Gospel Messengers CD

Subject: Gospel Messengers CD
From: Jerry Rasmussen
Date: 21 Mar 06 - 11:20 AM

Thank you all... through the good advice and information I gained from so many of you, I finally have completed a CD of my gospel quartet. The Roxio Easy Media software I started a thread about did the trick, and I was able to produce a pretty-darned-good master CD. Then, the Epson Photo R220 that others recommended worked beautifully in printing labels directly to CD. I don't know if I could have pulled this off without the help of so many of you. Now, I can put Handful of Songs into production and an album of my folk stuff, Back When I was Young. But right now, I'm busy printing and folding inserts for Without The Night, by the Gospel Messengers.

If anyone is interested in getting a copy, you can PM me for the details and give me your mailing address.

Tonight, I have practice with the Messengers and will give Joe and Frankie their first batch of copies.

You KNOW this is a good day!

Jerry

Subject: RE: Gospel Messengers CD
From: wysiwyg
Date: 21 Mar 06 - 11:22 AM

Can you post the track list, Jerry?

~Susan

Subject: RE: Gospel Messengers CD
From: Jerry Rasmussen
Date: 21 Mar 06 - 11:32 AM

Sure, Susan:

1. How Much Do I Owe Him? (Traditional)
2. Burying Ground (Traditional)
3. Oh Why? (Traditional)
4. Without That Night (J. Rasmussen)
5. Where Would We Be? (Clinton Autobock)
6. Get Away Jordan (Traditional)
7. Lord I've Tried (Traditional)
8. Healing Water (J.Rasmussen)
9. One Of These Days (Traditional)
10. When I Get To Glory (J. Rasmussen)
11. Help For The Needy (Thomas Dorsey)
12. I'm Just Waiting On Jesus (Doug, Melvin & Leonard Williams)
13. He Is Always Standing Near (Connie Steadman)
14. Roll Jordan, Roll (Traditional)

Jerry

Subject: RE: Gospel Messengers CD
From: wysiwyg
Date: 21 Mar 06 - 11:46 AM

Sounds like great stuff, Jerry!

~S~

Subject: RE: Gospel Messengers CD
From: Jerry Rasmussen
Date: 21 Mar 06 - 11:48 AM

Thanks, Susan... They talk about how long it took Cecile B. DeMille to make a movie. He's got nothing on me..

Jerry

Subject: RE: Gospel Messengers CD
From: AllisonA(Animaterra)
Date: 21 Mar 06 - 12:26 PM

PM coming....

Subject: RE: Gospel Messengers CD
From: Jerry Rasmussen
Date: 21 Mar 06 - 02:17 PM

I'm asking $10 for the CD plus S&H, by the way...

Jerry

Subject: RE: Gospel Messengers CD
From: Leadfingers
Date: 21 Mar 06 - 03:15 PM

Is this the 'old' quartet , Jerry ?? Or the current trio ??

Subject: RE: Gospel Messengers CD
From: Jerry Rasmussen
Date: 21 Mar 06 - 03:17 PM

It's the "old" quartet, Terry... the one you heard at our last practice together...

Me singing baritone and playing guitar
Joe Evans singing bass
Franklin Cummings singing baritone
Derrick Hanchard singing tenor

Jerry

Subject: RE: Gospel Messengers CD
From: GUEST,Art Thieme
Date: 21 Mar 06 - 03:19 PM

Great news, Mr. Jerry!!

You know I'll be in touch to get mine.

Art

Subject: RE: Gospel Messengers CD
From: Leadfingers
Date: 21 Mar 06 - 04:06 PM

That is one HELL of a quartet !! One of my 'fave' memories , being at a Messengers rehearsal on my way home from the Getaway !

Subject: RE: Gospel Messengers CD
From: Jerry Rasmussen
Date: 21 Mar 06 - 04:07 PM

Heavenly Hell, Terry

Subject: RE: Gospel Messengers CD
From: SussexCarole
Date: 21 Mar 06 - 06:33 PM

Memories of that wonderful day when we sang with the Messengers Jerry.......PM on way

Subject: RE: Gospel Messengers CD
From: Bobert
Date: 21 Mar 06 - 08:00 PM

Havin' heard a little G.M.'s before I'll be anxiously awaitin' this CD... I know it's gotta be good... NO, real good!!!

Subject: RE: Gospel Messengers CD
From: Col K
Date: 21 Mar 06 - 08:08 PM

Yes please Yes please,
Like Terry one of my highlights after the Getaway last year was to be at the Messengers rehearsal. Happy days.
This CD comes highly recomended without actually hearing it, they are that good.
All the best to you and the Messenngers and Ruth of course
Colin

Subject: RE: Gospel Messengers CD
From: GUEST,bbc at work
Date: 22 Mar 06 - 11:11 AM

Great, Jerry; I've been waitin' for this one! PM coming. I'll also want Handful of Songs.

love,

Barbara

Subject: RE: Gospel Messengers CD
From: Jerry Rasmussen
Date: 22 Mar 06 - 09:38 PM

I'm sending out the first batch of CDs tomorrow.. hope you enjoy them..

Jerry, Joe and Frankie

Subject: RE: Gospel Messengers CD
From: khandu
Date: 22 Mar 06 - 09:43 PM

Jerry... Check the top of the page; you should have a PM awaiting you!

Ken

Subject: RE: Gospel Messengers CD
From: Jerry Rasmussen
Date: 22 Mar 06 - 10:00 PM

Thanks Ken: Check your e-mail... you'll find one waiting for you. Are we psychic or side-kicks? Side-kicks, I think. A CD will go out to you tomorrow. The Song, Healing Water was inspired by you, friend.

Jerry

Subject: RE: Gospel Messengers CD
From: Jerry Rasmussen
Date: 24 Mar 06 - 08:02 AM

I just set up my CD to be sold through CD Baby (Thanks for the suggestion, Bobert.) It will be a few days before they receive their first batch from me, so the CD is not available for sale there, yet. I am giving a substantially reduced rate on here for my Mudcat friends, so if you want a copy it would be in your best interest to PM me. I have also set up a paypal account, so that you can pay through there...

Jerry

Subject: RE: Gospel Messengers CD
From: Jerry Rasmussen
Date: 27 Mar 06 - 05:19 PM

refresh

Subject: RE: Gospel Messengers CD
From: Azizi
Date: 27 Mar 06 - 08:01 PM

Jerry, great news!

I am looking forward to purchasing a CD of your group!!!

I love "Get Away Jordan" and "Roll Jordan Roll" on your song list.
And I am eager to hear your original compositions!

Please PM me your address.

Thanks!

Azizi

Subject: RE: Gospel Messengers CD
From: Jerry Rasmussen
Date: 27 Mar 06 - 08:16 PM

Thanks, Azizi: I PM'd my mailing address. Your CD will go out in the mail tomorrow. I'm starting to get responses from the first wave that I mailed out.


Jerry

Subject: RE: Gospel Messengers CD
From: GUEST,Art Thieme
Date: 27 Mar 06 - 11:37 PM

There is another thread here on this grand new CD. I just put a post there to tell you that it arrived here in fine shape. Thanks so much Mr. Rasmussen. As in the past with so many other things, I truly appreciate your sending it. My intentions are to listen to it when I'm less scattered.

Arthur D.

Subject: RE: Gospel Messengers CD
From: GUEST,Art Thieme
Date: 28 Mar 06 - 11:44 AM

Jerry and all the guys,

It's simply a wonderful CD! It's morning now and that's when I do the best serious listening. What fine tone and overall sound. I love this CD. Everyone blends so well. And Jerry, you are into the sound and flow of gospel music -- integrated (if you will ;-) and sustaining your notes -- holding them when necessary to be truly "with" the other guys. Your old "different drummer" and extremely personal way of phrasing, a very large part of your past solo recordings, is minimized and blended in with the group dynamic so very well.

Congratulations to all the Gospel Messengers!!!!!

Art

Subject: RE: Gospel Messengers CD
From: GUEST,Art Thieme
Date: 28 Mar 06 - 08:50 PM

Jerry,

I just listened to it twice more, and I take back what I said before.

Really, it's even better than I said. Way to go.

Art

Subject: RE: Gospel Messengers CD
From: Jerry Rasmussen
Date: 28 Mar 06 - 10:04 PM

Thank you so much, Art: I expecially appreciate any observations on the sound. As you know, I did this CD with the Roxio Easy Media Creator using a combination of various cassettes and live recordings on CD from a multitude of different sonic settings. My major concern in doing the CD was to take these disparate sources and blend them into a consistent, listenable sound. Some things you can't change... the tracks that were recorded live in a large room with the microphone picking up the sound of the space can't be mixed to sound like a studio recording. I probably spent ten or 15 hours tweaking the sound to try to get it consistent throughout the CD. After awhile, your ears get numb. I know how good the guys sound. Derrick is a fantastic, soulful singer, and Joe has such power. Frankie is smooth as Nat King Cole. It was a matter of whether I could capture them on a CD.

I tell you, Art. Talking with the guys and seeing how proud they are of the CD, and knowing how good it feels for them to get some recognition for all their years of singing means far more to me than any compliments that are directed my way. All three Messengers are sweet, modest, humble men. It does my heart good to see them feeling so happy about the CD.

After I get some distance from the project, I'll go back and listen to the CD, just to listen to it..

Jerry

Subject: RE: Gospel Messengers CD
From: AllisonA(Animaterra)
Date: 29 Mar 06 - 05:51 AM

Let me join the chorus of praise! This is a wonderful cd. The music has energy, drive, and a polished yet "real" element- it's passionate, solid musicianship. Great songs, great voices- great music!

Allison

Subject: RE: Gospel Messengers CD
From: karen k
Date: 29 Mar 06 - 12:06 PM

Jerry,
My check will be in the mail next payday. Can't wait. I know it is wonderful without even hearing it. Nice, well-deserved compliments to Derrick, Joe and Frankie in the post above. See them live if you ever get the chance!

karen

Subject: RE: Gospel Messengers CD
From: Jerry Rasmussen
Date: 29 Mar 06 - 12:47 PM

Hi, Karen:

I'll put a CD in the mail for you today. I'm so glad that you had a chance to hear the Messengers and our friends in the Shellbacks a couple of years ago. It was certainly a magical time. A kitchen table time (why not drop by the Kitchen Table thread and have a cupa with us?)

Jerry

Subject: RE: Gospel Messengers CD
From: bbc
Date: 29 Mar 06 - 06:58 PM

Hi, Jerry,

Just wanted to add my word of thanks & congratulations. As you know, I've heard you & the guys in person on various occasions & have the cd of the D.C. house concert, as well. It is a pleasure to hear your voices again! I can picture each one of the Messengers; the voices ring true & sweet as they sing. Please give them all my greetings. Thanks to Ruth & the other kind wives, too, for their love & support of this ministry.

My best to you all,

Barbara

Subject: RE: Gospel Messengers CD
From: GUEST,Wesley S
Date: 29 Mar 06 - 08:24 PM

Jerry - Please PM me an address where I can send a check. I'll be back at my usual computer in the morning. Thanks.

Subject: RE: Gospel Messengers CD
From: Joe Offer
Date: 29 Mar 06 - 08:51 PM

Hi, Jerry - I've really had fun listening to the CD. It's good stuff. I try to sing along with the bass parts.
I once saw a hymnal titled Manly Hymns, and I regret that I didn't buy it. Those bass parts really make a guy feel like a guy - and forget about the aches and pains and the paunch....
-Joe-

Subject: RE: Gospel Messengers CD
From: Jerry Rasmussen
Date: 30 Mar 06 - 12:29 PM

I just put your CD in the mail, Wesley..

Jerry

Subject: RE: Gospel Messengers CD
From: Wesley S
Date: 30 Mar 06 - 01:51 PM

And my check is in the mail too.

Just curious about the instrumentation. Is the CD basicly four voices and one guitar ? Or were there some other musicians involved. What type of guitar do you use ?

Subject: RE: Gospel Messengers CD
From: Jerry Rasmussen
Date: 30 Mar 06 - 02:18 PM

Yes, Wesley. We're four heads and one electric guitar. I have a Hamer Slammer. There's an interesting history behind the Hamer guitars. Many, many years ago a group of craftsmen came to this country and started Guild guitars. When the company moved from New England to California, several of the crafstmen didn't want to relocate and started their own company making Hamer guitars here in Connecticut. Ironically, I bought my Hamer in my hometown of Janesville, Wisconsin. I was told this story and have no way of confirming it's truth. But, the guy who told me the sotry at a Guitar Center store was very interested when I told him that I had a Hamer. They apparently get snatched up whenever nayone trades one in. I love mine... great sound, great fingerboard action and great looking.

I've kept the Gospel Messengers simple, musically. That's because my love is of the old black gospel quartets which often had no more instrumentation than one guitar. Sometimes they'd have a bass (which seems redundant to me, as we have a wonderful bass already... name of Joe.) A bass would just be doubling on Joe's line. I've had people approach me who play keyboards and drums, as well as electric bass, wanting to join the group, but I've politely declined. It's my folk music background, I guess. Too often the instrumentalists wage war with the vocalists, vying for attention. We are called the Gospel Messengers for a reason. The message comes first. Again, this is very much an extension of my love for folk music. I want to be able to hear the words the singer is singing. Anything that distracts from that just diminishes the music. (I don't feel that way about rock, blues, string bands or jazz groups, by the way.) I've intentionally kept the song up front with my quartet, and the other guys feel the same way. We also do several numbers a capella, and even when I am accompanying on guitar, I'll often stop laying and do the last time around on the chorus a capella, just to enjoy the sound of four strong voices in harmony.

Too much information, I'm afraid. Brevity has never been one of my strengths..

You'll hear what I'm talking about in two or three days, Wesley..

Jerry

Subject: RE: Gospel Messengers CD
From: Wesley S
Date: 30 Mar 06 - 03:14 PM

I don't think I've seen a Hamer before. I've seen some electrics with a similar name. Thanks for the info - that's what I was after.

Subject: RE: Gospel Messengers CD
From: Jerry Rasmussen
Date: 03 Apr 06 - 08:25 PM

Just thought I'd update this momentarily to say that the CD is now available on cd baby at http://cdbaby.com/cd/gospelmessengers. I'd do a blue clicky, but I don't know how to cut and paste. Maybe Shambles could teach me how..

Jerry

Subject: RE: Gospel Messengers CD
From: Jerry Rasmussen
Date: 04 Apr 06 - 01:02 PM

A humorous aside:

I just received an e-mail from someone who listened to samples from our CD on CD Baby and wanted to receive a promotional copy to use on a black gospel radio program. I've been sending out promotional copies, but somehow missed this station. It's in Poland.

So, all you Polish Catters, tune in and hear the Ggospel Messengers!

Jerry

Subject: RE: Gospel Messengers CD
From: Roger the Skiffler
Date: 07 Apr 06 - 12:21 PM

Mine arrived today. Great work, Jerry & co.(especially Joe's bass) If I hadn't looked at the liner notes I wouldn't have been able to tell Jerry's originals from the well-known traditional ones.

RtS

Subject: RE: Gospel Messengers CD
From: Jerry Rasmussen
Date: 07 Apr 06 - 12:37 PM

Thanks, Roger... glad you got it so fast. Yes, Joe is an Amazing Bass. Not bad for an 82 year old...

Jerry