groups have.
Just my two cents worth !

]]> By: Crowe http://averyfineline.com/2007/09/21/nqc-07-final-thoughts/#comment-129985 Crowe Tue, 25 Sep 2007 21:22:58 +0000 http://averyfineline.com/2007/09/21/nqc-07-final-thoughts/#comment-129985 I agree with Chris..If Dan feels uncomftorable repeating it than good for him for not telling.....How my world would change if more people would have that respect for others.. If you need to know, e-mail the CWG or the Gospel Barn.. Rudeness and arrogance? come on man, get a life! I agree with Chris..If Dan feels uncomftorable repeating it than good for him for not telling…..How my world would change if more people would have that respect for others..
If you need to know, e-mail the CWG or the Gospel Barn..
Rudeness and arrogance? come on man, get a life!

]]> By: Chris Kynard http://averyfineline.com/2007/09/21/nqc-07-final-thoughts/#comment-129694 Chris Kynard Tue, 25 Sep 2007 13:22:07 +0000 http://averyfineline.com/2007/09/21/nqc-07-final-thoughts/#comment-129694 #35 - what is rude is your insistence that you have some inherent right to know what someone else has determined is better left - at least for the time being - unsaid. I have no idea what Dan witnessed with the CWG gang but if he feels that it would be improper to share it without the approval of the principals involved that is not arrogance - that is integrity, which sadly is something we do not see nearl enough of in this industry. #35 - what is rude is your insistence that you have some inherent right to know what someone else has determined is better left - at least for the time being - unsaid. I have no idea what Dan witnessed with the CWG gang but if he feels that it would be improper to share it without the approval of the principals involved that is not arrogance - that is integrity, which sadly is something we do not see nearl enough of in this industry.

]]> By: Montana Man http://averyfineline.com/2007/09/21/nqc-07-final-thoughts/#comment-129221 Montana Man Tue, 25 Sep 2007 04:13:03 +0000 http://averyfineline.com/2007/09/21/nqc-07-final-thoughts/#comment-129221 Is the Gospel Barn a public place? Was this a public event or a private event? If it was a public event how do you justify requiring being "given permission" to say what happened in a public place at a public event? It REALLY is rudeness or perhaps arrogance to suggest that you witnessed something exceptional but to beg off because you "don't have permission." Is the Gospel Barn a public place? Was this a public event or a private event?

If it was a public event how do you justify requiring being “given permission” to say what happened in a public place at a public event? It REALLY is rudeness or perhaps arrogance to suggest that you witnessed something exceptional but to beg off because you “don’t have permission.”

]]> By: Dan Keeton http://averyfineline.com/2007/09/21/nqc-07-final-thoughts/#comment-128878 Dan Keeton Mon, 24 Sep 2007 22:58:10 +0000 http://averyfineline.com/2007/09/21/nqc-07-final-thoughts/#comment-128878 #33 Jani Lets just say that the whole room was in tears for what they did for one person. For the sake of the CWG and this one person's family I have not been given permission to share what it was exactly. What I will say is "there may be finer singers in this world, but there are no finer Christian People. What I witnessed was un-selfishness and thoughtfulness such as I've never seen in this business. #33 Jani
Lets just say that the whole room was in tears for what they did for one person. For the sake of the CWG and this one person’s family I have not been given permission to share what it was exactly.

What I will say is “there may be finer singers in this world, but there are no finer Christian People. What I witnessed was un-selfishness and thoughtfulness such as I’ve never seen in this business.

]]> By: jani http://averyfineline.com/2007/09/21/nqc-07-final-thoughts/#comment-128726 jani Mon, 24 Sep 2007 20:22:18 +0000 http://averyfineline.com/2007/09/21/nqc-07-final-thoughts/#comment-128726 #24 What did you witnessed seeing the CWG? They have been around a long time. Seem to be busy all the time. ALot of people love them. #24
What did you witnessed seeing the CWG? They have been around a long time. Seem to be busy all the time. ALot of people love them.

]]> By: jb http://averyfineline.com/2007/09/21/nqc-07-final-thoughts/#comment-128485 jb Mon, 24 Sep 2007 13:25:59 +0000 http://averyfineline.com/2007/09/21/nqc-07-final-thoughts/#comment-128485 I read so much on here about "canned music". Do you just feel that "professional, full-time" singers should not use them? For me, if it wasn't for the soundtracks, my family would not be able to go out and sing. I do agree that most of the stacks overtake and they sound like a full choir. I really don't understand why some feel they have to do that because they sound great without them. I was really dissatisfied with the lineup this yr. on Saturday night. We left after the Perrys and headed home. I read so much on here about “canned music”. Do you just feel that “professional, full-time” singers should not use them? For me, if it wasn’t for the soundtracks, my family would not be able to go out and sing. I do agree that most of the stacks overtake and they sound like a full choir. I really don’t understand why some feel they have to do that because they sound great without them. I was really dissatisfied with the lineup this yr. on Saturday night. We left after the Perrys and headed home.

]]> By: Wayne http://averyfineline.com/2007/09/21/nqc-07-final-thoughts/#comment-128428 Wayne Mon, 24 Sep 2007 12:06:01 +0000 http://averyfineline.com/2007/09/21/nqc-07-final-thoughts/#comment-128428 Has anyone ever been to one of Tim Lovelace's Jam Sessions? Some of the best musicians in the industry are a part of these. THERE is your band. The absolute BEST concert I ever attended in my life was The Cathedrals where it was just the four guys singing, (Glen, George, Mark, and a new guy named Ernie) and Roger on piano. Mark also played bass guitar. There were a couple of songs they used tracks on, but the majority of them were piano and bass...and the Cats brought it! I miss live music. Also, I don't make it a habit of taking the Lord's name in vain. Has anyone ever been to one of Tim Lovelace’s Jam Sessions? Some of the best musicians in the industry are a part of these. THERE is your band.

The absolute BEST concert I ever attended in my life was The Cathedrals where it was just the four guys singing, (Glen, George, Mark, and a new guy named Ernie) and Roger on piano. Mark also played bass guitar. There were a couple of songs they used tracks on, but the majority of them were piano and bass…and the Cats brought it! I miss live music.

Also, I don’t make it a habit of taking the Lord’s name in vain.

]]> By: WhoamI http://averyfineline.com/2007/09/21/nqc-07-final-thoughts/#comment-128322 WhoamI Mon, 24 Sep 2007 08:47:30 +0000 http://averyfineline.com/2007/09/21/nqc-07-final-thoughts/#comment-128322 Dan, Hate to see ya leaving the DMB man. Best wishes though. I believe you're one of the finest tenors in the SG genre. Keep on lifting him up. Thanks for your time and dedication. Dan,
Hate to see ya leaving the DMB man. Best wishes though. I believe you’re one of the finest tenors in the SG genre. Keep on lifting him up.

Thanks for your time and dedication.

]]> By: Edie http://averyfineline.com/2007/09/21/nqc-07-final-thoughts/#comment-128004 Edie Mon, 24 Sep 2007 01:02:55 +0000 http://averyfineline.com/2007/09/21/nqc-07-final-thoughts/#comment-128004 Okay...so, let's say it costs $10,000 to have five musicians for a night. (I don't think we SHOULD pay them less than union scale, by the way.) Even at $10,000, the publicity you could get would make up for it, not to mention giving some much-needed excitement to the event. And...if you did it on Saturday night, you'd have a better chance of getting people to stick around. But would it even have to be studio musicians? Aren't there enough really great musicians in southern gospel already to for a really amazing band? I mean pay Stan Whitmire, Ricky Free, Ben Isaacs and Joel Keys to show up and rehearse with the groups and you've got an amazing show! Okay…so, let’s say it costs $10,000 to have five musicians for a night. (I don’t think we SHOULD pay them less than union scale, by the way.) Even at $10,000, the publicity you could get would make up for it, not to mention giving some much-needed excitement to the event. And…if you did it on Saturday night, you’d have a better chance of getting people to stick around.

But would it even have to be studio musicians? Aren’t there enough really great musicians in southern gospel already to for a really amazing band? I mean pay Stan Whitmire, Ricky Free, Ben Isaacs and Joel Keys to show up and rehearse with the groups and you’ve got an amazing show!

]]> By: Trent http://averyfineline.com/2007/09/21/nqc-07-final-thoughts/#comment-127961 Trent Sun, 23 Sep 2007 23:50:32 +0000 http://averyfineline.com/2007/09/21/nqc-07-final-thoughts/#comment-127961 Hey, RR. I work in a union environment (factory), and used to be a union official in the plant I work in. I'm not so sure the union would have any jurisdiction over gigs these guys are playing outside usual & customary session work. If they are playing studio SESSIONS on the cheap or above or below the standard hourly rate, then undoubtedly the union will have a problem with it. If they are playing down at Fred's BBQ Pit on Thursday nights or if they are playing at NQC on a Friday night, I'm not sure the union has any say-so over that. They may, but it totally depends on how their contract is worded. If there is a clause in their contract that dictates what they play and when they play outside session work, then you may be right. However, I doubt if that is the case. Maybe someone who is familiar with these guys' contract could share the details of how free they are to work wherever they want (or not) outside of session work. Hey, RR. I work in a union environment (factory), and used to be a union official in the plant I work in. I’m not so sure the union would have any jurisdiction over gigs these guys are playing outside usual & customary session work. If they are playing studio SESSIONS on the cheap or above or below the standard hourly rate, then undoubtedly the union will have a problem with it. If they are playing down at Fred’s BBQ Pit on Thursday nights or if they are playing at NQC on a Friday night, I’m not sure the union has any say-so over that. They may, but it totally depends on how their contract is worded. If there is a clause in their contract that dictates what they play and when they play outside session work, then you may be right. However, I doubt if that is the case. Maybe someone who is familiar with these guys’ contract could share the details of how free they are to work wherever they want (or not) outside of session work.

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