I'm excited as an indie artist who's blended styles of music I've performed over the years to write, arrange and record this introductory gospel jazz song. I'm grateful the Spirit led me to sing all vocals and play all instrumentation (on a synthesized keyboard). I praise God for this option and I do not take it for granted. It's a major blessing, particularly at my age that I absolutely love! 

Thanks be to God's direction, I'm evolving musically as I blend styles of music that I've performed to create music that can be presented in arenas that include gospel and jazz. I definitely consider myself to be an indie artist. For me this means that I'm independent of having to conform to any style of music that's considered popular by the music industry's standards. There are many artists that I've enjoyed over the years who have influenced what I do musically. I'm grateful for that and I pray that when those influences are represented in music that I perform, they will enhance what I have to offer as a vocalist, pianist, writer, arranger, etc. I recently recorded a CD single titled; Join Us In Praise. I consider this song to be an introduction for ?bringing it all together.' The rhythmic approach I utilized for the vocals and musical instruments in this song was influenced by one of my all time favorite and rhythmic jazz pianists, Joe Sample. The song is currently available to be downloaded from CD Baby for $0.99 and will soon be released on I-Tunes, etc. Downloading the song will result in a contribution to future projects (plays, etc.) that are in the works for my production company under my business, Hemphill Enterprise. I thank God for His guidance as I have accepted that singing straight ahead jazz is only one form of music that I should perform for audiences. I also give thanks to all who support projects I plan to present and I praise God for the waiting list of people that I already have who want to buy their tickets early for my upcoming musical on November 12, 2011. I praise God for my post-retirement years of work in education that I will continue to do from time to time. But it's time to step it up in the areas of praising God with music I present, etc. and presenting quality productions, some of which I wrote years ago, for audiences to enjoy. PRAISE BE TO GOD!!

To hear the song sample click the link below. It will take you directly to the song where you will be able to hear the sample and/or purchase the song.

OLA