Cincinnati Contemporary Jazz Orchestra — All‑Star Gospel Choir

Founded and Curated by Adrian Michael Cunningham

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The Cincinnati Contemporary Jazz Orchestra’s All‑Star Gospel Choir is a groundbreaking vocal ensemble founded and assembled by Adrian Michael Cunningham in response to a special request from the CCJO. When the orchestra began developing its landmark production "We Gotta Shout", they turned to Cunningham to create a choir capable of delivering the authenticity, power, and spiritual depth required for such an ambitious project.

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Cunningham hand‑selected elite vocalists from 14 Cincinnati churches, bringing together a cross‑denominational, multi‑generational roster of singers whose collective sound would become one of the most electrifying forces in CCJO history. The result was a choir with extraordinary vocal strength, cultural depth, and artistic versatility — a true “all‑star” ensemble representing the very best of Cincinnati’s gospel community.

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The debut performance of "We Gotta Shout" drew an unprecedented audience of 600 people, the largest crowd the CCJO had ever attracted. The choir’s explosive sound and emotional intensity became the heartbeat of the production, prompting the orchestra to revive the concert for an encore presentation several years later. Once again, the All‑Star Gospel Choir delivered one of the largest audiences in CCJO history.

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The ensemble’s impact continued with a powerful re‑creation of Aretha Franklin and James Cleveland’s Amazing Grace, where the choir honored the legacy of the original recording while infusing it with fresh energy, contemporary vocal power, and the dynamic interplay that only a jazz‑gospel collaboration can create.

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Today, the CCJO All‑Star Gospel Choir stands as a signature artistic force within the orchestra’s programming — a group known for:

• Explosive vocal power and precision

• Rich, layered harmonies shaped by gospel tradition

• Authentic sacred expression blended seamlessly with jazz orchestration

• Record‑breaking audience engagement and community reach

• A curated roster of Cincinnati’s finest gospel voices

 

With every performance, the choir expands the boundaries of what is possible when gospel and jazz share the same stage, offering audiences an unforgettable fusion of artistry, heritage, and spiritual resonance.