A San Diego priest is putting a jazz spin on modern worship —blending traditional prayer with improvisationinside a 132-year-old Carlsbad chapel.
Father Doran Stambaugh calls the service “Jazz Evensong” — part prayer, part performance, and “all intention.”
Inside St. Michael’s by-the-Sea Episcopal Church, scripture and reflection are paired with live jazz as musicians improvise and respond to one another throughout the service.
“I feel like jazz as an art form itself is spiritual,” Father Stambaugh toldFOX 5. “And to bring it inside the context of the liturgy in a way, it just sort of embraces and captures what is already inherent in the music.”
For bassist Gunnar Biggs — who has performed for decades with jazz icons including saxophonist Charles McPherson and pianist Mose Allison — performing in the sacred setting of his hometown carries special meaning.
“It’s a peaceful feeling,” Biggs said. “Whatever we do here is for a good reason. It’s with purpose. It’s honest. So, it just makes me feel good.”
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Parishioners said the music leaves a lasting impact beyond what they hear during the service.
“It just touches my soul,” longtime parishioner Sandy Anderson said. “Their heart is in their music, and it comes through to everybody. Toes are tapping. They’re nodding their heads and I think that part is special. The comments that people say when they come out are just saying this was beyond what they ever expected.”
Father Stambaugh said his love of music dates back to his younger years in Illinois, where he played guitar in several bands before songwriting and deeper questions about life eventually led him to seminary in Wisconsin.
Source: California Post – Breaking California News, Photos & Videos
