Higher Powered Harmonies was a project that originated from a desire to put together a "spiritual" album that would perhaps cross the boundaries of traditional religious lines and appeal to anyone who claims or is seeking a Higher Power.People who have followed the Twelve Step Path may particularly be comforted by our music. There were three guiding principals involved in the concept:
1. We believe there is a Higher Power (which many of us call God).
2. The Higher Power loves all of the peoples of Earth.
3. The Higher Power speaks to us often
through this powerful vessel known as music.
One will also notice a frequent reference to peace. For we believe that the Higher Power wants that for all people. We would like to thank this Loving Creator for allowing us to make music and our hope is that you may find music on the album which helps you to feel closer to your Creator and perhaps may bring you peace. We would also like to thank many others who have been huge supporters of this project:
1. Ben Whittington for designing our album covers, our web page (www.higherpoweredharmonies.com) and assisting with this project in many, many ways.
2. Studio 17 and Michael Maas for his hard work to make this come to be.
3. Our spouses, children, and significant others for tolerating many hours away to pursue our calling.
4. Lovely Lane United Methodist Church of Cedar Rapids, Iowa
5. Unity Center of Cedar Rapids, Iowa
Peace be with you,
Higher Powered Harmonies
BIOGRAPHIES:
Rod Ellenberger
Rod Ellenberger is a trumpet player, singer and rhythm guitarist with more than twenty years of musical experience. Rod led the NTS Band in the Cedar Rapids area for 2 years while studying music and playing lead trumpet
at Kirkwood and Coe Colleges. Currently Rod is also teaching trumpet lessons at Music loft. He has been a leader of contemporary worship music at Lovely Lane United Methodist Church, and is currently a member of the Cedar Rapids Jazz Ensemble and The Red Devil Big Band. Rod is also a member of RJ Blue, a group consisting of Jenni Woodard and himself. RJ Blues performs jazz, blues, and seasonal and spiritual music for parties or events. Although RJ Blues appears most often as a duo, they are able to expand to a five-piece band as required.
Nick George
Nick has loved music, especially Jazz, since birth. He has performed in a number of bands and in many genres, including rock, blues, country, and jazz, and has appeared with many of the finest performers in the area. In addition to performances with the artists of Higher Powered Harmonies, Nick has shared the bandstand with Eddie Piccard Dick Watson, Tim Daugherty, and Steinway artist Dan Knight. Nick is featured on two CDs: His Eye is On the Sparrow, with Craig Dove and Tim Daugherty; and Let's Fall in Love, with pianist Gail Williams and bassist Dick Kriz. He has also performed as auxiliary percussionist with the Cedar Rapids Jazz Big Band. Nick is a 22-year veteran of the English Department at Linn-Mar High School in Marion, where he recently directed the play One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest. Nick has performed as an actor on many stages in the Cedar Rapids area, including Theatre Cedar Rapids, Classics at Brucemore, and The Follies.
Nina Swanson
Nina is a founding member of Liar's Holographic Radio Theater, where she sings and acts to her heart's content. She is also the music director at Unity Center, and is part of the vocal trio Tribute, a group that specializes in Christmas music. A recent new venture is being an energy health practitioner at the Avalon Retreat Center, where she offers Reiki sessions. Nina appeared in both previous Jazz Jams and in Cabaret 2003. She also appears frequently in the area as a performer at private events. In addition to her skills as a singer, Nina plays the piano, guitar, and accordion, and is an accomplished actress.
Michael Maas
Mike, an extraordinary singer, songwriter, and multi-instrumentalist, is an original cast member and integral part of Liar's Holographic Radio Theatre. He wrote the theme song for Liar's, and continues to write and arrange music regularly for the company. Having traveled the world performing, Mike brings a rich musical background to any project. He performs regularly with many of the area's top musicians, including violinist Carlis Faurot and with the band Red Devil Down. For the past few years Mike has been recording and producing others' music at his own high-end recording facility, Studio 17, in Cedar Rapids.
Christy Sundberg
This is Christy's first experience recording a CD, however the 24 year old has been singing and writing since she was a child. A nine-to-five bank teller, she currently devotes her vocal talent to Lovely Lane United Methodist Church. Christy has been part of various choirs at Kennedy High School and Iowa State University. She's very excited that her song, "Guardian Angel", has finally been given accompaniment after eight years as an acapella piece. As the amateur of the group, she would like to thank everyone for their support and excitement with this project, especially her parents who convinced her it could be done. This has been a truly blessed adventure
Craig Dove
Craig has a long and varied career in music. Playing in venues from concert halls to clubs, he has performed all types of music including pop, rock, classical, orchestral and blue-grass. A versatile musician, he plays upright bass, electric bass, piano, guitar and is an accomplished vocalist as well. As a composer and recording artist, he recorded an album (yes, an LP on vinyl for those of you who remember) of all original music. A more recent recording is a solo CD, "On My Wings" of jazz/pop arrangements featuring Craig on piano, bass and vocals. Additional credits include: recording with Steinway artist, Dan Knight, and performing with Dan in London, England at the Croydon Clocktower Jazz Festival and performing and recording in concert with Manheim Steamroller percussionist Rick Swanson and Dan Knight. Teaming up with Tim Daugherty and Nick George produced, "His Eye Is On the Sparrow." The music is an eclectic blend of gospel, pop and jazz to honor God and Jesus Christ. Craig is also a physician specializing in Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation and is Medical Director of St. Luke's Rehabilitation services.
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