Review: The latest release by pianist Bradley Sowash is difficult to pigeonhole but very easy to listen to. Sowash is an Ohio based pianist, composer, educator and motivational speaker. His particular brand of jazz draws heavily on classical and sacred music. With several CDs to his credit, this album is the second disk dedicated to hymns, spirituals and anthems.
Jazz fans who purchased Steal Away by Hank Jones & Charlie Haden will love the new Bradley Sowash album. He combines the playfulness of Vince Guaraldi and the joyfulness of Don Shirley in his interpretation of these classic songs. This writer especially enjoyed Samuel Webbe and Thomas Moore’s beautiful Come Ye Disconsolate penned about a century ago. Slight echoes of boogie show up on Down By The Riverside.
Bradley Sowash appears regularly with his Jazz Worship Service at churches throughout Ohio and Indiana. Reverend R. Cameron Miller wrote the delightful “tongue-in-cheek” liner notes that imply that God is an improviser.
When Saints Go Marching is good jazz that goes beyond religious affiliations. The album rocks!
Tracks: Down By The Riverside; Swing Low, Michael Row; When Saints Go Marching; Come Ye Disconsolate; Joshua Fought The Battle Of Jericho; Beach Spring; He Never Said a Mumblin’ Word; Jesu, Jesu; America; My Shepherd Will Supply My Need.
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