Carl & Leann leading @ The Well of Nashville

Yes, it’s true. I have officially left the Paul Baloche band. After 20+ years with Paul I decided, back in March of 2016, that it was time to move on. Many of you were surprised, and actually it was even a shocking decision for me too.  These guys are my friends, comrades… even brothers. So it was very challenging to let it all go. We’ll always be “soul brothers,” but the path I’ve needed to take could not wait any longer. Basically, I felt God has called me to some other things, and the road work was eating up too much time and energy for me to be good (or better) at what I need to be doing here in Nashville. It’s been over 6 years now… Here’s what’s been happening:
Leann and I have been pastoring a church for over 10 years now. (The Well of Nashville) The team, community, and Leann had felt the strain of me being gone almost every weekend or every “other” weekend… and sometimes several weeks in a row. It was not the best way to help build a community. 🙂 Being home more allows me to connect to our church better, to work here in town… and to Leann as well. (*As of this update I can confirm it has been very helpful for me to stop touring so much.)

Carl’s production room and studio

I’ve also wanted to be more involved in recording sessions; production work; songwriting; teaching and more. In Nashville, if you’re on the road, it’s almost the “kiss of death” for doing the recording scene here. I noticed that if I missed a call the word quickly spreads that “Carl’s a road guy” and the phone quits ringing. Of course I’ve just always gone with the flow… trusting the Lord to work out my schedule. And He did, and still does so. I’ve been fortunate to always have a balance of touring, studio work, and ministry activities. But I knew it was just a matter of the limits of my personal time and energy that was closing some doors and making it impossible to juggle everything. You can only have so much “on your plate.”
At the beginning of 2016 I actually thought this would be a two to three year process. But as I was praying, talking to Leann, and others, it became clear time had accelerated. The more I pressed into the Lord and good council I realized this change was happening in two weeks! It was already mid February and I knew there was no long transition period that felt peaceful. So I called my friend Paul in March and made the announcement. There were tears, and laughter… stories of past adventures and the vision for both of our futures. We prayed and blessed each other and even talked about the possible future connection at some events. But that will have to be a strategic move of the Lord… and careful planning. The goal really is to stay home in Nashville and focus on life and work here.
Leann and I still travel on occasion to speak at an event, do some team training, or lead worship together. I’ve even taken the “one off” weekend playing drums for some other events… but the focus of my life now is to stay in town more to connect to the people we are pastoring, to work on music, and to find what the Lord has in store for me here. Being gone every other month for a couple of days is VERY different than being away every week.
Thanks for your continued prayers and support. It’s still in process. For those of you that have spoken to me about it, thanks for your encouragement. Change is tough, even when it’s right.

Blessings, Carl

Heartbeat Cymbals – Custom Ride – 20″ Light

I move very slowly when making a change in endorsements. So it comes with great excitement & much artistic soul searching that I am officially announcing my move to the Heartbeat Cymbal Company from Canada (Handcrafted in Turkey. * More on this later).

In my early years I was a Zildjian cymbal fan – not an official artist, but I did love their stuff. After almost 20 years I made the move to Meinl Cymbals & Percussion. For over 7 years I played their cymbals and I was satisfied with the product and the deal. When Meinl and I parted ways it was friendly. There was just a shift in vision and the endorsee roster. I actually kept using their stuff at my own expense. I liked the products and I did not find anything else I wanted to play. I still use Meinl Percussion instruments.

Testing Heartbeat Cymbals in my studio

BUT… things do change. As a drummer/artist I was looking for something fresh yet classic. I’ve been playing different cymbal lines as the opportunity arose. Mostly at events where back line (rental gear) was being used. So I had the chance to hear a lot of options for cymbals & drums too. And really for a long time I was not impressed enough to make the switch from Meinl.  When the guys from Heartbeat allowed me to try some of their cymbals at the Christian Musician Summit in Seattle I was very interested in giving them a bit of a road test.

Noel Walker, the founder & CEO of Heartbeat Distributors was kind enough to send me the set up you see pictured here. I described what I wanted to hear, and he nailed it. I did see & hear a good variety of cymbal designs Noel had at the conference, but I really wanted something classic sounding with a bit of a twist. That is exactly what I got. **The line up in the photo from LEFT to RIGHT:  Classic Regular 15″ Hi-hats; Classic 19″ Medium Crash; Custom  20″ Light Ride; Classic 22″ Medium Ride; Classic 18″ Thin Crash; and a Custom Rock 20″ Medium Crash.  Finding an old cymbalsmith in Turkey was a brilliant idea. Good job, Noel! Using the experience & skill of this ancient master & his team he (Noel) described what he was looking for in cymbals and they’ve really captured it. Another interesting vision that Noel shared with me is that he really wants to serve churches & worship drummers around the world by developing fresh new sounds in the Heartbeat Cymbal lines. A very noble cause. Even as they work in the world wide market place to offer an excellent product he is specifically targeting the needs in modern worship settings. I look forward to brainstorming ideas with Noel & his team in the future.

In this first set up Noel sent me I’ve found some classic old world sounds, with an edge to them, that make them feel modern & fresh. Fantastic! I don’t think it’s a coincidence the series I’m most drawn to is the Classic series that Heartbeat offers, but the other models also have a great match or complement to what the Classics do. Some other things I’m finding with these cymbals is that I can use any of them as a ride or a crash. They have amazing control, and only “explode” as I dig in to them. This is allowing me to have a huge palette of tones for pattern playing, smooth balanced crashes, or just raw bashing explosions. AND this is the first time I’ve used 15″ hi-hats that I really like.

A Yamaha Oak Custom kit w/ my Heartbeat Cymbals

Having used them in several concert settings and now on studio projects I was able to give Heartbeat Cymbals a big “thumbs up.” I contacted Noel recently and gave him the word that I’m all in. If you’re looking for something fresh in your cymbal world check out Heartbeat Cymbals.

The basic set up: 15″ hats, 22″ ride, 19″ & 18″ crashes

Check out their web for more info: *I’ll be posting more soon.* – http://heartbeatdistributors.com/products/heartbeat-percussion/classic-cymbals

—- Besides me, here are some the drummers that have recently signed on:

Joey Parish (Shane and Shane): Classic hats, Classic and Studio crashes, Studio ride

Nicole Hickman (Holly Starr): Custom hats, Studio crashes, Epic ride

Daniel Hadaway (All Sons and Daughters): All Classic series

I’ve been on many trips in a van packed w/ luggage.

WOW… this fall is packed with all kinds of fun & excitement. I’m workin’ hard to finish my new Drums In Modern Worship book. It should be released next year.  // Tours & seminars with Paul Baloche, Paul Wilbur, Leann Albrecht (yes, she’s my wife!) and other friends in ministry & music. Besides the travel I’ve been recording with some new up & coming artists as well as old friends that I’ve played with for years. **Leann’s even workin’ on some new tunes. So… join me when you can out there on the road or even come on into Nashville and let’s work on your project!!  🙂  Hey,,, you never know.   / Anyway… Leann & I need your prayers as we continue to journey down this road with the Lord… We know we can NOT do anything apart from HIM. But, we also know the great value of believers praying for each other on this earthly journey. There is a reason that the scriptures say to “pray at all times without ceasing…” and “…with every kind of prayer… and petitions…. and WITH THANKSGIVING!   And so… we are thankful & humbled by the Lord’s great work in us and all of His people around the world.  We look forward to the next adventure with HIM. Blessings everyone! See you soon. Peace, Carl —  Come on.. in the middle of your busy life, take a “praise break” with me!  LORD, YOU have saved us!! Glory to your name.

Carl in Italy

Ok, so it’s cool to play music, tour, work on recordings, teach, preach etc. etc. I’m very aware of how blessed I am that the Lord let’s me do the things I do. But to also maintain over-all health you’ve got to get out of your drum room, studio, or band jobs and do some other physical things. Eating right, exercise, and other interest will help your mental perspective AND keep your body in good playing condition. I don’t have one specific routine, and I’m by no means a work-out champion… but I’m always mindful of trying to take care of this “machine” the Lord has put me in… Our “earthen vessels” are amazing and yet delicate. If you fall in & out of good healthy routines don’t give up… just start again & again until it becomes more common for you to make healthy choices. I can’t say enough about asking for the Lord’s help in this matter. HE does give us strength for each day, and the wisdom to live well. I talk to the Lord about everyday choices and the “common” things of life just like I would the “BIG” spiritual issues. To those that live by the Spirit, everything is spiritual! Blessings on your journey! Watch this glimpse at one of my better choices…

Carl's Drum Clinic

When I was a young drummer working on the rudiments seemed like such a waste of time. Of course as I learned more about the art of drumming I realized they were in every part of a drummers vocabulary whether they knew it or not. Listening to all of my heroes play and trying to figure out all of those “cool” patterns soon revealed a long list drumming rudiments. On this new project with Paul Baloche the guys wanted this type of driving military rock groove. The classic 5-stroke roll felt like the perfect start to the phrase. It is played RRLLR – the doubles are on the snare and then it ends up on the hi-hat on the downbeat of each bar. I guess it could have been played as singles. RLRLR – but that does not feel the same. In every clinic & seminar I teach the importance of building upon the standard rudiments, but always remembering to let the music be your guide. Enjoy the video.

Carl's Drum Clinic

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/

Carl & Dad(Rick) at a family wedding

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.

Let us exalt HIS name together!

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…

Related show

• : Carl & Leann Albrecht
• Tour: The Well of Nashville
• Date: 11/28/16
• Time: 7:00pm
• Venue: The Well of Nashville
• City: Nashville , TN
• Address: *meets @ Scarritt-Bennett Center -1008 19th Avenue South
• Venue phone: 615-851-2850
• Country: United States
• Admission: Offering
• Age restrictions: All Ages
• Box office: 615-851-2850
• More information
• Notes: Leann & I are pastoring The Well of Nashville Church just off of Music Row. We meet EVERY Tuesday @ 7pm CST. Join us in town or LIVE ON LINE. Peace, Carl

Carl@PaulWilburRecording-Honduras

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.

Carl & Leann w/ Italy team

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!