Shaneeka Simon, St Martin's Voices & Will Todd - Will Todd: Passion Music, Jazz Missa Brevis (2019) [Hi-Res]

Passion Music was commissioned for the choirs of St Martin-in-the-Fields and continues the fusion of jazz and choral music so successfully blended in Mass in Blue. The structure highlights different points in the Passion story, beginning with a new setting of ‘Greater love has no man’ and including an evocative Stabat Mater, a movement focusing on the seven last words of Christ, and a setting of ‘Were you there when they crucified my Lord?’.

The Jazz Missa Brevis gives new life to the sung Latin Mass texts in an accessible, short setting which embraces a variety of jazz styles, from the swinging jazz waltz Kyrie to the up-beat Latin-groove Gloria. The smooth jazz ballad Sanctus, 7/8 Benedictus and soulful Agnus Dei complete this inspiring Mass setting.

Will Todd Ensemble
St Martin's Voices
Will Todd, piano
Shaneeka Simon, vocals Helen Lacey, soprano
John Turville, piano Ben Tomlin, bass