Album Notes

Heavenly Keys features a unique gospel keyboard trio, and highlights the musical talents of Reverend Dwayne Mason, Leonard Maddox, and Willie Jones. Most of the tracks include Mason on piano, Maddox on organ, and Jones playing bass on an electric piano. They are supported by a steady beat from master drummer Curtis Fondren. This talented trio plays soul-stirring gospel music and their sound sizzles with heavy doses of blues, funk, and jazz. It's a rare treat to hear a gospel recording focus solely on keyboards. Hearing these musicians blend their sound is truly a heavenly experience!

Reverend Dwayne Mason made his debut recording Glory!, Glory! at the age of 42 (The Sirens Records SR5007). In a November 2003 New York Times review of Glory! Glory! Ben Ratliff, a renowned jazz critic, called Mason "The Reverend of Funk". His traditional and contemporary gospel piano playing is almost entirely self-taught. He can take a traditional spiritual melody and create a hypnotic groove. In the liner notes to Glory! Glory! Reverend Mason describes his talented piano playing as "... only 10% of it is theory; 90% of it has been downloaded from the Holy Spirit through the software of THE ANOINTING!"

Since the release of Glory! Glory!, Reverend Mason's ministry has more than tripled! His Body Soul & Spirit Ministries merged with the well-established St. Martin's Church of Christ/Chicago. While his religious duties and responsibilities have grown, he counts it a privilege to still be able to use his musical gifts to "make a joyful noise unto the Lord." On this recording, Reverend Mason shares the spotlight by introducing music lovers to the talents of Leonard Maddox, Willie Jones, and Curtis Fondren.