Description
The self-titled, sole album by the British gospel jazz combo The Mark Edwards Swing Gospel Jazz Orchestra was released in the UK on Elevation in March 2009, part of the Memralife Group. The album was recorded December 2008 and February 2009 by Neil Costello at ICC Studios in Eastbourne, England; with Mark Edward and Costello proudcing. Additional recording by Peter Lozinski. Horn arrangements by Andy Panayi and Mark Edwards.
Featuring vocals by Tracy Riggan, Delroy Hutchinson, and Marlene Kerr; backed by a session band consisting of Mark Edwards on piano, hammond organ, and tubular bells; Neil Costello on electric guitar; Andrew Cleyndert on double bass; Spike Wells on drums; and Bruce Pont on percussion. Also featuring Andy Panayi on tenor, alto, and baritone saxophones; Alan Barnes on clarinet; Raul D’Oliveira on trumpet and flugel horn; and Andy Wood on trombone.
A much respected jazz musician, session pianist and record producer (whose story Cross Rhythms published a while back), Mark Edwards offers here an outstanding album packed with top quality musicianship which conveys passion, tenderness, joy, emotion and conviction. There are moments on this album, such as during the full band sound of «Hymn To Freedom» and the powerful reworking of «Amazing Grace», when if you close your eyes you could be forgiven for thinking you are following a New Orleans jazz funeral procession. The authentic feel of this album is founded on classic sound of jazz from the deep south, whilst drawing influences from the wider world of jazz music, for instance in «I’ll Wait And Pray» and «What A Friend We Have In Jesus» there is an improvised piano-based feel that you might expect to get in a smoky nightclub or jazz bar. Whatever your preference, from the opening piano and muted trumpet of «Battle Hymn Of The Republic» to the uplifting cover of Chris Tomlin’s «How Great Is Our God» this is an album to savour. Over the years the Christian record companies have delivered their share of “jazz praise” duds. This, emphatically, isn’t one of them. [Alastair McCollum, Cross Rhythms, November 2009]
> Apple Music (https://music.apple.com/us/album/the-mark-edwards-swing-gospel-jazz-orchestra/1013083881)
CD tracklist:
01. The Battle Hymn of the Republic
02. Wade in the Water
03. Hymn to Freedom
04. Put Your Hand in the Hand of the Man from Galilee
05. How I Got Over
06. I’ll Wait and Pray
07. Amazing Grace
08. You Are Mighty
09. The Preacher
10. What a Friend We Have in Jesus
11. Home Into Your Arms
12. How Great Is Our God
Note: CD housed in a digipak.
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