Video from Looking Up: I Will Arise and Go To Jesus

I probably hear more comments about this song from Looking Up than any other because it is so far off the beaten path in a lot of ways. Watch it first and then we will talk about it. If you don’t see the video below, click here.)

If you are interested, here is the chart we used.

Some of you will love this and some of you will hate it. I know that and I am OK with it. At first glance, it may even seem bizarre and hopelessly complicated though the chart sort of clears up what we are doing. In fact, if you watch it again with the chart in front of you, it sort of becomes very simple to understand.

The reason I like this so much is because to me, it represents the kind of music I like the most. Four musicians feeling a piece of music, improvising on the spot, expressing something in their own ways and listening to each other. Besides the chart, there are no crutches. The piece is designed to be played hopelessly out of time (rubato) and the only way to stay together is to communicate and listen. The most special moments I have musically happen this way.

Of course, the real debate here is whether the artistry gets in the way of the message. In other words, do we go way too far with the concept? Traditionalists probably would say yes; I say no. The picture this piece paints as a whole is consistent with the message of the song (the desperate need of needy people for Christ) even if you don’t hear melody all the time and there is a lot of unconventional stuff going on.

At least that is my opinion. Feel free to give your thoughts.