It's here at last!
Just in time for Christmas, I'm very excited to announce my latest inspirational album!

"What I Believe" is a collection of songs written or arranged by inspirational composer Sally DeFord
(plus a couple we wrote together and two arrangements by Kevin Cookson!)

The album expresses faith and belief, through beautiful music and heartfelt words.
I hope you enjoy what has been a special project to work on.

To listen to the album before buying (click here)

Also available is a songbook of the tracks on the album (click here)

UK or non US Customers:

Tracklist -

1. Because He Spoke to Me
2. The Greatest Among Us
3. His Tears Were Mine
4. Come, Thou Fount of Every Blessing
5. Shards of Glass
6. An Angel to Watch Over Me
7. I Knew My Father Knew
8. Built Upon the Rock
9. To Those Who Came Before Me
10. All Through the Night
11. Once Too Often
12. The Prodigal
13. Be Still My Soul
14. He is There
15. What I Believe

It's been so much fun to work with my good friend Sally on this album, to co-write a couple of the songs, and to sing in my native Welsh tongue - a thing I haven't had much opportunity to do since my early childhood. (Nana says it's close enough!)

When you know something with all your heart, that's special. And when you have something special, you want to share it with everyone who'll listen. This album is a collection of thoughts and feelings that express what I believe with all my heart. As you listen to these songs, I hope you'll not only hear their beautiful melodies, but feel the power that their message holds.

- James

Working with James is something every composer should have on their wish list. I don't know why I'm so blessed, but I'm not complaining. To hear these songs brought to life by a voice like his is what you dream of as you write.

There are quite a few stories behind these songs--to read them all, visit www.defordmusic.com
One story I will tell briefly here since it may be unfamiliar to you, and it inspired the writing of the song called "Shards of Glass." In the early 1830s, members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints began the construction of a temple in Kirtland, Ohio (USA), but at the time they had few resources to make this building a beautiful and worthy tribute to the God they loved.  So they crushed their china and glassware to add to the plaster for the outside of the building, making the walls sparkle and shine in the sunlight.

I love this example of sacrifice and dedication, and in it I find a parable that gives me hope that my offerings, small and imperfect as they may be, can be made to shine like the walls of the Kirtland temple.

- Sally DeFord