What Is "Gospel Jazz?" by Terrence Richburg

Gospel Jazz portrays the precise passion of perfectly inspired innovation and unity.

One of the purest forms of true music emanates from the depth and improvisation

of its own composers, writers, producers, and performers.

JazzGospelCentral -GREAT GOSPEL JAZZ PIONEERS

– In Summary

We're fortunate to live in a profound time in history when God's plan for His

beloved people has transcended time, man-made stereotypes, and human

paradigms ─ full-circle from where the original message of His Word was

proclaimed but has remained true all the same for centuries. God in His

sovereignty uses what and chooses whom He wishes to fulfill His ultimate will.

He fulfills this regardless of what the status quo believes, thinks, or feels.

Through willing Levites and anointed messengers of song, the genre of

"Gospel-Jazz" music is becoming more and more popular every day. This wealth

of music still spreads the "good news" of the gospel. Whether it's through saxophone, trumpet, guitar, bass, drums, piano, or organ, you'll be sure to hear the best in

Gospel-Jazz from the best Gospel and Jazz musicians in the world. Don't ever

underestimate the quality, quantity, or quintessential impact of this music on

the popular climate of today or its influence on the culture of the future.

History has shown us that over the span of time, music has been a major driver

as well as a sympathetic responder to the cultural climate both in the secular

world and the sacred. Music is not just an art form, but an experience for the

moment and one to relive time and time again in the memories of the soul and spirit. Therefore, now is the time of our personal responsibility to allow and inspire the gift of Gospel Jazz to thrive and to bear the ordained contributable fruits within the

arts and among the hearts of those living now and also those who are to come.

The Genre

"The precious gems of Jazz and Gospel as separate musical art forms have been

around for a very long time and both are profoundly rooted in the rich heritage of the African-American cultural experience." So then what should be said about the even newer, "unique" "Gospel Jazz?" From every aspect of music, Gospel Jazz portrays the very

passion of perfectly inspired innovation and unity. There is no disagreement or

argument in this relationship as their nature and musical complexity work together

in perfect harmony, rhythm, melody, creativity, style, form, drive, emotion, spirituality, excitement, tenderness, vision, mystique, and inspiration.

Gospel Jazz is and can be one of the purest forms of true music which emanates

from the depth and improvisation of its own composers, writers, producers

and performers. It is so pure and potent that it can carry the message of a song instrumentally without the lyrics of a vocalist and yet communicate the

instrumentation of a life-changing song vocally without the accompaniment

of instruments--it is spiritual and ministry at its least and worship and praise at its best.

Gospel Jazz is one of the newest and hottest genres of musical genius with

increasing popularity and acceptance within the Christian community, but also

generating wide appeal within the secular world of musical entertainment.

Although there has been major progress over recent years to unveil to the world

both styles and their unlimited techniques and distinctive articulations through

the amazing performances and recordings of artists, there still lacks a true level "playing field" for commercial acceptance and equality in the market place. Mainstream

appreciation, support, and respect for these music giants are all too often missing

from the industry headlines of the day ─ nevertheless, hope still prevails.

In a world full of political ambiguity, terrorism, economic uncertainty, and a myriad

of other severe dilemmas, it's imperative to strive to maintain balance. Learn to

draw a sense of peace and strength from the incredible creativity and artistic

diversity that lies deep within us. Today's "breaking news" tends to usher us into places of deep despair and diminishes our focus a few notches both emotionally and spiritually.

It's at that spiritual level of one's self that consistent nurturing and involvement allows and compels us to keep moving forward. We maintain a disposition of joy and tranquility on this difficult but certain journey of promise.

God has so infinitely gifted us in unique ways that all of us can play an individual

part in the sustenance of the human spirit, even sometimes in methods and by way of resources we've ignored, rejected, or have failed to engage or experience.

Gospel Jazz brings together two of the most precious of these artistic riches

implanted within the fertile hearts and minds of many gifted artists and musicians,

several of which are awaiting the opportunity when they and their music will be

discovered and presented to the world.

The Historical Connection

Gospel Jazz might be thought of as a brand new form of music in some circles

these days, but honestly as with all things, "there is nothing new under the sun.

"The origins of Gospel Jazz are as familiar as any other form of musical expression.

Just as the separate styles of Gospel and Jazz were born out of the deep emotional experiences endured and overcome by our fore-parents and ancestors, Gospel Jazz has always been around. Early ancestral forms as key as Negro Spirituals born in the

slave-tended fields of the South gave birth to the heart-wrenching cries of Jazz

siblings such as the "Blues."

Another profound effect of the instrumental side of Gospel Jazz, which has been

affirmed over and over again by contemporary genre lovers, is its ability to inspire

a sense of peace as a soothing balm to both mental and physical stress. This benefit is supported biblically as noted in I Samuel 16:23, as David played his harp for Saul.

Gospel Jazz artist and modern-day pioneer Jeff Majors fulfills this calling in

contemporary fashion with his internationally enjoyed harp ministry. There are

also many other great Gospel Jazz Pioneers and contributors to this genre as a

legitimate form ─ familiar musicians and vocal artists that have forged the way

and bridged the gap for the exposure and improved acceptance among

Christian and secular audiences alike. Some of the most well-known but not always associated artists and influences of the Gospel Jazz realm include such musical

giants as Ramsey Lewis, Aretha Franklin, Thomas Whitfield, The Clark Sisters,

Daryl Coley, Take 6, Ben Tankard, Yolanda Adams, Allen & Allen, Kirk Whalum,

Jeff Majors, Kim Burrell, and the list goes on.

Gospel Jazz is not just instrumental but includes a whole host of vocal expressionists

and stylists, and in some ways represents some of the most essential contributions

to the music industry and history as a whole.

The Secular-Spiritual Connection

There exists a whole other "flip side" to this entire Jazz genre thing that is not only worth mentioning but serves as a profound voice of how Jazz and Gospel are so inter-related in spirit and message. One of the most significant aspects of today's Jazz world is the number of professing Christians and notable genre contributors who perform as major Jazz artists, true to the form musically, but who are just as true to their calling to dedicate their lives and musical talents wholly or in part, respectively, to the cause of the Gospel through recorded and live Gospel Jazz works and performances.

Familiar names such as Jonathan Butler, John Patitucci, Kirk Whalum, and many others are well known as both top-notch Jazz artists and fervent believers. Some critics might label them as sell-outs to a type of secularism contradicting Christian principles and teachings. But the truth is Jazz is musical art, just as relevant as Classical, Gospel, Latin, African, Chinese, Japanese, or any other style of music which has its heart rooted in experiential passion and cultural diversity.

But I will go one step further to say that the improvisational element of both Jazz and Gospel render them the most precise conduits for rendering the kind of spontaneous praise to God referenced in Psalm 150. There is also a breaking down of language barriers which allows Christian Jazz artists and musicians like no other messengers sent by God to reach those in that community who have not yet come to a point of belief in Christ.

Who better to minister to the lost in the world of Jazz than those who speak the vernacular understood by those listeners? Also, what truer testimony than a vessel created by God to give back to Him the gift of music received in a style that He alone has created and established for His own good pleasure and glory?

The Gospel-Spiritual Connection

I recently had a rather eye-opening encounter while performing at a Gospel Jazz event at a local church--yes; I said "church." The audience comprised of regular "church folk" upon hearing the ministry of Gospel Jazz suddenly displayed a wide-variety of emotions through their thunderous applause and shouts, sways and dances, tears of joy, and sheer awareness of just how awesome God really is.

The music's testimony transcended the man-made boundaries and paradigms which until that moment had been the teachers and guides within the minds and hearts of those attending. Their preconceptions were all redefined by the experience of what they had heard, felt and lived for that moment in time. They couldn't explain what had happened before them, to them or inside them, but could only describe aspects of what they had come to know as something more than just a concert.

It was more like a revelation of God as He chose to use vessels and instruments as available means to communicate on a soulful, spirit-filled level. It was at this moment that I realized and God confirmed the remarkable gift and opportunity He imparted to me and to all Gospel Jazz artists. This wasn't just a chance to play or sing great music, entertain or have fun, but it had swiftly become a serious matter--a personal responsibility for encouraging hearts and inspiring souls to reach new heights with understanding and connect with Christ and each other in a brand new way. Words of humility were the only appropriate response I could utter.

What Is "Gospel Jazz?" by Terrence Richburg

The Genre

The Historical Connection

The Secular-Spiritual Connection

The Gospel-Spiritual Connection

Read Other Works by Terrence Richburg