1930s: The Magic of MahaliaThe Brianna Thomas Quintet 

The “best young straight-ahead jazz singer of her generation” (Wall Street Journal), draws on two titans of Gospel, Mahalia Jackson and Thomas Dorsey, in this modern take on the remarkable songs that reshaped America's sacred music.

In the 1930s, Thomas Dorsey, "the father of black Gospel music," met the Queen of Gospel, Mahalia Jackson, and began a 14-year musical and touring partnership. Jackson performed Dorsey’s most revered songs, including "Take My Hand, Precious Lord" (a favorite of Martin Luther King, Jr.) and "Peace in the Valley," songs that she would keep in her repertoire for her entire career.  Meanwhile, Dorsey was composing a songbook that would become a bedrock of modern Gospel music.

The brilliant young vocalist Brianna Thomas follows in the footsteps of these musical masters, leading her ensemble in a passionate tribute to this emotional and uplifting repertoire.

“Brianna Thomas is the complete package.” (Dan Bilawsky, All About Jazz)

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