It Is Well with My Soul

During our time of sheltering in place, here is a beautiful smooth jazz virtual collaboration of the Gospel hymn, "It Is Well with My Soul." Thanks to my friend, David Brazzeal for bringing this to my attention.

From the YouTube site:

With friend musicians Johnaye Kendrick (vocals), Dawn Clement (fender rhodes), Evan Flory-Barnes (bass), Rogerio Boccato (drums) and myself (guitar, arrangements, and production) we used our cell phones during the stay at home order to record this timeless hymn, "It is Well", for the Jazz Vespers of Lake Forest Park.

-

Forty Days (Dave Brubeck)

Dave Brubeck wrote a sacred oratorio The Light in the Wilderness. "40 Days" is a movement from that work, a meditation upon Jesus' time in the wilderness. Jesus' temptations in the wilderness are traditionally reflected upon by the church as we enter the Lenten season.

   

 -

Black Christ of the Andes (Mary Lou Williams)

In 1962, jazz pianist virtuoso Mary Lou Williams composed Black Christ of the Andes. The choral work was written in honor of the newly canonized Peruvian brother of the Dominican Order, Martin de Porres. St. Martin de Porres was the son of a freed slave and a Spanish gentleman. A barber by trade, as a Dominican lay brother he was known for his nonjudgmental care for the sick in the infirmary. Today he is the patron saint of mixed-race people, barbers, innkeepers, public health workers, and all those seeking racial harmony.

 -

Forty Days (Dave Brubeck)

I found this gem, Dave Brubeck's “Forty Days,” from his Light In The Wilderness oratorio at Night Lights post, Sacred Blue: Jazz Goes to Church in the 1960s. It is performed by the Dave Brubeck Quartet.

-

Wade in the Water (Take 6)

Take 6 Setting the standard for classic African American nusic

 



-

Come Sunday (Duke Ellington)

I first learned that jazz great Duke Ellington had written  a repertoire of sacred music a little over 20 years ago when "Come Sunday" was performed at St. Andrew's Episcopal Church. It was performed as a a trumpet solo with piano accompaniment during the worship service. Here we have two fine renditions. The first features the great Gospel singer Mahalia Jackson doing a beautiful a cappella presentation of the lyrics with a very sparse piano accompaniment by Duke Ellington himeself. In the second version is an orchestral presentation featuring a trumpet solo. Enjoy either one, or both. You can scroll down to read the lyrics.

Come Sunday

By Duke Ellington

Oh dear Lord I´ve loved

God almighty, God up above

Please, look down and see my people through

I believe the sun and moon

Will shine up in the sky

When the day is grey

It´s just clouds passing by

He´ll give peace and comfort

To every troubled mind

Come sunday, oh come sunday

That´s the day

Often we feel weary

But he knows our every care

Go to him in secret

He will hear every prayer

The leaves in the valley

They neither toll nor spin

And flowers bloom in spring

And birds sing

Up from dawn till sunset

Man work hard all the day

Come Sunday, oh come Sunday

That´s the day

-