On The Longings self-titled debut, accomplished songwriter Jason Ingram motions us to come forward and share those moments in a powerful one-on-one meeting with God.
"Every song on this album grew from a broken and contrite heart," says Ingram. "Over the years, Ive become more aware of my absolute inadequacy to approach God, much less lead others there. Whats amazing is how God accepts our worship, broken as it may be, and actually delights in it. That truth leaves me with a longing to create something beautiful for Him."
The Christian music industry knows Ingram well. In the past several years, hes made his mark as a gifted songwriter composing dozens of hits for top artists such as Joy Williams, Rebecca St. James, Building 429, Salvador and Avalon, among others. Hes also served as a worship leader for more than 10 years, leading music at events, churches and conferences nationwide.
But in 2003, after years of performing and writing, God whispered and Ingram stopped.
Ingram emerged stronger with new relationships and a band called The Longing. From day one, their hearts were in sync. Calling on three additional musicians whose credits include a range of touring, production and studio work, the band also comprises guitarist David May (ZoeGirl, Stacie Orrico, David Crowder Band), drummer Matt West (JIB), and bassist Jono Brymer (Vicki Beeching). Each member felt a corresponding call to bring their gifts home and serve the local church.
"The vision of The Longing belongs to God," says Ingram. "Our desire is to reach Gods ears to please Him with our offering. If the music moves others to do the same, that too, will be Gods hand. Our dedication is not to the band, the music or any kind of vision. Our dedication is to Jesus; our vision, His vision."
Dove Award-winner and Grammy AwardTM nominee Tom Laune (Michael W. Smith, Nichole Nordeman, Rich Mullins, Matt Redman, Jeremy Camp, Chris Rice, Amy Grant) produced The Longings May 2006 debut. He, alongside Ingram, helped to define the bands musical styling, a sound that is raw and modern with European influences. To temper the slick quotient and preserve emotional integrity of the songs, most tracks were cut live with everyone together in-studio.
Ingram sums up The Longings origin, goal and purpose by saying, "There's a longing in every heart to push past daily life to that settled place where the most natural, instinctive thing is to sing love songs to God. The Bible is full of stories about people desperate for Gods presence, and it was in those moments that they sang. Nothings changed. This album, and the reason for The Longing, reflects a desire to live in that place where we can experience God in intimate, life-changing ways."
