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The Benedictus If Mary resembles Billy Holiday then Zechariah is more like Nat King Cole.  The Benedictus (Lk. 1.67-79) at it core is a love song in which old Z sings about how "Unforgettable" his God is.  The first word says it all, "Praise."  (i.e. to bless, to adore) Zechariah shows us that jazz is…

Improvisation in the Magnificat I am mesmerized by the Magnificat.  How did Mary master the skills of improvisation at such an early age?  Jazz singers take old songs and standards and make them new–that is exactly what Mary was doing…

The Magnificat in Jazz When I picture Mary singing the Magnificat I envision a smoke filled room, clanking glasses and the low hum of conversation that ceases when she begins to sing from her soul.  With the poise of a Billy Holiday, the prophetic pain of a Nina Simone and the voice of Sara Vaughn…

Dr. Luke never met Jesus.  So when he wrote his Gospel he had to interview those who were first hand witnesses.  (Lk. 1.1-4)  As he spoke with Mary the mother of Jesus, John the Baptists father, the shepherds and Simeon, he noticed something.  Songs.  The original Christmas carols. When Luke tells the story of the…
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