Todd Ledbetter | Meditations: Hymns In The Key Of Jazz (Coming Nov. 6th, 2010)
Noted Gospel Jazz Saxophonist Todd Ledbetter Drops Meditations: Hymns In The Key Of Jazz CD
“The Jazz Psalmist” To Release Project At Union Wesley AME Zion Church In Washington, D.C. On Saturday, November 6, 2010 At 4:00PM
Washington, D.C. – October 29, 2010 – Todd Ledbetter has a passion for worship and expresses that passion through the medium of Gospel Jazz. A well-known saxophonist in the burgeoning genre of Gospel Jazz, Ledbetter is known for his spirited and memorable performances. A true master of the instrument, he’s worked with the crème of the crop including Grover Washington, Jr., James Moody, John Faddis, Eddie Harris, Ronnie Wells and Marcus Johnson. He’s no stranger to gospel notables either having played with Bishop Walter Hawkins, Richard Smallwood, Byron Cage and Bryan Wilson. Now “The Jazz Psalmist”, as he is known, is releasing his re-packaged CD, Meditations: Hymns In The Key of Jazz on Saturday, November 6, 2010 at 4:00PM at the Union Wesley African Methodist Episcopal Zion Church, located at 1860 Michigan Ave., NE, Washington, D.C. 20018 (202-526-1242).
Sponsored by the Virginia and Combined States Ministry of Union Wesley AME Zion Church, the free CD release event will also recognize the accomplishments of the United States Armed Forces. Hosted by Herb Spencer of Baltimore’s Heaven 600’s “Instruments of Praise” radio segment, the concert will feature Ledbetter and his band performing tracks from the project. A collection of spiritually-inspired cuts, many will find the instrumentation of Meditations: Hymns In The Key of Jazz simple but poignant. The CD’s production seamlessly takes the listener from Saturday night jazz set to Sunday morning worship. While following in the musical footsteps of Gospel Jazz pioneers like Kirk Whalum and Allen and Allen, Meditations also establishes Ledbetter as a distinctive voice in the constellation of instrumental worship artists. Stunning renditions and sweet arrangements of songs like “Give Me A Clean Heart”, “It Is Well” and “Holy Holy Holy” set the listener at ease and showcase the saxophonist at his finest.
With over 20 years of performing experience, Ledbetter’s start began as a youngster raised by a gospel-loving mother and a jazz-loving father. He studied his craft at the University of Pittsburgh where he was tutored by Dr. Nathan Davis. He’s the recipient of the university’s prestigious Mellon Jazz Scholarship. Todd believes that God has given him a unique vision of music ministry combining the spiritual power and authority of gospel with the rich aesthetics of jazz.
For more information about Todd Ledbetter, log on to www.ToddLedbetter.com.