Gospel Jazz-Soul
Located in 1 route
Soul gospel enriched with jazz harmony and phrasing: extended and altered chords, swung or syncopated grooves, improvisation and sophisticated vocal-group arrangements, whether a cappella or with a jazzy rhythm section. Vocals favor jazz-inflected melisma, scat-like runs and close harmony, and instrumentals showcase saxophone, piano and organ soloing. The style sits where the Black church meets the jazz tradition, prizing musicianship and harmonic color. The mood is sophisticated, warm and virtuosic.
History
Gospel jazz-soul draws on the long dialogue between the Black church and jazz, but as a distinct contemporary lane it was defined in the 1980s and 90s by Take 6, the a cappella sextet whose intricate jazz harmonies won multiple Grammys, and by the jazzy vocal writing of The Winans. Vocalist Kim Burrell brought a jazz singer's improvisational freedom to gospel, and saxophonist Kirk Whalum's 'Gospel According to Jazz' series and pianist Ben Tankard's smooth-gospel-jazz built an instrumental wing. Andraé Crouch's harmonically rich writing was a key precursor, and the style continues to influence gospel's most musically adventurous artists.
Defining artists
Essential listening
Sources
- Robert Darden, People Get Ready! (2004)
- Bil Carpenter, Uncloudy Days (2005)
- Grammy Award records (Take 6)