If you’ve been reading my articles over the last few months, you’ll know that I’ve been on a bit of a hymn journey. Since December, I’ve been pouring through hymnals, trying to find the ‘perfect’ songs for my new CD. In April we’ll be in the studio, which means March has been ... rehearsals!
Over the years, I’ve met many musicians who hate rehearsals and, frankly, I just don’t get it. Sure, you don’t have an audience, and you don’t get rounds of wild applause every time you sing that high note, but rehearsals give a creative satisfaction that can’t be matched anywhere else.
The real joy of rehearsing is the thrill of discovery. Rehearsals are where you get to take the music off the page and find the true beauty in the marriage of lyric and melody. It’s where you get to be messy - make ugly sounds, sing off pitch, try an over-the-top ending - and in all that mess, you find the good stuff. You look at your fellow musicians and say, “Yes, that’s it! Let’s do it that way!”.
We’re going to be a small band for this album. I’m on vocals (obviously). Teri Reid (daughter of Mary Tom Speer) will lead the way with her soulful piano playing. My husband, Gerald Flemming, will compliment Teri with his finger-style guitar skills.
The hymns I’m recording are going to be well known to most listeners - great songs like “I Surrender All,” “Take My Life and Let it Be,” and “In the Garden.” The challenge with songs like these is making them sound fresh and new, while also honoring the beautiful tunes and lyrics written by the hymn writers.
We’re working on 12 hymns altogether, and I’m excited about all of them! Some have a hint of Gospel, some have a hint of jazz, but mostly they are just pretty, lyrical arrangements. I want people to use these songs to experience beautiful, intimate moments with God. I want these songs to be like prayers, leading us into a deeper relationship with our dearest friend.
Remember, “Those who sing, pray twice.”
Happy Singing!
Blessings,
Allison Lynn
http://www.AllisonLynn.com
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Please feel free to email me or leave your comments below!
Author: SGN
| Author's Website: http://sogospelnews.com/
Written: 04/03/2009
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Category: Allison Lynn
Comments: 2
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I've got to agree. I'm a musician and rehearsal is where you get the creative juices flowing and polish for the audience so,,,,there's something worth listening to. To many times we hear "It don't matter what it sounds like,,,,,,,as long as you're doing it for God". NOT true. It's all the more vital for it to be your best,,,,since you are giving back to Him what he's given to you.
Couldn't agree with you more, Allison. Psalms 33:3 says "Sing a new song of praise to him; play skillfully on the harp, and sing with joy." (New Living) Two things stand out to me there. Sing a NEW song and play SKILLFULLY.
Singing a "new song" could be singing an old hymn with a different arrangement that sparks renewed interest in its message, but you're not likely to discover that unless you practice; and how do you play skillfully if you don't rehearse? To do either one of those things requires a commitment to excellence that just doesn't come without considerable time spent in the rehearsal hall.
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