Interview with The Gardeners
The Gardeners
A Music Group
It is my pleasure to introduce The Gardeners — Jim and Gloria Rudenberg. Gloria has been singing since the age of 15 and she comes from a musical family. In his mid twenties, Jim met Jesus who led him to the Berklee School of Music, where he studied song-writing, guitar and released his first album Blue Umbrella. The Gardeners recently released a new song Eyes on You.
Gloria and Jim, welcome to Nicole Connects Creatives!
What are The Gardeners? When were The Gardeners created? Why was this a good time?
Gloria's response: In spring of 2021, we were looking for a name to call ourselves, as we’re beginning to record our new song Eye on You. Independently on the same day, as we were out gardening, we came up with the name The Gardeners. More than 25 years has passed since our last recording Grace and Glory. Life has been busy homeschooling 5 kids, but they had all flown the coop and once again our hearts were turned to the music that had been hidden within and to the dream of releasing it. And also dreams of coming alongside the younger generation and helping them on their musical journey. So the gardeners seemed to fit us very well - we are avid gardeners of vegetables and flowers but also our ministry through music, the Word and counselling tills up the soil hearts. We are privileged to plant seeds, and tend the seedlings that the Lord gives grace to grow in our garden.
What inspired to write the song Eyes on You? Explain.
Jim's Response: We were in Hawaii visiting our daughter at the beginning of 2021 watching a number of world events unfold. They were very upsetting, so we turned our hearts to worship and pray. As we worshipped, the words of the chorus quickly developed. The verses developed in months following our return. We recognized it was a song for our times and that it should be recorded and released as soon as possible.
Would you briefly share your experience of a music video production? It is a wonderful music video. I have provide a hyperlink to Eyes on You.
Jim and Gloria's Response: It was a challenging and stretching experience for us. Our original idea for the music video and what was actually produced was quite different. Precise communication, a willingness to consider other ideas, and boldness to insist on changes that didn’t line up with our vision were important elements in the process. The actual filming of the video was, for the most part, quite fun and after some tweaking, we were happy with the results.
Which message to you wish the song Eyes on You to impart to the listeners?
Jim's Response: Hope!
Upon listening to this song, what action you encourage listeners to take?
Gloria's Response: Listen to it again. Sing along as a prayer from your heart to God. And then do what it says, take your focus off the bad news - that might mean turning off the TV or radio or turning the dial until you find some good news. For me, that has meant listening to the Bible and Elijahstreams, and consciously turning negative conversations back to Jesus, the only one who has a plan and solution for our crazy world. Then please share it with a friend who needs some hope.
Nicole’s Response: These are great suggestions. Thank you so much.
Gloria and Jim, do you enjoy other hobbies? What are they!
Jim and Gloria's Response: Jim loves to play Pickleball!
Gloria loves gardening and making garden art which take the form of a salad, or a flower bouquet to brighten someone’s day. On winter evenings, she can be found putting puzzles together.
We enjoy exploring new places by car, on foot or by bicycle.
What services do The Gardeners provide? What is the best way to contact you?
Jim and Gloria's Response: The services include concerts in houses, churches, coffeehouses, festivals, etc., worship leading, song-writing classes, guitar lessons, custom songs, special numbers at weddings , funerals, etc.
We can be contacted by email, thegardenersart@proton.me and you stay connected with us, by subscribing to our website https://thegardenersart/.
Jim and Gloria, thank you for this interview and for sharing your perspective.
Jim and Gloria's Response: Thank you so much for taking an interest in our music and giving us this opportunity to share it with your subscribers.
Listen anD sow SeeDs
To encourage The Gardeners, a music group, I welcome you to write a comment about their new song release Eyes on You, Like, Share and/or Subscribe on YouTube.