Gospel Jazz Music is a burgeoning genre comprised of the improvisational and African-American influences of sacred, gospel and secular jazz music. Melvin Smith is a master of both. An accomplished saxman, his talent has placed him on stage with artists such as Kirk Whalum, Jonathan Butler, Oleta Adams, Norman Connors, Fred Hammond, BeBe Winans, Israel Houghton and Byron Cage. A skilled musician, who has performed at the famed Montreux Jazz Festival – at the age of thirteen, Melvin graduated from Berklee College of Music and New York City – Queens College. Now, he’s putting his education and experience to work on his debut Gospel Jazz project, Blessed. Now available on digital outlets worldwide, Blessed is a collage of Gospel music favorites.
A five-song EP, Blessed, features Fred Hammond’s hit, “We’re Blessed.” A longtime fan of the urban praise and worship icon, Smith’s remake is a unique take on the church classic. Drawing on the musical influences of Washington, D.C., he infused Go-Go into the song, giving the listener an African-inspired worship experience. “We’re Blessed” holds a special place in the musician’s heart. “This song has resonated with my soul since the first time I heard it in 1998,” said Melvin. “‘We’re Blessed’ is a song that I live by, and it’s a song that still inspires me today.”
Smith also features other well-known gospel tracks on the record, including Lamar Campbell’s “More Than Anything,” Mary Mary’s “Walking” and Vashawn Mitchell. Moving from one familiar cut to the next, Smith’s saxophone tells a story with each song on the new EP. His tone, interpretation and execution make listening to Blessed a memorable musical experience. In fact, Edward Blanco of EJazz News calls Smith “one of the best reed men in jazz today.” Bill Milkowski of Jazz Times calls Melvin “a skilled saxophonist with a knack for writing catchy tunes.” John Barron of AllAboutJazz.com says, “Melvin Smith is equally adept at both genres [Gospel and Jazz]. Smith succeeds in blurring the lines between the spiritual tradition and the inventiveness of jazz; demonstrating the obvious connections missing from the sounds of so many contemporary improvisers.
It’s no surprise that Melvin is known as a saxophone virtuoso. He began playing as a youngster. An expert on wind instruments, the Jacksonville, Florida native took up the instrument after learning the clarinet and flute. He was encouraged to play by his parents, who were also gospel music enthusiasts. Growing up in church, he put his musical gifts to use, singing, playing instruments, and performing in church plays. He later completed his education at Berklee and CUNY and spent 20 years in New York City, honing his craft, performing regularly, and recording several jazz projects. A former member of the music staff at New York’s renowned Christian Cultural Center, Melvin Smith currently teaches music to middle and high school students in Jacksonville.
The post office Melvin Smith Releases His First Gospel Jazz Album “Blessed” first appeared on TCA.
Author: Jessie Clarks
