Southern Gospel News SGNScoops Digital

MERCY UNVEILS AARON & AMANDA CRABB’S POIGNANT, POWERFUL JOURNEY

NASHVILLE, Tenn.— Mercy, the fourth recording from Dove Award-nominated singer/songwriters and worship leaders Aaron & Amanda Crabb, is set to bow April 23 from Difference Media (Capitol Christian Distribution). Co-produced by Aaron Crabb and Ben Isaacs (The Oak Ridge Boys, The Isaacs), Mercy features 11 songs revealing a decidedly country direction for the duo, while paying tribute to their storied Southern Gospel heritage and a range of Inspirational influences.

Acclaimed as “Ones To Watch in 2013” by GMCtv online, Aaron & Amanda Crabb co-wrote six selections, including the worshipful “Holy” and the debut multi-format Christian radio single, “Take Him to the Place,” a deeply personal anthem of Hope and healing penned during a trip to Israel.

Mercy is also highlighted by the album’s debut mainstream country single, “I’m Learning,” written by Lee Black, Michael Fordinal and Kenna West. The song has already been embraced by such stations around the country as Winslow, Arizona’s KINO, WEAG in Starke, Florida, and WKRO in Cairo, Illinois, among others.

“We heard it and immediately thought, ‘That’s just us,’” says Aaron Crabb of “I’m Learning.” “We’re learning life as we live it and learning the things that matter and the things that don’t. The most important thing is your family and your relationship with God because things on this earth one day are going to pass away, but He will be forever.”

“We love all styles, so you’ll hear a lot of different influences on the album,” Crabb continues. “I’m a country boy, and those roots probably come through more than anything else. These songs came at the right season in our life. God molded this album and shaped it to what it needs to be and I believe it’s going to help a lot of people.”

Aaron Crabb gained prominence as a member of the groundbreaking Crabb Family, one of the most popular acts in Southern Gospel music with more than 10 Dove Awards and three GRAMMY® nominations to their credit. Since the group disbanded in 2007, Aaron & Amanda have released three acclaimed projects as a duo—2008’s Dove-nominated After the Rain, 2009’s CD/DVD Live at Oaktree, and 2010’s Love With No End. The couple serve as worship leaders at San Antonio’s Cornerstone Church.

Difference Media is a division of Cornerstone Church, founded and pastored by John Hagee. The label features some of the leading names in Southern Gospel music, including Aaron & Amanda Crabb, Canton Junction, Matthew Hagee, Tim Duncan, The Cornerstone Sanctuary Choir, John Hagee and The Hagees. A non-denominational evangelical church with more than 20,000 active members, Cornerstone Church is home to John Hagee Ministries, which telecasts Pastor Hagee’s radio and television teachings throughout America and to 245 countries around the globe. The ministry also operates GETV, a 24/7 online television and video on-demand broadcast of sermons and original programming, as well as music videos and performances by Difference Media artists (www.getv.org).

Difference Media recently signed an exclusive distribution deal with Capitol Christian Distribution (formerly EMI CMG Distribution). Mercy will be the label’s inaugural release under the new agreement.

For further information, visit www.differencemedia.org or www.turningpointpr.com.

DIFFERENCE MEDIA AND EMI CMG DISTRIBUTION ANNOUNCE LONG-TERM DISTRIBUTION AGREEMENT

NASHVILLE, Tenn.—Difference Media, home to some of the leading names in Southern Gospel music, has signed an exclusive distribution agreement with EMI CMG Distribution. EMI CMG will oversee worldwide retail distribution at both Christian and mainstream outlets, as well as digital distribution, for upcoming releases from the label’s acclaimed roster of artists that includes Aaron & Amanda Crabb, Canton Junction, Matthew Hagee, Tim Duncan, The Cornerstone Sanctuary Choir, John Hagee and The Hagees.

The inaugural Difference Media release under the new agreement will be the April 23rd launch of Aaron & Amanda Crabb’s Mercy. The long-awaited new recording from the popular duo, recently named “Ones To Watch in 2013” by GMCtv online, was produced by Aaron Crabb and award-winning musician Ben Isaacs. Mercy will be followed by the re-release of Canton Junction’s hit self-titled debut from last year, featuring the #1 single, “Hold On.”

Greg Bays, Senior Vice President of sales and marketing for EMI CMG Distribution said: “Difference Media was founded on a strong tradition of gospel music and the power of its message. EMI CMG Distribution is pleased to be a part of this ongoing tradition with their artists and inspiring releases. We look forward to expanding Difference Media’s impact with this worldwide distribution agreement. “

“We are thrilled to partner with EMI CMG Distribution, and believe it will serve to further the impact of Difference Media and our family of artists,” said Matthew Hagee, pastor, Cornerstone Church. “We couldn’t be prouder of the releases we have planned for the year, beginning with Aaron & Amanda’s recording, and we are grateful to EMI CMG for helping us make the music more broadly available.”

Difference Media is a division of Cornerstone Church in San Antonio, founded by Pastor John C. Hagee. A non-denominational evangelical church with more than 20,000 active members, Cornerstone Church is home to John Hagee Ministries, which telecasts Pastor Hagee’s radio and television teachings throughout America and to 245 countries around the globe. The ministry also operates GETV, a 24/7 Internet television and video on-demand broadcast of sermons and original programming, as well as music videos and performances by Difference Media artists (www.getv.org).

ABOUT EMI CMG DISTRIBUTION (www.emicmgdistribution.com):
EMI CMG Distribution was founded in 1994 to serve as the main distribution outlet for EMI CMG’s owned and distributed labels to the US Christian and general retail marketplace, and the international Christian marketplace. Since this distribution division was launched, EMI CMG has had more charting titles annually on Billboard’s Top Christian charts than any other Christian distributor and has been named Billboard Magazine’s Top Christian Music Distributor 15 times since 1995. In addition to distributing Capitol Christian Music Group’s fully-owned labels, which include Sparrow, ForeFront, and Credential imprints, as well as EMI Gospel and Worship Together, EMI CMG Distribution has exclusive distribution agreements with BEC/Tooth & Nail, Centricity Records, Dream Records, Gaither Music Group, Green Hill Productions, Hal Leonard, Inpop, Hillsong, sixsteps records, Sonoma Music, Maranatha! Music, North Point Music, Spring Hill Music Group, Troubadour for the Lord, Universal Music Group, VSR Music Group, Anchor Bay Entertainment/Starz, Creative Trust Media, Family Movie Night, Gaiam Vivendi Entertainment, Guardian Studios/Bananas, Jellyfish Labs, Millennium Media Services, Pure Flix Entertainment, Whitestone Media, Worthy Publishing, Authentic Publishers and many more. EMI CMG Distribution is a division of Universal Music Group, the world’s leading music company.

For further information on Difference Media, visit www.differencemedia.org or www.turningpointpr.com.

KEITH & KRISTYN GETTY JOINED BY ALISON KRAUSS AND RICKY SKAGGS ON HIGHLY-ANTICIPATED HYMNS FOR THE CHRISTIAN LIFE

NASHVILLE, Tenn.— Hymns for the Christian Life, the highly-anticipated fourth U.S. release from preeminent Irish modern hymn writers and recording artists Keith & Kristyn Getty, will bow October 9. Produced by Charlie Peacock (The Civil Wars, Switchfoot) and Ed Cash (Chris Tomlin, Kari Jobe), the 12-song project explores such themes as work, family, money, community and social action, showcasing Irish melodies as well as American bluegrass and country music influences.

This original collection is highlighted by a special 10th anniversary recording of “In Christ Alone,” featuring 27-time GRAMMY® Award-winner Alison Krauss. Penned by Keith Getty and Stuart Townend, the world-renowned modern hymn has been recorded by numerous artists over the past decade—including Owl City, Natalie Grant and Newsboys—and is a classic sung in churches around the globe.

In addition, bluegrass icon Ricky Skaggs joins the couple on “Simple Living (A Rich Young Man).” Written by Keith & Kristyn Getty and Stuart Townend, the song is based on the Bible story of the rich young ruler. Clannad’s Moya Brennan, one of Ireland’s most beloved recording artists, also contributes to Hymns for the Christian Life, singing a traditional Gaelic lullaby as part of “A Mother’s Prayer.” Keith & Kristyn Getty, along with Fionan de Barra (Broadway’s Riverdance), penned the piece for their young daughter, Eliza Joy.

“The concept for these songs began two years ago when we took a break from touring and settled in Nashville,” says Keith Getty. “Amid conversations with friends and coworkers around our dinner table and on our porch, we found ourselves discussing the challenges of the Christian life. We pondered ideas such as, ‘What does it mean to succeed in your job but not make it your god? How do I handle doubt? In what way should I pray for my children? What is our responsibility for the care of others inside and outside our community?’ We believe the Gospel story touches every part of life, so these new songs are a reflection of those conversations and us turning to the Gospel for guidance.”

“We hope Hymns for the Christian Life also reflects our continuing goal to write modern hymns for the Church,” adds Kristyn Getty. “What excites us most about the work we do is seeing a song used by a congregation and hoping it becomes part of the soundtrack that follows a believer through life.“

Keith & Kristyn Getty are among the preeminent modern hymn composers of this generation. Writers of an acclaimed repertoire of 21st century hymns revered both for their theologically astute lyrics and universally beloved melodies, the couple’s popular U.S. recordings include In Christ Alone, Awaken The Dawn and Joy – An Irish Christmas. They have shared their music at Franklin Graham crusades, the GMA Dove Awards, The Third Lausanne Conference on World Evangelization, as well as feature performances at London’s Royal Albert Hall and the legendary Grand Ole Opry, among many other noted platforms. Keith & Kristyn Getty, along with their band—an ensemble of some of the top names in Irish and American folk music—are in the midst of their Hymns for the Christian Life Tour, which is hitting multiple U.S. cities this fall.

Hymns for the Christian Life, a Getty Music release, will be distributed by EMI CMG Distribution. EMI CMG Distribution is the exclusive North American distributor of Getty Music products to all Christian and general market channels as well as the exclusive worldwide distributor to all digital channels.

For further information, visit www.gettymusic.com or www.turningpointpr.com.

GUY PENROD BRINGS BELOVED HYMNS TO TBN’S ALL-STAR ‘PRAISE THE LORD’

NASHVILLE, Tenn.— Gaither Music Group/Servant Records artist Guy Penrod was among an all-star line-up on TBN’s “Praise The Lord” last week.  Hosted by GMA Artist of the Year Jason Crabb, the Nashville-based broadcast also featured acclaimed bluegrass singer/songwriter Rhonda Vincent, former American Idol finalist Danny Gokey, and gospel singer/songwriter Jasmine Christmas Brady.

During the program Penrod presented selections from his best-selling new recording, Hymns.  The project debuted at #1 on Nielsen Soundscan’s Southern Gospel retail chart and at #5 on the Current Contemporary Christian chart following its release in March.  Distributed by EMI CMG Distribution, Hymns is available at retail and digital outlets worldwide, as well as Cracker Barrel Old Country Stores®.

For further information, visit www.guypenrod.com or www.turningpointpr.com

Photo L-R: Guy Penrod, Rhonda Vincenet, Jason Crabb

CHRISTIAN MUSIC MAINSTAY JASON CRABB TAKES HOME TOP HONORS AT 2012 GMA DOVE AWARDS

CHRISTIAN MUSIC MAINSTAY JASON CRABB TAKES HOME TOP HONORS AT 2012 GMA DOVE AWARDS

Crabb Part of Multi-Artist Tribute to the Legendary Russ Taff; Closes Show with Dove Nominated Song “I Saw the Light”

Jason Crabb poses with his Dove Awards for Male Vocalist of the Year and Artist of the Year / photo: Aaron Crisler / The Judy Nelon Group

NASHVILLE, Tenn.—April 24th, 2012—This year’s Gospel Music Association (GMA) DOVE Awards proved quite memorable for Christian music mainstay Jason Crabb.  With eight nominations, making him the leading artist nominee for this year’s awards, Crabb took home two—Artist of the Year and Male Vocalist of the Year. This marks the first wins in each of those categories for this musically diverse artist.

Jason Crabb receives the Dove Award for Artist of the Year from Kirk Franklin and Natalie Grant photo: Aaron Crisler / The Judy Nelon Group

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Crabb Family’s New Recording Hits the Street and National Airwaves

NASHVILLE, Tenn.—February 8th, 2012—Together Again (Gaither Music Group), the all-new studio recording from the multiple award-winning Crabb Family, hit shelves and online stores everywhere this week. The ten-song release, produced by lead singer and GRAMMY® Award-winning solo artist Jason Crabb, offers fans the first new music from the popular siblings in several years.
An extensive tv and media campaign surrounding the new release began this past weekend on networks including GAC, GMC, RFD, FamilyNet, TBN, INSP, CTS, CTN, Grace, Legacy, FFE, Miracle and Airtime. Gaither.com is currently featuring an exclusive interview with the entire Crabb Family. Members of hearitfirst.com can log on, starting today, to get a FREE download from the new release.

Coinciding with a recent, limited run of national tour dates that the group has just completed, Together Again was recorded with a vocal approach that was musically different for the group, which traveled together for around 15 years, garnering national attention and recognitions.
Apparently, the new style is working as the release has already been described by one reviewer as the group’s best album to date–a big statement given the siblings’ history of hit songs and glowing reviews.
Together Again includes three songs written by the award-winning country writer Neil Thrasher (who co-wrote Jason’s solo hit “Somebody Like Me”) in addition to tunes written by such industry pacesetters as their father, Gerald Crabb; Sue C. Smith; Lee Black; David Moffitt; Gina Boe; Don Poythress; Ronnie Freeman; Stephanie Lewis and Caleb Collins. The recording also features two songs co-written by Jason alongside longtime friend Sonya Isaacs Yeary, country tunesmith Jimmy Yeary, as well as Carl Cartee and Barry Weeks.
“If There Ever Was a Time,” the first single from the new release, is currently playing at radio stations nationwide. The song, a pick hit at several southern Gospel charting stations, just hit the Top 10 New Release chart for February according to reporting stations for The Singing News Magazine.
Siblings Jason, Adam, Aaron, Kelly and Terah, known as The Crabb Family, took the Christian music industry by storm in the 90’s with their signature brand of country-tinged Gospel, live stage band and powerhouse musical arrangements. The Crabb Family took home 11 GMA DOVE Awards, garnered three GRAMMY® nominations, and blurred the lines between Christian music genres with recordings and nominations ranging from bluegrass to black Gospel.
Their family blends became a hit on platforms varying from the Gaither HOMECOMING stages and “The Grand Ole Opry” to the Brooklyn Tabernacle and Carnegie Hall. Their downhome appearances, highlighted by songs written by the group’s original founder Gerald Crabb, made them a household name in the southern Gospel music community and a “new favorite” across several genres. Heralded by the industry and fans alike, the group produced numerous Top 10 hits and 16 number one hits.
Together Again is now available digitally and at retail stores everywhere. It is distributed exclusively by EMI CMG Distribution. For further information regarding The Crabb Family, visit www.thecrabbfamily.com.

Gaither Music Group and Ernie Haase & Signature Sound Honor The Cathedral Quartet With New Release

Be sure to read our interview with Ernie Haase & Signature Sound in the October issue of SGN Scoops!

NASHVILLE, Tenn. – October 26, 2010 – Gaither Music Group is pleased to announce the release of Ernie Haase & Signature Sound: A Tribute to the Cathedral Quartet available now on CD and DVD.

Ernie Haase & Signature Sound give new appreciation to some of the greatest quartet favorites every written in this DVD and CD, honoring the songs and legacy of the quartet that inspired their own genesis as a group. With a breathtaking set, an electrifying audience of supporters, an inspiring line-up of Cathedrals favorites, plus vintage photos, footage and memories of The Cathedrals, Ernie Haase & Signature Sound keep those great memories alive and offer their gratitude for the indelible mark their heroes made on Gospel music.

Ernie Haase comments, “It is no secret that I love The Cathedral Quartet. As a young teenager, I had a poster of them on my wall right next to my favorite sports’ icons. George and Glen; their music changed and formed my life.” Ernie continues, “To have been part of George and Glen’s history and to have been there for their last ten years was nothing less than ‘epic’ for me. Now, ten years after The Cathedrals’ retirement, we are blessed to pay tribute and bring the music of The Cathedrals to a new generation.”

Members of the Payne family, the Younce family and Roger Bennett’s family added a very special element to the evening, simply by their presence, and Bill Gaither and Squire Parsons also joined the celebration to honor their good friends.
“There are few artists in history who were better examples to follow than George Younce and Glen Payne” says Bill Gaither. “When they founded The Cathedrals, they started more than a great quartet; they modeled character, team spirit and countless other qualities that young groups could learn from.  I know Ernie’s early years as a young artist singing with The Cathedrals helped shape his worldview and his vision as an artist, and it is wonderful to see Ernie Haase and Signature Sound honor the spiritual and musical legacy of The Cathedrals so beautifully.  This is a wonderful celebration.”

This DVD and CD release features Ernie Haase & Signature Sound at their very finest. Ernie Haase & Signature Sound: A Tribute to the Cathedral Quartet, is distributed through EMI CMG Distribution, and is available online at gaither.com, ErnieHaase.com, iTunes and Amazon.com among others, and in retail stores where Christian music is sold.

About Ernie Haase & Signature Sound:
Combining 21st century ideas with the timeless quality of great quartets from the 1950s, this Grammy-nominated, Dove award winning group has broken the traditional mold of gospel quartets. With their unconventional approach to communicating the Good News, Ernie Haase & Signature Sound (EHSS) are blazing a trail through the heart of Gospel music with groundbreaking originality.
The group’s founder and leader, Ernie Haase, got his start in Gospel music as a long-time member of the renowned Cathedral Quartet, and his roots are deeply planted in the rich legacy of music that is both meaningful and thoroughly entertaining. After the Cathedrals bid farewell to their five-decade run in the music industry, Ernie put all his great training to work when he formed, Ernie Haase & Signature Sound.  With chart-topping DVDs and audio releases, the group’s success continues to gain momentum with each new release.
For more information regarding Ernie Haase & Signature Sound, visit www.ErnieHaase.com.