Once again the Paul Baloche band hits the road!  We’re headed East this weekend. We’ll be doing a concert & seminar weekend in Hawthorne, NJ. Then on to Marlton, NJ for a concert on Sunday night. Kathryn Scott, from Ireland, will be joining us this time. These weekend events have been special times of worship, fellowship, and teaching for worship teams and all of those that want to learn more about growing in their giftings to honor the Lord. Don’t miss it. Check out Paul’s web for details - http://www.leadworship.com/calendar/

See the new video Paul did with Kathryn for the song – My Hope.

I still enjoy teaching & mentoring drummers. Whether young or old, new player or well seasoned performer, I love to encourage a drummer to grow in their musical skill. You can contact me through this web site by email, my home office phone, or by sending me a note at Facebook or other social media. It can take a while to schedule something according to my session & tour schedules, but don’t hesitate to let me know if you want a private lesson in Nashville, on the road at an event, or even a Skype or iChat hook up over the internet. Modern technology is amazing, isn’t it? You can also organize a drum clinic, or band clinic with your whole team – I would be honored to come to your town in person to do a teaching day.

*Leann & I are also doing full weekend training events with church teams and other performing groups… Let me know how we can be of service. You don’t have to wait for a large regional or national conference to book a special event for your church or team. http://leannalbrecht.com/2011/09/team-training/

My dad graduated to heaven on Feb. 5th, 2012 at 11:55 pm. He had just turned 78 years old in January and lived a life dedicated to honoring the Lord in all he did. And now he has the great honor of seeing his saviour face to face. I appreciate your prayers during this season of life for me and my entire family. So many of you have sent such kind notes of blessing & encouragement.

After battling 2 long years of lung cancer & heart disease issues Dad was at peace about receiving healing from the Lord or moving beyond this world into his eternal home. He rebounded rather well for about a year in the middle of this process, but in the last 6 months the battle did not go in his favor. We had some good, heartfelt exchanges during this season, and Dad was clear that he was “ready to go home.” The family continued in prayer and assisted Dad in every way we could during the final chapters of his life.

In the last few days at St. Joseph hospital in St. Charles, MO. family & friends gathered around Dad to pray, tell stories, encourage, and bring comfort. As Rick (Dad) faded in & out of consciousness, and struggled with some pain, there were a few moments where we could have a brief exchange. At one point Dad said..” Oh, they’re beautiful… I see they’re wings…. and there’s a white door I have to go through… AND it’s automatic!” – Thank You, Jesus, that You ARE the Way, the Truth, & The LIFE!… the DOOR!

My dad and mom navigated life together with much faith and strength of character… my mom (Genevieve) is doing well… Yes, she misses dad… but continues on in her church work and music, and has a great circle of  friends, family, and extended community. She is an amazing woman, and an “anchor” of faith & love to many. They both affected my life, faith, and musical journey in significant ways. Dad always played music, and had a band that kept working up until this last year,,,  mom still plays organ & piano at the church she has been part of since her birth.

I played in my father’s band for over 7 years as a young drummer, and those early rehearsals, gigs, and constant encouragement are a major part of the musician and person that I am today. I continue on in the journey the Lord has ordained for me. And I know much of it is a continuing story of what God has called the Albrecht family in to. May we bring HIM glory in all we do.

My dad LOVED country music and western movies… and he was, very much, a “John Wayne” kind of man. Yet, I knew he loved me, and we said it more to each other in later years…. The last day at the hospital I was watching “The Cowboys” (a J.Wayne classic from’72) in the waiting room… I could not help but smile, watching Wayne, and thinking of Dad. I’m sure he’s riding horses in heaven now, flying some amazing airplanes too (he was also a pilot), and singing some lovely tunes for the Lord. Dad is experiencing music like he never imagined… how cool is that!

I miss my dad, but I’m happy he’s experiencing the joy of heaven and all of the wonderful things the Lord has in store for him in that “mansion” that has been prepared especially for him. John 14:1-3 ¹ “Do not let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God^[a]; trust also in me. ² My Father’s house has plenty of room; if that were not so, would I have told you that I am going there to prepare a place for you? ³ And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am.

Thanks again so much for all your love & prayers; it is truly felt. Blessings, Carl & all the Albrecht family.

Besides my work with Paul Baloche, Paul Wilbur, and other artists, I still make it a priority to manage Leann’s band and musical productions. We know the Lord “knitted” us together for a reason… and that is to “Host HIS presence in the earth, where-ever HE sends us.” It’s been an amazing journey so far in our 27 years of marriage. We’ve been so honored to be part of Integrity Music, Maranatha Music, and so many other corporate and individual ministries.  Even as those adventures continue, the Lord has lead us to start meetings in the Nashville area called “The Well of Nashville” – a worship and prayer gathering established to simply spend time waiting  on the Lord.  **See us on Facebook

Leann also leads worship from time to time at our home church, Grace Center of Franklin, TN. A fellowship also going after the deeper things of the Lord. It’s a great “watering hole” for thirsty souls. *Grace Center*

We also continue to do recording sessions, concerts, larger teaching & speaking events, and even the “hands-on” Team Training Weekends that have become part of our callings. We are so grateful for your encouragement, prayers, and support in our journey. Please keep us in your prayers as the Lord leads. And let us know if we can be of service to you in your ministry and musical vision in anyway.

Keeping our “Hands To The Plow” for HIS glory. Blessings, Carl & Leann ***Info. on bookings & Team Training Events***

Check out some “cool” fun we had on our last trip…

 

 

 

Learning to read music is probably a drummer’s “least” favorite endeavour. But it really comes in handy when learning new material OR recalling something you’ve not played in a while. This recently happened to me on a Paul Baloche music video shoot. I’m grateful for the music teachers and other drummers that have helped me develop this skill. I can read transcribed parts, band lead sheets, or even the simple song road map when needed. Even if you have played a while, start learning or refining this valuable skill and you will find it an incredible asset to your musicianship.

I was sharing at another team training weekend about learning songs properly and ALWAYS using the click. I often do the band leader thing while playing guitar and singing with Leann. This is a short clip from a recent event where I’m encouraging the drummer and bass player… The fundamentals are still crucial to doing a job well in any field.

Watch the clip!

 

 

 The recordings we did in South Africa were a milestone in my journey of worship. They were powerful moments in the presence of the Lord in a nation just coming out of extreme oppression. The band as well as the congregation was a mix of so many tribes & cultures. It was the beginning of a new day in South Africa. Thank You, Jesus. *Worship leader, Tom Inglis & team celebrated with great joy. “A King Is Born.”

Being able to play music with excellence & minister well is definitely crucial to having longevity in music ministry. BUT every artist, leader, & road manager wants to know how someone handles “the road.” It’s 10% of the time on the platform or stage, and 90% traveling, setting up, and relating to people. You have to be a good “road dog” to do this work! You have to care about people as much as you care about the gig.  Love God, love people!

 Only in the presence of the LORD can we find the “FULLNESS” (the complete-ness) of joy! Sometimes just playing a simple groove is all you need for a song. Always serve the music!

The Paul Baloche Band likes to get things done; even when traveling!