Jason Nelson
Jason Nelson established himself as a major new voice and anointed songwriter in 2005 with the release of his first solo project, I Shall Live. Nelson is a bishop and pastors The Tabernacle at Greater Bethlehem Temple in Randallstown, MD. He released a new live record this year called, You Belong.
In our first interview with Nelson we discuss the breadth of his career, the encouraging sentiment behind the title track of his latest project, and the significance behind the message of Isaiah 6.
We’re excited to share our first interview with gospel worship leader, producer and multi-instrumentalist, Jason Nelson. You released your debut album almost 20 years ago. How have you seen your songwriting and the spiritual messages you convey evolve over time?
It’s hard to believe that it’s been 2 decades. It’s been quite a journey.
There has definitely been an evolution in my songwriting mostly because I’ve grown so much as a believer. My understanding of scripture and my knowledge of God has grown immensely. Also, how I convey the message has evolved from a production standpoint and in the sound that I’ve matured into. I’ve learned the dichotomy in the simplicity of songwriting and the need to be a little more complex. I’ve also come to learn the juxtaposition of biblical narratives with simple lyrical imagery.
Who were your biggest influences growing up?
My biggest influences growing up were Marvin Winans, Fred Hammond and Eric Dawkins. I also gleaned a lot from Kim Burrell and Donnie McClurkin. As a musician, John Patitucci, Marcus Miller along with several gospel musicians shaped my ear.
Who are the up and coming worship leaders you feel like God is really moving through right now?
Right now, I love what Todd Galberth is doing. Michael Bethany is another favorite of mine. Phil Thompson and William McDowell are go-to worship leaders as well.
You just released your first album in 3 years, You Belong. The project was recorded live at World Overcomers Christian Church in Durham, NC. Tell us why this was the chosen setting to capture these songs? What was the recording process like?
I chose to record in Durham, North Carolina because I knew I was not supposed to record in Baltimore this time around. My producer and I went to several places looking for both the aesthetic and the atmosphere that we felt were conducive to house this next recording.
We needed an atmosphere that was open and ready to not just hear new music, but also allow for the presence of God to be felt in a major way.
This recording process was definitely a little more rigorous than I thought. It would be simply because there were so many moving pieces to bring together for the night to be a success. We overcame several obstacles in the process, but ultimately God was glorified.
How did the encouraging sentiment of 'You Belong' become the title of this album?
“You Belong” is really the song that encapsulates the entire compendium of music for this album. This song deals with the core concept of the album which is revival. “You Belong” talks about the story of the prodigal son and how he returns to his father‘s house with an expectation that he had to become a servant in order to survive. The father in the story, however, receives the son and remind him that he has always had a place with him in his house.
This is a reminder that even on our worst day, we have a home with our heavenly father.
Tell us about collaborating with Madison Ryann Ward for the soulful “Made New.”
Madison is such an amazing person far beyond her vocal gifting. Working with her was really easy because of how gifted she is vocally. She brought a different kind of energy and anointing to the song and her laid-back approach really added a different flavor to the song.
I love the way she approaches songs, lyrically, and how she is able to express herself with ease what she’s singing can be very complex.
Isaiah 6 is the only chapter of the Bible you make as a song title. What is the significance of this passage?
Isaiah 6 talks about what happens when we choose to recognize that God has always been present, even when we’ve been distracted.
When the king dies in the text, Isaiah realizes that he has been going to the temple and missing God‘s presence. This song is also a reminder that we all have a task to do in the Kingdom of God and we must be willing to serve at the behest of God. That’s why the song really drives home the chorus, “Send Me, I’ll go!”
“Yahweh” featuring Melvin Crispell III feels likes a standout. Why do you think it’s resonating with believers?
I think “Yahweh” resonates so well with believers because it is easy to conceptualize how God is breathing again into us using the imagery of him breathing into Adam in the garden. Melvin is such a phenomenon vocally and has the ability to transmit a message few others could even imagine.
