Wendy James - Wendy James (1996)

WENDY JAMES Prelude - A stirring, polyphonic orchestral theme opens the CD, layering strings and brass solos into a resounding transition into The Lord Reigns. The Lord Reigns - Leading straight from the Prelude, The Lord Reigns follows passionately, with a driving rock beat, layered orchestration and epic, energetic vocals. This Is The Day - Beginning with a light guitar groove, it becomes a catchy contemporary pop song. You Are My Heart - An acoustic guitar driven, male/female love song duet, supported by a gorgeous string section. Jonah - A fun song about the Biblical story of Jonah that kids and parents will love! Complete with sound effects! God Is Faithful - An atmospheric piano ballad about the faithfulness of God which builds into full orchestration, before resolving into a moving conclusion, ending on a piano ballad, just as it began. For God So Loved The World - A piano and drums driven contemporary pop song about God's love that features a beautiful children's choir. Everlasting Love - A catchy pop tune accented by a soulful saxophone solo. Seek Ye First - A piano and string quartet combine with Wendy in a harmonic trio, which turns into a beautiful 4-part round. When He Shall Come - An epic, fully orchestrated key-changing solo that puts Wendy's 4-octave range to good use, and comes to a dramatic climax. We Worship You - A pad and electric piano ballad, We Worship You closes the CD out with a quiet, beautiful worship song. Wendy James is a solo singer/songwriter, as well as the lead singer and songwriter for Wendy & the James Gang. She received her calling into music ministry at age 17. Born and raised near Saginaw, Michigan, she graduated from Huntington College (Huntington, IN) with a BA in Vocal Performance and her music teaching certification. After teaching elementary music for 2½ years, she decided to devote her time to her family, music ministry and songwriting. In 1989, she recorded "Proclaim His Power", which contained five songs she wrote or co-wrote. In 1996, she released Wendy James, a project of all original, adult-oriented, contemporary Christian songs, which features 'The Lord Reigns', "Jonah", "God is Faithful", "You Are the Heart", and "For God So Loved the World". Blessed with a 4-octave range, she started performing concerts in churches for Youth For Christ while in high school. After college and marriage, she continued in part-time adult concert ministry. Her husband David joined her by running sound and in singing the occasional duet, while continuing his career as a CPA. During this time, they had two children, Zac & Ben, who as they grew, also became part of the concerts. Inspired by feedback from "Jonah" and her work on a children's television show, Wendy felt the Lord directing her to write a collection of songs for kids. In early 2000, she completed the project, titled Wendy & the James Gang - KIDS I - God Loves You, which features 11 exciting pop/rock/swing songs written to appeal not only to kids 2-12, but also their parents and grandparents, including fan favorite 'Run devil Run'. The music is the soundtrack for 'Secret Agent Man'. During this time, the family felt God calling them to full-time ministry, but it wasn't until Dave went through two corporate restructurings in two years that he really got the hint. The family became Wendy & the James Gang, focused on full-time evangelism to kids and families. In order to present the songs in an outreach/concert format, Wendy & Dave created an exciting, fast-paced live production involving the whole family. This original production, called 'God Loves You' was designed to be an outreach event for kids and a means to bring the gospel message to entire families. Since March of 2000, they have toured coast to coast, and in 2002 they completed a 6 week, 41 show missions tour in South Africa. This show was retired in 2004. In 2003, she completed and released "Kids II - Song of the King", which is the soundtrack for the show of the same name. The photo above is her character 'Serena' from the show. She also plays 'Agent Samantha (Sam) Book' in 'Secret Agent Man'. Wendy's background as a recording artist, performer, songwriter and composer includes piano and guitar, numerous radio & television appearances and jingles. She was the featured singer at an event honoring a former U.S. Vice-President. She also has experience as an actress, and was a songwriter and performer for a children's television show. In addition to all this, Wendy has continued writing, speaking, and performing at adult contemporary concerts and other special events, including leading worship at Women's retreats.