Heavenly Keys - Gospel Keyboard Trio

Heavenly Keys - Gospel Keyboard Trio

Editorial Reviews
<"b000bk9tp62999"> About the Artist
Reverend Dwayne Mason made his debut recording Glory!, Glory! at the age of 42 (The Sirens Records SR5007). In a November 2003 New York Times review of Glory! Glory! Ben Ratliff, a renowned jazz critic, called Mason "The Reverend of Funk". His traditional and contemporary gospel piano playing is almost entirely self-taught. He can take a traditional spiritual melody and create a hypnotic groove. In the liner notes to Glory! Glory! Reverend Mason describes his talented piano playing as "… only 10% of it is theory; 90% of it has been downloaded from the Holy Spirit through the software of THE ANOINTING!"

Since the release of Glory! Glory!, Reverend Mason's ministry has more than tripled! His Body Soul & Spirit Ministries merged with the well-established St. Martin's Church of Christ/Chicago. While his religious duties and responsibilities have grown, he counts it a privilege to still be able to use his musical gifts to "make a joyful noise unto the Lord." On this recording, Reverend Mason shares the spotlight by introducing music lovers to the talents of Leonard Maddox, Willie Jones, and Curtis Fondren.

Thirty-nine year old Leonard Maddox began his music ministry at the age of nine, playing drums at the Redeeming Church of Christ under the leadership of the late Bishop James L. Anderson. At fourteen, through divine inspiration, he switched to playing the piano and organ. Leonard has been influenced by the gospel music of his grandmother, the late Reverend Josephine Maddox, and also by Minister Thomas Whitfield, Richard Smallwood, Richard Gibbs, and others.

He has performed at the Chicago Gospel Festival, the Gospel Music Workshop of America, and the House of Blues. Leonard has accompanied many gospel artists including Steve Jones, Ron Ellerson and Sounds Unlimited, Stan Pearson, Walter Howard and Dedicated to Christ Ensemble, Reverend Clay Evans, Reverend Charles Jenkins and the Fellowship Baptist Church, and Father Charles G. Hayes and the Cosmopolitan Church of Prayer Warriors. He has also produced musical projects for Alfred Wheeler and The Lutheran School of Theology Gospel Choir.

Leonard’s enthusiasm and energy is reflected in his music. The rollicking beat of his own "Church House Rock" is infused with his up-beat nature. Maddox himself has said, he wants "to be used by God to encourage the hearts of men and women nationwide."

Willie Jones is the youngest member of the trio at twenty-five years old. He received an A.F.A. in Music from South Suburban College, and is currently working on a bachelor’s degree from Chicago State University. While he predominantly plays gospel music, Jones has also been influenced by jazz, which you can hear in his interpretation of "Walk With Me Lord." Jones has accompanied Floyd Wilkerson’s Reach Out’s Gospel Choir, Thornwood Gospel Choir, and William Smith’s R.V.C. Gospel Choir. He currently plays for Pastor Donald L. Alford and the Progressive Life Giving Word Cathedral.

<"b000bk9tp64999"> Album Description
Heavenly Keys features a unique gospel keyboard trio, and highlights the musical talents of Reverend Dwayne Mason, Leonard Maddox, and Willie Jones. Most of the tracks include Mason on piano (Mason was named "The Reverend of Funk" by Ben Ratliff in The New York Times review of his debut recording Glory! Glory!), Maddox on Hammond B3 organ, and Jones playing bass on an electric piano. They are supported by a steady beat from master drummer Curtis Fondren. This talented trio plays soul-stirring gospel music and their sound sizzles with heavy doses of blues, funk, and jazz. It’s a rare treat to hear a gospel recording focus solely on keyboards. Hearing these musicians blend their sound is truly a heavenly experience!

Heavenly Keys - Gospel Keyboard Trio, Music, Willie Jones, and Curtis Fondren Rev. Dwayne Mason Leonard Maddox, Blues, Jazz, This talented trio plays soul-stirring gospel music and their sound sizzles with heavy doses of blues, funk, and jazz.

Heavenly Keys - Gospel Keyboard Trio

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