Poseur to Composer

The idea I mentioned yesterday is an experiment in merging two radically different, perhaps even diametrically opposed music genres: Djent and Hymns.

Djent is a subgenre of progressive metal known for distorted staccato palm-muted guitar riffs. Djent may or may not include screaming and growling, low-tuned guitars and blistering high-pitched solos, but it's sure to have beats that punctuate the guitar's chugs and riffs.

Hymns are religious songs. They are written for the purpose of praise and worship to God the Father and God the Son. Hymns may or may not include choirs or instrumental accompaniment.

My experiment is to combine some characteristics of Djent to sacred hymns played on a keyboard/piano. I call this new music genre Dhymn (sounds like dim). Because I'm only beginning to learn piano and music notation, my arrangement (first one ever) will be a simple hymn.

As for learning So What by Miles Davis and mastering the blues scale, it's on hold. Getting a proof of concept for Dhymn is my top priority now. And you, dear reader, will be first to hear it when it's finished.

Meditation Time meditating today: 12 Quality of meditation (out of 10): 3

Practice Minutes on the keyboard today (out of 40): 0 minutes Quality of practice (out of 10): 0

I remember the first Sunday I went back to church after 15 plus years of being away. It was odd to hear people address each other as brother and sister, usually followed by their last name. What was even more odd to me was the hymns. The congregation sang to the accompaniment of a Hammond organ played by a frail old woman in high heels. There were no string instruments, horns or even a choir that clapped and swayed.

It seemed minimalist, but not in a good way. At the time I thought it sounded so... uncool.

I chuckle when I think back at that time. I was judging the music by worldly standards. In contrast, God listens to our hearts and how earnestly we sing the words. There’s great power in these sacred hymns, and the Lord revealed:

For my soul delighteth in the song of the heart; yea, the song of the righteous is a prayer unto me, and it shall be answered with a blessing upon their heads.

(D&C 25:12).

So hymns are important to me, more so than any other kind of music. They are essential to my faith and part of my daily life. I love to see new hybrids of hymn like those discussed yesterday, and want to contribute creatively to this genre.

Along that line, I have an idea but will sleep on it first. You’ll probably hear about it tomorrow.

Meditation Time meditating today: 0 Quality of meditation (out of 10): 0

Practice Minutes on the keyboard today (out of 40): 10 minutes Quality of practice (out of 10): 3

Today I had the idea to learn a simple church hymn and add fills and licks to that. I'd call it a "jhymn" (sounds like jim) or even better, an "hymnprovisation". Unfortunately for me the idea isn't new (neither are the names) but I still think it's an exercise worth trying.

For a sampling of a hymn with an improvisational solo, here is Sweet Hour of Prayer by Peter Vantine. His album Prayerful Improvisations seems like excellent background music for a peaceful Sunday afternoon.

Meditation Time bookstanding today: 23 Quality of meditation (out of 10): 4

Practice Minutes on the keyboard today (out of 40): 25 minutes Quality of practice (out of 10): 3 ... again... looking forward to getting better sleep tonight.