As the Easter season approaches, Christian Music record labels Provident Label Group and Capitol Christian Music Group join forces to create a special collaborative album featuring new recordings of 12 timeless hymns by the industry’s most celebrated artists. Released Mar. 5, 2013, Jesus Firm Foundation: Hymns of Worship offers music fans a chance to own their favorite church classics such as “Jesus Paid it All,” “Blessed Assurance,” “It Is Well” and “Holy, Holy, Holy” now reinvented by top voices Casting Crowns, Newsboys, Matthew West, Brandon Heath, Matt Maher and many more.
“Bill Hearn (CEO Capitol Christian Music Group) and I had a vision to gather together some of the top artists in our industry and record historic hymns with a fresh perspective,” explains Terry Hemmings, Provident President and CEO. “The finished record blossomed into all that we imagined and more and we’re very excited about the potential to reach a wide audience with these sacred songs.”
“I love this concept as it brings together many of the best and brightest artists and songwriters in Christian music to re-imagine many of the most beloved songs of the church,” states Bill Hearn. “It’s also a great example of how Christian Music companies can work together to create something so much more powerful than we could have on our own.”
The title track serves as the first radio single and features a powerhouse lineup with vocals from Mark Hall (Casting Crowns), Mike Donehey (Tenth Avenue North), Steven Curtis Chapman and Mandisa. Other noteworthy moments include the up tempo celebration “All Hail the Power of Jesus’ Name,” in the capable hands of Michael W. Smith, and Casting Crowns’ passionate take on the cherished “I Surrender All.”
“Holy, Holy, Holy” gets reinvented by acclaimed worship leader and songwriter Matt Maher as he delivers an understated acoustic version that infuses the lyric with a renewed sense of urgency. The Newsboys serve up a fresh take on “Jesus Paid It All” with frontman Michael Tait putting his own distinctive stamp on the track.
Nichole Nordeman’s expressive voice opens “Turn Your Eyes Upon Jesus,” and industry headliner Building 429 delivers a stirring rendition of “My Jesus, I Love Thee.” Acclaimed singer/songwriter Matthew West turns the well-loved hymn “Blessed Assurance” into a vibrant anthem and “Cornerstone” receives new life courtesy of renowned worship group Hillsong.
The album concludes with GRAMMY-nominated artist Brandon Heath’s stunning “It Is Well.” Heath’s heartfelt take on the classic captures both the angst and sense of loss in the famed lyric. Jesus, Firm Foundation: Hymns of Worship is a unique collection of foundational hymns that have influenced most all music genres, past and present, brought to life again this season through the perspective of Christian Music’s most popular artists.
Complete track listing for Jesus, Firm Foundation: Hymns of Worship:
1. Jesus, Firm Foundation – Mark Hall (Casting Crowns), Mike Donehey (Tenth Avenue North), Steven Curtis Chapman, Mandisa
2. Turn Your Eyes Upon Jesus (Look Up) – Nichole Nordeman
3. All Hail The Power Of Jesus’ Name (Crown Him) – Michael W. Smith
4. I Surrender All (All To Jesus) – Casting Crowns
5. Holy, Holy, Holy (God With Us) – Matt Maher
6. Be Still My Soul (In You I Rest) – Kari Jobe
7. My Jesus, I Love Thee (Your Holy Name) – Building 429
8. Jesus Paid It All – Newsboys
9. Blessed Assurance (My King Is Coming) – Matthew West
10. Nothing But The Blood – Andy Cherry
11. Cornerstone – Hillsong
12. It Is Well (Oh My Soul) – Brandon Heath
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