Album Notes

From the very first song on Blessin's & Lessons, it's obvious that this is not a stereotypical country record. He sings the rockin’ country-blues title track with authority and delivers a message through the song about how everything life brings is either a blessin' or a lesson. It doesn't exactly fit the category of "good love gone bad" category of country music many people have come to expect in country music over the years.

This project doesn't fit right into religious music either though. Many of these songs have messages and meanings to them without ever feeling like he's preaching. You won't hear him doing any cryin-in-your-beer songs, but you also won't hear any overly cheesy inspirational fluff either. He gives you a certain amount of depth with these original songs, but still manages to mix in many straight forward songs that could easily be played on country radio. Folks that came to enjoy his song GRITS (Girls Raised in the South) will love his new tribute to all things southern in It's a Southern Thing. His song Someday Isle is reminiscent of something fellow Mobilian, Jimmy Buffet, would write himself and Can't Seem to Say It Enough is a sultry ballad that leaves a lot of space and soul in the production.

The musicians on this CD have recorded and toured with some of the biggest names in Nashville. They include Larry Marrs (Bass, Background Vocals, & Percussion), James Mitchell (Electric Guitar), Howard Duck (Keyboards), and Mark Beckett & Steve Holland taking turns on Drums. Collectively they have recorded with acts like Alan Jackson, Kenny Chesney, and Martina McBride. They have also toured with acts like Rascal Flatts, Tracy Lawrence, and Marty Stuart.

People who have come to know Jon for singing at churches in different regions of the country will enjoy songs like the stripped down acoustic Path of Forgiveness or the Prayer of St. Francis inspired song, Instrument. This CD does a good job of mixing styles and genres without ever feeling off track. It should keep listeners happy no matter if they are more familiar with his country songs or his inspirational songs. It's clear on this project that Jon has set out to create his own brand of music, on his own terms, blending country music with spiritual messages and celebrating life. That in itself could be considered a blessin'.