Bradley Sowash - For the Beauty of the Earth (2004)

For the Beauty of the Earth Bradley Sowash's final release in the acclaimed trilogy of hymns and spirituals for solo jazz piano has a decidedly personal feel. Some of the selections emphasize nature such as Shall We Gather By he River, The Ash Grove, and the title cut, For the Beauty of the Earth. Others dig deeply into jazz traditions such as the blues inflected Go Down Moses or a striding This Little Light of Mine. Whatever the style, Sowash's unique take on these timeless melodies both surprises and delights. Four bonus tracks include sample cuts from previous recordings. Designer Bryan Huber's spiritually suggestive packaging contributes to the sense of intimacy with a scrapbook format that includes excerpts from the artist's journals, pressed leaves and Frank Hunter's haunting photos of earthly pathways.

Audio CD: October 22, 2004
Original Release Date: October 15, 2004
Label: Bradley Sowash Music
ASIN: B0006DNRRY

Tracklist:
01. Glory, Glory Hallelujah (2:40)
02. Doxology (3:34)
03. For the Beauty of the Earth (4:42)
04. Shall We Gather By the River (3:38)
05. Standin' in the Need of Prayer (4:26)
06. Just As I Am/Sanctus (4:08)
07. By and By (3:05)
08. This Little Light of Mine (4:14)
09. Go Down Moses (3:57)
10. The Ash Grove (4:14)
11. Bonus: Take It On Faith (from Bittersweet) (4:06)
12. Bonus: America (from When Saints Go Marching (4:21)
13. Bonus: Steps to the Soul (from in the Moment) (4:00)
14. Bonus: Amazing Grace (from We Gather Together) (4:59)