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.Hampton Hawes discography, accessed June 25, 2015
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".
Track listing All compositions are traditional except as indicated
"Down by the Riverside" – 4:43 "Just a Closer Walk with Thee" – 5:00 "Swing Low, Sweet Chariot" – 4:52 "Nobody Knows the Trouble I've Seen" – 4:52 "When The Roll Is Called Up Yonder" – 4:31 "Go Down Moses" – 4:33 "Joshua Fit de Battle of Jericho" – 3:54 "Blues N/C" (Hampton Hawes) - 8:49
Personnel Hampton Hawes – piano Leroy Vinnegar – bass Stan Levey – drums
References