Christian Blues

LesPaulGuy · October 19th, 2007, 03:19 PM

It has been fascinating reading the posts about the Christian Blues festivals being held up in Vancouver, as well as the great dialog between you guys. (I'm not being politically incorrect here, I just haven't seen any ladies chime in on this yet). :>)

Out of curiousity, I'd really be interested to see some thoughts from you all on the premise of "Christian" blues. Is this term meant as a description of the style of music, with Christ-centered lyrics? This is my take on it. I daily strive for the joy that can only be attained through a personal relationship with Christ and His indwelling Spirit, but my heart is definitely heavy for the lost - so I guess I need not feel hypocritical playing in this style (which I love and do).

What are your thoughts? To be honest here, I feel more comfortable playing in a wine bar or dance type club with even a secular blues band than I do in a nightclub or regular bar with a classic rock band. (I love both styles). I have a blues-bassist brother that often comes to town with one or more of his side bands, and I really enjoy sitting in with them.

I'm embarrased to say this, but until I read these threads I had never heard of this genre! I once played (with David Edwards Band) on the same venue as Darrell (I spell that right?) Mansfield back in the mid '80's, and was aware of his blues roots, but I am quite pleased to discover this "pocket" of Christian musicians & bands.

scooteraz · October 19th, 2007, 05:37 PM

I found some Christian Blues as a genre up on the MP3 website. Could download and actually get CDs from some of the folks.

Much like you have sad blues, and happy blues you have the same in Christian Blues, but with Christian lyrics. However, I am not sure there is a good Christian equivalent to "Born Under a Bad Sign". But it is much like Christian Rock, Punk, HipHop, Contemporary etc.

I think blues is a great musical venue to describe faith in real life. However, I had a pastor that told me flat out that Blues were not the "...music of Jesus..." When I agreed and said the music Jesus listened to was probably more like the caterwauling of Chinese Opera, he did not think it amusing.

Trimmed&Burnin · October 19th, 2007, 06:27 PM

I started playing Blues when I was 14,, I became a believer when I was 24. I allowed Christian leaders with good intentions try to turn me into someone they could be comfortable with which meant no more Blues,,, nobody's fault but mine,, I was an unproductive, unhappy man trying really hard to like the Christian music that was available. That sucked,,,especially in the 8o's!!
In 1990 I heard Glenn Kaiser and Darrell Mansfield 's Trimmed And Burnin CD. It changed my life!! Scripture that I had read previouly came to life and I began to wake up spiritually again. I have been playing and writing Gospel Blues ever since. I've even been blessed with the opportunity to build guitars and amps for Glenn Kaiser, Darrell Mansfield, and Larry Howard.
Every generation and culture has it's music and God can use any of it to reach those that relate to it. To me Blues is the music that I naturally relate to and can best express myself with,, I believe that God has his hand in that.
Keep your lamp Trimmed And Burnin

JohnSS · October 19th, 2007, 09:19 PM

Rev. Gary Davis and Blind Willie Johnson have a large catalog of "Gospel Blues" with some incredible guitar playing that has influenced the likes of Ry Cooder, Jorma Kaukonen, Ben Harper, David Bromberg, Stefan Grossman, and a host of others.

hotraman · October 20th, 2007, 12:04 PM

R & R blues should be in the church.
Its about the lyrics.
So should modern day songs of Lamentations.

telerasta · October 20th, 2007, 12:29 PM

Scooteraz, what does you pastor think *is* the music of Jesus?

First things first, I'm not a believer in any God, the nearest thing to God I believe in is Robert Johnson

It has always ammused me when I meet christians who say things like "That's the Devils music!" or " That sound ain't holy!". Clearly these people do not understand the blues or understand how fundamental christianity was to the birth of the blues. It's the same thing with metal or heavy rock "drop d tuning is the Devil!".

It's music damnit!

Trimmed&Burnin · October 20th, 2007, 01:23 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by telerasta

Scooteraz, what does you pastor think *is* the music of Jesus?

First things first, I'm not a believer in any God, the nearest thing to God I believe in is Robert Johnson

It has always ammused me when I meet christians who say things like "That's the Devils music!" or " That sound ain't holy!". Clearly these people do not understand the blues or understand how fundamental christianity was to the birth of the blues. It's the same thing with metal or heavy rock "drop d tuning is the Devil!".

It's music damnit!

Music is Spiritual,, all of it. Blues did indeed spring from the Spirituals, not many people admit to or understand that,, good point.
It's a shame that we as Christians keep shooting ourselves in the foot. When reading the Gosples there are a couple things that seem to be prevelant to me,,,and more than I'm mentioning here for sure but,,,
#1. Jesus seemed to only get angry with those who should have known Him or claim to know Him and stand in the way of others coming to Him. These are the religous proud and asleep.

#2. He would state His case with love and allow each person to make up his or her mind as to whether or not to accept Him. He treated all with dignity and would move on to let them choose always being ready to embrace a change of heart towards Him.

As far as music goes, music in and of it's self is neither holy or unholy, it's not the music but the content, intent, and expression of those things in the heart of the one who plays it and hears it that is either holy or unholy. There is a lot of music written by people that do not believe that probably pleases God, it's His gift. He takes delight in His creation, some just dont know it yet, some would keep it to themselves, and some would deny it.

telerasta · October 20th, 2007, 01:56 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Trimmed&Burnin

There is a lot of music written by people that do not believe that probably pleases God, it's His gift. He takes delight in His creation, some just dont know it yet, some would keep it to themselves, and some would deny it.

Aaaaaaaaaaah now there's a discussion I'd like to have with a man of the faith; Gods musical taste

I wonder if He likes the tele twang or the growl of a humbucker?

Trimmed&Burnin · October 20th, 2007, 02:05 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by telerasta

Aaaaaaaaaaah now there's a discussion I'd like to have with a man of the faith; Gods musical taste

I wonder if He likes the tele twang or the growl of a humbucker?

No doubt!!

I would not assume to know God's taste in music but I do believe that he enjoys the use of His gift by those whom He has created. I am sure that there are songs written about "Old dogs, children, and watermellon wine" that he would enjoy the spirit of.
But if I were to put God in a box I'm betting that he likes His slide played on Humbuckers,, lead and rythym on a Tele.

hotraman · October 20th, 2007, 02:11 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Trimmed&Burnin

Music is Spiritual,, all of it. Blues did indeed spring from the Spirituals, not many people admit to or understand that,, good point.
It's a shame that we as Christians keep shooting ourselves in the foot. When reading the Gosples there are a couple things that seem to be prevelant to me,,,and more than I'm mentioning here for sure but,,,
#1. Jesus seemed to only get angry with those who should have known Him or claim to know Him and stand in the way of others coming to Him. These are the religous proud and asleep.

#2. He would state His case with love and allow each person to make up his or her mind as to whether or not to accept Him. He treated all with dignity and would move on to let them choose always being ready to embrace a change of heart towards Him.

As far as music goes, music in and of it's self is neither holy or unholy, it's not the music but the content, intent, and expression of those things in the heart of the one who plays it and hears it that is either holy or unholy. There is a lot of music written by people that do not believe that probably pleases God, it's His gift. He takes delight in His creation, some just dont know it yet, some would keep it to themselves, and some would deny it.

Well said, Shannon.
My belief as well.

broadcaster · October 20th, 2007, 02:11 PM

Glenn Kaiser has put out some great blues music with excellent lyrics that I really dig. Great stuff.

Trimmed&Burnin · October 20th, 2007, 02:24 PM

Glenn is the real deal,, I've known him for some years now and he's been a huge encouragement to me through his music and example. He owns four of my amps and I'm shipping him the first guitar come monday morning. A Redwood Resolectric that I call "Swamp Thang". I have a few pictures of it on myspace. He's used my amps on his last four or five CD's now. Keep an ear open for any thing that he has recorded, it's all good!

Telenator · October 20th, 2007, 02:33 PM

Nobby Reed from Vermont does a serious christian blues. Great player!

Trimmed&Burnin · October 20th, 2007, 02:58 PM

I've heard him once,, yes, good stuff! I'm a sponsor of and involved in organizing in a Gospel Blues Fest in Chilliwack BC called Back2Blues,, We're always looking for good Gospel Blues bands and Artists.

GoldieLocks · October 20th, 2007, 06:38 PM

I definitely agree that God would like his slide on a Humbucker

I've been pondering for awhile now what the soundtrack to the Bible would sound like (if there was one). I doubt alot of the VERY NICE Christian music of today would really tell all of the story. Here's my lowdown...

Battle scenes: Some Heavy Metal of course

romance Scenes: Some R&B & Ballads

Espionage Scenes: Some Peter Gunn or groove music (Booker T & MG's)

Book of Job or Psalms: Some serious Blues.

And lots of Folk music, World music, Classical music...and "Gulp", maybe even some Pop music if we absolutely had too (Maybe Elton John

). I would think that God see's all music as valid. Lyrics on the other hand, thats a different story.

BellyBoy · October 21st, 2007, 01:27 PM

There are many great Gospel Blues bands... check out http://www.christianblues.com
also there is a Christian Blues Radio show online at
http://www.kconlineradio.com/

Mark is always looking for new Christian/Gospel blues to play
his contact is below...
http://www.markkerrltd.com/cb.htm
Contact Mark Kerr at bluesboy747@yahoo.com

LesPaulGuy · October 21st, 2007, 05:21 PM

This thread has been great! Thanks so much for all the input and recommendations, this is very encouraging. May God bless all of your efforts in furthering His kingdom through this form of music. Other than the Jelly-Belly-Tele I am not seeing a lot of Telecasters? Whassup?

iowa · October 21st, 2007, 10:21 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Trimmed&Burnin

Glenn is the real deal,, I've known him for some years now and he's been a huge encouragement to me through his music and example. He owns four of my amps and I'm shipping him the first guitar come monday morning. A Redwood Resolectric that I call "Swamp Thang". I have a few pictures of it on myspace. He's used my amps on his last four or five CD's now. Keep an ear open for any thing that he has recorded, it's all good!

Glenn IS the real deal. He rocks, I have had the opportunity to see him play both acoustically and with the GKB (Glenn Kaiser Band). He is a smokin' picker, and not shy at all about bringing the message.
Buy the CD's and if you have an opportunity, go see him live.

Couple of other gospel / blues related artists that I like:
Sister Rosetta Tharp
The Holmes Brothers (country/blues/rb fusion?)
Elvis (can't forget about the king)

Trimmed&Burnin · October 22nd, 2007, 10:36 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by LesPaulGuy

This thread has been great! Thanks so much for all the input and recommendations, this is very encouraging. May God bless all of your efforts in furthering His kingdom through this form of music. Other than the Jelly-Belly-Tele I am not seeing a lot of Telecasters? Whassup?

Jelly Belly???

I would have named that guitar Jelly Belly if I were naming it after myself, however the guitar has a much firmer belly than I do!

I named it Belly Boy because the bodies start at 2.25 inches thick (and thicker), when you put a strap on them they hang right at your belly and ballance there. Now as far as our friend Mr. Johnny "Belly Boy" Mannion goes,,, I'll leave that for him to clarify!

I have a few pictures of him on myspace,,
Hey Johnny,, I love you man!

BellyBoy · October 22nd, 2007, 11:47 AM

Shannon, my mom says I am big boned!!! lol

Trimmed&Burnin · October 22nd, 2007, 12:05 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BellyBoy

Shannon, my mom says I am big boned!!! lol

My mom said I was bone headed! No brag, just fact

LesPaulGuy · October 22nd, 2007, 03:16 PM

"Jelly Belly??? "

I'm just teasing you guys on the name - Jelly Belly Tele had a nice ring to it. Of course I don't have far to look to find a jelly belly myself, so I shouldn't talk. I say I have a stomach of steel, and my son says "yeah, steel wool"

Ouch

TheGoodTexan · October 30th, 2007, 10:14 AM

I've thought about this topic a lot...for years now.

And here's the conclusion that I've come to. The music that you write or play does not have to reflect your current condition, nor does it have to be a reflection of you at all. You can tell stories within your songs, stories that are not about you.....100% fictional stories as a matter of fact.

And in terms of spiritual walks, not every day is good. In life, you run the gammut of emotions, and emotions are God-given.

So why would it not be "ok" to write or preform songs the deal with the subject matter of having "hard luck and troubles". You can do so, and remain completely within the so-called "boundries" of your faith.

The condition being when is it appropreite to play songs of a certain tone? Blues or other? Depends on the "gig" or worship service.

My church is mostly white, middle class, country-type folks. Among the non-white members, there is an older black man that sings in the choir. He's about 70, and he's blind from birth. Forgive me for the obvious comparison, but he sounds identical to Ray Charles. He's got a soul to his voice that no one else in our church does.

From time to time he and I perform the "special music" during a service. I play acoustic slide, and he sings. It sounds as close to Lightning Hopkins as you can get. We often totally fore-go a toe-tapping tempo, and I just follow his voice. We'll either adapt a standard hymn, or he'll either have some original lyrics about....

"devil......devil done got me under his thumb"
"Oh devil, now.......devil done got me under his thumb"
"I've been needing some mercy...."
"oh Lord, please send me some"

It will be a short testomony in song. In Blues.

October 19th, 2007, 03:19 PM	#1 (permalink)
LesPaulGuy TDPRI Member Join Date: Dec 2005 Location: Ventura, CA Age: 58 Posts: 84	Christian Blues It has been fascinating reading the posts about the Christian Blues festivals being held up in Vancouver, as well as the great dialog between you guys. (I'm not being politically incorrect here, I just haven't seen any ladies chime in on this yet). :>) Out of curiousity, I'd really be interested to see some thoughts from you all on the premise of "Christian" blues. Is this term meant as a description of the style of music, with Christ-centered lyrics? This is my take on it. I daily strive for the joy that can only be attained through a personal relationship with Christ and His indwelling Spirit, but my heart is definitely heavy for the lost - so I guess I need not feel hypocritical playing in this style (which I love and do). What are your thoughts? To be honest here, I feel more comfortable playing in a wine bar or dance type club with even a secular blues band than I do in a nightclub or regular bar with a classic rock band. (I love both styles). I have a blues-bassist brother that often comes to town with one or more of his side bands, and I really enjoy sitting in with them. I'm embarrased to say this, but until I read these threads I had never heard of this genre! I once played (with David Edwards Band) on the same venue as Darrell (I spell that right?) Mansfield back in the mid '80's, and was aware of his blues roots, but I am quite pleased to discover this "pocket" of Christian musicians & bands. Last edited by LesPaulGuy : October 19th, 2007 at 05:57 PM.

October 19th, 2007, 06:27 PM	#3 (permalink)
Trimmed&Burnin Tele-Holic Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: Bellingham Wa Age: 53 Posts: 807	I started playing Blues when I was 14,, I became a believer when I was 24. I allowed Christian leaders with good intentions try to turn me into someone they could be comfortable with which meant no more Blues,,, nobody's fault but mine,, I was an unproductive, unhappy man trying really hard to like the Christian music that was available. That sucked,,,especially in the 8o's!! In 1990 I heard Glenn Kaiser and Darrell Mansfield 's Trimmed And Burnin CD. It changed my life!! Scripture that I had read previouly came to life and I began to wake up spiritually again. I have been playing and writing Gospel Blues ever since. I've even been blessed with the opportunity to build guitars and amps for Glenn Kaiser, Darrell Mansfield, and Larry Howard. Every generation and culture has it's music and God can use any of it to reach those that relate to it. To me Blues is the music that I naturally relate to and can best express myself with,, I believe that God has his hand in that. Keep your lamp Trimmed And Burnin __________________ Keep your lamp Trimmed And Burnin Shannon,

October 20th, 2007, 12:04 PM	#5 (permalink)
hotraman Tele-Meister Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Camas, WA Posts: 220	R & R blues should be in the church. Its about the lyrics. So should modern day songs of Lamentations. __________________ www.stevehotra.com

October 20th, 2007, 02:11 PM	#11 (permalink)
broadcaster Tele-Holic Join Date: Oct 2003 Location: Midwest Age: 50 Posts: 513 1 Photos	Glenn Kaiser has put out some great blues music with excellent lyrics that I really dig. Great stuff. __________________ The tone is in your fingers.

October 20th, 2007, 02:24 PM	#12 (permalink)
Trimmed&Burnin Tele-Holic Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: Bellingham Wa Age: 53 Posts: 807	Glenn is the real deal,, I've known him for some years now and he's been a huge encouragement to me through his music and example. He owns four of my amps and I'm shipping him the first guitar come monday morning. A Redwood Resolectric that I call "Swamp Thang". I have a few pictures of it on myspace. He's used my amps on his last four or five CD's now. Keep an ear open for any thing that he has recorded, it's all good! __________________ Keep your lamp Trimmed And Burnin Shannon,

October 19th, 2007, 05:37 PM	#2 (permalink)
scooteraz Tele-Holic Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: Peoria, AZ Posts: 749	I found some Christian Blues as a genre up on the MP3 website. Could download and actually get CDs from some of the folks. Much like you have sad blues, and happy blues you have the same in Christian Blues, but with Christian lyrics. However, I am not sure there is a good Christian equivalent to "Born Under a Bad Sign". But it is much like Christian Rock, Punk, HipHop, Contemporary etc. I think blues is a great musical venue to describe faith in real life. However, I had a pastor that told me flat out that Blues were not the "...music of Jesus..." When I agreed and said the music Jesus listened to was probably more like the caterwauling of Chinese Opera, he did not think it amusing.

October 19th, 2007, 09:19 PM	#4 (permalink)
JohnSS Tele-Meister Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: NYC Posts: 205	Rev. Gary Davis and Blind Willie Johnson have a large catalog of "Gospel Blues" with some incredible guitar playing that has influenced the likes of Ry Cooder, Jorma Kaukonen, Ben Harper, David Bromberg, Stefan Grossman, and a host of others.

October 20th, 2007, 12:29 PM	#6 (permalink)
telerasta TDPRI Member Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: Scotland Age: 24 Posts: 17	Scooteraz, what does you pastor think is the music of Jesus? First things first, I'm not a believer in any God, the nearest thing to God I believe in is Robert Johnson It has always ammused me when I meet christians who say things like "That's the Devils music!" or " That sound ain't holy!". Clearly these people do not understand the blues or understand how fundamental christianity was to the birth of the blues. It's the same thing with metal or heavy rock "drop d tuning is the Devil!". It's music damnit!

October 20th, 2007, 02:33 PM	#13 (permalink)
Telenator Friend of Leo's Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: Connecticut Posts: 4,367	Nobby Reed from Vermont does a serious christian blues. Great player! __________________ Dogs have the right idea!

October 20th, 2007, 02:58 PM	#14 (permalink)
Trimmed&Burnin Tele-Holic Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: Bellingham Wa Age: 53 Posts: 807	I've heard him once,, yes, good stuff! I'm a sponsor of and involved in organizing in a Gospel Blues Fest in Chilliwack BC called Back2Blues,, We're always looking for good Gospel Blues bands and Artists. __________________ Keep your lamp Trimmed And Burnin Shannon,

October 20th, 2007, 06:38 PM	#15 (permalink)
GoldieLocks Tele-Holic Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: Abbotsford B.C. Posts: 799	God's music... I definitely agree that God would like his slide on a Humbucker I've been pondering for awhile now what the soundtrack to the Bible would sound like (if there was one). I doubt alot of the VERY NICE Christian music of today would really tell all of the story. Here's my lowdown... Battle scenes: Some Heavy Metal of course romance Scenes: Some R&B & Ballads Espionage Scenes: Some Peter Gunn or groove music (Booker T & MG's) Book of Job or Psalms: Some serious Blues. And lots of Folk music, World music, Classical music...and "Gulp", maybe even some Pop music if we absolutely had too (Maybe Elton John ). I would think that God see's all music as valid. Lyrics on the other hand, thats a different story. __________________ "How little I know inspires me tremendously! I'm a huge fan of other people's playing." Bonnie Raitt

October 21st, 2007, 01:27 PM	#16 (permalink)
BellyBoy Tele-Holic Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: Chula Vista, Ca Age: 48 Posts: 508	There are many great Gospel Blues bands... check out http://www.christianblues.com also there is a Christian Blues Radio show online at http://www.kconlineradio.com/ Mark is always looking for new Christian/Gospel blues to play his contact is below... http://www.markkerrltd.com/cb.htm Contact Mark Kerr at bluesboy747@yahoo.com __________________ http://www.johnnymannion.com http://www.myspace.com/johnnymannionband

October 21st, 2007, 05:21 PM	#17 (permalink)
LesPaulGuy TDPRI Member Join Date: Dec 2005 Location: Ventura, CA Age: 58 Posts: 84	This thread has been great! Thanks so much for all the input and recommendations, this is very encouraging. May God bless all of your efforts in furthering His kingdom through this form of music. Other than the Jelly-Belly-Tele I am not seeing a lot of Telecasters? Whassup?

October 22nd, 2007, 11:47 AM	#20 (permalink)
BellyBoy Tele-Holic Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: Chula Vista, Ca Age: 48 Posts: 508	Shannon, my mom says I am big boned!!! lol __________________ http://www.johnnymannion.com http://www.myspace.com/johnnymannionband

October 22nd, 2007, 03:16 PM	#22 (permalink)
LesPaulGuy TDPRI Member Join Date: Dec 2005 Location: Ventura, CA Age: 58 Posts: 84	"Jelly Belly??? " I'm just teasing you guys on the name - Jelly Belly Tele had a nice ring to it. Of course I don't have far to look to find a jelly belly myself, so I shouldn't talk. I say I have a stomach of steel, and my son says "yeah, steel wool" Ouch

October 30th, 2007, 10:14 AM	#23 (permalink)
TheGoodTexan Friend of Leo's Join Date: Apr 2003 Location: Nashville, TN Age: 35 Posts: 4,833 18 Photos	I've thought about this topic a lot...for years now. And here's the conclusion that I've come to. The music that you write or play does not have to reflect your current condition, nor does it have to be a reflection of you at all. You can tell stories within your songs, stories that are not about you.....100% fictional stories as a matter of fact. And in terms of spiritual walks, not every day is good. In life, you run the gammut of emotions, and emotions are God-given. So why would it not be "ok" to write or preform songs the deal with the subject matter of having "hard luck and troubles". You can do so, and remain completely within the so-called "boundries" of your faith. The condition being when is it appropreite to play songs of a certain tone? Blues or other? Depends on the "gig" or worship service. My church is mostly white, middle class, country-type folks. Among the non-white members, there is an older black man that sings in the choir. He's about 70, and he's blind from birth. Forgive me for the obvious comparison, but he sounds identical to Ray Charles. He's got a soul to his voice that no one else in our church does. From time to time he and I perform the "special music" during a service. I play acoustic slide, and he sings. It sounds as close to Lightning Hopkins as you can get. We often totally fore-go a toe-tapping tempo, and I just follow his voice. We'll either adapt a standard hymn, or he'll either have some original lyrics about.... "devil......devil done got me under his thumb" "Oh devil, now.......devil done got me under his thumb" "I've been needing some mercy...." "oh Lord, please send me some" It will be a short testomony in song. In Blues. __________________ It takes a big man to show his emotions. And it takes an even bigger man to laugh at that man.

October 31st, 2007, 09:19 PM	#24 (permalink)
Pickalittle Tele-Meister Join Date: Jun 2007 <