Jay Heidemann-
Guitarist, Songwriter, Vocalist
An accomplished and versatile singer, songwriter, and musician, Jay's passion for music was ignited over 30 years ago at age 6 when he sang his first solo. This experience launched his musical career. Jay became involved in chorus, barbershop quartet, swing singers and solo ensemble. He has won numerous awards in singing competitions. Jay sang with the top concert choir while attending University of Wisconsin Whitewater.
When he was 21 and in college Jay added guitar to his musical talents. After a college roommate taught Jay the basics of playing guitar he would skip class and play for 4 -5 hours a day and was playing in public within a couple of months. (Jay does not recommend anyone skip class to learn to play guitar.) He has been writing and composing music for 15 years. Once Jay learned to play guitar he was influenced by many styles and genres of music. In the early years some of Jay's favorites were Eric Clapton, Lynyrd Skynyrd, Stevie Ray Vaughan, and The Eagles.
Jay felt a call on his life 9 years ago to play for GOD's glory. Some of his present favorites are Mark Schultz, Third Day, Steven Curtis Chapman, and Mercy Me. Now there is nothing more satisfying to him then to lead people in to the holy of holies.
Jay's prayer is that the music will touch hearts, change lives. break bondages, destroy yokes and lead people to the LORD JESUS CHRIST. His desire is to Glorify GOD in song.
Bob Hepler -
Keyboards, Reeds & Vocals
Bob has always known that God gave him a talent and love of music. Blessed by both his Mother and Father's family of musical genes, Bob's parents recognized this special gift and graciously presented him with opportunities of piano lessons and learning the clarinet from second grade on. He began to play piano for Sunday School worship services, school choral events and organ for church worship services. During his school years Bob participated in Concert Band, Orchestra and Jazz Band. His exposure and experiences continued with playing funk & soul, rock w/horns, rock, country rock, and Christian rock within the context of various groups. Bob says, "Now, God has given me a new and wonderful gift. He has been speaking to my heart and my mind. Leading and guiding me along a musical journey of Praise and Glory for Him. PRAISE THE LORD...OH MY SOUL!"
Al Langella -
Drummer, Percussionist, Songwriter
An accomplished and versatile musician, back ground singer, and songwriter, Al's passion for music and drums was birthed within him before he was born. With a big band era drum playing dad and a full blooded American Indian war- drumming mom…at the age of 6 Al had no choice but to pick up a pair of drum sticks and of course go on a war path of his own! He ate, slept, and breathed drums!
Al’s been playing with bands since he was 13. At the age of 19 he was a studio musician in New York for Universal Studios. He’s performed with varied bands from coast to coast.
His influences are varied and cover many different musical genres. During his younger years The Beatles, Blood Sweat and Tears, and Chicago were big influences on his musical style. Since he has come to know the Lord and grown spiritually, his musical taste has centered on other Christian musicians rather than secular. Steven Curtis Chapman, DC Talk, Carmen, Ron Kanoly, Mark Schultz, and Mercy Me are among those that have captured his attention.
For the past 25 years with the LORD, Al loves nothing more then to praise and worship his Lord and Savior. He’s had the privilege of playing praise and worship around the world with some great Christian musicians changing hearts and souls. The style and type of music he now chooses to play is vastly different than during his younger years!
One of Al’s favorite passages is Psalm 150: Praise Him with loud cymbals; Praise Him with high sounding cymbals! Let everything that has breath praise the Lord. His dream and prayer is to see every nation and tongue reached with the message of salvation through his Lord Jesus Christ.
Jim Marquard-
Bass Guitar, Vocals, Songwriter
Imagine a six year old sitting in front of an old stereo console wearing out his older brother’s Abbey Road album the year it came out and you will have some idea of who Jim Marquard is. An avid music fan since before he can remember, Jim was born in 1963 and raised in
Jim has been playing guitar since he was eleven years old and eventually started playing bass guitar when he started recording his own music. His influences are varied and cover many different musical genres and include The Beatles, John Denver, The Who, Deep Purple, Journey, Mannheim Steamroller, Tom Booth, Rich Mullins, Julie and Tim Smith, Steven Curtis Chapman, DC Talk, Phil Keaggey, The St. Louis Jesuits and a long list of others. He has been writing and recording songs since his twenties. Most of his own work is secular, though there have always been Christian overtones to his lyrics and there have been a number of worship songs along the way.
When not involved with music, you will find Jim pursuing many other interests including golf, fishing, camping, cooking, biking, and hiking. Jim loves to do all of these things with family and friends. Most important to Jim, though, is to always include God in all things.
Troy Messer -
Sax, Guitarist, Songwriter
Troy has always had a love for music. Born in Indianapolis, Indiana in 1966, He was hunting and fishing with his father at age five. His grandfather was a musician and made his own fiddles, made out of gords, grown in the garden. Troy’s musical career started in fifth grade band, playing the Alto-Saxophone. This continued through to his senior year where he was involved in Concert Band, Marching Band, Jazz Band, and an after school band called “THE MISSING LINKS”.
After high school, Troy was awarded Eagle Scout. He then joined the Air Force to see the world. He did just that, playing with different worship teams, around the world. Along the way, He has added guitar, tenor sax, baritone sax, and other instruments to his fun. Troy has 23 years in the military, a wonderful wife and two children. He has seen things that some will never see good and bad. It has sparked a passion to use his talents to reach others for Christ.
Troy is a Royal Ranger Commander and plays with the Praise and Worship Team in his church where he met Al for the first time. He wants to use his talents to get the word out and to show all that there is a God who loves us all. Some of Troy’s favorites are Third Day, Jump Five, Tobimack, Skillet, Mark Schultz, and Guys for God. “I like all kinds of music when it comes to praising God”.
Bill Smith -
Guitarist, Songwriter, Vocalist
Bill has been involved in the music industry since the age of 16. His roots are hardly traditional, however. “I remember listening to the 4-Lads, Perry Como, and Andy Williams on my Mom’s old 45-player. Those wonderful harmonies and string arrangements!” Then, a family friend gave him a Big Bill Broonzy 45 for his 8th birthday. “I think it was ‘Down in the Basement Blues’. It was like I never heard music before. Soon I was listening to Muddy Waters and John Lee Hooker, John Mayall's Bluesbreakers, the Isley Brothers, Sly & the Family Stone, and the Paul Butterfield Blues Band. At the same time, my fiends were listening to the Monkee’s, The Archies, and The Partridge Family. Then I heard Jimi Hendrix at age 10, and I knew I had to figure out how he made all those sounds on his guitar”.
Bill’s early music career was largely regional rock bands from Midwest in the late 1980’s and 1990’s. You can find Bill playing on many on the “Home-Town” album records from local rock stations. He has also recorded with national music acts in Nashville and Chicago. He writes and records his own material in his home project studio. His Christian musical influences include Keith Green, Phil Keaggy (solo and with Glass Harp), Petra, Sixpence None The Richer , Chris Rice, and Paul Baloche.
Bill recently went back to school and earned his Masters in Addiction Counseling. He is currently employed with a Milwaukee-based not-for-profit, working primarily with the homeless and individuals who are incarcerated in need of treatment for chemical dependency.
PRAISE THE LORD
AND THEN
PRAISE HIM AGAIN.
