Thriving on a Riff: Jazz and the Spiritual Life
Hosted by the Shallowford Center for Mindful Living

All are invited to join us for this unique and engaging opportunity to hear from Bill Carter & the Presbybop Quartet as they explore the theme: Thriving on a Riff: Jazz and the Spiritual Life. Through presentations, conversation, and musical demonstration by the Presbybop Quartet, this seminar will demystify jazz by exploring three of its intersections with the human spirit: the potential for creativity, the processing of pain, and the surprise of ecstasy. We will growl with the blues and reach for transcendence, all in service to a richer spiritual life.

Leaders: Bill Carter and the Presbybop Quartet are the best-known musicians playing “sacred jazz” in the United States. Formed in 1993 by pianist Bill Carter, a Presbyterian minister, this consort of New York-based professionals has toured the country extensively in presenting concerts and jazz worship services. They have recorded twelve CDs of original music, including “Interior Window,” “Psalms Without Words,” and “Jazz for the Earth.” Their recent release, “The Dancing Calvinist,” features a full jazz requiem for quintet and SATB choir, which was composed by Bill during the covid-19 pandemic. “Brand New Day” is their newest recording. Bill is also the author of Thriving on a Riff: Jazz and the Spiritual Life, published by Broadleaf Books (2024).