On AllAboutJazz.com there is an article entitled "Sacred Jazz", written by pianist and composer Eric Reed, in which he explains the relation between gospel music and jazz. I will refer to two important points that Eric mention, and I think there are interesting.
For me, there was never a conscious aesthetic separation of gospel and secular music, but I had enough good sense not to subject the congregation to "Meet Me With Your Black Drawers On" during the offering.Eric mention that the nascence of jazz is in sacred music. Assume that Jelly Roll Morton, the first jazz composer of the history, did not have experience with gospel music is very unlikely. Today, this aspect of jazz is well known, however has not always accepted, and I think due to personal ideologies and prejudices. Jazz had clearly religious influences, directly or indirectly, and there are a lot of examples: John Coltrane, Yusef Lateef, Ahmad Jamal, among others musicians.
Of a somewhat less "faith-based" intent, is what has been referred to as "funky jazz" or "soul-jazz." This would be jazz that parrots the sound of Black church music and is more contrived than reverent (...) Perhaps, this is where the divide begins with regard to sacred versus secular; whereas one implies an honoring and worshiping, the other has a slightly exploitive dynamic that, over the years, has continued to nosedive into poor imitations, the end result being some minstrel-type exhibition by individuals who have no real clue of the value and essence of a spiritual experience.For Eric, in this sense perhaps it's possible speak about sacred vs. secular: the first case implies an honoring and worshiping, and the second has a slightly exploitive dynamic that results in only musician exhibition by individuals who have no real clue of the value and essence of a spiritual experience. In this point I think the pianist hits the nail on the head, because if one want "defreeze" a musical composition of sheet, it's necessary to transmit all the background of composition: its technical and spiritual components. An interpretation that does not consider all these aspects, it's only an empty interpretation, without transcendence and full artistic sense.
I think today, it's important that christians musicians and music fans, not only in the world of jazz, disclose the real extent of sacred music. It's very necessary to show that there is a real conection between the musical experience and the divine reality reflected in God.
Eric Reed's official website: http://www.ericreed.net
