For many people, faith in a higher power can be one of the most eye-opening and life-changing experiences. For country singer-songwriter Mary James, her discovery of Christianity did more than change her life. It formed her musical career.
For many people, faith in a higher power can be one of the most eye-opening and life-changing experiences. For country singer-songwriter Mary James, her discovery of Christianity did more than change her life. It formed her musical career.
Last Saturday, at the Lakeside Community Presbyterian Church, the Mary James Band took stage as the latest group in the church’s concert series. Their stop at the church is the latest in a string of concerts throughout California, with a number of stops planned throughout San Diego County.
Mary James has always had music in her life. Growing up in the church, she sang solos during services and found a love for the music. Her love for country music grew into a career path. She came to Christianity at 34 and it quickly became a central part of her life.
“[God] was always there for me. He placed me in a work environment where I was surrounded by [people of faith] and he was constantly speaking to my life,” said James.
Just a few months ago, James released her fifth studio album “Strong.” James credited her desire to help people struggling in life by showing the power of Christianity and the relationship she has with God as a major inspiration for her latest work.
“This latest CD was to give people reassurance that God loves them,” said James. “It first was a friend of mine whose husband walked out and she ended up taking her own life. And then it was Michael Jackson, and then it was Whitney Houston, and then Junior Seau. […] I just sat and thought, ‘what can I do?’ How can we, through what God’s given us to do up here, make some kind of contribution to the lives of these people?”
James’s set focused on the theme of strength. She played songs from a variety of her albums, covering some of the struggles of her life, her arrival at Christianity, praising Jesus, and the worthy struggle that is marriage.
During the performance of her song “I’m Not Willing”. James and her husband, acoustic guitarist Dan Barker, harmonized beautifully. The song highlighted the troubles that come with marriage and showcased how her faith helped keep them together. Both sharing an intimate moment on stage was only magnified by the fact that it was a great song.
Barker surprised James and the audience as he interrupted the set for a bit of humor. Right before jumping into the love song, he performed short snippets of a few “scandalous” Johnny Cash songs, which led to a fun round of scolding from James and cheers from the audience.
Another highlight of the night was James’s performance of “Strong,” the eponymous track on her new album. James went all out, kicking her heels and letting her voice run wild. If ever there was a question of passion, this performance put all those doubts aside.
Mary James is a singular talent and all understood that during the concert. With a voice that honored Wynonna Judd and echoed Martina McBride, her original work serves as a loudspeaker for her faith and its message, and as a true testament to her God-given voice.
James’s passion for music and faith the best parts of the entire night. Often, James lost herself in the music and, by doing so, James lifted herself and the crowd into a cloud of mutual admiration, not only for her music, but for the faith they believed in. James and her band rocked the house and left members of the Lakeside Community Presbyterian Church fulfilled.
Mary James Band operated on a higher level last Saturday night. Whether it was the power of the music, or something more, James and company showed a side of gospel music that might be a little more approachable than what most people think of. Through James’s performance and presence, people at any level of faith can come together and reach a level of understanding.
For tour dates and albums from Mary James, head to www.mary-james.com.
