The Columbus Jazz Society
Gospel Jazz
By Dr. David Banks
Just as there are at least seven different styles of jazz music, there are at least seven distinct styles of gospel music. It would follow naturally then that the styles, at some point, would overlap or crossover.
“Gospel/Jazz” has been coined out of this overlap as a distinct style of music because of what both styles have in common. The same conditions which gave rise to gospel also gave rise to jazz, and both often share the same musicians and often even the same audience. Finally, they are both uniquely American art forms.
The traditional gospel style of music grew out of jazz by Georgia’s own Thomas “Georgia Tom” Dorsey, who also just happened to be a pianist for Ma Rainey, right here in Columbus. The first gospel recording artist to achieve international acclaim, Rosetta Thorpe, was a gospel/jazz artist. Other popular gospel/jazz artists include Ben Tankard and “Allen and Allen.” In recent years contemporary smooth jazz artists have produced gospel/jazz” projects as well, such as Kirk Whalum’s “The Gospel According to Jazz” and Ramsey Lewis’s “With One Voice.”
More and more, we are seeing many talented artists, animated with a strong calling to serve their church and a deep faith, who want to add musical improvisation to their repertoire. They have found a way to use their creative passion by blending the gospel and jazz genres together. In the mix, gospel adds the fervor and spirit while jazz adds creative improvisation.
On the afternoon of Sunday, July 21, the David Banks Gospel Jazz Experience hosted a Jazz Vesper at the St. James AME Church, featuring an array of both vocal and instrumental artists. Those who attended experienced not only a musical crossover, but a historical crossover. It was only fitting that this event took place at the historic St. James AME church, which was established right around the end of the Civil War and has since played a pivotal role in the spiritual, social, musical and academic advancement of the citizens of Columbus and surrounding areas.
Find out more at drdav.org.
CJS Musician of The Month: Mr. Jerald Sheldon Dorsett
CJS: What got you into jazz/music?
JL: My Family & Culture…Bahamian decent; Born in Miami, FL; Raised in Seale Ala./Columbus GA.
CJS: What makes you excited about playing jazz in Columbus?
JL: The Ancestral feelings & emotions.
CJS: Where can people hear you play?
JL: Follow me on: Instagram @jerald_dorsett
CJS: 3 jazz artists you’d recommend for beginner, intermediate, and advanced listeners.
JL: Doobie Powel / Michael Mayo & André Crouch
CJS: Favorite local musician and why?
JL: Lloyd Buchanan @iamlloydbuchanan, Charles Robinson @charlieraymusic – The most Unselfish Gentlemen I’ve met in some Time.
CJS: Advice for aspiring musicians?
JL: Practice Loving every part of the music.
CJS: Favorite quote or saying
JL: ”Seek YE 1st The KINGDOM of the LORD”