| The music of
SpiritJazz is modern in its truest form but its melodies are
derived from familiar songs and hymns that have stood the test of
time. The SpiritJazz ensemble has been schooled in the traditions
of American jazz style and improvisation and the musical
arrangements contain all the key elements of good swing and solid
jazz ensemble playing. Hearing these arrangements will give you a
fresh take on classic and loved tunes of the Church. It is our
mission that the music of SpiritJazz unites the richness of jazz
with the hope and promise of faith in order to enhance each
melody's original meaning. Tom Pieper is
currently the Music Coordinator for Salem Lutheran’s Discover
Service in Minneapolis. Karen Pieper is the Music Director at,
"All Saints" Lutheran Church in Cottage Grove.
Together they have created SpiritJazz, which
performs throughout the Twin Cities area. Tom shares, "When I
think of the finest jazz arrangers and composers I think of John
Coltrane, Horace Silver, Duke Ellington / Billy Strayhorn, Wayne
Shorter, Herbie Hancock, Miles Davis, Sonny Clark and many others
from the late ‘50s and ‘60s. I began to find my voice by combining
the elements essential for modern jazz with the best hymns of the
Christian tradition. The result is a large repertoire of songs
that are represented here on this recording, and played regularly
at churches.
Tom plays bass and Karen plays piano. They work
together to create their own unique jazz arrangements of hymns and
songs... performed with energy, passion, and humor.
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