A Eucharistic Liturgy of Reverence and Delight!

JazzBlest is a completely original and delightful collection of Eucharistic service music that honors the traditional structure of an Anglican/Episcopal mass, while it reimagines the contours of its expression. The music is written for SATB voices and is intended to be performed with the accompaniment of a jazz trio or quartet. The scores include lead sheets for the accompanists/soloists.

The Gloria is joyous and uplifting, and the lyrics feature Wisdom as the image of the divine. The Gospel Acclamation features an infectious Afro-Cuban rhythm, while the setting for the Nicene Creed is both fresh and accessible; and can be readily taught to the congregation for regular use. The Doxology is a lively and textured tribute to the devotions of Anglican Caroline Divine, Lancelot Andrewes. And the Eucharistic service music offers a brand new sound for the familiar words of the Sursum Corda, Sanctus, Memorial Acclamation, and Great Amen – all of which use traditional lyrics in wonderful new rhythms and progressions. The Fraction Anthem restates unity inherent in the Eucharist in fresh new musical and lyrical terms. And finally, the Benediction could not be a more uplifting jazz anthem with its accented drumbeats and invitation to go in peace, go in love, and let the Holy Spirit be the guide!

Credits: All of the music in JazzBlest is composed by jazz pianist/composer Ramona Borthwick, whose immense talent and musical imagination are ever present in and through this amazingly fresh liturgy. The lyrics, other than the traditional fare, are written by The Rev’d. Gretchen Grimshaw who serves as the rector of the Episcopal Parish of St. Paul, Newton Highlands, Massachusetts.

In addition to the service music from JazzBlest, also available for purchase are two gorgeous and compelling anthems that expand the reach and appeal of this Christian Eucharist. Eight Winds is a powerful Prelude or Offertory Anthem that integrates the Eight Winds of the Buddhist tradition with the pre-eminent Christian message that love trumps all else. And Rio Alegre (River of Joy) is a saucy Latin anthem, a great Postlude that relates the rhythm and context of life to the flow of a river, bubbling and accelerating with joyous possibility.

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Rio Alegre (River of Joy) is a saucy Latin anthem, that relates the rhythm and context of life to the flow of a river, bubbling and accelerating with joyous possibility. It’s lush harmonies and infectious samba rhythm make it a perfect choice for performance in concert, or during celebratory and joyous occasions. At worship services it can serve as a great Postlude.

This music is written for SATB voices, and is intended to be performed with a jazz trio. The score includes a lead sheet for accompanists.

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For baritone, SATB choir and jazz piano trio.

A gorgeous and compelling anthem with a wide reach and appeal, Eight Winds integrates the ‘eight winds’ of the Buddhist tradition with the pre-eminent message that love trumps all else. This arrangement can be performed by college, adult, church or community choirs in concert or at special occasions. In worship services it can serve as a powerful and moving Prelude or Offertory Anthem.

The music is intended to be performed with the accompaniment of a jazz trio. The score includes a lead sheet for accompanists/soloists.

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