Jazzing up gospel music

School of Music kicks off Christian Artist Series with guitarist Kevin Turner

Inspired by gospel music and the work of popular jazz artists, Kevin Turner took the stage at Liberty University’s School of Music Christian Artist Series in Towns Auditorium Jan. 27.

strum — Kevin Turner performed for students and concertgoers Jan. 27. Photo credit: Amber Tiller

Strum — Kevin Turner performed for students and concertgoers Jan. 27. Photo credit: Amber Tiller

Nominated for a Stellar Award, a gospel music award, Turner is also known for his jazz music all over the country and has been
awarded the Ensound Music Award for best jazz performance, according to kevinturnermusic.com. He also won the Urban Gospel Award for jazz
album of the year in 2006.

The event began at 7 p.m. with Turner’s jazz rendition of “Amazing Grace.”

With a sense of humor and a passion for the music he plays, Turner took the opportunity between songs to tell the audience stories of his childhood.

Turner said that old church hymns inspire him and have influenced his own album. By taking well-known hymns and giving them a new style, Turner has been able to create a new genre for Christian music.

“I try to use all the jazz tools to interpret some of these hymns,” Turner said.

The night continued with a set from Turner’s album “Him,” which was released in 2005.

Most songs played by Turner and his band did not contain any lyrics. Turner jokingly said to the audience members that they would not want to hear his singing voice. However, the final song, “Holy is the Lamb,” did contain lyrics.

During the last song, student Jemell Smith was invited to the stage. Smith said that Turner mentioned the idea of having someone sing, so Smith walked toward the stage about halfway through the song.

Once Turner realized he had a volunteer singer, Turner invited Smith on stage and handed him a microphone. Singing the simple lyrics to the song, Smith gave audience members the opportunity to hear the song in its entirety.

The concert is one of many events planned by the School of Music each semester. Event Coordinator Mindy Damon, associate professor of commercial music, said there are many hours of planning that go into the concerts.

According to Damon, nominating a possible performer is one step in deciding whom Liberty will host in the coming months. The faculty members at the School of Music research the best possible talent to showcase to music majors and other students with a passion for music, and Damon said the Christian Artist Series is an ideal way for students to experience different types of music.

“One of the characteristics of the Liberty University School of Music is that we enthusiastically promote stylistic diversity,” Damon said. “The artists and genres in the Christian Artist Series clearly reflect this in that we offer vocal and instrumental concerts. … Last year, we featured dance and contemporary music as well.”

Although the Christian Artist Series schedule is not completed yet, Liberty’s School of Music will have the events publicized soon. For any questions or suggestions, email Mindy Damon at bmparrish@liberty.edu.

YOUNG is a feature reporter.

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