The Hymns Project

For several years, I have noticed that the hymns have been fading from the use in churches.  They have been replaced with praise choruses & songs by contemporary Christian artists.  While these songs certainly have their place in worshipping God, the hymns still contain some beautiful melodies & lyrics filled with meaning and depth that bring an element to worship that is different than the more contemporary music.Having said that, I understand why hymns are fading from our experience.  Just as we no longer relate well to Gregorian Chant, beautiful as it is, the music itself feels very old to the 21st century audience. The hymns - as they were traditionally done - have ceased to be an expression that comes from today's heart.  The very meaning in the song is sometimes lost to the strict & powerful beat.

I grew up with hymns and they hold a special place in my heart.  I believe they still have much to offer today's believers, so I wanted to reintroduce them to a new audience. I knew we had to make them sound fresh and new, not like they have always been done.  So...what style of music has a broad appeal today?  The one style of music that seems to cut across all age groups is smooth jazz.  I know it seems radical to swing the hymns, but the beauty of jazz is that the music is always dependent on the emotions of the one who is doing it.  Perfect.

This is not the first time the hymns have been given a jazz beat.  There is a tradition in New Orleans that goes back many years.  The Second Line Parades.  The Second Line Parade is a celebration of heaven and the music reflects that.  The tradition of the Second Line is that in a jazz funeral, after the body has been placed in it's final resting place, the participants begin to celebrate the deceased's new life in heaven.  At this point anyone who is witnessing the parade is invited to join in and contribute to the music.  I love this idea.  Everyone can be a part of the celebration just as everyone is welcome to join in the family of God through the perfect payment for their sins at the cross of Jesus.