The Worship Kitchen

New Song for Sunday May 3rd 2009

noreply@blogger.com (warbird2010) — Fri, 01 May 2009 03:53:00 +0000

our new WL Scott H. started us out in rehearsal with this one.

It was a great choice, and a GREAT rehearsal. Thanks Scott!

JC

He is RISEN!

noreply@blogger.com (warbird2010) — Sat, 11 Apr 2009 12:41:00 +0000

This is my favorite Easter song! ( Get out the Kleenexes )

He is Risen INDEED!

EASTER!

noreply@blogger.com (warbird2010) — Mon, 06 Apr 2009 02:29:00 +0000

this is the week when we can 'Fall in love with Christ' all over again. I hope you ( whomever you are ) and your music ministry bless countless others this week, and I hope you'll be blessed yourself along the way

Here's a link to the slides we Used at Journey Fellowship back in 2005 for Easter Sunday

Jimbo

I'd like to hear this song in our Worship

noreply@blogger.com (warbird2010) — Tue, 10 Feb 2009 05:46:00 +0000

perhaps slower, as a power ballad

Jimbo

God tube has changed their name

noreply@blogger.com (warbird2010) — Sat, 07 Feb 2009 04:06:00 +0000

to TANGLE

I don't get it, or the symbolism, or whatever. Anyhow, here's an oldie from last October.

all my stuff is here

GOOD NEWS! Nick, the guy on the red guitar should be playing for our middle school praise team sometime soon. Pray for him and the beginning of his ministry

- Jimbo

God of this City - Offertory 25 jan 2009

noreply@blogger.com (warbird2010) — Tue, 27 Jan 2009 04:42:00 +0000

as performed by our current praise team

let me know what you think email

Jimbo

I've become an Eric Clapton Fan!

noreply@blogger.com (warbird2010) — Wed, 21 Jan 2009 05:02:00 +0000

he gets it right, way back in the 1960s

It is an honor to perform your music Mr. Clapton.

Jimbo

Feedback this week

noreply@blogger.com (warbird2010) — Wed, 21 Jan 2009 04:25:00 +0000

I got a few comments this week about the 80s tune we started with Sunday morning. One adult couldn't believe we started with a song that they hadn't heard, and the teens; well, they were teens, but they were honest and had a right to be. I posted a 'send me songs you really like' status on Facebook, and here's an early list of what was replied.

Sweetly Broken - Jeremy Riddle
No One Like You - David Crowder Band
Remedy - David Crowder Band
Come and Listen - David Crowder Band
Glory of it All - David Crowder Band
"Mighty to Save" by Hillsong United from The I Heart Revolution
"Majesty(Here I am)" by Delirous
"Nothing but the Blood" by Matt Redman
"To the Ends of the Earth" by Hillsong United
"My Hope" by David Crowder Band
"Everything Glorious" by David Crowder Band
"This Is Our God" by Chris Tomlin from Live from Austin Music Hall
"Everyday" by Hillsong United
"King of Majesty" by Hillsong United
"Obsession" by David Crowder Band
How is it between us - Sara Groves
Mountain of God - Third Day
We Fall Down - Chris Tomlin (or most anyone else)
God is With Us - Mercy Me
You Are So Good To Me - Third Day
Ain't No Grave - Selah (Adam Crabb)
Love them Like Jesus - Casting Crowns
I Believe - Third Day
More Than You'll Ever Know - Watermark
NO one like our God.
Lifesong, praise you in this storm.
You are god alone.,
I am a friend of God.
Awesome is the lord most high
I Can Only Imagine,
What If I Stumble,
Your Love Oh Lord,
Trading My Sorrows,
In Christ Alone
"I've Always Loved You" - Third Day
"Thank You" - 33 Miles..
"Lead of Love" - Caedmon's Call
Still" - Hillsong
"Hallelujia What a savior",
"Amazing Grace My Chains are Gone"
Your Love is Extravagant (Casting Crowns),
Peace Be Still (Rush of Fools),
Full Attention (Jeremy Riddle),
I Am Nothing (Jeremy Camp),
Be Still and Know (Steven Curtis Chapman)

I had never heard of Jeremy Riddle, so this was a good exercise for me.

I think we did a good job on the song, and took a LOT of the 1980s out of it, but I'd still like to see us keep it 1995 or newer, unless we're playing an obvious Hymm; could avoid some similar results in the future.

I have a crazy collection I started by accident, of old HYMNALS that I just ended up with; I have about twenty. This is from the forward of the 1941 Methodist Youth Hymnal:

"When selecting songs for this collection, we had to ask ourselves three questions:
1) Is the melody pleasing;
2) Is the theology sound in the lyrics;
3) Is it singable? "

I think this works for worship music, whether it's from Chris Tomlin, or whether it's (probably not- see #3 above) from Third Day. One place I had to watch out in my former 'worship leader' days at Journey Fellowship was the large Third Day fanbase. Mac Powell is one amazing vocalist, and truthfully I cannot sing like him, and can't expect the typical worshiper to either. When something had too much 'style' vocally, we couldn't use it unless it was the weeks special music/offertory/whatever, but typically you and I can't sing like Mac Powell and shouldn't expect others to. At the risk of offending, I feel the same way about half of David Crowder's music. I am wrong, but it's how I feel, not think. The massive amounts of participation I hear in the Youth Worship downstairs tells me to re-evaluate my feelings on DC sometime very soon.

Regardless, remember that we are here for a purpose higher than ours, and we should listen to the Mighty One, and adapt ourselves to His purpose, however that needs to be achieved musically. Praise be to GOD!

Jimbo email

Comparing sounds

noreply@blogger.com (warbird2010) — Mon, 19 Jan 2009 22:36:00 +0000

what I DON'T want to sound like

What I HOPE to sound like

(Don't expect me to give up my Gibson for an imported Gretsch hung below my waist anytime soon)

can we forget about the 80s for a while??

Jimbo

Just read something stupid

noreply@blogger.com (warbird2010) — Thu, 15 Jan 2009 18:28:00 +0000

or maybe just ignorant. HERE IT IS

I was discussing with Mike and Tom, two amazing ( Powerpoint and Audio) volunteers last night about how the human element really is important. I can think of a few dozen friends from days gone by that would be dissapointed to come into a church as non-believers and hear a band that stinks. Yes, we do it all for God, and we all love each other, and how God hears us is what matters . . . We've sugarcoated a little too much of what we do. Granted, in a room of 100% believers, aka SAINTS, we could just do liturgical hymns etc, you know, the hard-core Latin stuff, none of this easy going English nonsense, and it would all work to honor our Almighty Creator. But didn't Jesus come for EVERYONE? And while I'm asking rhetorical questions: didn't he meet others where they were??

I'd hate to think we can't have drums/guitars/whatever in church because it's deemed not necessary. Maybe they aren't necessary in how we express ourselves to God, but more of how we express ourselves that others can relate to. Even more importantly, perhaps it's a great way to reach non-believers, by making them comfortable, and meeting them WHERE THEY ARE. If we really want to throw out the human element, let's get rid of the Air Conditioning too. It's not mentioned in the bible, is it??

God ROCKS!

Jimbo

Performing God of this City

noreply@blogger.com (warbird2010) — Thu, 15 Jan 2009 18:19:00 +0000

When adding 'God of this city' by Chris Tomlin. Note: There are two arrangements, Studio and Live (below), you can find them both on Youtube. They don't use the same chord progressions, so be careful which one you learn, and which one you plan to use. ( true story )

Jimbo

New ad that works

noreply@blogger.com (warbird2010) — Sat, 10 Jan 2009 06:06:00 +0000

just finished up 'God of this city' last Sunday 1/4/2009 as offertory, this week it will be a 'participation' selection. My little girl walked around the house singing it last week after church, so I know it's catchy . . .

Funny how the simplest of four-chord songs can touch hearts

Yahweh is the God of this city, this town, this state, this Country, world, universe, you get the idea. When he said to Moses :" I am that I am" he stated it in simpler terms, He's Everything

let me know what you think of the new tune, email me

Jimbo

Christmas Song that works!

noreply@blogger.com (warbird2010) — Wed, 17 Dec 2008 03:22:00 +0000

As far as 'Christmas Arrangements' go, a lot of songs are 'improved' that were better left alone. In the spirit of the season I won't rant on any particular artist that shouldn't have added their 'diva-esque' influence to a holiday tune that didn't need their help.

Here's something positive. I think it's my favorite new to me arrangement of the 2008 Christmas music offering

Peace on Earth

Jimbo

TOO MUCH FUN

noreply@blogger.com (warbird2010) — Sat, 15 Nov 2008 06:15:00 +0000

The wife and I were shopping in Branson tonite, and dropped by Silver Dollar City for a bit, and I got to visit with my old friends, the Homestead Pickers. We had been inside the log cabin about five minutes before I was asked to sit in and play bass. While there, with no sound system, big lights, or any agenda whatsoever, I played 'One Day At A Time, and 'On My Father's Side' and got to think about how much God has done for me. I had never heard Father's Side before, but was warned that every time it's played, somebody gets blessed. It was true. I found a version of an old timer singing it. I hope you enjoy it. Jim

A new song on the horizon

noreply@blogger.com (warbird2010) — Tue, 04 Nov 2008 23:57:00 +0000

Our super-soprano Tammy S will be singing a new song for offertory this week

We will be adding it to our worship mix. I like this video: Grab some tissue

Jim

Things are going WELL

noreply@blogger.com (warbird2010) — Thu, 30 Oct 2008 05:47:00 +0000

Darn near great. I'm about to see a doctor, maybe I can get rid of this soft collar around my neck. I'm playing in the band again, and Scott WL Jr. is doing a great job. He's hired another guitar player that's obviously better than me, but so far only one person has said so. We'll see what happens next.

Till then, let's play for the KINGDOM, and not just for ourselves

Jimbo

HE REIGNS!

noreply@blogger.com (warbird2010) — Mon, 20 Oct 2008 15:52:00 +0000

The Sunday night Gospel Event was truly some of the greatest music I've ever been involved in. Will posts excerpts soon!

Jim

An even BETTER Quote:

noreply@blogger.com (warbird2010) — Sun, 19 Oct 2008 03:31:00 +0000

"What unites us is greater than what divides us"

Dr. Rodney Reeves - Interim Pastor South Haven Baptist Church

One of my favorite quotes

noreply@blogger.com (warbird2010) — Wed, 15 Oct 2008 03:41:00 +0000

and it applies to this blog.

"I'm an equal opportunity offender" - Mel Brooks

Guitar Lesson: I Am Free

noreply@blogger.com (warbird2010) — Sat, 11 Oct 2008 15:58:00 +0000

Starring the most horrible pants I own

I'm at home recovering from my anterior cervical disc fusion ( note the white soft collar / neck brace in the video), and with LOTS of time on my hands, I made this video for vanderbilly.com . Clearly the Tony Stewart pants should not be allowed out of the house, even on video; but what's done is done. If you like this song you can use the above video to learn the Ross Parsley version , at least my idea of how to play it. Chances are you play better than me anyway, most folks do, but it's my first video all the same. Enjoy it, and forgive me for the wardrobe selection. Thank you to my friends for the amount of healing that has already happened thru your prayers. A minor thank you to the Gibson Guitar Co., for chambering the Les Paul model, otherwise it would be too heavy for me to lift, even to sit and play while I'm in recovery mode. For those of you headed to church Sunday morning to lift your voices and instruments toward God, count your blessings, and be grateful for what you have. Know that while I'm not on stage, my heart will be shouting the joy of knowing God and experiencing his love for each of us.

Jimbo

The trumpeters and singers joined in unison, as with one voice, to give praise and thanks to the LORD. Accompanied by trumpets, cymbals and other instruments, they raised their voices in praise to the LORD and sang:
"He is good; his love endures forever" . . II Chronicles 5:13 (NIV)

Be on time

noreply@blogger.com (warbird2010) — Sat, 11 Oct 2008 15:50:00 +0000

Tim Hughes said so!

Jim

Should We Practice or Rehearse

noreply@blogger.com (warbird2010) — Sat, 11 Oct 2008 05:27:00 +0000

OK, I've been a techie all my life. Back when I was 19, I got a job at Dynamight Sound and Lighting in Springfield MO, working on stage lighting stuff, and once in a while, tweaking a piece of commercial sound equipment. Along the way, I discovered a non-teenager magazine called " International Musician and Recording World". It was a world class mag, that reviewed $800 guitar amps, and $200k mixing consoles. Since I'm an info junkie, it was the perfect mag for a kid starting out in the pro sound world.

Of the 20-25 issues I read cover to cover, I remember one article most of all. It was the musician version of the boy scout handbook, which basically said: " Be Musically Prepared "

You do not PRACTICE with a group. You PRACTICE at home ( OK, no more caps ). You are assigned a song, or you find one, or God gives it to you, . . . whatever. Learn it and know it before you ever make a sound in public. MP3 players are really good for this. I will listen to a new song 80-100 times before we all get together, and I'll have the flow memorized, and might even work out some chord fingerings in my head based on the recording.

THEN, and only then: We get together to REHEARSE.

from dictionary.com

Dictionary.com Unabridged (v 1.1) - Cite This Source - Share This re·hearse [ri-hurs] Pronunciation Key - Show IPA Pronunciation verb, -hearsed, -hears·ing. –verb (used with object)

1.	to practice (a musical composition, a play, a speech, etc.) in private prior to a public presentation.

2.	to drill or train (an actor, musician, etc.) by rehearsal, as for some performance or part.

3.	to relate the facts or particulars of; recount.

–verb (used without object)

4.	to rehearse a play, part, etc.; participate in a rehearsal.

this isn't all of them, but it's a good start.

When we get together on Wednesday nights, it should be to rehearse. We should have heard the song by then, and not be surprised when the WL ( my future abbreviation for Worship Leader ) tells the instrument that starts off the recording to start it off for our run-thru. If we can put a little more effort into what we do at home, we can polish even further what we work at as a team. This way no one is holding up ten people needlessly.

Collossians 3:17 And whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him. ( thank you biblegateway.com )

I hope that we can move forward in a manner that will honor God, and we may present our efforts for his kingdom and cause, as an offering of our time and service. I've used this scripture before in my 'arguments', perhaps too often; yet it continues to fit the situation at hand. Thankfully I've not had to deal with rehearsal for a bit, due to my medical recovery. Thank you to JD for his willingness to jump into the fray and help out in my absence. I've heard many good things about him already, and will get to hear him in person with our band this coming Sunday. I am SO looking forward to plugging in again next to CM, DC and HB and making our joyful noise as soon as I can. My Les Paul is about to jump off the stand!

Thank you God for the many times you've allowed the inspiration of Your music to touch my heart, and for the songwriters and musicians that brought songs of Your love to me.

JC

Marshmallows at Midnight

noreply@blogger.com (warbird2010) — Thu, 25 Sep 2008 05:31:00 +0000

I left church about 11 pm tonite. There was quite the business meeting. Our music leader Randy has resigned, once and for all. I think the best way to say it is 'he resigned before he unresigned, and now he's resigned again. He's up for three wks vacation pay, and a four month severance package. I'm grateful the church has the resources to provide such a package.

A strong handful (60-80) spoke on his behalf, and I got a killer email from my buddy Phil B. about how he still believes in supporting Randy. Phil, his wife Tammy ( and her amazing voice ), and their two absolutely-perfect daughters will be at another church starting this weekend. I'm miss them, both as partners in ministry, and as buddies too.

I was one of the folks that spoke in support of the Deacons tonight, and their difficult decisions in dealing with Randy. I questioned his lack of knowledge of the very music he was supposed to lead us in; of how I thought Collosians 3:17 called us to a higher standard than we were meeting. I think that makes me a bad guy to many. A few folks agreed with my comments, and said so. A lot more didn't, and I'll accept that.

So here it is after midnight. I started a fire in the outdoor fireplace about 11.45, and started roasting marshmallows until my belly full of warm melty stuff told me it's time for bed.

For all those that wish JR ( our awesome former pastor ) were stil around to take control of things, they would probably be surprised that JR was Randy's original detractor, and knew from the start that Randy was not filling the shoes he was hired for.

Goodnight.

Jim
mr.jamescox@yahoo.com

Wisdom of the Ages ( Aged ? )

noreply@blogger.com (warbird2010) — Wed, 17 Sep 2008 19:07:00 +0000

My wife's adorable Granma Dorothy pointed out to me yesterday: " Our church must really be involved in the Lord's work for the devil to want to give us all this trouble we're having "

She's right. If we weren't after lost souls, and actually bringing them to Christ, our church life would probably be alot more ho-hum

Jimbo

I'm having a real "What the heck" moment

noreply@blogger.com (warbird2010) — Thu, 11 Sep 2008 04:16:00 +0000

Wondering why we're all in such a turmoil. The boss, an absolute teddy-bear sweetheart of a man, is in the thick of it right now with who/what/where I don't know, but half the church is worried, over HIS STYLE OF MUSIC!! Are they there to be entertained???

To make sure the blame gets passed around, I myself have commented more than once that we don't try hard enough in our services to actually know our music, or to play it correctly. It's not like most of it is hard ( four friggin chords, sheesh! I could have played this in high school), we just don't work as hard as we should to sound tight, and the results are distracting to say the least. Our Bass buddy Chris pointed out that we should bring God our best, and not just what makes us comfortable. Col. 3:17 comes to mind, and I don't think it's currently a common practice. We need to be more prepared, to sound more prepared.

One of our female singers just pointed out to me that God should be judging the Boss' efforts, and not me. I just don't know how much of something I should overlook or ignore.

I've always said, that I won't play in a band I wouldn't listen to, and now I'm doing just that. I'm no Mozart, but I take time and make an effort outside of my 45 hr/wk job to learn what is expected of me, and to play it with some repeatability, and to try and make it recognizable to those who have heard it before.

Crazy, but I don't listen to Chris Tomlin or Matt Redman to be inspired about God's wondrous love thru music ( OK, Tomlin has lifted me a few times here and there ). For me, it's Bill Gaither and his Homecoming crowd. They are not afraid to let go and sing for Christ, to honor his love and sacrifice. I know they are just as polished and produced as all the other junk coming out of Nashville, but they touch me, plain and simple.

Any how, God is not in a guitar or a set of drums, or a mic. Is God in the heart when we sing??

Is God in our 'Heart of Worship' ????

I suck. Seriously. I do. Glad HE doesn't. The Lamb deserves the glory. Am I giving it to him, or just being selfish. I know the answer, and just don't want to say it. Maybe I can quit having a 'what the heck' moment, and have a chance to love God, to reflect on him, and to both honor and Worship him, without any music around. Think that will happen?? I don't.

JC

P.S. Here's something to watch. No, it's not contemporary, but it's message is timeless. Enjoy.