“Blessed!” features anointed music ministers Susie Mertz (vocals and vocal arranging) collaborating with her husband Jim Mertz (piano, keys, percussion, instrumental arrangements and background vocals). They have been making music together for 25 years. They wrote 9 of the tracks and also included carefully selected cover songs that have great personal meaning to them. They consider themselves immeasurably blessed and honored to be able to express their real-life testimonies and prayers from their hearts in the form of music! Their gifted and anointed daughter, Melody also contributed significantly vocally on 6 of the tracks including “I Don’t Need Anything But You” which she wrote, arranged and sang. The recording also includes special guest vocals by David Newson and background vocals by Camille Metoyer Moten, Shawn Booker, Juan Lively, Stephanie Lively and Marilyn McGhee. More info is found at www.jimmertz.com. Track Notes: 1. “Jesus Will Make It All Right” - Inspired by Psalm 34:17-18 with an upbeat bluesy/jazzy feel that conveys the message that there is no problem that is too big for Jesus … if we trust Him and take the time to seek Him for the solution - just “hurry up and slow down!” 2. “I Love You Jesus / You Are” – Straight up praise and worship – a love song coming out of hearts filled with reverence and thanks that features Melody and Susie. 3. “Puttin’ On Praise” - Inspired by 2 Chron 20 and Isaiah 61:3 about the power of using praise to shake off heaviness (discouragement, depression, despair) with an old school funk groove – “shake it off … shake it off!” 4. “The Hem of His Garment” - Inspired by the great faith of the woman with the issue of blood from Mark 5:25-34 5. “No Matter What” – Cover of the song written and recorded by anointed musician Jonathan Butler that is an affirmation of faith especially in difficult and trying times - I will love you, Lord, no matter what! 6. “I Am Not Ashamed (of the Gospel)” – Cover of the powerful song written by Dawn Thomas and sung as a proclamation from Susie’s heart 7. “I’m Blessed” – Up-tempo/Southern Gospel feel that will lift your spirit and get your hands clapping! Start proclaiming with your mouth that you’re blessed, believe it in your heart and watch what happens! 8. “I Don’t Need Anything But You” - Written, arranged and sung by Melody - this is a song for those who are hurting and who fail to sleep at night because of shackles that we have allowed to bind us. Cast all your cares to God, listen and obey. He is the way, the truth and the life. 9. “Nearer My God To Thee” - Written by music minister Gus McNair, Jr. expressing a heart that is hungry to draw closer to God with a jazzy feel a la old school Al Jarreau – we call this “jazz for Jesus!” 10. “You Are The Lifter of My Head” – Inspired by Psalm 3 with jazzy chords and jazz standard melody - sung as an affirmation 11. “He Loved Me With A Cross” - Cover of the powerful song written by Joel Lindsey and Sue Smith which takes you to the scene of Christ’s ultimate sacrifice and expression of love! 12. “Over There” - Inspired by Revelation 21 - this song expresses great hope in the promise of eternal life and the joy of Heaven – no more pain, crying or dying over there! 13. “Let All That I Am” - Inspired by Psalm 103 and Psalm 28:7 – Caribbean feel, praise and worship – “and with my song and with my life I will praise Him with all that I am!” Described as “a feel-good song” - guaranteed to lift you up! 14. “Where I Long To Be” – A prayerful worship song featuring Susie, Melody and David Newson – a powerful “Amen” to close the cd! For lyrics and more info, go to www.jimmertz.com. Producers/Executive Producers – Jim & Susie Mertz Engineered, mixed, and mastered at JM Recording Studio by jim m. Note from Susie and Jim: We pray for all who listen to this collection of songs that the words and music will minister life and healing to your spirit and bring you closer to God in all His Greatness, Love and Mercy! We pray that you will come to a deeper understanding of His free gift of Grace that is in Jesus Christ! We encourage you to always seek Him with all your heart! Much Love, Grace and Peace! s & j