Jeremy M. Lange

Reportage: - The Hallelujah Train

Durham, NC

In mid October 2009, 8 world class musicians, a 70 year old pastor from Shreveport, Louisiana and his 35 person gospel choir, descended on the Hayti Heritage Center for 4 days of rehearsal and performance to culminate in the recording of an album of gospel classics. The now decomissioned sanctuary of old Saint Joseph's church, where the last 2 Branford Marsalis albums have been recorded, served as the studio for the creation of a new gospel sound, grounded in tradition, but brought forward by the backing of the musicians that make their livings in the worlds of rock, countr,y, jazz and everything in between.

Featured musicians were Brian Blade, Brady Blade Sr., Brady Blade Jr., Daniel Lanois, Chris Thomas, Aaron Embry, Buddy Miller, Greg Leisz, Ada Small and the Zion Baptist Church Choir led by Sereca Henderson.

Find more images in the archive

Brian Blade and Adam Vollick record a passing train for the intro to one of the songs they will record that evening,
   
One of the stained glass windows that fill the walls of St. Josephs
   
The many microphones that were set up in anticipation of the choir arriving.
     
  
Brian Blade considers the stage on his arrival. He and the band got to the space a day ahead of the pastor and the choir to get the songlist worked out and prepare the stage.
   
Pianist Aaron Embry checks out the piano provided for the performance and rehearsals.
   
Chris Thomas
     
  
Brian Blade works on the song lists for the program. The band was hoping to have the lineup set before the choir showed up for the last day of rehearsals.
   
Brian Blade plays the drums
   
Daniel Lanois, who has produced albums for U2 and Bob Dylan, sorts through the song lists and chord changes in preparation for the arrival of Pastor Brady Blade, Sr.
     
  
Pastor Brady Blade Sr. and Brian Blade
   
Brady Blade Jr.
   
Pastor Brady Blade Sr. finishes rehearsal on the last night before the performances would start.
     
  
Members of the public, and over 100 people who came from Shreveport to see the performances, arrive at Hayti for a Sunday morning sermon and gospel concert.
   
Pastor Brady Blade Sr. waits for the first night's performance to start.
   
Bassist Chris Thomas prepares to play.
     
  
Pastor Brady Blade Sr.
   
The audience gave the musicians a standing ovation many times throughout the performances.
   
Guest appearance
     
  
Ada Small took over the piano from Aaron Embry and sang a few tunes.
   
Buddy Miller
   
The Zion Baptist Church Choir
     
  
An audience member stood in prayer during one of the numbers.
   
Lap steel and pedal steel player, Greg Leisz
   
Kelly Jones played the tambourine and sang backing vocals.
     
  
Good Night