Jazz Psalms

Check out this video about the Jazz Psalms Project for more information.

Psalm 1 - The Counsel of the Lord

This is a beautiful setting, great for meditation. It works best with solo voice and accompaniment. The style is a modern ballad with jazz harmony. Easily performed with intermediate musicians and vocalist.

Psalm 2 - Trust In The Lord

Spirited song with great energy in the praise genre for your band and choir.

Psalm 4 - How Long?

This is a nice funky little tune that would work well as a Lenten Psalm. The psalmist begs the question "How long will it be Lord, before we see you?" Easy to learn, easy to sing and fun to play.

Psalm 5 - Here In This Morning

This is a great song for opening worship. It's in 5/4 time but relatively easy to sing and play and the congregation should be able to sing it. Have fun with this. Scored for women/men in two part harmony plus trio accompaniment.

Psalm 6 - The Plea

The Plea' is a beautiful through-composed choral and orchestra piece.  I strongly recommend using the recording numerous times for the musicians to listen to.  Much of the conceptual musical information will be understood when listening to the recording.  This is well worth the extra rehearsal time.

Psalm 7 - Come Rescue Me

Come Rescue Me is a simple jazz/rock tune with a powerful message.  This arrangement is offered in lead sheet form with a Bb transposition for either tenor sax or trumpet.  It's a great tune for musicians to stretch out and your congregation will enjoy it.

Psalm 8 - By Then I'll Know

This is a nice, lovely bossa nova that's easy to sing and even has a response for the congregation to sing.  It's arranged for SAT and rhythm section.

Psalm 10 - Why?

Why?' is a light rock pensive musical statement that asks the question, "why do we just stand by?" when others are in trouble.  It is arranged for chior and a small band.  Easy to play and sing with an important message.

Psalm 11 - Here In This Place

This is a simple blues in the key of Bb in a 12/8 rhythmic time feel.  This package contains lead sheet and background voices.  Since this is a basic blues, you will need an intermediate to advanced level jazz rhythm section to make this work well.  This is a really fun tune and one everyone will enjoy, musicians and congregation.

Psalm 12 - Like Silver Refined

This is a simple country tune, easy to sing and remember.  The message is simple and direct about the clarity and purity of God's Holy Word.

Psalm 13 - Blue Psalm

'Blue Psalm' is a mournful lament with a haunting melody.  This is written for solo voice and accompaniment.  There are two versions; one is a lead sheet that can be used for piano trio accompaniment and the other version is suited for voice and piano.  Be sure to be expressive on this one.

Psalm 14 - What's Left, When You're Always Right?

This is a beautiful setting, great for meditation. It works best with solo voice and accompaniment. The style is a modern ballad with jazz harmony. Easily performed with intermediate musicians and vocalist.

Psalm 15 - The Righteous One

This is a lovely ballad arranged for rhythm section, solo voice and accordian (synth? opt.)  You'll find a piano and accordian part and lead sheet that the bass player and drummer can use.

Psalm 16 - You Alone

This is presented as a beautiful bossa nova with a very tender and emotional reading. The solo vocalist will enjoy the intimate setting (intermediate skill level).

Psalm 17 - The Awakening

The Awakening' is a lovely waltz scored for solo voice and piano.  The melody is challenging but rewarding with a little rehearsal time.  The combination of the wonderful psalm text and haunting melody creates a perfect setting for meditation in worship.