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Its truly amazing - the places where you find yourself. You've been there...those times when the mundane meets the divine-those times when organized circumstances stray outside the lines and move into the realm of the extraordinary. It's these times that you find yourself lost in a maze of grace.

Avalon has been continually amazed at the places where they have found themselves. While the initial reaction might be to think that they are referring to some of the world-class stages they have performed on with "The Young Messiah Tour," the Twila Paris "Where I Stand" Tour, the "Emmanuel" Tour, or the "My Utmost For His Highest" Tour, performing for more than 650,000 people with some of the top names in Christian music (Steven Curtis Chapman. Michael W. Smith. Sandi Patty. etc.) their short career already, but it's not.

And they are not even referring to their time at the top of the national radio airplay charts. With four consecutive number one hits from their self-titled debut album: "Give It Up," "The Greatest Story," "Picture Perfect World," and "This Love" that would be easy to do. It's not even the extensive press coverage the group has receive- from an extended feature on CNN, to their numerous appearances on national and local television programs. and dozens of magazine and newspaper feature-that too would be understandable.

But that's not what they think about.

They are continually surprised at how God uses them and their music to impact people's lives-to entertain, encourage, and inspire-a three-part punch that's somehow still fairly unique.

Janna Potter, Michael Passons, Nikki Hassman, and Jody Michael McBrayer: The four individuals that make up the voice of Avalon each come from varied backgrounds, but they share a similar calling. A calling to serve God with their music and their voices.

Formed in 1995 by Norman Miller (producer of "The Young Messiah" and "Emmanuel" Tours) and Sparrow Records, but starting as a vision in the hearts of each member, the group points to the fact that God's hand has been on every step of the process for Avalon coming to fruition. Nikki explained, "It's been so obvious to see how it's really been God who has brought together four people from around the country. ..each with an individual calling on their lives.. to be in this group. There are too many extenuating circumstances that would prove otherwise." Jody added, "We are very' aware that we have been blessed with a great foundation of people who are truly supportive of us.. thus our calling being that much more important to us."

Michael said that while Avalon's first album had the group being compared to many other groups, they were committed to making music on their new album. A Maze Of Grace, that was distinctively Avalon. The first step in that direction was to make a decision to never spiritually compromise the lyrics. "They will always be bold and to the point."

Musically, Michael described their sound as a combination of all their musical influences brought together: "With kind of a Euro-pop pad. and a '70s element here and there, as well." Janna added: "Don't forget the heavy gospel and R&B edge...with some very inspiring moments too. But basically, it's energetic and fun."

The group regrettably admits that with their first album, they didn't have as much time to sit down and focus on the song selection process, making them all the more committed to making A Maze Of Grace, an album that captures their hearts and feelings. That's why Jody is so excited about this project, because he said it really does reflect what they'd like Avalon to be.

One thing, Avalon has noticed during their time on the road was that people kept commenting on how much energy they had on stage. Nikki continued: "But yet. we only had two or three up-tempo songs that we could do. Hearing that and seeing what came out naturally for us. we realized that we needed more of those types of songs, because that's what people were really drawn to about us." (check out: "A Maze of Grace," "Knockin' On Heaven's Door." "Speed of Light." just for starters...)

Avalon's music is infectious.. .and refreshing. The pop hooks capture the side of us all that loves to roll down the window and turn up the stereo on a warm, summer day. But A Maze of Grace also has elements where you sit back and are overwhelmed by the beauty of it.... like on "Adonai."

Adonai I lift up my heart and I cry, my Adonai
You are maker of each moment, Father of my hope and freedom Oh my Adonai
from "Adonai"

Its a song that testifies to a personal relationship with the God of all creation - the ruler of the universe, who is intensely interested in the details of your life. The simplicity of the chorus lifts you to a place of worship and renews your vision for an intimate relationship with the Savior.

"Everybody gets bogged down with the junk of everyday life, frustrations of work, keeping a family together, and trying to keep your life in order." Jody described his goal for this new project, "I'd like to think that this album is a chance for someone to let loose and just hang out with God and have a good time. And maybe forget for a while the frustrations and focus on the fact that God's grace and love is real.. .to feel good about what God has done in your life."

I am living in the promise of a merciful place where all my shame is gone
I am living in the freedom of forgiveness and grace it's all I am counting on
from "Forgive and Forget"

The next element that Avalon wanted to have as a part of their ministry and music was a commitment to honesty. According to Janna, people are always looking to see if you are sincere about what you're doing. "There are so many things out there that are superficial. Sometimes when you see performers, you think that they've got it all together, or that they don't feel what you feel.. .or go through difficult things. I think when you're a Christian, you go through even more difficult things because the enemy really works against you.. .that's his purpose. People love to know that to the best of your ability you are living out what you sing about. Even though I don't have all the answers, I'm going to let God have control of it and see what he does."

Avalon hopes that people would see four very real people. Amidst all the fun music, they want the audience to know that their message is coming from their heart.. .that it's not just catchy lyrics.

More than just being real, though, Jody said that people these days need proof. "I think people really want to see instances of where God has been faithful. People aren't just satisfied with words. I think this album is very truthful and straightforward.. .it's honest."

I run, I fall, I walk, I sometimes crawl, I give, I take, I bend and yet somehow I break I get dizzy from all this spinnin'' round, I'm determined but wonder where I'm bound. I've learned to follow the sweet familiar sound of Your voice. The straight and narrow twists and turns. I make my 'way and everyday I live I learn to follow You . "You walk me through a amaze of grace from "A Maze of Grace"

For Avalon, it's all about admitting their humanity.. .their struggles.. .and the overwhelming experience of God's grace in the midst of it all. With the goal being that of helping people see through them and their humanity, and directing people toward God and His divinity.

"We can't cause people to look beyond our voices, or the clothes we wear.. .that's the Holy Spirit's job," Michael explained. "He'll only do that if we allow him to. It's our job to ask God to take what we do and let it be an offering for him to use for his glory."

If one song on the new album could be labeled as Avalon's mission, it's the anthem "Testify To Love." The overlapping vocals and determined melody line drive home the group's desire to continually point people to God's love. Not the selfish, human love that we know. but the unconditional, forgiving love that can only come from God.

For as long as I shall live, I will testify to love
I'll be a witness in the silences when words are not enough
With every breath I take, I will give thanks to God above
For as long as I shall live, I will testify to Love
from "Testify to Love"