Jazz Vespers Service
Wednesday, October 28, Sanctuary, 7-8pm Free
Join us at our first Jazz Vespers service of the church year! We will welcome Alfred Nicol as he reads a new poem in its public debut, and Mark Earley (Room full of Blues) on saxophone, Chris Plante on piano, and Josh Schultz on bass.
Alfred Nicol: An award-winning poet, his poems have appeared in Poetry, The New England Review, Dark Horse, Commonweal, The Formalist, The Hopkins Review, America, and other literary journals, as well as in Contemporary Poetry of New England and other anthologies.
Mark Earley: A two-time Grammy nominated and W.C. Handy Award-winning saxophonist, Mark Earley knows how to channel the spiritual magic of music to make the flow of a party groove in just the right way. In venues from NYC’s Lincoln Center to The San Francisco Blues Festival, The Moscow International Performing Arts Centre to the Le Meridien Etoile’s Jazz Club in Paris, he has collaborated with scores of world-class musicians. Jay McShann, Albert Collins, Louis Bellson, Joe Williams, James Cotton, Billy Boy Arnold, Otis Clay, Gerald Levert, Joey McIntyre, Bobby Brown, Taj Mahal, The Fabulous Thunderbirds, Victor Wainwright, and Roomful of Blues are but a handful of world-renowned artists who have recognized his extraordinary talent. Equally at home as a featured performer or setting the mood for an intimate gathering of friends, Mark will share the notes from his lifelong musical journey.
Chris Plante: Chris Plante, AKA Modslee, is a composer and producer based in Newburyport, MA. Chris was studying classical piano and became a member of National Piano Guild from ages 5-15 before being taken under the wing of legendary jazz musician and theorist Les Harris, Sr. at the age of 13. As lead singer and songwriter, Chris helped form nationally touring indie rock band The Brew and performed alongside The Black Keys, Michael McDonald, Bruce Hornsby, The Allman Brothers, and many more. In 2015 Chris formed his company CP Pro Audio Inc. to pursue film scoring, which was his major during his time at Berklee College of Music. Chris’s produced material has accrued over 50 million streams on Spotify and landed on dozens of editorial Spotify playlists. Chris’s work with local lyricist/artist Betsy Woodman has seen over six albums released. The duo has written for NBC Sports coverage of the 2020 Olympics and Paralympics.
Josh Schultz: Joshua Schulz is a bassist and educator living in Groveland, MA. After starting his musical journey on the cello, Joshua found his passion for the upright bass at age 13, starting his professional career on the instrument by 15. After a recommendation by Chris Plante, Joshua studied with Les Harris, Sr. and expanded his musical horizon. Under the mentorship of bassist Keala Kaumeheiwa, Joshua is studying classical and jazz music on the upright bass; with pianist Rusty Scott, Joshua is learning jazz piano; with guitarist Al Whitney, Joshua is studying guitar. Combined with Les’s teachings, Joshua continues to widen his understanding of small ensemble music.
The First Religious Society hosts Jazz Vespers, an informal service featuring readings, musical selections, and time for quiet meditation several times each year.
Please come and join us in the Sanctuary for jazz, poetry, and a chance to unwind midweek with a stellar ensemble.
Vespers is free—bring some friends!