Album Notes

"Glory! Glory!" introduces gospel piano player Reverend Dwayne R. Mason, one of the most talented pianists in Chicago today. While his piano style is spiritual, it is easy to hear the deep roots of boogie, blues, and jazz piano echo throughout his playing. Reverend Mason plays on this disc with Sydne Evans, a powerful gospel vocalist and psalmist, who performs on five tracks and Kendrick M. Jackson who provides rhythmic support on drums. This disc contains spiritually uplifting, soulful music with a mesmerizing quality that will appeal to everyone.

Reverend Dwayne Robert Mason was born in Chicago on November 21, 1961. He founded and is the pastor of Body Soul & Spirit Ministries on Chicago's south side. He takes great pride in juggling three related professions all beginning with the letter "M". He is a licensed minister, mortician, and musician.

While Reverend Mason had limited piano instruction as a child, his gospel piano playing is almost entirely self-taught. His interpretation of gospel music has been inspired by the sounds of Reverend James Cleveland, Edwin and Walter Hawkins, and Elbertina "Twinkie" Clark. His piano playing is sophisticated and soulful. Reverend Mason often takes a traditional spiritual melody and creates a hypnotic groove.

Sydne Evans is a native Chicagoan who has a powerful voice that touches the listener's soul. Her vocal strength is evident on all her performances, and her moving rendition of "Angels Keep Watching Over Me" is classic. She has traveled extensively around the world carrying a ministry in song. In April 2003, Sydne sang at the historic Old St. John Methodist Church in the Wall Street district of Manhattan. Later in the spring she sang for the 89th Historical President's night on the campus of Hampton University in Virginia where Coretta Scott King was in attendance. Sydne is currently touring and bringing Praise and Worship Seminars to leading churches around the country. In addition to her religious music, Sydne also records commercial jingles and does voiceover work.

Kendrick M. Jackson is a talented gospel drummer from Chicago. His subtle, steady playing compliments and enhances Reverend Mason's rhythmic sound. Kendrick started playing the drums in his high school band. In the early 1980's, Kendrick was recognized by the late Dr. Jeffrey P. Radford, who encouraged and nurtured him as he performed with youth and young adult choir tours. Kendrick dedicates his work to the memory of Dr. Radford.