All About Hymn

Ed Knoeckel's new album is a reflection of his diverse background. Over the years he could be found as the pianist for the Guakia Salsa Big Band, jamming in jazz clubs, accompanying Martha Graham dance troupes, performing contemporary Christian music at various churches along the East Coast, presenting research at international music theory conferences, teaching American music history at the community college, or composing works for wind ensemble. One thing is for sure, he has been passionate about expressing himself through music for a long time. But he still feels like he is just starting to grow as a musician, pianist and composer. 'There are so many amazing pianists that I constantly go to for inspiration and learning.' The latest album 'All About Hymn' is Ed's venture into pairing the modern and the classic. 'For a while I heard so many musicians complain because they couldn't find a common ground for the traditional hymnody. I wrestled for a while with how to respect both the old songs and the developing jazz world of colorful reharmonization and improvisation. Not only am I pleased with how these arrangements came out but I've heard that people are really digging how I composed, sewed, in a manner of speaking, the timeless melodies into new sounds. I love those melodies, they resonate with so many people. To me, they are on par with how the jazz standards from tin pan alley resonate with generations of music fans. What is important to me is that both are integrally part of American musical heritage and that the message of hope is clearly expressed in the music of this album.' -Ed Knoeckel.