Artist Profile: Joshua Blakesly

No More ‘Waiting’ for Josh Blakesley’s Brilliant Second Album 
 

The man who boldly announced his arrival with his debut, Immersed, has produced a stellar sophomore album that shows he is here to stay. Josh Blakesley, winner of the 2004 Unity Award for New Artist of the Year, brings us Waiting, a collection of 12 inventive pop, rock, and funk tracks that demonstrate both his prodigious talent and his commitment to God.  

These songs came out of a time of waiting for Blakesley and family: waiting for the birth of their first child, waiting for a new home. As he explained in a recent interview, “It seemed like in all things spiritual, emotional, physical, we were waiting. We prayed for direction, guidance, an end to the desert time; but it seemed it would never end. Now we’re more settled and are seeing the fruits of our suffering and prayer.” 
 

Backing Blakesley’s powerful voice are some of the top musicians in Nashville—and in contemporary Christian music: Dave Cleveland (Steven Curtis Chapman, Twila Paris) and Scott Dente (Watermark) on guitar, Matt Pierson (Michael W. Smith, Rich Mullins) on bass, and Jonathan Smith (Kevin Max) on drums. Other contributors include Matt Maher, who co-wrote four of the songs. 

One song that stands out on the album is “Be Lifted High,” an infectious track heavy on funk. Think Stevie Wonder or Parliament Funkadelic—but with a gospel message. Exalting God from beginning to end, the song ends like any good revival, with Blakesley calling out, “Can I get a witness?! Can I get an amen?!”  

Other highlights include “Pour Out My Heart,” a vigorous rock track that reflects on the sacrifices involved in following Christ: “I come to the altar to give up my life, hungry for mercy from you.” A delicate ballad written for his infant daughter, “Sophie’s Song” is a musical setting of a father’s love.  Also featured on the album is “Come to Jesus,” a song co-written with Sarah Hart that was recently included on a compilation album for Advent. 
 

“This is the album we’ve been anticipating from Josh,” says Robert Feduccia, General Manager of spiritandsong. “He is one of the most complete artists the Church has today. He is a workhorse in the studio. He has a brilliant, crystal clear voice, an exceptionally engaging personality, and he is deeply in love with the Lord. All of those elements, along with musical range, phenomenal talent, and spiritual depth, come through on Waiting.” 

In addition to composing and recording his music, Blakesley serves as the young adult coordinator and assistant music director at Our Lady of Prompt Succor Catholic Church in Alexandria, Louisiana. He travels many weekends to other parishes and dioceses throughout the U.S. doing concerts, conducting workshops for musicians, speaking at youth rallies and conferences, and leading praise and worship for audiences and congregations. 

For more information about Josh Blakesley, his latest release Waiting,  call 1-800-548-8749 website info click here