Carl Albrecht
Thursday, March 17, 2011
Carl's NEW website
PS. Also watch for the NEW site for our ministry "The Well of Nashville" - You can find basic updates at Facebook - The Well of Nashville.
Monday, February 21, 2011
Recordings Sessions w/Paul Baloche Band
Saturday, February 5, 2011
Chattanooga House of Prayer / Carl is moved!
Thursday, February 3, 2011
New Seasons / Carl - drums & life
Wednesday, January 6, 2010
Drummers Think Tank
After writing over 38 articles and counting, I’m trying to stir up the creative juices a little bit. I have some ideas for sure, but I want to reach out to you, the readers, the drummers, and any other musicians. Actually anyone reading this is invited to participate if you’d like. Now is your chance to be heard. In future articles I would like to respond to your direct questions about drums, percussion, ministry, church life, touring, worship, or anything else related to worship drumming. Because this is a “drum/percussion” feature article let’s try to keep the questions focused on that general topic.
Although I’m happy to try to any answer burning questions you might have about anything… food, travel, politics, etc. etc. …. Wait – wait – on second thought, let’s just concentrate on music & ministry. I only get a couple of pages for space, not the whole magazine.
Direct your questions, ponderings, and thoughts to my email at LMAlbrecht@aol.com
Probably the number one issue remains the challenge of adjusting to the acoustics of every room or venue I play. My last article dealt exclusively with adjusting your dynamics to the audio environment and how to accomplish that. And this still remains the biggest issue for worship drummers all over the world. Really!
Secondly is the issue of timing & groove. This is probably the most important technical aspect of playing music for all musicians. For a drummer this skill is as important as their ability to control dynamics. So maybe these first two elements are tied together. For those new to my writing this means using a metronome or other click device for practice and performance. Yes, I use a click for EVERYTHING I do when playing drums.
Next is playing with sensitivity to the direction of the worship leader and the listening for the leading of the Holy Spirit. Along with this is the drummer’s awareness of the pastor’s role in worship as well as the congregation. To be a worshipper as well as a minstrel is the primary spiritual role for any worship musician. All of my musical and “life” work for that matter is all about loving God and loving people. This applies to church & secular work. The Lord wants us to be like Him everywhere we go.
In recent years the need for worship drummers to be more production savvy has become important. What I mean by this is the ability to use click tracks, computers, sequencers, samplers, and headphone systems has been come almost as valuable as your playing skill. Even on a small budget you should start expanding from just being a player to building a system that will help you in your “techno” skills. Start with a small headphone mixer and your own personal ear buds or headphones. Then definitely have your click device plugged into that. Then add drum & percussion loops with a small drum machine or sampler. It would be even better to use a laptop with music software like Ableton Live or other drum friendly programs and start building a loop library and learn how to do editing. Every drummer I know does this in some way. Start small, build your system, and keep learning. I am always working at this and continue to ask other players about their technical adventures.
Maintain the attitude of a learner. Always be open to new drum ideas. Take lessons, go to drum clinics, get a training DVD and try to keep a routine of practice in you life; just like maintaining a healthy lifestyle of diet and exercise. Don’t fall into the trap of being lazy towards your musical gifts “just because it’s only for church.” The Lord does deserve our best efforts.
Besides all of these drum ideas your ability to be a servant/ leader with your gifts is the “umbrella” that should cover all of these things. It’s sad when I hear about stories of musicians, who after gaining great skill and notoriety become arrogant snobs. Their talent has short-circuited their soul. No matter how “great” you think you are, God did not give you a gift for your own selfish reasons. He gives us gifts to learn how to be faithful in the short time we have the planet. To live well is to love God and love people.
So, welcome to the drummer’s think tank! I hope in sharing this you feel compelled to move to the next level and to be inquisitive and ask those questions. I’ll be expecting to hear from you.
Blessings in the journey,
Carl