THE HUDSON TAYLORS

In March 2001, Noel Richards, Brian Houston and Wayne Drain found themselves working together at a church leaders’ conference. The blending of their voices and acoustic guitars seemed to work well and they decided to explore the possibilities further.

Following their US Tour in the summer of 2001, they were inspired to record together in Nashville ‘to see what happened’. The resulting album ‘Hurricane’ was released on the Kingsway label in February 2002, under the collective name ‘The Hudson Taylors’. *

The collaboration of a Welshman, Irishman and an American Cherokee/Scot has created a unique sound, which mixes the Celtic with rootsy elements of Country, Acoustic rock and Blues. The songs range from intimate ballads to the anthemic and express worship as well as something of God’s heart cry for the lost.

To create the sound they wanted, they worked with well-respected producer, Derry Daugherty (The Choir, Lost Dogs), who assembled a hand picked team of Nashville session pros for the project.

Each member of The Hudson Taylors brings a wealth of experience to the band.

Noel Richards lives in Cobham, Surrey and is well known as a worship leader and writer of modern worship hymns and songs, which have been sung worldwide. He has performed in venues ranging from small town halls to stadiums, in more than 30 countries. In 1997, he organised the Champion of the World event at Wembley Stadium, which gathered 45,000 people for a day of worship and prayer.

Brian Houston is an established part of the Belfast music scene and has supported artists such as Van Morrison and Elvis Costello. He has recorded a number of solo albums and worked with producers such as Adrian Lee of Mike and The Mechanics and Mike Howlett (Gong, Enola Gay) Besides his reputation as a performer, Brian is also becoming increasingly known for his worship leading and as a writer of passionate worship songs

Wayne Drain is based in Russellville, Arkansas and has been leading worship, writing songs and recording since he was inspired by the Jesus Movement. He has recorded his own albums and guested on many. He has worked closely with Dave and Dale Garratt from New Zealand, who were pioneers in the field of worship music.
Like Noel, Wayne has performed in many countries outside of his native USA. He also pastors a church - ‘Fellowship of Christians’ in Russellville.

The Hudson Taylors have toured in the UK, Germany, Holland, USA and Canada.

After a break of several years, the good news is that they are planning an exclusive series of concert dates in 2010.
* J. Hudson Taylor, 1832 - 1905 became the first missionary to the interior of
China when as a teenager he heard from heaven the message ' Go for Me to
China'. He trusted, obeyed and the rest, as they say, is history.