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June 27, 2006
Greetings from 105+ temps in AZ. It’s hot here, yes, but good to be back in AZ. Just got off a 7-week road trip to the Midwest that included gigs in Louisville, Cincinnati, Chicago and Evansville, IN.
Since we drove, we were able to take in some interesting sites. One of which is the largest cross in the world, about 11 stories high. It is located just off I-40 between Amarillo, TX and Oklahoma City. (See pic) The cross is surrounded by the Stations of the Cross in bronze sculptures. This is a ministry designed for travelers. The Cross is also lit at night and can be seen for miles.
Evansville was a great experience. Had the opportunity to do a workshop at Bethel UCC about how to integrate jazz into the worship experience. Began by explaining that integration of faith and our music must happen before anything else can take place. Also demonstrated some techniques for using synthesizers as alternative keyboard.
Saturday evening played a solo piano concert at the nearby village of New Harmony, IN. What a charming little town this is. You find wonderful meditation areas throughout the town. It’s almost as if the entire town is one big retreat center. See the attached pics. I played at a 100+-year-old building called the Granary. In fact, that is what it originally was built to be.
Sunday morning played with the local church jazz band for a jazz worship service. The musicians and singers were terrific and had done their homework with my music. It is very rewarding to hear musicians playing jazz in worship. Many are beginning to realize that jazz can be the perfect music for worship due to its improvisational component. This can create a very powerful experience for the congregation and musicians alike.
We then went on to Chicago where I played two jazz vespers services at two different Lutheran churches. Bruce Anderson, pastor of Resurrection Lutheran Church, is a terrific guy who used to be a jazz bass player before being ordained. His beautiful little church has been hosting a jazz vespers service once a month for 18 years. It has become an important place for some of the best jazz musicians in the world to play. Played with Rusty Jones (the left handed Elvin Jones) and bassist Larry Gray. Both are great players. Music Serving the Word Ministries, where I serve as Director of Education and Workshops, will be offering a workshop for area church and jazz musicians October 1-2, 2006. There will be a variety of clinics and performances for two days. If you are interested in attending, just respond to this email and we’ll send you some information.
The next stop was the Blue Wisp, a famous jazz club in Cincinnati. Bassist Bob Bodley, legendary drummer Art Gore and a young lady tenor sax player, Janielle Reichman joined me for two nights. Look out for Janielle Reichman. She is an amazing talent. Bob Bodley and I had played years ago with tenor sax player Sal Nistico. Art Gore was a treat, the real deal. I am constantly amazed at how good the local jazz musicians are. So many of them have returned to home communities after living in New York or Los Angeles.
In Louisville, KY, I played a concert at the Oldham County Arts Center with jazz guitarist Jeff Sherman and a local bass player and drummer. Jeff teaches at Bellarmine University where I received my B.A. We are planning some future jazz/church activities that we’ll pass along to you at a later date. It is very promising and exciting to be sure. Also played at the Seelbach Hotel jazz room.
In addition to the above gigs, I also played at several sessions. Two were with an old friend, Jamey Aebersold (see bottom pic). God’s creativity continues to flow through these talented people. It seems that regardless of the appearance of fewer gigs, musicians still play, arrange and compose. As one travels to these communities, you see more musicians playing in churches and the creativity keeps coming.
As we continue to develop Music Serving the Word Ministries, we will keep an eye open for more talented artists intent on serving God with their gifts of music, art, poetry and dance.
This is an exciting time. It almost feels like some kind of spiritual renaissance. Drop a line and let us know what’s going on in your community.
Keep swingin’ and God’s Blessings to all –
Chuck
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