The Short Jazz Mass was written for John Robinson and the Choir of Blackburn Cathedral. The treble line of Blackburn Cathedral Choir is one of the most colourful, versatile and enthusiastic groups I have been fortunate to work with and I wanted to write something that they'd not only enjoy singing, but would claim as their own. The first time I rehearsed the glissando in the Gloria with them, the look of enjoyment on their faces was the best reward I could have asked for.

At the cathedral, we firmly believe that enjoyment and engagement through singing is of utmost importance; each person discovering their own voice is part of a very special journey and I hope that this mass setting expresses this in a small way.