In August, 2016, Trinity Cathedral hosted a Jazz Eucharist. Jazz has always had a spiritual base. Duke Ellington, John Coltrane, Dave Brubeck and Mary Lou Williams are among the many jazz musicians who used their jazz talents, composing and performing their works, offering their musical gifts to God.
In his autobiography, Music Is My Mistress, of his sacred music, Duke Ellington wrote “Now I can say openly what I have been saying to myself on my knees.” Of his suite, “A Love Supreme,” John Coltrane mused “This album is a humble offering to Him. An attempt to say “THANK YOU GOD” through our work, even as we do in our hearts and with our tongues. May He help and strengthen all men in every good endeavor.”
As a member of the ensemble that provided the music for the Jazz Eucharist at Trinity Cathedral, it remains one of the high points of my Christian evolution. Now, it is our turn to do it again…
It is now 2022. Trinity Cathedral is planning to hold a Jazz Vespers service in October. There is ample precedence for this—Saint Peter’s Church in New York City has hosted a weekly Jazz Vespers service, founded by Rev. John Garcia Gensel in 1965. We are looking for musicians to perform Jazz in a spiritual environment, using their talents to praise God and to spread the joy of the Jesus Movement.
If you are interested in participating in the Jazz Eucharist, please email Lee Whiteman or you can call him at (609) 915-4509. We are especially in need of a pianist and bassist, but we will take all comers. Bring your instruments, vocals, ideas, and sheet music to our rehearsals. Rehearsals will be at Trinity Cathedral, dates and time to be determined.
In addition, there will be a jam session at the Whiteman residence during Labor Day Weekend if COVID is held at bay. Details to come later.
Please join us in praising God as our thing, playing music that swings, and where resistance is futile.
