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Author Topic: Help with following a solo singer  (Read 2621 times)

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Help with following a solo singer
« on: October 28, 2003, 02:57:46 PM »
Where do I start with learning how to follow (back up) a soloist on the organ.  For example "I'm Still Here" by Dorinda Clark-Cole?

Offline Dooley

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I havent heard the song but....
« Reply #1 on: November 01, 2003, 11:39:10 AM »
When you are playing behind a singer, thats exactly what you do.  You are basically conversing with the singer.  You are talking back and forth.  Sometimes you start the conversation--meaning that sometimes you lead them in to the next part, and sometimes you talk with them, meaning you play right along with what they are singing.  The other times, you play behind them, which means, what they just sang, you try your best to imitate what they sang on the piano/organ...its not something you can be taugt...theres not necessarily a certain way to do it, you can develop your own style with this.  Just listen to people.  Listen to Karen-Clark-Sheards albums.  Both of them have good organists on the solo songs...I think twinkie is on the first one...and Ivan Powell is on the second one.  well, hope this helps...god bless ya
**From the desk of "Professor Terrence J. Dooley"

Offline Bronzee

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Re: I havent heard the song but....
« Reply #2 on: November 01, 2003, 05:17:01 PM »
Quote from: Dooley
When you are playing behind a singer, thats exactly what you do.  You are basically conversing with the singer.  You are talking back and forth.  Sometimes you start the conversation--meaning that sometimes you lead them in to the next part, and sometimes you talk with them, meaning you play right along with what they are singing.  The other times, you play behind them, which means, what they just sang, you try your best to imitate what they sang on the piano/organ...its not something you can be taugt...theres not necessarily a certain way to do it, you can develop your own style with this.  Just listen to people.  Listen to Karen-Clark-Sheards albums.  Both of them have good organists on the solo songs...I think twinkie is on the first one...and Ivan Powell is on the second one.  well, hope this helps...god bless ya
                                      Dooley, thanks for opening my eyes up on that..I came of with your thought one day as i was just sitting in church..and I thought the same way..and when the soloist would sing a part i was think in my mind how i would play it and the organist didn't play it that way..so i thought i was thinking the wrong thoughts of chords..but, as i think about what u said..it makes sense..cause each organist play there part that God gives them...and u can't be taught that..cause God show and tell musicians different ways to play..thats is why we don't sound alike when we play.. thanks. :roll:

Offline Dooley

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Help with following a solo singer
« Reply #3 on: November 01, 2003, 09:58:12 PM »
Just like there is no wrong way to eat a Reeses, theres really no wrong way to play behind a soloist, unless you are drowning them out.
**From the desk of "Professor Terrence J. Dooley"

Offline Bronzee

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singer
« Reply #4 on: November 01, 2003, 10:06:41 PM »
Quote from: Dooley
Just like there is no wrong way to eat a Reeses, theres really no wrong way to play behind a soloist, unless you are drowning them out.
     U got that right..u need to come to the church I attend and tell our organist this..he doesn't listen...really, I don't think he can hear anymore..from playing his music so LOUD.  He is making alot of people ears so sensitive.  When I don't want to hear his LOUD stuff..i just get up and go to the fellowship hall until he finish playing. :roll:

Offline aljeres

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//////////
« Reply #5 on: November 02, 2003, 11:46:41 PM »
SONGS LIKE THE ONE IN QUESTION SHOULD BE PLAYED LIKE IF NOT, CLOSE AS POSSIBLE TO THE WAY IT IS ON THE CD......NOW I KNOW WE ALL HAVE OUR WAY OF DOING THINGS....AND THAT'S WHY I FEEL THEIR IS AN APROPRIATE SONG FOR WHEN WE CAN DO IT..." OUR WAY"...BUT WHEN IT IS A SONG FROM A PATICULAR ARTIST LIKE THIS ONE......ITS NOT LIKE PLAYING....." HIS EYE IS ON THE SPARROW".....IF YOU APPROACH IT WITH THAT KIND OF THINKING, I'M ALMOST SURE YOU'LL EMBARES YOURSELF....... ONE THING THAT WILL HELP IS, REALIZING WHETHER THE SONG IS A TRADITIONAL OR CONTEMPARARY SONG....BECAUSE ALREADY YOU KNOW YOU WILL UTILIZE DIFFERENT CHORDS!!!!!!! AND MOST OF ALL, STAY BEHIND THE SOLOIST, AND BY NO MEANS AT ALL ARE YOU TO BE HEARD OVER THE SOLOIST......IF YOU DONT KNOW THE SONG.....THEN PLAY LOWWWWWWWWWWWWWWW, LOL IT CRACKS ME UP WHEN AN ORGANIST PLAYS LOUD AND WRONG!!!!! BUT IF YOU ARE PRACTICING AND I MEAN REAL PRACTICING...IM SURE THE SINERIO'S OF YOUR PRACTICING WILL COME INTO THE SERVICE AND YOU WILL FIND YOURSELF BEING MORE PREPARED.....AND WHEN A SONG FROM A SOLOIST COMES, IT WILL BE LIKE PRACTICE!!!!I KNOW, I HAPPENED TO ME!!! GIERES..........
gieres.....

god is greatly to be praised!!!!!!!!!

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Help with following a solo singer
« Reply #6 on: November 03, 2003, 08:49:50 AM »
Good points, Dooley and Algires...Bronzee....go  to the Theory Room, I did a post on this subject 2 days ago....

Offline CESharp

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thanks
« Reply #7 on: November 03, 2003, 09:46:00 AM »
Thank you everyone.
I actually played for the first time behind a soloist on yesterday (Sunday).  I played Mississippi Mass Choirs "Let Him Bless You" and was told that I did a great job!  That really helped me because We've had magicians (not musicians) to play loud and not follow........it was a fresh mess!  My prayer is that I ALWAYS stay aware of the focus (JESUS) and not me...........and this will allow the Holy Spirit to take control.
Carla E.
Canaan Church (Urbana, Illinois)
U of I
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