Avalon's Jody McBrayer Back with His Solo Stowtown Debut Album After a Bout with Heart Disease

By Timothy Yap Jan 19, 2016 05:42 PM EST

Many of us will know Jody McBrayer from his days with CCM group Avalon. Nine years ago he left the group after being diagnosed with heart disease. Thinking his music ministry was over, McBrayer entered the corporate world for five years working with his family. Then one day he received a call from a popular evangelist who wanted McBrayer to join him on tour as a guest musician. After years of searching, McBayer is back with debut album for StowTown Records, Keep Breathing, February 12th.

The 11-song project was produced by StowTown Records' Wayne Haun and features such notable award-winning songwriters as Michael Farren ("Every Time I Breathe," "Let It Rain"), Tony Wood ("Satisfied," "Dangerous"), David Frey and Ben McDonald (Sidewalk Prophets) and Wayne Haun ("I Will Find You," "I Wish I Could Have Been There"). McBrayer, co-founder and former member of the award winning group Avalon, was co-writer on the title track. Keep Breathing will be distributed by Provident/Sony Distribution and will be available at all online and retail music outlets.

"I am both humbled and extremely honored to be a part of the StowTown Records family, says McBrayer. "Not only are they an amazing group of people, they also have a genuine desire to use music to change the world for the cause of Christ. They have been so supportive of me, my ministry and the message that God has placed on my heart to share with the world. I'm grateful they would allow me to be a small part of their greater vision and I look forward to what God has in store for our future together."

McBrayer signed with Stowtown Records in 2015 and Keep Breathing will be the first project to break out in the CCM marketplace for the label. With his signature vocals, McBrayer brings an album that crosses musical boundaries with lyrics that are relatable to all audiences. From the rousing opening song, "Good To Be Home," to such thoughtful ballads as the first single "This Is a Son," "Only You (I Speak Your Name)," "God Is In Control," and the mid-tempo songs "When We Look Back" and "Keep Breathing," McBrayer takes us on a journey of hope, restoration and acceptance. The message is reflective of his past few years with many changes and challenges.

"Sometimes...with some people...God has to literally break your heart so that you can trust only Him to put the pieces back together again," adds McBrayer. "With this new chapter in my life, it's as if I can't rest until I tell the world about how real the love of God is. After the things I've experienced over the last few years, how can I ignore the gospel or the fact that Christ's love and grace is tangible and available to everyone?"

For more information about McBrayer and Keep Breathing visit www.stowtownrecords.com,www.facebook.com/OfficialJodyMcBrayer, www.twitter.com/JodyMcBrayer.