STEPPING OUT IN POWER!
NEAL JONES
Personal Biography
Singer, Songwriter, Musician, Producer
Executive Music Director COAH Music
Neal Jones is a Community Music Minister, residing in Washington State. He has written and published songs with various record labels, writes musical plays, produces music, and conducts music workshops. He has created curriculum for Music and Worship Arts departments and travels nationally and internationally teaching his unique vocal and choir techniques. Neal is most noted nationally in gospel music as a singer/songwriter with an anointed and powerful first tenor voice. His extraordinary vocal arrangements and publishing of classic GMWA songs like, “Temple of the Holy Ghost”, and “Use Me” have positioned him as a favorite technical instructor in international circles. Neal and his wife Judy own and operate their independant label, City On A Hill Music (COAH) in the Seattle Washington area, under which they publish music and plays written by various writers. Neal a talented writer, singer and producer, has been a member of the local GMWA since 1980, and a member of the Pacific NW Chapter of the Gospel Announcers Guild (GAG) since 2003.
Neal’s thoughts on the progression of Gospel Music: “Gospel Music Industry and the Christian Music Industry have started to meld into one beautiful sound. He says, "It's great to see artists so well known in one genre or the other, crossing over, collaborating on projects, and growing in appreciation for different styles of music. The Spirit of Unity is what I believe God wanted in music, and with those who desire to worship Him and spread His Gospel through music and the arts. After all- it's His creative spirit that flows through all of us, and He is not divided.”
Neals wife, Judy Jones has held national executive positions for multi-million dollar non-profit organizations, and foundations. Two years ago she decided to retire from her position as National Director of Operations for World Visions US Programs, and go into private consulting so that she could devote more time to the music & worship arts company she and her husband are building. Judy will head the couples non-profit arts foundation due to open in 2006. She say's “I enjoy serving the people of God- and I am especially blessed to be serving side by side with my husband working to spread the Gospel of Jesus Christ through music and the arts.”
EXPRESSIONS OF WORSHIP....Experience worship, praise, prayer and power! In his distinctly crisp, and pure vocal styling, Neal expresses a deep anointing with each life-changing lyric, that encourages, comforts and uplifts the soul. His 20 plus years as a minister of music is evident through his writing, singing, production and musicianship on his debut CD entitled “Stepping Out In Power”. Having written and recorded for many Gospel greats, including songs like, Temple of the Holy Ghost, and Use Me, with the Gospel Music Workshop of America- the seasoned contemporary Christian and Gospel psalmist has assembled even more beautiful expressions of worship that will make you clap your hands, stomp your feet, and fall down in sweet surrender before the Lord.
ONCE AGAIN this long time favorite of the Gospel Music Workshop of America (GMWA) is on the scene, this time with his debut solo project, Stepping Out In Power. Peggy Oliver, of Gospel City Magazine says, “Neal’s provocative voice truly soars in the power.” (April 2004 New Artist Review).
The entire project captures a mix of songs perfect for choirs, praise & worship, and personal prayer time. In his distinct crisp, and pure tenor voice, he ushers the listener into worship, praise, prayer and reflection. With a very unique delivery style, and dynamic ministry, his ability as a versatile vocalist, writer and producer is astounding. Stepping Out In Power is the first CD produced on his label. Described by many as an eclectic collection, a project full of powerful surprises!
In a recent interview with the amazing Rick Joyner of SGN The Light- Neal say’s, “It’s a project that is intended to encourage those who are in transition between the old place and the new land that God wants them to possess. He gave me these songs for others who are in that season-just as I am, to say, step out and know that the Lord Your God is with you!” The first single released from the CD is entitled “The Lord Your God”, co-produced with Derek Clark. Radio listeners around the country love it! It’s a hard-hitting powerful cut with jazzy undertones and sleek background vocals. Guaranteed to get you dancin’- the yoke destruction rate on this one is off the charts!
Neal is most noted nationally in black gospel music as singer/songwriter of the hit “Temple of the Holy Ghost”, a foot stomping, handclapping, traditional & contemporary mix that people around the country absolutely get excited about. The song was one of the winners in the International Songwriting Contest (ISC) 2003. The song is still so popular, Neal recorded it again on his new project. Also known for his recording of “Use Me” (Integrity/Deinde BMI), a song he recorded 1994 on GMWA Live In Indianapolis project. He rearranged the song, originally written by his brother Dewitt, especially for the GMWA project. Neal delivers it with exceptional vocal poise, and clarity. His unique voice & this powerful song can be heard on local stations everywhere expressing the heartfelt phrase …”if you can use anything Lord, you can use me…”.
Born into a family of anointed Gospel singers/songwriters, Neal is unique and exceptionally talented in writing everything from powerful choir songs, to encouraging psalms, to lovely ballads. Tyscot Records recorded Neal’s song, “Glory & Honor”. This beautiful worship song is included on their latest praise & worship project entitled The Power of Worship (Tyscot Records, 2004), featuring Gary Oliver and Israel Holton. A sweet, intimate praise unto the Lord, the song is also included on the "Stepping Out In Power" project as a part of a medley of worship songs he wrote. More about Neal’s family can be found at www.thejonesfamily.iuma.com
A faithful member of the Seattle Gospel Announcers Guild (GAG), he has just completed his first music video to be aired this fall on TBN’s national show JCTV. He is the owner of COAH Publishing and Entertainment, and along with Integrity Gospel, has published such songs as “Use Me” recorded by Ron Kenoly & Fred Hammond. As Rick Joyner, radio personality of the syndicated radio show SGN The Light 1460AM, states it “Neal sings encouraging music...a true powerhouse.” Project nationally distributed by Central South Distribution.