Tracking the songs is the next step in the recording process. Our producer Jeff Collins is on the piano and keyboards, David Johnson plays all the stringed instruments, Jeremy Medkiff plays bass and electric guitars and Tony Creasman plays drums and percussion.
The guys go over the charts that were written after our pre-session and gather around the piano to talk over the feel we want on the songs. They all brainstorm and come up with ideas for the songs including intros, outros, tempos, time signatures, licks etc. Once they have got a plan they all go into their session rooms and begin running through the song.
After the basic rhythm section is laid down (piano, bass, rhythm guitar and drums), they all move to other instruments to begin recording the color instruments for the song (dobro, mandolin, fiddle, peddle steel, electric guitars, percussion, keyboards etc).
When all the added instrumentation is complete a rough mix is burned to CD and given to me. I then begin working with the group to start arranging the vocals. Another CD is sent out to Milton Smith to begin doing orchestra and brass arrangements on selected songs. Tracking is one of the most exciting parts of the recording process. It is the time when a songwriter’s idea becomes a reality and a song is born. As always, we welcome your comments and questions. Be looking for “The Creation of a Song” part 4…Vocals.
We(my wife and I) recently saw your performance at GA Mountain Center in Gainesville, GA. We had never heard of your group and didn’t know what to expect. Quite frankly we have been to other performances with “family” groups in them and have been disappointed.
Not so with your group. We were pleasantly surprised and enjoyed your performance so much that we did “take you home with us” by purchasing one of your CD’s.
Now that we have found you, we will be following your schedule and looking forward to seeing you again.
Reply to Shelton FowlerShelton,
Thank you so much for your encouragement. It’s good to know God is using us for His glory and to bless others. We had a blast singing for y’all in Georgia and look forward to coming back someday. We love singing along with Triumphant Quartet and Greater Vision. They are awesome guys who live what they sing about.
Anyway, I hope you enjoy the CD you bought… I would love to know what you think about it.
Have a wonderful day and thanks again!
Reply to Breanahi crist family my name is brett erwin im 21 years old i recently announced my calling to preach. I was on the second row when you came to sing at the georgia mountain center and to hear your story about dropping everything and serving the lord was a real inspiration to me. jesus told peter to drop everything and follow me and you have done the same. i love southern gospel music and i have heard alot of groups sing but its awsome when you go and hear someone that really means what they are singing about thank you for serving the lord in a mighty way my prayers are with you
Brett
Reply to Brett ErwinLet’s all pray for Brett. What an awesome calling you have to preach the Word of God Brett. I pray that God would use you in a mighty way. Stay faithful to Him.
Reply to Rich CristHey guys! we were in the studio and I picked up a copy of “Declaration”. It is so amazing, I would encourage anyone to go out and get a copy. I’ve just listened to it over and over, it’s such a blessing. “My heart knows” and “Start with me” are my favorites I guess, but the whole thing is awesome. Love you guys!
Reply to Staclynn FaulknorHi Rich,
Reply to Barry FlyntI’d like to discuss featuring you guys in July on the station. Please email me at your convenience.
Barry
It was good talking with you yesterday. Looking forward to the feature Barry! Thanks.
Reply to Rich CristDear Crist Family,
I stumbled upon you guys on Youtube…Which I do not frequent other than to hear Christian music videos.
Well, all I had to hear was We have a hope. I was hooked. So I then went to itunes and I heard Wonder Working Power,followed by If the Rocks Could Talk.
HOOKED. Totally Hooked. Ya’ll are the Bomb Diggidy (that’s a good thing!). I LOVe your harmony. Matter of fact I shall listen to you on the way to work!!!!
So I am practicing Wonder Working power for my next concert. I do Sign Language to Christian Music.
Just wanted you guys to know ya’ll have a new fan. HOOKED!
be blessed,
Reply to Alicia RoarkAlicia Roark
Hello Alicia!
I’m so happy you found us… oh the wonderful world of Youtube
Thank you for your enthusiasm. I hope that our music can be an encouragement to you. Please let us know how it goes when you sign “Wonder Working Power” at your concert. What a great ministry! I hope you have a wonderful day and I look forward to hearing from you again soon!
Bre
Reply to BreanaHey Breana!
I will let you know how that concert goes! You guys are a little difficult to keep up with! hehe
Ya’ll are definitely giving me a run for my money with that song! I’m also attempting If the Rocks could talk!
Did I mention that I LOVE THE CRIST FAMILY?!!! Yeah…about that…Hooked!
There’s still wonder working power in the blood of Calvary
Every day and every hour it still flows to make us free
and it’s strong enough today
to wash sin away
in that never ending soul cleansig flood
there’s still wonder working power in the blood!
heheh
Totally Hooked,
Reply to Alicia RoarkAlicia
Alicia, as the official #1 fan of The Crist Family, allow me to welcome you to the “Crist Family Rocks” club. im like you, the first time i heard them, i was hooked!! Cant get enough of theses guys!! anyway, u seem pretty chill, so i wanted to welcome you. Do you have a facebook? if so, us “Crist Family Fanatics” formed a group so look us up! and u can add me too if u want. l8r!
Reply to Mark CahoonHey Crist Family!
Just dropping by to say hi and in case you guys have forgotten in the past couple of days…
Ya’ll are the Bomb Diggidy
If the rocks could talk
If the stones could sing
They’d glorify our miracle workin’
King of Kings
Yayyyyyyyyyyyyyy Crist family. Ya’ll have a nice day!
Signing Songs for Our Savior,
Reply to Alicia RoarkAlicia Roark
Hey Alicia!! You’re so sweet. Hope you are doing great! How are the songs comin’ along?
Reply to breanaHey Breana,
The songs are coming along wonderfully! They still need some smoothing over though!
Fun Fun fun!
Be blessed today!
Reply to Alicia RoarkAlicia