HELP: Church music needed! JAZZ, ETC.

[cgworkman]

I was asked by the pastor of my church to put together some instrumental/smooth jazz songs for their offertory, etc. We're talking a full band here - piano, drums, bass, percussion, guitar. I'm thinking some smooth jazz type stuff. Anyone have any suggestions on what to consider? Specific CDs or artists maybe?

I'm not bound by the 'traditional' music here. I have the freedom to do pretty much what I want.

Thanks in advance.

[barthanatos]

I guess it would depend on your arranging skills/desire, or maybe of someone else that you play with.

I would like to see a well known traditional or contemporary song done in a jazz arrangement. I think the congregation would really dig this, as they would hopefully recognize it, but also would appreciate the creativity/different approach to it.

I can't say I know of any Christian jazz songs already. Maybe just throw some chord extensions and extra chords into a "normal" arrangement while having someone hold down the melody (so as to keep it familiar). Or maybe vamp a familiar chord progression from a song while getting someone to improv on the melody line over the top.

I'm sure I'm either telling you something you already know or am in over my head, but I figured some feedback was better than nothing.

[BassChuck]

song suggestions:

Money-Pink Floyd

Can't Buy Me Love-Beatles

You Can't Always Get What You Want-Stones

Brother Can You Spare A Dime-Standard

It's Money That Matters-Randy Newman


Just play them in a smooth jazz style. Lyrics optional.

[cgworkman]

I would love that.

I'm sure that it probably wouldn't go over to wel...just a hunch.

[jive1]

Some old spirituals would work well. I've done some of these with my Jazz Quartet, and they went over really well.

Just a Closer Walk with Thee
Precious Lord Take My Hand
I'll Fly Away
Amazing Grace
Swing Low, Sweet Chariot
Walk in Jerusalem
Were You There (When They Crucified My Lord)
Let Us Break Bread Together (On Our Knees)
Old Time Religion
Go Tell It on the Mountain

[Pacman]

Check out Abe Laboriel's band "Koinonia", with Alex Acuna.