Thriving on a Riff
Jazz and the Spiritual Life
- Arts & Literature
- Publisher: Broadleaf Books (Augsburg Fortress)
- Published: 2024
FritzSearch.com earns a commission on purchases made through Bookshop.org links.
Publisher's Description
What does jazz have to do with human spirituality? In Thriving on a Riff, Presbyterian minister and jazz pianist Bill Carter shows us how jazz, in its quest for transcendence, bridges the gap between the secular and the sacred and, further, that these two worlds are not mutually exclusive--jazz is spiritual. Carter traces jazz from its origins in the twilight of American slavery, to its evolution from dance music to serious art form during the American civil rights movement, and its eventual introduction into the church as a legitimate expression of praise and lament. Along the way, he explores the spiritual dimensions of jazz, with its blend of passion and intellect, its ability to awaken us to something in and beyond ourselves. From King David to Dave Brubeck, from the Psalms of Israel to John Coltrane's A Love Supreme, musicians help us glimpse the experience of music as communion with the Divine. And true to jazz sensibilities, brief "Improvisation" sections add to the gravitas and delight, expounding on the chapter's theme in the form of a poetic extension without breaking rhythm. Weaving together stories from the history of American music with his personal experiences as a working musician, Carter invites us to meet a God who not only embraces syncopation but blesses the swing.
Endorsements (6)
“Jazz is born of diversity; it requires openness. It’s a shared improvisational thread that can overcome bigotry and unite all who embrace it. In these pages, William G. Carter—who cheekily confesses that he was put on Earth to ‘pray the piano’—rhapsodizes about the timeless euphoria of wholly embracing a transformative jazz performance. He’s a born raconteur; readers from every walk of life will enjoy his sublime gift for sharing the jazz world’s most uplifting and provocative stories, and for gently reminding us of music’s power for spiritual healing.”
“The stories, insightful connections to theological thought and spiritual experience, and unabashed passion of Thriving on a Riff will be memorable music to your soul. Take your time and savor; there is vibrant reflective inspiration here. Moreover, I take personal joy in knowing that this fine, meaningful offering adds more fuel to the fire of a belief I have held for many years: jazz is the exclamation point to the Resurrection!”
“If you’ve ever wondered how jazz and authentic spirituality generate both joy and truth, this book’s for you. In Thriving on a Riff, Bill Carter writes as a jazz musician and a pastor with a keen sense of spirituality. Bearing in mind Saint Irenaeus (second century)—‘the glory of God is a human being fully alive’—Carter gives us an astonishing tour of a ‘Who’s Who’ of great jazz musicians. Their stories reveal the depth of their own wrestling with angels and demons. What emerges in these pages is a polyphonic account of how jazz and deep spirituality keep remarkably demanding close company. “This book is no less than a love song to the art and genius of improvisation. But it is also a musical primer about transcendence and the risks of biblical faith. Along the way we overhear the author’s own listening and playing. What do prophecy, ecstasy, wisdom, and good jazz have in common? These pages give us teasing, provocative access to the answer. The pleasure here is that the words read like jazz sounds. Should you not be a jazz fan, or perhaps a spiritual skeptic, Carter’s book may just change your mind. But if you love jazz and seek a deep sense of what is spiritual, this is a feast.”
“If you’ve ever been moved by music . . . improvised ways to enliven your soul . . . pull up a chair, pour yourself a drink, and dive in to Thriving on a Riff. This is prayer.”
“This is a lovely, personal, and highly readable book. The poetic ‘Improvisations’ along the way give good flavor to the whole, moving it more toward the world of music than simply print.”
“If you consider yourself to be ‘spiritual,’ and if you have any interest in music—especially the sublime and moving genre of jazz—you must read this masterpiece of a book. Bill Carter has lived at the intersection of the Spirit and jazz for years, and now he shares captivating stories and illuminating insights that can challenge and form our faith in deeper, richer, more melodious ways. Bravo, maestro!”
Rev. Peter M. Wallace
See something wrong on this page? Report a problem