Brave New World
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For Jason, that vision included moving in a more country direction. “I grew up on country music and I love the way they are doing things today,” says Jason, whose first single to country radio is the thought-provoking “Somebody Like Me.” “I love the message in this song. So many times we wait around thinking ‘it’s somebody else’s job to love on people who are hard to love’ when that’s what we’re put here for.”
The album also includes “Ellsworth,” a touching song about a woman battling Alzheimer’s, featuring Vince Gill on vocals. “I thought it might be a tune that would work on country radio,” Jason says. “I [could imagine] his voice on it, so I asked him. He came in and he just nailed it just like he always does. He said ‘I ain't never come in this early for anybody.’ It was real early that morning. I still owe him big. I don’t know how I will ever re-pay him.”
In addition to Gill, Jason Crabb also features guest appearances by the Gaither Vocal Band and Sonya Isaacs. The album was produced by country music veteran Norro Wilson, known for his work with Reba and Kenny Chesney, and Tommy Sims, who has worked with Amy Grant and Michael W. Smith. The album includes songs from some of the top writers in Music City, among them Bobby Pinson, Neil Thrasher, Vicky McGehee and Trent Tomlinson. Jason’s father, Gerald Crabb, one of southern gospel’s most awarded songwriters, also contributes the poignant “Sometimes I Cry.” The project also includes a new version of “Through the Fire,” a Crabb Family hit penned by Gerald.
“I think I have songs that our old Crabb family fans are going to love and I hope new people will grasp what I am doing,” Jason says. “It has something for the family, for the church and for everybody. I just wanted the whole family to be able to sit down and listen and enjoy it – from the young to the old. I want people who don’t even listen to gospel music to grab a hold of this. This has always been one of my dreams to do a record like this and Springhill allowed me to do it.”
Though he’s looking to expand his audience, he doesn’t intend to leave behind the fans who have supported him faithfully over the years. “I have not abandoned anybody. I have just broadened territory,” he says. “My first love is gospel music. That is what I grew up in, and I have seen lives changed through the lyrics."
For Jason, that vision included moving in a more country direction. “I grew up on country music and I love the way they are doing things today,” says Jason, whose first single to country radio is the thought-provoking “Somebody Like Me.” “I love the message in this song. So many times we wait around thinking ‘it’s somebody else’s job to love on people who are hard to love’ when that’s what we’re put here for.”
The album also includes “Ellsworth,” a touching song about a woman battling Alzheimer’s, featuring Vince Gill on vocals. “I thought it might be a tune that would work on country radio,” Jason says. “I [could imagine] his voice on it, so I asked him. He came in and he just nailed it just like he always does. He said ‘I ain't never come in this early for anybody.’ It was real early that morning. I still owe him big. I don’t know how I will ever re-pay him.”
In addition to Gill, Jason Crabb also features guest appearances by the Gaither Vocal Band and Sonya Isaacs. The album was produced by country music veteran Norro Wilson, known for his work with Reba and Kenny Chesney, and Tommy Sims, who has worked with Amy Grant and Michael W. Smith. The album includes songs from some of the top writers in Music City, among them Bobby Pinson, Neil Thrasher, Vicky McGehee and Trent Tomlinson. Jason’s father, Gerald Crabb, one of southern gospel’s most awarded songwriters, also contributes the poignant “Sometimes I Cry.” The project also includes a new version of “Through the Fire,” a Crabb Family hit penned by Gerald.
“I think I have songs that our old Crabb family fans are going to love and I hope new people will grasp what I am doing,” Jason says. “It has something for the family, for the church and for everybody. I just wanted the whole family to be able to sit down and listen and enjoy it – from the young to the old. I want people who don’t even listen to gospel music to grab a hold of this. This has always been one of my dreams to do a record like this and Springhill allowed me to do it.”
Though he’s looking to expand his audience, he doesn’t intend to leave behind the fans who have supported him faithfully over the years. “I have not abandoned anybody. I have just broadened territory,” he says. “My first love is gospel music. That is what I grew up in, and I have seen lives changed through the lyrics."
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About the Writer
Deborah Evans Price has covered Christian/Gospel music for Billboard magazine since 1994. She also contributes regularly to Country Weekly, CMA Close Up, Devo’Zine, Christian Single, HomeLife, BMI Music World, and other publications.
A Nashville resident since 1983, Deborah has held editorial posts at Radio & Records, Country News, American Songwriter and Billboard. Amy Grant, Trace Adkins, Brad Paisley, Charlie Daniels, 3 Doors Down, Third Day, Don Henley, Bon Jovi, Chris Rice, Sandra Bullock, Mercy Me, Alan Jackson, Smokey Robinson, Carrie Underwood and Steven Curtis Chapman are among her many interviews. Additionally, she's a sought-after music industry analyst who has been interviewed on CNN, MSNBC, TNN, The Today Show, and ABC PrimeTime Live, among other outlets.
Deborah is a member of the Gospel Music Association's board of directors and a graduate of Leadership Music. She resides south of Nashville with her husband, Gary, and 19-year-old son Trey.
Your Comments
In the music business, reinvention can be tricky, especially for an artist looking to reach a new audience while keeping their existing fan base happy. Who are your favorite singers/bands who have made a switch in the type of music they predominantly play and why did you like or dislike the change?
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