Roland U.S.

Roger Neal

Relax … Reflect … Escape

by Corey Fournier & Greg Rule

The art of using technology in worship often seems a paradox. The tools of the craft can easily become the focal point if fundamental musicianship isn’t preserved. Roger Neal has already discovered this secret, and has developed his sound and ministry around it.

On his album, Soul Escape, Roger takes a worship leader’s approach, creating a mood and letting it flow. And though not the focal point, Roger’s use of his Roland Fantom keyboard is the key to his sound.

“Soul Escape is a collection of praise songs exclusively recorded on a Fantom S-88,” says Roger. “I basically took one of the pre-programmed Performances and tweaked the sustain on the pad that provides a mid-to-low bass ‘atmosphere’ in which the piano notes are placed.”

Roger’s approach has succeeded, with track 5 of the album, "Lamb of God," being added to the rotation in Salem Music Network’s The Word In Praise programming. As an independent artist, he’s encouraged that his completely instrumental album was included in this nationally broadcast playlist. “Folks are really responding to the atmospheric and relaxing aspects of this project, which are a fusion of my piano artistry and Roland's phenomenal Fantom keyboard.”

Roger is also a keyboardist and worship leader at Long Hollow Baptist Church in Gallatin, TN. “At Church, the Fantom has proved to be invaluable,” says Roger. “If our bass player is out, no problem. I just split the keyboard with one of Roland's excellent bass guitar patches in the bass range and keep the keys in the treble.”

He continues, “Sometimes I switch to just strings and provide a mini-symphony accompaniment. Other times I split the keyboard with strings in the bottom and keys on top for accents and drama. Most of the time, though, I use the same ‘patent’ sound I modified within one of the Performances as heard on Soul Escape.”

Roger is hoping that his efforts on Soul Escape will garner a nomination for the GMA Award for Instrumental Album of the Year. When asked about the future, he says, “I just have to trust that He will continue to lead, guide, and direct everything I do, and not just with my music ministry. But if He allows it, this album is just the beginning.”

Check out www.rogerneal.net for Roger’s bio, mp3 clips, the latest news, and more.