Soul Notes

"Soul Notes" is the name given to the group of musicians at the Church of Today Unity where Janet is the music director. She was there as a soloist for several years before her longtime partner, Gregg Akkerman who was the musical director at that time, moved away to further his musical education. After a short time, she stepped into the role as musical director where she has served for almost six years now. She changed the format of the music presented there by moving away from sequenced music with a pianist each Sunday to a live band made up of piano, bass, drums, and congas, as well as the core of solo singers she has on rotation each month. The live band, in Janet's opinion, adds much more to the energy of the Sunday services. On special occasions, she has her core soloists singing in 3, 4, and 5 part harmony as on the traditional Easter services in which they perform Handel's "Hallelujah Chorus". Janet also brings in special guests from all over the country including such names as Faith Rivera, Jana Stanfield, Karie Hillery, and Tina Meeks to name a few as well as some local names including Jeanne & Karl Anthony and Cahill & Delene. The style of music heard on most Sundays includes pop, contemporary Christian / New Thought, country, rock, and jazz. Besides being heard at the two services each Sunday morning, Soul Notes has performed several concerts outside of their home church. In 2004, Janet produced and performed on a full length CD of "Soul Notes" entitled "One God, Many Voices". This CD features a large variety of musical styles, high energy, introspective ballads, and lush harmonies. It's really quite a work of art.

http://theunitycenter.net/nv_music.htm

The Core Singers:

Janet Hammer
Colleen Kendall
Jacqueline Lizar
Jimmer Bolden
Andy Anderson
Hilary Dunning

The Band:

J.R. Betts - Piano
John Giulino - Bass
Toby Ahrens - Drums
Jane McAllen - Congas
Guy Gonzalez - Guitar

Testimonials

I just wanted to say a special thank you for the great job you did last night. How you were able to sing with such power and focus and quality in the midst of so much emotion, I will never know. I love your beautiful light!
Rev. Wendy Craig-Purcell( Sept. 12, 2002 )

Janet ~ I've been meaning to write you to give you a BIG THANK YOU for making my visit to Church of Today such a special, uplifting experience! You are an incredible musician, music director & all around beautifully vibrant spirit :) It would be such a joy to keep in touch and know we'll be making some great music again together in the future. Keep on keeping on with your inspiring, musically beautiful ways!
Faith Rivera singer/songwriter

BIG Kudos to you, Janet, for pulling together such a fantastic team and for selecting such terrific music. Youre the glue, baby! If anyone can herd cats, its you.
Colleen Kendall, singer

I can't tell you how many OHs and AHs there were among the people in the bookstore over the Easter music. You have selected a very special group of musicians and have developed a real talent for finding and selecting appropriate music for EVERY service. Thanks for all the you do!
Jane McAllen, congas

You were truly awesome . . . you absolutely MADE the celebration. Thanks from the bottom of my heart for all that you do.
Jane

I'll add my thanks here, too, for the opportunity to work with all of you in creating music that truly lifts people. What a blessing! And thanks so much, Janet, for your dedication in finding music that not only works for the message but is great fun to perform, and yes, for herding us cats!
Jimmer Bolden, singer

Janet, we are so looking forward to connecting with COT again, and also with you! You are such a bright soul and your love just shines!
Delene St. Clair, singer

Thanks so much for all you did to make this past Sunday great. The band is amazing and your voice is super.
Charly Thweet, musician

I thoroughly enjoyed the energy of the band and was impressed with your progressive approach to the music.
Tina Meeks, singer

I was thinking as you were singing, the mark of a true professional is one who accomplishes the difficult and makes it look easy. Thank you so much for adding creativity and inspiration to todays service.
Peter Felber

I am deaf, and could not understand the words you sang but I want you to know that I was moved to tears by the love and joy you expressed through your music.
Mark

You are like wine that gets better and better and better! You give your all and you reach us all deeply.
Loreen Blume

You are so great! My mom and dad and I were raving about your incredible voice last night! You are so very talented!
Marcia Hayes

Your singing comes from somewhere deep inside. You are inspiring to watch and listen to.
Dianne Bradley

Sometimes sitting in the audience, I am completely AMAZED at the thought that has gone into the musical pieces. Janet obviously digs deep for the material she brings to Sunday mornings.
Cynthia L. Henson

The music was soooooooooo beautiful this morning at church - you and the music team really outdid themselves!
Lynn Fieser

Your vocal performance was inspiring and moving. I truly appreciate your commitment to TKF (Tariq Khamisa Foundation). Thank you for making our event special.
Talreen

On behalf of TKF, we want to thank you for your wonderful voice and heart and the vital part you played in making our event so successful. We know that it touched everyone.
Julie Roy