AaronBaecker.com

The Baecker Jazz Worship Service is the name of the composition commissioned by my father for the 50th anniversary of the United Church of Christ.  Through the extraordinary efforts and talent of composer John Cooper, the piece came to life as a full-length worship service and (eventually) a jazz album featuring an all-star cast of instrumentalists.

 
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  Click to Download “This Little Light of Mine (Radio Edit)” from DigStation

The album starts slowly with “In the Beginning”, which teases the listener with a little bit of Rev. DaNita Bell’s spoken-word voiceovers, which are every bit as wonderful as her vocals throughout the remainder of the album.

“Gospel: John 21″ features a full dose of spoken-word voiceovers accompanied by pianist Matt Michaels’ lively jazz piano.

“St. Anthony’s Light” introduces the power of the full horn section and features solos by trumpeter David Hoffman, tenor saxophonist Chris Collins, and trombonist Tom Garling.

“Offertory” is a rambling walk down Bourbon St. featuring the percussion of David Taylor and doses of the horns in just about every combination imaginable.  When it’s all over, you’ll feel like you’ve been out all night partying: tired, but happy.

“Doxology” and “Communion (And Now You’re Gone)” bring the tempo down considerably and allow the listener to relax and enjoy the vocals of DaNita Bell and more of Matt Michaels’ piano.  Rick Simerly also showcases his talent in “Communion”.

“This Little Light of Mine” pulls out all of the stops: the big horn section, Jeff Halsey’s bass, and DaNita Bell’s towering vocals.  As the closing notes play, it will have listeners hoping for a hidden track 8, but sadly, that’s not to be!

I can’t say that I’ve had anything to do with the production, but I can attest to the huge amount of work that goes into composing, recording, marketing, and performing the work.  By purchasing this album, you will enrich yourself and support the fine musicians who made this all possible.  Encore!

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Also of note:  This is one of the few albums you’ll purchase these days that has good liner notes.  They are invaluable reading as you listen to the work, as they give incredible insight into the composition from composer John Cooper himself.  It’s also a testament to the fine composition that each time I listen, I hear something new that adds more depth to the piece.

The album was recorded at Chicago Recording Company and mastered by Leon Zervos at Sterling Sound in New York.  Leon has worked on projects for Avril Levigne, Gavin DeGraw, NSYNC, Duran Duran, INXS, Aerosmith, and now Garth Baecker.