May 2: ‘Jazz Mass’ festival finale
Parker, former organist with First Cumberland Presbyterian Church, is best know to theater fans as the musical director for some of MLT’s most successful and critically acclaimed musicals. “Mame,” “A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum,” “Guys and Dolls” and “Cotton Patch Gospel” are just a few of the many productions for which Parker served as musical director.
In 2000, he was recognized by the Rutherford County Chamber of Commerce for his volunteer service to the citizens of Rutherford County, as well as being awarded special accolades by MLT in 2002 for his vast body of work.
Due to Parker’s love of theater and his devotion to his church ministry, it was inevitable that the two would merge into what is now his original composition, “Jazz Mass.”
“Over the years, I have come to realize that theater tunes and spirituals have one thing in common — they both seek to raise the hearts and spirits of its listeners,” says Parker.
Having moved to New York in 2002 to pursue composing and performance opportunities, Parker wrote the “Jazz Mass” out of necessity.
“I wanted to give my current choir something different to perform, and remembered from my youth a jazz mass that I had heard and enjoyed,” he recalls. “The choir was ecstatic at the concept. Unfortunately, it was permanently out of print.”
Rather than disappoint the choir, Parker sat down and started composing, and two weeks later, the choir started rehearsal on the new work.
The combined choirs will be accompanied by a jazz trio of bass and percussion, with Parker on the piano. In addition to the mass, the ensemble will perform “jazzed up” traditional gospel standards. The performance will be offered twice on May 2, at 2 and 4 p.m., at the First Cumberland Presbyterian Church, 907 E. Main St., Murfreesboro.
For more information, call the MLT box office at 893-9825.