Are SG Groups using too much extra instrumentation?

Are SG Groups using too much extra instrumentation? (Full Version)

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[Poll]

WAY too much extra stuff...let's get back to basics.

48% (34)

Just about the right amount...sounds pretty good to me!

44% (31)

Not enough instruments...CRANK that orchestra!

7% (5)

Total Votes : 70

(last vote on : 7/18/2008 12:09:00 PM)
(Poll will run till: -- )

Message

kaelen7 -> Are SG Groups using too much extra instrumentation? (5/26/2008 1:37:24 PM)
I've been to several concerts lately, and have really noticed that a lot of the tracks groups are using are DEEPLY layered with tons of strings, horns, choir vocals, etc. I've also really started to pay attention to the explosion of these additions on many album cuts. Seems to me it's overpowering the vocals and basic instumentation. So what do you think about all this extra instrumentation? In general, are SG groups using:

TQ_Fan_4_Life -> RE: Are SG Groups using too much extra instrumentation? (5/26/2008 1:45:29 PM)
I dont think so at all. I love the older groups but listen to the Blackwoods and Statesmen. they were more than piano on their albums. I guess I really am the wrong one to ask on this since the piano and 4 part barbershop style just dont cut it for me. I love the full sound of instruments while is funny, same time I get down with some pure acappella when done correctly, which, sadly, very very few SG groups can do correctly. I have a plan for my SG group that will be something not seen in any of them yet. let's just say, crank up the band and let the good times roll

PaulPate -> RE: Are SG Groups using too much extra instrumentation? (5/26/2008 2:13:26 PM)
I think SG groups are using too much instrumentation, especially for "live" performances. I still love the "four guys and a piano" format, and I don't mind the addition of drums, bass, and maybe a lead guitar, done tastefully, but a lot of brass and strings detracts from the vocals in my opinion. Incidentally, I love brass instruments and strings in their place, just not with SG vocals. I play trombone and baritone myself and was in the Drum and Bugle Corps. at The U.S. Air Force Academy. My ambition in high school was to be a high school band director.

GospelProducer -> RE: Are SG Groups using too much extra instrumentation? (5/26/2008 2:13:34 PM)
Oddly enough, I would tend to agree with you Kaelen. One would think I would be the last person to agree with the statement lol. I honestly think if an artist is going to sing with tracks, then the instrumentation should be kept at a reasonable level. Now what is considered reasonable is obviously up to the individual, for me "reasonable" would be something along the lines of piano, bass and drums or something like that. Before I explain my stance on this let me say I wish it were possible for every artist to travel with a live band, I enjoy hearing a good band just as much as I do a good singer. Here's the reasoning behind my thoughts. If I'm going to hear an artist, with a full symphony, tons of effects and background vocals, why does the artist bother showing up to perform, why not just send the latest CD and let them play it during the church service? Harsh? Perhaps but think about it, that's exactly what you are getting, in my opinion. And we all know about opinions. Next.......

GVfan -> RE: Are SG Groups using too much extra instrumentation? (5/26/2008 2:16:21 PM)
I think it depends completely on the group involved. Some would sound downright silly with a lot of orchestral background. Others sound great.

PaulPate -> RE: Are SG Groups using too much extra instrumentation? (5/26/2008 2:18:38 PM)
Amen to GospelProducer!

GospelProducer -> RE: Are SG Groups using too much extra instrumentation? (5/26/2008 2:40:51 PM)
You know Paul we are going to be in the minority don't you lol?

TQ_Fan_4_Life -> RE: Are SG Groups using too much extra instrumentation? (5/26/2008 2:56:36 PM)
don't think so. looks like I am in the minority. guess am always against the grain

GospelProducer -> RE: Are SG Groups using too much extra instrumentation? (5/26/2008 2:59:26 PM)
And there's nothing wrong with that for sure, against the grain is always a good way to be, it keeps people wondering what's coming next lol.

MBrewerSings -> RE: Are SG Groups using too much extra instrumentation? (5/26/2008 3:57:06 PM)
Amen and Amen to Gospel Producer!! As I have discussed here in the forums before, I sing and play along with tracks live, but at select dates my Brother is able to join me on piano. With him on piano and I will play bass, people just love it and want more and more!

DJSfromCleveland -> RE: Are SG Groups using too much extra instrumentation? (5/26/2008 4:07:41 PM)
I like both. Somethimes i like just the 4 guys and a piano sound, other times i like a full orchestra sound. So , they all sound good to me, i enjoy it all.

servants -> RE: Are SG Groups using too much extra instrumentation? (5/26/2008 4:08:28 PM)
Some groups in my opinion are using to many instruments in their tracks. Another words their tracks are to full for my liking. I really do not care for the extra vocals.

GospelProducer -> RE: Are SG Groups using too much extra instrumentation? (5/26/2008 4:09:38 PM)
I fully enjoy listening to a CD with all the music that can be crammed onto the tracks, but leave that sound track at home when you are performing live.

CountryPreacher -> RE: Are SG Groups using too much extra instrumentation? (5/26/2008 4:18:07 PM)
Too much. It's amazing how great a concert can be with just a piano, maybe a couple of extra instruments such as a bass. Then the focus is on the song and the message. The singer then has to be on top of his game so to speak, because the singer cannot be covered up by instrumentation. I still think the focus is the message, not the music.

robertyork -> RE: Are SG Groups using too much extra instrumentation? (5/26/2008 4:32:33 PM)
All the orchestration and sympathies that some of the groups is certainly what drives the cost of production of a cd higher. With the higher cost of producing a cd the less profit there is in the cd. The less profit in a cd the higher flat that the group has to charge to cover their expenses. A piano, bass, durms and maybe another instrument should be find. They could stack the music like they stack vocals. JMO. Just My Opinion.

GospelProducer -> RE: Are SG Groups using too much extra instrumentation? (5/26/2008 4:38:47 PM)
A lot of times we will hire musicians that play multiple instruments to save a few bucks on production rather than hire the additional musicians to play the additional instruments. We always try to save as much as possible without cutting into the quality the artist deserves. Then we delete all the music except the piano from their tracks they are going to use to sing with...lol jk

PaulPate -> RE: Are SG Groups using too much extra instrumentation? (5/26/2008 4:48:56 PM)
From an admittedly small sample, the majority seems to be with less instrumentation. I realize, as has been said many times, that there are economic considerations. The fact that a group cannot afford a live band and must rely on tracks has nothing to do with how many instruments are put on the tracks. After all, if it has to do with the economies, why spend so much on all of those instrumentalists on the tracks? Economic considerations aside, I have been to concerts where the group would have a live piano and maybe bass and drums, and would still use tracks. I think it boils down either to preference, or to a perception of what the audience wants. Since the audience is where the finances come from, It would seem to follow that the group would want to give them what they want. This line of reasoning then begs the question; Who or what determines the kind of accompaniment a group uses? Maybe a large response on this and other forums would help determine this question, to the overall betterment of Southern Gospel Music.

augustaranger -> RE: Are SG Groups using too much extra instrumentation? (5/26/2008 4:57:47 PM)
I'm a purist. Just a well played piano will do just fine. Five clean shaven men in matching suits without spiked hair...

L5FanLady -> RE: Are SG Groups using too much extra instrumentation? (5/26/2008 4:59:49 PM)
quote: ORIGINAL: GospelProducer I fully enjoy listening to a CD with all the music that can be crammed onto the tracks, but leave that sound track at home when you are performing live. Now this is a statement I can whole-heartedly agree with!![sm=thumbsup.gif]

GospelProducer -> RE: Are SG Groups using too much extra instrumentation? (5/26/2008 5:12:21 PM)
And just what's wrong with spiked hair? Sorry...they should find a way to put me in a Matag, I'm an excellent agitator [8\|]

TQ_Fan_4_Life -> RE: Are SG Groups using too much extra instrumentation? (5/26/2008 5:22:15 PM)
wow. guess my clean shaven head is a no-no then. and fact love a moustache and plan on a goatee when get out of army is bad too.

GospelProducer -> RE: Are SG Groups using too much extra instrumentation? (5/26/2008 5:29:01 PM)
Gee..next thing you are going to tell us is that everyone's clothes aren't going to match in your group

TQ_Fan_4_Life -> RE: Are SG Groups using too much extra instrumentation? (5/26/2008 5:33:37 PM)
got that part right. I believe the way my pastor in Colorado dressed. He often preached in sandals or flip flops and shorts or jeans, tshirt or maybe a football jersey. a quote was, Jesus dressed in a robe and sandals. I am not no better than Him so why should i dress in a way that outdresses Him

utilityfielder -> RE: Are SG Groups using too much extra instrumentation? (5/26/2008 5:44:08 PM)
quote: ORIGINAL: GospelProducer A lot of times we will hire musicians that play multiple instruments to save a few bucks on production rather than hire the additional musicians to play the additional instruments. We always try to save as much as possible without cutting into the quality the artist deserves. Then we delete all the music except the piano from their tracks they are going to use to sing with...lol jk Do you record each instrument separate and overdub or record everything live?

GospelProducer -> RE: Are SG Groups using too much extra instrumentation? (5/26/2008 5:59:44 PM)
Typically we will record all the music tracks live at least the basic music tracks. For instance we would usually lay down the piano, bass, drums, acoustic guitar. We would then go back and lay in such instruments as violin, banjo, horns etc. Usually the next day we start recording vocals. Since we usually use only Nashville session musicians, it's rare that we can't get all the music tracks laid down in one day.

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