Wardel

Wardel is a show stopper. To see him play the piano will truly amaze you. He puts everything he has into it and if that isn't enough he will belt out lyrics just has hard. He loves to see people have a good time and enjoys what he does. He just believes in giving his best and he really knows how to work a room. In worship and praise, it's God and himself. It's personal! He invites you to share with him, which is truly an awesome experience.The ushering in of the Holy Spirit allows us to truly give God praise.

Wardel, a Kansas City native, has been involved in music since the age of six. Growing up near the Historical 18th and Vine and 12th Street District, there were many jazz, blues and gospel artists. Such performers as Count Basie, Big Joe Turner, Duke Ellington, Charlie Parker, Bloodstone's, Oleta Adams and the gospel quartet The Dixie Hummingbirds. He began playing the piano at the age of six, sang in the choir at eight, and performed in his first band at the age of fourteen. While in the Army, he performed in many talent shows, concerts, and television shows overseas. Writing, singing and performing his songs, he came to a crossroad in his life where he chose to give his gift back to the Lord. His first love was Christ and he wanted to give his gift back to God, but his influence had always been Blues and Jazz. God blessed him to mix his love for Christ with his passion for jazz and blues and he has been working on a sound where Christians can relax, chill out and enjoy quiet evenings while listening to some great jazzy bluesy sounds with Christian lyrics. Most of his lyrics speak towards a lifestyle with Christ. One that the whole family can enjoy from racy beats that you hear in songs like Testimony and I'll Do to bright songs like City Lights and Keep Me to the brilliant instrumental of HE IS. He reveals his own struggles and issues through his music hoping that it will encourage many to come to Christ just as they are. He loves making new friends and loves making music, but most of all he loves leading people to Christ. He believes that his gift from God should be used to encourage the people of God to come to really know Him. His first CD, released in 2004 on the SoPo Records Label, was Wardell Williams and the J.U.F. Connection which stood for Justified Under Faith with connections, did well as an indie artist. The popularity of such songs like the re-make of Glory Glory Hallelujah and He's Alright has become popular but his new music is truly anointed by God. He has shared the stage with many artists and hopes to join many other artists, preachers and evangelists in spreading the Word of God.

I love to play and sing. You can catch me every Sunday at Transfiguration in Kansas City MO. I perform regionally around the midwest r. The one moment that stands out for me is when I was taking Dr. Bobby Jones to the airport. His words truly encourage me. Another time, I shared a ride with Joe Ligon of the Mighty Clouds of Joy. We talked about the business, the ministry, how it is important that as an artist you always keep God first.

My influences range from Gershwin tunes, Fletcher Henderson arrangements, Stevie Wonder, George Clinton, Natalie Cole, Sara Vaughn, the Piano Playing styles of the 50s artist like Jerry Lee Lewis, Fats Domino, Fats Waller and Count Basie. My style of playing is exciting fresh and entertaining. I feel what I play and I play what I feel. Simple... My vocal influences have been people like Luther Vandross, Aretha, Jeffrey Osborne, Lionel Richie and Maurice White.

I love to play the Acoustic Piano, but also I like Roland and Triton Keyboards.