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| The Sacred Music of Mary Lou Williams Mary Lou Williams (1910-1981) lived and played through all the eras of jazz from the spirituals through to the avant-garde. Initially sounding like James P. Johnson, she played a duo concert with Cecil Taylor in her late sixties. Ms. Williams had a deep conversion experience in mid-life and was baptized into the Roman Catholic faith in 1957. This was not only personally redemptive for her, but it lead to the composition of sacred works intended for liturgical use. These works included three complete Masses. On Easter Sunday, April 8, 2007, music drawn from all three of Ms. Williams' Masses will be played and sung during the celebration of Mass at the Church of St. Joseph of The Holy Family on 125th St. in Harlem. Aaron J. Diehl, who is the usual pianist at the church, is also a senior at Juilliard and will be at the piano. He will be assisted by members of his regular working trio with David Wong on bass and Carmen Intorre on drums. Etienne Charles, another brilliant young Juilliard student, will be heard on trumpet. The music will be sung by the Choir of the Church of St. Joseph lead by Jeffrey Easter who will also sing some of the solo parts. J'Nai Bridges and Timothy Springs, voice students at The Manhattan School of Music, will sing the other solo sections as well as in the ensemble. write your comments about the article :: © 2007 Jazz News :: home page |