New Directions for the Jazz Mass
After the shock of a snowstorm in early November, it is comforting to turn our minds back to the Jazz Mass, which we celebrated at the beginning of la belle saison.
Soloist Jean-Pierre Zanella at St. John's (Photo by Myer Randolph)
Planning is well underway for the fifth edition in 2020. The theme which arose from conversations with parishioners, and discussions of the planning group, and of the Liturgy and Music Committee, is that we are ready to regularize this Mass, to bring it more into line with our other liturgies. As the overall celebration flows smoothly, our work is focussed on music and preaching.
Federico Andreoni, our Director of Music, noted that the soloist Jean-Pierre Zanella did a brilliant job of improvising, intervening with the choir, and accompanying the congregational hymn singing. The resulting integration of solo, choral, and congregational music created a more immersive experience of worship, a sublime blending of music and liturgy. He recommends that, going forward, the soloist be encouraged to take a leadership role as an integral part of the Mass, as opposed to performing a few pieces as an invited guest.
Concerning the homily, Fr. Keith suggests that it be a casual meditation, similar to the talk we deliver from the nave on Good Friday. The message could focus on a hymn or a jazz song. The intention is to address the challenges of life and of jazz in a positive way. I am inspired by Holly Cole’s recent performance at Lion d’Or. She took the stage in a chic sixties outfit with long black gloves, her hair styled in an elegant up-do. Ms. Cole tackled discrimination against women head-on, in a delicious and effective manner. She opened with Girl Talk, which the Broadway star Michael Feinstein describes as 'the last great male chauvinistic song written in the 60s'. She re-appropriated the song marvellously, from a female perspective, revelling in the delight which women take in our own small talk, while giving a fond wink to the men in our lives.
I welcome your suggestions on all aspects of la Messe jazzée.
Wendy+