Search - Vince Guaraldi :: Grace Cathedral Concert

A liturgical treasure

Andrew Mendez | White Bear Lake, MN USA | 12/26/2000

(5 out of 5 stars)

"This project first began when the Rt. Rev. James A. Pike - the bishop of the Episcopal Diocese of California - and the Rev. C. Julian Bartlett - the Dean of Grace Cathedral in San Francisco - became interested in an idea held by the Rev. Charles Gompertz of Novato, CA, to create a "modern setting for the choral Eucharist." The jazz pianist and composer Vince Guaraldi was invited to be a part of the project, and the resulting effort is chronicled on this album. The introduction by Bishop Pike carefully frames the purpose of the May 21, 1965 event: to celebrate the Eucharist. Unlike other attempts at contemporizing liturgical settings, the Grace Cathedral concert, although not meant to be a performance, retains the solemn dignity of the service while subtly using the modern metaphor of jazz as a means of musical expression. This can be noted especially in the Latin-jazz variations of 'Kyrie Eleison' and 'Agnus Dei(O Lamb of God)'. 'Theme to Grace' provides a light diversion from the chanting, allowing Guaraldi, as well as bassist Tom Beeson and drummer Lee Charlton, to offer their musical talents. While 'Holy Communion Blues' literally serves as the distribution music, it gently but deliberately calls to mind the mixed mood of the Last Supper: stoic, yet humble. Whether you are an admirer of fine church music, or are a Guaraldi fan, you will be awestruck by what you hear. Vince Guaraldi truly left behind a liturgical treasure in this album."

A Strange and Beautiful Recording

Steven R. Seim | Beaver Dam, WI United States | 07/19/2002

(5 out of 5 stars)

""The Grace Cathedral Concert" is not actually a concert in the usual sense (i.e. live versions of familiar classics). It is, instead, Vince Guaraldi's performance of an original, specially commissioned episcopal jazz mass - i.e. a jazz version of the Christian liturgy.Unlike similar efforts by artists such as Dave Brubeck and Duke Ellington, Guaraldi does not water down his jazz to accomodate the sacred subject matter. To the contrary, this is Guaraldi at his "Black Orpheus" and "Linus & Lucy" best, swinging along with the choir's chant. At times, the contrast can be unsettling. However, the work also has a strange charm. Unlike other efforts at "popular" church music, Guaraldi has created something original, beautiful, and musically worthy in its own right.If you have not heard this recording, do yourself a favor and get a copy of this unusual masterpiece."

Setting the record straight

K. Mineah | Seattle, WA USA | 11/29/2005

(5 out of 5 stars)

"It's wonderful to read these reviews and know that after 40 years, people are still enjoying this once-revolutionary jazz mass. However, I would like to set the record straight on one point....it was not the Grace Cathedral Choir performing this piece - it was the St. Paul's Episcopal Choir from San Rafael, CA, directed by my father, Barry Mineah and it was not only his childrens' choir, but also the adult choir who performed. In fact, I, along with my mother and one of my brothers, was a member of that choir."