Jay Hoggard: Raise Your Spirit Consciousness

American jazz vibraphonist and composer Jay Hoggard is raising the spiritual consciousness with songs such as "Holy Spirit Consciousness," "Peace To You My Children," "Worship God in Spirit" and "Truth and Love" on Raise Your Spirit Consciousness

Raise Your Spirit Consciousness has eight original compositions from Hoggard as well as recreations of original classics by Wayne Shorter, Duke Ellington, Stevie Wonder, and Thad Jones. Hoggard has played with Milt Jackson, Lionel Hampton, and Tito Puente, other vibraphonists throughout his career.

"Holy Spirit Consciousness" has a jazz-funk intro that leads into a spirit-filled praise groove with an affirming amen from Hoggard at the end of the song. "Peace To You My Children" enters with a high-energy drum riff that leads into a soprano saxophone collaboration with Hoggard which is electrifying. Nat Adderly Jr. has a beautiful piano solo here. "A Child Is Born" is an original composition of American jazz trumpeter, composer and bandleader Thad Jones. Hoggard dedicates this splendid ballad rendition to his grandson. "Bird of Beauty," an original of American singer-songwriter Stevie Wonder, has a rumba-style rhythm with soft piano and soprano solos. Hoggard on the vibraphone delivers splendidly with the classic melody. "Worship God In Spirit, Truth and Love" is a beautiful song, describes love through music as sound meditation. "I Want Love, I Don't Want Hate" has reggae rhythms connecting with Hoggard's vibraphone playing that resonates with only love. "In The Beginning / Praise God" an original song of Duke Ellington's Sacred Concerts is smooth and cool jazz with Afro-Cuban rhythms. "Deluge" is beautifully performed by Hoggard and his ensemble. It is an original composition by Wayne Shorter, featuring piano and organ solos by Nat Adderly Jr and James Weidman.