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10 Questions with ... Jody McBrayer
November 21, 2016
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BRIEF CAREER SYNOPSIS:
Discography (solo):
- 2002 This Is Who I Am
- 2016 Keep Breathing
- 2016 Christmastime
Jody first traveled with Roger Breland's ground-breaking TRUTH, and then became a charter member of the CCM super-group AVALON. He now enjoys a solo career, and is also part of vocal group, CANA's VOICE.)
1. "Christmastime" is your first full holiday album. What led you to record and release a Christmas project?
It's always been a dream of mine to Christmas record. I grew up listening to all of these songs with the hope that one day I would be able to record some of them myself.
2. There are some surprises with this record, for example, the jazz infused sound. What led you in this direction?
I've always loved jazz music and specifically jazz trios and vocalists. There's something elegant to me about the simplicity, yet complexity, of three musicians feeling the music the way that they do. It's difficult to make a Christian record that has a jazz feel, but a Christmas record just makes sense.
3. It had to be special to sing with your daughter, Sarah Clayton-McBrayer on "Count Your Blessings Instead of Sheep/Silent Night." Is this the first time to perform with her and does she have musical ambitions like her dad?
She loves to sing! When she found out I was making a Christmas record she asked if she could be a part of it. I told her yes! Of course she could! But then she got in trouble for something the day that she was supposed to come into the studio with me, and her mother and I felt like we needed to punish her by not letting her come and sing in the studio. It devastated her, and being the softy that I am, I couldn't stand to see her disappointment. So the next morning on the way to school, I told her before she walked into class that if she wanted to sing the beginning of one of my songs I would record it on my phone and put it on the record. She was so excited! And I'm really glad that it worked out the way that it did. I tear up every time I hear it.
4. One song that stands out for me is the 16th century French carol, "Bring a Torch, Jeanette, Isabella", featuring the Charlie Brown Christmas theme from Vince Guaraldi. What made you want to record the song in this style?
When I lived in Southern California, many years ago, I was a Dickens Caroler at Disneyland for a season. It was an a cappella group of Carolers and we sang this song as part of our repertoire. Granted, the arrangement was somewhat different, but I wanted to do this song and give it a jazzy kick. It's a traditional French Christmas Carol, so I thought it only fitting that I sing one of the verses in French.
5. For "Christmastime" you teamed up once again with producer (and StowTown executive), Wayne Haun. How'd that partnership work out?
Wayne is brilliant. When he and I were working on "Keep Breathing" together, we began talking about my Christmas record. I shared with him my vision of a jazz infused, simplified record and he took the vision and ran with it! Anything good on this project is because of his hard work and talent. He makes me better.
6. As a touring artist, how do you keep the focus on the meaning of Christmas and not just the "show" or enjoyment of music at your holiday concerts?
The older I get, the more Christmas changes for me. When you're younger, it's all about the flourishes...gifts, music, fun, etc. But life and it's challenges tend to change your perspective on just about everything. Christmas is no exception. I now understand more deeply how desperate I am for a Savior and how blessed and changed I am by the gift of Jesus Christ.
7. What's one of the special Christmas traditions you celebrate with your family?
We started this tradition probably 15 years ago, and it's actually become something that my daughter looks forward to. On Christmas morning, before we open gifts, we place candles in a birthday cake that says "Happy Birthday Jesus" on it. We sing "Happy Birthday" to Him and say a prayer of thankfulness for His coming. Then we set the cake aside until Christmas night where we usually eat it with hot chocolate.
8. What's been your favorite/funniest Christmas present over the years?
When I first met my wife, I spent Christmas with her extended family. They were still warming up to me at that point, but felt like they had to buy me a gift since I was going to be at their home on Christmas Eve. They have a very dry sense of humor, to say the least. So they got me a Panasonic Nose Hair trimmer. I was a little shocked by that at first but still use it to this day. It's actually an amazing gift.
9. How old were you when you found out there the truth about Santa Claus?
I think I was about 12. My parents had purchased my brother a stereo and while they were putting the toys out from" Santa" they played music really loud with the hopes of waking me up! I heard this and peeked in to see them placing the gifts out. I was devastated. I didn't admit that I knew until a year later because I was afraid I wouldn't get presents anymore.
10. What's your Christmas wish this year?
This world is in chaos. Our country is at odds. I wish more than anything that the true meaning and spirit of Christmas would become real and genuine to everyone, everywhere this year. The song on my record called, "Imagine This Christmas" is really my heart's cry for this Christmas and every one to come.
Bonus Questions
1. Christmas tree.....real, or fake?
My wife is allergic to real trees so we have fake trees throughout our house. We actually put up 3 trees. They are very "real" looking!
2. What is your most treasured Christmas moment?
The last Christmas I got to spend with my father before he passed away. I'd give every gift I've ever gotten or will get back for just one more hour with him. He loved Christmas and was a kind, loving and jolly man. A lot like Santa...but mostly like Jesus.
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