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FDP Forum / Performer's Corner / Advice on funeral strumming

tiller2
Contributing Member
******

USA

May 23rd, 2012 07:14 AM Edit Profile Print Topic Search Topic
I'd appreciate performance advice on leading a song at my father-in-law's upcoming memorial service: Country Roads. (A cliche, maybe, but it was the favorite sing-along song when my wife took road trips with her dad.)

The venue is a genuine stone cathedral, with a PA. I'll be playing acoustic guitar and singing, with about 10 members of my FIL's family "primed" to sing, hopefully to encourage the 200+ attendees to do so.

I'm not a veteran performer, but I can handle singing while simply strumming the song. My guitar is an orchestra model, not a big dreadnaught, so I figure I'll need 2 mics for guitar/voice.

One option, however, is to ask a friend of my FIL, who is an experienced jazz pianist and arranger, to play with me on an electronic piano. I am thinking the organ could come in on the 2nd verse and gradually swell throughout the tune--adding a more religious vibe by the end.

Can this plan be improved? Should I try to get a dreadnaught, or buy a pop-in pickup, or play electric rather than a smaller-bodied acoustic? Thanks for any input?

jazzguy
Contributing Member
*****

Philly, B-3 Capitol

don't dream it.....be it
May 23rd, 2012 08:47 AM Edit Profile Print Topic Search Topic
I'd keep the guitar and do it w/the piano player just as you planned. it's only one tune and the acoustic will sound fine, especially mic'd.

I played a couple tunes for my neighbors funeral a few years ago and brought along a violinist friend. it went very well and the family was pleased.

side bar--I found a gift certificate in a tiny envelope buried at the bottom of my mailbox 6 months later. it was from my neighbors wife and I didn't see it until then!

Gaukdawg

Ohio

I'm with you fellers!
May 23rd, 2012 09:16 AM Edit Profile Print Topic Search Topic
That is the exact song I played at my Mom's funeral. She and I would sing it together almost everytime I visited. I had my sister sing it with and most people there were singing along. We did it without any PA support and it went over well.

Sorry for your loss, I hope it brings your family together and you all deal with it well.

tiller2
Contributing Member
******

USA

May 23rd, 2012 02:36 PM Edit Profile Print Topic Search Topic
Thanks jazzguy & Gawkdog.

tiller2
Contributing Member
******

USA

Jul 4th, 2012 12:37 PM Edit Profile Print Topic Search Topic
My father-in-law's memorial service was almost a month ago, and I'm glad to say that my part in it went very well. After his sons and an old friend gave their eulogies, my son and I went up some stairs to a raised platform at the front of the church and my FIL's many grandchildren and children stood on the steps.

My son and I played "Country Roads" on guitar and everybody sang, audience included. The sound guy at the church had done a good job setting up mics and adjusting levels at our one rehearsal beforehand. People thanked and complemented me afterwards.

The only thing that could have been improved would have been to arrange the singers so they could see me, not just hear me play. The start to the song was a little ragged but soon everyone was together.

The next day, at the burial, I played and sang "Blackbird" to the small group at graveside. The song, which the widow had requested, spoke to my FIL's unbroken spirit in the face of severe physical challenges.

Then, on the spot, I was asked to play Country Roads again, which we all sang tearfully.

Ten years ago, I doubt I could have made this musical contribution; I was glad I could last month.

Fast Lane Pablo

USA

Jul 5th, 2012 02:37 PM Edit Profile Print Topic Search Topic
That's a hard gig. Sounds like you played the right songs with the right feeling and a lot of love.

FDP Forum / Performer's Corner / Advice on funeral strumming

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