Inspired by the chorus of new companies (Grassroots Music,
INO/M2.0) that are taking a non-traditional business model for themselves,
industry veteran Bruce A. Brown, along with his wife and partner Donna
Brown, have announced the formation of Jabez Management in hopes of being
“mold-breakers” in the management world.
The company’s name, Jabez, comes from a little-known prayer by a man Jabez
in
I Chronicles 4: 9-10: “And Jabez called on the God of Israel saying, ‘Oh,
that You would bless me indeed, and enlarge my territory, that Your hand
would be with me, and that You would keep me from evil, that I may not cause
pain!’ So God granted him what he requested.”
Together, the two have over 35 years of experience in the Christian music
industry. It is their mission to provide sound, professional
faith-based career guidance and advice to artists whose gifts are primarily
exercised in the contemporary Christian music industry.
“We continually came into contact with people who created amazing art and
had great things to say but who didn’t necessarily say them in a manner in
which the industry was currently used to hearing-and therefore largely being
ignored,” explained Donna. “We have a desire and passion to serve this kind
of artist. Because they don’t have a certain image or sound doesn’t
invalidate their gift or ministry. After much prayer and consideration, we
recognized God’s calling on our lives to support these artists–to serve the
servants.”
The company roster includes Rick Altizer, who has released three albums
(Blue Plate Special, Neon Fixation, Go Nova) as an artist. For the
immediate future, Rick is focusing on songwriting and producing, and is
currently working on a modern worship album, Soul Lift-A Soundtrack for the
Soul, for Flicker Records. Rick will write, produce and engineer the tracks,
while Bob Herdman and Mark Stuart (Audio Adrenaline) will arrange for guest
vocalists.
Also on the Jabez roster is Fleau (pronounced “flow”), a trip-hop influenced
group featuring DJ/programmer/songwriter Rod Shuler (one of the former
Reality Check front men and former Parkway member) and vocalist/songwriter
Marisol Laboy, who has drawn comparisons to Dido and Sade. The group is
currently seeking a booking partnership and has spurred interest from
several labels.
“Ever since I’ve been involved with Christian music, my motivation has been
to tell people about artists I love–whether through playing their music on
the radio, working with them in the studio or writing about them,” commented
Bruce. “So I felt that management would afford me the opportunity to focus
my energy on a handful of artists that I deeply respected and whose ministry
I would want to further. As I began to study books such as Experiencing God
and The Man God Uses, the Lord began to bring that calling into focus.”
Bruce has been involved with Christian music for almost 30 years. While a
teenager, he toured and recorded with a “Jesus Music” folk choir, and since
1982, has contributed as a journalist, critic and acted as editor of and
contributor to several music publications and more recently, web sites
including CCM (web editor), CCM Update, 7ball (managing editor), Release,
Musicforce.com, CD Now.com and Crosswalk.com. In addition, he also has much
experience as a studio musician, engineer and radio producer/voice talent.
Prior to moving to Nashville, Donna spent three years in Christian retail
and radio. Upon moving to Nashville, she spent four years working with True
Artist Management, working with dc Talk and Audio Adrenaline on several
major tours and album releases. Since February 2001 she has been with
Brickhouse Entertainment, assisting with the careers and ministries of Audio
Adrenaline, Switchfoot, and more recently, MercyMe.
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