“faking” your way thru worship?
The latest heresy at the Christian ?esearch Network is a new music book from Lifeway entitled The Praise and Worship Fake Book. The book is designed for those musicians who wish to worship God thru music, but are not as skilled as others. Some of the modern worship music created today can be a bit complex for the inexperienced player, so this book simplifies the chords and music structure so that these musicians are able to play some of their favorite songs of worship on their own. The description says “by improvising with the chord symbols, musicians can “fake” their own arrangements of songs.â€
What was C?N’s response to this book?
Ever wonder why the P&W teams show words on the jumbo-tron but no music? Well, they wouldn’t be able to “improvise” (aka “fake”) their way through and we certainly wouldn’t want to impinge on their artistic expression or human potentiality.
Huh? Most churches don’t show music on their screens because they are there to display the words for people to sing along. The average Joe-Shmo doesn’t know how to read sheet music any how. And apparently improvising thru a song is somehow wrong. on top of that, this book is probably not going to be used by the seasoned and skilled musicians that lead music in churches all over the world.
Now, I will give him the benefit of a doubt that he was not suggesting these musicians are fake in their worship to God, but just faking the difficult chord structures. This means the whole article is about how inexperienced musicians do not play as skilled as others… a bit rediculous if you ask me. In general, I think this author was once again attempting to take a jab at the modern church movement, but once again couldn’t find anything. I guess if you can’t beat ‘em, make fun of their less skilled musicians, right?
August 8th, 2007 at 10:54 am
hmmm….I wonder how they feel about the first really popular ‘fake’ book for worship, JS Bach’s “The Art of the Fugue?”
August 8th, 2007 at 10:55 am
I was going to blog this, but I think you have stated it better than I could, Nathan. Honestly, how is it wrong to create a fake book? I played jazz extensively in high school, and we used “fake books” in our jam sessions, because it made it easier for everyone to join in. A worship fake book is a fantastic idea! It allows just about anyone with musical ability to sing/play a given worship song without knowing all the intricacies of the song itself. Heaven forbid we should make worship accessible!
August 8th, 2007 at 11:05 am
“Fake books” are common in any music store. They aren’t about improvising. They are simplified versions of the song that any novice musician can play. They get at the feel of the song.
Not sure why CRN even made this an issue.
August 8th, 2007 at 11:20 am
As one who plays the keyboard and does improvise (one man’s fake is another man’s improvisation) this view stems from a root of pride in the works of man. It is entirely probable that at one worship service an unskilled keyboard player is worshiping God while a skilled musician’s mind is not focused upon the Lord.
God doesn’t listen to the chords, He listens to the heart!
August 8th, 2007 at 11:51 am
God doesn’t listen to the heart, he listens to the hymns
August 8th, 2007 at 11:54 am
Yes Nathan, how great thou art!
August 8th, 2007 at 12:06 pm
“… we certainly wouldn’t want to impinge on their artistic expression or human potentiality.”
Of course a condescending tone, but did it occur to anyone that MAN WROTE THE HYMNS? So writing them originally is not human potentiality, only playing them with improvisation. That my friends is just plain dumb without any residual value.
Sometimes the abject incongruity is beyond words (because I wouldn’t want to add any human potentiality!)
August 8th, 2007 at 12:32 pm
On the below site, there are at least 20 “fake books”. It’s not about improvising. It’s for people who need to learn a song quick and easy. They aren’t the real cords of the song. They are simplified songs.
http://www.wholenote.com/cat–Guitar-Fakebooks–511
August 8th, 2007 at 12:42 pm
It is a little known fact that G.F.Handel pioneered the fake system with his book “Play the Messiah in Three Hours”.
August 8th, 2007 at 12:50 pm
Again, how can anyone take these guys seious… if anything seems “fake”… it is them! LOL!
be blessed,
iggy
August 8th, 2007 at 1:05 pm
My mom always used to say, “what’s the good of being stupid unless you can let the whole world know.”
Any musician who played for any number years knows what a “fake book” is. This is almost too dumb for comprehension.
August 8th, 2007 at 1:44 pm
All I can say is my Tom, who by the way is a *professional* trumpet player and has been for 30 years, wouldn’t be caught dead with a “fake book”.
August 8th, 2007 at 2:31 pm
I don’t think that’s the real Ingrid, or Ingird, as the case may be. The IP is from someone at a military base in Florida.
August 8th, 2007 at 2:40 pm
Matt,
You wouldn’t say… LOL!
August 8th, 2007 at 2:47 pm
Seriously, the funny thing is that the author of that post is implying that the “fake book” is somehow dictating the simplicity of the music. Granted many modern worship songs aren’t on par with symphonies or concertos from a music standpoint, but that’s not really the point of a fake book. You could make a hymn “fake book”, it would just more complex chords in it. I’ve looked at some jazz fake books and the chording would give even experienced musicians a challenge. Hymnals don’t really have true “arrangements” in them either, at least not in the orchestral sense.
I mean really, I’m just astounded by the ignorance shown in the post.
August 8th, 2007 at 3:02 pm
Phil - it is really more than ignorance, it is absolute pride. The zenith of pride and self righteousness is when a sinner, saved by grace, says “unless you worship Go like I do He doesn’t receive it because my style is the only approved one”.
Do we remember the sinful woman washing Jesus’ feet in an unorthodx manner which led even the disciples to judge her? That is what is happening in such a post that shows contempt for everyone’s worship but their own.
It is prideful to say “Your evangelistic style is wrong”.
It is prideful to say “Your Bible version is wrong”.
BUT IT IS THE ABSOLUTE HEIGHT OF PRIDE TO BE SELF RIGHTEOUS OVER HOW YOU WORSHIP GOD!!!
He resists the proud and gives grace to the humble. It is beyond credulity to see a sinner, broken before God and supposedly concentrating ONLY ON HIM, to lift his head and inspect someone else’s worship and criticize. It doesn’t get any more disgusting than that.
Dear Jesus, help us all to be stripped of any pride that would distract us from worshiping You in all Your fulness. Only You are worthy, and even our worship comes from Your Power. Please open the eyes of these men who would hold ANY pride in their worship style.
August 8th, 2007 at 3:18 pm
Rick,
Sadly, you are correct. I wonder how something like the story about the prostitute would look today. Would she even make it through the doors of our churches?
It reminds of how in Keith Green’s biography Melody tells of the time when the leaders at ORU stopped his concert when students started spontaneously confessing.
I too pray that the Lord would soften our hearts and let us see our true condition.
August 8th, 2007 at 6:11 pm
I guess I would like to pipe in here. I havent read the book or read the article mentioned here but there is another ascpect to the dumbing down of Christian music.
Since music has been in such a big demand in church because of the praise and worship movement (mainly started by Christian record companies) there has been a big pressure for every church to have its own band.
Now everyone isnt going to be as skilled a player as say Rueben Morgan (Hillsongs) whose strumming hand you could set a metronome to. Or great players like Alex Acuna or Lincoln Brewster.
There is a lot of room for all different levels of talent because of demand.
This movement has bought out a lot of players who never made it in the world (probably because they were to lazy to rehearse) but now have a platform and audience to play to.
Im not sure what Christian music is too hard to play since most of it is pretty basic stuff.
Many praise teams are just lazy to practice but still want the glory of playing live music to a crowd.
At least thats been a lot of my experience.
I personally will play with any skill level as long as you want to practice to get it to sound as good as you possibly can, and that always takes time and commitment.
Why give God a Cain sacrifice?
Why not raise the bar instead of lowering it?
Im not talking about players who read or players who play by ear.
Even though I thinks its best you are able to do both.
Fake books may make the already lazy player worse not a better player.
Again I havent seen anything to terribly complictated in very few Christian charts.
Playing Steely Dan songs.
Now thats hard.
Peace
Tim
August 8th, 2007 at 7:10 pm
Just a teeny weeny assumption there don’t you think? Maybe, just maybe it helps someone give an Abel sacrifice? I mean, does God really care if sister susy gets up there and stinks if her heart is in the right place?
August 8th, 2007 at 7:22 pm
We put far too much emphasis on talent and not enough on worship. What does it mean if a musician practices his instrument for the praise band but spends little time with Christ in prayer and the Word? If talent is what we seek, hire the secular orchestra. But if committed hearts of worship is what God desires, then the requirements are vastly different.
One of the most meaningful times of worship I’ve ever experienced was in Belieze when we only had one minimally tuned guitar played by a minimally talented (me) guitarist. No sound system, no auditorium, no praise team, and no instruments. Just God’s manifested presence. I’ll take that over a thousand member orchestra.
August 8th, 2007 at 7:37 pm
Tim,
The thing even the most talented and best sounding worship bands play from lead sheets that don’t really contain any more information than a fake book would. I understand what you’re saying, but I don’t see how it has any relation to this book.
Also, I’ve found that most of the time there is no correlation between the condition of someone’s heart and talent. If someone is up on the stage for his own own glory, then it’s not pleasing to God. I believe God will overlook a lack of skill much more than a lack of sincerity. Ideally leaders should help guide young and/or new musicians so they can improve their skills in a safe environment. Really, though, the church service isn’t a place where we should expect to see a great performance. I’ve played in bands for a while now, and it’s actually something I struggle with. I do want to do my best, but I also want to remember for what reason. Sometimes my wife actually reminds me, “well, they didn’t come here to hear play guitar”. “Pop!” - that’s the sound of my ego imploding!
That brings me to another point. This is just yet another instance where the watchdawggies seem are talking out of both sides of their mouths. They will jump on PDL services for being too produced and planned, but yet they seem too want worship music to be up to par with Philharmonic Orchestra. There really is no way to please some people.
August 8th, 2007 at 7:37 pm
As a musician, I love playing with extremely talented people — it’s a joy to really “fly” musically with others who can really, really play.
As a pastoral-type, I love playing with newbies and teenagers who are still really rough around the edges, because I love seeing people get involved using their musical and singing gifts for God, even if they’re not “professional” enough to gain the praise of men. They get God’s praise, and I’m honoured to play with them.
Yes, I’ll be the first to admit, I prefer to play with seasoned and skilled musicians, but God has taught me a lot over the years about “it’s not about you (or your ‘ability’), it’s about Jesus”.
August 8th, 2007 at 7:40 pm
Phil said “This is just yet another instance where the watchdawggies seem are talking out of both sides of their mouths. ”
That’s a little extreme don’t you think?
August 8th, 2007 at 7:44 pm
Rick,
Man, that sentence was atrocious. You must have the gift of interpretation.
For everyone else, I meant to say - This is just another instance where the watchdawgies seem to be talking out of both sides of their mouths.
Unlike me, who seems to be typing with crossed fingers.
August 8th, 2007 at 7:47 pm
For putting “just yet” in the same sentence? I didn’t even notice — too many Mennonite relatives, I guess.
Besides, all good Christians in my hometown use the word “justreally” as if it wasn’t actually two words. They also used “Lord” to begin and end each sentence of their prayers, with “justreally” inserted at least once in each sentence, as well.
August 8th, 2007 at 7:52 pm
robbymac,
Well, I assumed he was talking about the “seem are” in the middle of the sentence, which has no cultural heritage from my knowledge. I don’t know where the “just yet” came from.
August 8th, 2007 at 8:28 pm
What I meant by giving God a Cain sacrifice is why give God second best. I was not assuming that someone who read this book was doing that. I do agree with Henry and you need the balance, spending time with Jesus and in His Word as well. Thats even more important than raw talent.
Its still not a excuse for sloppy unrehearsed playing.
What if you were choosen for a band to play a concert for Pres Bush (or insert famous person of your choice here)?
You had better believe you are going to spend sometime on sounding good and playing well.
Why should be give anything less for the God of the Universe?
and phil stated
“This is just yet another instance where the watchdawggies seem are talking out of both sides of their mouths. They will jump on PDL services for being too produced and planned, but yet they seem too want worship music to be up to par with Philharmonic Orchestra. There really is no way to please some people. ”
I hope thats not referring to this watch doggie because Im not talking about being on par with an such thing. Plus I saw Saddlebacks Christmas Eve service and it was not very good musically or preaching wise.
Thats just my opinion of course.
Skill levels vary.
Im coming from the place of are you willing to sacrifice some of your time in order to sound as good as you can?
Some folks dont want to make any kind of effort.
There are many players in church who never made anything of themselves musically because they are lazy.
Now they have a new stage to showcase their lack of chops.
A comment by Joe
“I mean, does God really care if sister susy gets up there and stinks if her heart is in the right place? ”
Yes I think God does care its a matter of stewardship.
God gives certain gifts to certain people.
I dont sing lead because I suck at it. ( And lets please not further abuse the joyful noise verse) there is a reason I play drums and perc.
There are way to many people who are allowed to sing because of their great hearts.
If they were meant to sing a solo God would have provided the talent. Or the drive and passion to practice to develop the gift.
Its a matter of being a good steward over the gifts God has given you.
Peace
Tim
August 8th, 2007 at 8:34 pm
Tim,
Just to clarify, I was not talking about you when I was referring to “watchdawggies”. I was referring to the author of the linked article and those who have said similar things.
Any watchdawggie worth their salt would definitely not admit to listening to or playing Steely Dan songs.
August 8th, 2007 at 8:38 pm
Question:
Isn’t any English Translation Bible (including the KJV) a ‘Fake Book’?
I mean, if we can’t appreciate music/can’t worship because we are using a book that dilutes the original song by making it eaiser for the masses to play and or sing to, then doesn’t that apply to English Language Bibles?
If we were really as righteous as we need to be, then we should study the Scriptures in the original Hebrew and Greek, since that’s the ‘key’ they were written in, and those languages are more complex and accurate than our lowly English. How many words for love are there in Greek vs English?
So, watchdoggies, break out the Hebrew and Greek texts and let’s be truly authentic.
Speared4me
August 8th, 2007 at 8:54 pm
Ok Thanks phil: The thing about Steely Dan is they really cared about their music and went through great lengths to make their music as good as it could be. Their arrangements are some of the best ever done in music.
Thats why as Christians we should be embarressed that we cant do music at least as well as some of the records the world produces.
And Im talking quality not sales here.
Also Ive never had a problem playing secular music or listening to it.
In many situations it’s better produced.
Bill Schnee (the man with ears of gold a saved Christian) engineered Aja.
Both Alex Acuna and Luis Conte both friends and brothers in the Lord played on (gasp dont say it Tim) the Transformer’s soundtrack.
With Emergents I think its really a cheap shot that folks take Dan Kimballs hair, his love of Brian Setzer music or decorations in his church to task.
Thats just stupid and uncalled for.
I take exception with Dans endorsement of occult rituals such as the labyrinth. (not asking for a side fight just using a example of where I stand).
I dont think classical music played by a talented orchestra consisting of probably both saved and unsaved individuals (which I enjoy) is any more godly than The Brian Setzer Orchestra (which I also enjoy and think its a real step up from The Stray Cats).
Yes many composers wrote for the church (which would be the Catholic Church).
But take a look at the well documented lives they lead.
Go figure.
Thats such a tired argument anyway.
Thats my three cents
Peace
Tim
August 8th, 2007 at 9:52 pm
Tim, I really disagree with you, but that’s cool. Unless the person is singing an unbiblical song as worship (I really don’t want to open that can of worms) I don’t think God gives a rip about the “quality” which is certainly subjective. Also, I find your argument to be somewhat self defeating in that on one post you state that God gives some talent and some no talent. Then perhaps, that is why the “non-christians” are producing better music because God gave them more talent.
It is my fear that when we start worrying about how good can this person play, we are now in “production” mode which can be problematic. Now, allow me to somewhat self defeat my own argument: I believe there are certain context where it would not be the best if someone who had no talent played/was the leader whatever so I do see where you are coming from. I do not however see where the writer of the post linked is coming from. Does any of that make sense?
August 8th, 2007 at 10:27 pm
1. You can’t just project music up on screens because in certain situations, it violates a license. Words, yes, but there are limitations on projecting chords, notes, etc. depending upon the publisher and such. There would be no purpose in projecting such a full score, anyway.
2. Any numbskull can plod through a “complex” hymn with standard chord-per-beat notation. A fake book is trickier, forcing musicians to listen and improvise based on a basic melody line and chords.
I play out of both a fake book and a hymnal as the pianist at my church, and a fake book takes more skill in the sense that just having a melody line and chording allows the musician to change the key for the range of the leaders voice, or for other purposes. I also improvise while playing out of the hymnal, breaking chords into arpeggios.
Only someone without a lick of musical knowledge would say that an inexperienced musician would choose a fake book because if you actually put a lead sheet or fake book in front of a novice player, they panic and, in the case of a piano player, will ask where the bass clef is. Unless you are expecting a full-fledged symphony with all the music scored in the key of each instrument, fake books/lead sheets are the way a group of musicians play. There are lead sheets for all the golden oldie hymns as well, for the same reason.
A novice musician cannot deal well with lead sheets and fake books since they require knowledge of the instrument to improvise what isn’t there.
Just saying. Don’t let the word “fake” make you think the musicians aren’t real musicians. Most church organists plodding out the great hymns probably wouldn’t really be considered all that great of musicians, either, so just playing a standard hymn does not maketh thee a better Christian musician. Full grand staff doth not save thy soul.
Curious: I wonder what CRN might think of Nashville’s way of notation? It’s very different, meant to accomodate lots of variety and on-the-fly musicianship.
August 8th, 2007 at 10:33 pm
Isn’t it interesting that Jesus stated that we worship in “spirit and in truth”… so how does style of music ift into that?
Just a thought I thunk,
iggy
August 8th, 2007 at 10:33 pm
Joe i understand where you are coming from .
Let me clarify.
Im talking about those who are really bad not just a little sharp or flat but fingernails on the chalkboard bad.
About quality being subjective there is certainly sharp and flat.
But even sharp and flat musically can be used if put in the right context and spot.
I dont think on terms of production as much as heart and effort.
Ive played with people of all skill levels and I can tell you from experience its more of a blessing to play with someone who really works hard and tries their best and gives a good effort.
rather than a know it all.
As far as non Christian’s making better music.
Im really not sure where they get the talent.
Just like some people really are good at making money but God has nothing to do with it.
many non Christians excel in the arts as well.
Very thought provoking and I really cant answer where they get there talent from?
Its easier to address extreme situations like where does Marilyn Manson get his talent and fame from.
because he is vocal about giving glory to the devil.
I know in the Old Testament the musicians were probably very good being Levites and specially trained and all.
The New Testament just doesnt go into music as much as the Old.
Again when I talk about a Cain sacrifice Im talking about someone who just wants to be on the platform because its upfront and they just want to be on a stage.
This could pertain as well to a very good player who thinks he (or she) is to good to practice and they are allowed to play just because they are so talented.
Ive seen both.
I do appreciate the comments and feedback though.
I think its great to hash things out and think about opposing views.
Im certainly not perfect by any means.
Peace
Tim
August 8th, 2007 at 10:44 pm
Julie stated
“Curious: I wonder what CRN might think of Nashville’s way of notation? It’s very different, meant to accomodate lots of variety and on-the-fly musicianship. ”
thats a very good comment.
I did some recording with Dave Cleveland, Craig Nelson and some others in Nashville a couple years ago.
Dave wrote out all the charts using the Nashville number system.
Very odd looking and interesting.
This is the system most studio players in nashville use.
It gives you some room to breath but still spells out the song.
Just a side note-
Phil Collins doesnt read music at all, not a lick. Charts things using x and o’s.
Phil still plays great drums as well as pretty solid on piano and keys.
Plus is a very accomplished writer and sound track guy.
Phil has won a couple awards I think.
Not bad for someone who doesnt read.
I dont want people to think I confuse technical music knowledge with good old fashioned hard work.
I think and believe a Christians hard work honors God.
How can you argue with that?
Peace
Tim
August 9th, 2007 at 12:37 am
I have never heard of the Nashville number system. Is it something like figured bass, or is it pitches having numbers rather than the note names?
Pavarotti doesn’t read music, either. Had people hired to teach him. And it is important to remember that notational systems for music were developed by…..the Catholic Church!because of the necessity of keeping all the liturgy identical.
August 9th, 2007 at 5:58 am
A lot of people have had to work hard just to become a chord player. I believe God isn’t as enamored with skill as He is with a devoted heart. It is always good to have a few really good musicians on the band, but willing hearts with a love for Jesus can be used also.
I know one thing, God hates someone who would make light of followers who are actually worshipingb our Lord but do not have a thirty year professional backround. That is just disgusting pride coming from those who supposedly eschew the works of man.
August 9th, 2007 at 7:08 am
Sandy,
The Nashville Number System isn’t too complicated if you have a little knowledge of chord theory. A lot of musicians actually use it somewhat without knowing they are using it.
It basically is replacing the chord names with numbers which are relative to the key you’re playing in. For example, if a simple progression in the key of G went G - Em - D - C, the number notation would be I - vi - V - IV or 1-6-5-4. The other extension naming conventions stay pretty much the same. Like if you wanted to play a Gmaj7 in the key of G, it would be written as Imaj7 or 1maj7. The main advantage for doing this is that lead sheets don’t have to be re-written if key of the song needs to be changed to accomodate the singer.
August 9th, 2007 at 7:19 am
Julie,
You are correct. I have seen (and unfortunately heard) a lot organists and pianists in churches that know how to read music but are really lost beyond that. They really haven’t taken the time to learn anything about music theory beyond playing the notes put before them.
Again, it just shows the pride and ignorance of the author at CRN.