The Sermon is an album of spirituals by American jazz pianist Hampton Hawes recorded in 1958, but not released on the Contemporary label until 1987.[1]

The Sermon
Studio album by Hampton Hawes
Released	1987
Recorded	November 24–25, 1958 Contemporary Records Studio, Los Angeles
Genre	Jazz
Length	40:49
Label	Contemporary C 7653
Producer	Lester Koenig
Hampton Hawes chronology
Bird Song (1956-58) The Sermon (1987) The Green Leaves of Summer (1964)

Reception

The Allmusic review by Scott Yanow called said the album was "full of intense emotion, strong melodies and a little more variety than one might expect" and stated "This set was pianist Hampton Hawes' last before he started what would be five years in prison on drug charges. He had been arrested 11 days before and ironically chose to record a set of spirituals (plus a blues) as he awaited trial".[2]

Professional ratings

Review scores
Source	Rating
Allmusic	[2]
The Penguin Guide to Jazz Recordings	[3]

Track listing

All compositions are traditional except as indicated

1. "Down by the Riverside" – 4:43
2. "Just a Closer Walk with Thee" – 5:00
3. "Swing Low, Sweet Chariot" – 4:52
4. "Nobody Knows the Trouble I've Seen" – 4:52
5. "When The Roll Is Called Up Yonder" – 4:31
6. "Go Down Moses" – 4:33
7. "Joshua Fit de Battle of Jericho" – 3:54
8. "Blues N/C" (Hampton Hawes) - 8:49

Personnel

• Hampton Hawes – piano
• Leroy Vinnegar – bass
• Stan Levey – drums

References