The link right there above takes you to a recording of my Jazz Lessons and Carols program in the “Spirit of Jazz” radio series. As noted previously in this blog, the half-hour “Spirit of Jazz” program ran on a handful of stations around the USA, produced in cooperation with the Presbyterian Media Mission of Pittsburgh.
I recorded the programs in our studio at the former Presbyterian School of Christian Education in Richmond, Va. where I taught video and youth ministry. That was back in the late 1980s and early ’90s. In retirement, I revived the program briefly for an internet radio station; this Christmas program was in that series.
I used some traditional scripture passages for the “lessons” and music from Bill Carter’s superb collection called “Jazz Noel” (available from Presbybop Music at http://www.presbybop.com.) That “Jazz Noel” set includes both a CD of the music Bill has composed or arranged for his annual Christmas Eve jazz service at First Presbyterian Church, Clarks Summit, Pennsylvania, as well as an hour-long DVD of Christmas jazz as seen on a WVIA public television special.
The vocalist is Warren Cooper, and his rich voice adds just the right touch to Bill Carter’s jazz arrangements.
Whether you read this and/or listen to the music at the above link during the Christmas season or in mid-summer, you will find this episode full of the true “spirit of jazz.”
Peace, Grace, and Jazz! 