Philip Bardowell at Cypress Church

Christian recording artist and songwriter Philip Bardowell will lead worship at Cypress Church on Sunday, June 21, 2009. Services are at 8:45 am & 10:30 am.

Bardowell is a well known recording artist and a former Cypress High School student. He presently leads worship at a Christian church in Orange County.
Philip was born in Kingston, Jamaica and raised in southern California. He was introduced to music at an early age when he began piano lessons at the age of five. He was influenced early on by songwriting greats like The Beatles, Elton John, Led Zeppelin, Stevie Wonder, The Eagles, Queen, Earth Wind And Fire and Bob Marley to name a few.
By the age of twelve, he taught himself how to play guitar and formed his first band. By age 20, already an accomplished pianist and guitarist, Philip found himself on the road with the legendary surf duo, Jan and Dean as their bassist and backup vocalist. By the time he was 25, Philip teamed up with Peter Criss and Ace Frehley of KISS fronting Peter's band "CRISS" as lead singer and rhythm guitarist.
Philip played with the legendary Beach Boys from 1996 to 2001 as vocalist and lead guitarist after Carl Wilson developed brain cancer. He also has performed with Mike Love of the Beach Boys as lead guitarist and vocalist in the Endless Summer Beach Band.
Soon afterwards Philip discovered that he felt a void just singing and playing music for the sole purpose of entertainment and began attending a Christian church in Orange County, CA in search of a new purpose for his life. He was asked to join the praise team and began serving regularly as a vocalist and musician. This led to his acceptance of Jesus Christ as his personal Savior. “I came to Christ by worshipping Him through song. He entered my heart through my praise and worship of Him and my life was changed forever.” Philip had found a new passion in serving The Lord, but continued in his career as a professional musician.
Philip's first solo album, "In A Perfect World…" was released in 2001 and was met with success and great reviews. Philip is known for his role as lead vocalist in the Frontline Records Christian Rock band, MAGDALEN. His voice has often been compared to such masters as Lou Gramm of Foreigner and Don Henley of The Eagles. He has been a part of countless albums in the Contemporary Christian genre appearing on releases for Maranatha Records, Promise Keepers and Reggae Worship.
In 2001, Philip began what would become a path to full time ministry when he took a part-time position as worship leader at a local church at the prompting of the pastor who saw his potential and ability to usher people into God’s presence through music. This experience changed his life and Philip decided that it was time to leave the world of secular music behind him and start on the road to a new life in Jesus Christ. Philip lives in Southern California with his wife Sarah and his two sons, Isaiah and Jonah.

The entire community is invited to Cypress Church. The church campus is located at 6143 Ball Road just east of Valley View. For more information about the concert you may contact the church office at (714) 952-3001 or visit Cypress Church on the web at http://www.cypresschurch.net/