Sacrifice - Church Recording

[pian0dude]

I shared back in June a song that I collaborated on with a woman in our congregation. She had written the lyrics of the song (more or less) as a prayer to the Lord during one of our worship services several years ago. She brought me the song and asked me to seek God for inspiration on a musical direction, desiring that it be kept intimate and prayerful. Many of you may recall a previous post in which I posted a "ghetto" recording of it.

It is called Sacrifice. I want to post the first official "church" recording of it. We did it as part of the Call2Fall Sunday a few weeks back. I know there are a few vocal and musical hiccups along the way, but I wanted to submit to my fellow mates here.

Words & Music are pending copyright (officially submitted)

Lyrics:
I offer myself as a sacrifice of Praise
Coming before You, I humbly seek your face
It's not about me Lord, so I lay it at Your feet
I offer myself as a sacrifice of Praise

Oh Lord, I worship and I praise Your Name
Oh Lord, I praise Your holy name

I offer myelf as a sacrifice of worship
Closing my eyes, I see Your loving face
Raising up my hands, I surrender all to You
I offer myself as a sacrifice of worship

Oh Lord, I worship and I praise Your Name
Oh Lord, I praise Your holy name

I offer myself as a sacrifice to You
Take all my days, take every breathe to serve you
Lord with all my heart, I love and honor You
I offer my life as a sacrifice to You

Oh Lord, I worship and I praise Your Name
Oh Lord, I praise Your holy name
(repeat)

[louca]

pianodude, this is a great song you have. Naturally, I like the piano part :) But I would like to make some suggestions if I can.

I would add a small musicial interlude part after the first chorus, before verse 2. Maybe only 2 measures. Or maybe add an instrumental bridge before verse 3. And please, PLEASE bring up some of those electric guitar parts! Those little riffs in there are beautiful! Also, I like to interplay the piano parts with guitar parts, just to add variety. Maybe a little less arpeggios from keys and more from guitar. And maybe just a tad more BG vocals in the mix.

pd, these are just my suggestions if I were to play around with it. It really sounds nice the way you have it! Great recording!

Lou

[pian0dude]

louca - thanks for the feedback. Yeah, this is/was by now means a "produced" demo. It was literally tapping off of my Aviom mixer the first time we did it on a Sunday, so naturally the piano was a little louder than other things. I completely agree with your suggestions and if/when we record it "officially" we'd most likely have it mixed professionally and recorded in tracks, etc.

This was just a live performance of it with no effects, mixing/mastering, etc. It was actually during an altar time during/after communion.

Regarding the musical interlude you mention, this is something I have been pondering. I am totally open to chord progression suggestions, styles of the interlude, etc. I am ending the chorus I believe on an Asus / A.

[Smitty]

Lou's feedback is spot on. My initial thought was that the song was just too slow, but if it is meant as a communion/altar call/time of reflection piece...its perfect.

Well done, sir!

Smitty