Oxygen

Avalon's Jody McBrayer has learned that God never gives a person more than he can bear. "He definitely facilitates you to face whatever comes your way," he says. "It doesn't mean it doesn't get difficult sometimes."

It has certainly been a busy six years for Avalon—McBrayer, Janna Long, Michael Passons and Cherie Paliotta—now releasing their fifth studio project, Oxygen. In that time, life has been a whirlwind of success. "I've had a chance to dwell on how we got to where we are and what it's taken," Passons says. "It's taken the extreme efforts of many entities. If any one of those players had not given their all, it just wouldn't have happened."

Avalon has a different view of success than most in Christian music. "In this industry, success is measured in No. 1's, how many units you sell or how many magazine covers you have," McBrayer says. "All of that stuff is great—but for all of us, the true success comes if you're doing what you're called to do, and you feel that fulfillment in your life."

Rising above early criticisms of their beginnings, the members of Avalon have come to terms with their place in the business. "Within the industry, we've had to live down the whole manufactured thing for a long time," McBrayer says. "We never felt like we were manufactured. We've always felt so comfortable with one another and like it was ordained of God that we be brought together. We've gotten to the point where we do this because we're passionate [and] called to it. Let the people say they like or don't like our album. We know the things on the record are things God wants us to have on there."

"We made a decision to sing for the Lord," Paliotta says. "With that comes a responsibility. That's not to say that we're perfect. I know that I could fail you tomorrow, but Christ will never fail you. We need to strive to constantly live up to what God wants us to be, always keeping our eyes on Him and constantly seeking after His will for our lives. Otherwise it's detrimental."

Realizing they cannot stand alone, the members of Avalon have learned their effectiveness is the result of the meshing of four unique personalities. This meshing has led to many self-discoveries within the individual members. "There's a lot you learn being in a group like this," Long says. "You learn a lot not only about the other people that you're with, but you learn a lot about yourself. You can be growing and becoming a better person, and at the same time, that other person helps you see the areas you're not so gracious in."

As with any group, there are bound to be difficulties along the way, but the members of Avalon realize the importance of working things out. "Even when you have differences on the road, you're forced to work them out because you are so close together," Long says. "I won't say there have never been times that we've gone on stage being upset at one another, but we've learned that that's not really the best way to go because we suffer and the audience suffers."

"It is like a family," McBrayer says. "We're in this together. Either we decide to work together and do it right, or not get the job done."

To keep themselves grounded, the members of Avalon look to people outside of the group for accountability. "Our accountability goes toward our individual church roots," Passons says. "My accountability comes from people that aren't really saturated with Avalon [and] have more of an objective view of my issues, problems or joys."

"We all have people in our lives who are ready to knock us down a peg or two and always tell us not to take ourselves so seriously," McBrayer says. "Most of those people come from either my immediate family or the people at my church."

"I'm still accountable to my parents," Paliotta says. "My parents are my spiritual anchors. They are people that I run to when I have a problem, and they're the ones first to tell me when I'm doing wrong. We can all say that we're very close to our parents."

Just as they look up to other people, the members of Avalon have found there are a lot of young people who look up to them. "It's very humbling when little kids come up to you and say, Wow! I wanna be just like you," Long says. "You really want to point them to the bigger picture—that God is the one we want to be like. He's our role model."

Honored with a Grammy Award nomination for their Christmas project Joy, the members of Avalon began to catch a glimpse of their outreach. "Sometimes we can all be guilty of keeping Christian music in its own little bubble," McBrayer says. "It defeats the purpose of why we're called to do this in the first place—we're called to reach out beyond that. The whole Grammy thing meant another world of people recognizing what you do. If those people are recognizing what you do, then that means they're hearing what you do. If they're hearing what you do, then maybe the message will sink in."

They hope to expand that outreach even further with Oxygen, which shows them maturing as artists and ministers. "You want an obvious progression because you do grow as people," McBrayer says. "You want that expressed and reflected in your music."

"Production-wise, it's a step up," Passons says. "It's more organic than other records in its production. It's a different sound, [but] it's still our sound, a sound that we've honed for six years, just another level of it."

"Obviously, we're growing older and learning more things," Long says. "Even though we didn't write the songs, much time and effort is put into deliberating over then and what we want to say. The things we chose to say are more in depth."

"The whole record in general reflects where I've been over the past few months, holding onto Christ with all my might," McBrayer says. "I don't think you ever realize how much you need Him until He's pretty much all you got. At that point, you realize He's all you need."

Maneuvering from moving pop to slow ballads, Oxygen offers diversity. For the members of Avalon, certain songs stand above the rest. "I like 'The Glory,' because there's no question who we're singing about," Paliotta says. "It's basically Jesus right in your face and what He did for you. It's a song that will transcend religious barriers. The bottom line is He died for all of us, every single one of us."

"Janna sings 'I Don't Want to Go,'" McBrayer says. "I feel, as Christians, we are often challenged whether or not we should follow Christ or go our own way. Every time I hear that, it just hits me between the eyes. I know if I go anywhere without Him, I won't be there for long. Either I'll end up in disaster or I'll come running back because I don't want to be anywhere without Him."

Looking to the future, the members of Avalon hope to see their ministry grow as God allows. "It'd be nice to see Avalon have longevity where we could go six, seven, 10 more years," McBrayer says. "All of us would love to see this continue, and we definitely feel we've worked hard. We believe that God has blessed us. Hopefully, if you come back in five years, we'll still be sitting here, wiser and raring to go."

(Tampa, FL)

Jody was raised singing in his church and as a member of his youth choir. However, it was not until his high school years that he began to take his artistic gift seriously. Musically, his development had been influenced by artists like Anita Baker, Stevie Wonder and Aretha Franklin. During his college years Jody began singing with a performance group, which soon opened doors allowing him to join Truth. He later worked for Walt Disney Productions in their talent, booking and production department and spent four months traveling the U.S. and Canada as one of Disney's featured soloists. He then returned to Truth where he toured Australia, France, Russia, Romania and the Caribbean.

First live performance… In the fourth grade, I performed "The Rainbow Connection." You know, the Kermit the Frog song. The crowd was kind.

First aspired to be…An astronaut. I wanted to fly in my own rocket ship to Mars and wear a space suit."

Most embarrassing/memorable moment…On the Twila Paris tour, she used to sing the song"Faithful Friend" with a video of Steven Curtis Chapman. One night it broke at the last second and Janna pushed me out on stage to sing it with Twila. I didn't know one word of that song, so I rewrote the whole thing."

Most distinctive home town fact… Riverview, Florida was a town built around a river that fed into Tampa Bay. Everything there revolves around water sports."

Dream duet… Anita Baker

Song I wished I written… As far as royalties go, "I Will Always Love You" would be my pick. As for message, "It Is Well With My Soul."

Most influential person… My parents have always been the #1 example of Christ and his love.

Hymn most associated with church…"It is Well With My Soul"

If I weren't a singer… I love the creative/technical process that goes along with making a record. I'd love to be a producer.

Last book read… What's So Amazing About Grace by Phillip Yancey

Growing up in Rhode Island, Cherie knew early on that she was called to be a singer. She entered and won several talent competitions but along the way, realized how important a good education is. She obtained her bachelor of science degree in Music Education from Rhode Island College and began teaching elementary students. Soon, Cherie was asked to join a vocal group. She relocated to Nashville and began touring the country with them. Several musicians and producers that worked with Cherie recommended her for Avalon and the rest is history! Cherie sites Brian McKnight, CeCe Winans, Ella Fitzgerald, Billie Holiday, Sarah Vaughn, Shirley Murdock and Crystal Lewis as her musical influences.

First live performance…My sisters and I would make a TV out of a big box, large enough for us to climb inside, and we would put on a show for my parents. We sang "Delta Dawn" and "Jesus Loves Me." I was 5 years old, and my parents were as proud of me then as they are now.

First aspired to be…I have always wanted to be a professional singer. My mother says I was singing at age two.

Most memorable/embarrassing performance…Singing with CeCe Winans. The most embarrassing moment was the last night of the Gold Tour. Jim, our monitor guy, played practical jokes, and he taped the funniest picture of himself to my barstool. I laughed all the way through "Adonai.' It was really hard to keep a straight face, knowing I was sitting on that picture the whole time.

Most distinctive home town fact…Not that I'm proud to admit this, but the majority of women have big hair.

Dream duet…"Celine Dion. I saw her live at Nashville Arena. It was the most amazing performance I have ever seen. Besides her incredible voice, she has a great personality with the crowd."

Song I wish I'd written…"Because You Love Me." When I sing that song, I think about how Jesus has done all those things for me.my strength when I was weak, my voice when I couldn't speak, my eyes when I couldn't see.only Christ can be all those things to me.

Most influential person…My parents are the most influential people in my life. They both overcame incredible odds throughout their life. My mom has suffered many deaths in her lifetime.her mother, sister, brother and father all died over a period of ten years. My dad was neglected a lot as a child and was basically on his own at 16. Despite their hardships, they made my life seem like Disney World, and they always taught me to put God first in all I do.

I'd be rich if I had a quarter for every time I was told…My mom's favorite words to me all through my life - "Guard your heart"

Hymn most associated with church growing up…"His Eye is On the Sparrow"

If I weren't a singer. I'd probably go back to teaching. I've always had the dream of starting a foundation to enrich children in the Arts and to help develop talents, especially for those children who can't afford professional instruction. I believe that someday it will happen.

Last book read …David by Chuck Swindoll. A great character study of my favorite bible character.

(Yazoo City, MS)

Michael spent much of his Mississippi childhood singing hymns in a small country church. As he grew older, he began playing the piano and writing his own songs. Michael found his craftsmanship was soon impacted by keyboard oriented artists like Elton John and Lionel Richie. He went on to perform with a band in college and later a New Jersey-based group that toured nationally. After obtaining his degree in classical piano at Mississippi College, Michael moved to Nashville and began working with fellow musicians. In addition, he had the opportunity to travel as a solo artist performing praise and worship music at numerous conferences for youth and singles' groups. Michael's career took a focused turn when one of Sparrow's A&R directors observed his performance during a Nashville showcase which eventually lead to Michael joining Avalon.

First live performance …It was a 3rd grade music class assembly at school. I played "Mary Had a LittleLamb" on piano while the class played their tonettes (plastic recorder-flutes).

First aspired to be…A painter

Most memorable performance…Avalon's first performance on the "Young Messiah" Tour, 1995.

Most distinctive home town fact…The name itself, Yazoo City, Mississippi.

Dream duet …Amy Grant

Song I wish I'd written …"Happy Birthday!" Think of the royalties!

Most influential person …Jesus Christ. Every decision is weighed by his approval and what pleases him.

I'd be rich if I had a quarter for every time I was told…"I have a project for you." or "Michael, get out of bed."

Hymn most associated with church…"When We All Get to Heaven"

If I weren't a singer, I'd probably be… a beach bum.

(Baltimore, MD)

Having grown up in a musical family,Janna started singing at the age of three. She spent her youth listening to artists like Aretha Franklin, Regina Bell, Mahalia Jackson and Anita Baker. After graduating from Lee College, Janna spent a year and a half performing as a member of Truth. It was during her tenure with Truth, Janna met Jody McBrayer. She also had the opportunity to tour through China, Hong Kong, the Bahamas, Russia and Israel, as a member of the Virginia-based group, Mission.

First live performance…I sang "I Saw The Donkey" in a Christmas play when I was 5 years old for my kindergarten class and our parents. I think they liked it.

First aspired to be…A singer

Most embarrassing performance…Last year while singing a solo line, I fell off the stage. It was one of, if not the most embarrassing moments of my life.

Most distinctive home town fact…Maryland Crabs are known all over the world. They are the best. Dream duet .Aretha Franklin, the queen of soul. I'd love just to sit, listen and watch her.

Song I wish I'd written…"In Christ Alone." It moves me every time I hear it.

Most influential person…My mom. She's all that a woman should be.strong yet tender, beautiful and most importantly, she loves God with all her heart.

I'd be rich if I had a quarter for every time I was told…How's Momma's baby girl? My mom has always greeted me this way.

Hymn most associated with church…"Great is Thy Faithfulness." I am amazed how faithful God is every day when I am so unworthy of His goodness.

If I weren't a singer, I'd probably be…A lawyer or a psychologist. I love knowing what makes people tick and learning why people do the things they do and don't do.

Last book read…The Jesus I Never Knew by Phillip Yancey.

With three best-selling albums, twelve consecutive number one Christian radio singles and five Gospel Music Association Dove Awards, Avalon has a story worth reading. You can find out all you ever wanted to know about Avalon in CCM’s CD-sized book CCM LIFELINES: AVALON. Get background on the band, childhood stories of each member, and plenty of “Fast Facts” and color photos. Here’s a sampling of what you’ll find:

· Avalon is a medieval term for “heaven.” It was seen as a place where kings and children of royalty would spend eternity.
· Members of the band call Michael “Father Avalon” because he was the first member.
· The first contemporary Christian song Michael Passon ever heard was Amy Grant’s hit “Father’s Eyes,” which sparked his interest in music ministry.
· Janna Potter-Long listened to Aretha Franklin as a kid, wishing she could “make her voice sound like that.”
· The demo tape Cherie Paliotta gave Avalon’s co-manager when they were looking for a 4th member was a country song! The manager listened to two lines and knew she was it!
· Michael Passon’s passion, besides music, is wildlife photography. His favorite movie is The Color Purple and his favorite food is his mom’s fried chicken!
· Janna Potter-Long started her singing career at age five in a play called “I Saw the Donkey.” Her favorite movie is Sleepless in Seattle and she loves Rocky Road ice cream.
· Jody McBrayer and his wife Stephanie take hip-hop dance classes and his favorite children’s book is Where the Wild Things Are.

With the release of Oxygen, their fifth Sparrow Records project (including Joy, the top-selling CBA Christmas recording for 2000), Avalon has maintained their position on the leading edge of CCM vocal groups. Their infectious pop sensibilities, creative vocal harmonies, and willingness to stretch themselves and their audience with each new recording, have resulted in an evolving, dynamic flexibility, a widening appeal, and a longevity that already borders on permanence.

And yet, while their careers have rocketed upward at an exponential rate and their schedules have grown increasingly hectic (200 tour dates last year), the four members of Avalon seem to be more centered and grounded than ever. Reflecting that anchoring spiritual focus, the eleven songs on Oxygen all seem to revolve around a need, a hunger, a desire to be more intimately connected with God, to strip away pretenses and be drawn like a magnet to the One who alone offers satisfaction for the deep longings of the soul.

Produced by Brown Bannister--with vocals produced by Michael Mellett--Oxygen is probably the most musically sophisticated, and lyrically honest of any Avalon release to date. “It wasn’t a conscious choice to put together an album about our need for God,” Michael Passons says, “it just happened to come together during a season when we’ve all experienced our need for Christ in really tangible ways over the last year, so those are the themes we naturally gravitated toward. We always pick songs that we can ‘own’ at the time we’re singing them. This time we were just realizing the depth of our need for God, a need as all- encompassing as our need for the air we breathe.”

In addition to the brooding title song “Oxygen” (which was originally co-written and recorded by Mr. Mister’s Richard Page, and rewritten by him specifically for Avalon), that need for God is directly addressed in the percussive spunk of “Undeniably You,” the euro-pop stylings of “Never Givin’ Up,” the driving creativity of “Make It Last Forever” and the soulful textures of “By Heart, By Soul,” recorded with r&b legend Aaron Neville and also included on his most recent project.

“There’s been a lot of discussion in recent years about ‘crossing over,’” Jody remarks, “but we’ve never concerned ourselves with that. Our focus has always been to maintain our Christian stance and to fulfill the calling God has given us to be a Christian group. We do believe, however, in ‘spilling over.’ It would be a contradiction if we, as Christians, were only willing to sing our gospel message to people who already believe. So we try to be sensitive to any doors that God might open for us to present the gospel to the culture around us. Having this chance to record with Aaron Neville is something that will hopefully expose a wider circle of people to God’s truth.”

In the two years since their last non-holiday release, the members of Avalon have gone through big changes in their own lives. Cherie made the challenging transition from being the group’s new member to being a seasoned veteran. Michael found himself dealing with the death of his father which happened during the recording of In a Different Light. Janna Potter married and changed her name to Janna Long. Jody both married and suffered the loss of his father.

Far from throwing them off course, however, the changes and upheavals in their personal lives seem to have matured them, even turning them outward toward new ministry opportunities. In the summer of ‘99 all four of them stepped out of their comfort zones and traveled together to Rio de Janeiro on a mission trip. There they visited the slums and cardboard shantytowns of the populous Brazilian city, praying, performing for, and offering hope to thousands trapped in crushing poverty and despair.

“There are days,” Janna says, “when I think this kind of life that we lead is really crazy. But there are other days when I just say ‘God, thank you for letting me do this. Thank you for blessing me with these opportunities.’ When you wait on God and follow His will and let Him take care of the details, you’re always in the best place you can be, because you’re always with God.”

The recording process itself required a fair amount of waiting and patience from Avalon this time around. Oxygen took longer than their previous efforts to record for a couple of reasons. First, there is the self-imposed pressure to raise the level of crafting on each successive record. Secondly, the songs that were coming in just weren’t hitting the bullseye as far as the group was concerned.

“We listened to hundreds of songs and heard a lot of good ones,” Jody explains, “but we decided to hold out for eleven or twelve great ones. If we weren’t all absolutely passionate about a song we agreed to wait until we found one we were passionate about. It paid off. We got some amazing stuff.”

Oxygen’s first single and certainly one of the project’s more amazing cuts, is the theologically rich portrait of Christ’s sacrificial love, “The Glory.”

“I think audiences connect with the realness of Avalon’s lyrics,” Cherie says. “The words we sing reach deep, they cut sometimes, they convict, they stir up. But this song is almost in a category by itself. ‘The Glory’ describes how Christ suffered on the cross, but it goes beyond the suffering to reveal the depth of love that compelled God to give His only

Son for us, and compelled Christ to be obedient through such a death. There’s a beauty in that that gives me chills when I sing it.”

Personally effected by the redemptive message they sing about night after night, the members of Avalon expect that Oxygen will prove to be a springboard for increased ministry opportunities.

“The gospel has been a focal point for Avalon from day one,” Michael remarks. “We present the gospel every time we sing and we give an opportunity for people to respond. But in conjunction with that it’s also our goal to serve, to be servants in the way that Christ was a servant. We want our lives to speak as loudly as our words. In an industry where it’s easy to be served, we’re trying to be the opposite.”