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Jazz Sunday
Jazz Sunday is a group of
musicians who began leading jazz worship services in 1990 at Christ
Lutheran Church in Lake Jackson, Texas. Since that time they have led
jazz worship services and performed concerts at several other churches
in the greater Houston area. Their repertoire includes jazz
accompaniments of traditional hymns; special instrumental arrangements
of hymns and spirituals for use as prelude, anthem, offertory, communion
and postlude; and original compositions for jazz worship.
Jazz Sunday Group Members:
Richard
Birk, Trombone - Richard is the leader/founder of Jazz
Sunday as well as Associate Professor and Coordinator of Music at
Brazosport College in Lake Jackson, Texas. Chosen as Brazosport
College's 2001 Teacher of Excellence, he served as the conductor of the
Community College All-Star Jazz Ensemble at the 2001 International
Associaton of Jazz Educators Convention in New York City. Richard
performs regularly with the Houston-based Ronnie Renfrow Big Band and is
an active composer/arranger.
Sparky Koerner, Trumpet - Sparky is Professor of Music at
College of the Mainland in Texas City, Texas. He is principal trumpet in
the Galveston Symphony and also leads his own jazz group, Sparky's Jazz
Express.
Johnny Gonzales, Saxophones -
When not working as principal of Marshall Middle School in HISD, Johnny
can be found performing around town (and the state) in a variety of
musical settings. Johnny served as musical contractor and lead alto for
Ray Charles 2001 appearance in Beaumont and appeared with Barry Manilow
at the 2001 Houston Livestock Show & Rodeo.
Tom Borling, Piano - Tom is Professor of
Music at the University of St.Thomas in Houston and the leader of the
Tom Borling BeBop Band. Tom and his group have just released their first
compact disc, "The Tom Borling BeBop Band Plays the Music of Eddie
Lewis".
Brian Casey,
Bass - Brian is Assistant Band Director at Brazoswood High School in
Lake Jackson, Texas where he directs the award-winning A.M. Jazz Band.
In addition to his teaching, Brian is one of the top free-lance bassists
in the Houston area.
Ben Atkinson, Drums - A graduate
of the University of North Texas, Ben is the leader of the Houston Jazz
Orchestra. In addition to his duties with the HJO, Ben is one of the
first-call jazz drummers in Houston.
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"Joyful Noise" CD |
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"Joyful Noise" contains 13 pieces
written and used in jazz worship over the past 9 years. All the
arrangements and compositions are by Richard Birk except, "Let All
Mortal Flesh Keep Silence" (which was arranged by Howard Hanger and
adapted by Richard Birk.) These songs emphasize well-crafted
ensemble sections, intricate horn solis and plenty of improvisation.
The CD also reflects diverse jazz styles ranging from straight-ahead
to latin, fusion to dixieland, and even a polka included! |
Audio
Samples
Our God Is A Tower Of Power
Joshua F. The Battle Of Jericho
Rev. Ron
To purchase this CD visit
here.
For
other information about Richard Birk and Jazz Sunday visit:
here!
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