Will Todd

Three jazz hymns

These three jazz arrangements of well-known hymns were composed for Andrew Earis and the choirs of St Martin-in-the-Fields, London, on the occasion of various services and a BBC broadcast from that church. The setting of Come down, O Love divine adds some new harmonic movement to Vaughan Williams's enchanting carol Come down, O Love divine (Down Ampney); the vocal harmony increases gradually from stanza to stanza, with a brief counterpoint section in the last verse. The odd time signature arrangement of God is Love, which can also be sung to the words of Charles Wesley's hymn Love Divine, also reprinted, adds Todd's iconic jazz harmonies and vocal textures in each verse. The setting of Let all mortal flesh keep silence is constructed in such a way that new layers are gradually added over the moody chords in the piano and pedal harmonies. Finally, a grand climax to 'Lord most high' emerges.

The songs can be performed with the included piano accompaniment or embellished using the chord symbols also printed. The piano can also be joined by a double bass, also following the chords provided. Optional accompaniment by a jazz ensemble is available separately. Performers are also free to involve the congregation or audience in imaginative ways.