MP3 Todd Ledbetter - Meditations: Hymns in the Key of Jazz

A musical tonic for the soul. An easy but introspective acoustic jazz treatment of favorite hymns and spirituals, plus an original title track with a laid-back groove.

12 MP3 Songs
SPIRITUAL: Instrumental Gospel, JAZZ: Contemporary Jazz

Show all album songs: Meditations: Hymns in the Key of Jazz Songs


Details:
The debut recording from Todd Ledbetter, "The Jazz Psalmist". Favorite hymns and spirituals done in an acoustic style that is at once relaxed and reflective. Features an original title cut with an introspective groove.

For over 20 years saxophonist Todd Ledbetter has been performing and ministering with his unique style of gospel jazz. Todd started playing saxophone in school at age 10, encouraged by a gospel loving mother and a jazz loving father. At age 11 he started his formal study of jazz at the Homewood-Brushton Jazz Workshop, Inc. in his hometown of Pittsburgh, Pa. Here Todd came under the tutelage of some of Pittsburghâs veteran jazz musicians. On one occasion Todd sat in on a jam session with legendary saxophonist Sonny Stitt.

At age 14 Todd began his music ministry, playing with the youth choir at his home church. It was here that he learned the standard hymns of the church. It was here, too, that he began trying to incorporate elements of the jazz he was studying into the church repertoire. And despite his motherâs admonitions about playing to âjazzyâ in church, it was clear that Todd was headed in a clear direction.

After graduating high school, Todd enrolled at the University of Pittsburgh, where he began studying with renowned saxophonist and educator Dr. Nathan Davis. Through this relationship Todd met artists like Grover Washington, Jr, James Moody, John Faddis and Eddie Harris. During his studies at Pitt, Todd also came under the tutelage of Dr. Vernell Lillie, founder and Artistic Director of the Kuntu Repertory Theater. It was during his collegiate career that God gave Todd a vision of a music ministry combining the spiritual power and authority of gospel with the rich aesthetics of jazz. While at Pitt, Todd was also a recipient of the Mellon Jazz Scholarship.

After graduating with a degree in Communications, Todd played with various Pittsburgh artists, including former Dizzy Gillespie durmmer Joe Harris, former Horace Silver drummer Roger Humphries, as well as groups under his own name. Todd then moved to the Washington DC area, performing with local artists like Ronnie Wells, and Marcus Johnson. Toddâs music ministry continued at the Union Temple Baptist Church.

Todd currently serves as a Psalmist with the Metropolitan Baptist Church of Washington DC. He sees gospel jazz as music that will reach outside the church walls. He calls the music on his debut CD âA musical tonic for the soulâ. âIn these complex, challenging times, people need music that will deepen their faith experience."