Pianist Xavier Davis nudges gospel's simple harmonies into a modern jazz context.
Many of their arrangements open with a vocal chorus, followed by solo turns that travel far from what's printed in the hymnbook. Byron and his New Gospel Quintet chase gospel's extroverted side, those toe-tapping jubilee-style rave-ups, on Love, Peace, and Soul. Now, two new records showcase contrasting approaches that can be spun out of old-time religious tunes.Ĭharles Mingus' approach to gospel has inspired generations of jazz musicians, including Don Byron. From Louis Armstrong on down, jazz musicians have seized on hymns and spirituals as a starting point for improvisation. That doesn't mean they treat gospel tunes reverently or gingerly. Gospel Jazz is an emerging format, blending elements of Gospel, R&B, Jazz, Smooth Jazz and Praise and Worship Music to create a contemporary sound that is.
It's part of the foundation of American music, an essential language like the blues. Jazz musicians, even agnostic ones, have a soft spot for gospel.
Don Byron released Love, Peace, and Soul with his New Gospel Quintet on Feb.
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