Jason Champion

by Monica P. Watkins

Reflections is the debut project from one of EMI Gospel’s newest artists, Jason Champion. If the name rings a bell it’s because Champion is no stranger to the music scene. Discovered by the late Gerald Levert and rising to fame as one part of the ‘90s R&B duo Men at Large, it would appear that Champion has traded in his R&B card for an all access pass into the world of Gospel music. However, things aren’t always as they appear. While it’s true Champion is now singing praises to the Lord, he certainly hasn’t left his R&B flare to collect dust on a shelf.

Champion, with the help of mainstream and gospel super producer Warryn Campbell, digs deep into his R&B closet to deliver a soul satisfying body of work that will leave you rearranging your favorites with each and every spin. Reflections is amazingly inviting from the very beginning of the project. The music pulls you in from track one and takes you from the days of disco with the single Always to the sounds of Stevie Wonder with songs like Friend of Mine. Champion’s wife joins him on vocals on the song For Better or For Worse. If you want to get to know the man behind the music, jump down to track seven. The title track – Reflections – is candid; it’s passionate; it’s personal; it’s simply superb! 

If you are now or have ever been a fan of rhythm and blues, think of some of your favorite male vocalists – pioneers and present generation – and you will find that Champion seems to be a reflection of many of them. His voice is reminiscent of R&B turned gospel crooner Dave Hollister and Ruben Studdard of American Idol fame. His style is as mature as that of the legendary Stevie Wonder, yet in the midst of all the comparisons, Champion somehow maintains his own strikingly unique sound. 

Reflections is truly a “reflection” of the heart of Champion and the heart of God. “It is my hope and heart to be impactful, helpful, and most of all effective,” says Champion. Undoubtedly, this release is destined to be all three and then some. Reflections is as refreshing as the cliché “cold glass of lemonade on a hot summer day”. Maybe Champion should title his next project “Refreshing”. Listeners are sure to be thirsting for another release without delay. 

EMI Gospel
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