The Christian Manifesto

Nutshell Version: 

Drew Davidsen’s This Journey (independent, 2007) is unadulterated jazz music and it is phenomenal. The music on this album will relax both the mind and soul as the bluesy, jazzy tones float through the air. Able to be enjoyed time and time again, it engages the spirit, soul, and body. Davidsen’s work is superb. 

Long Version:  

In all honesty, the Christian music industry has left me wholly unprepared to properly review this album. Here is what I mean. In the CMI, if the music produced is not pop, rock, or worship, it will generally be marginalized. Rap. Southern gospel. Gospel. Heavy metal. These types of albums manage to find their way to the bargain bin (if they manage to make their way into the Christian bookstore at all). And Drew Davidsen’s This Journey is an album you will not likely ever see in your local Berean, Lifeway or Family Christian Stores. Why? Because, This Journey is unadulterated smooth jazz music. And CMI has never known what to do with jazz music. This is unfortunate, because Davidsen’s work is phenomenal.  

The music on this album will relax both the mind and soul as the bluesy, jazzy tones float through the air. Utilizing a number of instruments popular to the genre (light piano, saxophone, jazz guitar, synthesizer, etc.) Davidsen has crafted an melodic experience that rivals any other jazz album I’ve heard. Actually, this is the music I imagine Solomon would have put on as he was romancing the Shulamite woman in Song of Songs. It very easily sets the mood for some good close dancing and lovemaking (between married folk), especially the track “Introspective.”  

On “Vision Quest” listen for several different Christian standards and classics Davidsen has worked into the tune. It really is quite ingenious.  

“Little Wing” is a bit experimental, but recalls a little bit of Mr. Hendrix himself.  

Drew finishes off the album with “Amazing” his own upbeat jazz rendition of Amazing Grace. It is a delight for the ears to behold.  

This Journey is an album that can be enjoyed time and time again. More Christians need to put out music like this. Just because it doesn’t have words doesn’t mean it can’t glorify God. Engaging both the spirit, soul, and body, Davidsen’s work is superb.

You can sample and purchase Drew’s music here.