Jimmy Needham’s new album, Clear The Stage, is being hailed as his strongest release to date with stellar reviews from media and strong support overall from the Christian music industry. The project is the first-time collaboration between producer Ed Cash (Chris Tomlin, Dave Barnes, Aaron Shust) and Needham, with the first single, If I Ever Needed Grace going for adds at radio. The Fish/LA is one of the stations who is on board with an early add.
Needham’s two-week promo trip covered several cities in six states (Georgia, Illinois, Florida, Indiana, Texas and Michigan) for media appearances and radio interviews/visits. The music has attracted several mainstream outlets such as the national WGN Midday News, nationally syndicated morning show Daytime, and Great Day Houston. Other national press outlets include, Moody’s Chris Fabry Live!, watchgmctv.com, Campus Crusade For Christ-Lighthouse and Women Today radio programs, and local outlet, Atlanta Live. Radio visits included KLTY/Dallas, TX; TheJoyFM/Sarasota, FL; WHPZ/South Bend, IN; The Fish/Atlanta, GA; WJQK, Grand Rapids, MI, and Shine.FM in Chicago, IL hosted a live acoustic concert by Needham at Olivet Nazarene University.
Early media reviews are raving about Clear The Stage, and the growth of Needham as an artist and songwriter.
Phantom Tollbooth - This may be Needham’s best and most mature recording to date, and the way he sings “Clear The Stage” is worth hearing.
JesusFreakHideout.com - The theme of "Clear The Stage" cannot be missed as it is weaved throughout the entire album. Needham is focused on eternity and drawing closer to God.
Hollywood Jesus - With Clear The Stage, the influences are diverse, but the ten-song disc is cohesive and solid.
Christian Manifesto - He has paved for himself a unique path with his distinctive voice,
brilliant songwriting, and mixture of various music styles. And it works.
Also upcoming for Needham will be an interview about Clear The Stage with Rhapsody.com’s, “On The Record” and “The Box,” that will be online in May, along with a busy touring schedule this spring and summer. For more information about Needham please visit online at www.jimmyneedham.com <http://www.jimmyneedham.com> .
Inpop Records announced today that Jimmy Needham’s video, Grace Amazing has won overwhelming fan support to become “Best Freshmen Video.” The video has gone into heavy rotation and will air around twenty-five times this week. Fans vote each week for their favorite video of five listed, between 11:00 am – 2:00 pm EST each Friday. “Grace Amazing” is from Needham’s previous CD, Nightlights, and features guest artist Trip Lee.
Needham is poised to release his fourth CD for Inpop Records, Clear The Stage, on March 27, 2012. The first single from the project, If I Ever Needed Grace, is going for adds at radio this week. The song was co-written by Needham and Ed Cash, the producer for Needham’s new album.
Clear the Stage, the fourth album from Inpop artist Jimmy Needham releasing on March 27, 2012, sees Needham paired with award-winning producer Ed Cash (Chris Tomlin, Laura Story, Dave Barnes, Aaron Shust) for his most compelling and vulnerable collection of songs to date. As the title cut implies, Clear the Stage is a call to absolute dependence on God. From the lead single, “If I Ever Needed Grace,” to the anthemic “My Victory,” the idea of acknowledging our need for God’s mercy and grace is woven like a thread throughout the album. Musically the album visits much that is familiar to fans of Needham’s previous albums, but also pushes the envelope with songs like the funk-infused, “I Will Find You,” featuring guest vocals from Lecrae.
“There’s a nuance I try to capture in every record, but this one was a lot more eclectic, thematically,” Jimmy says. “All of the facets of my personal life keep leading me to an expanding view of Christ; marriage to my wife Kelly, our daughter’s birth, and the miscarriages we experienced before our daughter’s birth. In all of these things, and in every way I attempt to navigate life, my only satisfaction—the only true answers—will be found in Christ. I’ve come to understand obedience as more than simply not doing bad things, but running to God to drink deeply in Him so that I don’t want to run to any other source.”
If I Ever Needed Grace, the first single, is currently at radio. “The fact that ‘If I Ever Needed Grace’ came at the eleventh hour, when it seemed like I had nothing—and resulted in one of the most powerful songs I’ve ever written—is such a testament of God’s grace. I felt so inadequate going into the studio to make this album,” Jimmy reflects. “Not all of the songs were written yet, I was working with a new producer, and on top of all that, I had just become a father. Nothing has proven to demonstrate my inadequacy like fatherhood and leading a family. I remember praying, ‘If I ever needed grace, God, it’s now.”
Daddy’s Baby Girl, a playful tune written for Jimmy’s daughter, is a standout track and one that every parent can relate to: Now you’ve got me doing these silly dance moves, I hope this don’t make it on to YouTube.
The powerful title track, Clear The Stage, written by Ross King, was a life-changing song for Jimmy. “The first time I heard this song as a high school student, it wrecked me,” explains Jimmy. “I don’t think anyone can be the same person after hearing this song. I’ll never forget hearing those words and immediately getting on my face before God. It’s a heavy way to close, but my hope is that by the end, every listener will say ‘I want more of Jesus and less of everything else.’”
A late summer/fall tour has been announced by Inpop Records, the FreeFall Tour featuring Rush Of Fools, Jimmy Needham and introducing The Advice. The tour, presented in partnership with Mocha Club and Toms Shoes, launches in Lebanon, MO on August 25th and concludes October 1st in Tyler, TX. Tickets are available online at www.itickets.com, and is being booked through the Greg Oliver Agency. For more information about the tour please visit www.freefalltour.com.
The tour will be a high-energy evening of music with such stellar performing acts. Fans will have the chance to hear the headlining act, Rush Of Fools, perform songs live from their new CD, We Once Were. The album releases September 27th and the first single, “Grace Found Me,” is #28 on the AC Indicator chart. Jimmy Needham is gearing up for his next studio project due out in early 2012, while his previous album, Nightlights, was critically acclaimed with New Music Guide saying, He is a storyteller, one who can sound firm in his convictions and happy go lucky at the same time. It's a mix sorely needed in the CCM market.” The Advice is a new Christian pop/rock band just signed to Inpop Records, and have just recently released their self-titled new EP. The lead single from The Advice, “Forever Changed” is currently climbing the charts at both Christian AC and Christian CHR radio.
“This is the first time Inpop Records has produced and presented a tour to the market. Our successful focus for booking was on colleges and youth throughout the country,” according to Andrew Patton, General Manager, Inpop Records. “The unique gifts of Jimmy Needham and The Advice will be a MUST see each night. Add to that the strength of the new eOne Christian release from Rush Of Fools, and you have a night that will cause all who join us to leave happy and energized.”
“Women and children are often the most exposed and abused victims of injustice, especially in the war-torn areas of Africa”, explains Jeff Jackson, Artist Relations Director, Mocha Club. “The Women At Risk program provides spiritual, emotional, and psychological counseling and helps them find alternate means of income to support themselves and their children. We are so thankful to be partnering with both InPop Records and these artists on the inaugural Freefall Tour, as so often non-profits are an afterthought on tours, but to be fully involved in the purpose and planning has been truly refreshing."
Singer/songwriter, Jimmy Needham, has been selected to headline fourteen of nineteen Acquire The Fire tour dates this fall and spring 2011. Needham is a natural fit for these tour dates with his strong fanbase of teens and young adults. This was evident with the tremendous success of his third project for Inpop Records, Nightlights that released in mid-May. The CD debuted at #9 on the Contemporary Christian Combined Album Chart and #1 on the Digital Album charts.
Ron Luce, President and Founder of Acquire The Fire, personally invited Needham to join the dates because of the impact of his ministry and music. "Jimmy has an incredible heart to reach the youth of this generation and we are excited to partner with him."
Nightlights continues on its successful course, as the first single, “Yours To Take,” hit the Top Fifteen on the Adult Contemporary chart and the second single, “Grace Amazing,” went for adds at CHR radio last Friday. With the spins on AC and CHR radio, almost two million fans were tuned in to Needham’s music. On the album and the first single, Tom Krimsier, PD at WBSN / New Orleans says, "We get new music at our station daily. Rarely does a song grab me right away but that's exactly what happened with the Jimmy Needham song Yours To Take. But Jimmy's story doesn't end there. When I got his album, Nightlights, I discovered thirteen great fun, soulful, terrific songs, so focused on what many of us are experiencing today. It aimed for the heart and hit a bullseye!"
Media has solidly embraced Needham’s new album with About.com and NewReleaseTuesday.com listing Nightlights as one of the top albums of 2010, #3 and #5 respectively. Numerous interviews and reviews have applauded the growth of Needham as an artist with JesusFreakHideout.com saying, Jimmy Needham’s latest release, Nightlights, without a doubt showcases his continued progression as a singer and songwriter and CBN.com adds, The bluesy, soulful sound of Jimmy Needham is irresistible on his new album, Nightlights.
Needham recently returned from a media trip to Orlando, FL that included a performance on WPOZ-FM; podcast interview with Charisma’s “The Buzz;” performed on Relevant Magazine’s online radio station, Relevant FM; and taped two radio shows for Campus Crusade For Christ, The Lighthouse Report and Women Today.
Needham recently spent time in Colorado Springs for an interview with Focus On The Family’s Steve Watters for Weekend Magazine. Needham also performed at the corporate offices of WAY-FM and CBA. On November 14, Needham and band will appear on the Crystal Cathedral’s Hour of Power national television broadcast.
It’s been a whirlwind of activity for singer/songwriter Jimmy Needham around the release date of his third project, Nightlights. The project’s street date was May 18, 2010 and immediately the album sent fans into the stores and online to buy a copy. For the first time in his career, Needham debuted at #9 on the Contemporary Christian Combined Album Chart with sales that doubled his first two releases. At the same time, Nightlights reached the #1 position on the Digital Album charts.
After the success of Needham’s first two projects, expectations were high for the development of this artist and Needham did not disappoint his fans, radio or media. CCM magazine proclaims, The growth curve climbed exactly as imagined…the Houston native’s progression continues at the same impressive rate as before on Nightlights. Radio is also responding to Needham’s first single from the album, “Yours To Take,” as it’s the highest debut this week at #23 on the Christian AC Indicator chart.
"Jimmy has truly become an artist whose staying power continues to rise with each new release,” says Andrew Patton, GM/VP of Label Operations, Inpop Records. “The growth in sales and continued strong radio airplay shows the consumer base responding and growing with each record. Just spend a few minutes listening to fan comments on the social sites or through digital outlets, and you'll see for yourself the impact his songs and artistry is having on people."
Nightlights was produced by Calvin Turner (Marc Broussard) and features twelve new songs written or co-written by Needham, with the thirteenth song being a remake of the pop classic, “How Sweet It Is (To Be Loved By You).” Millions of fans were treated to a live performance of the new tunes during a worldwide broadcast of Needham’s CD release party in The Woodlands, TX. An upcoming feature in the Houston Chronicle will feature the concert in an artist profile of Needham on May 28th. Needham was in Nashville this week to perform “Yours To Take” live on Nashville’s Fox 17 TN Mornings and then taped “How Sweet It Is (To Be Loved By You)” on WSMV’s Better Nashville. The show will air on May 28th. The following week, Needham has several interviews on tap that includes Lifeway’s Stand Firm Magazine, The Christian Manifesto and CMAddict.com.
Artist: Jimmy Needham
Album: Nightlights
Rating: 4.5 of 5
Reviewer: Alex Judge
Jimmy Needham is one of those artists that you listen to and know that he is one hundred percent genuine in his conviction and completely confident in the truth of the lyrics he sings. Coming from his previous record, “Not Without Love,” listeners can expect not only truthful and transparent lyrics, but also exceptional songwriting and a great deal of encouragement in their Christian walks.
Set to hit the streets on May 18, 2010, “Nightlights” is an amazing collection of music. With the signature Jimmy bluesy, funky vocals and a vast array of beautiful accompaniment music, “Nightlights” is a very appropriate sequel to the great “Not Without Love” album. Never disappointing when it comes to style, musical quality, and lyrical connection to the audience, this new release is one you need to get.
Some of the highlights of the album are “The Reason I Sing,” which is a declaration of purpose for our actions, and “Grace Amazing,” which is a song featuring Trip Lee and proclaiming God’s amazing grace over his creation. Finally to close out the album is the title track. Keeping in the typical Jimmy fashion, this closing thought is in the form of poetry and presents the concept of making God great and not ourselves.
Overall, this album is a call to recognize God’s greatness over our insufficiency and his ability to work through us if we will only acknowledge his power instead of our own work. Jimmy offers a great reminder to keep Christ first in all that we do in an artistic way that will keep the truth stuck in your head with catchy songs. The bluesy, acoustic style of his music is not only fun to listen to, but also has great depth in the instrumentation and melody. Great album!
The highly anticipated third project from singer/songwriter Jimmy Needham will street May 18, 2010. NIGHTLIGHTS was produced by Calvin Turner (Marc Broussard) and the lead single from the CD is an upbeat pop song, “Yours To Take,” with the lyrics written by Needham and music by Needham and Tim Dillon. The single has just started going for adds and broke out as the #1 Most Added at AC radio. This week it debuts on the National Christian Audience Chart at #48. Radio stations that are playing the song include: XM/Sirius Networks; KCMS, Seattle, WA; Family Life Network; AIR 1 Network; WCSG, Grand Rapids, MI; JOY FM, Sarasota, FL; and KSGN, Riverside, CA.
“‘Yours To Take’ is a perfect springtime song that is uptempo and light musically, yet the lyrics hit deep,” says Sarah Taylor, KCMS/Seattle music director and on-air personality. “I find myself often reflecting on the last chorus; Your kindness leads me to repentance/ Leads me to the cross/Which leads me to forgiveness/So I am counting it all as loss. Go ahead and call me out: I’m a Needham fan!”
Nightlights features twelve new songs written or co-written by Needham and showcases his continued growth as a singer/songwriter and performer. The CD kicks off with a funky gospel tune, “Moving To Zion,” recounting Jimmy’s journey away from the pressures of the Law toward the grace that is in Christ Jesus. The semi-autobiographical song, “The Reason I Sing,” says the Lord is the basis for Needham’s music ministry and not the accolades that comes with a music career. “Grace Amazing,” tells how Christ brings life to the believer in a strong R&B approach, while the title track is a powerful poem that talks about the egos of the world in comparison to how Christ came as a humble servant. The thirteenth song wasn’t written by Needham, as it’s a remake of the pop classic “How Sweet It Is (To Be Loved By You).” Needham is in good company recording the song; it was previously performed by such illustrious artists as Marvin Gaye, James Taylor, Joan Osborne, Michael McDonald, and Michael Buble’.
With this new project, Needham wants to continue ministering to the churched and unchurched with his music. “The goal of this record is to breakdown walls and help me achieve my mission in the same sense those old spiritual songs did in the past,” Needham explains. “If people can take something positive away from this album, that’s all I can ask for.”
Needham released his first album, Speak, in 2006, on Inpop Records, and it generated respect and well-earned recognition from the Christian music industry for this talented singer/songwriter from Katy, Texas. The CD generated three singles “Fence Riders (#14),’ “Dearly Loved (#8),” and “Lost At Sea,” which charted for an incredible twelve weeks at the #2 position. Needham’s second project, Not Without Love resulted in four hit singles including “Forgiven and Loved” as the break-out Christian AC hit, climbing to #6 nationally, while “A Breath Or Two,” peaked at #3 at Christian CHR radio. Needham is headling his first tour in 2010 and has formerly toured with such acts as Natalie Grant, BarlowGirl, Rush Of Fools and Superchick. Needham also just concluded an artist-in-residence program at Fellowship of the Woodlands in The Woodlands, Texas, which will also host Needham’s official album release event on Tuesday, May 18th.
For additional information and updates on Needham please visit www.jimmyneedham.com.
Jimmy Needham and band gather at Ronnie's Place Studio in Nashville, Tenn. to begin work on his third Inpop Records studio release. Produced by Calvin Turner (Marc Broussard, Dave Barnes, Matt Wertz), the album is due out in April. Pictured (l-r) are Court Clement (guitar), Dan Needham (drums), Jamie Kenney (keys), Calvin Turner, Jimmy Needham and Gary Burnette (guitar).
(NASHVILLE, Tenn.) Sept. 3, 2008 –Inpop Records’ singer/songwriter Jimmy Needham celebrates his best-ever sales debut with Not Without Love, released Aug. 19. The album’s lead single, “A Breathe Or Two,” is currently making its way up the Radio & Records CHR chart, at No. 13 this week, and Needham will set out on BarlowGirl’s “Million Voices” headlining tour on Sept. 12.
Not Without Love debuted in the top five on iTunes’ Christian Albums chart and landed at No. 8 on both the Christian AC Soundscan and Overall Christian Digital charts. Not Without Love marks a new personal best for Needham, selling more than five times the initial week sales of his debut project, Speak.
“This street week number is exceptional,” says Dale Bray, Inpop Records president. “Jimmy has worked long and hard to establish a solid, credible ministry and music career, built on a mix of hard work and God-given talent. Jimmy has a strong ability to communicate with people, and it’s pleasing to see the community react so strongly. Jimmy renews the belief that people do want quality art and performances that seek God first.”
Also forecasting the album’s success is debut radio single “A Breathe Or Two,” which is No. 13 with upward momentum this week on the CHR chart. Additionally, the second single from Not Without Love, “Hurricane,” is currently “New and Active” on the Radio & Records AC Indicator chart.
And after wrapping a street week promotional run that included visits with The Fish and Way-FM in Nashville, Tenn., Atlanta’s Gospel Music Channel and WVFJ-FM, as well as shows in Spring, Texas, Brentwood, Tenn., and Katy, Texas, with an upcoming CD release concert at Texas A&M, Needham will head out on BarlowGirl’s fall “Million Voices” tour next week. Kicking off in Needham’s native Houston on Sept. 12, the tour, additionally featuring Brooke Barrettsmith, will go through mid-November and focus on encouraging audiences to speak hope, truth and love to others. For a complete tour listing, visit: www.barlowgirl.com
Filled with bluesy guitar as well as powerful piano ballads, Not Without Love covers a range of musical sounds and lyrical topics. Opening track “Come Around” is a rollicking melody that captures the album’s heartbeat: the futility of zeal without love. Closely related is “Forgiven and Loved,” a meandering guitar ballad in which Needham prays for head knowledge to become heart knowledge. The newlywed Needham is also happy to include some bona fide love songs on Not Without Love, such as a lighthearted, quirky ode to marital bliss, “Firefly,” and the more romantic “Unfailing Love,” which he wrote as a proposal to his wife Kelly. For more information on Jimmy Needham and Not Without Love, visit www.jimmyneedham.com or www.myspace.com/jimmyneedham.
