I think standard jazz is a key element into expanding your ears and knowledge of music, phrasing and placement. Placement has been the biggest problem with most gospel musicians of today. Usually gospel musicians play jazz as if it's a free for all. When in fact it's just the opposite. I understand expression. But the way most gospel musicians play jazz....it's a violation. Have you ever noticed when a jazz purist tries to play gospel music they seem too laid back, too calm. Well that's because they don't interpret a pure gospel style in a church setting. It's the opposite for church musicians playing jazz. We tend to over play in all the wrong areas. I think Kim Burrell and Pro. James Hall are two artist who come closest to executing gospel/jazz. But, you must keep in mind the type of musicians playing behind them. Asaph Ward, Dubie Powell, Jonathan Duboise, John Peters, Reggie Young, Joel Smith, Melvin Crispell, Mike Phillips and Jeff Davis to name a few. Consider what they've studied along with who they worship. You are what you eat. But you can never be what you chase.
