Just a humorous anecdote about rhythm. Up until the first time I heard the Men's Chorus at the black Baptist church where I am now a member, I never had any interest in joining a choir. Choirs in Wisconsin when I was a kid were mostly buxom ladies with vibrato in overdrive. Even the hymns I liked were served up lukewarm. The first time I heard the Men's Chorus, was a real revelation for me. Here were people who put everything they had into the song.. not just their voice, but their bodies and spirits. This is not to suggest that there aren't other forms of gospel and religion singing that don't do this... bluegrass can also bring that same energy and commitment, and I am sure there is religious singing from other faiths and cultures that do the same thing. But, for me, it was experience unlike any I'd ever had.

When I was asked to join the Men's Chorus, I was very excited about it. At the first practice, we were learning a new song and the Chorus Director, Dan Williams was teaching each harmony by ear. When it came time for the baritones to learn their part, we were all standing (as Dan doesn't let you sit down and sing.) I don't remember the song, but it had a strong beat, and I was really moving to it. When the baritones were done, Dan moved on to the tenors, and we remained standing. By the, I was really moving with the beat, and the man next to me said, "You don't have to keep moving, Jerry, we're not singing anymore.." And I answered, "Hey, I've waited 60 years to be able to move to music in church and nobody's stopping me now."

I told this story to an assembly of girls from 1st through fifth grade in a private school when the Messengers were doing a program about black gospel, and one of the youngest girls raised her hand very excitedly after I made the comment about waiting 60 years to be able to move. She asked.."Why did it take you so long?" and the place went into an uproar of laughter. Me more than anyone. It was a good question. Why is it that moving when you sing is so discouraged in many churches? I suppose because the music doesn't have a strong beat to it, to begin with.

Different strokes for different folks.

Jerry