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Over the years I have worked in various forms of ministry and music, not ministry related. I started in the 1970’s working with various Christian and non Christian Bands, went on to work in Mental Health, and am now again, back in ministry as a writer, speaker, magician, and most importantly, pastor. I pastor an online ministry called The Virtual Pew and a local church in the Wichita Kansas area called Mosaic. It is in the last association that I am writing this letter.
At Mosaic we recognize the value of music and are hosting both Christian and Non Christian concerts in the Wichita area. We recently had as a guest worship band The Emily Judson Band. What a treat, and what a blessing to have this group be a part of our worship experience at Mosaic. I was blessed in every way imaginable with this band.
Over the years, as a musician and as one working within the industry, I have become aware of how many, if in fact, most bands are a dime a dozen. Either they have an ego problem or simply don’t take their craft seriously; The Emily Judson Band is a rare exception to this rule of thumb. Not only did the Emily Judson Band exhibit humble and sincere attitudes, but they took their music seriously and as a result are among the best bands I have personally had the honor of working with in some time. Not only did I enjoy this group a great deal, our congregation did as well. A number of people have commented to me at how much they enjoyed this group.
I don’t often hand out recommendations, but I have no reservation about handing out a strong recommendation for The Emily Judson Band. Their unique sound and quality musicianship blended in with their wonderful smooth vocals and humble attitudes will lead to a wonderful experience for any church, club, or any other venue looking at hosting this group. I would gladly speak to you personally regarding my own thoughts of this band and welcome your phone call if desiring to do so to 316-305-0491 or via email to mike@furches.org. Simply put, you can’t go wrong, and I for one was truly moved by virtually everything about this group. I think you will be as well.
Enjoy,
Mike Furches
- Mike Furches Mosaic Church
Discography
EJB's debut CD will release in late 2008.
Photos
Bio
The EJB breaks into the music scene bringing a variety of tastes and flavors packaged in a collage of folk, pop, alternative rock. With it’s tastefully eclectic sound, the Emily Judson Band captures the listeners and takes them on a journey painting a musical mosaic. With thoughtful and heartfelt lyrics, capturing the spectrum of the human condition, EJB tastefully pieces together (without pretense) the joys, pains, hopes, fears, struggles, and ironies of life from a Christian perspective.
From the haunting lyrics of “Empty” and “Nothing To Lose”, to the intimate love songs of “I Am Yours” and “One More Song”, to the songs of redemption, hope, and faith of “Yesterday”, “You Remain”, and “Without You”; the band no doubt leaves the listener inspired, challenged, and encouraged.
At just 21 years of age Emily Judson has already written close to 100 songs, has toured the Midwest, and even had the privilege of exploring musical endeavors in Europe. In 2002 Emily met her future husband Brandon Judson (singer, songwriter, worship leader) at a Vineyard church camp in Missouri where the two first shared and played music together, and as the story goes, they have not stopped making music since.
Emily and Brandon joined up with Josh Racchini (good friend, singer, songwriter, worship leader) and Jeremy and Kaci Neely of Wurship Project in there first recording project together in 2004. To their surprise the CD titled Wurship Project “You’ve Called Us Out” (of which many of the tracks were recorded in Josh’s basement studio) received air time across the Midwest and even had air time in Maryland, Pennsylvania, and West Virginia on the He's Alive network, joining the charts with many well known contemporary Christian artists.
In the summer of 2005 Josh, Emily, and Brandon began praying and talking about starting their own band based in Wichita,KS. The three began writing and sharing new music of which naturally created a desire for them to start looking for additional musicians to partner with in order to better package and convey the message and spirit of the music to it's listeners. Todd Barstow (good friend and Vineyard worship team member) joined playing viola and Todd Pierpoint (good friend, former band mate, and Vineyard worship team member) came on board to play drums. While waiting and praying for David Racchini (Josh’s brother, good friend, former worship leader) to move up from Texas to play bass, the band practiced weekly and continued writing and working on arrangements. After David joined the band, they started recording the first Emily Judson Band CD in March of 2007 in Josh’s basement studio.
The band is bursting with expectation to share the songs that have been birthed in their hearts, in hopes that in some way the songs will touch the hearts of others. The new CD is set to be released in late 2008.
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