Never expect the normal standard from the talented Jason Gray, as his first Christmas project presents a deeper story celebrating the birth of Christ. Christmas Stories: Repeat The Sounding Joy offers a 14-song collection that includes 11 original songs that are interwoven with several carols, and tells the miraculous Christmas story through the eyes of the wisemen, the innkeeper, the shepherds and others in order to focus on the details inside the Christmas narrative. Produced by Cason Cooley (Andrew Peterson, Katie Herzig, Matthew Perryman Jones), Gray’s new project also features collaborations with Nicole Nordeman, Joel Hanson, Andy Gullahorn, and Randall Goodgame, that so effectively describe the joy that is encapsulated within a somber dramatic story.
“The real story of Christmas can get lost in the shuffle,” Jason explains. “But when I had the idea to create a collection of songs that tell the very human stories of the characters we’re so familiar with, I was instantly intrigued and excited, and maybe a little daunted, by the prospect. I wanted to bring them back from just being iconic story characters and to consider who they really were, what events were unfolding in their lives, and how they as human beings in extraordinary circumstances were responding.”
Gray’s first Christmas offering is already receiving strong support as the best-selling author and pastor, Max Lucado says, "I love Jason's voice, his songs, and most of all his heart. This Christmas release is a Christmas gift for us all!"
The album kicks-off with the Christmas standard, Oh Come All Ye Faithful and segues into Christmas Is Coming that launches the narrative into the lives and thoughts of the story’s characters. Other original songs include; Gloria (The Song Of The Shepherds), Rest(The Song Of The Innkeeper, and the story of the Magi, Easier. The most personal song for Gray on Christmas Stories: Repeat The Sounding Joy is the song written with Nordeman, Christmas For Jesus. It features Jason’s older twin sons, Kipper and Jacob, providing background vocals and handclaps on the album, but it’s Gray’s youngest son, Gus, who takes the lead vocal.
“Someone in our church shared about their granddaughter,” Gray says, “and how she asked, ‘I know Christmas for us is when Jesus was born into our world. Is Christmas for Jesus when we’re born into his world?’ I loved that idea and I wrestled with it for months trying to turn it into a full blown song. Eventually I realized it might be better as a shorter little musical poem, sweet and simple, and it became the song, "Christmas For Jesus." It was such a childlike perspective that I, as a grown man, felt weird singing it. So I thought ‘Hey, what about Gus?’ He came into the studio and sang it with his feet up on the wall, playing around with the mic as he was singing, jumping up and down—but he got it! And it’s pretty beautiful, I think. My older boys, Kipper and Jacob, got to sing and do handclaps on the record too, so it was a really special thing to me to have all of them involved.”
Gray will headline The Christmas Stories Tour in December and the first single from Christmas Stories: Repeat The Sounding Joy will be serviced to radio in October. But coming up first, Gray will hit the road for An Acoustic Evening With Jason Gray and Todd Agnew in September. Please visit Gray’s website, www.jasongraymusic.com <http://www.jasongraymusic.com> , for tour updates and Gray’s latest blogs, videos, and information.
Two of Christian music’s most innovative and talented artists are scheduled to launch their first tour together this fall. An Acoustic Evening With Jason Gray And Todd Agnew Tour marks the first time the pair has toured together and will bring their chart-topping music in an intimate stage performance. It’s a chance for audiences to hear the inspiration behind such songs as “God Undefeatable,” “Grace Like Rain,” “Remind Me Who I Am” and “More Like Falling in Love.” The tour kicks off on September 28th in Bend, OR and concludes November 12th in South Padre Island, TX.
“There are few people I’ve met who are as passionate about Jesus and His Kingdom than Todd Agnew,” says Gray. “His relentless pursuit of the heart of God is infectious and comes through everything he does: his artistry, his speech, and the way he conducts his life. I’m grateful to make music and tell our story together, but I’m most excited to pursue Jesus with Todd Agnew.”
“I've been a friend and a fan of Jason Gray for quite a few years now,” adds Agnew. “Both of his last two records have really impacted my life, so I'm really excited about sharing a stage with him this fall.”
Due to the strong support of The Called To Love Tour last fall, a spring leg of the tour has been announced and will once again feature Centricity Music artists, Downhere, Aaron Shust and Jason Gray. The Called To Love Tour will run through March 15 - May 12, and will be sponsored by World Vision. Last year’s tour was a hit with audiences and brought powerful and fun-loving nights of ministry across the country.
“Jason Gray, Aaron Shust, and Downhere brought the house down at the Paramount Theater in Abilene, TX,” says promoter, Ken L. Fincher. “Their show was amazing and is still being talked about some 3 months later! These guys are gracious, inspiring, humble yet very engaging and entertaining. From the opening first song to the finale, audience members were on their feet, hands raised high, singing along to each song. It was truly a blessed evening.”
“We love these guys!,” exclaims promoters David & Susie Hartness of the Wilmington, NC date. “Not only are they very gifted musicians and songwriters, but they are such genuine and humble men who share God's love through word and song. We've hosted several of these artists more than one time, and they always exceed our expectations. If the spring leg of The Called To Love Tour comes anywhere near you please don’t miss it!”
All three participating artists will continue to showcase the great successes from their 2011 projects. Aaron Shust has achieved a record-breaking twelve-week run in the #1 spot on the AC Monitor chart with his hit single, My Hope is In You. The tune was also the Top 20 song of 2011 on Billboard’s year-end chart and recently was the #1 downloaded song on iTunes. The single is from Aaron’s CD, This Is What We Believe. Downhere’s song, Rest is #26 on the AC Indicator chart, and it’s from their critically acclaimed CD, On The Altar Of Love. Among the rave reviews for the album is JesusFreakHideout.com who exclaims…….one of the best releases of the year and earns Downhere another “A” on their report card.
Jason Gray’s single, Remind Who I Am was #15 for nine weeks on the AC Monitor chart, currently #8 on AC Indicator, has entered the CHR chart, is KLOVE’s #1 song, and was iTunes #1 downloaded song. The single is from Gray’s current CD, A Way To See In The Dark that was voted the #1 Album of the Year by the music website, Sound Opinion.
One of Christian music’s most prolific singer/songwriters, Jason Gray, is enjoying his most successful album with the CD debuting at #16 on the Current Contemporary Christian chart. This is Gray’s highest debut project of his career. At the same time, A Way To See In The Dark is receiving glowing reviews and is being hailed as Gray’s best offering to date. One of two reviews at JesusFreakHideout.com asks….Is Jason Gray the new Steven Curtis Chapman? The website also adds, With his down home personality and wide open and tuneful song writing, Gray is poised to take the mantle as the next great CCM artist. For more stellar reviews please see below.
Examiner.com - From start to finish, Jason Gray’s A Way to See in the Dark <http://jasongraymusic.com/> is simply breath-taking.
Crosswalk.com - Gray is truly a poignant songwriter with the ability to gently turn a common phrase into a work of art.
NewReleaseTuesday.com - What emerges on the new project is a thought-provoking collection of artful, emotional and radio-friendly tunes that achieve a high level of accessibility without sacrificing any of Gray’s personality or creativity.
Additional media coverage for Gray includes CBN Interactive, Focus On The Family’s October chapel service, Essential Connection story (November 2011), CCM Magazine review (October), Christian Music Today review and feature, Christian Post review, Christian Manifest review, AllAboutWorship.com feature, Focus On The Family’s Plugged In (song features), to name a few. Divine Detour posted an interview with Gray last Friday and received a significant comment from award-winning author, Stephanie Grace Whitson.
“On the recommendation of our daughter, who is a singer/songwriter in Nashville, my husband and I attended the Andrew Peterson Christmas tour, Behold The Lamb Of God in Lincoln, Nebraska and I heard Jason Gray perform “I Am New,” says Whitson. “Words fail to say how that song has impacted my personal walk with the Lord. Someday Jason will get stars in his crown because of his ministry in my life. I’ve known the Lord for nearly half a century … but Jason taught me and enriched my life. May God bless Jason mightily.”
Gray is also having an impact at Christian radio with KLOVE just adding his current and first single from the new CD, “Remind Me Who I Am.” The song is currently #25 at AC Indicator and New & Active at AC Monitor.
As usual, Gray stays busy with his active touring schedule as he will once again appear at Andrew Peterson’s Hutchmoot event in Nashville September 22-25.. Gray will hit the road with labelmates Downhere and Aaron Shust, on the Called To Love Tour that launches in October. Gray will team with Peterson once again beginning December 1st on Peterson’s continually sold out tour, Behold The Lamb Of God.
Centricity Music has announced an exciting new tour for this fall that features three of their artists…. Downhere, Aaron Shust and Jason Gray. World Vision presents The Called To Love Tour that launches October 1st and runs through November 13th. All three artists are releasing new projects this fall; Aaron Shust This Is What We Believe (8/23), Downhere, On The Altar Of Love (8/23), and Jason Gray A Way To See In The Dark (9/13). The teaming of these popular and high-profile artists will bring audiences a meaningful and fun evening of worship and music.
“This will be my 6th tour with Downhere, a group of guys that I not only respect and love, but also have lived a lot of life with them on the road,” says Jason Gray. “I’m a fan. I love their new record and am grateful that I get to be part of sharing it with their audience. I’ve gotten to know Aaron over the past year, too - a humble man of God who pursues excellence in his passion to honor God. I’m excited to get to know him better and am grateful to be a part of this exciting chapter of his ministry. I’m honored to be in such great company and it will be fun for us to all share in celebrating the release of our new records. That we get to serve Jesus together while also partnering with World Vision is more than I should hope for, but am grateful. The only problem is that sharing the stage with such excellent people will mean I’ll have to work harder. Thanks a lot guys - why do you have to be so awesome?!”
“Any time we get to hit the road with our music, we consider it a privilege and a joy,” adds Marc Martel, leader singer, Downhere. “When we get to go out with good friends like Jason Gray and Aaron Shust, it is even more rewarding, giving the fans a unified, well-rounded experience with performers who not only share the same bus, but also the same heart and vision.”
"I couldn't agree more with Marc and Jason; chemistry is so important when doing Kingdom work,” says Aaron Shust. ”Even though what we do is described as 'playing', an artist's work can be emotionally draining, so having like-minded brothers to walk with on the journey and pour back into your life is a blessing. I'm so grateful to have those relationships in my band and on this tour with Jason Gray and Downhere."
For more information about the tour please visit www.centricitymusic.com and for the individual artists; www.downhere.com, www.aaronshust.com and www.jasongraymusic.com.
Centricity Music’s Jason Gray continues to solidify his position as one of the most respected singer/songwriters in the Christian music industry with his soon to be released project, A Way To See In The Dark. The CD once again teams Gray with Jason Ingram (Tenth Avenue North, Brandon Heath) and Rusty Varenkamp (Sanctus Real, Michael W. Smith) and features twelve new songs that were written or co-written by Gray, an award winning 2010 ASCAP writer. Although this time around the album didn’t begin with a centralized theme, the lyrics of the songs do reach out to a hurting world.
“I used to begin with a theme and write songs around it,” says Gray. “This time around I just wrote whatever came and the themes emerged after the fact. A lot of the songs have to do with fear - that we aren’t enough, or that maybe God isn’t in control. I think one of things I’m trying to say with this record is that all of our fear, regret, and shame is answered in God’s love for us, His heart towards us. Fear loses its hold of me when I’m confident of God’s love for me and that He is in control. He’s always at work and especially in the most difficult things I experience. None of it is beyond His reach to redeem.”
The first single from the new CD, Remind Me Who I Am, is New & Active on the charts with the song at #35 on AC Indicator and #37 at AC Monitored. Another tune on A Way To See In The Dark that has generated a lot of interest is The Sound Of Our Breathing, which Gray first performed publicly on Andrew Peterson’s Behold The Lamb Of God Tour in December 2010 and still has audiences talking about the performance to this day. Doubters and deceivers, skeptics and believers/We speak it just the same/From birth to death, every single breath/Is whispering Your name. The album closes with the worshipful Jesus, We Are Grateful that was co-written by Gray, Doug McKelvey and Matt Papa.
“It’s significant that the last verse kind of takes us back to where the album began,” Gray says. “It goes back to resting in our identity as the one who God loves. There is security in that, deep, deep assurance of God’s love and knowing that His heart towards us is kindness and compassion.”
Word recording artist Mark Schultz will hit the road in March for “The “Renaissance Tour,” featuring special guests Jason Gray and David Klinkenberg. The tour begins on March 10th in Evansville, IN, and finishes up April 10th in Yukon, OK.
This is the Dove Award-winning singer-songwriter’s first major tour since he co-headlined the 2010 “Come Alive” tour last spring with Point of Grace in support of his 2009 album of the same title. Schultz will be performing hit songs from past favorite albums in addition to his current release Come Alive, including his current single, “What It Means To Be Loved,” which is climbing the AC and Inspirational Christian Charts. Schultz also plans on showcasing a few new songs off his upcoming instrumental project titled Renaissance.
As one of Contemporary Christian Music’s most recognizable voices, Schultz has delivered more than a decade of hits, including the ballads “He’s My Son,” “Remember Me,” “Letters From War,” and “Walking Her Home,” as well as other crowd favorites “I Am,” “Broken & Beautiful” and “Back In His Arms Again.” Schultz will collect 16 of his most compelling songs, plus one new Christmas tune, for his upcoming collection The Best of Mark Schultz, which will be released by Word Records/Curb Records on April 19th, 2011.
A native of Colby, KS, Schultz moved to Nashville to pursue his musical ambitions and found inspiration and encouragement while working as a youth pastor. With the support of the congregation, he booked a show at Nashville’s famed Ryman Auditorium. The show was a sell-out, an unheard-of feat for a fledgling artist that earned him a deal with Word Records.
Since then, Schultz has sold more than 1.3 million albums and enjoyed success on the Mainstream Adult Contemporary chart, scoring 10 No. 1 singles to date. He also landed the top spot on Billboard magazine’s Christian Adult Contemporary Songwriter list and has been featured on 48 Hours and Extreme Makeover: Home Edition. His 2005 release, Mark Schultz Live…A Night of Stories & Songs, was certified Platinum by the R.I.A.A. and earned Schultz his first GMA Dove Award.
Mark Schultz’s upcoming tour dates are as follows. Please visit www.markschultzmusic.com/tour for ticket info, show times, and venue information.
03/10 Evansville, IN Christian Fellowship Church
03/11 Olathe, KS College Church of the Nazarene
03/12 Shakopee, MN Friendship Church
03/18 Alton, IL Heartland Baptist Church
03/19 La Harpe, IL Harpe Junior High Gym
03/20 Columbus, IN Community Church of Columbus
03/24 Charlotte, NC Elevation Chuch Blakeny
03/25 Warner Robins, GA Southside Baptist Church
03/26 Elizabethtown, NC Elizabethtown Baptist Church
03/31 Lancaster, PA Manor Church
04/01 Bemus Point, NY Bemus Point United Methodist Church
04/02 Elmhurst, IL Elmhurst Christian Reformed Church
04/03 Fremont, OH Grace Community Church
04/06 Jackson, MO New McKendree United Methodist Church
04/07 Fort Smith, AR Fort Smith Convention Center
04/08 Lawton, OK McMahon Memorial Auditorium
04/09 Ada, OK McSwain Theatre
04/10 Yukon, OK Yukon Church
Jason Gray is definitely one of the busiest touring acts in the business, as he recently finished the Winterblast Tour and will be joining Mark Schultz as a special guest on the upcoming acoustic 2011 Renaissance Tour. The show also features violinist David Klinkenberg. Gray will perform songs from his current CD, Everything Sad Is Coming Untrue which includes both his latest hits: “I Am New,” currently #11 at AC radio and his #4 song, “More Like Falling In Love.” The 19-city tour will launch in Evansville, IN on March 10th and concludes in Missouri on April 11th. For a complete listing of tour dates please visit www.markschultzmusic.com or www.jasongraymusic.com.
“I’ve had a few occasions to see Mark Schultz in his element and have always admired the care and attention he gives his audience – the way he connects and makes them feel loved,” says Jason Gray. “I’m grateful to get to tour with an artist who has not only written some of Christian music’s most beloved songs but who also makes loving his audience such a priority.”
Besides keeping a heavy tour schedule, Gray has been busy writing with fellow songwriters Jason Ingram, Seth Mosley (Me In Motion) and Ben Glover in preparation for his new studio project. Gray heads into the studio March 1st with long-time producer, Jason Ingram, for a project that will be released on Centricity Music, September 13, 2011.
In the meantime, Gray will treat his fans to an innovative project…“Song Cycles,” a special digital release will be available late spring. It features 4 different versions of 4 songs: work tape, demo, master and a remix of the songs by artist, Derek Webb. Three of the songs are from Gray’s current project, Everything Sad Is Coming Untrue and one from All The Lovely Losers. These versions give fans a behind-the-scenes trail of the recording process. It shows the progression of a song from the artist’s work tape, to the demo before heading into the studio and then on to the completed song after it’s been mastered. Having Derek Webb put his special touch on remixing the songs is a special element that Gray wanted to include for his faithful fans.
To keep up with this busy artist, fans of Jason Gray will need to head to his website for updates at www.jasongraymusic.com or his label’s website, www.centricitymusic.com.
Centricity Music’s Jason Gray has rapidly earned the reputation as one of the hardest working artists in the Christian music industry. He has just completed his opening act gig with World Vision’s Make A Difference Tour 2010, which featured Max Lucado, Michael W. Smith, TobyMac and Third Day. Gray also served as a “behind the scenes” reporter for the tour and the video aired exclusively on Hearitfirst.com.
Next up for Gray will be a radio promo tour on the east coast in support of his new single, “I Am New.” The song is generating strong support from radio with new adds from KLOVE, WPOZ/Orlando, FL, WBFJ/Winston-Salem, NC and Family Life Network. The single is currently #20 at AC Indicator, New & Active (#33) on the AC Monitored Chart and #20 on the Inspo chart. The video world premiered on HearitFirst.com and has just been added at Gospel Music Channel. “I Am New” is the follow up to Gray’s hit single, “More Like Falling In Love,” that peaked at #4. Both songs are from Gray’s current album, Everything Sad Is Coming Untrue.
On November 30 and December 1, Gray will begin rehearsals for Andrew Peterson’s Behold The Lamb Of God Christmas tour. The 15-city holiday tour launches December 2 in Durham, NC and includes a show at the historic Ryman Auditorium on the 16th. Joining Peterson and Gray on the tour will be Jill Phillips, Andy Gullahorn, Ben Shive and Andrew Osenga. In January, Gray will be embark on the Winter Blast Tour with Building 429 and 33 Miles Beginning in February, Gray will start recording his next studio project that will release in fall 2011 and will join Mark Schultz on his upcoming tour in March.
Singer/songwriter, Jason Gray, has just released his third single from the critically acclaimed CD, Everything Sad Is Coming Untrue. A video for the song, “I Am New,” was recently shot in Nashville at various locations, including the Parthenon and Church of the Redeemer. The video, produced and directed by Grant Howard (Dancing In The Minefields, Nothing Is Everything, I’m Singing) and will world premiere on the popular website, Heartitfirst.com.
“I Am New” is the follow up to Gray’s last chart-topping single, “More Like Falling In Love,” which went to #7 on iTunes Christian Song Charts and is currently #8. The song is still garnering airplay at KLOVE (#7), Air 1 (#6) and WAY-FM (#9). “More Like Falling In Love” was Gray’s highest charting single that peaked at #4 on the Adult Contemporary chart.
Gray is currently touring with World Vision’s Make A Difference Tour 2010 featuring New York Times best-selling author Max Lucado and GRAMMY® Award winners Michael W. Smith, TobyMac and Third Day. Besides opening on the concert dates, Gray is a “behind the scenes reporter” for the tour with exclusive video on Hearitfirst.com. Gray has worked with World Vision for eight years and promotes the non-profit agency at his concert dates and on mission trips to Africa.
Everything Sad Is Coming Untrue released September 2009 and Gray has consistently toured in support of the project that included three radio promo tours, the Sanctus Real Tour last fall, WAY-FM’s and World Vision’s Speaking Louder Than Before 2010 Tour in January. Gray will be joining label mate, Andrew Peterson on his highly popular, Behold The Lamb Of God Tour throughout December.
As ticket sales continue to climb for one of the most anticipated tours of the year, World Vision’s Make A Difference Tour 2010 featuring New York Times best-selling author Max Lucado and GRAMMY® Award winners Michael W. Smith, TobyMac and Third Day, critically acclaimed singer/songwriter Jason Gray has been added to the roster as the tour’s opener. Gray joins the tour in support of his sophomore Centricity Music release, Everything Sad Is Coming Untrue, but will also play an important role for fans as the Make A Difference Tour’s “embedded video reporter,” charged with capturing exclusive behind-the-scenes footage and interviews that will be part of his weekly video blog from the road, posted exclusively on HearItFirst.com.
“I feel so honored to be a part of such a monumental tour,” Gray says. “To share the stage with such an amazing lineup (has there ever been a tour of this magnitude in the history of Christian music?) would be more than enough, but to get to join them on a tour where we work together to serve the poorest of the poor makes it that much sweeter and is ultimately what makes this tour significant.”
“We are so excited to partner with Max Lucado, Michael W. Smith, Third Day, TobyMac and the Make a Difference Tour to bring exclusive behind-the-scenes video content to fans every week from the road,” says HearItFirst.com Director of Content Jamie Wilson. “HearItFirst.com is honored to help increase awareness of World Vision’s mission, and as a passionate ambassador for World Vision, Jason Gray is the perfect spokesman for our video blog series. His heart for changing the world is evident as soon as you meet him and we’re delighted to have the opportunity to introduce him to our audience each week. We believe these fun, candid videos featuring all of the artists will truly show the heart and soul behind the Make a Difference Tour.”
“World Vision has been working with Jason Gray for eight years,” adds Jenny Lockwald, Executive Director, Artist Associates and Sponsor Engagement for World Vision. “In that time Jason has impacted the lives of thousands of children around the world and has made World Vision a major part of his music ministry and career. It was our pleasure to find a place for Jason on this tour because we know his heart and music are directly in line with the concept of making a difference. For those who have not yet had the opportunity to hear Jason, get prepared to become a fan. Jason is an amazing singer/songwriter who hits the mark with his soulful insights on what it means to live out Christianity every day.”
One of the most respected singer/songwriters in the Christian music business, Jason Gray released his latest studio project, Everything Sad Is Coming Untrue, in the fall of last year. Heralded by numerous media outlets, the project landed at No. 8 in CCM Magazine’s Top Ten best faith-based albums in 2009 and Worship Leader magazine says, “Gray’s songs don’t really work as background music, they demand to be listened to and considered.” Gray’s latest single, “More Like Falling In Love,” was his highest charting song that peaked at #4 on the Adult Contemporary chart. Gray has also been touring consistently in support of his current album, and with his soulful performances and heart-felt ministry (that is sometimes sprinkled with humorous anecdotes), he remains a fan favorite on the touring circuit. ( www.jasongraymusic.com)
Launching in Youngstown, Ohio on Sept. 30, and running through the end of October, tickets for the 20-city Make A Difference Tour 2010 are available now at all Ticketmaster outlets and other locations. Ticket options include a special VIP package featuring Gold Circle seats, a pre-show Q&A with all artists, a limited-edition Make A Difference Tour poster, a commemorative tour credential and a copy of the new book Outlive Your Life by Max Lucado. A complete list of tour dates, news, artist info, exclusive photos, videos and more resources are available online at www.MakeADifferenceTour.com. In addition, the tour’s official Facebook page is live at www.facebook.com/makeadifferencetour, and fans and supporters can follow the tour’s official Twitter feed at @MakeADiffTour to stay up to date on the latest news and exclusive content.
The “Make A Difference Tour 2010” will visit 20 U.S. cities during October, including:
09-30 Youngstown, OH Covelli Center
10-01 Corbin, KY Southeastern Kentucky Expo Center
10-02 Alpharetta, GA Verizon Wireless Amphitheatre
10-03 Cape Girardeau, MO Show Me Center
10-07 Austin, TX The Theatre at the Frank Erwin Center
10-08 Beaumont, TX Ford Park Arena
10-09 Lafayette, LA Cajundome
10-10 Columbus, GA Columbus Civic Center
10-14 San Jose, CA HP Pavilion at San Jose
10-15 Bakersfield, CA Rabobank Arena
10-16 Ontario, CA Citizens Business Bank Arena
10-17 Glendale, AZ Jobing.com Arena
10-21 Colorado Springs, CO World Arena
10-22 Lubbock, TX United Spirit Arena
10-23 Wichita Falls, TX Kay Yeager Coliseum
10-24 Topeka, KS Kansas Expocentre
10-27 Cedar Rapids, IA US Cellular Center
10-28 Green Bay, WI Resch Center
10-29 Dayton, OH Nutter Center
10-30 Fayetteville, NC Crown Coliseum
* All dates are subject to change without notice.
Renowned singer/songwriter, Jason Gray, brought hope and comfort recently to some of the littlest victims of Haiti’s recent earthquake. The Rescue Children Orphanage is run by volunteers at Lifechurch in Allentown, Pennsylvania and last Friday the church members showed the children a video that was filmed late last year at the orphanage. The music bed for the video was Jason Gray’s song, “Fade With Our Voices,” that is on his latest CD, Everything Sad Is Coming Untrue, and was written by Gray and Jason Ingram. The chorus begins with: Does our worship have hands? Does it have feet? Does it stand up in the face of injustice? The story is documented in an MSNBC.com story from January 15th by network reporter, Bill Dedman, entitled, “A Joyful Reunion, But Now What?” Monday afternoon the children were evacuated to a safer orphanage forty miles from Port-au Prince, Love A Child, where they remain safely settled.
At the same time, Gray was on the second leg of a successful radio tour that covered two-thousand miles, from Houston, Texas to Minneapolis Minnesota, and during the trip he visited seventeen Christian radio stations. Gray is promoting his second single, “More Like Falling In Love,” that is from his latest CD, Everything Sad Is Coming Untrue. Stations already playing the song include: KLTY/Dallas, Texas; KXOJ/Tulsa, Oklahoma; KCVO/Camdenton, MO and WNWC/Madison, Wisconsin.
Nashville, TN (January 7, 2010) ---- Singer/songwriter, Jason Gray, will start the New Year by hitting the road on WAY-FM’s and World Vision’s Speaking Louder Than Before 2010 Tour. The tour launches January 20th in Charleston, SC and will cover fourteen dates through March. Gray joins headliner Jeremy Camp, The Afters and Chasen on the tour and for ticket information please visit www.itickets.com.
“I’m so honored to have been invited to share the stage with Jeremy Camp,” says Gray. “Not only is he one of the most successful artists in Christian music, but he’s also a man with a compelling story who has known brokenness – a theme that a lot of my music speaks to. We expect it to be a great tour and I’m so happy to be a part of it. The only problem I can foresee is that he’s pretty buff and it’s going to make me feel like I need to start working out. Shoot. I’m also looking forward to hanging out with The Afters and Chasen. What a great line-up!”
“But most of all I’m grateful to get to be the voice of World Vision on this tour and advocate for the poorest of the poor children in the world,” Gray continues. “The recession that has touched so many of us in several ways impacts the poor the most and it’s my great privilege to bring their story to our audiences. We anticipate that this will be a great evening – both with a solid musical line-up and with a lot of heart. God will be worshipped and lives will be changed.”
Speaking Louder Than Before 2010 Tour begins as Gray’s second single, “More Like Falling In Love,” is going for adds at Christian radio. Gray has been traveling the country on radio visits that started in 2009 and continues through January 2010. The song is from Gray’s current CD, Everything Sad Is Coming Untrue, which was rated as #8 in CCM’s Top Ten best faith-based albums from last year. Matt Conner says, Most unheralded songwriter in the entire industry shines again. Other media outlets have heralded the release with Worship Leader Magazine saying, Gray’s songs don’t really work as background music, they demand to be listened to and considered. And PowerSource Magazine adding, Strong stuff from a strong and very creative Christian singer and songwriter – Jason Gray.
Gray has become a popular performer on the tour circuit, as 2009 featured Gray on the Sanctus Real tour that launched in September. In December, Gray joined labelmates, Downhere and Lanae’ Hale, for the annual fifteen-city Bethlehem Skyline Tour that was sponsored by Centricity Music.
Gray’s debut CD on Centricity Music, All The Lovely Losers, was heralded as one of the top releases in 2007. Media outlets embraced the project and Gray from the start with coverage in CCM Magazine, ChristianMusicToday.com, Charisma, Christian Retailing, Worship Leader Magazine, JesusFreakHideout.com, Home Life Magazine, and Focus on the Family’s national radio show, Weekend Magazine. This project was followed with Acoustic Storytime that showcased live acoustic performances of previously released songs from concerts in Minnesota and California. Gray is known for his quick-witted humor while delivering powerful messages about perseverance rather than perfection.
Nashville, TN (November 18, 2009) ---- Jason Gray is continuing to generate strong support from press and fans for his latest release, Everything Sad Is Coming Untrue. Media accolades for the project have been strong and have solidified Jason as one of the top-notch singer/songwriters in the Christian industry with his second album on Centricity Music. JesusFreakHideout.com - “Everything Sad… is a gem.” Worship Leader Magazine – “Gray’s songs don’t really work as background music, they demand to be listened to and considered.” NewReleaseTuesday.com - “….you can’t go wrong with Jason Gray,” PowerSource Magazine - “Strong stuff from a strong and very creative Christian singer and songwriter – Jason Gray. ChristianMusicToday.com – “Similar to Sara Groves, Gray's musical journal is poignant and reflected in these songs.” Soul-Audio.com – “Jason Gray has crafted another album full of worthy, occasionally quirky tunes. It’s well worth a listen.”
Gray’s fans have also been very active with Everything Sad Is Coming Untrue by purchasing the special promotion packages offered with his deluxe edition of the album. Several fans have received the autographed red canvas shoes similar to the ones that Jason wears onstage and on his CD cover, others wanted the personal Facebook messages that also included a personal phone call to go with it, songs were specially written for some buyers and one lucky fan and her son got the chance to visit Gray’s home in the Minneapolis area for dinner and a movie on Halloween day.
“Lori and Ben lost their husband/father, Ron, almost a year ago to cancer and Lori said that being with us was a nice distraction from the approaching anniversary,” says Gray. “Ben went trick or treating with my son, Gus and those two were as thick as thieves. Trick or treating was the last thing Ben got to do with his dad before he was hospitalized, so it was something that was very special about the weekend. The verse in 'Everything Sad Is Coming Untrue (Part 2)' about death was inspired by Ben’s struggle with his illness, so it got rather emotional when I sang that one for Lori and Ben.”
This fall, Gray was the featured guest on the Sanctus Real tour that launched in September and in December Gray will join labelmates, Downhere and Lanae’ Hale, for the popular fifteen-city Bethlehem Skyline Tour that is sponsored by Centricity Music. In January 2010, Gray will join the WAY-FM/World Vision Tour Winter ’10 that will visit around twelve markets with Jeremy Camp and the Afters.
Gray just completed a 17-city promotional radio tour in support of his second single from Everything Sad Is Coming Untrue, “More Like Falling In Love.” In January, Gray will launch the second phase of radio station visits with Centricity’s Marketing Manager, Josh Peterson.
Nashville, TN (September 10, 2009) ----- Centricity Music’s, Jason Gray, took to the road in support of his new project, Everything Sad Is Coming UnTrue, for a radio and retail tour. The trip took him to seven states that started August 21 and included stops in Kentucky, Illinois, North Carolina, Georgia, Wisconsin, Indiana, and concluded September 3 in Gray’s home state of Minnesota.
While on the road, Gray paid visits to local radio stations and retail outlets while performing shows in the area that featured acoustic performances of songs from Everything Sad Is Coming UnTrue. The performances also spotlighted Gray’s new single, “For The First Time Again,” that went for adds at radio, July 24. Stations already on the song include: WPOZ. KXOJ, XM/Sirius, WDJC, WBHY, WAYR, WCVK, WGNZ, WPER, KYTT, WXHL, WJTL, WCTL, WGRC, KZKZ, WQME, KJIL, WCSG, WJQK, WMUZ, KCVO, KSLT and others. For Gray’s final performances in the Minneapolis area he invited Joel Hanson, formerly of the group PFR, onstage as his opening act.
Gray won’t have a chance to unpack his bags after the events of street week, as he has been invited to be the featured guest on Sanctus Real’s Something Heavenly Tour 2009. The tour launches September 10th in Canada and ends October 17th in Ohio. Gray will also join Phil Wickham and Addison Road on the tour.
Everything Sad Is Coming Untrue released September 1st and this week debuted in the Top 30 on Billboard’s Current Contemporary Christian chart. At the same time, media is once again giving Gray rave reviews for the project.
JesusFreakHideout.com - Everything Sad… is a gem.
ChristianMusicToday.com - Lyrically conjuring up memories of the late Rich Mullins, Jason Gray is a Ragamuffin with a pop veneer.
NewReleaseTuesday.com - I’ve been anxiously awaiting the release of the new album from Jason Gray, “Everything Sad Is Coming Untrue”, which hits stores September 1, 2009. Gray’s previous project, “All The Lovely Losers”, dealt with brokenness and now he takes the subject a step further, dealing with brokenness that begins with confession.
Soul-Audio.com - Jason Gray has crafted another album full of worthy, occasionally quirky tunes. It’s well worth a listen.
Gray was also featured with interviews on Examiner.com and AlphaOmegaNews.com. He will soon have features with JesusFreakHideout.com, CCM Magazine, Christian Radio Weekly and All Access.
Excitement is building around the release of the new CD from Jason Gray, Everything Sad Is Coming Untrue, which hits stores September 1, 2009. Due to overwhelming fan demand, Jason will be offering multiple deluxe editions of the album online with options that include trips to Seoul Korea, a minivan or even the shirt off of his back.
“Really, the deluxe editions of Everything Sad Is Coming Untrue is all about giving Jason's fans what they want,” says Steve Ford, Vice President, Sales and Marketing, Centricity Music. “We are really excited about the opportunity to meet the fan's pent up demand for Jason to come to their house to alphabetize their CD collection or to spend time with him in Seoul Korea. I cannot tell you how many calls I have gotten asking where they can get a pair of red converse just like Jason wears. Well, now I have a place to send them. Thanks Jason for all the extra time I'll have because of these amazing offers.”
“In today’s competitive mart of music commerce, fans want more than just the music,” explains Gray. “On facebook, they want to see pics of me from the last concert in Muskogee, Oklahoma as well as my day spent at "Putt Putt" mini-golf in Hoboken, New Jersey. With twitter they want to know whether I’m camping out in front of the theater to get good seats for High School Musical 11 or walking in to Wal-Mart to get water colors for my Unicorn paintings. These special packages include price points for everyone and will offer unprecedented access to my life, my personal effects and even my mini-van!”
The standard thirteen-song album of Everything Sad Is Coming Untrue will be available at traditional retail. The special edition will only be available online and will feature the standard CD with a nine-song bonus CD, along with an extended thirty-two page booklet featuring Jason’s thoughts and stories behind each song.
The deluxe edition will include everything from the special edition, plus an exclusive hand crank collectible music box that will play the title song and an exclusive t-shirt. If Christian music fans order the deluxe edition before September 1st, they will also receive the full CD as a 320 kbps download at the time of purchase.
There are fifteen additional deluxe edition options for Everything Sad Is Coming Untrue. The options range from an autographed pair of red canvas shoes (and if you wear them to Jason’s concert he might wink at you from the stage), Jason & his wife, Taya coming to your home for a living room concert (and Jason might even alphabetize your DVD/CD collection), or going to Seoul, South Korea for a 2-day guided tour with Jason & Taya. (Jason recently performed for the American troops in Seoul). For the complete listing, pricing and guidelines please visit www.jasongraymusic.com or www.centricitymusic.com
Jason Gray, one of Christian music’s premiere singer/songwriters, is poised to release his second studio album on Centricity Music. Everything Sad Is Coming Untrue will be available at all CBA retail outlets on September 1, 2009 and will be distributed by Word Distribution.
Everything Sad Is Coming Untrue was produced by Jason Ingram (Meredith Andrews, Tenth Avenue North) and Rusty Varenkamp (Rush Of Fools, Bebo Norman) and artfully blends elements of folk, alternative rock and even some R&B into the project. Gray, a highly respected songwriter among his peers, has once again written all songs for the new CD.
“Pop music has gotten a bad reputation over the years as being fluffy and insubstantial,” Jason acknowledges, “so I came into this project asking ‘What if I could aim for writing intelligent and weighty lyrics with a pop discipline?’ Admittedly, that’s the hardest kind of song for me to write--to take my passion for ideas and lyrics and pare it down to a 3 ½ minute pop song. Just about every song I wrote had three verses and Jason Ingram was always pushing me to drop one of them. But he was right and the songs are better for it.”
Gray’s previous project, All The Lovely Losers, dealt with brokenness and now he takes the subject a step further, dealing with brokenness that begins with confession. “More Like Falling In Love” takes the listener to a deeper level, asking to fall in love with Christ instead of just following the rules of Christianity. “For The First Time Again” explores the excitement of when we first accepted Christ and how we lose that enthrallment when burdened down by our life experiences and tight regulations within the church. “Does It Fade With Our Voices,” is a worship song that celebrates our spiritual lives and sacrifices. The title track is one of the most powerful songs on Everything Sad Is Coming Untrue but it’s proved to be a rather difficult one for Gray to write.
“’Everything Sad Is Coming Untrue’ was the most difficult song I’ve ever written,” Jason admits, “all five times that I wrote it! It’s about renewal, both the longing for it and the promise of it. The inspiration came from a quote of Samwise Gamgee in ‘The Lord Of The Rings’ and the beauty and truth of it captured my imagination and wouldn’t let me go. The trick was trying to express an idea that meant so much to me in a way that might mean something to others. My wife was the litmus test. I kept working on the songs for over a year until I arrived at two versions of it that when I played them for Taya she said, ‘I get it now… that’s it.’ My wife’s tears are the biggest stamp of approval on a song, because she knows me too well to be impressed by any of my parlor tricks.”
Gray will heading out on an early September tour with Sanctus Real in support of the new project. His website is currently under reconstruction but in the meantime, fans can keep updated with Gray at www.myspace.com/jasongrayonline and at www.facebook.com/jasongray.
