Home   Mission   Faith   About Me   Contact   Links   e-Mail
Brian James Biography

In the beginning...
Although I was the son of a Disciples of Christ pastor, my early years were spent as an athiest. It wasn't until I was in Jr. High School, after my sister brought me to some bible studies, when I became a Christian. It wasn't a great emotional experience. I saw no visions, and heard no voice from heaven - but my life was changed!

It was also around that time that I got my first guitar. I didn't take lessons, but learned on my own, by watching and listening to others. I've always loved music, but didn't really realize that I had any real talent until I was in High School.

I'd joined the concert choir (not because of my love for music, but because of my infatuation for a girl I knew). There was one day when, the instructor was particularly annoyed when the guys weren't getting a part right. After the prodding of a friend, just for kicks, I really belted out that part. I was totally shocked when the result was a thunderous round of applause!

After class, the instructor asked me if I'd considered a career in music. I kind of shrugged it off. At the time, I had a very low self esteem... yet that was a turning point in my life. I will never forget that day!

Musical expertise & style...
I can sing from high baritone to high tenor, but prefer low (second) tenor. People tell me that there is a warm, soothing quality to my voice. I sing mostly mellow songs, but I like to rock out now & then too! ;-) I consider myself to be primarily a singer, but I'm also a musician.

I play electric & acoustic guitar (as well as bass), but I'm most at home on my Takamine classical. I'm also learning to play keyboards. I have an eclectic style - a mixture of jazz, folk, rock, classical, and country. It's kind of a cross between James Taylor, Phil Keaggy, Michael Franks, and Collin Raye.

I still consider myself to be an average singer and musician. Over the years, though, I've discovered that it isn't so much the level of talent that matters, but the level of God's annointing. Many have said that my music is annointed. I practice so that my natual talents will improve, but all the more, I pray and study God's word, so that God's annointing will continue and increase!

...and experience...
Bands:
For many years, I've sung and played in several bands, including: playing bass for The Traveliers (a high school sponsored band), I sang guitar & played for various Christian bands, including His Band, Sonshine Band and Canaan Band to name a few.

Songwriting:
I've been writing poetry & lyrics and composing music as long as I can remember. Over the years, God has increased my writing and composition abilities. I've attended conferences to help me to sharpen and grow in these gifts God has given me. I try to always be open to God's Spirit.

I also try not to be without a dictation recorder (or at least a notepad) at all times. That way, I can record ideas while they're fresh in my mind! I want to remember melodies and lyrics that God gives me!

I tend to write songs that are very personal in nature - and close to my heart. The emotional content of the songs ranges from deep depression to ecstatic joy! I don't write songs without hope. Even the sad songs point to God, who will turn our mourning into dancing!

Praise & Worship:
I've led or been a part of worship teams at various gatherings, including His Hill's P.P.S. (Prayer, Praise & Study), Grace Church - St. Louis, Vinyard Fellowship, as well as various home bible study groups.

Choir:
I have experience singing in choirs from the Concert Choir at Hazelwood Central High, to the choir at New Covenant Church, to Grace Church - St. Louis, and presently, the St. Louis Concert Choir. I've also sung with regional choirs for performances such as The Young Messiah, Hymns & Voices, My Utmost For His Highest, and David - A Man After God's Own Heart.

Other:
I've done solo performances, background vocals, choirs, ensembles, rhythm & lead guitar, bass guitar, as well as some studio work. I also have a small recording studio in my home.

...in different venues.
I've sung and played at many different kinds of places: bible studies, youth groups, churches, singles groups, nursing homes, prisons, parks, and anywhere else I can, to proclaim the good news of the Gospel of Jesus Christ!

Now on to the present...
I'm currently leading worship at Grace Church - St. Louis' singles ministry, but that's not my primary calling. I'm also a member of the CMI St. Louis Concert Choir, but again, that's not my primary calling. For many years, I've known that God is calling me to a different kind of ministry. IHe's preparing me for something new - which is just beginning to become clear to me...

After continual prodding from the Holy Spirit, I'm is finally starting into full-time music ministry. I'm now a member of the GMA (Gospel Music Association) and NACAS (National Association of Christian Artists & Songwriters). I'm writing more music, creating demo tapes, preparing concert programs, collecting equipment, and most importantly, praying a lot more for God's strength and guidance! Please pray for me!

...and into the future!
What the future holds is uncertain... concerts, CD's, recording contracts - God only knows! As the bible says, we need to focus on the present. The important things are to do God's will, to perform the great commission of spreading the Gospel, to be above reproach, and to live a live that is pleasing to God, following His plan. More than anything, I want to be obedient to His plan for my life!