Jason Morant had planned on recording his Vertical Music sophomore release, Open, in his hometown of New Orleans, where he had spent the last two years writing songs for the follow-up to his critically acclaimed 2004 debut record, Abandon. All that changed when Hurricane Katrina ravaged the Gulf Coast last summer, destroying much of New Orleans, including the studio where he was to record the new CD.

Morant and co-producer Paul Mills ended up in Nashville to record Open, but the colour, texture and vibrancy that define Morant’s New Orleans is fully alive on the new record, making it another inspiring story of triumph in the face of Katrina.

“I had really looked forward to doing this record at home, but in the end, I believe all that I had envisioned has even gone beyond my expectations. Paul and I have actually treasured the fact that our recording plans were foiled more than once because it forced us to constantly surrender the project to the Lord and not rely on our own strength,” Morant said.

Open may just be the project that defines Morant as more than a modern worship artist. While never straying from the heart of a worshipper, Morant has created a record that is equal parts rock, pop, and folk, showcasing his distinct, haunting vocals, authentic lyrics and musical agility on piano and guitar. And, with Morant at the helm arranging the strings and bass instruments for the first time, Open is a rich, diverse listening experience that defies musical labeling.

“Every once and awhile along comes a special record, that the first time you hear it, you know that it will be a definitive project for that artist and against which others in the future will be measured. That was my reaction when I heard Open. Jason is an exceptionally gifted artist and this album is an extraordinary piece of art. I am honoured that Vertical Music and Integrity have the privilege of sharing this with the world,” said Don Moen, president of Integrity Label Group and executive producer of Open.

Open is packed with 16 tracks, all written or co-written by Morant and including two instrumental gems. Morant’s desire was to “create songs with different soundscapes and to give each song its own personality and overall sound.” The songs do share Morant’s journey of continued spiritual discovery and vulnerability.

The CD will be enhanced to include Chord Charts and Lyric Files for 4 Songs: Come Let Us Return, I Will Run, Holy, and Hosanna.

Morant has already been performing many of the songs from Open in concert while on the 40-city “Name of Jesus” World Vision tour with Todd Agnew, Big Daddy Weave and Nate Sallie that wrapped up recently. This summer, he will support the record on the summer concert event circuit.

In summing up his hopes for Open, Morant said, “My hope in sharing these songs is that the listeners will celebrate the diversity found on the album and see it as a sort of musical autobiography of my life over the last several years. I have by no means ‘arrived’ at any specific place, but I’m seeing more and more how much of a journey life is and that God is found within the process. People listening to Open will hear about my struggles, my triumphs, my questions, and above all, my quest to find out what it truly means to live life as an offering to the Lord.”

When Vertical Music released Abandon, Morant’s major label debut, he was hailed by Charisma Magazine as the “new talent to watch for on the modern worship scene.” ChristianityToday.com’s music site declared that for anyone “starving for originality, passion, and excellence in modern worship music, Jason Morant’s debut is sure to satisfy.” Worship Musician Magazine proclaimed that Abandon would firmly place “Morant at the forefront of musically innovative worship artists.” Before signing with Vertical Music, Morant was the youth worship leader at his home church in Louisiana during the late 90s. In 1998, Morant recorded a live album, Make Me New, for his church worship band, named Adam’s Lament.

Open will be specially priced at $17.99 at Canadian Christian retailers across Canada starting next Tuesday. Audio samples from Open and an updated bio can be found on Morant’s YMZ artist page and he is also featured as part of this week’s HearItFirst.ca premieres.

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