Sounds Like

push play and enjoy yo' self.

Friends - see all 107

Billboard

To most fans, Jon Shirley is a new face to the Christian music scene: a singer/songwriter/worship leader living in Kansas City. He lives among and serves Heartland Community Church as the worship director for the Gathering, a spirited community of 20-somethings rising into their call to be sent into the world as friends of Jesus Christ. Together they are joining a growing movement of young adults determined to use what resources they have to help make wrong things right in the world.

"I believe the history books will record that this generation had a passion for three things: worship, prayer, and justice," Jon says, "...these are the things that I want to give my life to."

Jon's second CD entitled Heaven Hear Us was released in October of 2006, and documents the Gathering's journey through 2004-2006 in songs and confessions through original songs. He and his wife, Alissa, are both "Advocates" through Food for the Hungry, and have traveled to Zeway, Ethiopia to visit their sponsored children. They plan on returning in March of 2008.

Discography - see all 2

• 

  Heaven Hear Us

• 

  Hallelujah (Let the Wounded Hear & Rejoice)

Videos - see all 3

Album Review -- by Jesse Cole suite101.com

The heavily textured intro leads into the slammin’ title track, a Crowder-like praise rocker. Like many of the “Heaven Hear Us” tracks, it is eminently sing-able. Shirley’s heart for the church shines throughout the album, and many of its songs were written for and inspired by the Gathering, his worship community in Kansas City. An artist/worshipper, he writes with his God and His church in mind, it seems.

The deeply worshipful “You Are Worthy [of Your Glory],” was sparked by a line of Gerard Manley Hopkin’s poem, “God’s Grandeur.” Previously recorded on his last record, “The Light of All Men” comes across as a prayer as much as a song, performed with great fervor, moving mid-track into a free-flowing jam of adoration.

But “Heaven Hear Us” is not all serenity. “Rise Up” is an old-school rocker, complete with ‘60s electric tidbits scattered throughout. The powerful “To Breathe You In” opens with percolating percussion and gorgeous strings. Its sonic tones are especially moving considering that the song was written about the first moments of his sister arriving in heaven following her accidental death.

Shane Barnard’s background vocals greatly enrich “Rich and Full,” a deeply expressive acoustic ballad. But the album’s standout track has to be its closing song of invitation, the vibrant “Holy Fire.” Lush and rich with glorious bits of shimmering sound, it leaves you in a state of awed worship, aimed heavenward. Jon Shirley’s heart for the church comes across beautifully on “Heaven Hear Us.” If you’re a worshipper you will have this one on the CD player for days on end.

• Add to Friends
• Add Comment
• Send a Message

Intrawebnetsite

www.jonshirley.com

Blog - see all 20

61: New Location this Sunday (May 11) 1 week ago

For those that will be attending 61 this Sunday, we'll be meeting in the Overland Park Farmer's Market on Marty (just west side of Metcalf) between 79th and 80th.

Worship will start at 10:15am. Spread the word.

thanks!
//jonshirley.com...