New Beginnings

New Beginnings

Track Listings

1. New Beginnings

2. Play His Praises

3. Jesus, You're So Real

4. Angels Watching Over Me

5. You're Everything I Want

6. Come Unto Me

7. Koinonia

8. Matthew 6.33

9. Jesus, My Reason For Livin'

10. Angels Watching Over Me (reprise)

11. Great Is Thy Faithfulness

12. Don't Worry

Editorial Reviews
About the Artist
Joel McCray is an energetic worship leader, minister, songwriter, composer, and music producer, who brings a unique and transparent worship style to the Church. His primary focus is to advance the Kingdom of God through music ministry.

In January of 2000, Joel and five other Christian musicians formed a band called Zamar, which is Hebrew for "praising with voices and instruments". They are an anointed group, who have come together to sharpen their musical skills, while glorifying our Lord, Jesus Christ. Zamar was even blessed to open for Kirk Franklin on May 28, 2000 in Hattiesburg, Mississippi.

During his adult life in music, God has blessed Joel to accompany some of the Christian music industry's greatest artists, such as Yolanda Adams, Tyrone Dickerson, Kirk Franklin, Dr. Vernard Johnson, Greg O'Quinn, Gary Oliver, Bishop Carlton Pearson, and Beau Williams. He has also played keyboards on seven recording projects since 1983, including national recording artist, Odis Richmond & Innercourt from Little Rock, Arkansas. Joel released his first solo project, entitled "New Beginnings," on March 5, 2000. "New Beginnings" was produced by him and his wife, Bridget, and can best be described as easy listening, Christian-Jazz.

Joel is serving as the Associate Minister of Music at Arlington Christian Church, where Barry Cameron serves as pastor. His primary responsibilities include directing the band, assisting the worship leader, and leading worship with, and in the absence of, the Minister of Music. This position allows Joel the opportunity to work in music ministry full-time, which has been a life-long dream of his.

Joel currently lives in Arlington, Texas and is married to his best friend and business/music partner, Bridget Doucette McCray. He has been a Commercial Underwriter for a major, national bank for over seven years. In addition, he and Bridget recently formed J & B Music Ministries to develop and disciple other worship leaders, musicians, and recording artists.

Joel was born on August 12, 1970 in Waco, Texas, and only eighteen months later, he began to play the piano. Joel's mother, Ruby H. McCray, who is a minister of music/preacher, began to give him piano lessons at the age of six. For the next twelve years, under his mother's direction, Joel studied music theory, improvisation, sight-reading, and various music genres.

Joel started playing the piano for churches in 1980, at the age of ten. In 1988, Joel moved to the Dallas/Ft. Worth, Texas area, where he attended the University of Texas at Arlington (UTA) on a track scholarship. He graduated with honors and a BBA degree in Finance in 1992. He was also blessed to help the university's track team win its first and a number of other Conference championships from 1989 to 1992.

After a number of tests and valley experiences, Joel understands that seeking God first is key, and all of the other things that he may desire will be added (Matthew 6:33). As Joel looks back over his life, he is convinced that his accomplishments were only attained by the grace of God. His accomplishments include: Outstanding Piano Student of the Year at Ms. McCrays Music Studio, 1980 - 1988; Honor Student at the University of Texas at Arlington, 1988-1992; NCAA All-American, 1989; UTA 400-meter record holder; University of Texas Hall of Honor Inductee, 1997; and a finalist in Embassy Music Group's National Talent Search, 1997.

Product Description
Gospel-Jazz

New Beginnings,Joel Mccray,Action Music,Gospel/Christian Music

Jazz Music: