Duke Ellington’s Sacred Concerts have long fascinated me. When I first moved to California, I attended concerts at Grace Cathedral in San Francisco. The majestic church atop Nob Hill had a long musical history, and I was keenly aware that Ellington’s Sacred music was first heard there in 1965. By the time I had arrived 30 years later, the initial controversy had given way to reverence. Today, in 2026, the idea of jazz, gospel, and tap dance coming together to answer the big questions posed by all spiritual practices seems almost quaint. Not so in the hands of Gerald Clayton and a team of dedicated multi-disciplinary artists! Together, they have spent months conceiving of a present-day rendering of Ellington’s music. They are clear about the shoulders they stand on and equally committed to bringing the important ideas — musical, spiritual, and otherwise — into the 21st century. In this video, Clayton leads two of his collaborators through a conversation about the project that is both ambitious and humble.
Gratefully,
Jazz at Naz
For over a decade, Jazz at Naz has been the heartbeat of jazz at The Soraya. We bring legendary artists, rising stars, and unforgettable performances to our Great Hall and intimate Jazz Club. This is jazz, live and alive.
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Gerald Clayton Honors Duke Ellington's Concert of Sacred Music
