“Make a joyful noise to the Lord, all the earth; break forth into joyous song and sing praises. Sing praises to the Lord with the lyre, with the lyre and the sound of melody. With trumpets and the sound of
“Make a joyful noise to the Lord, all the earth; break forth into joyous song and sing praises.
Sing praises to the Lord with the lyre, with the lyre and the sound of melody.
With trumpets and the sound of the horn make a joyful noise before the King, the Lord!” (Psalm 98:4-6)
LIHU‘E — When Father Bill Miller became the spiritual leader for St. Michael and All Angels Episcopal Church four years ago he brought more than a ministry. He built a bridge — one connecting the mystical with the musical.
The three-day All Angels Jazz Festival opens at the Lihu‘e church tonight with Hawaii’s Grammy Award winning guitarist, Jeff Peterson opening for acclaimed vocalist Chrysta Bell of Los Angeles, Calif. Saturday’s concert features Hawai‘i jazz diva Azure McCall from Big Island with Horace Alexander Young of Washington on flute, saxophone and vocals. Special guests for both concerts include percussionist Abe Lagrimas, Jr., keyboardist Paul English, bass player Dean Taba and many others.
Miller’s first jazz festival he produced for his Austin, Texas parish 15 years ago. For the past nine years he’s partnered with composer Paul English of Texas.
“At first Paul was really skeptical,” Miller admits.
As a professional musician, English fretted over the compatibility of Christianity and jazz — concerned the two messages combined might diminish one or the other. But Miller’s vision was one of unity, siting the music of Duke Ellington as an example of where the two worlds meet. “Duke wrote a tremendous amount of sacred music. In fact three of his sacred concerts were in Episcopal churches,” he said.
Miller’s festivals have covered Ellington extensively. This year’s theme is a departure, exploring gospel music. The Sunday Jazz Masses are titled “A Tribute to Mahalia Jackson” and celebrate the 50th anniversary of Jackson’s set at the Newport Jazz Festival in the late 1950s.
“Mahalia Jackson is widely considered the world’s greatest gospel singer,” Miller said.
The 8 and 10:30 a.m. masses feature a 24-voice choir led by Alan Van Zee; an all-star jazz band and vocalists Karen Dickenson, Bell and McCall recreating Jackson’s New Port Jazz Festival set.
“There are a lot of jazz festivals around,” Miller said. “This one is truly integrated into the spiritual life of the community.”
The Jazz Masses are free and open to the public. Tickets for concerts at 7 p.m. today and Saturday are $30 advance; $35 at the door. Purchase tickets at the church or stmichaels-kauai.org. A complimentary continental breakfast will be available before the first service and a Cajun brunch after the second service.
For more information visit the Website or call, 245-3796.
Want to go?
What: Jazz Festival
When: 7 p.m. today, Saturday; 8 and 10:30 a.m. Sunday (free)
Where: St. Michaels All Angels Episcopal Church, Lihu‘e
Cost: $30 pre-sale; $35 at the door; visit stmichaels-kauai.org
