In my journey as a drummer it seems there are foundational concepts that ALWAYS have to be in place to do well as a musician and a worship leader.  (Yes, you are a worship leader if you play before a group to lead them into the presence of the Lord. It’s just not about the singers or person out front.)  These foundational concepts never seem to loose their significance.  I guess you could say these are the pillars of a worship drummer’s life. These are the four elements that will always need to be in place if we are going to hit the mark in our calling.

 

I.  Heart & Soul

II.  Timing & Groove

III. Team spirit

IV.  Playing to the room

I know there are many concepts, both technically and spiritually, that we use to play the drums in worship. But these four are really the corner tent pegs that hold it all together. I think everything else rest on these principles. All that I have ever shared and taught on the subject of drums in worship seem to be built on these four essentials. When any of them are out of place it seems the whole thing falls down!

First, “You gotta’ have heart… lots and lots and lots of heart.” These words from an old song still have the most profound meaning. As a musician, if you are not fully engaged in the emotions of the music you’re playing it will feel lifeless. I believe that playing with passion and purpose is felt by you, your fellow minstrels, and the people listening.

This concept is a little difficult to describe in technical terms. I can only testify to my own struggle with staying engaged emotionally with the music. I just know that music feels differently when I’m aware of what I am suppose to communicate, and that I am excited to tell the story. When my heart isn’t in it there is an energy that’s lacking. I think that is the “soul” part of music.

This is even more critical when it comes to worship. We must be worshipping when we play. It has to be more than getting the notes right.  Playing with excellence is great to a certain level, but there is a realm of spiritual power that will only happen when we are playing to honor and love the Lord. The times I have been disengaged emotionally during a performance it felt rather lame. (*The word performance is only being used to refer to a time of playing*) Again, to specifically describe what is lacking in those moments is tough. I truly believe that the music is lifeless in some way and everyone suffers because of it.  So, guard your heart! “THOU SHALT NOT PLAY THE DRUMS IN VAIN.”

Number two… Your sense of time and groove must be solid. This is the technical side of your playing. As much as your heart being in it is vital, so is your ability to do the job well. Keep working on your chops! Make sure you have every song worked out thoroughly. If you know there are spots in a tune that are challenging you, work on it some more. Using a metronome when you practice is most critical. Keeping the time solid and the groove feeling great is primo! Don’t be content with anything less than your absolute best. BUT, don’t get caught up in self-destructive thoughts either.  I.e. “I wish I could play like that drummer.” OR … “I’ll never be able to get this right!” It’s OK to be inspired by other players but… “THOU SHALT NOT COVET THY NEIGHBORS DRUMMING”

Team spirit is the next pillar for a great worship musician. By the way, remember that each element is vital. Just because I’m using a particular order does not mean I’m placing more significance on one area. Besides having your act together on the spiritual and technical side you have to help your teammates as well.  Ah…you thought this would be easy. NO WAY! Now, you have to build up your fellow worship warriors.

When you’re feeling strong look for those that are not having a good day and encourage them. Actually we need to do this whether we feel good or not. Rise above your emotions!! (Me too!)  It could be something very small in your own eyes. Just a kind word or maybe helping the team set up can change the atmosphere.  The ordinary things can have such a huge impact. Look for ways to build people up and you’ll find it becomes an emotional glue that holds you all together.

If you feel there is a spiritual void and no one is giving much attention to prayer and heart issues, you might be the one to draw the team into fellowship time. Don’t nag, but encourage the troops to gather in for a focused time before an event to meet with the Lord. Like great teams in sports always have a locker room gathering before a game, a worship team has got to pull together in the final moments before a service. Oh, by the way, ask the leader if it’s OK. Don’t just take over the role of leadership. Always strive to be the encourager! “THOU SHALT HONOR YOUR BROTHERS AND SISTERS.”

Last, but not least, be sure to play to the room you’re band must play in. Yes, this means to control your volume. Everything else could be in place, but if you overpower the room it will weaken all the other pillars. You could be a great drummer with incredible skill, have the passion to worship, and totally be the team player, but if you don’t adjust to the acoustic environment you’re in you’ve failed. Usually this means being too loud, but on rare occasions you might be playing too soft to get the band to sound good together. Sometimes you have to dig in a little bit to get the band to gel.

I just experienced this recently with Paul Baloche on our 2 week tour across Canada. One night we played a huge auditorium and I could play as hard as I want. The very next night it would be a smaller  venue with terrible acoustics and I’d have to play the whole evening with “hot rods” and lighter sticks. I always work with the engineer and the whole team to be sure we sound as good as we can for whatever room we play. “THOU SHALT NOT KILL THE WORSHIP ATMOSPHERE.”

So you say, “Hey, Carl that’s only four; I thought there were Ten Commandments.” …Hey!  Yo… give me a break! I’m not Moses, here!!  Sheeesh! Anyway, enough of my cheesy humor. The point I’m trying to make is that these four pillars are really the primary things that come to mind when I’m playing. Every job seems to lean upon these concepts. All the other elements of being a great worship drummer rest on these four.  At every conference or clinic these are the most discussed topics amongst players, worship leaders, and pastors. REALLY!! I’m being dramatic on purpose. You have to get this!!! Make these the cornerstones of your calling and you’ll truly be the drummer the Lord has called you to be.

Standing on the Rock,

Carl

 

  WOW! This has been a season packed with concerts & seminars. Besides playing, I still love to teach. Don’t miss the Leadworship Workshops that are happening around the country; AND around the world. I’ll be with Paul Baloche & team in Longview, TX. this weekend. (East of Dallas/ West of Shreveport, LA.) Join us for a great time of worship and growing in you gifts. http://www.leadworship.com/leadworship-workshops/event-3/

You can also contact me about a Team Training Weekend with Leann & I where we work personally, “one on one” with YOUR team. Hands on training for both musicians and vocalists. http://leannalbrecht.com/worship-team-training/   See you at the next event.

Sometimes it’s good to be still & reflect on the faithfulness of God. I was so blessed that someone shared this on my Facebook page… REALLY! I was..!!  I did not even remember doing this video shoot with David Baroni. It could have been from an instructional series we did years ago…(*because of the overhead camera showing David’s hands at the keyboard.) Take a break and worship with us. Our God is faithful and true! Thank YOU, Lord! Your son & servant, Carl

**If the video doesn’t play from this post you can go directly to YouTube to see it.*** http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eYiHwW4_X9Q&feature=share

 

 

I love studio work in Nashville, in my home studio, and anywhere really. BUT it’s always a thrill to work on “LIVE” recordings. To play music and capture a unique moment “on tape” (or computer) is a thrilling experience. It’s even more powerful when we’re recording a “live” worship event. To experience the presence of the Lord with musicians, singers, and a congregation that are passionate to express their love for God is always a very moving experience. I’ve played drums & percussion for many events like this, but each one is special. The Lord truly inhabits the praises of His people.

Here’s a classic video from a live recording I did with Paul Baloche… this songs moves me everytime we play it. 

***If the video doesn’t play in this post go directly to YouTube at this link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fnp7aKTAlUQ&feature=related

It was exciting to take part in this gathering of drummers & percussionist to make a declaration about the poor & starving people around the world. Last Saturday at 2 PM we played the snare drum piece “3 Camps”. It is a classic snare solo that was used to rally the troops.

Get ALL the information & a pdf “chart” at the www.drummer cafe.com web site. Don’t be concerned if you don’t read music; *that’s not the point… play it in a simpler form without the double strokes if needed. Here’s a pdf of the basics; add double strokes to the “non” accented notes if you can.  www.snarescience.com/exercises/three-camps.pdf

I believe that the minstrels are being called around the world to not only worship the Lord with music, but to play to bring about change in our hearts & the hearts of people that hear it; to not only speak about & believe in justice, BUT TO DO IT.

Isaiah 58 speaks strongly about God’s thoughts on this… Here’s an excerpt …

⁶ “Is not this the kind of fasting I have chosen:
to loose the chains of injustice
and untie the cords of the yoke,
to set the oppressed free
and break every yoke?
⁷ Is it not to share your food with the hungry
and to provide the poor wanderer with shelter—
when you see the naked, to clothe them,
and not to turn away from your own flesh and blood?
⁸ Then your light will break forth like the dawn,
and your healing will quickly appear;
then your righteousness^[a] will go before you,
and the glory of the LORD will be your rear guard.
⁹ Then you will call, and the LORD will answer;
you will cry for help, and he will say: Here am I.

Thoughts on the event:

Besides large regional & national conferences, Leann & I teach individual groups. So many leaders ask us to come and just spend time with their team. We enjoy seeing bands & worship teams grow into the next level of skill as we work together on these training weekends. Teaching on your calling as a minstrel as well as breakout classes to learn better performance techniques are all part of these unique events.

Team Training info.

Great times of worship & teaching are part of a Leadworship Workshop weekend. Come on out and enjoy some deep worship and encouraging  team training at our next event.

http://www.leadworship.com/leadworship-workshops/

 

 

See a clip from our last event - http://www.flickr.com/photos/leadworshipdotcom/6175800455/in/set-72157627612998263/

 

 

 

 

 

Every drummer must be comfortable playing with clicks, loops, & recorded tracks (*called “stems”) Here’s a live concert where I had to do that very thing. *We are playing live by the way; this is not “lip-syncing.”  http://event.cbn.com/roshhashanah/?eventID=143097

The song has lingered in my heart since we recorded it years ago. In another 50 years or so… it could be my epitaph.

As we played we cried. I don’t even remember the song at this point. I just remember seeing Abe’s face decorated with tears of joy. The worship was powerful and the music flowed with the move of the Spirit. As he turned to look back at me on the drums, we smiled knowing the Lord was truly “inhabiting the praises of His people.”- Psalm 22:3  It felt as if the bass and drums as well as the whole team were in total unison. As we left the stage after that wonderful time of worship I can vividly recall Abe Laboriel’s words to me. “Brother Carl, we were laying flowers at the feet of Jesus.” I could not have described the feeling better.

Something happens beyond playing the “right notes,” when musicians make a sound “as one.” Playing well together as a team is fun, but when your heart and soul are united in the holy pursuit of the Lord, something unique and powerful is released.  A language of the spirit is being spoken. A door is opened to the throne room of God.

In these moments I’m not thinking of being a drummer. My heart is totally focused on being in the presence of the Lord.  Maybe it’s the same experience the musicians had in the ancient temple when they made “a sound as with one voice.” The glory of God came into that place. (II Chronicles 5: 13-14)

I don’t remember if someone told me the story or if I read it somewhere, but Abe Laboriel Jr. (the drummer / son of Abe Sr. the bass player) told pop music icon Sting “I want to bring joy to your music.” Sting had just seen Abe Jr. perform at a festival date with another artist. He was so impressed, he asked him to be part of his band.  Abe Jr. got the gig.

Abe Jr. played for Sting for a season like he had for many other artists through the years. Currently he tours with Paul McCartney. Every time I see him play I witness him bringing joy to the music. He makes me laugh sometimes. The same way his father makes me laugh with joy when we play music together. I’ve learned from them as well as other joyful, exciting musicians, to play passionately at all times.  It’s as if they would be dishonoring the gift the Lord had given them if they did not give themselves fully to the music they are bringing to life. I’ve even heard great players say, “If you don’t mean it don’t play it.”

There are times we all feel “out of it.” I have played many times when I was exhausted, emotionally drained or even when I was very ill.  Through the years, I’ve also done my share of playing carelessly with no passion.  But now I rarely, if ever, sit at the drums and not give myself fully to the music before me. Especially in playing for praise and worship, there seems to be a heightened awareness of the responsibility to the calling of a minstrel. And I truly believe that embracing my musicianship as a “calling” has molded me into the player that I am now.  It feels stronger and more passionate now than it did 30 years ago when I started playing professionally.

It’s not a matter of more notes being played or my technique becoming more refined. If anything, I’m probably playing fewer notes now in a song than I ever have before. Well, that depends on the style of music I’m playing and the creative desires of the artist. But in general, it feels like every note counts more. As if each one has meaning. And they do!  Every great musician I know makes the most out of every sound they make. We might say they have “soul” or a “deep feel” to their playing.

So you may be wondering, am I talking about “soul” in playing music, or is this a discussion of technical excellence? I believe this is definitely a soul or heart issue. Technique seems to have little bearing here. The variety of style and technique of playing an instrument seem to be limitless. I’ve witnessed many great players with very different styles. Some actually looked like they were playing all wrong.  Or so I thought.  They would use totally unorthodox techniques, but the sound and power of the music would be indescribable.  There is something about being “into the music” that charges the atmosphere. A musician that gives an emotional, soulful performance seems to impact people deeply. People feel moved. Their soul or emotions have been touched.

I recently attended a Steve Gadd clinic. He spent the afternoon at a local drum shop meeting fans and signing autographs. I had the chance to shake his hand and get a picture. Few words were spoken. I just thanked him for being an inspiration to me.  In a very quiet and peaceful tone he just humbly thanked me for my kind words.

That evening at the clinic, in front of hundreds of fans, he played some beautiful drums solos. But what shocked me the most was, as he played my heart was moved and I felt like crying. I’ve seen many great drum clinics & concerts, so this wasn’t some emotional reaction to seeing one of my musical heroes. I asked the Lord what was going on. This was not a worship event. Then, in my heart, I felt the Lord say, “I have anointed Steve to play.”  WOW!  I don’t know what Steve’s relationship is with the Lord, but his gifting is powerful. And that night the Lord made it clear that it was His anointing and gifting in Steve that empowered his playing.

Is it true of all gifts the Lord gives mankind??  I feel it is! In fact I believe all skill and talent is from God. Even when people don’t honor or acknowledge the Lord in their lives His gifts are still displayed in His creation. For those great talents that are not following God I refer to them as  “the lost tribe of Levites.” That’s pretty wild isn’t it? But think of the many inspiring artists you’ve seen or heard and I think you’ll understand where I’m coming from.

Moving around a lot, making faces, and other outward expressions are not necessarily a sign of a musician’s passion. Sometimes they just look intense, serious, or thoughtful. Although I think some sign of emotion should be happening when you are playing. I mean if music is a language of the soul and you’re expressing yourself, people should see some sign of life! Music should create a reaction in your heart not just your head. Even more so in the experience we have as minstrels expressing ourselves to the Lord.

In praise and worship I feel my deepest emotions. Although, as a professional musician, something always stirs my heart when I’m playing beautiful music… And I’m purposely not describing a style. I think you know the point I’m making, if you’ve ever felt the same way when playing music you really enjoy. If you don’t feel anything when you play, prayerfully consider what you are doing. Maybe being a musician is not the Lord’s call on your life. I don’t mean the occasional slump. I’m talking about the sense of never having an emotional reaction to what you’re playing. If there is no joy or passion in it, let it go! Like Eric Liddell, the 1924 Olympic runner in “Chariots of Fire,” said “When I run, I feel God’s pleasure,” you should also feel the Lord’s pleasure when you are doing what He made you for.

When I’m playing drums & percussion there’s a sense of peace & joy that comes over me. I really do feel the pleasure of the Lord. I also have a sense that He meets me there with some divine purpose. When I pour myself into the gift the Lord has given me, He’s giving something back. We might call that the anointing. (I Samuel 16: 18 … the Lord is with him.) The anointing to play sounds that lead His people in praise and worship. The empowering to break spiritual bondages or cast out demons. (I Samuel 16: 23 / *David plays for Saul)  Maybe it’s just the Lord’s manifest presence being released when I’m playing to honor Him. The word says the Lord “inhabits the praises of His people (Israel).” – Psalm 22:3 And I believe He does!

So is this something we can learn, like we do a new lick or drum groove? I think so. By pursuing the Lord and being mentored by other minstrels we can grow into our deeper calling.

I think I always knew there was something stirring in my heart about being a drummer, but it took years to understand what this passion is that I have for the instrument. Although it does go beyond just being a musician. It affects my whole life. Have I perfected it? Not at all… but I’ve embraced the journey.

You might be thinking, “Carl, give me something practical to work on.” Well, if you know you were made to be a musician, you can begin here. For starters, I always sing along with the songs or at least learn the words. I want to know the meaning of what I’m playing. Let me remind you this isn’t about thinking every song is great. It’s about you knowing the heart of the song and injecting life into it. “Bring joy to the music.”

Another “soul exercise” I use is to pray when I play.  When I’m practicing I’ll start to pray and then play a solo and just let the music pour out of my heart. Don’t analyze what you’re doing. Just get before the Lord. Literally picture Him listening to the music you are creating and think of the Lord smiling. Be the “Little Drummer Boy” (or girl) and just play for HIM. I think you’ll be amazed at what happens. You might feel your spirit stirring.  If not, don’t be discouraged, just play from your heart and don’t think about performing, or your skill, or anything technical. Just pray & play!

Start to apply these simple “soul exercises” into whatever musical situation you are in. I believe you will see and hear a difference. I wouldn’t be surprised if others don’t comment on how good the music feels or that the worship seems deeper to them. And finally don’t forget to stay humble before the Lord and realize that He is releasing something deeper and more passionate in you and into your music. Rejoice in the Lord always, again I say, REJOICE!! – Phil.4:4  “Bring Joy to the Music!”