Her first UK release 'Misdemeanours After Midnight' has belatedly drawn British attention to a spectacularly talented singer /songwriter called JUDY BAILEY. Geoff Howlett tracked her down.

Judy Bailey

Singer/songwriter Judy Bailey was born in London and raised in Barbados. Her first release won the Best Gospel Album Award and produced the Best Original Song Of The Year in Barbados.

Coming from a home where her father played the trumpet and her mother sang, it wasn't long before young Judy - then aged eight - also began to show musical talent in the church choir. However, it wasn't until she was 17 that she started playing guitar and writing songs after making a serious commitment to God.

Since then, Judy has released two albums and, although only available in Barbados, the first, 'Not With A Weapon', won two awards. I asked her if this early success had any affect on her subsequent writing.

"The night when I heard about that, it just inspired me to write," Judy replies. "I was, and still am, writing all the time and maybe now I'm starting to think that I have to write better songs. I pray that I don't dry up because there is a pressure. I really trust God because that's where the inspiration comes from and he won't run dry. I know that if he wants me to do something then he'll come up with the goods."

Those of you who saw her at this year's Spring Harvest will have already had a taster of what God has supplied and songs on her latest release 'Misdemeanours After Midnight' show a range of inspiration. I asked Judy to share the story behind one of the tracks.

"The concept of the song 'Wheels Of Change' is about things going around and around in life," explains Judy. "Like it mentions times and seasons, as well as fashions, change. Then it goes on to talk about trials of living, how vicious circles go round. There's even one verse that talks about AIDS and how our morals now are sleeping around and around, spreading the virus of pleasure. But the song also offers hope in the chorus of 'The wind of change is blowing' and 'There's a spirit in the breeze'. So even though things do seem to go around and around in life, I thank God that it's not just history that will repeat itself because God will, ultimately, come again. I believe Jesus will come again and break the cycle and there will be an end to it all."

Talking of things going around and around, even the chords of the song itself number just three...and go around and around! We both laugh.

Judy's popularity in Europe has grown since she first visited Germany little more than two years ago and she's lost count of the number of concerts she's played there. Studying for a Masters Degree in Psychology does limit the amount of work she can do but she sincerely wants to be known in this country too. Whilst abroad, Judy has used backing musicians she has met during her many visits. However, those featured on the 'Misdemeanours' album could well accompany her in the country of her birth once a full tour is lined up.

One of those musicians, Steve Thompson, has produced all her work so far, a continuity that is appreciated after what he did with the first album. "I met him through Graham Kendrick", Judy says, "and when I was thinking about recording again he came to mind automatically."

Although she is quite happy with the result, Judy would personally like a more raw sound for the next project. She freely admits to being "no Whitney Houston", but there is quite a feeling of Mariah Carey when singing the ballad "Right Where You Are". Others have compared her to Joan Armatrading but there's also a little rocker inside too.

"In Barbados, I listened to the American Top 40 a lot," Judy reveals, "and especially rock music."

Judy appears to be cool, calm and collected, yet still oozes God's love from deep within, whilst talking. Yes, she does get excited but it's yours truly who is soon to exclaim loudly. Secular record companies have been keeping a watchful eye on Miss Bailey's career and she has more news especially for Cross Rhythms.

"I have just signed a contract with Eddy Grant's Ice Record Company," Judy says. The prospect of recording on a larger budget has many advantages, not least the chance to take some time experimenting with different sounds and techniques. Judy takes it all in her spiritual stride.

"I was not looking for a deal," Judy continues, "but God has given it me. I just know that so much, that I can't be up in the air about myself. It's just another thing and I hope that God will use it to his glory because I know that things will change."

The changes are the way in which Judy can spread the word of the Lord without being seen as 'a preacher'. "Already, there are people that I've come into contact with through the whole negotiation process who have asked questions about Jesus," says Judy. "To me, that is the important thing and, if it all falls through tomorrow, at least I got the chance to speak to those people."

As interview time draws to a close I ponder on something that Judy said earlier. "Be honest in what's going on in your heart. Like the song 'Mind Your Moods', we may get moody but there's hope in our heart."
Judy Bailey certainly knows that hope.