Album Notes

Junko's done it again--here are more songs that are Scripture-based and Christ-centered with melodies that are guaranteed to get stuck in your head (apologies not withstanding).

Once again working with award-winning producer John Andrew Schreiner at the helm, she has recorded 12 songs of uplifting praise and worship for kids and grownups alike. If you've been around at Saddleback Church, Irvine Presbyterian Church, MOPS, or at Mt. Hermon, all places where she performs and leads worship, you might recognize Junko and her songs such as "How Deep is the Love of Christ" done in a pop-reggae style, "Under Construction" a la 50's pop, "Growing Good Fruit" in country style, and "A Welcome Awaits" in gentle pop-gospel. This summer's surprise hit, "Sweet Ranunculas," will have you humming as you tend to your garden, and "Delight Yourself in the Lord" will give you a new perspective on Psalm 37:4, one of Junko's all-time favorite verses.

Junko's even included two familiar songs ("Brave Believers" and "Shine the Light"), this time sung in Japanese. Learn to sing in a foreign language or give this CD to your Japanese friends so they can hear the Gospel message in their own language.

Besides John Andrew Schreiner's outstanding arrangements, keyboards, and sequencing, you will also hear drums by Ron Robertson (from Saddleback's worship band), guitars by Randy Mitchell (Donna Summer, Billy Bob Thorton) background vocals by Alva Copeland, Mike Saxon, and Emily Gomez (all featured vocalists at Saddleback), and kids' choir featuring Junko's own kids Joshua and Megumi and their friends, Alex, Maddy, Emma, and Jenna. To top it all off, you will see outstanding CD graphic design by the Junko's sax player and sidekick, Anthony Paular, featuring creative character drawing rendered by renowned cartoonist Van Partible (Creator of cartoon character Johnny Bravo)!

In short, expect everything you love about her Big & Small CD -- Christ-centered, Scripture-based music on high-rotation in your mini-van -- but even better for 2008! "Over the past 5 years, I've grown as a songwriter, as a vocalist, and as a Christian. I am excited to share my growth and my renewed passion for the music ministry for kids through this new album," says Junko.