Album Notes

Pianist and composer Dan Crisci has written over fifty jazz compositions, some of which may be heard on his CD Offering. He has also written and arranged for New Jersey's Triad Arts Ensemble and has been a frequent accompanist for the Triad Chamber Vocal Ensemble. His works for solo piano, clarinet and piano, and choir have been performed at such venues as Syracuse University and Princeton's famed Westminster Choir College. He is currently co minister of music, along with his wife Virginia Johnston, at the Springfield Emanuel United Methodist Church in Springfield, New Jersey.

Bill Robinson has been performing as a jazz vocalist since his teen years. Recognized as one of the Garden State's favorite exponents of the vocal art, he sang for many years at New Jersey's Summit Hotel and has also appeared at such nightspots as The Green Room and Danny's Grand Sea Palace in New York City. Over the past ten years Bill and Dan have had many opportunities to perform together, including regular appearances at the popular Shanghaii Jazz in Madison, New Jersey. In 1998, Bill and guitarist John Carlini collaborated to create a very well received holiday CD, A Christmas Gift.

Listeners familiar with these hymns will find some wonderful surprises. Many tempos have been reversed and, far from being disconcerting, the effect achieved is that of certainty. One finds oneself feeling: "This is the way it should go!" Dan's chord changes and tempos, combined with Bill's stylish delivery, serve to amplify the spirit of the texts.

The old favorite "Amazing Grace" has become an upbeat jazz tune, reflecting the joy and liberation of the gift of grace. It's difficult to imagine more comforting versions of "The Lord is My Shepherd," "Precious Lord," and "How Great Thou Art." Listening to their rendition of "What a Friend We Have in Jesus," one feels an irrepressible smile forming in response to such a jubilant treatment of this classic hymn.