[Dixielandjazz] Music In Church - Jazzing up Religious Songs

[Steve barbone]

LARRY at sign.guy at charter.net wrote: (polite snip)

> Steve:
 
> It seems that most religious groups have softened their views on music in
> the church and aren't as rigid as 50 years ago.

Yes indeed. The Catholics have guitar masses, various Protestant churches
have Jazz Vespers etc., and many just have concerts in Church.

I played my first church service at the Presbyterian Church in Brooklyn
Heights, NYC about 1960 or 61. I'll never forget the minister starting the
service by walking out with a pair of huge cymbals which he clanged together
and proclaimed: "Make A Joyful Noise Unto The Lord." The band, "Southampton
Dixie, Racing and Clambake Society Jazz Band" did just that at appropriate
moments during the service. It was written up in the NY Times complete with
a photo

As an aside, my wife to be, a Catholic, felt very uncomfortable during the
service. But that all changed.

Early on, even I felt a little uncomfortable at some jazz services where we
played right in front of the altar. Then we did a concert in a Lutheran
Church one Sunday evening, and I helped the minister move the altar so we
could set up right in the center. That cured me.

And now, the "Funeral For The Old Year" has become an ongoing gig with us at
the first Sunday Service after New Years Eve. As well as 4 or 5 jazz vesper
services every year. That plus a few funerals in churches.

Gimme that old time religion.

Cheers,
Steve Barbone