The Jazz Hymnal (Third Edition)

The newly-revised, third edition of The Jazz Hymnal includes 44 different songs, as well as nine corresponding two-horn arrangements (nearly all of them for trumpet & tenor saxophone). It features arrangements of hymns and other traditional music, as well as many original compositions, all from the prolific pen of Chuck Marohnic. He describes this collection as specifically designed “...for the modern church musician and the modern worship service. The music is offered as an alternative to other worship services, both contemporary and traditional.”

An audio player providing excerpts of a dozen pieces found in The Jazz Hymnal is available HERE. According to Chuck, each of these songs “represents a different style and treatment...[providing] you some idea of the scope of possibility in planning music for worship.” (Complete versions of these songs can be found on his albums Listen and The Call.)

About the music: The Jazz Hymnal is a wonderful addition to any library of church music. It offers the church musician a unique selection of songs, in harmonically-enhanced jazz/pop arrangements that respectfully and worshipfully challenge both the players and the listeners beyond the usual diatonic realm.

There are even directions about where to create space for improvised solos, as well as some innovative ideas about congregational involvement. These pieces will work well for both congregations and performers. They have been tested with numerous congregations, vocalists, and instrumentalists, and have drawn enthusiastic praise in various settings.

In addition to the fresh, vibrant takes on timeless hymns, many of the original compositions also have lyrics. And these lyrics are easily learned by most congregations. In fact, congregations will love singing these songs. They are fun, hip, and always theologically sound, and they are spiritually relevant to modern church themes. You will find beautiful new ballads and great new grooves such as hip-hop, reggae, samba, and more. And your musicians will dig playing them.

THE PRODUCT IS AVAILABLE FOR DOWNLOAD AFTER PURCHASE.