One thing I haven't really elaborated on is what to do if you have a "calling." We were all called to do what we do from some deep down primal thing in each of us regardless of our spiritual upbringing. From deep within each of us. we are compelled beyond belief that we are to groove like nothing has grooved before . Hopefully this is not the same compelling thought that drove you to eat paste as a child, but if it is, then, good for you. For this journey into the realm of our "calling," I want to look at a part of the industry that's often overlooked but by no means underrated: playing in Worship Bands.

If you're spiritually based by nature, you know that the gift of music is just that. A gift! For many of us, the best way we can repay that gift is to be a part of a Worship Band. For most, this is typically accomplished by being a part of your church's band, but I have seen many different variances of this. For instance, one of my dearest friends in the world is Gypsy Carns. He is a blues biker/preacher and we've done shows at everything from churches to bike rallies. That is what I call "having church" when you can have praise, start a Harley, AND get a corn dog all while wearing a leather vest. Hallowed by thy name!

The "survival" aspect of working in Worship Bands is the fact that your ears HAVE to be on at all times. I can argue the fact that you have to be in-tune on a Church Service gig more than any other show for a number of reasons. The main reasons is that you're responding to the mood of the congregation above everything else. If they are more solemn on a particular Sunday, it's your job to adapt your playing style to inspire them. This is "praise" remember! We are here to help the Worship Leader and Pastor inspire the congregation to worship in their own ways - whether that be rocking out or keeping it light and simple.

Keep in mind this doesn't mean 32nd note slap riffs at 180 BPM. This is a beautiful thing too since church is typically when? In the wee morning hours. Mongo no do Huber riffs before espresso.

Another reason you have to be in ready mode at all times for church gigs is response. If the Pastor or Worship Leader changes something at the last minute due to a prayer or change in mood you have to be ready to adapt right then. That being said you get real good at listening really fast or you don't get brought back. Now to some that isn't a big deal if they aren't getting paid. But this is your service for your gift, so take it as seriously as if you are playing a coliseum. One excellent perk of developing such sensitive ears is that, once developed, an artist gig will feel like a walk in the park. Think about how many heavyweight artists got their start in church. Makes sense, don't it? I rest my bass... er, case. Bass case. Whatever!

The single biggest challenge in Worship Bands is the varying skill levels. Chances are you may be sharing the stage with a serious player on one side of you and a novice on the other. On the surface, this may make you want to run out and cram toothpicks in your eyes, but it's actually a blessing. Granted that may be hard to notice at first. Especially when the piano player, who you feel may have actually dated Moses, is playing all around the groove. Get used to it, OK? Because it's a good bet that "Sister Mildred" over there on piano is a fixture around the church -- and makes a mean coconut cream pie. So, guess what? She ain't going nowhere!

Never fear, though. If you can channel your GOD-given groovitude to adapt to her playing style then you will have accomplished a serious miracle. The truth behind the horro, is that she's probably more in tune to the pastor than anyone on the stage and knows when to play and when not to. Sure, she couldn't count to 4 to save her life but she knows how to make it work. Have your ears on and you'll not only help the whole thing groove, you may even get the big piece of that coconut cream pie. Nomnomnomnom good!

Lastly, let me dispell a common myth. All church musicians are not lame! If you think that's true then go Google Abraham Laboriel, Norm Stockton, Andre Gouche, and Adam Nitti then report back to me. These are BAD MEN and some of the finest bassists on the planet. Chances are if you play in worship bands you will also play with some of the finest talent you've ever experienced as well. I have been lucky enough to share the stage with world famous Christian pop star Rebecca St. James on a number of praise and worship concerts. I'll just say she is the finest vocalist I have ever played with and I won't even go into playing with The Mississippi Mass Choir. With that I'll just say Praise God! Oh and I almost forgot that I actually got the Billy Ray gig from playing at church when he looked up from the congregation going "That is my new bass player!"

Obviously, faith based gigs may not be for everyone. If your spiritual path leads you on a path where you can perform, though, it is worth pursuing. Remember to keep the same professionalism and conviction you do on all of your other musical endeavors. If you do so, you can yet again save the world from a lame groove, not have to pass the collection plate for gas money, and may even get a second piece of "Sister Mildred's" award winning pie.

Groove on,

S

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