Thousands of people turned out at the Syracuse 33rd Annual Jazz-Fest on Saturday, July 18, 2015 at Onondaga Community College (OCC). This was a festive occasion for all ages, cultures, and diverse communities.
The Queen of Soul, the incredible Aretha Franklin sang and ministered what she does best, the Soul of Music. There was something of which everyone could relate. If you thought that you were just coming for jazz only—big surprise! At one point in the concert, she took us back to her roots where she started, and that was “Church”.
Yes, when she stopped for moments to give her testimony of her illness, around five (5) years ago, stating the doctors’ diagnosis, and how she turned and prayed to her higher power (God), then returning for follow-up report and the doctors proclaimed that they did not see what they saw at first the atmosphere of “Church” filled the air.
There was a shifting in the atmosphere. The band, orchestra and music performance was astounding, as Aretha, known by some of us in the gospel field as, “Re-Re”, sang from the depths of her heart, Dressed in gold from top to bottom, there were moments when she sat at the baby-grand and accompanied herself on the piano.
People were relating by dancing, shouting, and simply going to church right there. Even more jubilation broke out when she sang those gospel songs.
Aretha, by the way was blessed to grow up in her father’s church, the late, dynamic preacher/pastor, Rev. C. L. Franklin in Detroit, Michigan. She was also nourished her soul and music career under many tutelage greats, such as the Rev. James Cleveland, King of Gospel and The Gospel Music Workshop of America, in Detroit, Michigan.
“We all went “churchin’ last night”, as a, gospel historian, and musicologist. I knew that this was going to happen. Aretha never forget her roots.
In my latest book titled, “Gospel Music: An African American Art Form”, WWW.Friesenpress.com, by Joan Hillsman, in the chapter on, “The Gripping Effect of Gospel music”, I relate to how those artists who were rooted in gospel, some calling them cross-over artist, (although some of them sing it all and may not classify themselves in one particular genre of music), cannot camouflage their gospel heritage.
Some of these artists are Lou Rawls, Sam Cooke, The Mighty Clouds of Joy, Ray Charles, Staple Singers, Donny Hathaway (my friend and former church organist), Dionne Warwicke, Al Green, and the list goes on. One writer said that it is something about that gospel music, when it hits your mind, body and soul—it sticks, and if you are performing it comes out. That Gripping effect takes hold of your soul, and I mean the “true” gospel singer, like Aretha and others.
Thanks to all of the sponsors, Frank Malfitano, Executive Director of Jazz Fest and the entire staff of M&T Jazz-fest for the oppo
rtunity to share in this event and events to come. We cannot forget the great jazz artist and music educator who was a part of this 2015 Jazz Fest, Wynton Marsalis, jazz trumpet player and renowned music educator. The show at Jazz Fest provided the opportunity of newer artist to gain exposure.
Let us embrace the rich heritage of music and share it to all cultures and generations. One lesson in song that should be emphasized is R-E-S-P-E-C-T!
For More Information Contact: jhillsman@twcny.rr.com
