Album Notes

JAZZ AT PEOPLES CHURCH: “A New Experience”

Someone once observed that in the African American Tradition, Sacred songs without a beat are like religion without God. African American sacred songs are cousins to the art form called jazz. Jazz, a peculiarly American creation, is a blend of African rhythms, black church music and dance hall beats; increasingly, jazz is being adopted by the churches. A native son has come home; indeed while most jazz is not religious in content, it is religious in form. Jazz is the longing of the human spirit crying out and struggling to be born and heard.

Jazz has become an exciting expression of our worship and adoration of God at Peoples Church. Our Jazz Vespers and Jazz - Gospel Extravaganzas are attended by persons of our church and community who seek an alternative religious expression. Some have not been in a house of worship in a long time. Jazz At Peoples Church is the point at which the church and a new breed of God’s people meet and all of us sing unto the Lord a new song.

Additionally, Jazz At Peoples Church provides a sacred space where jazz musicians are welcomed and have their special gifts consecrated and affirmed. We are a place where jazz men and women can make their peculiar offerings to God.

I hope that you will be inspired by what you hear on this CD “Jazz At Peoples Church: A New Experience:.