“Needed Time,” the new album by international jazz stalwart Dan Damon is out now. Delivering a bluesy take on spirituals like “He’s Got the Whole World In His Hands,” the instrumental record breaks down the walls of religion, offering hope.

Featuring a collaboration between Damon on piano, and celebrated Bay Area bassist Kurt Ribak, listeners are treated to a modern rendition of Lightnin’ Hopkins’ 1950 classic “Needed Time.” From here, Damon taps into his religious roots, pairing his 33 years as a Methodist pastor with his world-class jazz stylings.

“I have been playing jazz arrangements of spirituals in churches for many years. These songs move me more than anything else in the wide world of church music,” said Damon.

The genesis of “Needed Time” was born when Damon heard Lightnin’ Hopkins’ original. Paired with inspiration from the renowned works of Charlie Hayden and pianist Hank Jones, Damon was determined to share a modern equivalent with the world. He called on producer by Lincoln Adler and engineer Adam Muñoz to capture the spirit of the original. 

“I first heard the 1950 Lightnin’ Hopkins recording of this traditional spiritual in November 2025. I fell in love with its heartfelt call for Jesus to come and be present with us,” said Damon.

“In these troubled times we need the strong transforming presence of the risen Christ. This album is a love letter to our hurting and beautiful world.”

“Needed Time” is available now on all streaming platforms.

Previous praise for Dan Damon’s work:

“World class.” - SalvosOnline.org.au

“Dan Damon is a jazz pianist who will remind you of Vince Guaraldi and Dave Brubeck. He’s that good.” - UTRMedia.org

“Dan, a pianist and a pastor, has said that music is his first language. It shows.” - Greenville University

“With a touch of Andrew Lloyd Webber in its melody (multi-talented Dan Damon supplies his own tunes), it's likely to become a favorite.” - The Methodist Church UK

About Dan Damon:

Hailing from Rapid City, South Dakota, Dan received degrees from Greenville College (BME) and the Pacific School of Religion (MDiv), becoming a United Methodist pastor and jazz musician.

With works sung in churches across the globe, he has released 13 records and multiple hymn anthologies. In 2016, Dan was named a Fellow of The Hymn Society in the United States and Canada, its highest honor. Dan retired from ministry in 2020 after serving 33 years in Northern California. He has taught church music at the Graduate Theological Union in Berkeley and plays jazz regularly in the San Francisco Bay area. For further information visit DanDamonMusic.com.