Strum Harder

When in Colorado last month I was riding in the truck of an a acquaintance who said "Do you know Shane Barnard?" I said no - and he put on a mix cd of the best praise music I have heard in a long time. Very simple instrumentation, elegant harmonies, familiar songs put together in thought provoking combination, and original songs that spoke to my heart of passionate desire to know the wisdom of the holy spirit. Shane (really it is two Shanes) is profiled on several sites: here, here, and here (which is thier page). As usual - the moment I get plugged into something, I realize that they are a top ten artist with a rabid fan base, and I am far, very far, from discovering somthing unique or cutting edge. But nonetheless - I have enjoyed what I have heard. But what has intrigued me the most - especially about thier live music - is the speed with which they strum! Even on a very slow - reflective peice (ie: he is exalted), these guys are banging away - double and triple strumming all the time! This is something that would only work with good guitars, correct mixes, and large crouds. When I play for the 10 or 12 in our small group - I have to be so much sparer! But last night when I was playing and singing for Elena - I found myself strumming harder!