As Matt prepares for a fall tour run with Michael W. Smith, glowing reviews of his 12-song, sophomore Alive Again (9/22) are pouring in, applauding both lyrical depth and musical originality:

"Maher ... using a stripped down and eclectic approach to display his distinctive voice and heartfelt lyrics, with the resulting music feeling increasingly organic and real." ... "Maher is a self-described 'musical missionary,' and the road-worn feel of these songs brings to mind the heart of Rich Mullins or, stylistically, the later work of George Harrison." - Greg Wallace, Worship Leader

"Maher is on the crest of the popular wave of worship-based music impacting Christian radio playlists and popping up on lyric screens in contemporary churches." - Terry DeBoer, The Grand Rapids Press

"One of Maher's goals for his latest release, Alive Again, was to capture, through music, that feeling of what it's like for a person to discover, for himself, that God is pursuing with His incredible love. He succeeded. From the bluesy gospel country-rock sound of 'Hold Us Together' to 'You Were on the Cross,' a piano ballad that will make you cry, Alive Again elevates the whole praise and worship music genre with its authentic, heartfelt lyrics and solid, diverse musicianship. Years from now, people will still be buying this collection of songs. Fans of Coldplay, Paul Baloche and Chris Tomlin should not hesitate to add Maher's Alive Again to their CD collection." - Mark Weber, Charisma & Christian Life Magazine

"Discriminating ears long for intelligent worship songs cut from slightly darker cloth, and Matt Maher heeds that cry with an unselfconscious sophomore effort...Maher successfully brings movement to stagnant worship circles." - Andrea Bailey Willits, Christianity Today

"Worship leader and Christian music extraordinaire, Matt Maher returns shortly with another gem in Alive Again." - Francis Petruziello, The Cleveland Leader

"Without a doubt, Maher's new song ['Remembrance'] will find its rightful place in many church communion services." - Dan MacIntosh, Soul-Audio

Maher joins the Glory Revealed lineup -- opening for Third Day's Revelation Tour - in select markets until the launch of Michael W. Smith's 17-city "New Hallelujah World Tour" on October 22. Maher is the musical host of the concert's first half, which also features his Provident Label mate Phil Stacey (www.philstacey.com) and new artist/worship leader Meredith Andrews.

For more information on "A New Hallelujah World Tour," including itinerary and tickets, please visit www.mattmahermusic.com. For the latest in Matt Maher news and updates, follow him on twitter: http://www.twitter.com/mattmahermusic.

About Matt Maher:
Matt Maher-artist/worshipper, worship leader, songwriter, singer and recording artist-has taken his calling as a "musical missionary" to create a substantial impact on a national and global stage. An award-winning songwriter, Maher first gained notice as the writer of the internationally renowned modern-worship song, "Your Grace Is Enough," from his 2008 major label debut, Empty & Beautiful (Essential Records).

Highly sought after for his poignant and poetic writing style, Maher wrote Chris Tomlin's current Top 10 CCM hit "I Will Rise" and contributed two songs to Tomlin's upcoming Christmas CD (10/6). In addition, Maher's songs have appeared in the top 15 ranked songs on the CCLI chart, marking their popularity in church worship services around the world.

The opening musical host on the American leg of Michael W. Smith's "New Hallelujah World Tour," launching October 22, Maher recently performed several concert dates with Mac Powell, Trevor Morgan, Aaron Shust and Laura Story on the Glory Revealed tour, which will join Third Day on its upcoming national fall tour.

Amid busy writing and touring schedules, Maher finds it important to serve alongside ministries including Life Teen, Adore Ministries, and Catholic Relief Services while still playing an active role with Oregon Catholic Press' spiritandsong.com. Further, he serves as a regular host for Worship Together's "Newsong Café."

Honored with a Praise Award as Worship Leader's Breakout Artist of 2008, Maher was also selected as part of the publication's Best of the Best in the "Worship CD" category, featured in the Oct. 2009 issue. In addition, Maher has been featured on the covers of Breakaway and Christian Single, performed live on "FOX & Friends," written for Billboard magazine and is a frequent bylined contributor to OnFaith.com (www.newsweek.washingtonpost.com/onfaith), an interactive conversation on religion.

Matt's sophomore Alive Again solidly captures the penetrating spirit and charisma Maher has become known for in a live setting. Produced by Christopher Stevens (Delirious, tobyMac) and Paul Moak (Mat Kearney, Shane & Shane), the 12-song studio project--with all compositions co-written by Maher--spotlights his addictive organic-pop sound melded with vulnerable and engaging lyrics. Alive Again is a soundtrack for believers in both personal times of worship and corporate moments on Sunday mornings.

For more info on Matt Maher, visit the JFH Artists Database.