[Harp-L] Jazz Church

[Tim Dougherty <timd@xxxxxxx>]

I just have to share a new phenomenon occurring at my church.  They're 
experimenting with different kinds of music.  For the last couple of 
months, they've had a jazz trio (piano, bass, drums) playing a few songs, 
backing singers, and playing short incidentals during the service.  This 
morning they even slipped in Duke's "Time's a Wastin".  Imagine, Blues at 
church!  The listening experience throws me a little off-balance, as they 
still play organ for hymns.  They tried the hymns with the trio, but it was 
too fast and thin - just didn't work.  Every week I'm amazed by 
this.  Bossas, blue notes, sizzle cymbals, complex chords, and even - dare 
I say - the devil's interval!  But this morning, it even got cooler.  The 
drummer whipped out this little keyboard attached to some sort of mouth 
tube.  I later learned this was called a "melodica".  It sounded as close 
to a harmonica as I've heard!  Made me want to get up and jam with the band!

Has anybody experienced any "alternative" music at church like this?  I'm 
loving it!  And does anybody have experience with the melodica?  That 
little device was very interesting.

Thanks,

Tim Dougherty
www.HarpMicGaskets.com