Jesus and Jazz feat Bradford Hayes Trio

Welcome to Jesus and Jazz feat Bradford Hayes Trio at Mt Zion Ame Church! Get ready for a soulful experience on November 23, 2025 at 11:30 AM (Eastern Time). Join us for an uplifting blend of spiritual melodies and smooth jazz vibes. Let your spirit soar as you enjoy the music in the heart of the community. Don't miss this opportunity to come together and feel the rhythm of faith and harmony. See you there!

Jesus and Jazz featuring Bradford Hayes Trio at Mt Zion AME Church Milburn NJ

November 23 @ 11:30 am – 1:30 pm EST

Join us for a memorable and inspiring service where faith meets swing and every note is a prayer. The November 2025 edition of Jesus and Jazz brings together a stellar lineup of local artists whose music uplifts, inspires, and transcends:

​Bradford Hayes is a commanding voice on the Northeastern jazz scene, known for his soulful saxophone stylings and decades-long dedication to musical excellence. A native of Dinwiddie County, Virginia, Hayes has graced legendary stages including Birdland, Beacon Theatre, and L’Entrepot in Paris, captivating audiences with a sound that bridges tradition and innovation.

With over 30 years as a music educator in the Newark, NJ public school system, Hayes has shaped generations of young musicians while continuing to perform and record with some of jazz’s most revered artists. His collaborations span a who’s who of jazz royalty—Yusef Lateef, Jimmy Heath, Al Grey, Rufus Reid, Ray Bryant, Dr. Lonnie Smith, and many more.

Hayes leads his own ensembles, including the Bradford Hayes Quartet, delivering dynamic performances that blend straight-ahead jazz with global influences. Whether opening for Gerald Albright or headlining festivals like the Branford Jazz Series, his presence is magnetic, his tone unmistakable.

Offstage, Hayes is a passionate advocate for arts education and community engagement, embodying the spirit of jazz as both a cultural force and a personal calling. His artistry continues to inspire, uplift, and groove—one note at a time.

Gordon Lane – Drums Gordon Lane is a highly respected presence on the jazz scene. The list of artists Gordon has performed with illuminates his skill and versatility. Some of the notables are: Ahmad Jamal, Claudio Roditi, Arthur Prysock, Rhoda Scott, Alvin Batiste, James Moody, Houston Person, Freddy Cole, Stanley Jordan, Eric Reed, Slide Hampton, Donald Braden and Michel LeGrand.

Matthew Smythe is a versatile organist whose soulful playing and harmonic depth have made him a standout voice in the tri-state jazz scene. Known for his work with the Bradford Hayes Organ Trio, Smythe brings a rich blend of gospel, jazz, and classical influences to every performance, weaving textures that elevate both ensemble and audience.

He’s performed at venues like The Puffin Cultural Forum and Westfield’s Jazz Appreciation Month celebration, where his organ stylings—paired with Bradford Hayes on saxophone and Gordon Lane on drums—created a dynamic, groove-driven experience. Smythe’s musicality shines in both live settings and studio recordings, including his credited role as organist in the 2022 film After the Wait.

Whether anchoring a trio or contributing to larger ensembles, Matthew Smythe’s artistry reflects a deep reverence for tradition and a fearless embrace of improvisation. His sound is warm, expressive, and always in service of the music’s emotional core.

Lynette Sheard is a powerhouse vocalist and dynamic performer whose artistry bridges the sacred and the soulful. With a five-octave range and perfect pitch, she brings spiritual depth and jazz brilliance to every stage—especially in her celebrated appearances with Jesus and Jazz, a series blending worship, rhythm, and community uplift.

A Newark-based artist, Sheard is a versatile force: actor, producer, director, vocal coach, and mental health advocate. Her performances have graced venues like Birdland Jazz Club, NJPAC, SOPAC, and Deer Head Inn, earning acclaim from The New York Times, Broadway World, and The Star-Ledger, which praised her voice for “reaching deep into one’s soul and finding a soft spot”.

In Jesus and Jazz, Sheard’s vocals elevate the spiritual experience, weaving gospel, jazz, and soul into a tapestry of praise. Whether performing with the Richard Baratta Quartet or the Brianne Ford Trio, she transforms church sanctuaries into sanctuaries of sound—uniting congregations through music that heals, inspires, and celebrates divine harmony.

Her theatrical credits include principal roles in Dream Girls, Smokey Joe’s Café, Ragtime, Swing, Aida, and For Colored Girls, showcasing her range as both a singer and storyteller. Offstage, she mentors emerging artists and advocates for mental wellness, embodying the belief that music is both medicine and ministry.

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Eyesha Marable – A dynamic cultural curator and spiritual leader, Eyesha brings passion, purpose, and prophetic vision to every gathering. Her work bridges gospel truth with artistic excellence, creating spaces where healing and creativity flourish.

Phil Bingham – Renowned pianist, conductor, and arranger, Phil is the musical heartbeat of Jesus and Jazz. His spirit-led compositions and performances transform every sanctuary into a stage for praise, improvisation, and divine inspiration.

Gregory Burrus – The master connector and curator behind Gregory Burrus Productions, Gregory orchestrates this event with joy, precision, and deep community love. His storytelling and artist advocacy ensure that every voice is honored and every moment resonates.

Together, these leaders have crafted an evening where jazz becomes ministry, and every note is a prayer. Join us for Jesus and Jazz—a celebration of legacy, liberation, and the living Word through music.

Event Venue & Nearby Stays

Mt Zion Ame Church, 54 Church Street, Millburn, United States

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