Worship Musician June 2018 | Page 74

BASS 7 THINGS TO KEEP IN MIND AS A WORSHIP BASSIST | Norm Stockton In many ways, music is music…and the GROOVE then add synth pads on the prechorus, then the considerations between Sunday morning vs. Some define groove as the element of music wall of guitars on the chorus. Or on the other any other gig are similar (things like having that makes the listener want to dance. I agree, end of the spectrum, perhaps lay out on the functional gear, arriving on time, playing in tune, although I think it goes deeper than that, as a bass until the 2 nd chorus when playing a longer etc., come to mind). But over the decades of groove-oriented approach can be employed ballad? playing bass in the worship context, I’ve found while playing tied whole-notes or rests. I define there are certain factors that are particular to groove as “a feeling of consistent/predictable/ EMOTING being a worship bassist, and keeping them in reliable forward motion in the music.” Playing I view my role in the worship band as one of focus has been super helpful. with groove musically conveying what is happening lyrically sensibility and awareness— is arguably the and spiritually. If the song is a rafter-shaking HOMEWORK IS A SPIRITUAL THING most important musical element we can bring. praise fest, I’m striving to convey that. If it’s a It’s tempting to put things into neat little boxes, If you don’t have a passion for the groove, I heart cry from the depths, I’m trying to express where studying the scriptures and prayer are encourage you to pursue it. It’s what everyone that. It’s important to note that I’m not talking spiritual considerations, while woodshedding you play with wants of you! about emotional manipulation—rather, I’m trying rhythmic solidity—having and preparing to play on Sunday morning are to avoid a musically schizophrenic statement the practical. I encourage you to challenge that BEING THE FOUNDATION where there’s a disconnect between the music mindset: if you are called to worship ministry, It’s well established that the bass and drums and lyric. Music isn’t just math or physics. There then I would submit to you that shedding serve as the foundation for the rhythm section. is an emotional, heart component to it (isn’t that and being ready to play the worship set well I believe that effective bass players are often why we love it?). God created us as emotional and effectively are fundamentally spiritual driving from the backseat. For instance, by beings, too. Emote the tune! endeavors, as well. setting up transitions (building into choruses, or a few well-placed, upper register whole- KEEPING THE MAIN THING THE MAIN THING I’d humbly suggest that Bible study and prayer notes telegraphing a breakdown section, etc.), The pace of life can sometimes be challenging, can also be highly practical, but that’s a different the bassist compels the drummer to similarly and it’s easy to find ourselves going through the article! build or drop down, which allows the rest of motions from time to time. I find the best thing the team to know where they’re headed with I can do to defibrillate my heart is get personal PLAYING FOR THE TUNE & CONTEXT absolute certainty. This covert bandleading is worship times where it’s just me, God, and my It can be a really healthy reminder and often well below the radar, but its absence is blasting car stereo (hopefully) drowning out my “perspective aligner” to regularly take note of often indicated by musical trainwrecks! belting tunes above my vocal range! As I pour the fact that it truly isn’t about me. Sunday out my heart and really soak in the lyrics I’m morning isn’t my musical outlet. I’m there to DYNAMICS: WHEN I CAN’T POSSIBLY PLAY ANY serve and bring my utmost to help direct the LOUDER eyes of the church to Him. When I’m embracing I couldn’t resist the reference to my favorite God bless you abundantly as you faithfully that fact, it’s quite easy to play for the song. By drummer joke (exasperated drummer responds serve Him! that, I mean serving the tune in a way that’s in to the producer: “What do you mean ‘play context with the musical style, without feeling it with dynamics?’ I’m hitting as hard as I can!”). necessary to throw jazz licks into a Coldplay- Letting a song build up or drop down is one esque rock song. Or slap on a Bethel ballad. of the essential ways to make the music say something on an emotional level (more on that On a related note, I highly encourage musicians in the next point). Dynamic variation can also to not let the worship service be their sole be accomplished through layering; particularly context for musical expression—even if it’s just on a big rock feel where it might sound odd to spending 20 minutes midweek jamming with a have an instrument play less energetically. It can drum loop or favorite recording, it’s invaluable to serve a similar function to simply have a section have other opportunities to musically explore. be just vocals with drums and bass playing big, 74 June 2018 singing, perspective is restored. Norm Stockton Bassist/clinician/solo artist based in Orange County, CA. Following his long tenure as bassist with Lincoln Brewster, Norm has been focused on equipping bassists around the world through his instructional site (www.ArtOfGroove.com), as well as performing or recording with several Grammy award winning artists. Learn about his latest & most ambitious project at www.GroovesAndSushi.com. His book, The Worship Bass Book, is published by Hal Leonard. He is also the electric bass teacher at Biola University in Los Angeles. Visit Norm at Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram www.normstockton.com WorshipMusician.com