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| In just two short years, singer/songwriter Jason Eaton’s accomplished more than
most fresh-faced musicians, in turn, establishing himself as a critically acclaimed and
commercially embraced artist for all ages. The title track from his debut EP Nothing
Back not only garnered national airplay in America, but also landed on the airwaves
internationally, most notably, notching top 20 status in Europe. With a radio and
television tour in tow, the tunesmith appeared on prominent programs as diverse as
“TCT Rejoice,” “100 Huntley St.,” “The Jim Bakker Show,” “Arkansas Alive” and the
Cornerstone TV Network. Add in an extensive headlining tour, plus some dates with
hit makers Big Daddy Weave, and it’s only fitting for Eaton to be on top of his artistic
game, yet immersed in a worshipful tone, on his first official full-length CD One.
“The biggest thing I’ve heard traveling around is that people can hear the passion I
have for our Savior in the music,” the Michigan-bred vocal artist relates. “My music is
honest and genuine in carrying that emotion and people have told me its helped
strengthen their faith by realizing they were only halfway in the water, but needing to
step wholeheartedly out without any fear.”
Upon breaking down the ten choice cuts packed within One, it’s apparent Eaton
means business when it comes to helping believers recommit their lives to the Lord,
while saving as many souls as possible in the process. And he’s not just talking the
talk, but rather a tangible example of someone who’s life was changed at a dramatic
crossroads during his wayward teen years that resulted in a compelling conversion
during an altar call.
“I want listeners to know God’s saving grace is available for everybody and it doesn’t
matter where we are in our walk or even if someone hasn’t started yet,” Eaton
unveils of the premise behind One. “He extends an invitation for us to draw closer to
Him and hear the good news of the gospel, which the song ‘Saving Grace’ speaks of
in particular. Even though we fall so short, the blood covers it all and He accepts us
for who we are.”
Culled from the Vineyard worship cannon and wrapped around Eaton’s jawdroppingly
mighty vocals, One is a unique collection that’s just as alluring in the
vertically-leaning sense as it is with sonic ingenuity. Others along for the ride on the
extraordinary album include producer extraordinaire Scotty Wilbanks (also of Third
Day fame) and rising tastemaker Scott Pergande (For A Rotterdam November).
“There was just a real anointing that fell on us in the studio, to the point where after
every song was finished we’d say ‘wow, this is something special,” he recalls. “I
came in with the basic framework of what I wanted to bring to table, but left plenty of
room for Scotty to have the freedom to exude his creativity. It was very much a work
in progress where Scotty would say ‘let’s try something here, maybe a jazzy feel or a
different type of melodic riff’ and it all molded together.”
Several examples of artistic evolution sprawl throughout the album, amply
showcased in the fervency of “Furious Love,” the reverent “Higher Than I,” the fully
immersing “Capture Me,” the prayerful “Fall On Us Now” and the ultimate
deliverance anthem “Free,” to name a mere smattering. All the while, Eaton merges
his vocal pop dynamism with a more noticeably progressive and distinctly varied
musical palette.
“We took a jump from Nothing Back, which was more of a pop vibe and sound, to
more Brit-pop and rock flavors on One,” he observes. “Some of the licks mirror U2
stylistically and there’s just an overall different vibe right down to my pronunciations.
This record really helped develop me vocally and it was almost like going to vocal
camp. I approached the studio like a student going to school and Scotty was a great
teacher. He took what I had and molded me like clay, giving me helpful hints and
tricks along the way.”
In addition to the professional progression, Eaton’s personal life is stronger than ever
before thanks to unceasing support from his wife of fifteen years Wendy Jo and their
three sons Grayson (8), Jayden (6) and Brayden (3). Now more than ever, he
proudly wears his “husband” and “father” tags above “artist” and “worship leader,”
insisting on God and family coming first, followed by his industry commitments.
“Having a partner like my wife is so important because she’s not just on sidelines,
she’s part of my team and decision making process,” he confirms. “She’s helped me
throughout the whole project and lets me know if a song is speaking to her or if it
reflects my artistry. The boys are also very involved in the process and I always
throw on songs and see how they respond. They’re front row and center at as many
concerts as they can be and they’re my inspirations. They are all very much a part of
this ministry, but the second ministry gets in the way of family, I will step down
immediately.”
With his family once again in the front row, Eaton will hit the road in support of One,
blasting off with a weekend of shows supporting Bluetree, who wrote and recorded
the modern praise staple “God of This City,” but have since been recognized all the
world over as a result of Chris Tomlin covering the track. From there, he’ll embark on
headlining dates, all while being back by a five-piece live band split between a pair of
guitars, bass, keys and drums.
“The goal is to keep branching out nationwide and internationally to spread the word
about this CD,” offers Eaton. “The EP was kind of like the introduction, where if you
were comparing it to a book, it would’ve been the preface. One is chapter one and its
the official beginning of the story for our ministry. Listeners may have gotten a taste
of what I’m all about with the exposure on radio, TV and concerts throughout the
past few years, but hopefully now they can really see what I’m all about and how
what I believe has changed my life.”” |
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