J -- (Re) Born in a Barn

This weekend, I attended the solo career debut and CD (The Elevate Project) launch of a dear friend – J.

I don’t usually write reviews as much as I share experiences, however, this was a concert, and I should probably share a little about the music and the man…

The smooth, blue-eyed soul that radiates from J, an artist whose conversation is unexpectedly guarded, is remarkably rich in both story and inspiration. It is moving and speaks to the soul. It pulls you into places you might be hesitant to go, but pull you it does, nevertheless.

A gifted songwriter and musician, J’s voice permeates his audience, unifying them in perfect harmony, engaging them in between lyrics, and calling them to see the greater perspective. He asks his listeners to join him in a journey, and he isn’t hesitant to sing about purpose through stirring harmonies and flowing melodies that speak to the soul.

Not one to talk about himself, J tends to allow his music to speak for itself.

But midway through the concert, J stood up and talked about a large rug in front the grand piano.

He deliberately placed his feet on the hand-woven rug his great-grandmother had created while he addressed the audience. As he indulged them in an a capella number, I could envision the story he had told me once about being able to harmonize with his mother and his grandmother and, whether or not the rug was a part of that story, in my head, they were sitting around that rug, smiling, and making sweet music by the hearth.

The rug ....

Aerial-ish view of some family and friends

J's stage was an historic dairy-barn-turned-rustic-home. He played on a Yamaha grand piano in the Wallace H. Woodbeck barn. The post-and-beam structure was built out of virgin white pine timbers by Woodbeck, a Civil War veteran, who, along with his wife Matilda and four children, farmed 60 acres on the original settlement.

Bringing the concert full circle, Waysound owner Justin LeBreck brought in audio equipment, lights and cameras and creatively turned the home into a stage, carefully combining advanced musical technology with the historical to ensure a well-produced concert. J's friend and audio-visual technician Shawn Payton assisted in the production as well.

It was this rustic setting with a modern touch that created the unique ambiance and perfect place to debut J’s solo CD. The inspirational lyrics and soothing rhythms combined with J’s smooth voice and the intimate setting allowed songs like Closer to Heaven and The Water to reach each member of the audience.

 

One of my favorite songs on his new album, The Elevate Project, is Abundant Life because it speaks to me – it speaks to my soul. It calls me to evaluate my life and look at my life as an instrument that God uses to do His work here on Earth. That (as well as the catchy tune) resonates with me.

Enigmatic stage name aside, there is no great mystery. J has used his God-given talents throughout his years to lead worship, create music and help others, among other things. But now, he has taken a leap of faith, returning to his roots, inspiring others to use their God-given talents to inspire others and make a change. And that makes the music believable.

Waysound equipment capturing J.