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Fall Is Here!
Posted: September 28, 2009
FALL has arrived in Nashville!!!! I am a happy girl today. This is my favorite time of year. Pumpkin lattes, candy corn, and cute boots are just a few of the things I’m enjoying right now. Hope it’s cooling off where you live as well.
We just returned from our first weekend of the fall tour with Selah. What a treat it has been to share the stage. I always knew they were talented but now appreciate them for their warm and kind personalities too. We have laughed, shared road stories, and just had fun. Hopefully, many of you will be able to catch a show along the way. Make sure you check our itinerary.
As of today, I am half way through my pregnancy. Baby Long is now moving, kicking, and causing much heartburn I’m so thankful for Zantac right now. Overall, I’m feeling well and thankful God has given us another blessing. Our girls are getting very excited about this new sibling and anxious to meet him/her. I keep telling them it won’t be too long after Christmas comes….
Thanks to all of you who have heard REBORN and commented on how much you like it. We are also thankful for some terrific reviews. I am thrilled with this new project and blessed to see how it’s already blessing others. Please know we don’t take lightly the ministry God has called us to and feel so honored to still have this incredible platform. We truly know He is the only one worthy of any glory, praise, and accolades.
Well, it’s time for my siesta. Happy fall! Janna
Comments7 responsesCategory: Blog
AllMusic.com Calls “Reborn” Avalon’s Best Album This Decade!!
Posted: September 28, 2009
It took emancipation from the very machine that put them together, EMI, for Avalon finally to take the reins and start anew with Reborn, their first independent project. It appears the liberty afforded the quartet an opportunity to upend the entire Avalon record-making paradigm: there is no big-budget producer on deck, not a single power ballad to bet all the chips on…the group’s mug isn’t even on the front album cover, a first for one of the band’s regular studio albums. All of the above are anomalies signaling that this is not your mother’s Avalon, but an entirely refashioned outfit, one that favors take-no-prisoners pop/rock over inspirational sentiment, aggressiveness over adult contemporary sameness. At the core, Avalon are still a vocal pop foursome, so knob-turner Ian Eskelin (Stellar Kart, Everyday Sunday) makes sure to keep his ear to the ground in terms of melodic value and immediacy, while adding an edge and rock sensibility that are very much his. Avalon have never sounded this liberated, this unconcerned with pandering to a formula — they’re almost oblivious to the positive-hits mentality that was once their bread and butter. In this band that must be considered in relation to the sum of its parts, Janna Long, the sole original member left, isn’t the only one carrying the vocal weight, but everyone is, even the newer initiates — solo, in duos, in trios, and sometimes the four of them at once. There’s nary a dull moment here — things move so briskly and fluidly that this is perhaps the most fun Avalon have had in the studio since 1997′s A Maze of Grace. Hands down, Reborn is the best album Avalon have released this decade.
-Andree Farias for AllMusic.com
Commentsone responseCategory: News
Avalon is Reborn
Posted: September 18, 2009
A V A L O N
i s
R e b o r n
Vocal Group’s 14th Project Is Now Available;
Reborn Obtains Stellar Reviews, Claiming “Avalon’s latest endeavor is arguably their most ambitious to date”
And
“Hands down, Reborn is the best album Avalon has released this decade;”
Top 3 On iTunes And First Single “Arise” Climbs The Radio Charts
Nashville, TN – September 17, 2009 – Avalon, one of Christian music’s premier and award-winning vocal groups, released their 14th project, Reborn, on Sept. 15th (E1 Music). With numerous accolades achieved over the years, Avalon is now feeling truly reborn thanks to their new songs and the support of their brand new production team comprised of Ian Eskelin and Barry Weeks. Offering aggressive melodies and harmonies tied to unique guitar-driven moments, Reborn is already making new fans while it’s also giving long-time Avalon fans a new twist on the group’s well-known formula. There is no question that these ambitious songs prove that any similarity between previous Avalon records and Reborn can certainly end now. With stellar feedback reviews pouring in, one stating that this is the group’s “most ambitious to date,” other key reviews are touting Avalon and Reborn as:
“…At their finest. It’s clear that Avalon is still one of the best in their game.”
- JesusFreakHideout.com
“Avalon’s latest endeavor is arguably their most ambitious to date…the sound is catchy pop that is very accessible.” – ChristianMusicReview.org
“Avalon will always be known for its polished pop sound and dynamic vocalists (some of the best in the industry) – but they should be commended for stretching here. A great, fresh effort from one of Christian music’s mainstays.” -GospelMusicChannel.com
“While this is a new Avalon in many ways, the core sound and components are still very much in place. Big vocals? Check. Stellar harmonies? You bet. Radio-friendly hits? Without a doubt. It’s all here and more…a refreshing take on the group’s signature sound.” - Soul-Audio.com
“Hands down, Reborn is the best album Avalon has released this decade.” -All Music Guide
So then, what are the fans actually saying? Read on:
“Avalon is back! I am happy to report that I have already worn out every track on this CD! I must say this is one of the most strongest…efforts by a long-running Christian artist I have ever heard. An excellent album – easily the best they’ve ever produced!”
“I would have to say it’s the best Avalon CD to date!”
“This has got to be one of the best releases I’ve heard in a long time. Great lyrics and sound, but most of all it’s a new sound. This group has a great testimony and great hearts for their ministry. If you want an album that will uplift your spirit, this is the one to buy.”
“This new sound is incredible! I love how they have been ‘Reborn’ and they all sound fantastic together!”
To promote their new release, Avalon appeared this week on CBN News Channel’s “New Release Tuesday” and are confirmed for upcoming interviews with HearItFirst.com, Don Moen & Friends Radio Show, Gospel Music Channel, Breathecast.com, United News & Information, Soul-Audio.com, and much more. Reborn is currently Top 3 on the iTunes’ Christian chart, and the project’s first single, “Arise,” is climbing the radio charts, most currently charting at #10 in just five weeks on Billboard‘s Soft AC-Inspo Chart, jumping up ten spots from last week. The single is also the #1 most-added song at Soft AC-Inspo again this week. More charting will be announced shortly.
ABOUT AVALON: Reborn is Avalon’s 14th recording in a career that has spanned nearly 15 years of music and ministry. The group has an astounding 21 #1 hits, six Dove Awards, an American Music Award, and three Grammy nomination nods to their name. Comprising the quartet is Janna Long, the group’s founding member, Greg Long (Janna’s husband and group member since ’03), Jeremi Richardson, and its newest member, Amy Richardson, making her Avalon debut on Reborn, who is also Jeremi’s wife. Avalon will be touring with Selah this fall on the “An Evening with Selah & Avalon” tour.
For tour dates and more Avalon information, please visit: www.Avalonlive.com
Comments6 responsesCategory: News
“Born Again” – Janna and Greg Interview With Christian Music Planet
Posted: September 18, 2009
By Andrew Greer
Avalon has been through the wringer over the past couple of years. After watching album sales and concert crowds shrink, releasing a handful of specialty records to mixed reviews and suffering the resignation of one of the group’s remaining founding fathers, Jody McBrayer, the vocal outfit’s future looked a bit grim.
But taking into account millions of records sold, and even more millions of lives reached, the legendary group decided not to call it quits. Instead, treating their famously tight pop chops to an aggressive, full-throttle facelift, the foursome is renewing their vows, casting a new musical vision for their message on their tenth studio recording, aptly titled Reborn (E1).
In an exclusive interview with Christian Music Planet, married members Greg and Janna Long speak out about the group’s refining process and how change has brought them even close together.
CMP: Historically, Avalon records have toyed with all sorts of genres—R&B, gospel, pop—you name it. Reborn, however, is very focused and aggressive musically. Was that intentional?
Janna Long: We knew going into this our sound needed to evolve. What messages were speaking to us? What sounds were we being drawn to? There was definitely a concentrated effort to put those things in motion and come up with something that is relevant and still true to what we do. Trying to stay current and not lose who you are is always a challenge for an artist. Even amidst some big changes, we’re still making music, we’re still alive and well, and we don’t think this chapter of our life is over yet.
CMP: With so many member changes, did you ever consider hanging up the towel?
Greg: We considered shutting it down when Jody left. People come, people go, and a ministry that has been, and continues to be Avalon, just keeps going on. My picture may be on the cover of an album or two but it’s not about me. It’s about what these songs bring to people and the message inside of those songs.
Janna: It was really difficult for me when Jody left. I thought, You’re kidding, God. Not one more change. For 13 years of my life, every time I stepped onstage he was there. Many times we’ve said, “This is so much bigger than us, God. You have a plan, maybe an unconventional plan, but a plan nonetheless.”
I’ve definitely had feelings in my life when I knew God was ending one season and beginning another. He’s continued to make a way for [Avalon]. And as long as He does, I’ll be open to keep going.
CMP: What specific messages are you guys wanting to convey on this record?
Greg: This record is honest, but it also lifts us up. In an attempt to become honest, we often become negative. [Reborn] doesn’t dwell on how messed up we are. It says, “God is going to help us. We are going to make it.” If we don’t have hope, then what are we as Christians all about? We know we can become dark. But my goal is to lift up Christ and what He’s done in my life.
Category: News
GospelMusicChannel.com says Avalon “Knocks It Out of the Park” with Reborn
Posted: September 17, 2009
By Debra Akins, contributing writer, GospelMusicChannel.com
When your 15-year recording career has successfully produced a whopping 21 chart-topping singles, earned a collection of Dove Awards, GRAMMY nominations and an American Music Award, it can be risky to step ever-so-slightly out of your comfort zone to try something new.
But that’s exactly what Avalon has done on Reborn, the group’s aptly-titled 14th recording. Avalon’s rebirth comes in many forms including a new label home with E1 Entertainment and new group member Amy Richardson, whose husband Jeremi joined the group in 2007. The powerhouse quartet is now comprised of two husband-and-wife teams, with the Richardsons joining founding member Janna Long (the only original Avalonian remaining) and her husband Greg to create that signature wall of vocal sound for which this group is known.
But perhaps the most important element to Avalon’s metamorphosis is the group’s union with modern rock producer Ian Eskelin (All Star United, Krystal Meyers, Stellar Kart, Francesca Battistelli), who along with Barry Weeks steered Reborn into bits of uncharted territory for Avalon.
Incorporating a more aggressive guitar-driven sound than we’ve heard on earlier Avalon efforts, Eskelin creates fresh moments with driving pop-rock melodies and new, creative treatments to the group’s stacked harmonies. Each song also seems to draw equally upon the strength of Janna, Greg, Jeremi and Amy as soloists – an easy task since any of these four can (and do) vocally knock it out of the park whenever they want.
Album highlights include the first single, the melodic “Arise,” which builds to a crescendo of harmonies. The driving “Fragile,” worshipful “You Are Holy (Isaiah 6)” and “Angels,” along with the catchy pop of “California” are standouts. For me, one of the album’s strongest tracks is the beautifully-written “Stay,” with flawless, soaring vocals by Greg and Jeremi.
Avalon will always be known for its polished pop sound and dynamic vocalists (some of the best in the industry) – but they should be commended for stretching here. Whether an oft-too-cynical industry can listen with an objective ear remains to be seen, but dedicated Avalon fans will find much to like on Reborn. And it should attract a group of new fans as well. A great, fresh effort from one of Christian music’s mainstays.
Category: News
“Reborn” Gets Rave Reviews from Christian Music Review!
Posted: September 16, 2009
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. With Reborn, Avalon took a daring move and tapped modern rock producer Ian Eseklin (All Star United, Krystal Meyers, Stellar Kart), joined by Barry Weeks, to produce the group’s 13th project. Along with a new label partnership with E1 Music, formerly known as Koch Records, Avalon’s latest endeavor is arguably their most ambitious to date.
I happen to have every previous album recorded by Avalon, and it took me awhile to start writing my review as I wanted to really compare whether Avalon’s sound had made any significant changes. 2004’s The Creed has a similar sound in my opinion, minus Jody McBrayer and Melissa Greene. I have also listened to Melissa’s solo album Next Step several times and if you are a long-time Avalon enthusiast, you probably want to pick up both projects. The album starts with title track “Reborn”, all 10 tracks are one word titles by the way, which introduces the ‘new’ sound and yes, there are a few more guitars and Avalon’s signature sound of men and women harmonizing together. I saw the In A Different Light lineup of Avalon at my church in 2000 and I will agree that the pop sound of Reborn is more refined and more modern sounding. The best comparison I have is Melissa Greene’s solo album Next Step and perhaps Selah’s You Deliver Me. In fact if you like those albums, you’ll love Avalon’s Reborn as it has more energy and is more melodic in my opinion. Next track “Alive” is also catchy and harmonic, and stays in your head. The messages of the songs are very much about faithfulness and being “alive” in God.
First single “Arise” is next and is my favorite song on the album. I like how each of the band members take a line of the song, first the two guys and then the two women each join the song and bring the song to a higher level with the catchy chorus “grace will reach your lowest low and never let you go…arise…arise…” The next few songs “Feel”, “Fragile” and “Destined” all flow nicely and keep the same melodic sound going. Janna’s vocals are very distinct on “Destined” and reminded me the most of classic Avalon in the style of “All”, which is not a bad thing. “Stay” and “Angels” are also nice songs and the album closes with two more memorable songs “California” and “Holy”, which is based on Isaiah 6.
Closing Thoughts:
If you’ve always liked Avalon, then you’ll like Reborn. Although the lineup is new, the sound is catchy pop that is very accessible and instantly recognizable. For me the standout songs are “Reborn”, “Alive” “Arise”, “Destined” and “Holy”. If you like Melissa Greene, Selah and well, Avalon, you’ll like Reborn.
Commentsno responsesCategory: News
ChristianityToday.com Reviews “Reborn”
Posted: September 16, 2009
At a glance … the popular vocal group restructures and refocuses to press forward with a smokin’ hot collection that’s equally rock and pop
Track Listing
- Reborn
- Alive
- Arise
- Feel
- Fragile
- Destined
- Stay
- Angels
- California
- Holy
Commentsno responsesGood morning, class. Today’s Avalon 101 Review will be on “Member Changes.” In 1996 the group’s lineup included Janna, Jody, Michael and Nikki. Two years later, Nikki left and Cherie took over. Melissa replaced Cherie before Michael decided to retire in 2003. Greg (Janna’s hubby) filled the void. And so on. You get the picture.
Avalon is anything but a textbook case for vocal band success. Originally concocted by Sparrow Records execs to fill a hole in the historic label’s successful roster, the group has survived a dizzying onslaught of clientele changes over the years. But curiously enough, the spirited quartet has not only thrived under, but succeeded. After thirteen years, two gold records, six Dove Awards, three Grammy nominations, dozens of chart-topping radio singles and legions of loyal listeners, Avalon’s mark on Christian music is broad.
Even after seriously considering calling it quits when mainstay Jody McBrayer left the group in 2007, the vocal veterans reassembled, forging ahead in their long-term mission to glorify God in song. But the remaining members knew things needed to change dramatically. So they found a new label, a new producer, a new member and refocused their musical vision, then walked into the studio to record their tenth record, serendipitously titled, Reborn.
Souping up their sound with All Star United’s Ian Eskelin (Francesca Battistelli, Stellar Kart) and Barry Weeks (Krystal Meyers) producing, Reborn takes all that is foundationally sound about Avalon and gives it a pop/rock drive—as much rock as it is pop.
With pulsing keyboards, wall-to-wall guitars, palpitating bass lines, and authoritative vocal arrangements, each track cleanly advances from one to the next, casting the aggressive vision from the title track’s first downbeat to the final mega-worship strains of “Holy.”
The chorus of “Alive” crusades the band’s renewed calling: “I can feel my heart beating within / Finally I’m breathing again / Won’t let this chance go by / Watch me as I come alive.” “Stay” issues a heart-breaking petition from God to us to remain faithful: “I know you feel that what you find here / Is less than the world has to give / But when did the world ever lay down its life / So that you might live.”
The only ingredient missing is Janna Long’s must-have paramount ballad. Though “Destined” showcases the unrivaled aptitude of her powerhouse pipes, its hard-hitting vigor doesn’t compare to the breadth of the leading lady’s goosebump hits like “Can’t Live a Day” and “Orphans of God.”
Petty complaint aside, you’d be hard pressed to find four finer vocals channeled in such a cutting edge musical atmosphere in Christian music today. And considering those mighty vocals are the medium by which we hear the penetrating message of salvation, Avalon’s always-gospel lyrics are as bold as their blatant musical shift.
They may still be a bit young to crown as a “legend,” but Avalon’s first thirteen years in the biz will forever be in the CCM history books. Reborn is a good beginning to the next thirteen-plus years of Avalon history making.
Category: News
It’s A New Season
Posted: September 16, 2009
Hello friends! It’s an exciting time in my life for many reasons! First, my favorite season is just around the corner… I love fall! The leaves change, weather is a bit cooler (just a bit for us Florida folks), and I can wear my boots!!! I absolutely love this time of year! Second, pumpkin spice latte is back at Starbucks! This is my favorite treat! If you have not tried it, I highly recommend it! 
Third, Ariah turns 3 years old in October! (Shalom is 6 months). My girls are growing so fast and we are enjoying every moment of their lives!
Last, but most certainly not least, REBORN is RELEASED! I can’t express how excited I am to share this project with the world! The message is amazing and I hope that people will be touched and lives will be changed! It is a new season!
Remember our tour with Selah kicks on in Mobile, AL, on September 26! Visit the tour section of the website for tour dates. Hope to see you all on road!
Love and God Bless! Happy Fall!!!
AMY
Category: Blog
“Reborn” – Now In Stores!!
Posted: September 15, 2009
The newly anticipated album, “Reborn”, from award winning group Avalon is now in stores! The album features the hit single “Arise” in addition to 9 new studio recordings. Be sure to pick up your copy of “Reborn” today at your local Christian Bookstore, iTunes or Musichristian.com!
Comments2 responsesCategory: News
A Visit To Disney!
Posted: September 9, 2009
Hello friends…Hope all is well with you. So many exciting things have been happening. We just back from Canada and are in Houston, TX this weekend at Fellowship of the Woodlands. We are all gearing up for September 15. This is the day our new project, REBORN, is released. I have been praying and believing God for salvation, healing, and restoration to take place through the music on this album. There are so many prolific stanzas throughout this project… I am challenged and changed through these songs.
On a personal note, our oldest daughter, Ariah, is officially a ballerina. She is taking gymnastics and ballet every week. She constantly goes around the house singing: “open, shut Them…” those of you who are dancers know what I am talking about. Shalom is five months old and is eating all kinds of fruits and vegetables. She is too cute. Amy, the girls and I went to the Magic Kingdom the other day. They were in awe of all the grandeur of Disney. Even though it’s in our back yard, I love to see it through a child’s eyes.
Please keep us in your prayers. September 25 starts our tour with Selah.
Remember: Ephesians 3:20-21 (The Message)
20-21 God can do anything, you know—far more than you could ever imagine or guess or request in your wildest dreams! He does it not by pushing us around but by working within us, his Spirit deeply and gently within us.
Hope to see you all on the road soon… Jeremi
Commentsno responsesCategory: Blog