Christian Music Online

Darrel Wells

May 5, 2006 – 7:49 am

Stockton native Darrel Wells is blazing a new musical trail in Reno, and he’s intent on sharing it with fans here in the future.

Wells, 42, is a singer-songwriter who plays several instruments, and he released the smooth-jazz Christian album “Praise Awaits You” in February. While smooth-jazz Christian still is a developing genre, Wells said some Christian radio stations are playing his songs.

A tour is forthcoming, and although dates have not been set, Wells said he wants to come back to Stockton to perform. Unlike other musicians who have left Stockton seeking fame, he credits the city for helping him grow as a musician and person.

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“My entire musical development and personal development happened in Stockton,” he said.

Wells was the worship leader at First Baptist Church in Stockton before moving to Nevada to serve at a growing church there.

“I like starting new things,” he said. That is reflected in his music career. The University of the Pacific graduate left a job selling investments to perform Christian music.

His career began as a part-time worship leader as the former Calvary Baptist Church, now the Bridge at Stockton. Wells said although he’s been writing music and singing in church since he was young, he never considered himself a “church musician” until he was at Calvary.

But from there, he began to find other opportunities in Christian music. “God had the plan all along,” he said.

Calvary led him to a full-time position as a worship leader at First Baptist Church, where he also directed choirs and bands. That, in turn, led him to the opening at the Nevada church and to record “Praise Awaits You.”

His latest challenge is promoting the CD, and he’s also working on starting a new church. In the future, he hopes to tour the country reaching out to fans through his music.

“The worship music’s where my passion is,” he said.

Contact reporter Ian Hill at (209) 943-8571 or ihill@recordnet.com

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