NASHVILLE, Tenn. (February 14, 2020) – It’s here! The wait is over as one of Christian music’s most successful and celebrated groups, Avalon, release Called, their first album in ten years, today, Friday, February 14, 2020.
The project – the inaugural full release on Red Street Records – is produced by Don Koch and Jay DeMarcus. DeMarcus, a member of country super-group Rascal Flatts, founded the label with Koch in October 2018.
The exquisite harmonies of Avalon – Greg & Janna Long, Jody McBrayer, and Dani Rocca – soar over lyrics full of faith and encouragement, complemented by exemplary musicianship and skilled production.
Longtime Avalon aficionados and new fans alike are sure to enjoy and be empowered by the songs featured in this collection including the title track, “Called,” the upbeat first single, “Keeper of my Heart,” “If Not For Jesus,” “Sacred Ground,” “Closer,” and “Glitter and Glory,” just to name a few.
“What an honor to make a record with such an amazing group of singers,” says Jay Demarcus. “There is no way you can listen to them, and not hear the anointing. I am so very proud of them and this record! Called is an amazing body of work that we are so incredibly excited to share with the world. This music will inspire, encourage and challenge you.”
“I’ve worked with many vocal groups before, but working with Avalon has been a bucket list item for me,” states Don Koch, Executive VP/A&R/Creative. “They are not only some of the greatest vocalists in Christian music but they also have an amazing desire to point people to the hope of a loving savior. I am humbled that they would allow me to be a part of their amazing next step. Great music from a great artist…what else could you want!?”
Mark Lusk, President/General manager comments: “Avalon’s contribution to Christian music and the church is well-known and that legacy continues with this incredible body of music. Anthems of faith, songs of worship and joy fill this project and I know this music will fill the hearts of those who listen. Everyone at Red Street Records is thrilled to be a part of this release!”
The three-time GRAMMY® nominated, American Music Award and Dove Award Winning vocal group are excited about this new chapter and moment in their career. Greg Long states: “To be the first artist and record released on Red Street Records means so much to us. Knowing that Jay DeMarcus, Don Koch, Mark Lusk, and the entire team believes in us is truly humbling. The passion Jay and Don have for this project is heard song after song in the attention to production and detail for getting it exactly right. We are forever grateful!”
The group announced their ‘next chapter’ in October 2018, adding that founding member Jody McBrayer would return to the group with the addition of Dani Rocca. Greg states: “Having original member Jody McBrayer come back to the group has been a true blessing. It is felt in not only adding his amazing voice but his sense of humor and passion for sharing the love of Christ. And, Dani, oh my goodness, our fans have welcomed her with open arms. She has added a new level of excitement to the group and we love having her!”
In support of the new record, Avalon will set forth on THE CALLED TOUR beginning February 27, 2020, continuing through April 2020. The group is excited to see long-time friends and new faces. Janna Long states: “We are so incredibly grateful to those who have stuck with us for so long, It truly amazes us as we see and hear from them on social media and in our live concerts. We cannot thank you enough for listening and showing us your support as we worship our Lord as his family. We truly are brothers and sisters in Christ.”
Called, is available via all streaming outlets, and at www.avalonthegroup.com.
Called Track Listing:
Called (Holly Miller, Tony Wood, Barry Weeks)
Keeper Of My Heart (Matt Armstrong, Bryan Fowler, Jordan Feliz)
Closer (Chris Cleveland, Byan Fowler, Tony Wood)
Only One (Chris Cleveland, Jeff Pardo)
If Not For Jesus (Charles Butler, Blanca Callahan, Tony Wood)
Great Is The Lord Our God (Jeff Pardo, Steve Fee)
Sacred Ground (Bernie Herms, Michael Neale)
Lanterns (Ian Patrick Berney, Ian Lewis Kenny, Glenn Michael Sarangapany, Adam John Spark, Adam Peter Weston)
Glitter and Glory (Ian Eskelin, Tony Wood, Francesca Battistelli)
I Just Can’t Stop My Hallelujahs (Don Koch, Krissy Nordhoff, Stephen Smith)
ABOUT AVALON:
Red Street Records artist, Avalon, has been inspiring lives around the globe for years. When you hear the name Avalon, you may think of one or more of their number one hits like: “Adonai,” “Can’t Live a Day” or “Testify to Love” – just to name a few. However, there is much more to this dynamic vocal foursome than meets the eye.
The collective desire of every member is to deliver a message of hope and ultimate love, freely offered from Jesus Christ, and to blatantly declare their devotion to Him through the words of every song they sing.
This three time Grammy Nominated, American Music Award and Dove Award winning Christian artist is composed of Greg and Janna Long, Jody McBrayer, and Dani Rocca.
ABOUT RED STREET RECORDS:
Jay DeMarcus – member of Rascal Flatts, GRAMMY® award-winning producer and bassist – launched Red Street Records on October 24, 2019 during a press conference held at the Hutton Hotel’s Analog. Along with DeMarcus, veteran industry executive Mark Lusk (President/General Manager) and award-winning songwriter/producer, Don Koch, lead the Red Street Records team with a vision for the future. The desire of Red Street Records is to touch lives and spread the Gospel of Jesus Christ through music. To that end, we seek to partner with musicians who share this aim and who strive to achieve it through their innovative and visionary craft.
