Apparently in biblical times David and his harp did it for King Saul. That is, David's music lifted the King's black moods. Time has marched on and King Saul no longer needs his moods lifted and David and his harp is no longer on the music scene. However, from time to time black moods still do occur and the need for a time to reflect and contemplate our existence still exists.

In lieu of David and his harp, the local Jazz Group Quintessential Jazz (Sven Heyde - drums; Laurel Ralston - trumpet; Joel Kroeker - bass; Tim Plait - piano) participated in a Sunday evening of prayer, contemplation and Jazz at the Cranbrook Anglican Church.

Some weeks back Quintessential Jazz successfully participated in a Jazz Vespers in The All Saints Anglican Church in Kimberley. The evening was so successful that a reprise of the event in Cranbrook was warranted. The service opened with a new arrangement of "Amazing Grace" that included participation by the congregation. This was followed by "When I Survey", "For Carrie" (an original tune by Sven Heyde), a reading from Samuel 16:14-23 (King Saul, David and his harp), "He Lives", "Lord Hear My Prayer", "Come Fill Our Hearts", "Old Man River", "Shenandoah", a closing blessing and the rousing send off with "Oh When the Saints".

The Jazz Vespers evening was decidedly mellow (except for the rousing rendition of "Oh When the Saints") with some wonderful solos and musical interactions from this fine group of local musicians. I wonder if Jazz Vespers might become a local tradition. That would be nice.