Mel Holder – Music Book Vol. 1 (Psalmist Music Group 2008)

Music Book Vol. 1
Mel Holder
Psalmist Music Group 2008
www.melholder.com

First, a disclaimer: I am not a fan of gospel (or inspirational) jazz because it sounds like smooth jazz to me, and I am no fan of smooth jazz. In fact, the term “smooth jazz” makes no sense: jazz was never meant to be smooth any more than rock was meant to be light.

Okay, now that the caveat is out of the way, I will say that those who enjoy gospel jazz music by the likes of Allen & Allen and Jeff Majors will enjoy saxophonist Mel Holder’s Music Book Vol. 1. Holder “jazzes the hymns” with discipline and sensitivity, and doesn’t dilute the spirit with self-indulgent solos.

Most of the songs are from Holder’s own pen, with notable exceptions: Kurt Carr’s popular “In the Sanctuary” is given the treatment, as are Martha Munizzi’s “Say the Name” and William Murphy III’s “Praise Is What I Do.” “Make It Happen,” with vocals by John Henry Smith, is a powerful cover of the 1991 Mariah Carey/C&C Music Factory collaboration. The “blood medley” is comprised of congregational standards, but the arrangement is Holder’s.

The saxophonist keeps the mix interesting by interjecting different moods. For example, he goes Caribbean on “Island Style;” gives “Make It Happen” a blasting RnB accompaniment; and blesses us all with Latasha S. Jordan, who sings her heart out on the album’s finest gospel moment, “When Your Spirit Fills the Room.”

Bruce Allen of Allen & Allen makes an appearance in “Say the Name.”

Mel Holder gets special props for being a dexterous saxophonist despite struggling with asthma. His story is fascinating and you can read it at his website, www.melholder.com.

Three of Four Stars