Sedona Jazz at the Church Concerts

Tom Harrell

2010-11-21T04:59:00.000-08:00

Worth Considering

Roman Nights CD

Remember the November 28th Concert, Jam Session

2010-11-18T07:32:00.000-08:00

Sit-ins welcome, but no Wolves allowed! For more information, click HERE

Jazz a la Brass Quintet in Rome!

2010-11-13T15:35:00.001-08:00

A new recording by our friend Jim Martinez

2010-10-26T08:08:00.000-07:00

Jim has recorded a new piece entitled "Your Name." Brandon Muchow is doing the vocal, and it's a great jazz version of a popular Christian song. Enjoy! (and don't forget to turn off the mixpod before you listen)

Incidentally, we're working on getting Jim and Laura Didier back with us for the Jazz at the Church Concerts, maybe for a Jazz Concert and Jam Session AND the Doris Day Tribute concert... hopefully very soon! That would be a great weekend, eh?

Jim's MP3 music on Amazon.com

Sedona Jazz at the Church Update

2010-10-22T14:04:00.001-07:00

What a great event last Sunday! Here are some pictures from the concert, which was filled with gifted musicians - The trio of Steve Sandner, Denny Garr and Floyd Roberson, who were joined by sit-ins Lou Turano, Harley Gittleman, Vismayah, the Church Gardener and our dear friend and gifted Vicki McDermitt!

The next Jazz at the Church Concert and Jam Session will take place on Thanksgiving Day Weekend. Specifically, from 1-3 pm, after the 10 am Morning Mass. We’ll be having a special fellowship hour after the mass, with scrumptuous goodies AND time to be with one another socially.

The church will be readied and the Jazz will begin anew, with November's version of the Steve Sandner Trio (Steve Sandner and Piano, Steve Douglas on Bass and Floyd Roberson on Drums) headlining the afternoon. Sounds fabulous, doesn’t it!

This will be the second concert with “Jam Session” attached to it, and if it’s half as good as the last one, it’ll be MORE than a smashing success! So mark you calendars now, and bring those folk with you whom you know don’t have a spiritual home, and/or love Jazz!!

Worth Considering

Re-Birth Of The Cool

Sedona Jazz at the Church is Fast Approaching...

2010-09-22T14:06:00.000-07:00

Jazz Concert Poster

Our Jazz Concerts begin in less than two weeks, with a concert the weekend of Sedona Jazz on the Rocks festival. (Saturday, October 2).

Our gathering is the following afternoon - Sunday - with Soundscape Sedona Trio entertaining us.

The trio consists of Susannah Martin, Vocals, our own jazz master AND church organist Steve Sandner on piano, and Steve Douglas on bass.

We've made a promotional flyer/poster (above) for the concert, which will be distributed hither and yon throughout Sedona and surrounding communities.

If you would like some of the flyers to give to your friends, you can pick them up at the Church any day ('cept Saturdays), as they are on the Votive Candle stand table at the back of the Church. (And if you want more information on the concerts, click the headline above!)

Help us help others find out about our parish church... the jazz, the holiness and the stunning beauty of both the courtyard setting and the building itself. Bring them to one or both of the October concerts, and ask them to come to mass with you on Sundays... You - and they! - will be glad you did!

We've expanded Jazz for October!

2010-09-19T10:00:00.000-07:00

We've added another jazz concert at the church for October, so now we have two concerts - the first on October 3 (the weekend of "Sedona Jazz on the Rocks") and the second on October 17, our Patronal Feast weekend!

Both are at 3 o'clock in the afternoon on their particular Sunday. For more information, click on the headline above, and be sure to make plans to attend... mark your calendar now so as not to miss these great afternoons of Jazz in the prettiest venue imaginable!

We hope the two concerts will be the beginning of another great year of Jazz at the Church, and the price can't be beat anywhere in town - it's FREE!

Trio begins new season of Jazz @ the Church

2010-09-18T00:01:00.000-07:00

Soundscape Sedona Trio

With their upcoming afternoon concert, Soundscape Sedona Trio begins the 2010 - 2011 Season of Sedona Jazz at the Church Concerts.

   The trio consists of Susannah Martin, Vocals, Steve Douglas on Bass and Steve Sandner playing the piano. We'll be showcasing one musician each day for the next three days, and "first up" will be Susannah, who gets her spotlight tomorrow!
   The group brings with it a variety of styles, from Bossa Nova to beefy ballads, and if you want to hear them do Bossa Nova, CLICK HERE for a musical treat - Steve Sandner & Susannah Martin's rendition of Jobim's classic Corcovado, also known as  Quiet nights of quiet stars.
   For now, mark your calendars, so as not to miss this fun afternoon of cool Jazz at the Church. Admission is free; however, donations are encouraged, with the proceeds going directly and solely to the musicians!

Sunday, October 3, 2010

3 o'clock in the Afternoon

Judy Roberts @ the Monterey Jazz Festival

2010-09-17T10:00:00.000-07:00

Pianist Judy Roberts

Our dear friend Judy Roberts is playing at the Monterey Jazz festival this weekend.
As Greg Fishman is giggin' there also, I assume they'll be playing together.

Judy is a master of all 88 keys of the piano, and although I don't know how many keys are on Greg's Saxophone, he rules them all, too!

Here's the link for some good info on both Judy and Greg, which is found on the Monterey Jazz Festival website. Have a great weekend, you two, and we'll hopefully see you up here for one of our concerts very soon!

Sedona's Jazz on the Rocks Festival

2010-09-16T11:23:00.000-07:00

Sedona Jazz on the Rocks festival happens on Saturday, October 2, 2010, and it promises to be a GREAT event. We'll also be doing a concert at Saint Luke's church on the next day - Sunday, October 3. When we've finished the plans, we'll let everyone know the details. And yes, ours will be a free concert; however, donations are encouraged, with the proceeds going directly and solely to the musicians!

jazz returns to Saint Luke's Church, Sedona AZ!

2010-09-09T14:26:00.000-07:00

Mark your calendar, 'cause our Sedona Jazz at the Church is coming back in October, on the day we celebrate our 23rd annual Patronal Feast!

More more information, go to the Jazz page, found by clicking the Jazz at the Church picture in the right column of the blog.

We're back... 'bout time, eh?

2010-09-08T13:56:00.000-07:00

Well, so much for having to wait "'til the cows come home" to hear Jazz returning to Saint Luke's!

We're bringing back our Jazz at the Church concert series on the patronal feast of our parish, with Steve Sandner and Friends doing a 3pm concert on Sunday, October 17, 2010.

It's billed as a Sunday Jazz Jam, and that means that we'll have cats sittin' in during the concert!

As it always is when Steve's present, it promises to be a GREAT afternoon, and we are now in the process of getting the jazzers together, and will publish the "house band" members as soon as possible.

But please do remember, Steve is back in the Midwest now, so it'll take a bit of patience and time before we can publish the makeup of the group!

For now, put the date on your calendar, think about what friends of yours are jazz afficionados, and get ready for a great afternoon of gifted improvisation by talented musicians!

Enjoy the music "machine" to the right, and block out Sunday, October 17, 2010, so that you'll be with us!

Click the Sedona Jazz at the Church picture to the right, to go to the home page of our jazz gatherings at Saint Luke's.

Here's Sunday's "piano man!"

2010-02-10T04:12:00.000-08:00

Sunday's Valentine's Day concert will include pianist Steve Sander, as he accompanies Renee Patrick and George Grant in their "Daughter and Dad Duo Plus One" concert.

Steve also "gigs" at Saint Luke's as the parish organist/pianist, to our delight!!

Here's a video of Steve playing the jazz standard by Saul Chaplin & Sammy Cahn, "Please Be Kind," with his quintet in Michigan last Summer...

Renee's coming to SJATC on Sunday!

2010-02-09T03:36:00.000-08:00

Renee Patrick is coming back to Sedona Jazz at the Church on Sunday - Valentine's Day - with her Dad, George Grant!

It'll be quite an afternoon, with Steve Sandner rounding out a Valentine Trio of Love-ly Jazz music and ballads.

Click the "Next Concert" picture to the right for more information and tickets, and here's Renee giggin' over in Payson a few years ago with our friend Judy Roberts and her trio (Judy on Piano; the multi-talented Greg Fishman, this time on Bass; Gerry Reynolds, drums)...

Mal Waldron quintet 2 -Woody Shaw-solo-Reggie Workman

2010-02-04T16:19:00.001-08:00

JOTFH - Jazz on the french horn: Part 2

2010-02-03T15:09:00.000-08:00

Here's Giovanni again...

Nina Simone: "How it feels to be free"

2010-02-01T03:00:00.000-08:00

I wonder... what Nina would have sung today?

JOTO - Jazz on the Oboe: Part 2

2010-01-31T03:03:00.000-08:00

Indeed... listen to this frenchman, Jean-Luc Fillon...

Gee, Baby, ain't I good to you

2010-01-29T01:00:00.000-08:00

Cool and understated Joe Williams, Dizzy Gillespie & Henry Johnson...

JOTO - Jazz on the Oboe!

2010-01-28T04:11:00.000-08:00

This gal - Oboe tomoca - does something few dreamed of... she plays jazz on that "goofy" double-reed instrument which usually sits in the depths of an orchestra... right in the middle and almost unseen by most... the Oboe!

Tomorrow a post of the "grand master of oboe jazz" - Yusef Lateef ... no doubt an inspiration to Oboe tomoca's playing!!

JOTFH - Jazz on the french horn!!

2010-01-27T06:06:00.000-08:00

Years ago there was a fellow named Julius Watkins who played Jazz french horn and was "The Man!"

Here's a fellow who's still tootin' jazz on the French Horn - his name is Giovanni Hoffer, and he's a real player, too!!!

He's playing the jazz standard, "Freddie the Freeloader."

Hey, Giovanni - Julius would be proud!!!!!

Billy Mitchell returns in May!

2010-01-26T10:50:00.000-08:00

Yup, he's back with us in May 2010 for another "Sedona Jazz at the Church" concert!

We're still working on the particulars, but should have everything figured out within the month.

As many know, Mitch was here in September of last year, finishing off a weekend of two concerts (the first being with Renee Patrick & Steve Sandner) and it was a great time for everyone who attended.

The founder and director of the Scholarship Audition Performance Preparatory Academy (SAPPA), an advocate of World Music, and an absolutely fabulous man AND musician, Mitch's time with us promises to be another high point in our Jazz at the Church Concert series.

So check the jazz home page next week for the exact dates, and then mark your calendar... in ink!

Here's a video of Billy's group at a concert with saxophonist Carol Chaikin, at the "Tribute to World Music" concert in 2008 at the Levitt Pavilion Summer concert series in Pasadena, CA...

Not jazz... but it's really, really good!

2010-01-26T04:04:00.000-08:00

Here's a once in a lifetime "find" for a fellow who taped this in the parking lot of the Vocal Group Hall of Fame in Sharon, Pennsylvania. Kenny Vance is the fellow with the shades on...

Daughter & Dad Duo Plus One

2010-01-25T06:02:00.000-08:00

You can now purchase your tickets for the Valentine's Day Concert, with Renee Patrick and George Grant doing the vocals and Steve Sandner on piano.

It's billed as "Daughter & Dad Duo Plus One" and promises to be a great, grand and glorious way to spend Valentine's Day with that someone special!!

This is a "return engagement" for both Renee and Steve, while George (of Castelles & Ink Spots fame) makes his Jazz at the Church debut.

What a fabulous afternoon it promises to be!!!

Within the week we'll have "spotlights" posted on all three of these marvelous musicians, so check back for more information AND our usual and great spotlight videos culled from YouTube of innumerable jazz artists!

Tickets are available at the church and online, so for ticket information, et al, click the picture which accompanies the upper right "Next Concerts" link.

Nina Simone & the "Backlash Blues"

2010-01-25T03:00:00.000-08:00

Nothing need be said, eh?

Clark Terry on the Tonight Show

2010-01-24T03:00:00.000-08:00

Clark Terry gets a "Lifetime Achievement Award" this month from the Grammys. Well deserved, to say the least!!! Here's a video of Clark on the Tonight Show... and watch for his circular breathing!

Yes, there's ALWAYS a Silver Lining

2010-01-23T16:34:00.001-08:00

Yes, we had to cancel the concerts.

Yes, the parking lot was a sea of mud and goo.

Yes, we all were disappointed that Laura, Jim and Warren wouldn't be in our midst, entertaining and lifting us up musically with good vibes and great rhythm...

However, In the midst of life - when it's not all that "good" at first glance - there is always a silver lining to the cloudiness of our surroundings.

Such was the case with this weekend. Although the weather "pushed out" and precluded any concerts, there was a bit of beauty given.

The accompanying picture was taken yesterday, in the midst of the snow storm. It shows the gate to Saint Luke's Church, and the water streaming down the walkway towards the parking lot.

It is a kind of visible reminder of the "silver linings" of life, albeit this weekend's events are a bit of a mini life lesson: things don't happen on our timetable.

We may be "ready, willing and able," but circumstances can change what occurs.

Fear not! Things work out in time. And in reference to the postponed concerts, they will take place in March, and there's no doubt that they will be another high point in our Jazz Ministry and work for the Lord.

So let's thank God for the beauty of the earth, the changing winds of rain, sleet and snow, and then remember what is perhaps the most timely lesson of all... when events happen in life, look for the presence of God in it: that is, the good, the glorious.

He'll be there. He always is. Sometimes, however, we just "hang our head" and don't see Him.

Do you see Him in the picture? (click it with your cursor to make it larger.)

Weekend Concerts Postponed - really bad weather!

2010-01-22T03:00:00.002-08:00

This weekend's scheduled concerts have been postponed due to the rain, flooding, and subsequent snowy weather in Sedona.

However, all is NOT lost, as we are in the process of rescheduling the concerts for the weekend of March 12 - 14.

That will be the weekend of the 4th Sunday in Lent, commonly called "Refreshment Sunday" - a day when the Lenten discipline is relaxed, both liturgically and personally.

So this particular "Refreshment" weekend will not only witness flowers returning to adorn the Altar on this Sunday (their absence throughout Lent is one of the "rigors"), but we'll even be refreshed musically...

How so? The two postponed concerts - "Tribute to the Music of Doris Day" and"Jazz Praise... Amazing Grace ala Take Five: Church Hymns & Jazz Standards Swingin' Together" - WILL return to both enliven our spirits and refresh our souls!!!

Now, THAT'S Refreshment!

The specific times and dates will be published within two weeks.

So what's the next regularly scheduled concert? Click the "Next Concerts" picture (above right) to find out about a really cool Valentine's Day concert!

2010-01-21T03:00:00.000-08:00

This is a video from a few years ago, taken at a concert at Saint Peter's Church in New York City, which is affectionately called by many New Yorkers "The Jazz Church."

And then there's us - Sedona, AZ and the Jazz at the Church concert series.

Pick up your tickets for this weekend concerts, either at the church today and tomorrow from noon until 3pm, or online via the "Next Concerts" picture in the upper right hand corner of the blog, and see you at the concerts!

Woody Shaw & Friends

2010-01-20T03:00:00.001-08:00

See you Saturday & Sunday?

A great weekend, with two distinct concerts: "A Tribute to the Music of Doris Day" and "Jazz Praise: Amazing Grace ala Take Five - Church Hymns & Jazz Standards Swingin' Together"

Get your tickets by clicking on the "Next Concerts" picture to the right, and for now...

enjoy the video below, of the late, great and cool struttin' Woody Shaw at the Mt Fuji Jazz Festival some years back... around two years or so before Woody died.

Get your tickets for this weekend

2010-01-19T03:00:00.000-08:00

The trio of Jim Martinez (piano), Laura Didier (vocals) and Warren Jones (bass) are coming to Saint Luke's this weekend for two concerts, and it promises to be not only a fun event, but a joyous experience, also!

Here's the lineup for the weekend:

~ 3 pm Saturday ~

"Tribute to the Music of Doris Day"

~ 3 pm Sunday ~

"Jazz Praise Concert"

Amazing Grace ala Take Five:

Church Hymns & Jazz Standards Swingin' Together!

Click the "Next Concerts" picture (above & to the right) for tickets & info...

they're on their way!!

2010-01-18T07:14:00.000-08:00

It's not quite the pony express, but Jim, Laura and Warren are moving our way (maybe THIS should be their theme song for the week?) ...

Yesterday they did the Doris Day Tribute at Historic First Presbyterian Church in Phoenix, tuesday and wednesday they will be at Faith Lutheran Church in Yuma, AZ, then back to Phoenix for a gig on thursday at the Steinway center, then "over and up" to Overgaard's Faith Lutheran Church for a friday night gig and then finally - voila! - they'll be with us on Saturday and Sunday!!!

Gadzooks, they're busy, aren't they!!!

Get your tickets today online - right HERE - and we'll see you at Church for two great afternoons of fabulous music by Jim Martinez on piano, Laura Didier doin' the singing, and Warren Jones on bass!

Jim Martinez plays Billville

2010-01-16T02:00:00.000-08:00

Here's Jim doing a duo with himself...

And remember, he's going to be here at the Church next weekend (Jan. 23 & 24, 2010) for two concerts! Click the "Next Concerts" picture to the right for information and tickets...

Jim Martinez & Lionel Hampton

2010-01-14T05:02:00.000-08:00

Lionel Hampton & Jim Martinez playin' in NYC in 2000... a great piece of history, to say the least!

And remember: Jim, Laura Didier and Warren Jones will be with us February 23 & 24, 2010, so get your tickets now!! Just click on the "next concerts" poster to the right....

Jim's posted "info" from the video is this:

"This was Hamp's 2nd to last recording session (12/00) at age 91. The session was for "Praise Him With Jazz" at Avatar Studios in NYC. www.jimmartinez.com for more info. Video credit to my good buddy in NY, Joe Covey."\

"Jazz at the Church" Spotlight: Warren Jones III, Bassist

2010-01-13T04:00:00.000-08:00

Warren Jones appears for the first time at our Jazz at the Church series with Laura Didier and Jim Martinez in January 2010.

Here's a GREAT bio on him, culled directly from his website....

"Warren L. Jones III has spent more than 30 years as a professional bassist, composer, clinician and teacher.

"He has performed and recorded with national and local musicians and entertainers in the Valley of the Sun since 1980.

"A Jazz Bass Performance graduate of the Arizona State University School of Music in 1986, he has taught in high schools, community colleges, and was an adjunct faculty member of the ASU Jazz department. Currently he is an adjunct faculty member at Mesa Community College.

"He appears with both local and national artists on more than 30 CDs and DVDs. Mr. Jones has composed over 30 pieces of music for various diverse ensembles. His compositions and arrangements have been performed locally and internationally.

"Warren was a founding member of the award winning Craig Render Quartet in the 1980's and has been mentioned in Downbeat magazine as a musician to be noticed in Arizona.

"Warren has performed as a sideman on many jazz recordings, including two releases by the Phoenix Jazz Quartet, several with the Keith Greko Trio, “Live at Inspirations” with Bob Kindred and Chuck Marohnic, "The Complete Phoenix Recordings" with the Carl Fontana/Conte Condoli Quintet, "A Cool Brassy Night at the North Pole" with Summit Brass, Fred Forney's "Into the Mist", and the critically acclaimed Bob Ravenscroft Trio's , “Live at Taliesen West”.

"Warren has been, and is a leader of several jazz ensembles, including the Trio 2000, the Quartetto del Sol, and the Phoenix Jazz Quartet with Armand Boatman and the Moio Brothers. His most recent group "BRIDGES" features Jacob Koller on piano and is a critical success."

For more information on Warren, and to purchase his CD go to his website, found HERE.

Finally, here's a video of Warren playing with guitarist Chris Champion on "All Blues.."

"Jazz at the Church" Spotlight: Laura Didier, Vocals

2010-01-13T03:00:00.000-08:00

Vocalist Laura Didier, together with pianist Jim Martinez, began our Jazz at the Church Concert series in February 2009.

The concert was billed as "Church Hymns & Jazz Standards Swingin' Together" and was a fitting beginning to what has turned out to be a very successful and joyous endeavor for our parish.

In 2010 Laura and Jim will present not only the above-mentioned Jazz Praise concert, but have expanded into a second concert entitled "A Tribute to the Music of Doris Day." (click HERE for the "A Tribute to Doris Day" website)

It's good to have the two of them back with us again, and we'll probably have them revisit us in 2011, too... they absolutely love Sedona!

Here's a biographical sketch on Laura, culled from her myspace website:

"Laura Didier was raised with an appreciation for music by her father, a classically trained pianist, and her mother, with whom she shares a love of musical theater. At an early age, she developed her ear for song and found herself being drawn toward the sweet, sentimental, and sultry sounds of the great American vocalists. She was, and continues to be, inspired by the music of Doris Day, Frank Sinatra, Nat King Cole, Sarah Vaughn, Rosemary Clooney, Bing Crosby, Ella Fitzgerald and many others.
"Didier has spent the past fifteen years supporting the Air Force career of her husband and raising their three sons, Alex, Sam, and Zach. While stationed from 1997-2004 in Goldsboro, NC, she joined the choir at her church. During that time, she continued to develop vocally and discovered that singing would always be her passion.
"Didier first began studying voice when she and her family moved to Carmel, CA in 2004. Two years later, she relocated to her hometown of Sacramento, CA, where she continued studying both classical and jazz singing. In August of 2008, Didier relocated back to Goldsboro, NC, where she and her family currently reside.
"Jam sessions are a great place to play and meet other musicians. While living in Sacramento, Didier had the fortune of meeting CA Jazz pianist Jim Martinez in February of 2007 at such an event. She has been performing with his group nationally ever since. Highlights have included the Sacramento, CA Jazz Festival, the Vacaville, CA Jazz Festival, and a Christmas concert in Davenport, IA. In February of 2008, she traveled with the Jim Martinez trio to Moscow, ID for the Lionel Hampton Jazz Festival where she participated in the "Jazz in the Schools" program and assisted with student workshops. Most recently, Didier returned from her first international appearance at the Harvest Jazz and Blues Festival in New Brunswick, Canada.
"Didier continues to expand her musical skills by adding business and promotions. She co-headlined and co-produced the Spring 2008 "Sacramento/Seattle Jazz Divas" concert in Loomis, CA as well as a Christmas concert in Goldsboro, NC in November of 2008. Along with her pianist and musical director Jim Martinez, Didier has co-developed a "Tribute to the Music of Doris Day" show which premiered in Roseville, CA in February of 2009."

Laura can be found on the internet on MySpace and her new website, LauraDidier.com. Here's Laura singing at a concert in Carmel, California a while back...

"Jazz at the Church" Spotlight: Jim Martinez, piano

2010-01-12T06:05:00.000-08:00

Jazz pianist Jim Martinez, together with vocalist Laura Didier, began our Jazz at the Church Concert series in February 2009.

The concert was billed as "Church Hymns & Jazz Standards Swingin' Together" and was a fitting beginning to what has turned out to be a very successful and joyous endeavor for our parish.

In 2010 Jim and Laura will present not only the above-mentioned Jazz Praise concert, but has also added a second concert entitled "A Tribute to the Music of Doris Day." (click HERE for the "A Tribute to Doris Day" website)

Here's the link for tickets for their appearances on January 23 & 24, 2010.

Jim presents a variety of live shows, including not only the above mentioned Jazz Praise and Doris Day concerts, but also tributes to Oscar Peterson, Lionel Hampton and Edvard Grieg, together with "The Jazz Music from A Charlie Brown Christmas" and a Diva Series concert.

Currently living in Sacramento, California, Jim, a classically-trained pianist, has performed or recorded with notables like Lionel Hampton, the Stan Kenton Band, the Nelson Riddle Orchestra, Christian McBride, Benny Golson, Roy Hargrove, Russell Malone and Ed Thigpen, the first drummer with the Oscar Peterson Trio. Hampton was a guest on Jim's fifth CD titled "Praise Him With Jazz".

After a 2002 concert at Carmel Presbyterian Church, the legendary Clint Eastwood said in a Los Angeles newspaper interview, "Last night, we went to a church in Carmel where a guy named Jim Martinez was playing...they were great."

If you follow our meditation series on YouTube, you'll know that we use Jim's Jazz Praise music often, and if you would like more information on Jim and his music, it can be found via his website at www.JimMartinez.com

Here's one of several of Jim's videos on YouTube, ending with a very cool "They will know we are Christians...." :

Ave Maria

2010-01-11T07:47:00.001-08:00

God, Faith and Jazz.... holiness in the midst of the temporal... played by the European Jazz Trio.

Trying to Get Good: The Jazz Odyssey of Jack Sheldon

2010-01-10T04:27:00.001-08:00

This is a promo for a GREAT DVD. Buy it!

Maynard Ferguson Meets Miles Davis, Clark Terry and Clifford Brown

2010-01-09T07:10:00.001-08:00

Yup, you guessed it... Maynard was "big" in my early years, too!!!

Richard Galliano Trio - Accordian Jazzer!!

2010-01-08T14:15:00.000-08:00

An original from Bill Carter

2010-01-07T04:56:00.000-08:00

Blues Man Roy Book Binder

2010-01-07T03:01:00.000-08:00

The skuttlebutt is that Roy will be around our neighbourhood in May or June of this year ... hmmmmmm

What do you think? Maybe a Sedona visit?

Michael Brecker & friends... a spiritual & musical communion

2010-01-06T03:02:00.000-08:00

This is the first of two videos posted by the Jazz Video Guy of these musicians... in a few days I'll post the next one...

Christmas Eve Jazz @ a Presbyterian Church

2010-01-05T04:21:00.000-08:00

We're not the only church to have done some Christmas Eve Jazz...

To quote the information posted with the youtube video below, "An old French carol updated in an amazing way - recorded live on 12/24/2009 at First Presbyterian Church, Clarks Summit, PA. It's the Presbybop Christmas Eve Band, with Rev. Bill Carter on piano, Michael Carbone on saxophones, Tony Marino on bass, and Marko Marcinko on percussion. "

A new year begins w/ "A Night in Tunisia"

2010-01-01T06:35:00.000-08:00

A new year begins...

2009-12-31T03:00:00.000-08:00

And what a year it's going to be for the Sedona Jazz at the Church Sunset Concerts!

The first concerts happen in January, with the arrival of Jim Martinez & Laura Didier on January 23 and 24. Click HERE for more information about their two concerts - one a musical tribute to the music of Doris Day and the second a "down home and holy" Jazz Praise Concert!

For now, enjoy the video below of Jim playing at the Oscar Peterson tribute concert he and Laura did in Carmel, CA in September, 2007. And make a note that we'll be posting more videos of Jim and Laura, in order to acquaint you with their overflowing talent BEFORE their concerts in January!

Looking back at the Christmas Jazz Mass

2009-12-30T03:00:00.000-08:00

The Christmas Eve Jazz mass was a "first of its kind" for our parish. And was it ever a blessing!

Vicki McDermitt, Russ Schmidt, Rob Moore and Dwight Kilian are all masterful musicians and gifted jazz artists, and when coupled with the meditation of Richard Parrish (with Russ, Dwight and Rob responding musically to his words throughout the meditation) it was truly a holy and thought-provoking experience for us all.

The church was packed, the congregation unanimous in its appreciation for the liturgy and music, God was glorified by prayer, word, liturgy and music, and the most Holy Sacrament received by the Faithful.

And yes, we've already begun making plans to have the Jazz Mass as a part of our annual Christmas Eve liturgies!

Concert Patronages

2009-12-14T05:03:00.001-08:00

We've been bringing Jazz to the Church since January, 2009, and the series has been well received and attended.

Innumerable artist have already performed (Laura Didier, Jim Martinez, Bob Ravenscroft, Dwight Kilian, Rob Moore, Vicki McDermitt, Russ Schmidt, Billy Mitchell, Zirque Bonner, Renee Patrick, Steve Sandner, Steve Douglas, Adam Clark, et al) and many more are already scheduled for the future.

The concerts not only bring folk together in the beauty of our parish, but are also a fabulous way of celebrating God's gift to man of musical creativity.

- becoming a Patron or Benefactor -

If you believe the series to be a worthwhile endeavor, how about becoming a Patron or Benefactor of our concerts?
In that way, we can have a few extraordinary concerts every so often - ones that, for a variety of reasons, may cost a lot more to present (musician's travel costs, et al).

Patronage costs $400 per season, and entitles the Patron to two reserved seat tickets at each concert and identification in the playbill for the entire season.

Benefaction is another way to support Jazz at the Church. Cost is $1,000 per season, and entitles the Benefactor to six reserved seat tickets for each concert during the entire season, together with identification in the concert playbills, also.

If you are interested in becoming a Patron or Benefactor, email us at jazz@episcopalnet.org or telephone the church at 928-282-7366 for more information.

Of course, the financial gifts of patronage and benefaction are both fully tax deductible!

Deanna Witkowski's "Wide Open Window"

2009-11-30T11:20:00.001-08:00

Here's a glimpse of Deanna Witkowski - a composer, pianist and singer from the East Coast, who's also giggin' in an Episcopal Church...

Wonder if she's coming out West any time soon?

Christmas Eve Jazz

2009-11-25T08:30:00.002-08:00

Did you know that we start out Christmas with an early evening Jazz Mass? It's at five o'clock in the evening, and is the first of three Christ Masses we'll be celebrating.

HERE's the url for the Christmas masses, which also contains links for information on the musicians who will be participating - Vicki McDermitt, Russ Schmidt, Rob Moore and Dwight Kilian... all associated with the non-profit Music Serving the Word ministry of Carefree, Arizona.

If you're a jazz afficionado, this may be "The Christmas Event" for you!

And be sure to scroll through the other two masses we'll be celebrating for Christmas, as they are also GREAT events, and, along with the jazz mass, promise to be "full" experiences!

Jessica Williams plays "Nice work if you can get it"

2009-11-24T04:51:00.000-08:00

"Jazz at the Church" Spotlight: Rob Moore, Drums

2009-11-23T03:00:00.000-08:00

"Rob Moore grew up in Phoenix, AZ and began his musical career at nine, on the clarinet. He soon convinced his dad to take him down to the local drum store for lessons and before long Rob was driving everyone in the house crazy (including his grandma who would pretend like she was having seizures on her bed in order to get Rob to refrain from making so much noise) by practicing his drums all day long.

"During high school Rob continued to develop his musicianship by playing drums in the high school jazz band, in the Phoenix Musicians Union sponsored all-city jazz band "Young Sounds" and in the Sedona Jazz on the Rocks youth band, where he had a chance to bump elbows with then unknown singer/ songwriter Michelle Branch as well as many of prominent jazz artists such as Chick Corea, Branford Marsalis, Chuck Mangione and Billy Mitchell. A man of many musical fronts, Rob was in the high school vocal ensemble, he played a leading role in Sondheims musical "Into the Woods", and took advantage of the Advanced Placement Music Theory course.

"It was easy to see that by the end of high school Rob was beginning to emerge as the musical force he's respected as today. When he chose to attend Arizona State Univeristy Rob was awarded the Jazz-Bird scholarship and chosen--as a Freshman--to play in the University's top Concert Jazz Band. This accomplishent earned him the opportunity to work with legends such as Doc Severinson and Gunther Schuller. While at ASU Rob also performed in various jazz combos, latin bands and percussion ensembles and studied with percussion Professor Dr. J.B. Smith and Jazz drummer Dom Moio.

"Throughout his college career, Rob continued to develop his musicianship playing countless performances throughout the Phoenix area, closely studying the notes of musical greats spanning all genres, and spending hours upon hours in 'the lonely box' (aka 'the wood shed' aka the practice room) practicing piano, marimba, snare drum and drumset. while in college Rob's CD player spent many a day spinning the sides of Radio Head, Bjork, D Angelo, Eliott Smith and The Roots.

"Currently Rob lives in Scottsdale and works all around the Phoenix area with various musical ensembles (to find out where Rob is playing next just check out the schedule). Rob is well-known for putting the sound of the group above the sound of the drums and as one of the world's most musical drummers, audience members of a Rob Moore concert have been heard uttering words to themselves such as, 'graceful, sensitive, tasteful.' "

(The above is from Rob's internet site, as linked below)

ROB was with us for the October Inner Journeys Trio concert, and rejoined us for the Christmas Eve Jazz Mass, also.

Rob's official internet site is HERE, and his MySpace site is HERE.

Sedona Jazz at the Church - Today's Concert

2009-11-21T03:00:00.000-08:00

4:00 pm Sunset Concert

Saturday, November 21 '09

That's right! Our next concert is today, with the Vicki McDermitt Trio. Great musicians and a great evening await us, to be sure! Click on the names to read about each of the musicians...

Vicki McDermitt, Vocals

Russell Schmidt, Piano

Dwight Kilian, Bass

Think about who you want to bring with you to this concert, and then buy your tickets ONLINE or at the door! We'll also be selling tickets at the church today during the noon hour, so...

General Admission: $10 ($15 at the door)

Reserved Seating: $15 ($20 at the door)

And don't forget your cameras, because this is a "Sunset Concert," and it looks as though we are probably going to have an absolutely magnificent sunset right about the time we take a break!

Great jazz, a heavenly setting, and all in this most holy place we call Saint Luke's Church! It can't get much better than that, eh???!!!!

"Jazz at the Church" Spotlight: Dwight Kilian, Bass

2009-11-12T02:00:00.000-08:00

Dwight Kilian of Phoenix, Arizona, is an extraordinary bassist and the Executive Director of Music Serving the Word ministries, located in Carefree, Arizona.

Dwight grew up in Kansas, the "heartland" of America. He started his musical journey by playing guitar, which led to tuba and finally to electric and acoustic bass.

He received a Bachelor of Music degree from Wichita State University in 1986. From 1982 to 1988, Kilian was a "Kansas Jazz Artist in Residence" and a member of the "Kansas Touring Arts". He also taught jazz bass at WSU, Bethel College, and Hutchinson Community College. In 1988, he moved to Denver, freelancing with local and national artists.

Dwight has performed with many top jazz artists such as Sheila Jordan, Art Lande, Herbie Mann, Teddy Edwards, Mark Murphy, Ernie Watts, Richie Cole, Mose Allison, Myra Melford, Jerry Hahn, Milcho Leviev, Claudio Slon, Paul McCandless, Nick Brignola, Lee Konitz, Ken Peplowski, Bob Florence, Lennie Niehaus, and Marvin Stamm.

He has also performed at many of the major jazz festivals in the Midwest and also at the Holland Blues Festival. Kilian relocated to Phoenix in November of 1998, as bassist with the Discovery Jazz Trio at The Boulders Resort in Carefree, AZ for six years.

Currently freeelancing throughout the Valley performing with some of the area's top jazz musicians, his festival performances while living in Arizona include: 1999 Wichita Jazz Festival, Carefree Music Festival from 2003 to 2007, and the Prescott Jazz Summit from 2003 to 2006. While in the valley he's taught Jazz Bass at Glendale Community College, Mesa Community College, and Arizona State University from 1999 to 2006.

In 2005, Kilian became Executive Director of Music Serving the Word Ministries and the bassist for The Inner Journeys Trio led by pianist Bob Ravenscroft. He also co-leads a concert series in Glendale at New Hope Covenant Church called Jazz For The Soul, held the second Sunday of each month.

Dwight was with us for the October Inner Journeys Trio concert, he rejoined us for both the Vicki McDermitt Concert on November 21st and the Christmas Eve Jazz Mass, also, both in 2009

Click for CD/MP3

"Jazz at the Church" Spotlight: Russ Schmidt, Pianist

2009-11-10T02:43:00.000-08:00

Coming to us for the first time through the Sunset Concert on November 21, 2009, Jazz pianist Russell Schmidt holds undergraduate and graduate degrees from the Eastman School of Music. He formally served as the Artistic Director of the Toledo Jazz Orchestra.

As a jazz performer, Russ has worked with such artists as Carl Allen, Eddie Daniels, Tim Hagans, John Hollenbeck, Mark Murphy, Gerry Mulligan, Dick Oatts, Arturo Sandoval, and Clark Terry. He has recorded with Joe Lovano, Vicki McDermitt, Bob Sneider, the Birch Creek Jazz Band, the Cleveland Jazz Orchestra, and the Paul Ferguson Jazz Orchestra, among others.

Season of Change, his critically acclaimed debut recording as a leader, was released last year on the Amp Recordings label. [click here for a review if the CD]

In addition to his performances in jazz settings, Schmidt has served as keyboard soloist with more than 30 professional orchestras, including performances with the National Symphony Orchestra at the Kennedy Center and with the San Francisco Symphony.

Active as a jazz educator, he presently directs the Jazz String Quartet Program at the Rocky Mountain Summer Conservatory in Steamboat Springs, Colorado. He has previously served on the jazz faculties of Bowling Green State University, the University of North Carolina at Asheville, Arizona State University, and the Eastman School of Music.

A talented composer and arranger, he has written for artists as wide-ranging as jazz saxophonists Bob Berg and Michael Brecker, the Ying String Quartet, and the chamber music group Rhythm & Brass.

Russ will also rejoin us for the Christmas Eve Jazz Mass, 2009 at 5pm at the Church.

Who Created Jazz?

2009-11-08T03:00:00.000-08:00

This is the advertisement we had back in the late 1980's and then again in the 2008 Sedona Jazz on the Rocks festival playbill. And it's true, you know!!

Below is the sermon that was referenced in the ad - although by the time we posted the video we had renamed it as "Just Do The Right Ones!"

In any event, enjoy it, and hang in there 'til the end of the video, as there's a GREAT piece played by Jack Sheldon that's the closer!

"Jazz at the Church" Spotlight: Vicki McDermitt

2009-11-05T02:56:00.000-08:00

Here's a bit about Vicki, taken from the Music Serving the Word website…

"Vicki McDermitt is a respected artist with a reputation for handling a broad variety of musical styles. Her career began at an early age, singing in church, and then moving early on into the jazz arena, where she has had the privilege of working with some of the country’s top musicians. Living in LA she worked as a session singer and was heavily involved in musical production work for television.

"In addition to her busy music and ministry schedule, Vicki also serves as staff vocalist at Mayo hospital where she offers “private in-room accapella” concerts to the most seriously ill. “I believe all musical sounds are created by God and should be performed in praise to Him”, says McDermitt. This belief and passion is evident wherever – and whenever – Vicki sings.

"Whether she is on a jazz concert stage, ministering at women’s conferences, singing in local church settings, or offering her voice to a patient who needs hope and assurance… people experience a quality of excellence that radiates warmth, love, joy and enthusiasm.

"'My calling is to use music to remind others of the relentless love of God,' Vicki says. 'The opening can be as subtle as a jazz ballad, or as direct as a hymn of the church. I’m always looking for an appropriate way to plant the reminder that no matter who you are, what you’ve done, or where you’ve been, God is seeking you out for relationship. Music is the gift that breaks down walls and opens the heart to hear the words. The result is indescribable joy.'

"As a member of Music Serving the Word Ministries team, Vicki often performs with one of our ensembles, as well as offering individual jazz and/or gospel concerts, and other ministry venues."

Vicki's album - "Vicki McDermitt: Jazz for the Soul" - is a great CD, and can be obtained through the Music Serving the Word website, as linked above. Vicki will rejoin us for the Christmas Eve Jazz Mass at the church, too, bringing with her Russ Schmidt on piano, Dwight Kilian on bass and Rob Moore on drums.

And, in fact, watch for her return in the future, as we love her and she loves us!!!

Sunset Concerts

2009-10-30T05:22:00.000-07:00

We've added a new and beautiful dimension to the Sedona Jazz at the Church series.

What, pray tell, is that?

The splashing of the setting sun on the red rocks that surround our parish church. And since we're going to do that for most all of our upcoming concerts, from now on we'll be billing the series as the Sedona Jazz at the Church Sunset Concerts.

The concerts will start in the late afternoon, so as to enable participants to enjoy the setting sun during the concert's break.

So, bring a friend, a hunger for good music and your camera, and we know you'll have a magnificent time! AND you and yours can even go out for a night's dinner following our concert!!

Click HERE to get your tickets for the upcoming event, and to find out more about the sunrise and sunsets at Saint Luke's - times, et al - click HERE.

New Jazz, Christmas Postings

2009-10-29T08:01:00.000-07:00

Today we've posted information on two upcoming events - (1) the November and December Jazz happenings for our "Sedona Jazz at The Church" concert series, and (2) the schedule for the Christ Masses that will take place on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day.

The jazz page update tells of the "Sunset Concert" which we will be having on November 21 with the Vicki McDermitt Trio, and there's also some news on the 2010 calendar - specifically Jim Martinez & Laura Didier's two concert event on January 17th and 18th.

Regarding Christmas, we've posted a page with the particulars of our three Christ Masses. On Christmas Eve there will be an early evening mass at 5pm, which will include a jazz quartet, a visit by a shepherd, and jazz accompaniments of the carols.

Following that liturgy, the Solemn High Christ Mass - the principal service for Christmas - will begin at 8:30 pm, and on Christmas Day a 10 am Christmas Day Mass will also be celebrated.

Here are the links:

Jazz Page Update

Christ Masses 2009

Sunrise, Sunset at Saint Luke's

2009-10-27T15:59:00.000-07:00

We've put up a new page regarding the beautiful scenery around our parish. The page gives a lot of good information that will help visitors come at the right times of the day in order to take magnificently beautiful pictures here at the church.

If you've friends who will be coming into town on holiday, direct them to the page, as we've included a link to a site which gives the daily sunrise and sunset times in our unique town!

The link is HERE!

"Sedona Jazz at the Church" concert - recollections of Inner Journeys' Concert

2009-10-19T08:57:00.000-07:00

Saturday evening's concert was absolutely grand! The extremely gifted trio of Bob Ravenscroft on piano, Rob Moore on drums and Dwight Kilian on bass carried everyone present into a state of grace-filled joy.

The evening was billed as a tribute to the music of Bill Evans, and yet it was much more than that.

Compositions both "by" and "played by" Evans were certainly a part of the evening ("Letter to Evan," "Beautiful Love," "Periscope," "Gloria's Step," "I hear a Rhapsody," and "Emily" were but a few of the pieces offered); however, the trio used them all as a "springboard" for their own creativity, which flowed from them all night long.

For this writer, anyway, Bob Ravenscroft's playing of "Who Can I Turn To?" was a high point of the evening.

Mario Barnabe teamed up with the group as videographer, splashing his creativity with visual effects throughout the night's music. On one piece his visuals formed the basis for a free form piece by the trio which was truly extraordinary.

To see and hear the interplay between jazz musicians, and then to add the "communications" between musician and videographer is to witness God's gift of creativity to His creation - man.

An evening of fullness, from four men who are both blessed with musical artistry and part of Music Serving the Word Ministries of Carefree, Arizona. What more could one hope for?!?!

Well, we did more, as we all adjourned to the Blue Moon Cafe for dinner! What a grand night, to say the least!

Thanks, guys, for a wonderful evening.

And they WILL be back with us in the future!!

Sedona Jazz at the Church Concert - The Musicians

2009-10-16T04:57:00.000-07:00

Who are the musicians that will be here at the Church Saturday night?

Well, they are a talented and focused group of men, to say the least! Exceptionally gifted as individual jazz artists, they also share a unique experience in an endeavor called "Music Serving the Word."

What is that? Their mission statement puts it succinctly, "Music Serving the Word Ministries exists to worship God through music and art forms that serve His Word."

Music Serving the Word's WEBSITE contains a plethora of information, covering the various ministries that they offer - Sacred Music Concerts, Sanctuary Jazz, Jazz in Sacred Spaces, Poetry Serving the Word, Drama Serving the Word, Media Serving the Word, Reflections, and Vicki McDermitt.

What do those things mean, specifically? Check out their website to find out, and be sure to pick up your tickets for the concert by Inner Journeys - with Bob Ravenscroft on Piano, Dwight Kilian on Bass, Rob Moore on the Drums, and Mario Barnabe's visual imagery improvisations!

It WILL be a truly unique and blessed evening at Saint Luke's!!

Click HERE to purchase concert tickets online.

Sedona Jazz at the Church - Inner Journeys Concert Saturday Night!!

2009-10-14T17:30:00.000-07:00

Tickets for next Saturday's concert with Inner Journeys Trio (Bob Ravenscroft, Piano; Dwight Kilian, Bass; Rob Moore, Drums) are on sale now, and can be purchased online on the JAZZ PAGE.

For more information on the trio, consult the above link, and also check out the website Music Serving the Word, as ALL the members of trio are involved in that ministry.

And for future reference, on the Sunday before our concerts, we always have tickets available at the Church, and those who attend the Masses that day can get a 10% discount if they buy their tickets after the services!!! How benevolently cool can you get, eh?

Tickets are also available at the Church this week, Monday through Friday, from 10:00 am until 12 Noon.

October's "Sedona Jazz at the Church" Concert

2009-10-08T03:00:00.000-07:00

On Saturday, October 17, our Sedona Jazz at the Church concert series hosts the Phoenix Jazz trio "Inner Journeys," with Bob Ravenscroft on Piano, Dwight Kilian on Bass and Rob Moore playing the drums. (Shown in the picture, from Left to Right, is Rob Moore, Bob Ravenscroft and Dwight Kilian)

The concert, billed as “Celebrating the Music of Bill Evans,” is a tribute to the great jazz pianist and composer that will both reinterpret the legend’s classics and extend his influence to the new works of the Inner Journeys Trio.

The evening will not only include excellent jazz improvisation by the three gifted Phoenix musicians, but will also present the creativeness of a masterfully gifted fourth member - videographer and visual improviser Mario Barnabe, whose projected images will inspire both listeners and musicians to further experience and innovation.

The evening’s festivities begin at 7 pm, with a half hour “Meet the Musicians” gathering, followed by the concert, which will begin at 7:30 pm.

Tickets are available ONLINE HERE and also at the church on Sunday morning, or during the week of the concert on Monday - Friday, from 10:00 am - noon.

REMEMBER: don't put off getting your tickets, as seating is limited and the demand is GREAT!

More information can be found on the Sedona Jazz at the Church home page.

Sedona Jazz at the Church AND Jazz on the Rocks in September '09

2009-09-10T03:00:00.000-07:00

Have you marked your calendar for our two concerts in September?

They'll take place the last weekend of the month, on Friday and Saturday evenings, September 25 & 26.

Renee Patrick and Billy Mitchell headline the two nights, and it promises to be a GREAT time for all who attend! Click HERE for details and tickets.

And, as a musical "warm-up," consider the Jazz on the Rocks day concert the weekend before - a free event up on the Sedona airport mesa, billed as "Music on the Mesa - A Bridge to Jazz on the Rocks!" For details of that gathering, click HERE.

Finally, and as a musical treat, here's Billy with his "The Billy Mitchell Group" at Levitt Pavilion Summer Concert Series-2008, featuring Munyungo Jackson on "Barimbau"

Purchase Sedona Jazz at the Church tickets online

2009-09-05T06:07:00.000-07:00

We've entered the 21st Century, electronically speaking. What's that mean? You can now purchase our Sedona Jazz at the Church tickets online!!! Wonder of wonders, eh?

Yes, I know, we started out with all of the concerts being FREE, so what's up?

The reason for the change is simple: we've expanded our artists to include innumerable folk from out of town and out of state, we've had to revisit that "free" beginning and now charge admission to the concerts (wait 'til you hear who's coming next year... we'll tell you at our September concerts!!!).

Even with our having to charge, we're still probably the least expensive venue for Jazz in town... and, without a doubt, the prettiest!!!

So, with that as the background, each concert's tickets will be sold both online (picked up at "Will Call" the day of the Concert) and also at Saint Luke's on any Sunday during the month that the specific concert takes place.

And if you want to pick up your tickets on another day during the week, call the church and talk with me and I'll make arrangements for you to do so.

And please remember: since we do our concerts in the Church, our venue is not only beautiful, awe inspiring and intimate, it's also "limited" in space: so be sure to secure your tickets as soon as possible!!

Tickets are available HERE!

2009-09-03T03:00:00.000-07:00

We've made two changes regarding our Jazz at the Church Concert series, so be sure to check it out on the HOME PAGE of Sedona Jazz at the Church for the details.

First of all, we've moved much of our information onto other pages, leaving the home page of Jazz at the Church dealing solely with the current month's Concert(s).

Second, we've come to the point of having to "ticket" our concerts. Therefore, you can now secure tickets for the concerts both online and at Saint Luke's Church. The necessity for this change is covered on the page entitled "Background and history of Sedona Jazz at the Church Concerts."

So, with these posted changes/additions we now look forward to this month's two concerts - by Renee Patrick and Billy Mitchell.

See you at the concerts!

New Jim Martinez Album

2009-08-19T01:00:00.000-07:00

Jim has released the 4th in a series of Jazz Praise CDs. The music was recorded at the Lionel Hampton Jazz Festival a few years ago, and the music includes musicians bassist Christian McBride, trumpeter Roy Hargrove, together with vocalists Dee Daniels and Julia Dollson and guitarist John Stowell.

The music is all GREAT, and includes "Holy, Holy Holy," "The Good News Blues," "Fairest Lord Jesus," "How Great Thou Art," "Just a Closer Walk with Thee," and nine other great pieces.

You can purchase the CD on Jim's site.

And don't forget that he and Laura Didier will be with us in January 2010, for their "Tribute to Doris Day" concert - a fabulous kick-off for the new year of our"Sedona Jazz at The Church" concert series, eh?

Sedona Jazz at the Church News: Billy Mitchell Trio to perform

2009-08-13T01:00:00.000-07:00

Billy Mitchell, the outstanding jazz pianist and music producer who lives in Los Angeles, will be in Sedona for the weekend of September 25-27, and will perform at a concert on Saturday night, beginning at 7:30 p.m.

Billy played the piano as a child, but didn't get serious about music until he entered Morehouse College in Atlanta, Georgia. While pursuing a political science degree he joined the school jazz band and was soon playing gigs in and around Atlanta.

In 1970 Mitchell moved to Los Angeles to pursue his career and was soon backing up such artists as Gloria Lynn, Esther Phillips, Randy Crawford and Linda Hopkins, to name a few.

Billy has appeared at many international festivals including the Monterey Jazz Festival, Playboy Jazz Festival, Heineken World Music Festival, International Jazz Festival, Pori Jazz Festival, our own Sedona Jazz on the Rocks festival, and countless club appearances.

For more on Billy Mitchell and the great weekend of Jazz we'll be hosting, check out the home page of the Concert Series, by clicking on the link "Sedona Jazz @ the Church."

Sedona Jazz at the Church News: 4 new videos & Marvin Stamm

2009-08-09T01:00:00.000-07:00

We've added three new jazz videos to our playlist at YouTube.

There's one with the John Fedchock New York Big Band playing Caravan - featuring John Fedchock on trombone and Rick Margitza on tenor sax. When Steve Sandner gets back in Sedona, ask him about John Fedchock, as Steve played with him this Summer at a gig at Interlochen.

Second, our very own parish organist, Steve Sandner - who is in Michigan for the Summer doing gigs and playing "all over the place" - has a GREAT video posted, also. He's playing the standard Please Be Kind, at an oudoor concert in Northport, Michigan.

Finally, trumpeter Marvin Stamm's "Alone But Not" video is also posted. That's Marvin in the above picture (by Alan S. Orling), and he's an absolutely magnificent and world-class jazz trumpeter, having played with Stan Kenton, Woody Herman, and a host of other jazz greats through the years.

AND HERE'S SOME REALLY GOOD NEWS... we are corresponding with Marvin and working to bring together a date for the Marvin Stamm/Bill Mays Duo to do one of our concerts in 2010. Sound fabulous, doesn't it!!

You can learn more about Marvin on his website, Marvin Stamm, Jazz Trumpet, and pianist Bill Mays also has a web site, which is linked HERE.

So for now, enjoy the videos, and I hope I see you in the Lord's House on the Lord's Day!

Sedona Jazz at the Church: Renee Patrick & a night of jazz ballads

2009-07-28T03:33:00.000-07:00

We've posted more information on one of the September jazz concerts at the church. It's the September 25th friday evening concert, that features Phoenix-based vocalist Renee Patrick, who will be teaming up with our own Steve Sandner on piano for an evening of jazz ballads.

The posting has a video of Renee singing with the Judy Roberts Trio, while gigging in Payson, Arizona. So, enjoy the video and the other information, and be sure to mark your calendar - it promises to be a GREAT evening. (And rumor has it that there's even going to be a bit of dancin' on the terrace following the conclusion of Renee's concert! You've heard that rumor, too? Ooo la la!)

Click HERE for the Sedona Jazz at the Church Concert Series home page.

Sedona Jazz at the Church

2009-07-24T03:00:00.000-07:00

As many folk know, we've a series of concerts at the church called the Sedona Jazz at the Church Concert Series. Along with the series, we've also put up a few really great jazz videos on our YouTube site playlist, "Great Jazz Videos - Trumpets, Flugels, Conch, Drums, et al."

There are new pieces from pianists Judy Roberts and Jim Martinez, trombonist Steve Turre playing the conch, and Dizzy Gillespie and the United Nations Orchestra doing a piece featuring three great drummers (Ignacio Berroa, Airto Moreira and Giovanni Hidalgo) and singer Flora Purim.

The videos point to the creativeness of jazz musicians, and that when folk use the gifts God gives them, stunningly beautiful things can happen, so check out the new postings, as I am sure you will enjoy them.

And, of course - remember to check our Sedona Jazz at the Church Concert Series schedule for updates and additions, and mark your calendar so as not to miss any of these great nights at Saint Luke's!

An upcoming evening includes not only a night of jazz ballads, but dancing under the stars, too! Ooo la la!!!!

Laura & Jim

2009-07-01T04:23:00.000-07:00

Our friends Laura Didier and Jim Martinez are giggin' and groovin' and sound absolutely great, as the TV interview below shows us. It's good to hear them, and we're hoping to have them back with us "early on" next year, to kick off our 2010 Sedona Jazz at the Church concert series for 2010. Here they are...

And if you like that, here's MORE.

"Sedona Jazz at the Church" updates, additions

2009-06-30T06:26:00.000-07:00

We've updated our Jazz Concert series webpage considerably, and also added some jazz videos to our youtube site, so be sure to check them out for some really good Jazz comin' our way!

Here are the links:

Sedona Jazz @ the Church Concert Series

St Luke's Church YouTube Channel - Jazz Videos

It's Here: St Luke's Purified Water (Almost Holy)!

2009-06-20T02:09:00.000-07:00

Our personalized 16 ounce Purified Water bottles have arrived. As you can see above, the label shows not only the Church, but touts "Purified Water (Almost Holy)" in magnificent "Old English" print! Ooo La La, eh?

The water is available for purchase, and is a wonderful keepsake for folk who visit our church, to be sure. It is also a very neat gift to give your friends when they come visit on holiday!

So, pick up your bottle(s) - or a whole case of 24! - on any Sunday, or at our other parish gatherings and concerts.

Cost: $2 per bottle or $48 per case. Proceeds are designated to further the outreach ministry of our parish. And remember: when you purchase this, you'll both quench your thirst AND help draw other folk to our lovely, grace-filled parish church - Saint Luke's Church, Sedona AZ.

And besides all that, it's such good tasting water! Move over, Evian and Aquafina - a new purified water is in town!!

Can't you almost hear the Sons of the Pioneers singing "Cool, Clear [almost holy!] Water?"

Click HERE for the song, and Happy trails!

Today's Saint (June 5): Boniface, Bishop & Martyr (680-754)

2009-06-05T05:03:00.000-07:00

Boniface was born in Crediton, in Devon, at the end of the seventh Century. He became a Benedictine monk and was later sent by Pope Gregory II to Bavaria and Hesse in Germany.

Often called the Apostle of Germany, he was instrumental in converting many through his preaching and devout life. Around 747 became Archbishop of Mainz, but left that position to return to care for the Church of Utrecht in Frisia, his old mission.

He was martyred, along with thirty of his monks, at the hands of the Frisians in 754.

"Rejoice, inasmuch as ye are partakers of Christ's sufferings, that, when His glory shall be revealed, ye may be glad also with exceeding joy." (The day's gradual, page E65, People's Anglican Missal)

Boniface's Mass Propers + Catholic Encyclopedia Article

Books worth considering:

Fox's Book of Martyrs

The Treasury of Saints & Martyrs

Reason Is Beguiled: On the Mystery of Martyrdom & Total Self Gift

A Great Time: Sedona Jazz at the Church - Part II

2009-05-18T08:46:00.000-07:00

Well, the Sedona Jazz at the Church Part II was a grand success, and the crowd that attended were all foot tappin' happy! Steve Sandner's song styling included not only vocals and piano virtuosity, but he even picked up and played the trumpet, too.

Joined by bassist Steve Douglas and some local cat on a flugelhorn (we think he's the church gardener!), the evening ended with a rendition of "Goin' to Chicago," which Steve will be doing in early June!

Although the concerts are going to be "dark" until September, check out the jazz home page to see what's up next!

Jazz at the Church - Part Two!

2009-05-09T04:32:00.000-07:00

Yup, we've a Jazz at the Church night scheduled for May. It's on this Saturday, May 16th, and you can read (and hear) all about it at this LINK.

Our last Jazz Concert with Jim Martinez & Laura Didier was great, so if you missed that one, be sure to mark your calendar now, as Jazz at the Church - Part Two promises to be a musically memorable evening!

Who's the artist this time? That mellifluous, multidimensional, ambidextrous, multilingual and just plain gifted pianist - our own Steve Sandner! Steve will be playing a concert billed as "Sandner and the Blues," so don't miss it, and bring your friends!

And here's a neat thing, if you're thinking about eating out before the concert: the Marketplace Restaurant in the Village of Oak Creek will give you a 15% discount on everything on their menu on Saturday night. Just mention the Jazz at the Church concert when ordering. Their full menu selection is HERE. So, have a good meal, get your discount, and we'll see you at the Church at 7:30 pm!

Jim Martinez & Laura Didier

2009-03-12T04:41:00.000-07:00

Remember the great evening at Saint Luke's with Jim and Laura in February? (site page regarding their concert with us is found here.)

They recently did a concert called "A Tribute to Doris Day" and here's a composite video of it!

We're looking forward to having them back soon... It would be great to have them for an outdoor concert, eh?