This auction is for a Josh Simpson -Foundation of Faith CD. Donated by Josh Simpson.

Hoppers’ pianist releases debut solo project

MADISON, NC — There are few pianists in Southern Gospel today who possess the degree of versatility and technical skill capable of presenting such a wide-variety of keyboard styles and sounds within one dynamic project, as does Josh Simpson.
 
Since 2003 Josh has perhaps been best known as a member of the Hoppers, America’s Favorite Family of Gospel Music.  On his first solo project released July 1st, this young pianist demonstrates why he is already measured as one of the most innovative and accomplished musicians in the music industry.

 
With this new project, entitled, Foundation of Faith, Josh steps into center stage and offers up an inspiring instrumental collection of songs. The album kicks off with “Give the World A Smile” — a song Josh sentimentally recalls Wally Varner performing on a local radio station in his hometown in Alabama. On Foundation of Faith, Josh imitates the arrangement he remembers from his childhood, and the results are spectacular.
 
This is one recording that truly has the ability to uplift the listener and “give the world a smile.”
 
It’s a treat, for example, to hear a vintage recording of the Hoppers from the 1960s on the classic, “The Old Gospel Ship,” before Josh breaks into his modern jazzy instrumental rendition.  Plans are to feature this mix of old and new performances in upcoming Hopper Heritage Tour concert dates.
 
Other wonderful arrangements of traditional hymns and modern praise-and-worship classics include:  “Jesus Saves,” “To God Be The Glory,” “How Majestic Is Your Name,” “It Is Well,” “The Old Rugged Cross,” “My Jesus, I Love Thee,” and “Above All.”
 
“Most people don’t know I actually recorded at Claude and Connie’s farmhouse, on Connie’s piano in their living room,” Josh said. “The Hoppers graciously offered backup vocals on several selections, with Mike Hopper playing drums on the project.  Both Dean and Mike engineered the recording for me, and Claude, of course, is the executive producer. I’m so thankful for the family’s support on this project, and for their confidence in me as a musician.”
 
Josh used this unusual solo effort to display his God-given talent and to honor the influences that have so inspired him. Occasionally, the listener may sense that he is paying homage to the great pianists who have moved him, including artists such as Stan Whitmire, Gary Jones and Anthony Burger. However, in spite of the obvious influences, the sound on this album is wholly unique and incomparable—it’s just Josh! He holds his own on dynamic piano renditions of songs like “Winging My Way Back Home,” and a powerful arrangement of “When Jesus Comes In The Clouds.”
 
“I am very proud of what Josh has accomplished on this album,” said Dean Hopper.  “I think this is one CD that everyone will want for their music library.”
 
A native of Alabama, Josh began playing piano at age six.  Last year, he was nominated for the 2004 Horizon Award at the Singing News Awards, in Louisville, Kentucky.  For more information on the new project, Foundation of Faith, see: www.thehoppers.com <http://www.thehoppers.com/> ; or call 336.548.2526.
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