"Truly to sing, that is a different breath."
-Rainer Maria Rilke
My spirit was lifted last night. And boy, was some goodness and light in order! After a long day at work screening news videos and copy that revealed way too much about the ugly sides of human nature, I was in desperate need of something completely different.
I didn’t have to travel far to experience some sweet relief. I just had to drive about three miles from the office to Saint Ambrose Episcopal Church in Raleigh. The church’s Jazz Mass Quintet was hosting its annual Evening of Jazz Celebration.
I was one of the featured performers, but I didn’t have to do anything right away. When I walked in, the band leader told me they wanted to put me in the second set. I told him that was not a problem at all. I have participated in the Christmas program before at Saint Ambrose, so I knew what to expect: Gifted musicians rocking the house, in the house of the Lord. The quintet is modern, bold, and jazzy, yet it remains a music ministry.
The waiting gave me a chance to catch my breath. I was able to sit down, relax, and just allow the sounds of holiday jazz to wash over me. I was especially touched by the lead singer and sax player Bobby Moody when he sang a song called "My Gift to You."
The message of the song is essentially that love–one’s heart and soul– should be the gift we give at Christmas time for those who are dear to us. Bobby sang it with such a clear and pure voice. He made those listening really feel the words and emotions behind the song. I will be adding that bad boy to my song list this weekend, for sure!
Among the other songs presented to the standing room only audience: Santa Baby, Drummer Boy, My Favorite Things, Let it Be, and Santa Claus is Coming to Town.
I sang "I’ve Got My love to Keep Me Warm" and "The Christmas Song".
The musicians were flawless and the sound engineer was a master. They reminded me of the huge difference between singing with musicians and my custom of being a slave to musical backing tracks. The difference is night and day, and so I appreciate every opportunity to sing with a live band.
In a word, the Evening of Jazz was great!
If I don’t get to sing another Holiday song this season, then I won’t be upset. No, I will be just fine.
My body and spirit are refreshed after a musical service that took me away from the worries of the world to a place of sheer bliss.