Gospel at the Rock
So I'm now officially the bass player for the band Hicks with Picks, the house band at Rock Springs Presbyterian Church. Kate and I joined Rock Springs a couple of months ago and have really enjoyed becoming a part of the congregation.
We originally visited Rock Springs because I wanted to check out the 'Gospel at the Rock' service, which is every Sunday at 9am and features bluegrass music with the service. I actually didn't know much else about Rock Springs. I figured that it would be like other churches we have visited, and that I might be able to get Kate to go with me from time to time to enjoy some old time music.
But low and behold, it wasn't just like other churches (in a good way) and we were very taken with Pastor Karen, the service and everyone we met that first day. It felt like home from the get-go and Kate was even more excited than I was.
Kate told the guys in the band how we found the church because I play banjo. Then, the next thing I know, they invited me to play banjo with them. From there, one thing led to another and my buddy Joe and I bought an upright bass. Since taking up the bass, I've not only played on Sunday mornings, but at Old Tucker Fountain, on the Peach State Festival on WRFG, and at the Church of Atonement as part of the Hicks touring band.
Every now and then, I get to fill in on banjo for Jeff Dore, the banjo player and a lead vocalist. Above is a video of Mike, Allison and me a couple of weeks ago. Jeff, Chas (guitar) and Mary Gowing (lead vocals) were out so Mike switched from Mandolin to guitar and we played with Mike and Allison doing the singing. You can find more Hicks with Picks music and a sample of an RSPC service at the RockSpringsPresby YouTube channel. I still like banjo pickin' quite a lot, but I've really been happy being the bass player. It's pretty cool when you lock in that rhythm and everyone starts tapping their toes and clapping. And thanks to the band for letting me figure this whole band stuff out as I go along.
PS, this first song is for Chris and Ben. I can't hear it without thinking of you two singing it about 30 years ago.
Submitted by donthacker on Mon, 2011-07-25 12:03
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Thanks ya'll!
Jennifer, I also really like I'll Fly Away. We finished Sunday's big service (~80 folks I think) with that one by request, and it was rocking. You would've loved it.
Kathy, I'm glad I was able to channel some Rufus Harris for you.
Washed in the Blood
Don,
Thanks so much for posting this! That song brings back wonderful memories of my childhood days, sitting in the Monterey Church of Christ. Rufus Harris was the song leader...and listening to this, I believe he still lives! This is a great rendition of the song!
Solid!
Solid!
I will fly away
Hey! Wonderful to see you playing the banjo ! As for Church songs, I love the I will Fly Away- It is one of my favorite songs in church. I can remember sitting with grandmother singing that on Sunday mornings.What good times those were! Singing was always my favorite time of the church service as a child. Thank you for sharing and bringing back some good ol' memories. Grandmother would be proud of you.