Welcome New CJA Network Members!

We now have over 50 CJA Network Members!!

Saxophonist Mark McClure  

Mark McClure has been involved in music ministry and the music business for over 20 years. Saxophone and flute have been his main instruments.

A graduate of Indiana University-Bloomington’s Jazz Studies program, Mark worked for several years as a studio musician and writer/arranger for the PTL Television Network in the mid-to-late ‘80s, while also serving as the Musical Director of the Heritage Church Band. He currently serves as Director for Choral and Instrumental Product at Word Music in Nashville, TN. 

Mark's new CD release, "The Power Of Your Love" clearly demonstrates Mark's beautiful and tasty playing! Produced by Ken Barker (Word Music) and Mark, the production covers a variety of styles...from the laid back smooth jazz arrangement, "Be Thou My Vision" to the hot salsa flavored rendition of the popular worship chorus, " Let It Rise". The listener is treated to a true 'smorgasbord' of jazz flavors! In addition to great refreshing jazz arrangements of Hymns there is also popular worship choruses, (Contemporary and Celtic) included! 

Four of the songs on the CD have complete orchestrations available (from Word Music) for those who wish to integrate more jazz into your worship services! There is also piano/instrumental books for all the songs on the CD. To hear audio excerpts or to order visit here!

Saxophonist/Producer Darren Rahn

With his soulful melodies, catchy hooks and solid grooves, Darren Rahn is definitely an up and coming artist worth watching for. He has been awarded several prestigious Downbeat Magazine Awards for his saxophone playing and connects with those listening to his music. Darren has headlined and performed with many notable artists including: Arturo Sandoval, Nelson Rangell, The Yellowjackets, Bela Fleck and the Flecktones, Phil Driscoll, Mel Brown, Bobby Wells, Gary Oliver, Dave Liebman, Maria Schneider, Milt Hinton and others...

As a saxophonist and a producer Darren has produced and performed on sessions with artists including: Kirk Whalum, Nelson Rangell, Abraham Laborial Jr., Mel Brown, Bobby Wells, Whisper Loud and others...

Darren just got his first#1 hit as a producer on Radio & Records Smooth Jazz charts. It was with Wayman Tisdale's tune "Ain't No Stoppin' Us Now", a remake of the McFadden & Whitehead classic. Darren is currently working hard to complete his new solo CD which is projected to be completed in early summer 2005! To hear Darren's music visit here!

Saxophonist Jimmy Greene

Saxophonist, composer, and bandleader Jimmy Greene is emerging as a positive young presence in the creative music world. His solo recordings have been met with much 
critical acclaim, and his appearances worldwide with a host of artists have attracted much attention. In the midst of several new musical projects, the story of Jimmy Greene is continually 
unfolding. 

In the fall of 1997, he moved to New York City; not long after becoming a member of the Horace Silver Quintet. In addition to the legendary pianist's group, Greene has performed regularly with the small groups of Tom Harrell, Steve Turre, Lewis Nash, Avishai Cohen, Claudia Acuña, Kenny Barron, and Ralph Peterson, as well as the Carnegie Hall Jazz Band, New Jazz Composers' Octet and the big bands of Harry Connick, Jr. and Jason Lindner.

As a leader, Greene made considerable advances after moving to New York ( not long after becoming a member of the Horace Silver Quintet!)  Greene was also honored in the June 1999 issue of Down Beat magazine. The publication, looking toward the future of jazz into the 21st century, Downbeat magazine has recognized Greene as one of, "25 Young Rising Stars in Jazz." Look for Jimmy's new release, "Forever" out very soon! To hear Jimmy's music visit here!

Pianist  Peggy Duquesnel    

A musician of stunning range and complexity, Peggy Duquesnel's achievements in music are a testament to her incredible devotion to the art of music. The recording projects and concerts that have been part of her musical journey run the gamut from pure elegance to down-home jazz, and have teamed her up with some of today's most sought after musicians. she is a jazz pianist, vocalist, and songwriter and her versatility and intelligence is truly outstanding!

Peggy has performed with Wayne Brady, Tony Danza, Debbie Reynolds, Spike Jones and also has recorded with numerous artists including Henry Mancini, Monica Mancini, Pocket Change, Ric Flauding and John Pattitucci. She toured domestically and internationally with Dionne Warwick.

Peggy performed as featured keyboard artist for Roland Corporation U.S. and Kawai America Corporation for trade shows, conventions and educational seminars. LA Jazz Scene CD Review states that,"Pianist Peggy Duquesnel has a way with standards that recalls the stellar trios of Bill Evans, Hal Gainer, and Martial Saint."-- To hear Peggy's music visit here!

Make sure that you visit the CJA page and listen to the great music from these new members!  We now have over 50 Christian Jazz artists that are members of the network!!!!

Jazz resources for Church Organ, Hammond Organ, and Sax!

This month we have some very innovative new material by very talented musicians from Europe to share with you! 

Barbara Dennerlein is a Hammond organist ( Blue Note Label) and has many great recordings of her wailin' on the B-3! Her recording and companion sheet music book, "Spiritual Movement No. #1" features original jazz compositions utilizing a Pipe Organ! These are wonderful compositions to help integrate more jazz into more traditional churches where a church organ is used...your organist will be jazzed!!  For more info/audio excerpts visit here!

Freedom - The Vision is a unique blend of Church Organ, Saxophone, and Hammond Organ. Three outstanding musicians, Johannes Landgren, Hakan Lewin, and Kjeld Lauritsen prove that even in a more traditional setting Jazz can provide a spiritual punch! Very interesting arrangements of Negro Spirituals combining these three instruments. Sheet music and audio excerpts are available here!

 If you have a church organ and want to blend in some jazz to a more traditional worship service these resources are excellent choices! 

As you can see Christian Jazz Artists are very busy celebrating their gifts!