Christian Artists in Jazz, Big Band, and Blues

[WannaWitness]

I'd like for this thread to be used to discuss our favorite Christian artists in this genre. There doesn't seem to be too many, so I don't know how this thread will turn out.

Some artists worth listening to who are good at performing this type of music:

Denver and the Mile High Orchestra

Dave Boyer

Ralph Carmichael

The Peiffers

Phil Driscoll

Sam Levine

The W's

There's probably more, but like I said, it's so hard to find.

 

[FlatpickingJD]

Part of the problem is that as the music is instrumental, unless the performer makes overt statements or comments regarding his or her faith, we really don't know whether the performer is Christian or not.

That said, I can think of a couple: Jimmy Smith and Jack McDuff. Interestingly, both are sons of preachers. I'm sure there are others out there, but it's really hard to know.

 

[ptesone]

I'd like for this thread to be used to discuss our favorite Christian artists in this genre. There doesn't seem to be too many, so I don't know how this thread will turn out.

Some artists worth listening to who are good at performing this type of music:

Denver and the Mile High Orchestra

Dave Boyer

Ralph Carmichael

The Peiffers

Phil Driscoll

Sam Levine

The W's

There's probably more, but like I said, it's so hard to find.

What about:
Glenn Kaiser/Darrell Mansfield (Blues w/mouth harp)
Chris Lizotte (Blues)

 

[DMagoh]

I'd like for this thread to be used to discuss our favorite Christian artists in this genre. There doesn't seem to be too many, so I don't know how this thread will turn out....

...There's probably more, but like I said, it's so hard to find.

This website lists a TON of Christian Jazz Artists. It has links to their websites and you can listen to samples.

http://www.songsofdavid.com/christianjazzartists.shtml

 

[Katie0873]

Lanny Cordolla is an incredible guitarist. I am uncertain if he still playing nowadays.

I bought the CD called Shack of Peasants. He's on there along with other artists, but I used to have a CD that was a compilation of a bunch of miscellaneous songs. It was pretty good even though I found it on sale for like a dollar back in the mid 90's.

 

[James866]

I'd like for this thread to be used to discuss our favorite Christian artists in this genre. There doesn't seem to be too many, so I don't know how this thread will turn out.

Some artists worth listening to who are good at performing this type of music:

Denver and the Mile High Orchestra

Dave Boyer

Ralph Carmichael

The Peiffers

Phil Driscoll

Sam Levine

The W's

There's probably more, but like I said, it's so hard to find.

What about one of the greatest of them all; who is a christian; Louie Bellson, either the world's greatest or one of the world's greatest drummers. Everyone who knows him has the highest regard and respect for him, and he is not an egotist, but plays so beautifully because he is a great musician. I saw him live and without a doubt, he is the greatest drummer I know of.
He also has composed Christian music.

 

[DreamboatAnnie]

Part of the problem is that as the music is instrumental, unless the performer makes overt statements or comments regarding his or her faith, we really don't know whether the performer is Christian or not.

That said, I can think of a couple: Jimmy Smith and Jack McDuff. Interestingly, both are sons of preachers. I'm sure there are others out there, but it's really hard to know.

Good point JD. The music is usually instrumental in jazz but unless they make a statement there's no way to know here. Of course they culd title their songs a religious phrase but other than that I wouldn't know.

 

[WannaWitness]

I recently found a CD - Justo Almario & Abraham Laboriel - from a thrift store. It is mostly instrumental, including jazzy versions of He is Exalted and Give Thanks.

 

[markb77]

I recently found a CD - Justo Almario & Abraham Laboriel - from a thrift store. It is mostly instrumental, including jazzy versions of He is Exalted and Give Thanks.

I was hoping someone would mention these guys when I saw the thread title. That's an excellent CD (Justo & Abraham) and a great example of Christians playing jazz. They were both in a band called Koinonia who were simply awsome. Some of the finest jazz you could ever want to hear. Their stuff is fairly hard to find now, but well worth searching out. My favorite is the live album "Celebration", but anything by Koinonia is worth purchasing if you're looking for "Christian jazz". Just get it. You can thank me later.

 

[WannaWitness]

I was hoping someone would mention these guys when I saw the thread title. That's an excellent CD (Justo & Abraham) and a great example of Christians playing jazz. They were both in a band called Koinonia who were simply awsome. Some of the finest jazz you could ever want to hear. Their stuff is fairly hard to find now, but well worth searching out. My favorite is the live album "Celebration", but anything by Koinonia is worth purchasing if you're looking for "Christian jazz". Just get it. You can thank me later.

It's very pleasant and uplifting, great for when you want to relax. I have other music in which one of them, Mr. Laboriel, is credited as a background musician. Jazz fans are in for a real treat.

 

[pianoman192000]

All the artists mentioned in these replies are very good. I am actually friends with Denver from Denver and the Mile High Orchestra and he is a wonderful musician and spiritual leader. One of my other favorite Christian jazz artists is Ju Ju Song who has an album out under the Cool Springs label. Also, there is a Facebook page called the Christian Jazz Artists Network which has some very gifted performers, composers, and arrangers. I wanted to share with you my latest CD for solo piano entitled "Hymn Conceptions." This is a project I have been working on for the past three years and it consists of hymn arrangements in various styles, including Jazz, Classical, Gospel, Blues, Irish, and Bossa Nova. You can find it on iTunes by searching "Daniel Joiner Hymn Conceptions".
God Bless,

Daniel Joiner

 

[WannaWitness]

Oh... and there's also Ben Tankard. His brand of jazz is more of the modern "smooth" variety, and quite peaceful to listen to.

 

[Mr. Bee]

Tim Bowman - Jazz guitar
Jonathon Butler - also jazz guitar
Harold Rayford - Jazz sax
Kirk Whalum - Jazz sax
Jonathon Dubose, Jr. - Jazz guitar
Bernard Harris & Basses Covered- Jazz bass
The Quiet Times Players: Ralph Lofton, Jr. (Organ/piano/synths), Derrick Jaqckson (piano), Donald Hayes (sax), TJonathon Dubose, Jr. (guitar), Terry Baker (drums)
Johnny Lang (blues guitar) Yes, he's a Christian
Angella Christie - Jazz sax
And last but not least a guitarist who can and does play any style - Phil Keaggy

 

[ibelongtothelord]

Christian jazz artists? I didn't see anyone mention Deanna Witkowski. I think one of her best albums is called From This Place. IT'S WONDERFUL!

 

[bendstringz]

I like fusion jazz, any artist, as long as it doesn't have nasty lyrics. like zappa does.