The Roots of Jazz Vespers: Blues and Jazz Lament and Improvisation

The Roots of Jazz Vespers, comments by Richard Rohr

The blues became public theology, communal inquiry, and a critique of the church.

Richard Rohr's Daily Meditation

From the Center for Action and Contemplation

Image credit Portrait of Dizzy Gillespie John Lewis Cecil Payne Miles Davis and Ray Brown detail by William P Gottlieb 1946-1948 Downbeat New York City New York
Week Twenty-one

Art

Blues and Jazz: Lament and Improvisation
Thursday, May 24, 2018

Today’s meditation is drawn from Barbara Holmes’ book Joy Unspeakable: Contemplative Practices of the Black Church. She explores the blues—a musical form developed in the Deep South by African Americans in the late 19th century—and jazz—originating in New Orleans in the late 19th and early 20th centuries—as authentic expressions of life. In addition to reading her words, I invite you to listen (and perhaps dance?) to B. B. King or Miles Davis as a contemplative practice. [1]

Like the familiar laments in Psalms, blues artists forthrightly engaged the issues in life that the church would not discuss—such as sexuality, theodicy, and the unabated despair of the people. The lyrics were straightforward and sometimes raunchy, but they captured the life experiences of the listeners. While gospel music promised peace in the hereafter and the promise of God’s presence, the blues became public theology, communal inquiry, and a critique of the church. . . .

The contemplative moment comes as the cause of the blues is considered within the broader context of God’s inexplicable absence or startling intervention. Under every stanza is the silent and unspoken question, “How long, oh Lord, how long will your people continue to suffer?” . . .

No one thinks for one moment that when B. B. King sang, he was saying all that there was to be said about the subject. . . . One or two lines hold the portal open for listeners to mentally supply the rest. This is the contemplative turn. . . . Smoky nightclubs and juke joints become the spaces for contemplation that attends to the details of daily life and the potential for its enrichment and ultimate fulfillment. . . .

Jazz is a way of being in the world, a willingness to break away from rhetorical comfort zones and language hierarchies. When you know that you are “between a rock and a hard place,” then you must respond creatively to the situation. Jazz is the musical version of the communal response to displacement. This is not a black thing; the majority of Americans today are displaced in one way or another. However, the displacement of the African diaspora was sealed by skin color as a permanent social exile. Some amelioration of that exile has only now begun, but only because of the genius of the community for creativity and improvisation upon the main themes of oppression and marginalization.

The improvisational motif in jazz music refers to the spontaneous creation of melodic innovations that diverge and meld with the main tune. . . . When the contributions of the individual improvisations soar, the contemplative potential increases. For in the midst of unthinkable rhythmic and tonal combinations, we also hear the impossible being brought within our reach.

When Miles Davis blows the cacophony that can barely be contained by the word song, we come closest to the unimaginable, the potential of the future, and the source of our being.

Gateway to Presence:
If you want to go deeper with today’s meditation, take note of what word or phrase stands out to you. Come back to that word or phrase throughout the day, being present to its impact and invitation.

[1] Note that a “contemplative practice” can be anything we do with the intention of opening our hearts, minds, and bodies to God’s presence, to Love. Contemplation is the graced experience of union with Love, which is always a gift, never earned or achieved. We practice to be open to receive such a gift.

Barbara A. Holmes, Joy Unspeakable: Contemplative Practices of the Black Church, second edition (Fortress Press: 2017), 186-188.

Image credit: Portrait of Dizzy Gillespie, John Lewis, Cecil Payne, Miles Davis, and Ray Brown (detail), by William P. Gottlieb, 1946-1948, Downbeat, New York City, New York.

"Image and Likeness" 

2018 Daily Meditations Theme

God said, “Let us make humans in our image, according to our likeness.” —Genesis 1:26

Richard Rohr explores places in which God’s presence has often been ignored or assumed absent. God’s “image” is our inherent identity in and union with God, an eternal essence that cannot be destroyed. “Likeness” is our personal embodiment of that inner divine image that we have the freedom to develop—or not—throughout our lives. Though we differ in likeness, the imago Dei persists and shines through all created things.

Over the course of this year’s Daily Meditations, discover opportunities to incarnate love in your unique context by unveiling the Image and Likeness of God in all that you see and do. 

Each week builds on previous topics, but you can join at any time! Click the video to learn more about the theme and to find meditations you may have missed.

 
Richard Introduces the 2018 Daily Meditations
 

We hope that reading these messages is a contemplative, spiritual practice for you. Learn about contemplative prayer and other forms of meditation.

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Inspiration for this week's banner image: When Miles Davis blows the cacophony that can barely be contained by the word song, we come closest to the unimaginable, the potential of the future, and the source of our being. —Barbara Holmes

 
 
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New album review for MidCentury Modern Vol. 1

By Dee Dee McNeil/ L.A. Jazz Journalist

GABRIEL MARK HASSELBACH – MID CENTURY MODERN, VOL. 1
Windtunnel Records

Gabriel Mark Hasselbach, trumpet/flute/flugelhorn/valve ‘bone/vocals; Miles Black, piano; Laurence Mollerup, bass; Joel Fountain, drums; Ernie Watts & Cory Weeds, tenor saxophone; Mike Taylor, vocals; Olaf deShield, guitar.

Once again, Gabriel Mark Hasselbach has produced an album of fine jazz, combining the straight-ahead style with modern jazz and what he refers to as Mid-Century music, all woven together like the lovely, colorful threads of a Canadian poncho. You can wrap yourself up in his music and feel warm and satisfied. 

There is a beautiful vocal on “Nature Boy” sung by Mike Taylor. His voice is smooth and sweet as warmed caramel candy. It was a nice surprise to hear a vocal on Hasselbach’s normally all instrumental project.

The third tune, “Blues on My Mind,” features Cory Weeds on tenor saxophone. He swings hard, along with pianist Miles Black. This tune moves from a moderate blues into a straight-ahead double-time tempo. There’s a horn refrain that harmonically pulls the piece together, as a comfortable reference point throughout. “Terra Firma Irma” is another one of my favorite compositions on this album and it features the great Ernie Watts on tenor saxophone. However, it’s the fiery Gabriel Mark Hasselbach, on trumpet, (sometimes flute), that brings this project to a boil. He keeps the music alive and swinging throughout. Hasselbach always manages to insert bold funk and lovely melodies into productions that make you want to dance, sing and swing.




Gabriel Hasselbach

https://goo.gl/rGW5JA

         ¯\_(ツ)_/¯

Mississippi Jump - On the Most Added List at Neilsen Charts, Week of May 14

https://youtu.be/pJipI81Tqxc

Mississippi Jump is off and running!

Officially released April 26, after barely two weeks it has hit the Radio Waves as a Most Added track!

It features Miles Black on piano, Joel Fountain on drums, Laurence Mollerup on bass, Olaf deShield on guitar, and me on trumpet.

Have a listen HERE

I'm on a pretty good roll right now and finally getting some traction.

I have seven Billboard hits that open a few doors: https://www.billboard.com/music/gabriel-mark-hasselbach


The week before I had my Canadian album release show (SOLD OUT) at the Blue Frog Concert Stage, which was live streamed: 

The week before that I was at the New Orleans Jazz Fest where I did 3 cd release shows (including the New Orleans Jazz Museum), and played on the bill with other stars. http://gabrieljazz.posthaven.com/gabriel-in-new-orleans

Onward and upward!

New GabrielJazz Event Announcements

After the sold out CD release concert for MidCentury Modern at Blue Frog Studios Concert Stage on May 11, all heck broke loose. I was asked right away to bring a regular Wednesday Jazz Series to www.Bin101.ca and also on a few other special nights. I hope you can make it out to beautiful White Rock for one of these shows- the patio and food are stellar and the drive is a joyous breeze. Head out before traffic gets thick and enjoy the waterfront and pier, too. 

On another note, if you wanted to catch my interview on Margaret Gallagher’s May 12 CBC Hot Air Show but missed it, there is a link to the podcast on my website www.GabrielJazz.com

The interview touches on my recent series of shows during the New Orleans Jazz Fest (including the New Orleans Jazz Museum), and also my past history with Michael Buble, Powder Blues, and how I came to be here in Canada.

You can check out my new MCM recording on any digital provider, including CDBaby, or reach out to me for a nicely packaged CD. $16 ppd. 

http://store.cdbaby.com/cd/gabrielmarkhasselbach15

Lots of other new shows coming up,  always updated at: www.GabrielJazz.com/shows.htm

Thanks for listening! Check out the new single for Mississippi Jump here: 

Gabriel Hasselbach

https://goo.gl/rGW5JA

         ¯\_(ツ)_/¯

GabrielJazz Summer Update

Hi Everyone!

Let’s play Catch Up....

~ I just returned from several performances during the New Orleans Jazz Fest (including a concert at The New Orleans Jazz Museum), where I did the US cd release for my brand new album MIDCENTURY MODERN which features local stars like Miles Black, Cory Weeds, Olaf deShield, Joel Fountain, Mike Taylor, Laurence Mollerup, and the iconic sax giant Ernie Watts. Check it out here or any digital provider (contact me for physical cds):


~ TODAY May 11 will be my Canadian cd release show at Blue Frog Studios Concert Stage. Featured are my cd personnel, Cory Weeds, Miles Black, Joel Fountain, and Laurence Mollerup. It is a SOLD OUT show, but you can enjoy the Live Stream video shot in 4K and available right to your phone, tablet, laptop, or tv for only $3.99. Live tweet, too @gabrieljazz
Go here to watch:

~ Also, I taped an hour long interview for the CBC Radio Hot Air show and they have interspersed some salient tracks from my new album as well as some of my jazz influences. It will be aired  this Saturday May 12, at 5-6 pm PT (88.1 FM in Vancouver) and online also at 5 pm at http://cbc.ca/hotair.

~ And JUST ANNOUNCED, I’ll be hosting and performing a new weekly Jazz Series in White Rock every Wednesday at 7 pm starting May 16 at www.BIN101.ca. A great place to hang with a great patio.....

~ On another note, save the date! I have a very fun ‘New Orleans Street Party’ performance scheduled for the Harmony Arts Festival August 4 from 5:45 –7:30pm as part of the Garden Stage Series at 15th & Argyle West Vancouver. Hope you can make it.

~ MidCentury Modern is starting to get added to over 200 US and Canadian radio stations playlists, so onward and upward!

You can always check in on me by going to www.GabrielJazz.com/shows.htm


Gabriel Hasselbach

https://goo.gl/rGW5JA

         ¯\_(ツ)_/¯





GabrielJazz May Update

~ I just returned from several performances during the New Orleans Jazz Fest (including the New Orleans Jazz Museum), where I did the US cd release for my brand new album MIDCENTURY MODERN which features local stars like Miles Black, Cory Weeds, Olaf deShield, Joel Fountain, Mike Taylor, Laurence Mollerup, and the iconic sax giant Ernie Watts.
~ May 11 will be my Canadian cd release show at Blue Frog Studios Concert Stage. It is a sold out show, but you’ll enjoy the Live Stream video shot in 4K and available right to your phone, tablet, laptop, or tv.


~ Nothing for me regarding Vancouver Jazz Fest gigs this year - the cobbler’s kids go without shoes... 

~ I have been asked to give an hour long interview on CBC Radio Hot Air show and to provide some tracks of my jazz influences, which will be aired next Saturday May 12 at 5 pm PT (88.1 FM) and online also at 5 pm at http://cbc.ca/hotair.

~ On another note, save the date! I have a very fun ‘New Orleans Street Party’ performance scheduled for the Harmony Arts Festival August 4 from 5:45 –7:30pm as part of the Garden Stage Series at 15th & Argyle West Van. Hope you can make it!

You can always check in by going to www.GabrielJazz.com/shows.htm

Gabriel Hasselbach

https://goo.gl/rGW5JA

         ¯\_(ツ)_/¯

Gabriel bets on a jazz trifecta with MidCentury Modern

Listen on Spotify

Award-winning hornmeister Gabriel Mark Hasselbach aims for a jazz trifecta with his new album MidCentury Modern Vol. 1, a decidedly mainstream jazz juggernaut.

Gabriel is a bit of an enigma, in that his lexicon is not limited to one style of jazz, nor one instrument. He plays trumpet, flute, flugelhorn, valve 'bone, and more. If you are a mainstream jazz lover, you would know Gabriel from his two mainstream JazzWeek charting albums, including Come Out Swingin', which included the debut of a young Michael Bublé, actually singing great jazz before his rise. Contemporary Jazz lovers will have heard many of his ubiquitous nine Billboard hits from a dozen albums, and know of his Album of the Year and Instrumentalist of the Year awards.

To drive that mainstream message home, here he has enlisted iconic colleagues such as Ernie Watts, Cory Weeds, Miles Black, and Canada's answer to Gregory Porter, Mike Taylor, to craft a highly listenable project, that incorporates hard-swinging mainstream jazz sensibilities, a little succinct contemporary jazz clarity, and some rollicking New Orleans jazz panache. Trifecta accomplished! 

Gabriel  debuted this album in New Orleans during the New Orleans Jazz Fest, at the New Orleans Jazz Museum.
He continued his tour in Canada and the US for other dates.

The lead-off track Mississippi Jump, a remake of a Blue Mitchell classic, jumps hard like a 'sidewinder' but has also been remixed for Contemporary radio and is included as a bonus track. As the Jazz Crusaders once said, "Put it where you want it"!

Gabriel has performed at Montreux, North Sea, JVC, Chandler, and other festivals. He has performed in Japan and in Singapore (for the President!), and even in the home of Bill Gates. He has worked with artists such as Larry Coryell, George Benson, Chuck Loeb, Bob James, Brian Bromberg, Jeff Lorber, Warren Hill, Bob Baldwin, Cal Harris, and Paul Brown to name a few.

Gabriel has the chops for authentic mainstream fare, but also loves a funky groove (60's soul jazz influences), and incorporates them effortlessly into a punchy and seamless stage show, brimming with lyricism, color, and texture. His influences range from underserved classic artists like Blue Mitchell, Donald Byrd, Joe Gordon, to icons such as Clifford Brown, Freddie Hubbard, and Chet Baker.
____________________________________________________________________________________________________

This is what the critics say about Gabriel's releases: MIDCENTURY MODERN, VOL. 1 (2018)

I just had a chance to listen to Gabriel Mark Hasselbach’s album “MidCentury Modern Vol. 1” and was astonished by all the great playing and great production values. Whether playing on a swing or funk tune, his great tone and impeccable phrasing comes through every time, like liquid gold. My favourite tracks are Mississippi Jump, Terra Firma where he and Ernie Watts swing their buns off and UberSmooth where Gabriel shows off his ability to make hearts melt. Gabriel Mark Hasselbach has outdone himself on this album.
Jeremy Monteiro - Singapore-based International jazz pianist/composer/author and EFG Bank International Arts Ambassador
___

Once again, Gabriel Mark Hasselbach has produced an album of fine jazz, combining the Straight-ahead style with modern jazz and what he refers to as MidCentury music, all woven together like the lovely, colorful threads of a Canadian poncho. You can wrap yourself up in his music and feel warm and satisfied. There is a beautiful vocal on “Nature Boy” sung by Mike Taylor. His voice is smooth and sweet as warmed caramel candy. It was a nice surprise to hear a vocal on Hasselbach’s normally all instrumental project. The third tune, “Blues on My Mind,” features Cory Weeds on tenor saxophone. He swings hard, along with pianist Miles Black. This tune moves from a moderate blues into a straight-ahead double-time tempo. There’s a horn refrain that harmonically pulls the piece together, as a comfortable reference point throughout. “Terra Firma Irma” is another one of my favorite compositions on this album and it features the great Ernie Watts on tenor saxophone. However, it’s the fiery Gabriel Mark Hasselbach, on trumpet, (sometimes flute), that brings this project to a boil. He keeps the music alive and swinging throughout. Hasselbach always manages to insert bold funk and lovely melodies into productions that make you want to dance, sing and swing.
JAZZIN’ IT UP By Dee Dee McNeil/Jazz Journalist
___

Very nicely done, adroitly performed and produced. Truly a high-level project.
Rick Scott,  Great Scott P.R.oductions (unsolicited)
___

Available at all digital distributors, and physical at CD Baby and WindtunnelRecords.com.


Hastings Casino Launch Party TONITE!

TONITE Hastings Racecourse & Casino launches racing season with a blowout party featuring the 8 pc band West Coast Chicago (a Chicago tribute band)! Win a 50” TV! Lots of food and drink! Free parking! No cover! Enter at Gate 6 by the Coliseum. Come hang with me and Sylvia!
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Save the date: Mensa event April 14!

Occasionally I am asked to perform at an event for a really worthwhile cause, and April 14 is no exception! 
Mensa is the largest and oldest high IQ society in the world. It is a non-profit organization open to people who score at the 98th percentile or higher on a standardized, supervised IQ or other approved intelligence test. Membership: 134,000
An evening of music, deluxe wine, and a sumptuous menu is planned for April 14 at the Pinnacle at the Pier Hotel (one of my favourite venues), details below.

After expenses, funds go to the Mensa Scholarship Program which is open to full time students 18 and over - of any background - attending a Canadian post secondary institution. Parents take note, scholarships are being offered at the Mensa website.


Dinner and Wine Pairing Event

We warmly invite you to a special evening of food, wine, and live jazz.  Join your fellow Mensa members and your guests to eat, socialize, and maybe even a little dancing.  The notion is to enjoy ourselves while raising money for the Mensa Scholarship program.
 
Attendees will indulge in a great meal with each course paired with an appropriate fine wine. The restaurant has an excellent reputation.  The menu is listed below.
 
The very popular jazz musician Gabriel Mark Hasselbach will be performing for the evening.  He is a regular performer at the Pinnacle, and well regarded.
http://gabrieljazz.com/
 
Location
The Lobby Restaurant at the
Pinnacle Hotel in North Vancouver
http://lobbyrestaurant.ca/about/
138 Victory Ship Way North
Vancouver, BC  V7L 0B1
(It is a very short walk from the SeaBus.)
 
When
April 14, 2018 at 6:00 pm
 
Cost
The event fee is $80 with a portion thereof going to the Mensa Scholarship program.
Mensa members are encouraged to bring friends and relatives.
 
Seating is limited so book early.
To Reserve your spot contact Vancouver Mensa Treasurer Ricardo Kawashita at treasurer.vancouver@mensacanada.org or 604-842-7054
 
For further info contact the Event Organizer Terry Tremaine, terryttremaine@gmail.com , 604-202-7841
 
I hope to see you there!
Terry

Menu

Appetizer – West Coast Bouillabaisse –Mussels, clams, prawns and fruit de mer (seafood) in tomato coconut broth with grilled focaccia
 
Entree – Choice of one:

  1. Grilled Wild Sockeye – Pesto risotto with sautéed fingerling potatoes with daily vegetables and citrus butter sauce (Gluten Free)
  2. 6 oz Filet Mignon – Certified Angus Beef with roast garlic smashed potatoes, daily vegetables and Cabernet demi-glace (Gluten Free)
  3. Grilled chicken, sautéed wild mushrooms, chorizo sausage in Porcini Alfredo

Dessert – Chocolate Truffle Cake – Decadent Belgian chocolate with hazelnut truffle icing, raspberry streaked meringue, caramel sauce and vanilla bean gelato