Jason Shares His Story

 

     Five years ago the world was introduced to this bashful boy with blue eyes and dreadlocks and the votes began to show that he was a favorite on season seven of American Idol. His simple yet profound performance of Hallelujah (below) in 2008 has had almost four million views on you tube.

 

     Since then Jason Castro has been on a several music tours, and a personal journey that has been just as exciting. Currently touring with the largest Christian concert America has come to love. So much that fans stand outside for hours in rain, sleet and snow to see the great artists that Winter Jam Tour has to offer. That is however, if you are able to be one of the lucky thousands to get a ten dollar seat at the venue.

     I had the opportunity to speak with Jason about his musical journey, his family and his new release Only A Mountain. For Jason music has given him opportunities that many people do not get the chance to experience.

    
     However, when you are born with a gift like Jason, blessings come to those who use that gift to glorify the one who places it within our hearts to begin with. That gift began to shine through as Americans tuned into American Idol in 2008, where Jason left the show in fourth place.

     Jason - “You know it’s always encouraging when I run into people and they tell me how they were voting for me that season. Everyone who continues to support me has no idea how much I appreciate that.”

     Before the tour with AI began, Jason was able to go home for a few weeks and spend time with his family. At that time there were several people contacting him trying to get him to make appearances or do interviews. However, there was one invitation that Jason felt compelled to get involved with after a man approached his father at church.

     Jason - “I had been home a few weeks, and maybe some people assumed I was a Christian while I was on the show; but I never really had a chance to say, ‘Hey this is why I am the way I am’. After my Father was approached by the team of the I Am Second movement my interest was stirred. I began to look into it further. I was blown away by the concept of the movement. It was an outlet for me to finally share with others what I believed.”

     This movement has now become a massive tool used as an outreach to share amazing testimonies that others have experienced through a relationship with Christ. Jason will be joining them this summer on a mission trip and he plans to take along his guitar. I asked Jason if he had ever been to a Winter Jam concert before actually participating in the tour.

     Jason - “No, I never really had a chance to go when I was younger. They never came out to the Dallas area before. The tour is going great though, every show has been sold out and it’s an amazing thing to be a part of. The crowds are amazing and all the people that wait in the lines to get in; they really don’t know how much that means to us. It’s also great to hear people express how our songs have helped them with something they have been struggling with.”

     Jason hopes that by sharing music from personal experiences and situations that touch his heart it might help others through struggles of their own and encourage them in their faith.

     Jason- “I really feel this CD has progressed both musically and in the message that I share. One of my favorite songs is Same Kind Of Broken, which is a duet I do with Moriah Peters who is a great new artist.”

     Released January 15, 2013, Only A Mountain is the third studio production from Jason and from what I have heard will be one of many more to follow. Produced by Matt Bronleewe, Ben Glover and David Garcia the eleven tracks all of which were written or co-written by Jason will have you singing along to the chorus the first time you listen to it.

 

    Each track is as radio worthy as the next and lyrically established in faith and encouragement to stay true to the grace of God. Only A Mountain, notably the title of the album was the first single and has done very well reintroducing some early AI fans to this talented young man while continuing to hold onto fans that never left his side. This song has brought tears to Jason’s eyes through peoples testimonies while on tour how it has encouraged their faith that God can tackle any problem that we have.

     Not many people can say they have had the opportunity to experience all that Jason has since being on AI. I asked him in all his adventures, besides finding true freedom in Christ what was his most profound moment? After a deep breath he replied, “You know just waking up each morning and seeing my daughters face.”

     If I had listened to the song that was written for his daughter I would have already known that answer. However, even though Jason wrote the song Enough for Madeline I believe God was using him in a mighty way to deliver a bigger message. Lyrically this is a love song to one’s child. Since we are all children of God, I believe God wants us to know that this is exactly how He feels about us as well. “I want to tell you something I want to tell you that you’re beautiful. Not lost in a sea of souls. I want to tell you something you’re more important than you’ll ever know. Just look around you. Do you know that you’re loved? Do you know that you are enough?” There are so many people out there who do not realize how special and unique they are to God and I really think this song will bless them.

     For those struggling through a time of darkness or in the midnight hour, I Believe is sure to reach a place in their heart that will encourage them they are not alone. This song made me question Jason’s musical inspirations because I heard a very pleasant resemblance to a massive Christian artist by the name of Michael W Smith. I hope both of them take that is a compliment, because that is how it is meant.

     If it’s Love, was written from Jason’s heart, expressing the difficult times of touring and being away from your family and the late nights. Musicians sacrifice many things to follow their dreams and do what they feel God is calling them to do. I believe this song will minister to couples who are fighting for their marriages whether they are musicians or not.

     On every album I review by the second listen I have pinpointed my favorite song. Starting Line for me personally is over the top. I love every aspect of it and I would be surprised if it’s not the second radio release. With a powerful message of the realization what you truly experience when you see Christ for who He is face to face. I guess for me I relate to this song more than the others on a different level.

     Being complacent or broken in life is a position no one should be in. Stay This Way, calls us to step out in faith and realize that grace has set us free to move forward. “Just because you’re broken doesn’t mean you’re hopeless. Go ahead and turn the page, don’t be afraid of better days. Put the past behind you, grace has redefined you.”

     Same Kind of Broken is a beautiful duet that compares the likeness of all of us. We all have things we are not proud of in our past. Each and every one of us can recall someone who has hurt us or a time in life where we felt broken. “We all come alive, we all fall apart. We all need someone to love us where we are.” It’s a call to reach out to someone who might be in a place where you once was before God sent someone to help pull you out. It’s truly a remarkable message and beautifully orchestrated.

     Inspired by an event to raise money for a safe house built in Texas to help victims of sex trafficking, Safe House was penned by Jason to bring awareness to a larger group. I didn’t know the history of the song at first but after learning the inspiration it changed the meaning for me. It made it more profound and emotional because this is such a huge problem in our world and I respect Jason for sharing this on his album and his story. “What if you’re her only shot, what if I’m the last she’s got? What if tomorrow it’s too late? We can’t wait, we can’t wait. You might be her only shot. I might be the last she’s got. Don’t let tomorrow be too late. We can’t wait, we can’t wait.”

     Runaway is one of the best vocally performed tracks on the album. You can definitely hear the maturity as an artist birthing in this number. Jason claims this song is his anthem and an invitation to his brothers and sisters in Christ to join him. “I could never stay once I had a taste of Heaven, so you want to be free, be a runaway!”

     Sometimes in life the only thing we have the strength to do is just to wake up and open our eyes. Rise To You is a profession of faith that in our weakness He is made strong. “Some days I feel so broken down, just hoping I can make it out, knowing that you see me through I will rise to you. Give me the strength I need to get me off these busted knees.”

     Uncertain if he would include it on the album, Jason constructed, Good Love. Bridging the gap between the old and new  with a similar sound to his previous album he included this as a definition of his life. Where he once was, to where he is now and all the blessings that God has given him along the way. With his beautiful wife, Mandy and their precious daughter Madeline, Jason has come a long way since that Idol stage.

     Maturing into a humble Christian artist living out his dream, not only has God blessed his life, He is using his life to bless others along the way. Be sure to keep your eye on this blue eyed star. God is using Him on His stage. No longer does his stature come based on the number of votes received. God has already cast the ballot and this contender has certainly received the only golden ticket that truly matters.

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Bellarive Heartbeat CD Review

HeartBeat

 

     Six passionate worship leaders from Orlando Florida joined together awhile back to awaken the spiritual Heartbeat of believers. Bellarive met each other in 2009 and began leading worship in churches. However, they soon realized that was not the only mission God had purposed them together for. Upon the recognition of the call to worship, band members Sean Curran (lead vocals, Melissa Mage (vocals), Mike Mage (Programming, vocals, guitar), Zach Glotfelty (lead guitar), Josh Luker (bass, percussion) and Kenny Werner (drums)  created an EP titled "The Being Human Project, Start Listening". Sparrow Records was right on their heals after the EP released and signed with them for their debut album Heartbeat available June 19, 2012.

     The first radio release Taste of Eternity in my opinion is the essence of the cup that you drink with this album. As lead singer Sean Curran stated in a recent video release,

"All that He is, the context of Eternity. It is what we were all designed to do, to worship Him. If we will allow ourselves to go there, worship can take us to an Eternal place where it’s not about singing with our lips or our lungs, but where we enter in singing with our soul."

     That definitely describes the character demonstrated on their debut. With different musicians and singers you can pick up similarities of influences throughout the delivery of artistic worshipful pieces. Notably so is the musicianship of Anathallo, which the band has stated is a huge influence for them. Vocally you can definitely hear the style of David Crowder echoing through the elements.

     On the title track there is a semblance to what you might hear from the great Michael W Smith. They sing about the importance of staying in the presence of God. Musically this is one that could easily be used for corporate worship.

     It is very easy to sing along to and there is a moment that builds to focused encouragement, followed by what I call a faith filled showdown. "Stand tall for we are daughters we are sons, step straight into this love, we bear the mark of our creator."

     There is a relationship portrayal in Love Has Found Us, which depicts the simplicity and yet overwhelming joy that comes from knowing God as Lord of all.

Hope Is Calling, follows next continuing to deliver radio friendly messages. After listening to the album I was surprised they did not choose one of these two songs to use as their first release. Needless to say, this radio worthy album is not going to have a short life on the charts.

     Measures of Rest , is a reminder of the peace and restoration that God offers us as we seek that place with Him. Finding all that we need in Him, arriving at a place where our focus is totally on His love. The resonating praise and vocal harmonies toward the end of this piece is refreshing and inviting.

     Speaking of vocals, you will not be hearing any of them in Sing, which seems a bit ironic. However, many people who know true worship understand the depths of instrumental praise. Proved by many, the intensity of prophetic worship through instrumentation takes you somewhat deeper personally during corporate or private worship, because it’s not about what’s being sung, it’s about allowing God to pull your heart strings closer to Him.

     Musically speaking, I feel The Father’s Heart is a standout piece on the album. I feel the vocals are better on a lot of their other songs, but the melody is one of the catchier on the album. It could also be one that sets them apart as well, a band identifier so to speak.      The message is also moving, searching for the heartbeat of our Father."Father hold me, heaven come fill this place, open the flood gates, I’m reaching for the rhythm of my Fathers heart."  This song will definitely be more radio active than others and probably quite a bit more popular to the general Christian music population.

     Everyone always is watching and waiting for a move of God, waiting to see something happen. Here We Are, captures the essence that God needs us to move. It is a call to be free to walk in His love that He provides for us."Here’s my heart for the taking, God keep it. Face down at your feet, I’m not leaving. For you are where I want to be." I am a sucker for guitars so I must say I have a biased opinion of this song and it is one of my favorites by far.

     One of the highlights is hearing more vocals from the only female member Melissa Mage. A beautiful eclectic contribution that I am certain her fellow band members are glad to have with them. One that I would say is seasoned with just the right amount of the likeness of Adele with a sprinkle of the great Adrienne Camp (previous lead for Benjamin Gate). In Tendons (The Release) Melissa comes through more vocally leading up to one of the best moments on the album, the spoken poem from Sean (I think) of a broken heart before the Lord. This is undeniably a stand out number.

     The harmony shared in Shine On, is pleasantly on point and reminds us that in Him we can shine with our hearts toward Him. No matter what obstacles we face we have His Glory in us to carry to others. "Wake up oh sleeper, the glory came through, the Glory shines through and we’re wide awake now."

     I would like to personally thank the band for allowing Melissa to lead I Know You. I love hearing songs from the perspective from God toward us and this song is brilliantly written and expressed. Musically and vocally a masterpiece created representing the love that the master carries for us. If able I would give a standing ovation to the band and the composer of this piece.



     The last track on the album, Stories is another beautiful closing sentiment, touching on the stories we have heard about Jesus. Vocally this is the most beautiful song on Heartbeat. The delivery and the message exceptionally exceed what you expect. "Holy Spirit come, descend on your people. Your fires’ in our hearts it’s all we’ll ever need. For we know, we know that you’re alive. So come and speak here. Our ears are open now."

Bellarive, which means Beautiful River, chose the perfect name when they were coming to a decision. This album delivers living water right into your spirit and will touch you on many levels. If you allow yourself to dive into these waters you will bask in the spirit of worship. Hoping their music pulls the listener closer to the heartbeat of God this album flows straight to the foot of the cross and beckons His presence.

Make a Difference Tour

Review of the Make a Difference Tour

     With the New Year coming into play, it’s hard to look back over 2010 and point out one significant event that God truly moved through in our midst. In these days and times it is not unusual to witness God doing great things all around us. With certainty I am sure we could all testify about several awesome things we seen God do in the past year.

     One great experience I had in 2010 was when I was able to attend the Make A Difference Tour led by front man Max Lucado. When we think about what people will remember about us when we are gone, it motivates us to try and make a difference in another person’s life. It is very similar to the movie Pay it Forward. God gave us the love and sacrifice of His Son on the cross so that we could give love to someone else, releasing the knowledge of that sacrifice into their hearts through Christ.

     Mr. Lucado has committed to reaching the goal of 25,000 sponsored through the make a difference program. Through the success of tours and displays the number has reached 15,881 . The Make a Difference Tour has continued to impact the lives of those who have been helped. It opens a window of hope, a window of faith and a window of chance to those who otherwise may not live to see their next meal.


Toby Mac, Michael W. Smith and Third Day were a great selection for Max to choose to tour with in 2010. Jason Gray hopped on the wagon to join them during the last few appearances. There was a particular moment during the performance of Jesus Freak, where Toby Mac did a freeze frame and the special effects were off the hook!


  

   Michael W Smith filled the audience with tears as he pulled the heartstrings of those who had lost loved ones with his performance of Welcome Home. Third Day got the crowd involved in almost every song, including one off their recently released CD, Move titled Children of God. This song was accompanied by a video of many who have been helped through the Make a Difference Tour and through the continued outreach of World Vision.

     Speaking of Third Day's latest release Move, when I was blessed with the opportunity to interview Mac Powell, he mentioned many fans told him this was their "new favorite". Though I cannot single out a favorite album by Third Day, I have to say this one definitely fits perfectly in the CD player on a road trip!
     It is a great combination of songs that take you back to the southern rock sound molded together with the Spirit of God. Placing your feet on solid ground calling you to surrender all and trust Him to be with you no matter where you go and to never give up hope! Surrender, happens to be my favorite and one that I would stamp as being a “new favorite” to be requested for years to come. The first time I listened to the CD I had to go back and listen to that one over a few times. The band’s instruments and the vocals that Mac Powell delivers on this CD, clearly defines why so many have told them it is their new favorite album.

      Having the opportunity to interview the lead singer from Third Day, was the highlight of 2010 for me as a Christian. Not that I consider Mac Powell to be a celebrity because he is just another man gifted to worship and minister in music. However, for me many of their great classics ministered to me at some of the most trying times of my faith. Their ability to walk in the spirit of the gift that God has given them and touch the lives of so many on a daily basis is so inspirational to me. Having the heart of a worshipper myself makes it that much more of a blessing.

     Needless to say, behind the scenes there is word spreading that plans for another Make a Difference Tour are in the making for 2011. No one seems to know the line up yet for the artists that will be joining Mr. Lucado. However, one thing you can count on is God has an agenda for His people according to His master plan. I believe no matter who decides to step on board that tour, their music ministry and lives will be blessed because of their willingness to step out in faith for a great cause.
    
     Those who get involved in acts of charity through the worship and true calling of Christ sacrifice time with friends and family. If you were unable to attend the tour last year, do not miss out on the chance to be ministered to and entertained by the venue this year. If you were able to take part of the outreach last year, I don’t have to tell you what you will miss if you don’t go again this year!


     Do what you can today to demonstrate pure religion. With people making New Year Resolutions for 2011, I would urge you to make a resolution to change someone’s life this year. If you have not taken the opportunity to sponsor a child would you consider your ability to open your arms and bless someone who could use the hand of love this year? As a family maybe you could decide that will be your Resolution. Let your light shine in someone else’s life.

     James 1:27 "Pure religion and undefiled before God and the Father is this, To visit the fatherless and widows in their affliction, [and] to keep himself unspotted from the world."

 Luke 6:38 "For if you give, you will get! Your gift will return to you in full and overflowing measure, pressed down, shaken together to make room for more, and running over. Whatever measure you use to give--large or small--will be used to measure what is given back to you."

Interview With Mac Powell From Third Day

Third Day Makes You Want to Move

     For many of us Rock & Roll has been a great influence throughout our life times. For those thirty-forty something's we can remember sitting around with our friends listening to Lynard Skynard the Steve Miller Band or Guns "N" Roses. 

     No matter what generation you grew up in Rock & Roll played a part in your life at one point in time influencing your musical inclinations. When I found out it was Guns n Roses Appetite for Destruction that sparked the desire for Mac Powell to be in a rock band I found that kind of humorous and had to ask him about it.


Mac: "Yeah, actually we were talking about that the other day. You know I had not listened to much Rock & Roll for awhile and that summer my sister bought that album. I started listening to it while mowing the grass and that is when I knew I wanted to be in a band."

Me: "I thought that was kind of funny. I was going to say the next album you guys make you should call it Appetite for Salvation."

Mac: "Ha! Yeah you know it may have been last year or a few years back there was a tour that Switchfoot and Reliant K were on called Appetite for Construction."

     After meeting with guitarist Mark Lee, and former member Billy Wilkins the journey has moved them from being a wanna be rock band to the most well known Christian Band to ever travel through the radio waves to date. Tai Anderson and David Carr joined Mac, Mark and Billy in 1992 while they were working on their first album.

     

Today Mac, Mark, Tai and David are Moving several directions trying to share with others the importance of reaching out to those that are in need, those that are hurting and those that need a little hand from someone who has the ability to reach out and say, "You are not alone, God is waiting for you."

     Currently they have teamed up with Max Lucado, Toby Mac, Michael W Smith and the newly recruited tour member Jason Gray. I asked Mac how the tour was going and what the focus of the tour was on.

Mac: "World Vision is a huge part of this tour. Actually everyone has been great. This is the 25th year that Max Lucado has been publishing books and he did not want this anniversary celebration to be about him. We are on a mission to get as many young children in need sponsored as possible. It has been a great success so far, I am not sure what the numbers are at right now. However, the last time I checked we were around about 6,000 so far. Our goal is 25,000."

Me: "Wow, that is great! It is important for those who are financially able in the body of Christ to reach out to help others so that they may see the love and grace of God through His people."

Mac: "Absolutely!"

     So, if you have not been able to attend this tour and you are reading this you can be that one hand that could open a child's eyes up to God by visiting this website. You can move that mountain for someone! 

 CLICK HERE!

     Speaking of moving, for those who anticipate each new Third Day album that hits the musical streets, you will be pleased to know that Move became available Tuesday the 19th of October. I talked to Mac to get some insight on what to expect on the new album and he simply confirmed my excitement.

Mac: "Well, it is the first album we have had the opportunity to record in our New Studio which is only about twenty or thirty minutes away from where we all live. That makes it really nice cause we don't really have to travel to go there and whenever we need to rest or need time with our families it does not take long to go back and forth. We worked with Paul Moak on the album and he agreed with us to return back to our rock roots.

You know some of our earlier classic sounds, but hopefully it sounds better this time around. We had a great time working on this album and many of our listeners have already come up and said it is their "new favorite" Third Day record."

Me: "Wow, their "new favorite". I do not think I could narrow it down to "one favorite". You guys have so many great albums and songs. Two of my favorite songs from you guys are Thief and Show Me Your Glory.

Mac: "Yeah, Thief is one of those classics that I was talking about. We have always been able to play that and we pretty much get the same response from the crowd. It is a classic that everyone loves. Show Me Your Glory, is another great worship song that always goes well at shows also."




     Third Day continues to have numerous number one singles and have been nominated for a vast array of music awards. In 2009 they were inducted into the Georgia Music Hall of Fame. I asked Mac how the group felt when they were honored with that recognition.

Mac:" You know it was just one of those amazing moments of our careers. You never really think about that kind of stuff. You know like it is even possible. Then it happens. It is really amazing to be recognized like that especially from your home state."

Me "So, are you all involved in your local churches in any ministry inside of them?"

Pastor Max Lucado

Mac: "Yeah, we all live in Georgia but we all go to different churches. We do travel a lot, but I do stay in touch with our Pastor and still have conversations with many of our church family also. I go when we are home. We have church on the road all the time. Max Lucado has been great on this tour, we have Bible studies and prayer time. Nigel James is our regular road Pastor who is from Europe. He has been great with us. You know he is just real. There are so many Pastors out there that are really legalistic about everything and he just is not like that. He just holds us accountable to that time of dedication to prayer and study, and he is always there just for us to talk to about things."


     Since I first began listening to Third Day in 1998 I knew lyrically they were passionate about encouraging others to grow closer in their relationship with Christ and if they did not know Christ to begin to pursue that relationship with Him. Today I see Third Day as so much more than motivators, they are doers as well. Not only do they support causes like World Vision, Habitat For Humanity,  The One Campaign and the Land Of A Thousand Hills Coffee,   they also reach further than that.

Me: "So, I seen where you and your wife Amy adopted a little boy how is that working out?"

Mac: "Oh, yeah it's great! He is great! We actually just adopted another little girl as well on January 5. Everyone is great with each other. We have Scout, Cash, Camie Love and now our two adopted children, Emmanuel and Bertie Claire."

Me: "That is awesome! I am so happy for you guys."

Mac: "Thanks we love it!"

     Third Day has lit a candle and God keeps raising the flame. They are a hope, shining in a world today that needs to see the light and love of Christ. As they take the gospel forth in their music, their actions and their feet I asked Mac if he could think of one moment throughout their ministry where he was in awe of what he saw God using them to do.

Mac: "You know almost every night on the road people come up and share of how a song has ministered to them. It's impossible to narrow it down to one moment because it happens all the time. It is very humbling when a person shares with us how our music has helped them through the loss of a loved one. Our music has done that a lot for people and that is very tough time. I remember there was one girl who was going to commit suicide and she heard the song Cry Out to Jesus and it saved her life! We hear of a lot of couples that are headed for divorce and they hear a song and end up working things out. You know that is awesome."

Official Music Video for Cry Out to Jesus

     Thankfully what moved Mac that day he was mowing the grass as a youngster, is not the same thing that moves Third Day as mighty men of God. The lyrical passion and musical talent that flows through this band is one that continues to transform people for Christ.

     Where You Are there is a Revelation on a Live Wire that Third Day knows about a Conspiracy that Offerings will cause us to Move and Come Together in God's Time and Make a Difference.

It's Time To Move and Order Their New Album!!