Album Notes

Tamara Turner-Editor of CD Baby
With a gorgeously luscious curve reminiscent of Stevie Wonder in both the vocals and the nimble, pliable textural gestures of modern soul, Jon Shabaglian weaves his way through a wet mix of R&B, dream pop, rock and contemporary urban without drawing attention to any one sound world. He subtly dips his brush in three-dimensional, fractal-like harmonies and pointedly-directed, sinus-clearing melodies but for all the breadth he encompasses in style, texture and approach, there is a simple, no-fluff personality to his music. It's important to mention that Stay Near focuses on the Christian message of new life and Godly living, yet whether or not all of his listeners see eye to eye on this front, it's hard, if not impossible, to deny a man with such conviction, talent and passion without at least giving the disc a few spins. For those who are looking for an addition to their CCM library, this album will just make it harder to buy the next one; so few Christian albums compare in quality, integrity and commitment to the music.