| Jonathan Butler gained much of his popularity with mainstream hits such as the Grammy-nominated Lies and Sarah, Sarah. The Cape Town, South African native, a guitarist and smooth jazz artist, found fame in the secular arena in the 80s, easily making him a household name. Although few knew it, it was also in the 80s at the age of 19, that he gave his life to Jesus Christ. But even during the most successful points of his mainstream career, he longed to sing music with more depth. Unbeknownst to many while in the midst of his burgeoning career, Butler had a love for gospel music and had gotten tired of writing songs that simply skimmed the surface of spirituality. And then came his hit with Kirk Whalum. The singer/songwriter recently saw a rebirth in his career with his recording of Falling In Love With Jesus on saxophonist Kirk Whalum's project, The Gospel According To Jazz, Chapter 2. Shortly after the release of the project, the worshipful song exploded on the gospel music charts. Deciding to fulfill the requests of fans longing to hear more, Butler now releases his first all gospel CD on the Maranatha Music label entitled The Worship Project. The project includes eight tracks personally penned by Butler, songs which allow him to express his deep and abiding love for his Savior. Butler showcases his uplifting vocals on the twelve-track CD with such cuts as the festive, African-breathed You're Worthy Of Praise and the reverence-filled You Are So Beautiful. Not leaving out his signature hit, Butler provides a stripped down acoustic rendition of Falling In Love With Jesus.
Many will be familiar with the memorable worship anthem, Lord, I Lift Your Name On High. Butler reinvents it giving it a relaxing, mellow texture. His special touch is also added to the beautiful, Lenny Leblanc-penned track No Higher Calling. The song highlights the humility of one standing in the presence of God. Worship is certainly the theme on the pensive Lord, I'm Ready, a song about total submission to God, and the pop-flavored No Matter What, a track of dedicated devotion to the Lord.
Providing praise-filled tunes as well, cuts like the urban-inspired Don't You Worry and two powerful cuts, the destined-to-be-sung-by-praise-teams songs That's Why We Praise Him and He Is The Lord, beg to be favorites. The latter is an up-tempo gem and energetic tune. Although simplistic in words, the passion of this song is one not to be missed. That's Why We Praise Him, written by noted producer and songwriter Tommy Walker, is a winner as well with its purely infectious melody and driving rhythm. When We Pray, another strong cut and pretty ballad, is a reminder of the power we have when we go to the throne of God. It's Already There showcases Butler's sincere vocals and his uplifting lyrics. The tune tells us that everything we need is already there in Christ.
The Worship Project quickly takes the listener into the presence of God with these thoughtful songs. He shines on this project as he lyrically and melodically embraces the Lord. He not only takes on the role of principal songwriter, but as producer as well. I believe Butler, indeed, has just found a new audience.
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