Lent 2023 day 34

Harmony

The other weekend I was at a memorial service where the legendary Shirley Gatt was playing bass guitar in the worship band.  I cannot describe to you the way my heart leaped for joy when I heard her riffing away in the background with some effortless fingerwork and brilliant musicianship.   The bass is one of those underpinning instruments which you dont really notice much when you are listening to a piece of music but if it isnt there the song is so much less rich.  Most people most often wont even be able to discern a bass line, but when Shirley is playing I hear her and what she plays brings me real joy.  I usually actually chuckle out loud as Im listening. 

Yesterday evening I was in a really small worship service.  At one point there was a four part harmony going on in the congregation.  It was really great to hear voices underpinning the tune and making the song sound three dimensional and rich.

Accompaniments and harmonies arent the main tune. They dont carry the melody or the message and arent technically really necessary.  But its rare that we listen to solo unaccompanied vocals these days.  The tune can be so much enhanced by accompaniment on piano, guitar, orchestra, choir, electronic gadgetry, rock band or pipe band.  A  drumkit gives a depth to a song. A harmony brings another dynamic.  If done properly, none of the additions should detract in any way from the tune, but rather add to it.  The sea shanty that went viral over lockdown is a good example of this,  it starts with one voice and a fist on a table but becomes so much more when the harmonies get added.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SKhBbbTwbX8

then listen to this version https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=auI9Cx8SGX4

What's the point?

Well, maybe you arent the tune right now.  😀 Maybe you arent the one giving the message, bringing the word, leading the Alpha course.  Perhaps you are in the background getting the kids to school or doing the laundry or counting the offering or making the tea.  But just like the drums and the bass and the strings make the tune so much better to listen to - so do you.  By yourself you might not make people stop and hum along.  But as part of the band your contribution might just make someone's heart skip a beat. Your harmony might make someone else want to sing a harmony too, or join in with a different one.  You understand that Im not talking about worship bands right now dont you? 😀  Im talking about the contribution you make to the life of your church and to the work of Jesus.  Paul talks about us all being part of the same body, but today Im thinking we are also all part of the same glorious orchestra.  We are all being played by the Holy Spirit who is orchestrating a wonderful anthem of praise, using each of us at just the right time, in the right combination.  Sometimes we all play together, sometimes I rest while you play.  We dont all play the tune but we do all play a part.  And the whole piece cant be played unless we are all there, tuned, ready, playable.

Im so thankful for music.  It brings me so much joy and satisfaction and closeness to God.  I cant wait for the harmonies of heaven.  And the bass riffs.  🎸

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