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Any similarity between previous Avalon records and their soon-to-be released CD, Reborn, ends now...
This Award-Winning Quartet Is Reborn With
A New Project, Releasing For Sept. 15th
Current, Ambitious And Cutting Edge Songs From One Of Christian Music's Premier Vocal Groups
NEWS SOURCE: Vining Media
July 29, 2009
Nashville, TN - July 29, 2009 - While Avalon is certainly proud of their past (21 chart-topping singles, 6 Dove Awards, 3 Grammy nominations and an American Music Award), it sure would be easy for the quartet to rest on their laurels and continue to offer their known slick brand of vocal pop. But they are now Reborn, their aptly titled brand new project, slated for release on September 15th (E1 Music).
It is important to note that the similarity between any previous Avalon albums and Reborn ends now, thanks to this cutting edge and unequivocally original record. "Reborn is a fitting title because it signifies the birth of something new and exciting, which is certainly true of the current season of Avalon," explains Janna Long, the group's founding member. Comprising the rest of the quartet is Greg Long (Janna's husband and group member since '03), Jeremi Richardson, as well as its newest member, Amy Richardson, making her Avalon debut on Reborn, and who also happens to be Jeremi's wife.
"I've literally listened to Avalon for as long as I can remember, so I can tell you both as a member and a fan that people's jaws are going to hit the ground when they hear Reborn," asserts Jeremi, who joined the group in 2007. "Everyone I've played it for so far says they'd never expect it, but at the same time, they can totally tell it's Avalon, which to us is the ultimate compliment."
One of the most instantly apparent changes comes in the credits, which for the very first time in the group's illustrious history unites the group with producer Ian Eskelin (All Star United, Krystal Meyers, Stellar Kart, Francesca Battistelli). It's a curious choice indeed considering his respected rankings in the modern rock spectrum, but one that helps cement Avalon's latest endeavor as arguably their most ambitious to date.
"This has been one of the most unique and fun recording projects I have ever been involved in," Ian Eskelin exclaims. "These guys are fearless and their vocals are killer. They are some of the hardest working, ready for anything, talented musicians I have worked with."
A tour is slated for the Fall to promote the new project. This is sure to be an exciting time on the road for Avalon as the group is more than ready to share their new songs with fans across the country.
For the creation of Reborn, Avalon partnered with the label E1 Music. Along with the new venture came a completely open creative canvas where the group was encouraged to stretch itself further than ever before. Previously known as Koch Records, E1 Music has hosted the diverse likes of The Beatles' Ringo Starr, Ashley Cleveland, Twila Paris, and Bishop E. Long.
"They took all the reigns off and basically said, 'you've been doing this for awhile, so just do what you do,'" recalls Greg of the E1 experience. "No one was ever looking over our shoulders talking to us about core demographics, which gave us the chance to just focus on the artistic side. We love our history and are grateful for everything God's given us, but that type of freedom also allowed us the opportunity to experiment and have a lot of fun in the process."
Reborn offers aggressive melodies tied with atypical harmonies and guitar-driven moments. The new sound is sure to give dedicated Avalon fans a new twist on the group's well-known formula, while expanding its appeal to a wider audience than ever before.
"Over the last three years, we released a hymns record, a covers record and a retrospective record, plus had some members change," Janna reflects. "Between that and the fact that life was just happening right alongside it all, there's a pivotal change and evolution. Sure, the vocal standpoint is consistent with the Avalon sound, but the rest is much more varied. This is definitely not your Mom's Avalon record!"
Reborn song listing*:
1. Alive
2. Reborn
3. Destined
4. Feel
5. Fragile
6. Stay
7. Holy
8. Arise
9. California
10. Angels
*not final sequence
Awesome! But isn't it a little short notice? I didnt even know they were ready to release it...
And I didnt know Melissa left either! She was my favorite!
But the album sounds cool. Cant wait!
Yes, they've been very ready... Sparrow Records is behind them so they can now release a brand new, original album.
I was shocked when I heard about Melissa. She left the group to become a worship pastor at a local church, plus continue with her solo career and focus more on motherhood. (She posted about her decision on the blog of her official website.)
I can't wait for the album either! Sounds like it's gonna be something totally new and fresh, and really different for Avalon. I'm looking everywhere for album clips!
"AN EVENING WITH SELAH AND AVALON"
SELAH AND AVALON ANNOUNCE FALL TOUR
Selah To Release You Deliver Me August 25
Avalon Delivers Reborn On September 15
NEWS SOURCE: Proper Management
August 21, 2009
NASHVILLE, TN—August 21, 2009—Two of Christian music's Gold-selling, Dove Award-winning groups, Selah and Avalon, are pleased to announce their co-headlining fall tour, "An Evening with Selah and Avalon." This fall tour will support the long-awaited brand new releases from both vocal groups. Selah’s You Deliver Me releases August 25 (Curb Records), while Avalon’s new CD, Reborn, will hit shelves Sept. 15 (E1 Music).
"There's a lot of anticipation about this tour," says Selah vocalist Todd Smith. "Both of us--Selah and Avalon--are in the midst of personal and artistic renewal ... defining seasons, really. We couldn't imagine a better pairing right now."
"I am thrilled to have Avalon touring with Selah. We have always been big fans of their music and will be honored to share the stage. Two vocal groups, one big night," says Avalon vocalist, Janna Long.
With Reborn, Avalon took a daring move and tapped modern rock eccentrist Ian Eseklin (All Star United, Krystal Meyers, Stellar Kart and Francesca Battistelli), joined by Barry Weeks, to produce the group’s 13th project. Along with a new label partnership with E1 Music, Avalon's latest endeavor is arguably their most ambitious to date. Offering aggressive melodies tied with atypical harmonies and guitar-driven moments, their fresh new sound is sure to give dedicated Avalon fans a new twist on the group's well-known formula, while expanding its appeal to a wider audience than ever before.
Selah’s first recording in more than three years, You Deliver Me chronicles hope amidst sorrow with deeply personal songs. Last year, founding member Todd Smith and his wife Angie learned that their unborn child would be unable to survive outside of the womb. Their fourth daughter, Audrey Caroline Smith, was born April 7, 2008, and lived for just over two hours. Though Selah’s music has long brought hope and comfort to many, it has now taken on a poignant new personal meaning for the group. They are committed to further sharing God’s faithfulness and ultimate healing, as represented through the legacy of Audrey’s life.
"This is the chance for people to see some of the most talented vocalists in Christian music together on one stage, so needless to say we are getting a lot of great response to this package," says booking agent David Breen of The Breen Agency. "It is for sure more than just another concert tour in the fall--we feel it is a vocal event that fans of both groups will not want to miss."
"An Evening with Selah and Avalon" will span across the entire eastern half of the United States. In addition to countless fan favorites, tour audiences will also enjoy hearing several new songs from each group. Highlights will include the lead radio singles from each new album: Selah recently serviced their Bernie Herms-produced, Brooke Fraser-penned "Hosanna"--and Avalon’s current single, "Arise," shipped to radio earlier this month.
Current routing for "An Evening with Selah and Avalon":
9/27 Tuscaloosa, AL
10/3 Medina, OH
10/7 Conway, AR
10/8 Bentonville, AR
10/9 Oklahoma City, OK
10/10 McCook, NE
10/24 Riverview, FL
10/25 Live Oak, FL
10/29 Attica, NY
10/30 Elmira, NY
10/31 Auburn, NY
11/6 Joppa, MD
11/7 Mansfield, OH
11/8 Gridley, IL
11/9 Edgerton, MN
11/12 Kentwood, MI
11/13 Hudsonville, MI
About Selah:
Heralded for its trademark arrangements of hymns and classic songs of faith, Selah continues to win the Dove Award for "Inspirational Album of the Year" every time the group is eligible. Along the way, the Curb recording artist has sold 2.4 million albums and repeatedly hit No. 1 at Christian radio with breakout singles such as "Wonderful, Merciful Savior," "Press On" and "You Raise Me Up." Selah has also appeared on television programs like "The 700 Club," "The Hour of Power," "Life Today with James Robison" and various TBN specials, while gracing the covers of national magazines such as HomeLife and Christian Single.
As Selah's most personal recording to date, the new album You Deliver Me, was produced by Dove Award winners Bernie Herms, Jason Kyle, Todd Smith and Allan Hall. The album’s 15 tracks include beloved hymns, favorite worship songs and newly-penned selections, all arranged and presented in Selah's signature style. For more information visit www.SelahOnline.com.
About Avalon:
During Avalon's illustrious career, the modern pop quartet has sold over three million records and garnered 21 chart-topping singles, six Dove Awards, three Grammy nominations and an American Music Award. In addition to founding member Janna Long, the group is comprised of Greg Long (Janna's husband and group member since '03), Jeremi Richardson, and its newest member, Amy Richardson, making her Avalon debut on Reborn, and who also happens to be Jeremi's wife.
Touring since the start of their career, Avalon has not only performed at numerous Women of Faith conferences, but has also appeared on a plethora of key media outlets such as CNN’s "Headline News," "World Beat," and "Showbiz Today," as well as The Oxygen Network, QVC, "The 700 Club," "Life Today with James Robison," and "The Hour of Power," among many others. For more information visit www.AvalonLive.com.
I am not what you call a fan of Avalon, but even so, I think their music of the past has carried a strong and meaningful message. I guess the style is just not what I normally would normally listen to.
But, having said that, the new album sounds great. After having listened through the new album, I have to say I am impressed and excited about the new direction that the group has taken musically. I think there can be more commonality between the band's and fans too. I also believe the label finally let them take more of 'their own' direction musically.
I think new fans and old fans alike will enjoy the new album.
I have listened through the album about four times in full since I'm reviewing for jfh. I must say, the press release is quite misleading.It talks about "rocking" and being a "new direction," while most of the songs sound just like stuff Avalon has done before. Don't get me wrong, it's still an amazing record, it's just not as much of a "different sound" as I was expecting. I love "California" and "Destined" the best so far I think.
I have listened through the album about four times in full since I'm reviewing for jfh. I must say, the press release is quite misleading.It talks about "rocking" and being a "new direction," while most of the songs sound just like stuff Avalon has done before. Don't get me wrong, it's still an amazing record, it's just not as much of a "different sound" as I was expecting. I love "California" and "Destined" the best so far I think.
I understand where you're coming from. But compare Reborn to older Avalon records like In A Different Light or A Maze Of Grace... that is definitely a new direction to me. Everyone I've played these new songs for says they can't believe that it is Avalon singing them (and I agree!). I can't expect the group to record a new album without including a few songs that sound like what they've done before. After all, they have a loyal fan base who loves their lighter side we heard from them in the beginning... and, that is what made them successful.
Posted: Sun Sep 13, 2009 1:20 am Post subject: How exciting! Sept. 15th is my birhday! I love Avalon!
Avalon is one of my favorite artists. I can't wait to hear the new album! God bless you, Avalon in all your future endeavors! Also, "God bless us everyone".
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