What does jazz have to do with human spirituality?
In Thriving on a Riff, Presbyterian minister and jazz pianist Bill Carter shows us how jazz, in its quest for transcendence, bridges the gap between the secular and the sacred and, further, that these two worlds are not mutually exclusive--jazz is spiritual.
Carter traces jazz from its origins in the twilight of American slavery, to its evolution from dance music to serious art form during the American civil rights movement, and its eventual introduction into the church as a legitimate expression of praise and lament. Along the way, he explores the spiritual dimensions of jazz, with its blend of passion and intellect, its ability to awaken us to something in and beyond ourselves.
From King David to Dave Brubeck, from the Psalms of Israel to John Coltrane's A Love Supreme, musicians help us glimpse the experience of music as communion with the Divine. And true to jazz sensibilities, brief "Improvisation" sections add to the gravitas and delight, expounding on the chapter's theme in the form of a poetic extension without breaking rhythm. Weaving together stories from the history of American music with his personal experiences as a working musician, Carter invites us to meet a God who not only embraces syncopation but blesses the swing.
Available only in USA. For international orders, consider purchasing from Amazon.
Includes unlimited streaming of
Stand On Your Head
via the free Bandcamp app, plus high-quality download in MP3, FLAC and more.
Jazz Noel –
Jazz Noel - CD/DVD
Bill Carter and the Presbybop Christmas Eve Band
$10 USD
Faith in a New Key – Faith in a New Key
$2 USD
Dancing Day – Dancing Day CD
$2 USD
John According to Jazz – John According to Jazz CD
$10 USD
Psalms Without Words – Psalms Without Words - double CD
$10 USD
Interior Window – Interior Window CD
$10 USD
Jazz Belongs in Church DVD
$14.99 USD
Stand On Your Head – Stand On Your Head
$10 USD
Fragile Incarnation – Fragile Incarnation CD
$10 USD
Listening for Selah
$10 USD
Jazz for the Earth – Compact Disc
$10 USD
The Dancing Calvinist –
The Dancing Calvinist
Bill Carter and the Presbybop Quintet
$10 USD
Book: The Pilgrim Road (autographed copy) + Free MP3 download
$20 USD
Jazz Noel Blu Ray Disc
$10 USD
Presbybop Music Clarks Summit, Pennsylvania
Presbybop Music is a musical venture of Bill Carter, jazz pianist and Presbyterian minister. After years of pretending to split the life of faith from the music of jazz, Bill has been trying to find links between the two halves of his brain. Presbybop Music is his attempt to integrate his strong Presbyterian faith with the rhythms of bebop. ... more
