Mr. Whitaker...plays with depth and resonance and constant swing.
Legendary bassist Rodney Whitaker has been a celebrated force in Michigan's jazz eco-system since returning to develop the world-class program at Michigan State University. Active with numerous jazz legacy institutions, Whitaker has spent five-years as Artist in Residence with the historic Christ Church Cranbrook near Detroit, where its wide-ranging arts and community offerings has afforded Whitaker and choir director Christopher Wells to collaborate, providing rich opportunities to bring together the worlds of jazz and traditional choir music. This recording documents their long-running Sacred Jazz Concerts and features preeminent jazz vocalist Vanessa Rubin, with Whitaker's sextet and the Church's choir, performing arrangements of hymns, Christmas favorites, and jazz standards of the season, including Mel Torme's "The Christmas Song" and Vince Guaraldi's "Christmas Time is Here."
STREAM TRACKS FROM THE CD
96K mp3 clips (not for broadcast)
Performers:
Timothy Blackmon - Trumpet
Len'I McKinney - Baritone & Alto Saxophone
Chris Glassman - Bass Trombone
Rick Roe - Piano
Rodney Whitaker - Bass
Michael Reed - Drums
Vanessa Rubin - Vocal (2,6,9,10,14)
Rockelle Whitaker - Vocal (4,12)
Christopher McDole - Vocal (5,11)
Tom Shilakes - Vocal (3)
Marc Meyers - Vocal (8)
Kate Lucander - Vocal (13)
Christ Church Cranbrook Choir
Christopher Wells, Director
Sopranos:
Kate Lucander
Diana Turner
Katie Sucha
Altos:
Stephanie Weil
Amy Miner
Heather Yanke-Lunneberg
Tenors:
Darin DeWeese
Matthew Cook
Basses:
Marc Meyers
Tom Shilakes
Production Info:
Executive Producer: The Rev. Dr. William J. Danaher, Jr.
Produced by Rodney Whitaker & Christopher Wells
Recorded & mixed by Corey DeRushia at
Troubadour Recording Studio, Lansing, MI
October 16-17, 2020
Mastered by Jim Alfredson, Lansing, MI
Cover design & layout by John Bishop
