The Spirit of Jazz

Jeff asked Bill, "Is composing a new book like composing a jazz tune?" What follows is a lively conversation about writing Thriving on a Riff: Jazz and the Spiritual Life. How was the book put together? What was the process? How is the composition of the book an expression of creativity? Be sure to give this episode a listen. And if you are so inclined, contact our preferred bookseller and get your copy of the book by clicking here.Music on this episode:“Refracted Light” by Bill Carter, recorded on Interior Window by Bill Carter and the Presbybop Quartet. Used by permission. © Presbybop Music (BMI)Theme music: "All Thumbs" from Faith in a New Key, Bill Carter and the Presbybop Quartet Music used by permission from Presbybop Music (BMI) Announcer: Chris Norton© Presbybop Music.Support the show

There are many extraordinary souls in the jazz community. Here is one to know: Ike Sturm. He is a bassist, composer, band leader, and creative spirit. What fun to speak with him about his formation as a musician, his creation of a jazz mass, and his earth-honoring duo called "Endless Field." It's a perfect episode for Earth Day - or Earth Year.Music: "Gloria" from JazzMass, composed by Ike Sturm"The Well," from Alive in the Wilderness, Endless Field.Theme music: "All Thumbs" from Faith in a New Key, Bill Carter and the Presbybop Quartet Music used by permission from Presbybop Music (BMI) Announcer: Chris Norton© Presbybop Music.Support the show

BONUS - For Holy Week, we offer a re-broadcast of a previous episode. What does jazz have to do with Jerusalem? Especially the Jerusalem that Jesus entered for the last week of his life? That's the topic explored in this episode. Our co-hosts discuss the moods and senstitivities for a week of struggle and pain. They share live clips from the Presbybop Quartet as the band interpreted the passion of Jesus in a Good Friday jazz vespers at a large church near Philadelphia. They also offer a musical depiction of a Bible story in collaboration with Dennis Dewey, renowned biblical storyteller.Featured music: "The Last Word" (live version) from Psalms without Words, "Who's on Trial?" from John According to Jazz, "O Sacred Head Now Wounded" (unreleased), and "Arimathea" (unreleased).  Music used by permission from Presbybop Music (BMI)Theme music: "All Thumbs" from Faith in a New Key, Bill Carter and the Presbybop QuartetMusic used by permission from Presbybop Music (BMI)Announcer: Chris Norton(c) Presbybop MusicSupport the show

In this episode, our co-hosts explore some of the themes from Thriving on a Riff: Jazz and the Spiritual Life, Bill Carter's new book. They chat about creativity, the power of suffering, and the hard work of spiritual formation in jazz and faith. Along the way, they share a bit of music.Be sure to check out Thriving on a Riff. You can find out more online at https://presbybop.com/thriving-on-a-riff. Read a sample chapter or two, Watch a video. Find the project blog (with links to more videos). And you can order your own copy when it is released on April 23, 2024.Music in this episode: "Bill's New Song," recorded on Psalms Without Words, Bill Carter and the Presbybop Quartet. © Presbybop Music (BMI). Used by permission."Let Them Go, Set Them Free," recorded on Interior Window, Bill Carter and the Presbybop Quartet.  © Presbybop Music (BMI). Used by permission.Theme music: "All Thumbs" from Faith in a New Key, Bill Carter and the Presbybop Quartet. © Presbybop Music. Music used by permission from Presbybop Music (BMI) Announcer: Chris NortonSupport the show

This episode continues our lively conversation with pianist Bill Mays. We explore his writing (and sometimes, his lack of “writing”) for the jazz trio. Bill shares some of the ways that he cultivates creativity in his life and tells us about his book of musical stories. Then the conversation moves from the podcast studio to the performing stage, as co-host Bill Carter asks the Mays Trio to tell us what it’s like to make music together. Between all the talking, we share excerpts of a live trio performance of the Mays tune, “Sun of the East.”  Music in this episode:“Sun of the East,” composed by Bill Mays © No Blooze Music, recorded live in performance and used by permission. All rights reserved. Bill’s music is available at www.billmays.net.We recommend Bill’s book, Stories of the Road, the Studios, Sidemen, and the Singers, also available on www.billmays.net.Interested in hearing Bill’s two-hour show on “A Brief History of Jazz”? You can enjoy it on YouTube at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mZCWXXNYzggTheme music: "All Thumbs" from Faith in a New Key, Bill Carter and the Presbybop Quartet Music used by permission from Presbybop Music (BMI) Announcer: Chris Norton© Presbybop Music.Support the show

We welcome pianist Bill Mays in the first of two episodes. He moves easily between the jazz and classical spheres as a composer, arranger, performer, and recording artist. Bill tells us about his artistic development, his experience performing with jazz stars, and the inspiration behind his music. He also shares two of his winsome tunes. Bill will return in Episode 35. Music in this episode:“Whistling Pastor” composed by Bill Mays © No Blooze Music, used by permission. All rights reserved.“Snow Job” composed by Bill Mays © No Blooze Music, used by permission. All rights reserved.Both tunes recorded on “Mays Plays Mays.” Available at www.billmays.net. Theme music: "All Thumbs" from Faith in a New Key, Bill Carter and the Presbybop Quartet Music used by permission from Presbybop Music (BMI) Announcer: Chris Norton© Presbybop Music.Support the show

Jazz performances are different every single time! Even if forty percent of the music (or more) is written down, each fresh performance varies. Bill and Jeff explore this curious aspect of jazz as they listen to studio and live recordings of two tunes recorded by the Presbybop Quartet: “Welcome Home” and “Streams of Mercy.” “Welcome Home” has been recorded on the “Fragile Incarnation” and “Welcome Home” CDs. "Streams of Mercy" appeared on the "Interior Windo" CD. Both © Presbybop Music (BMI). Used by permission. Archival copies of live performances © Presbybop Music (BMI). Used by permission.Theme music: "All Thumbs" from Faith in a New Key, Bill Carter and the Presbybop Quartet Music used by permission from Presbybop Music (BMI) Announcer: Chris Norton© Presbybop Music.Support the show

 We welcome bassist David Chevan and pianist Warren Byrd. As co-founders of the Afro-Semitic Experience, they have created a dynamic ensemble rooted in the holy work of liberation. Whether they are updating African American spirituals, rearranging Jewish songs, or creating new music of their own, they will model what it means for jazz to address the work of justice. This show coincides with the long-awaited release of their album, “Our Feet Began to Pray.” Be sure to check it out at https://afrosemiticexperience.net/  Warren and David have given us permission to include two cuts from the album on our podcast:“Unity in the Community” “My Feet Began to Pray” © The Afro-Semitic Experience. Music used by permission. Order the album at the link above!Theme music: "All Thumbs" from Faith in a New Key, Bill Carter and the Presbybop Quartet Music used by permission from Presbybop Music (BMI) Announcer: Chris Norton© Presbybop Music. Support the show

At the beginning of a new year, Jeff and Bill discuss their big projects. CLASSIC VINYL JAZZ is Jeff’s new radio show on the internet. He loves going through the LPs in his attic and sharing them with a new generation. The show broadcasts on Friday nights from 9 to 10 p.m. eastern on WBDY-LP and repeated on Saturday mornings from 10 to 11 a.m. eastern (link below).Bill unveils his book project, THRIVING ON A RIFF: JAZZ AND THE SPIRITUAL LIFE. It will be published on Broadleaf Books on April 23, 2024. We will be hearing more about the book.To tune in to Jeff’s radio show, go to https://www.bundymuseum.org/wbdy.To learn more about Bill’s book, go to https://presbybop.com/thriving-on-a-riffMusic in this episode: “Haunted Landscape,” Bill Carter and the Presbybop Quintet, from “Psalms Without Words.” Theme music: "All Thumbs" from Faith in a New Key, Bill Carter and the Presbybop Quartet Music used by permission from Presbybop Music (BMI) Announcer: Chris Norton© Presbybop Music.Support the show

As the year concludes, here is a bonus episode of new music. The Presbybop Quintet offers three fresh tunes from their International Tour of New England. Music includes: "Finding Our Way Home," "I Wonder As I Wander," and "God Rest Ye, Merry Gentle Waltz Kings." All music arranged or composed by Bill Carter and (c) Presbybop Music (BMI). Support the show

In this special Christmas episode, Jeff Kellam tracks down Bill Carter on the Presbybop Quintet International Tour of New England. You will get a behind-the-scenes introduction to the music and good humor of a working jazz group. The band was performing holiday music to enthusiastic audiences, and clips of rehearsal and performance music fill the podcast.We are grateful to the following venues:Family Promise of Greater Concord, NHWolfeboro Friends of Music, Wolfeboro, NHThe First Baptist Church in America, Providence, RISchorr Family Firehouse Stage, Johnson City, NYAll music in the public domain, arranged and performed live by the Presbybop Quintet. Music clips include: "Angels We Have Heard on High""O Come, O Come, Emmanuel""I Wonder as I Wander""What Child Is This""Jesu, Joy of Man's Desiring"(c) Presbybop MusicTheme music: "All Thumbs" from Faith in a New Key, Bill Carter and the Presbybop Quartet Music used by permission from Presbybop Music (BMI) Announcer: Chris Norton (c) Presbybop MusicSupport the show

On this episode, Jeff and Bill have a conversation with Chris Norton, senior vice president of WVIA-FM and a longtime friend of Presbybop Music. They discuss the current scene in jazz radio and the unique resource that radio has always been for creative music. Chris introduces us to Chiaroscuro jazz label, now owned by WVIA, and available online as a media stream. All three of them pay homage to George Graham, the legendary radio host and engineer at WVIA. Featured links:To listen to WVIA-FM: https://www.wvia.org/ To connect with Chiaroscuro or listen online: https://chiaroscurojazz.org/ To learn more about George Graham: https://georgegraham.com/  Theme music: "All Thumbs" from Faith in a New Key, Bill Carter and the Presbybop Quartet Music used by permission from Presbybop Music (BMI) Announcer: Chris Norton (c) Presbybop Music Support the show

With the Thanksgiving holiday at hand, Jeff and Bill reflect on the virtue of gratitude. Along the way, they recount the moments when they have offered thanks for the jazz tradition. Bill tells the stirring story of how Dave Brubeck composed a piece for the Polish people after he visited the home of Frederic Chopin. That piece is titled "Thank You."Theme music: "All Thumbs" from Faith in a New Key, Bill Carter and the Presbybop QuartetMusic used by permission from Presbybop Music (BMI)Announcer: Chris Norton(c) Presbybop MusicSupport the show

Sherrie Maricle is a triple threat: drummer, bandleader, and composer. With her bands Sherrie has performed at many of the world’s most acclaimed music venues and festivals, from Lincoln Center to the Kennedy Center and the Hollywood Bowl, to Jazz Festivals in Germany, Switzerland, France, Portugal, Ireland, England, Croatia, Japan, Vietnam, and Israel and beyond. More than that, she is our friend. And we love her positive spirit. To learn more about her life and music, go to https://sherriemaricle.com/ Music: “The Rhythm Changes,” composed and arranged by Sherrie Maricle, performed by The Diva Jazz Orchestra, The 25th Anniversary Project. Used by permission.Theme music: "All Thumbs" from Faith in a New Key, Bill Carter and the Presbybop Quartet Music used by permission from Presbybop Music (BMI) Announcer: Chris Norton (c) Presbybop MusicSupport the show

 This episode explores a most unusual resource for a jazz-shaped life: the Psalms of Israel. Jeff Kellam asks Bill Carter about this connection and how it shaped a set of  thirty new jazz compositions. Sadness, yearning, joy, ecstasy are all deep emotions which find expression in music. Drawing on his "psalms without words" project, Bill explains how those feelings emerge in jazz.Music: "Psalm 116” field recording, Stornoway, UK; “Haunted Landscape,” “Liars,” “Iona Morning,” "Everybody Dance,” from Psalms Without Words, all composed by Bill Carter and recorded by Bill Carter and the Presbybop Quartet. Music © Presbybop Music (BMI) and used by permission. Theme music: "All Thumbs" from Faith in a New Key, Bill Carter and the Presbybop Quartet Music used by permission from Presbybop Music (BMI) Announcer: Chris Norton (c) Presbybop Music Support the show

Today we remember Al Hamme, celebrate his life, and lament his passing. A mentor to co-host Bill Carter, he was a co-founder of Bill’s Presbybop Quartet. Co-host Jeff Kellam also enjoyed a great friendship with Al, stretching back almost sixty years. For over thirty years, he has been a strong advocate of jazz as an expression of the spiritual life.A virtuoso woodwind artist, Al was an extraordinary teacher. His performing resume reads like a Who’s Who in the jazz world. So does the listing of the musicians that he taught and influenced. We celebrate his good life and we draw on the resources of jazz as a way of saying goodbye – and thank you.  Music: "Rosie’s Stomp” from Stand On Your Head, “Ebo’s Waltz” from Interior Window, and “Heartsick” from Psalms Without Words, all composed by Bill Carter and recorded by Bill Carter and the Presbybop Quartet. Music © Presbybop Music (BMI) and used by permission. Theme music: "All Thumbs" from Faith in a New Key, Bill Carter and the Presbybop Quartet Music used by permission from Presbybop Music (BMI) Announcer: Chris Norton (c) Presbybop Music Support the show

Here are three more tunes to celebrate the 25th anniversary of Faith in a New Key, the first recording by the Presbybop Quartet. Music: “Dawn Shall Break Again,” “A Canticle of Love,” and Amazing Grace,” all composed or arranged by Bill Carter and released on Faith in a New Key, Bill Carter and the Presbybop Quartet. Music used by permission from Presbybop Music (BMI) Theme music: "All Thumbs" from Faith in a New Key, Bill Carter and the Presbybop Quartet Music used by permission from Presbybop Music (BMI) Announcer: Chris Norton (c) Presbybop MusicSupport the show

On the 25th anniversary of its release, Bill and Jeff have a conversation about Faith in a New Key, the first recording of the Presbybop Quartet. Bill dishes on the background of the album. Where did it originate? Who were the players? How was the project financed? What was it like to record the music?  Along the way, they serve up a generous helping of jazz. Music: "Presbybop," "Route 206," "Walking in Somebody Else's Footsteps," and "A Bridge Between", all composed by Bill Carter and released on Faith in a New Key, Bill Carter and the Presbybop Quartet. Music used by permission from Presbybop Music (BMI)Theme music: "All Thumbs" from Faith in a New Key, Bill Carter and the Presbybop QuartetMusic used by permission from Presbybop Music (BMI)Announcer: Chris Norton(c) Presbybop MusicSupport the show

As we begin Season 2, Jeff Kellam asks Bill Carter to speak about his work in syncopating Christian worship services. Bill has been at it for forty years, ever since he was a student pastor in New Jersey. Along the way, the co-hosts offer some musical samples as they explore a long and ongoing journey of welcoming jazz in the sanctuary.Discover the "Swing a New Song to the Lord" jazz hymnal at www.presbybop.com.You can find the film "Jazz Belongs in Church" at https://presbybop.com/jazz-belongs-in-church-dvdMusic: "Joyful, Joyful, We Adore Thee," "Guide Me, O Thou Great Jehovah," and "Down By the Riverside,"  (c) Bill Carter and the Presbybop Quartet. Unreleased material. Theme music: "All Thumbs" from Faith in a New Key, Bill Carter and the Presbybop QuartetMusic used by permission from Presbybop Music (BMI)Announcer: Chris Norton(c) Presbybop MusicSupport the show

We conclude Season 1 of the Spirit of Jazz with a conversation with Donny McCaslin. Twice nominated for a Grammy for "Best Improvised Solo," Donny speaks about three musicians with whom he has performed and recorded: trumpeter Dave Douglas, composer Maria Schneider, and music icon David Bowie. Along the way he talks about the healing power of jazz in his own life. "Improvising has been my lifeline," he says.Find out more about Donny at his website: https://www.donnymccaslin.com/Check out his new album, "I Want More," available here on Edition Records.Music: " Christmas Carol in G Minor," Bill Carter and the Presbybop Quartet with guest soloist Donny McCaslin, recorded at St. Peter's Lutheran Church, NYC"Body Blow," Donny McCaslin, from "I Want More". Available  above and used by permission. Theme music: "All Thumbs" from Faith in a New Key, Bill Carter and the Presbybop Quartet Music used by permission from Presbybop Music (BMI) Announcer: Chris Norton (c) Presbybop MusicSupport the show