Wendy Jans and her new album

This is where I now take the time to shamelessly plug famous people that I personally know personally! (yes, I wrote personally twice on purpose. deal with it!)

Now it's true I might be a tad bit biased about Wendy seeing as how, through the act of marrying my wife Clarissa, I am related the talented musician. However, Keep in mind that I fell in love with Wendy's musical talents even before I knew we were family.

I first heard Wendy at a wedding in late September of 2007 in which Clarissa was related to the bride. (Now Clarissa and I were not married at that time mind you, that momentous occasion was scheduled one week later.) The wedding ceremony went through the motions, the groom seating the mothers, the bride walking down the isle, etc etc. It was a gorgeous wedding! But something happened, Clarissa and I heard (and I'm sure the rest of the crowd heard her as well, duh!) someone singing behind us up in the balcony. She sang beautifully! The song was called "I Wanna Be." And after she was done, I turned to Clarissa, looked at her with eyes open wide. And surprisingly enough her eyes were as wide as mine. (And Clarissa has pretty big eyes!) and at the same time, in one whispering moment, we both mouthed the words....

"wow!"

We were both completely amazed. Later, as Clarissa informed me, I founf out the musicians name, Wendy Jans. Wendy is married to Clarissa's cousin, Eric Jans. It was at that moment of the discovery where I turned to Clarissa and said "Oh, so I guess asking Wendy out on a date is out huh?" She glared at me and gave me the "look." Now neither Clarissa nor myself had the opportunity to talk to to Wendy or Eric afterwards because we had to leave. But we left the wedding completely and utterly amazed at the talent level of Wendy.

A few months pass. While I was being all distinguished and mature like by looking up the latest barbershop quartet videos pirated on youtube, I decided to go to Wendy's website to see if she was appearing in Des Moines Iowa at all. I wasn't expecting much since she lives in Nashville, TN, but you just never know sometimes. I got to her web page, went to her calendar, and behold! She was making an appearance at a coffee shop in downtown Des Moines! Now of course I told Clarissa about it, and her response was,

"ARE FRICKING KIDDIN ME??? WE HAVE TO GO! I DON'T CARE HOW MUCH IT COSTS! WE HAVE TO GO!!!"

Seeing as how there was no talking her out of it (wink) I decided we had to go! Please note: Clarissa had no influence on us going to the show, I wanted to go anyway! She just was very enthusiastic about it.) We told many of our friends about the concert and a lot of them came! We found a table right by the stage and waited for the show to start. (I can't remember the name of the place that the show was at, sorry!)

The show was exceptionally laid back, very relaxed and "coffee shop" like. which means one thing...I immediately loved it! I made sure to bring my camera because as everyone knows, I like taking photos and videos of these types of things. (And posting them on youtube later, aaarrr matey, me is a pirate!) And seeing as how we were sitting right up front, there was going to be no challenge what so ever of getting really good stuff! I even got some really good videos of some of her stuff in the process....

Now with all this being said, I'm sure you are wondering "Jimmy, who gives a flying crapola??" And I know, this is a big waste of your time, but here's where I give the shameless plug about Wendy's latest album title "Simple As A Song."

Clarissa and I listen to it together in my car and we both wonder the same thing, how in the world is she not more popular than she is right now? Wendy is one of the most talented musicians we have ever heard. She surpasses any and all of the American Idol winners and should be placed within the upper rankings in the history of music. She music is some of the most energetic and soulful music I've heard in a long time.

This album, "Simple As A Song" is not only exceptionally musical, but the quality of the recording is state of the art as well. I have been listening to the album every time I'm driving in my car and while I'm lounging at the apartment. However, what i think makes the album as good as it is, apart from Wendy's sensational musical talent, is how poetic her songs are. They are written with such enthusiasm and feeling and it all comes from her heart.

I would recommend this album to anyone who enjoys good, quality music. Wendy puts everything she has into her music, and you can tell by listening to her album. If you have the opportunity to hear Wendy live, please do. just go to her web page and browse her calendar and see if she will be performing near you. She has two albums which are are available on her website, or on many other online music stores such as ITunes, CDbaby or Amazon.com. Don't pass up this opportunity, buy her cd and enjoy her music.

In addition to having two CD's out, she also has a music video that you can find on youtube. Check it out below...

Also, the reason she is awesome as well, is because she has agreed to record a song with me!! woo hoo!! This week i'll be getting started on my parts, and then i'll be sending it her way and she'll get her parts down. im EXCITED!!!!