Album Notes from Wendy Katagi: This project has inspired me to sing about the ways I have felt and experienced love in my life. Through lifes ups and downs, one constant remains--love born from God. I felt pure joy as I recorded these songs of hope, faith, love, and the Christmas season. Also felt great release to express the pain and sense of loss during a couple of songs, like "Smile" and "I love you, my child" as I walked through the pain of family health issues and some disappointments. The truth is I am blessed. The words and music on this album reflect my journey to allow hope to rise in my heart again, see beauty, feel love, be moved beyond words, and to grow. I truly hope and pray that your spirit and heart will be uplifted by these songs, as they have so touched mine. If you are going through a tough time, I hope you will be comforted, restored, and healed in the deepest parts of your heart and soul. And if you are doing well, I hope your heart is full of great joy and thankfulness always. As nature sings a sweet refrain, our spirits rise in hope again... With Love, Wendy For more information, visit www.wendykatagi.com Bio: Wendy Katagi was born in Los Angeles, California. Wendy started singing solos in her church, Gardena Valley Baptist Church, during high school and went on to study voice at UC Irvine while majoring in Social Ecology, Environmental Health and Planning. Wendy creates and manages watershed and ecosystem restoration projects in California. Throughout her undergraduate years, Wendy packed her schedule with as much music and performing as possible. She sang in multiple choirs, performed in musicals, and toured with UC Irvine's choir in England, Scotland, and Wales. Wendy also sang on a number of Christian recordings with Maranatha Music, Vineyard Music, and Hope Chapel. Wendy's love for music expanded over the last nine years to include conducting choirs and directing musicals at her church as well as songwriting. This first solo recording project captures Wendy's love for God, nature, and the Christmas season. Credits Produced by: Tom Zink and Wendy Katagi Recorded at: Ming Dynasty Studio, Long Beach, CA Arranger: Tom Zink Sound Mixing and Engineering: Tom Zink Vocals: Wendy Katagi Piano: Tom Zink (all songs except Daniel Matsuda on "White Lilies Bloom") Guitar: Jimmy Mathis Trumpet: Andrew Carney on "White Lilies Bloom", "Somewhere Over the Rainbow", and "The Christmas Song" Alto Saxophone: David Ebersold on "White Christmas" Cello: Melissa Hasin Flute, Soprano and Tenor Saxophones: Gary Meek on "He is God", "Smile", and "Amazing Grace" Drums: Chris Wabich on "Amazing Grace" Background vocals on "Amazing Grace": Hannah Katagi, Tom Zink, Anne Walsh, Wendy Katagi Comments erika nguyen March 14, 2011 love it. Sonia Nasser January 20, 2011 Hi Wendy, well this is an awesome surprise. I never knew you sang so beautifully. Thank you for sharing your amazing gift from God. I'm going to show this to my daughters -you're a great example for them to keep up their love of music alongside their academic studies. We had a great Christimas here in the UAE. I hope to see you again soon when we visit California. Take care and keep up the great work! Uncle David and Aunty PeeWee January 3, 2011 Congratulations and infinite blessings on your musical quest. We are extremely proud and happy for your love of music is being taken to a higher level. As for the sample of your Christmas Songs, they were beautifully done...we loved and enjoyed it very much. Good Luck and God's Blessings on you and your musical team. Aloha, Uncle David and Aunty Peewee. ada takahashi December 26, 2010 wendy! you sound so great! it brings tears to my eyes i am so proud of you i can't wait to own your music collection. i finally am checking my e-mails now. i would have loved to share this awesome feeling just listening to you sing. i am one of your biggest fans!!! i love you Wendy keep the faith and ypo go girl !! Patty Yanaga December 16, 2010 Dear Wendy, What a blessing...and just in time for Christmas! I love the arrangements, and the saxophhone adds so much. Looking forward to the availability of the completed CD in the near future. Have a Blessed Christmas and may all your hard work and talents come to fruition in 2011! Love, Patty Marlene Okada December 15, 2010 Hi Wendy, Your vocal music is "angelic" and this was a chance for me to really appreciate the "gift" from God to you. Bless you for sharing the uplifting that music provides and especially for Christmas with celebrating Jesus Christ and the "reason for this season." Your choices are so special, and I do wish very much to be able to enjoy your CD and share. Loving thoughts and prayers, Marlene Marianne Matsuda December 15, 2010 Beautiful dearest daughter! Jennie speciale November 29, 2010 Congratulations on your new baby! It's great! Denise Landstedt November 29, 2010 Congratulations! What a blessing! Patty Yanaga November 29, 2010 Dear Wendy, Thank you for sharing your wonderful gift with me and others. I look forward to recieing updates and hearing the songs you are recording. I'll look forward to being able to buy your CD when it comes out. Love and Blessings, Patty Maya DeRosa November 28, 2010 Wendy!! This is an amazing website!!I am so excited for you and can't wait to hear more of your music! Thank you for the inspiration. God is good!! Love you! erka nguyen November 27, 2010 Dear wendy thank you for you beutiful smile and fantastic voice. congratulations. love erika,kimmy andrew nguyen. Susie Shelley November 27, 2010 CONGRATULATIONS dear friend !!! Your website is FABULOUS. Can't wait to buy your CDs. Love, Susie Marsha Gishi November 27, 2010 can't wait to hear your music Marianne Matsuda November 26, 2010 Beautiful Wendy! I am so proud of you. I know God is pleased and takes joy in you always! Thank you for doing recording your music and for using your voice for His Glory. He has given you the gift of music that will bless many people. Love, Mother © 2011 Wendy Katagi