Can it be that my last blog entry is dated two years ago? As John Lennon said, “Life is what happens while you’re making other plans.” Let it be known: SABBATICAL IS NOW OFFICIALLY OVER!!!
Tim and I had also taken this website on sabbatical. For the past six months we’ve let it lie fallow as we do some behind-the-scenes project maintenance and personal self care in our separate lives. But now it’s time to announce that we’re not only up, but we’re also running. Our ordering system is now reopened for business. That said, we will be unveiling our latest volume (number 7) in just a few weeks—more of our favorite public domain hymns arranged for jazz.
But for now I’d like to share some thoughts about a recent jazz service and how I used three of our arrangements. The Sunday before last the pastor of our church (Rev. David Denoon, First Congregational UCC, Webster Groves MO) was preaching on Jesus’ parable of the Dishonest (shrewd?) Manager, Luke 16:1-13. It’s another parable where Jesus completely turns things around, shattering the expectations of his listeners. So why not use three traditional hymns and turn them around a bit also.
The opening hymn was everyone’s favorite, Beethoven’s Ode to Joy—“Joyful, Joyful, We Adore You.” It’s a great classic with a melody that just about everyone has come to love. But I decided to change the hymn tune to HYFRYDOL (from Volume 1), one of my favorite melodies. It goes perfectly with the words and substitutes the march-like exuberance with a flowing jazz waltz.
The second hymn, which our congregation usually sings seated after the sermon, is meant to be reflective and meditative. After hearing a sermon of shattered stereotypes we sang “O Grant Us Light,” HESPERUS, (Volume 5) with a new twist. We began with the bass improvising a bottom line, and played it with re-harmonized chord structure. The big change for the congregation was holding out each phrase so the rhythm section could add color. Example: O grant us light . . . . that we may know . . . wisdom that you . . . alone can give. With a different harmonic structure worshipers sang a familiar melody holding out each phrase to give extra thought to the hymn text.
The final hymn, “God Speak to Me,” CANONBURY (Volume 3) was an entirely different beat—Funk! I warned the congregations to fasten their seat belts and listen to God speaking in a new rhythm. Folks really seemed energized as they sang, and the band vamped on a two-bar funk phrase at the end so the minister could offer the benediction/blessing with a musical soundtrack.
I should mention that all three hymns were arranged by Tim. Each is a great example of how jazz can not only enliven worship, but deepen the spiritual understanding of worshipers. It was a special jazz morning. Let us know of your jazz worship experiences.