With more than three decades worth of water under the musical bridge, Schlitt has earned multiple Gold Records, GRAMMYs and Dove Awards. He's toured all over the world and has been inducted into the Gospel Music Hall of Fame. After 20 years fronting Petra, the most successful rock band in Christian music history, Schlitt is still passionate about the message of the Gospel and is compelled to deliver it in his own inimitable fashion, so he called on the multiple talents of rising star producer/songwriter Dan Needham (Amy Grant, Petra, Michael McDonald) to help craft his vision.

The result, a stunning collection of nine new songs and one old favorite, is a multi-layered look into the very nature of love and life, lost and found in Christ. While the moods may be many, at their core, they are all pure Schlitt. "Dan is my son-in-law, and I had him produce it for me because I knew the sound he would bring would be exactly what the album should sound like," Schlitt says. "It was amazing! He is a natural. There were some other writers that contributed to the songs, including Mark Heimermann, Scott Faircloff, Mark Martel, Kevan Cyka and Steve Merkel, but Dan was the main writer."

That close bond between father-in-law and son-in-law allowed for the creation of a uniquely new style for Schlitt--one that appeals not only to the Boomer Generation that grew up on his music, but is also relevant to younger generations. "I wanted it to be an album that would appeal to folks who grew up on Christian rock 'n' roll, an album for folks who want some tension in their music, but not too much," Schlitt explains. "We took our time with it and came up with a sound that is very fresh, very current, yet still very familiar."

To a large degree, The Grafting focuses on the light that love brings. Nowhere is that theme more boldly proclaimed that in the project's first two cuts, "Stand" and "Keep Your Light On." While Schlitt is known for his remarkable rock 'n' roll voice, "Only Men" proves he is equally adept at delivering a poignant, emotion-laden ballad. Schlitt encourages believers to imitate the compassionate nature of God in the gently driving rocker, "Face of God," a song that was written specifically due to his involvement with such benevolent organizations as Food for the Hungry. He employs his amazing vocal range to great effect on such power ballads as "First Song" and "Carry On," tunes that are both encouraging and triumphant.

The gorgeous title cut is apt to draw tears from even the hardest of hearts. A celebration of the bravery of those women with the courage to choose life rather than death for their unborn children, "The Grafting" might be the most personal song on this album, as it is about Schlitt's adopted grandsons.

The Grafting finds Schlitt exploring uncharted musical territory, while remaining anchored by his unmistakable voice. It is a combination that is sure to please his legion of fans and attract a new generation of adherents. At once intimate and accessible, The Grafting is without a doubt Schlitt's most potent album to date.

The Grafting will be available on 4K Records and will be distributed by TAG Artist Group. For more information on John Schlitt and his new album, The Grafting, visit www.johnwschlitt.com.

 

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