buzzz worthy. . .
VIRGINIA NATIVE
SHARES
POWERFUL TESTIMONY OF
UNWAVERING
FAITH DURING
HOMELESSNESS
FOR
IMMEDIATE RELEASE-(Los Angeles,CA - October 23, 2012) Chart-topping contemporary
smooth jazz artist and producer Jackiem Joyner releases his
highly anticipated Gospel music debut CHURCH BOY in stores
today, October 23, 2012 on the Artistry Music/Mack Avenue record
label.
"My
new album CHURCH BOY stems from my time as a young and eager
boy who wanted to play a part in music ministry" states Joyner,
who grew up in a household dominated by Gospel music. Church Boy reflects the
Virginia-born saxophonist's deep roots in ministry. "My music career is a
testament to how God will bless you and how he will bring you out of
something...you will come out much stronger."
The
album is a transparent and honest testament of Joyner's faith.
After graduating from high school, Joyner moved from upstate
New York back to Virginia, and found himself with no money, no job and homeless.
For almost six months, Joyner lived from shelter to shelter, sometimes staying
with a friend. His Pastor helped him get on track by helping him find a job and
an apartment. Thinking his difficulties were over, Joyner was shocked to find
himself once again homeless in just a few short months. It was the same
situation, shelter to shelter, eventually hitting rock bottom and living in his
car.
"I
found myself praying a lot because these were very difficult times," recalls
Joyner. "No one knew I slept in my car for a month. I learned
that if I didn't experience those hard times, I believe my character would have
been different. I don't think I would have become the strong Christian that I am
now. I don't believe there is anything too hard for God, and I don't believe
there will be anything that will shake my faith again."
CHURCH
BOY reaches back to Joyner's roots and reignites his
faith bringing together his beloved jazz and his foundational gospel music. This
is reflected in the varying styles, from the whimsical sound evident on the Kirk
Franklin cover of "I Smile" (joined by jazz great Kirk Whalum), to the
theatrical on the universally popular hymn "Jesus Loves Me."
Joyner also throws in some rock-and-roll and pop with nods to
Toby Mac on the moving "City On Our Knees," the up-tempo favorite
"You Are Good" by Israel Houghton, and the compelling "Bless The
Lord (Son Of Man)," a Tye Tribbett classic with Jonathan Butler on lead
acoustic guitar.
One
of my favorite songs that meant so much to me during a tough time in my life,"
states Joyner, "is the Percy Bady-penned, "Still I
Rise," beautifully recorded originally by the incomparable Yolanda Adams.
It was important for me to record that song. The anointing came and took over
the instrument as I was playing and I could feel the presence of
God."
The
fusion of the two distinct genres of jazz and gospel flow seamlessly on
CHURCH BOY, and the popular saxophonist endearingly nicknamed
'Lil Man Soul' makes clear his connection to Gospel music.
Born
in 1980 in Norfolk VA, Joyner inherited some of his musical
gifts from his professional bass player father, but grew up in a single parent
household and developed most of his musical sensibilities from singing in the
church choir and playing the drums. After high school he moved back to Virginia,
where Bishop Michael Patterson of the World Harvest Outreach Ministries in
Newport News made him head of the music department. Joyner participated in many
outreach services including mission trips to Nigeria, Kenya, Ethiopia, and
Sudan.
Eventually
Joyner relocated to California and caught the attention of
iconic trumpeter Rick Braun and saxophonist Richard Elliott who immediately
signed him to their record label Artizen Music. There Joyner
released his first international album, Babysoul,where he was named 2007 Debut
Artist of the Year by Smooth Jazz News.
Since
signing with Artistry Music/Mack Avenue Records, Joyner has
enjoyed a successful smooth jazz career having spawned two #1 singles from
'Lil Man Soul' on Billboard's Contemporary Jazz
charts, and his hit song 'I'm Waiting For You' topped the smooth jazz
radio charts for an incredible 12 weeks, the longest running #1 single and 'Song
Of The Year' at the 2009 American Smooth Jazz Awards. The second single,
'Take Me There,' was released in early 2010 and also went to the #1
spot on the Billboard Contemporary Jazz Chart, remaining there for 6 consecutive
weeks. His album, Jackiem Joyner, a funk/pop/groove
mix featuring Paul Jackson, Jr. on guitar-enjoyed great success with the Latin
flavored single 'Dance With Me' and the high-energy motivational song
'Push,' reaching # 3 and #2 respectively on the Billboard Contemporary
Jazz Song chart.
Joyner is
a Yamaha performing artist and just completed a 20-city US tour with
internationally renowned keyboardist Keiko Matsui, and is currently on a 10-city
promotional tour for his CHURCH BOY CD release.