How and What Defines Oneself As A Musician-Part 2
The more I thought about this, I realized before I accepted Christ in my life and began attending church I had no problems defining who I am as a musician. I was a jazz, funk and soul musician. But after getting into the religious system, I became a “Christian musician”. Later I began to ask the question, what is a Christian musician and what style is Christian music? Many indigenous music styles were considered heathen and secular by the by the religious leaders and missionaries. Therefore only the European form of religious music was acceptable. Later many phrases was coined by the religious mindset such as Contemporary Christian music which is basically rock, Black Gospel music which is basically R&B and Blues, and Southern Gospel music which is basically Country.
By making statements like rock, jazz, salsa etc. is “worldly music” or “devil music, the religious mindset tried to establish a difference in what is view as secular and Christian musical styles, It is very understandable why many musicians in the church environment do not know who they are musically. They are trying to keep from sounding like the secular music. But the religious mindset does not allow for innovation. For when one really looks at the musical styles the only different are the lyrics.” In many church circles it is not acceptable to say, I play rock, blues or country. Although it is acceptable to say, I play “Christian” rock, “Christian” jazz etc.
The last element is personal preference. Your preference is what you do best. Sometimes one preference goes beyond their cultural base music. We are defined by our cultural and musical preference. Therefore one must be honest, and true to oneself and not conform or please the masses regardless of what institution it is. (we are talking about diversity and acceptance verses assimilation)
Since I am "music literate" I can play any written musical style. My preference is to play my cultural base music, jazz, funk and soul music. I also incorporate other musical styles from different cultures such as Latin music in my compositions. Another factor is the instrument that one plays. As a saxophonist I will play music that is conducive to the saxophone. Playing the piano gives me more versatility to play other music styles but I may not be as proficient in those styles such as Classical as I am playing jazz.
Ray Baker / Producer Copyright 04/05/06
The more I thought about this, I realized before I accepted Christ in my life and began attending church I had no problems defining who I am as a musician. I was a jazz, funk and soul musician. But after getting into the religious system, I became a “Christian musician”. Later I began to ask the question, what is a Christian musician and what style is Christian music? Many indigenous music styles were considered heathen and secular by the by the religious leaders and missionaries. Therefore only the European form of religious music was acceptable. Later many phrases was coined by the religious mindset such as Contemporary Christian music which is basically rock, Black Gospel music which is basically R&B and Blues, and Southern Gospel music which is basically Country.
By making statements like rock, jazz, salsa etc. is “worldly music” or “devil music, the religious mindset tried to establish a difference in what is view as secular and Christian musical styles, It is very understandable why many musicians in the church environment do not know who they are musically. They are trying to keep from sounding like the secular music. But the religious mindset does not allow for innovation. For when one really looks at the musical styles the only different are the lyrics.” In many church circles it is not acceptable to say, I play rock, blues or country. Although it is acceptable to say, I play “Christian” rock, “Christian” jazz etc.
The last element is personal preference. Your preference is what you do best. Sometimes one preference goes beyond their cultural base music. We are defined by our cultural and musical preference. Therefore one must be honest, and true to oneself and not conform or please the masses regardless of what institution it is. (we are talking about diversity and acceptance verses assimilation)
Since I am "music literate" I can play any written musical style. My preference is to play my cultural base music, jazz, funk and soul music. I also incorporate other musical styles from different cultures such as Latin music in my compositions. Another factor is the instrument that one plays. As a saxophonist I will play music that is conducive to the saxophone. Playing the piano gives me more versatility to play other music styles but I may not be as proficient in those styles such as Classical as I am playing jazz.
Ray Baker / Producer Copyright 04/05/06