Jazz Vespers with Original Blend

The monthly Jazz Vespers brightened up the first rainy Sunday of the fall season  September 17 in St. Stephen’s Anglican Church, West Vancouver. St. Stephen’s rector, the Reverend Jonathan LLoyd opened the service with a prayer by Christina Rossetti.  As the theme of the service was “hope”, the poem was very appropriate:                          

 The jazz band, Original Blend is composed of eight talented amateur musicians. Seven of those are backed by the rhythmic drumming of the Venerable Doctor Stephen Muir, Archdeacon of Capilano and Rector of St. Agnes, Grand Boulevard.  Work Song, Do Nothing ‘Til You Hear From Me, and Afternoon in Paris began the set.

Rev. LLoyd read a passage from St. Paul, Romans 5:5 containing the words “hope does not disappoint us, because God’s love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit that has been given to us.”

Dizzy Gillespie’s dazzling 1941composition, A Night in Tunisia preceded Rev. LLoyed’s brief homily that asked the question, “Why do we have hope?” In his address he shared several examples from his experiences while serving in Africa.

St. Stephen’s cantor/chorister, Douglas Lau who is also a pianist, performed Autumn Leaves backed by the trio of: Roy Gould, guitar; Stephen Muir, drums;  Amy Lewis, bass.  The other members of Original Blend are: Laura Iwan, trumpet, Mike Winterbottom, alto sax; Steve Ivacko, tenor and baritone sax; Fiona Narod  piano and flute. Following closing prayers and a blessing, the band performed So Nice and Groovin’ Easy.

Rev. LLoyd reminded the congregation of the regular open free rehearsal of St. Stephen’s Community Choir, welcoming all ages and abilities on Thursday afternoons at 4:30 led by Douglas Lau and accompanied by St. Stephen’s Minister of Music,  Dr. Annabelle Paetsch.