This
past weekend, I was in Tulsa, Okla., for the annual SingFest event
hosted by Frank Arnold. After seeing both Jason Crabb and Gold City
perform with a complete band each, and after a lengthy conversation
with McCray Dove of the Dove Brothers - not to mention how I've seen
several audiences come alive when a group with a live band comes on
stage - I'm here to say that we probably didn't realize how good things
were when every group had a band.
At the risk of opening up the
old arguments of finances, personality conflicts, bus space and
equipment space, let me just say that I understand all of that. There
are valid points there, but has anyone considered the fact that the
loss of the band has created something that is an ever-growing problem?
Specifically,
it's this: Unless you are singer, a piano player, or perhaps a bass
player, where else can you go on stage with a Southern Gospel group
these days? Taking that a step further, let's say you can't sing a
note, but put a guitar in your hands and you become a performing
machine. And you want to be in Southern Gospel music.
Where are you going to go?
Exactly.
I
remember at concerts of my earlier days where I'd see young musicians
gathered around the musicians of the bands of the Hinsons, Hemphills,
Kingsmen, McGruders (and dozens of others), trying to learn how a
particular lick was played or how the pianist filled the holes between
the verse and chorus. Those "kids" were excited. They wanted to learn.
They wanted to play on stage. They wanted to be a part of Southern
Gospel music.
Now that most bands are found in the instant
replay machine, there are not too many opportunities for a young
musician to break into Southern Gospel music. So those budding players
go into country, rock, or some other type of music. Worse yet, some let
their God-given talents fall by the wayside.
I don't have the
answers to all the "Buts" and "What ifs" some will throw my way when I
say this, but I think Southern Gospel music might experience a little
growth if the band still played on. Maybe some belt-tightening in some
other areas might open up enough funds for some groups to put at least
a three-piece band on the road again.
Maybe audiences that have been luke-warm would take more interest in
what they're seeing on stage. Likewise, more people might be found at
concerts because a friend told them, "You've got to hear their band -
they'll blow you away."
Often, we'll get inquiries from young musicians
who'll say, "I play guitar (insert any other instrument you may care to
here), and I want to play with a group. How do I get involved?" It's
very frustrating, even disheartening, to have to tell them that there
is really no option for them right now.
I admit this topic has
been run into the ground many times before. But you know, some things
should never be totally shelved. And, at the top of that list, in my
opinion, is the band.