Gregg Smith's "Music for an Urban Church" is a captivating exploration of sacred music, seamlessly blending traditional liturgical elements with contemporary choral arrangements. Released on January 1, 2014, under Albany Records, this album spans 14 tracks and a duration of 1 hour and 12 minutes, offering a rich tapestry of compositions that resonate with both spiritual depth and artistic innovation.
The album features a diverse range of pieces, including the "Jazz Mass for Saint Peter's," which infuses traditional mass settings with jazz influences, and the "Missa Brevis (Mass for Saint Peter's)," a more concise yet equally profound interpretation of the mass. Additionally, the album includes works like "Dedication Theme & Variations on 'Our Father by whose servants our house was built of old'" and "Seven Stanzas at Easter," showcasing Gregg Smith's versatility and creativity.
Performed by the Gregg Smith Singers, the Long Island Symphonic Choral Association, and the Saint Peter's Choir, the album benefits from the collaborative efforts of Thomas Schmidt, Gregg Smith, and Eric Stewart. The blend of these talented ensembles and the thoughtful arrangements create a harmonious and uplifting listening experience.
"Music for an Urban Church" is not just a collection of songs but a testament to Gregg Smith's ability to bridge the gap between classical choral traditions and modern musical expressions. Whether you're a fan of sacred music, choral works, or simply appreciate well-crafted compositions, this album offers a unique and enriching experience.
(C) 2014 Albany Records(P) 2014 Albany Records
Tracks
Jazz Mass for Saint Peter's: I. KyrieGregg Smith, Rosalind Rees, Fay Kittelson, Bruce Gifford, Walter Richardson, James Sullivan, Wayne Wright, John Carbone, Michael Levanson
Jazz Mass for Saint Peter's: II. CredoGregg Smith, Rosalind Rees, Fay Kittelson, Bruce Gifford, Walter Richardson, James Sullivan, Wayne Wright, John Carbone, Michael Levanson
Jazz Mass for Saint Peter's: III. CredoGregg Smith, Rosalind Rees, Fay Kittelson, Bruce Gifford, Walter Richardson, James Sullivan, Wayne Wright, John Carbone, Michael Levanson
Jazz Mass for Saint Peter's: IV. SanctusGregg Smith, Rosalind Rees, Fay Kittelson, Bruce Gifford, Walter Richardson, James Sullivan, Wayne Wright, John Carbone, Michael Levanson
Jazz Mass for Saint Peter's: V. BenedictusGregg Smith, Rosalind Rees, Fay Kittelson, Bruce Gifford, Walter Richardson, James Sullivan, Wayne Wright, John Carbone, Michael Levanson
Jazz Mass for Saint Peter's: VI. Agnus DeiGregg Smith, Rosalind Rees, Fay Kittelson, Bruce Gifford, Walter Richardson, James Sullivan, Wayne Wright, John Carbone, Michael Levanson
Dedication Theme & Variations on "Our Father by whose servants our house was built of old"Gregg Smith, Rosalind Rees, Gordon Jones, James Sullivan, Richard Weber, Eugene Orcutt, Larry Benz
Drake - "Lord you give the great commission"Gregg Smith, Thomas Schmidt
Seven Stanzas at EasterGregg Smith, Thomas Schmidt
Songs from a Liberal HeartGregg Smith, Suzanne Ornstein, Denise Cridge, Matt Goeke, Susan Deaver, Madeline Sturm, Daniel Hane, Thomas Schmidt
Missa Brevis (Mass for Saint Peter's): I. Lord Have MercyGregg Smith, Rosalind Rees, Elsa Larsson, Thomas Schmidt, Eric Stewart
Missa Brevis (Mass for Saint Peter's): II. Glory to GodGregg Smith, Rosalind Rees, Elsa Larsson, Thomas Schmidt, Eric Stewart
Missa Brevis (Mass for Saint Peter's): III. Holy, Holy (Hosanna)Gregg Smith, Rosalind Rees, Elsa Larsson, Thomas Schmidt, Eric Stewart
Missa Brevis (Mass for Saint Peter's): IV. Interlude, Lamb of GodGregg Smith, Rosalind Rees, Elsa Larsson, Thomas Schmidt, Eric Stewart