Austins Bridge is the latest addition to the Southern Gospel music label Daywind Records. Austins Bridge’s self-titled debut project is creating a lot of excitement in the world of southern gospel music. The group consists of three young men, Mike Kofahl, Jason Baird and Justin Rivers.
According to Jason, Austins Bridge was chosen as the name because Jason and Mike trace their roots to the Austin, Texas area. The “Bridge” part expresses his desire to push boundaries to attract new listeners to southern gospel music. Jason continues, “Austin Bridge’s desire is to bridge the generation gaps between the young, the old, and the new, and just spread the (Gospel) message to a large audience. We’re just trying to bridge some gaps and do some things outside from the box.
Austins Bridge’s sound is unique in Christian music. When asked to describe the style of Christian music Austins Bridge makes, Justin replied, “A Country-rock-bluegrass-country-blues sort of pop-Christian sound.” “It’s pretty eclectic,” Mike chimes in, “I don’t know if you can narrow it down to one specific genre category. We’d like to be sort of a pioneering point for branching out into a new form of Christian music.” the music itself.”
“We put a little bit of everything in there, so if you like country music you’ll find things to like. If you like rock and roll, you’ll have some things in there… bluegrass, a little bit of everything,” Jason says. “A concert at Austins Bridge is like the weather in Chicago, if you don’t like something it will change in five minutes.” Mike laughs.
One of the unique tracks on the Austins Bridge project is titled “Native American Prayer”, which features Bill Miller playing the Native American double flute and a Mohican chant. The effect is tremendous and sets up very well the next song, “History Turned The Page”, written by Gerald Crabb.
The first single from the project, “He’s In Control”, was co-written by Justin Rivers and Mike Kofahl. It has a slow country, bluesy feel to it. Like all the songs on this project, they are lyrically strong. You won’t miss the fact that this is a Christian band that plays Christian music.
Austins Bridge was produced by Bubba Smith and the production is excellent. The album is strong throughout. It’s a perfect CD to give as a gift to someone who enjoys today’s country music. Will everyone like it? I doubt it, but I think it will help introduce a new generation to the sounds of southern gospel music.
You can learn more about Austins Bridge by visiting www.southern-gospel-music-lyrics.com