Gospejazzical
Jazz Urbane, 2022
8/10
A classically trained pianist who has played alongside Patti Labelle, Yolanda Adams, The Clark Sisters and many more, this aptly titled album has John Paul McGee bringing along Joel Powell on bass and Tyson Jackson behind the drum kit, plus many guests.
“Wonderful Is Your Name” starts the listen with McGree’s flowing keys amid the playful bass and swift drums in the warm jazz climate, and “I Am Amazed” follows with a calmer approach of stirring piano in the solo climate that’s quite intimate.
Some of the best tracks reside in the middle, where “Manifest” has the trio working together in a reflective and stylish manner, while “A City Called Heaven” features Amber Bullock’s stunning pipes complementing McGee’s agile finger acrobatics.
The setting turns fast and frisky with the meticulous energy of “Book Of Life”, where Zebulon Ellis lends his expressive and soaring vocals to the album highlight, and “The Lord Will Make A Way A Somehow” exits with Michael Walton’s well timed sax adding much to the bouncy bass lines and firm piano prowess of the rock focused finish.
A truly exceptional mashing of gospel, jazz and classical, McGee and company bring us both live and studio recordings here, and it comes with much sincerity, artistry and skill that makes an indelible impression.
Travels well with: In Real Time- Blue Shift; Amos Gillespie- Unstructured Time