Comments on: Building better bridges http://averyfineline.com/2007/11/17/building-better-bridges/ Criticism and commentary on southern gospel music and culture Sun, 23 Nov 2008 00:02:14 +0000 http://wordpress.org/?v=2.3 By: quartet-man http://averyfineline.com/2007/11/17/building-better-bridges/#comment-218198 quartet-man Wed, 05 Dec 2007 12:29:41 +0000 http://averyfineline.com/2007/11/17/building-better-bridges/#comment-218198 Years ago I noticed and posted somewhere about the propensity to use excerpts of hymns in new songs. It was cool at first, but now I can often hear when and how they will do it. It has become way too predictable and boring. The first time I remember someone doing this was Gold City using "I Will Glory In The Cross" on "Calvary Came Through." This was cool. Later, the Martins used "Grace Greater Than Our Sin" on "Grace." That was nice too. I am sure there are others that are effective, but most annoy me because it seems to be an attempt to link the song to something loved and familiar instead of letting the song stand on it's own. I did like Gold City using "The Battle Hymn Of The Republic" on "Truth Is Marching On" so, there are still times it can be nice. Now, it seems that practically every choral anthem uses a hymn in them too. When will the madness stop? ;) Years ago I noticed and posted somewhere about the propensity to use excerpts of hymns in new songs. It was cool at first, but now I can often hear when and how they will do it. It has become way too predictable and boring.

The first time I remember someone doing this was Gold City using “I Will Glory In The Cross” on “Calvary Came Through.” This was cool. Later, the Martins used “Grace Greater Than Our Sin” on “Grace.” That was nice too. I am sure there are others that are effective, but most annoy me because it seems to be an attempt to link the song to something loved and familiar instead of letting the song stand on it’s own. I did like Gold City using “The Battle Hymn Of The Republic” on “Truth Is Marching On” so, there are still times it can be nice. Now, it seems that practically every choral anthem uses a hymn in them too. When will the madness stop? ;)

]]> By: Paul Jackson http://averyfineline.com/2007/11/17/building-better-bridges/#comment-202055 Paul Jackson Tue, 20 Nov 2007 13:31:58 +0000 http://averyfineline.com/2007/11/17/building-better-bridges/#comment-202055 Interesting thoughts and words...though the whole subject seems a little obsessive. Interesting thoughts and words…though the whole subject seems a little obsessive.

]]> By: SM http://averyfineline.com/2007/11/17/building-better-bridges/#comment-201271 SM Mon, 19 Nov 2007 20:37:16 +0000 http://averyfineline.com/2007/11/17/building-better-bridges/#comment-201271 Bridge Nominations: "Here I Am Again" - Christlike "It's Still the Cross" - Gold City (props for using a 7 chord). Personal opinion, but I'd favor the hymn verse and contemporary chorus CCM combination (a la MWS "the Wonderful Cross" or Tomlin's "Amazing Grace-My Chains Are Gone") over the predictable bit-chorus bridge. Bridge Nominations:
“Here I Am Again” - Christlike
“It’s Still the Cross” - Gold City (props for using a 7 chord).

Personal opinion, but I’d favor the hymn verse and contemporary chorus CCM combination (a la MWS “the Wonderful Cross” or Tomlin’s “Amazing Grace-My Chains Are Gone”) over the predictable bit-chorus bridge.

]]> By: Jeremy http://averyfineline.com/2007/11/17/building-better-bridges/#comment-199518 Jeremy Sun, 18 Nov 2007 07:09:13 +0000 http://averyfineline.com/2007/11/17/building-better-bridges/#comment-199518 I have noticed the recent trend where southern gospel artist use old hymns as the bridges in their songs. I find it ironic that in contemporary music the artist sings a hymn and then have a contemporary bridge. For instance : "Amazing grace" with a bridge of "My chains are gone I've been set free..." I have noticed the recent trend where southern gospel artist use old hymns as the bridges in their songs. I find it ironic that in contemporary music the artist sings a hymn and then have a contemporary bridge.

For instance :
“Amazing grace”
with a bridge of “My chains are gone I’ve been set free…”

]]> By: Greg http://averyfineline.com/2007/11/17/building-better-bridges/#comment-198884 Greg Sat, 17 Nov 2007 20:25:27 +0000 http://averyfineline.com/2007/11/17/building-better-bridges/#comment-198884 DBM, you are correct. The version works for GV especially with Gerald's history with Champion of Love. The original version also works. I wonder how many people understand how little in return a gospel songwriter gets in return for his/her efforts compared to country, pop, etc. The shame is people buying the tracks or having tracks made and singing even recording the songs making $$$ and the writer never sees a penny. Phil I appreciate you man! DBM, you are correct. The version works for GV especially with Gerald’s history with Champion of Love. The original version also works. I wonder how many people understand how little in return a gospel songwriter gets in return for his/her efforts compared to country, pop, etc. The shame is people buying the tracks or having tracks made and singing even recording the songs making $$$ and the writer never sees a penny. Phil I appreciate you man!

]]> By: TheGodfather http://averyfineline.com/2007/11/17/building-better-bridges/#comment-198864 TheGodfather Sat, 17 Nov 2007 19:55:44 +0000 http://averyfineline.com/2007/11/17/building-better-bridges/#comment-198864 Actually, with regards to "Heaven's Hero", the purpose of the "Champion" bridge was to kill two birds with one stone. For over, 20 years, people still request Mr. Wolfe to sing "Champion", however there comes a time when every song needs a rest, to preserve it. So, rather than sing the entire song and bot be able to sing your current matieral. The song was added in the bridge of "Heaven's Hero". Not shameless at, clever. Actually, with regards to “Heaven’s Hero”, the purpose of the “Champion” bridge was to kill two birds with one stone. For over, 20 years, people still request Mr. Wolfe to sing “Champion”, however there comes a time when every song needs a rest, to preserve it. So, rather than sing the entire song and bot be able to sing your current matieral. The song was added in the bridge of “Heaven’s Hero”. Not shameless at, clever.

]]> By: Steven http://averyfineline.com/2007/11/17/building-better-bridges/#comment-198827 Steven Sat, 17 Nov 2007 18:55:03 +0000 http://averyfineline.com/2007/11/17/building-better-bridges/#comment-198827 "Might as well have had some scantily clad hostess parade back and forth in front of the stage holding up a sign to the audience that says STAND UP AND APPLAUD LOUDLY NOW (even though we really didn’t bother to write anything new for you)." HAHA! HILARIOUS “Might as well have had some scantily clad hostess parade back and forth in front of the stage holding up a sign to the audience that says STAND UP AND APPLAUD LOUDLY NOW (even though we really didn’t bother to write anything new for you).”

HAHA! HILARIOUS

]]> By: David Bruce Murray http://averyfineline.com/2007/11/17/building-better-bridges/#comment-198225 David Bruce Murray Sat, 17 Nov 2007 03:54:29 +0000 http://averyfineline.com/2007/11/17/building-better-bridges/#comment-198225 Bridges that never were...hmm, there's an idea. Grab a PD quartet standard, add a bridge from your favorite hymn, and copyright your newly written derivative version...no creativity required! :o) Bridges that never were…hmm, there’s an idea. Grab a PD quartet standard, add a bridge from your favorite hymn, and copyright your newly written derivative version…no creativity required! :o)

]]> By: Musicscribe Blog » Best Bridges http://averyfineline.com/2007/11/17/building-better-bridges/#comment-198196 Musicscribe Blog » Best Bridges Sat, 17 Nov 2007 02:58:13 +0000 http://averyfineline.com/2007/11/17/building-better-bridges/#comment-198196 [...] Harrison just posted a good article about bridges…that section of a song that typically connects a chorus appearing after the [...] […] Harrison just posted a good article about bridges…that section of a song that typically connects a chorus appearing after the […]

]]> By: David Bruce Murray http://averyfineline.com/2007/11/17/building-better-bridges/#comment-198141 David Bruce Murray Sat, 17 Nov 2007 01:57:46 +0000 http://averyfineline.com/2007/11/17/building-better-bridges/#comment-198141 The original bridge of "Heaven's Hero" was not a quote from "Champion Of Love." The song had a perfectly good bridge written by Phil Cross, but as I understand it, producer Lari Goss wanted to use a piece of Cross' more popular hit instead. I believe the "real version" appears in this choral collection: http://www.brentwood-benson.com/product.aspx?ProjectCode=457571136 The original bridge of “Heaven’s Hero” was not a quote from “Champion Of Love.” The song had a perfectly good bridge written by Phil Cross, but as I understand it, producer Lari Goss wanted to use a piece of Cross’ more popular hit instead.

I believe the “real version” appears in this choral collection:
http://www.brentwood-benson.com/product.aspx?ProjectCode=457571136

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