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closeJazz Disciples bring back Big Band music
Gospel group of volunteers showcase talent throughout the sound
Susan Schell
of the Gateway
When Bart Olson decided to form a choir to perform at his church, he had no idea how far it would go. But when the Gig Harbor resident started putting together “The Jazz Disciples” in November, 2003, it stuck together over the years and has grown to include 21 musicians and eight vocalists.
“We’re all volunteers ranging in age from 15 to 70-plus,” Olson said. “The purpose of this ministry is to present the spirit of the Lord through music.”
The group plays a variety of gospel music in a swing, jazz style with trumpets, trombones, saxophones, guitars, piano, percussion and vocalists. The majority of their music is drawn from Don Marsh and the big band sound of the 1940s.
“We like this music and thought there would be a unique opportunity to present this style of music,” Olson said. “You don’t see that any more, especially in gospel.”
The ensemble soon had some surprises on the horizon. After only four months as a group in 2003, they won their division title in the Washington State Christian Talent contest, among several other divisions of more than 50 artists and groups. In 2004, they placed second overall and the next year, they were the grand champions.
“For a group of volunteers, we’re pretty proud of that,” Olson said. “Most local gospel groups don’t last six years. Right now, we’re stronger than ever.”
Members of the group represent 16 different churches in South Puget Sound and have made the rounds at quite a few venues. They have performed at the Western Washington Fair, Sumner Performing Arts, the annual Pierce County Prayer Breakfast at the Tacoma Dome, the Bite of Seattle at the Seattle Center and the annual Ezra Meeker Days in Puyallup.
“We play a variety of music to appeal to most people,” Olson said. “We do the whole swing, be-bop thing. It’s a knockout.”
On Dec. 15 the Jazz Disciples will perform for the Annual Senior Christmas Dinner at Chapel Hill Church in Gig Harbor. Connie Widney of Chapel Hill Church, who is helping to organize the event, heard the group play several years ago and was impressed.
“I’ve been in a barber shop quartet so I listen very hard to music and I’m pretty critical,” she said. “When you’re getting people to volunteer their time, it’s a commitment that comes out in their music. For the most part, these guys and gals are pretty committed.”
Chapel Hill Church will host the Jazz Disciples for a limited venue
When: 6 p.m dinner; concert starts at 7 p.m., Dec. 15
Where: The Gathering Place at Chapel Hill Presbyterian Church, 7700 Skansie Ave. in Gig Harbor.
Why: The Annual Senior Christmas Dinner. Dinner is $9, the concert is free. Space is limited; reservations are required by Dec. 9. For reservations, call 253-265-2470.