Help! I'm rusty....

[kenlacam]

Hello-

I am a bassist/keyboard player. I have been invited to play for a church this Sunday where the organist won't be there, only the drummer. I was asked to play either the bass or organ during service. My dilema is, I am not fluent in all the keys on the keyboard instrument, and I don't want to be stuck if I can't play a song if it is in some of my weaker keys. I could play bass during the entire service, but I don't think it would sound full with bass and drums. How do I "fake it" if I play the organ in a key I'm not familiar with?
Help!

[Fenix]

Wow, well i don't know how you can "fake" it on your weaker keys though, short of practicing on them. Maybe someone else can come along and give you advice on this.

[ddw4e]

Found out from the organist what songs they are and what keys they play it in. I would prefer to play the keyboard cause it would sound fuller with the drums. Then start the practicing.

[kenlacam]

Thanks for the advice! I know the basic progressions in the different keys, it would just sound sloppy (at least to me). I will practice on the weaker keys. The songs are led by different people who sing in different keys, so it should be a challenge. I guess the worst case scenario is just to play the bass throughout the entire service...

[T-Block]

Bass and drums is all you really need.  You don't have to have keys playing.  So, if u feel more comfortable on bass, then play that.

[Fenix]

Bass and drums is all you really need.  You don't have to have keys playing.  So, if u feel more comfortable on bass, then play that.

OK i am going to cosign on this, especially if you can play chords on the bass. If you can play chords on bass then you are good alone.

[kenlacam]

That is an interesting thought, of just playing bass instead of keys. I'm just afraid the sound won't be as full.

[Fenix]

That is an interesting thought, of just playing bass instead of keys. I'm just afraid the sound won't be as full.

It may not sound as full, but trust me i would rather a proficient bassist play than a bungling keyboardist who is stumbling over chords and such.

In any case as was suggested, get the song list and practice them ahead of time. 

[kenlacam]

^ True. I've decided to play bass, as I'd rather feel comfortable and be proficient rather than stumble around, which I definitely DON'T want to do.
thanks for all of your help!