By Andrew Greer
Avalon has been through the wringer over the past couple of years. After watching album sales and concert crowds shrink, releasing a handful of specialty records to mixed reviews and suffering the resignation of longtime member Jody McBrayer, the vocal outfit's future looked a bit grim.
But taking into account millions of records sold, and even more millions of lives reached, the legendary group decided not to call it quits. Instead, treating their famously tight pop chops to an aggressive, full-throttle facelift, the foursome is renewing their vows, casting a new musical vision for their message on their tenth studio recording, aptly titled Reborn (E1).
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In an exclusive interview with Christian Music Planet, married members Greg and Janna Long speak out about the group's refining process and how change has brought them even close together.
CMP: Historically, Avalon records have toyed with all sorts of genres—R&B, gospel, pop—you name it. Reborn, however, is very focused and aggressive musically. Was that intentional?
Janna Long: We knew going into this our sound needed to evolve. What messages were speaking to us? What sounds were we being drawn to? There was definitely a concentrated effort to put those things in motion and come up with something that is relevant and still true to what we do. Trying to stay current and not lose who you are is always a challenge for an artist. Even amidst some big changes, we're still making music, we're still alive and well, and we don't think this chapter of our life is over yet.
CMP: With so many member changes, did you ever consider hanging up the towel?
Greg: We considered shutting it down when Jody left. People come, people go, and a ministry that has been, and continues to be Avalon, just keeps going on. My picture may be on the cover of an album or two but it's not about me. It's about what these songs bring to people and the message inside of those songs.
Janna: It was really difficult for me when Jody left. I thought, You're kidding, God. Not one more change. For 13 years of my life, every time I stepped onstage he was there. Many times we've said, "This is so much bigger than us, God. You have a plan, maybe an unconventional plan, but a plan nonetheless."
I've definitely had feelings in my life when I knew God was ending one season and beginning another. He's continued to make a way for [Avalon]. And as long as He does, I'll be open to keep going.
CMP: What specific messages are you guys wanting to convey on this record?
Greg: This record is honest, but it also lifts us up. In an attempt to become honest, we often become negative. [Reborn] doesn't dwell on how messed up we are. It says, "God is going to help us. We are going to make it." If we don't have hope, then what are we as Christians all about? We know we can become dark. But my goal is to lift up Christ and what He's done in my life.
