The High Standards of Friendship

The Presbyterian Church of the Mountain in Delaware Water Gap, PA presented Jay Rattman and Friends as part of their Summer Gazebo Concert Series on Sunday August 21st. The rainy weather forced the concert from its traditional location at the Gazebo outside the church to the dry and welcoming sanctuary of the structure’s interiors. Although the outdoor venue (as well as the Summer Sunshine) were missed, the relaxing atmosphere created by the quartet more than compensated for the sense of absence.

Saxophonist Jay Rattman was joined by Spencer Reed on Guitar, Paul Rostock on Bass, and Bill Goodwin on Drums. Each musician is well known throughout the international jazz community for their individual endeavors and it was a treat for fans of the music’s genre to experience them all performing together on the same stage. This treat was enhanced by the selection of songs which mostly consisted of familiar standards played afresh with the considerable talent of each musician. They almost became new compositions created for the audience as they were listening to them. You’ll find more photographs taken during the concert at The PCOM Summer Gazebo Concerts 2011 Gallery at www.facebook.com/forwardian.dude.

Jay Rattman began his exposure to the art of Jazz as a young child when his parents took him to see performances presented at the Deer Head Inn in Delaware Water Gap, PA www.deerheadinn.com and other venues. He was inspired by musicians that met his ears and soon began taking lessons from many of them. He has since performed at The Deer Head Inn as well as many of the venues he attended during his childhood to great acclaim. You can learn more about Jay Rattman, his music, his inspirations, his schedule of upcoming engagements, and more at www.myspace.com/jayrattman. You’ll be able to find similar information about Jay’s friends Spencer Reed at www.reedjazz.com, Paul Rostock at www.myspace.com/paulrostockbass, and Bill Goodwin at www.philwoods.com/goodwin.htm.

In addition to the weekly Summer Gazebo Concerts, The Presbyterian Church of the Mountain in Delaware Water Gap, PA offers a variety of spiritual programs for those who practice the Christian faith. These include worship services and missionary endeavors to the nations of Kenya and Cuba. They also have retreat facilities available for those hiking the Appalachian Trail which runs nearby.

The next and final musical performance presented in their Summer Gazebo Concerts Series for 2011 will be Bonnie Childs and the Church of the Mountain Band on Sunday August 28th beginning at 6pm. The concert is free and open to the public. Please Explore The Presbyterian Church of the Mountain Website www.churchofthemountain.org call 570-476-0345 for more information about the concert and all they have to offer the community.