The Spirit of Jazz

Jeff and Bill are back to discuss Bill's memory of the "top five" jazz concerts he attended. As they banter back and forth, they share brief snippets of amazing musicians that have shaped Bill's musical imagination. Music: snippets of five great musical ensembles, all recorded live.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

Today, we offer a quick recap of an annual jazz worship service in Clarks Summit, PA. Co-host Bill Carter is the longtime pastor of First Presbyterian Church – and its resident jazz musician. With very little encouragement from Jeff Kellam, Bill shares a recording of his sermon for that service. Brazilian music was featured, so it’s a good opportunity to reflect on the multicultural nature of jazz. It’s also a good opportunity to make more room for others Music: improvisations on a Brazi...

Season Three begins with a burst! After a couple of minutes of catching up, Jeff Kellam shares an interview with Dante Di Stefano. He’s a brilliant poet and educator with a love for John Coltrane’s music. Let’s listen to what he has to say.We are grateful to the Broome County of Churches, who have facilitated Jeff’s interview with their “Encounter” show on WBNG-TV. Theme music: "All Thumbs" from Faith in a New Key, Bill Carter and the Presbybop Quartet Music used by permission from Presb...

Episode 41 – Jazz Comes to Church (June 6, 2024)Our two co-hosts talk about bringing jazz into a worship service. How and where does it fit? Bill Carter has been doing this for decades, so he shares some m...

In this musical episode, Bill Carter and Jeff Kellam discuss the development (or redevelopment) of old material, musical or otherwise. Bill introduces a suite of four tunes originally composed for a 2001 concert at Binghamton (NY) University. He has recently revised and updated them for a jazz sextet, and we hear the second “premiere” of the music. Enjoy – there’s a lot of music.Music in this episode: “Suite SUNY” by Bill Carter and used by permission from Presbybop Music (BMI). Previously un...

Here is our first “Mailbag Episode,” where Bill Carter and Jeff Kellam address a burning question from one from our listeners: Which is better? Live jazz or jazz recorded in the studio? Our two raconteurs discuss this, and demonstrate the difference between the studio recording of Bill’s tune, “Rumpelstiltskin” and a very recent live concert recording. Can you hear the difference? We think you can.Any more questions? Send them to office (at) presbybop (dot) com.Music in this episode: “Rumpels...

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, reco...

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 i...

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 ...

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)...

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...

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 reserve...

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 (...

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 http...

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 2...

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 Chur...

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 WVI...

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)Announc...

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://she...