Around the turn of the century (yes, I know that makes me sound old!), Ed Bacon told me about a new parishioner to All Saints, Bill Cunliffe — a world-class jazz musician. Not living in that world, I hadn’t heard of Bill (or any other famous living jazz musicians), but we met and discussed his willingness to help lead a jazz eucharist some Sunday morning. This initial encounter led to a long collaboration in which Bill would compose new choral works in the jazz idiom and we would periodically offer jazz eucharists on Sunday mornings.

About 2001, we discussed his becoming our composer-in-residence (a volunteer position). He has composed so many wonderful choral pieces over the years, greatly enhancing the choral and congregation repertoire of All Saints, and our recording of most of these works — Transformation — is a fabulous collection. I’m so grateful for our work together over these many years.

Title Premiere date Musicians
A New Commandment Sun, Nov 11, 2012 Canterbury
Comfort, O Comfort My People Sun, Dec 22, 2002 Canterbury with Jim Campbell
Golden Thread Sun, Apr 23, 2006 Canterbury
Gospel Mass (2012)
Gloria • Alleluia • Sanctus • Agnus Dei		 Sun, Feb 19, 2012 Canterbury, Bill Cunliffe and ensemble
Hymn
Commissioned by Canterbury Choir and Coventry Choir to celebrate the ten-year anniversary of the combined ministry of James Walker and Timothy Howard at All Saints Church.		 Sun, Sep 23, 2001 Canterbury, Coventry
I Thank You With All My Heart Sun, Oct 10, 2004 Coventry, Bill Cunliffe sextet
arrangement of Just A Closer Walk Sun, Mar 2, 2014 Coventry with Zanaida Robles, Bill Cunliffe quintet
Mass (2004)
Gloria • Sanctus/Benedictus • Agnus Dei		 Sun, Apr 11, 2004 Canterbury, Coventry
Mass (2004)
Introit		 Wed, Jul 1, 2009 Canterbury, Coventry, Bill Cunliffe sextet
O Still Small Voice of Calm Sun, Feb 27, 2011 Canterbury
Oremos Todos
For Celebration of a New Ministry of Mike Kinman		 Mon, Feb 27, 2017 Canterbury, Bill Cunliffe, Dan Cole, 1PM Ensemble, volunteers from Coventry
Psalm 37 Sun, Feb 18, 2001 Canterbury, Bill Cunliffe quintet
Psalm 90
For Homecoming / 125th Anniversary Celebration		 Sun, Sep 21, 2008 Canterbury, Coventry, brass ensemble
Psalm 104 Sun, Feb 3, 2008 Canterbury, Bill Cunliffe sextet
Psalm 106
In honor of Lydia Wilkins’ 106th birthday		 Sun, Feb 7, 2010 Coventry, with Zanaida Robles
Psalm 130 Sun, Feb 27, 2005 Canterbury, Bill Cunliffe sextet
Psalm 150
For Ed Bacon’s 10-year anniversary as Rector of All Saints Church		 Sun, May 1, 2005 Coventry, Canterbury
The Glory of God
For Ed Bacon’s 10-year anniversary as Rector of All Saints Church		 Sun, May 1, 2005 Coventry, Canterbury
The Lord Is My Light and My Salvation Sun, Mar 2, 2003 Coventry