Ayler Albert

Ayler Albert Ayler Albert
Christian Jazz?

After wading through some of the stuff on the Religion & Spirituality thing, I’m wondering if anyone has suggestions about where jazz and Jesus meet in harmony. Some of my favourites:

David Murray: Speaking In Tongues
Archie Shepp: Goin’ Home
Charlie Haden/Hank Jones: Steal Away
Duke Ellington: Sacred Concerts
John Coltrane: A Love Supreme, Ascension
Charles Gayle: Spirits Above

Brubeck and Mary Lou Williams have done some good CJ also.

The complete works of Albert Ayler would seem to fit into the same category.

I starred this question because I find it VERY interesting!

I just got off of MySpace.com and several groups are listed under “Christian jazz”, but I didn’t find anything worth my time to listen to, or read. There may be something there, but I got tired of searching. Anyhow, to your question:

I am a jazz musician and have been since before I was a Christian. I was really into rock for a while but I like jazz better. In working with many musicians, and reading many interviews with others, I think the answer to your question is that the point of harmony where jazz and Jesus meet is in the SPIRITUALITY of the music!

Search on the net for interviews with people like Carlos Santana, Mahavishnu John McLaughlin, Horace Silver and many others. You will find that they discuss the spirituality of their music even if they do not mention Jesus. I think ALL jazz musicians feel this, even if they don’t acknowledge it. I know I definitely feel it. It is best to “intend” to play for God, but in true jazz, the spirituality is there regardless. Jazz is music sent to heaven and is not just of the earth.