Credits:

Mary Lou Williams

Description:

Mary Lou, a pioneer of the jazz mass and a leading figure in the field of Religious Jazz, converted to Catholicism in 1956 and began composing religious music, hymns, and masses (vocal music that accompanies the Catholic mass). But that is where she was always a little ahead of her time. In this album, she uses her prodigious composing skills to create her own Mass songs in cool bop and hip soul-jazz styles. The participating artists include Milton Suggs, a talented bass player active in the spiritual and modal jazz scene of the 1970s, and Julius Watkins, a well-known jazz French horn player who has played with Milt Jackson and Kenny Clarke. The choir is made up of a number of great bi-players. The singers in the choir are also well known for their powerful voices, including Leon Thomas, a well-known spiritual jazz fan, and Carl Hall, a gospel and soul singer. The album starts off with Mary Lou's typical fast and furious piano playing [1]. The album continues with a series of soulful and funky numbers with a black flavor, but what stands out among them is [17], which was written after researching Gregorian chant.It is a song that once again tips one's hat to her extraordinary talent as a composer and her passionate academic temperament. Of course, the soul-jazz numbers [7][11][19][23][24], written by Mary, are not to be missed. For jazz fans, as well as fans of soul, funk, and all other black music, this is a must-listen anyway! (2/2)

Tracklisting:

1. WILLIS
2. O.W.
3. PRAISE THE LORD
4. OLD TIME SPIRITUAL
5. THE LORD SAYS
6. ACT OF CONTRITION
7. KYRIE ELEISON (LORD. HAVE MERCY)
8. GLORIA
9. MEDI I & MEDI II
10. IN HIS DAY / PEACE I LEAVE WITH YOU / ALLELUIA
11. LAZARUS
12. CREDO
13. CREDO (INSTRUMENTAL)
14. HOLY. HOLY. HOLY
15. AMEN
16. OUR FATHER
17. LAMB OF GOD
18. IT IS ALWAYS SPRING
19. PEOPLE IN TROUBLE
20. ONE
21. PRAISE THE LORD (COME HOLY SPIRIT)
22. JESUS IS THE BEST
23. TELL HIM NOT TO TALK TOO LONG
24. I HAVE A DREAM