Tim Boniface: Psalter: Themes for Peace

Tim Boniface is a jazz saxophonist and composer. He is also an ordained priest in the Church of England and Chaplain at Girton College, University of Cambridge. As Artistic Director of Girton Jazz, his work involves organising concerts and workshops at the college. In addition, he leads his own ensembles and collaborates with many renowned jazz musicians on the UK scene.

Psalter: Themes For Peace bridges the worlds of jazz and deep spirituality in an unexpectedly accessible way. Boniface's original compositions form a jazz suite based on texts on peace taken from the Biblical Book of Psalms, better known as the Psalter. These instrumental pieces sit comfortably within the jazz mainstream, defying conventional expectations of religious music. The suite succeeds as both an exploration of ancient themes and thoroughly engaging contemporary jazz.

The album was recorded live at the college without any overdubs, giving a vintage feel throughout. Boniface is joined by the Artistic Director at Ronnie Scotts and Musician In Residence at Girton, pianist James Pearson. Completing the quartet are bassist Malcolm Creese (Tim Garland, Kenny Wheeler) and drummer Jon Ormston (Guy Barker, Claire Cope).

The album opens with "The Blessing Of Peace"; Boniface's buoyant saxophone sails through an upbeat, swinging melody as Creese and Ormston show themselves to be a dynamic and tight-knit rhythmic pairing. The tempo slows for "In Peace I Will Lie Down And Sleep"; Boniface's gradually unfolding saxophone melody is a delight. Creese's elastic bass line then takes center stage, paving the way for Pearson to weave his improvisational spell.

Boniface explains that he "deliberately chose texts that would lead to six very different pieces of music—some restful and hopeful, and others more like a cry of protest or objection to injustice." That emotion fuels the gritty "Do Not Hold Your Peace At My Tears," where Boniface's saxophone improvisation is charged and expressive, matched by Ormston's fluent drumming. Excellent combinations and solos are to the fore on the light swing of "Righteousness and Peace Have Kissed Each Other" with Creese and Ormston in fine form.

Boniface and Pearson both impress on "Peace On Their Lips: Malice In Their Hearts" before the album closes with the beautifully reflective "Seek Peace and Pursue It," carried by a memorable saxophone melody. The musicians' improvisations as a response to the texts, combined with the strength of the compositions, result in an expressive suite, proving that profound inspiration and engaging entertainment can co-exist. It invites listeners to reflect on the essence of peace, whether through the texts or simply by enjoying a terrific, thought-provoking jazz album.