- When Diana Dances
- Super Jet Service
- Dodo's Whim
- Be Well Johnny Cash
- Frank the Marxist Memorial Gong Blues
- Bucketachicken
- London Twist n' Turn
- Longing for Louis
- All or Nothing Grace
Sometimes, successful recording artists enter middle age burned out on the pop/rock that got them there, so they decide to indulge that less marketable side project they've always wanted to make. Joe Jackson and Billy Joel have written classical music, Elton John and Eddie DeGarmo have staged musicals, and Michael W. Smith has spent most of five years dabbling with film scoring and worship music. Having long flirted with jazz in his acclaimed 20-year career as an artist, songwriter, and producer, Charlie Peacock finally embraces his passion for the genre with
In the broad spectrum of jazz, this is more "modern post-bebop" than it is traditional, reminiscent of classics like John Coltrane, Bill Evans, Herbie Hancock, and Keith Jarrett, yet recorded with Peacock's polished pop production. Though occasionally teetering on smooth jazz ("When Diana Dances"), it's ultimately less "programmed" and more improvisational sounding (particularly "Longing for Louis"). "Super Jet Service" and "Bucketachicken" remain grounded in a slick pop groove, while "Be Well Johnny Cash" features the fabulous electric guitar of Kurt Rosenwinkel. Trumpeter Ralph Alessi and saxophonist Kirk Whalum also stand out in a long list of accomplished contributors, but Peacock too deserves recognition for his jazz piano skills, evidenced by the freeform "Dodo's Whim" and the more melodic "Frank the Marxist Memorial Gong Blues."
Yet despite Peacock's track record, some Christians will be skeptical about the spiritual value of an instrumental jazz album. With the exception of "All or Nothing Grace," the song titles are generally inspired by personal friendships and memories. Peacock shouldn't have to prove his faith here as much as demonstrate that he can successfully pull off a foray into jazz, which he does. Though he openly admits that he's not a jazz purist, it's precisely why this album may appeal to a broader audience. Besides, isn't jazz all about breaking from convention?