The Guelph Ontario trio, “Marked by Love” has just released their premiere CD “Things Thought Impossible”. Featuring 16 tracks of original songs, new tunes to well-known hymn lyrics, and creative arrangements of well-known hymns, the group delivers light contemporary jazz capably supported by piano, guitar, bass, drums and brass. Donna Harris is the creative force behind it all, having written all of the arrangements and original songs herself. The result is fun, catchy and imaginative music that definitely takes talent to pull off, which the trio does wonderfully well.

All CD revenue is sent to support The Salvation Army Ethembeni Babies Home in Johannesburg, South Africa, a home that cares for babies that are abandoned and orphaned due to HIV/AIDS.

The trio first formed in 2003, performing one of Donna’s original melodies “Jesus is My Light” at their home corps in Guelph. After their debut, the corps requested them to perform special music on special occasions, and in May 2004 the girls traveled to Newfoundland with “Impact Brass”, singing at each concert throughout the tour, with “Jesus is My Light” fast becoming their signature song. After that word seemed to spread, and they were invited as musical guests at other corps in southern and central Ontario. As Donna wrote more and more music for the trio to perform, the idea of recording a CD began to grow in their minds. In October 2005 they performed at Hamilton’s Mountain Citadel with Kevin Ketteringham on drums, Janine Elvin on piano, and Doug Elvin on bass, and these three joined them as their regular backup band from then on, including recording with them on their CD.

It was also in 2005 that Erin McNeilly, the ‘soprano’ of the trio, spent the summer working at the Ethembeni Home in South Africa, leaving her heart permanently there on her return to Canada. As the group solidified their decision to record, Erin saw that this could be a practical way to financially contribute to the home and mission she had left behind.

The name “Marked by Love” came from several scripture passages in ‘The Message’ translation of the Bible, some of which reads “The moment Jesus came up out of the baptismal waters, the skies opened up and he saw God's Spirit-it looked like a dove-descending and landing on him. And along with the Spirit, a voice: ‘This is my Son, chosen and marked by my love, delight of my life.’” (Matt. 3:16-17) and from the transfiguration: “While he was going on like this… a light-radiant cloud enveloped them, and sounding from deep in the cloud a voice: ‘This is my Son, marked by my love, focus of my delight. Listen to him.’" (Matt. 17:5). Shortly after purchasing the rights to their website www.markedbylove.com, they discovered they had been singing their name all along in their signature tune, contained in the first verse of ‘Jesus is my light’: “All the way is marked by love divine.” For them it was indeed divine confirmation of God’s leading in their ministry.

“Marked by Love” is comprised of Erin McNeilly, Celeste Donkersgoed, and Donna Harris. For booking information, or to purchase their CD, visit them at their website or contact them by E-mail at contact@markedbylove.com. More information (including pictures) about Ethembeni Home in South Africa can also be obtained from their website.

You can preview their music in advance by going to www.myspace.com/markedbylove