Sound For The Soul
story: Jim Dyarphoto: Brent Van Auken
There’s no telling what fabulous adventures a person might find when he combines passion with creativity. That’s certainly what Garrett Viggers has discovered.
A unique approach to the hammered dulcimer has placed the Redding artist into some impressive musical company. Last year, it landed him a spot on platinum-selling artist Jim Brickman’s Christmas tour. In recent months, it has united him with a host of musicians to complete a new album entitled, “Thin Places.” Music from the album will be featured during a pair of CD release concerts called, “Emmanuel: A Thin Places Christmas Event” on Dec. 8 at the Cascade Theatre in Redding.
The concerts will also include performances of songs from Viggers’ 2006 Christmas album, “Emmanuel.” Originally an independent CD, “Emmanuel” was repackaged and re-released on the Lucid Artists Management label last year.
Viggers approaches the hammered dulcimer as an instrument that can blend well with many different instrumental voices. The dulcimer has primarily been used as a solo instrument because of its ability to be both rhythmic and melodic.
But Viggers allows the instrument to support a much wider sound texture. He’s drawn inspiration from the late Rich Mullins, a dulcimer player and singer/songwriter, and Dan Landrum, a dulcimer expert who frequently collaborates with contemporary instrumental icon Yanni.
“I want the dulcimer to create a special atmosphere for all these different instruments,” Viggers says. “It’s kind of re-branding it and letting it find its place in the room. It’s kind of a new sound and people are digging it.”
Joining Viggers on the album and in the Cascade concerts are musicians Seth Carlson (guitar), Hannah Jeanpierre (violin), Timothy Jon (cello), Lauren Sharkey (harp), Matt Lopez (accordion/piano), Caleb Cox (uilleann pipes/tin whistle), Scott Davis (drums) and Nathan Sletner (percussion). The concerts, set for 5:30 and 8 pm, will also include bassist Blake Stratton and a live painting exhibition by artist Juan Eddards.
Carlson, a frequent collaborator with Viggers, co-wrote and produced on “Thin Places.” Also lending their artistry on the new album were Nashville-based electric violinist Tracy Silverman, and lap dulcimer expert Aaron O’Rourke.
The title of the album, “Thin Places,” referrers to the Celtic expression that there’s a thin place between our living experience and the eternal world, Viggers says. He hopes his music creates a divine experience for listeners.
“It’s quite an eclectic mix on the CD,” Viggers says. “The hammered dulcimer is the core instrument and it provides a rhythmical theme throughout. It’s a rhythmic instrument but it also unlocks the melodies. When you put all the instruments together, they all shine.”
Viggers purchased his first hammered dulcimer 12 years ago, not long after hearing a CD of Mullins’ music. He began using the instrument during the music worship time at Risen King Community Church, where he’s been a worship/arts pastor since 2000. When he performs at Risen King, Viggers also sings, plays guitar and is joined by his wife, Tara, a soulful vocalist. The couple have three children – Judah, 9; Gabriel, 7; and Scarlett, 4.
Viggers says he noticed that people of all ages in the congregation seemed to respond to the sound of the hammered dulcimer.
“It brings people together from all over the map,” he says. “Young emo rockers, older people – it tends to connect generations and styles.”
Last year, the sound Viggers was achieving on dulcimer (he also uses digital effects with the instrument) caught the attention of the Grammy-nominated Brickman. After auditioning for the pianist, Viggers joined his Christmas tour, which included the acclaimed violinist Silverman, vocalist Anne Cochran, vocalist Masri, harpist Orlagh Fallon and vocalist Victoria Shaw.
During the two-month tour, Viggers also ended up singing and playing acoustic guitar and the cajon, a percussion box.
“It was a huge learning experience,” Viggers says. “I had the opportunity to play with some of the best musicians in the country. There were times when I was sitting there going, ‘This is not happening.’ It also showed me how to grind out performances on the road where you don’t know everybody in the audience.”
In addition to being a worship pastor and performing periodically for North State audiences, Viggers also runs a group health insurance business called Viggers Benefits. The Simpson University graduate says he’s been blessed to have so much support and great opportunities.
“This has been my life for the past 12 years,” he says. “(Last year’s tour) opened some incredible doors. Now with this album, I’m walking through those doors.” •
www.garrettviggers.com
