I told you earlier that you’d be hearing from Troy Lilly soon. His first contribution to GospelPundit.com is invaluable– he attended and recapped Pastor Jason Nelson’s live recording this past Friday and did a great job. Without any delay, here’s Troy (with some GREAT photos at the end)–
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You haven’t been to a recording until you’ve had the Pastor Jason Nelson experience! He’s a multi-talented triple threat: a singer, songwriter and guitarist – plus he can preach.
I first witnessed his amazing gift and unyielding anointing five years ago at the live recording for his I Shall Live project. Needless to say, it wasn’t simply a recording.
The same was true on April 23rd as Nelson recorded his latest project, Shifting the Atmosphere, at his home church, Greater Bethlehem Temple in Baltimore. After being introduced by his twin brother, super-producer and writer Jonathan Nelson, Pastor Nelson quickly set an expectation for corporate praise and worship saying, “I can’t do recordings. This thing is participatory!”
And with that, the experience began. Upbeat opening numbers “Year of Jubilee” and “Favor” got the entire house on our feet and kept us there, incorporating Jason’s signature progressive sound with lyrics pulled straight from scripture.
But the trademark of Jason’s ministry is unadulterated worship. For the aptly-titled duet “No Words,” he welcomed fellow guitarist and vocalist Leon Timbo, who Jason said he admires for his ability to “come in and change the atmosphere.” Together, they did just that. Jason and Leon’s voices blended as harmoniously as their instruments, moving us through the first of many “shifts” that night.
During this segment, Jason guided us through several more moments of intimate worship with songs like “Don’t Count Me Out,” “I’m Nothing Without You” and “Shifting the Atmosphere.” This is when the pastor gift in Jason came forth. He delayed moving on to the next songs to minister.
“Whenever we encounter the presence of God we realize how insignificant we are without him,” he said, refusing to rush the flow of the Spirit.
With the final set of songs, the atmosphere naturaly shifted to flat-out praise. “There Is Power in His Name,” brought out the old-fashioned foot-stomping, because like Jason said, “you can’t have a recording without church!”
By the end of “There Is Power…” another shift had taken place and before we knew it Pastor Nelson’s father, Bishop James Nelson, was handed the microphone. Bishop Nelson exhorted us until the fire came down!
For just a few moments, I had to excuse my assignment as writer and photographer for GP so I could join in.
From that point we moved to a place of declaration. “You No Longer Have Dominion over Me” spoke directly to the strongholds we face in life, while the final song, “I Survived,” proclaimed victory over life itself.
I spotted and spoke with a number of special guests including Antoine Spence, Pastor L. Spenser Smith, Amos Saint Jean, Lil’ Mo and Jessica Greene, each of whom have a high regard for Jason.
Pastor Jason Nelson is one of the most humble and selfless ministers in gospel music. It doesn’t hurt that he can sing pretty much anyone under a pew, and preach. With his latest forthcoming release, Shifting the Atmosphere, he is sure to do a little of both.
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Okay, first of all– I think Troy did an excellent job recapping that recording, so PLEASE let him know what you thought of that write-up. And if you’re on Twitter, follow him at http://www.twitter.com/UrbanSophistic.
Second of all, I’m DEEPLY annoyed that I missed it cuz it sounds like it was incredible. It’s no secret that Jason Nelson is one of my favorite vocalists… *kickin’ myself with a hard shoe on*
Talk to me, folks– you looking forward to the new album? Anyone else attend that can echo Troy’s sentiments?
Excellent recap and deifnitely captured the full essence of what took place on Friday night! It truly was more than a recording but a worship experience!
sounds awesome! i am only somewhat familiar with his work but i look forward to hearing this project...great job Troy!
Jason Nelson has a voice that literally brings chills to you. There is something about his voice that's like a siren. It forces you to listen. Troy, great job on the recap! I honestly got goosebumps, dude. The song titles alone let me know this project was worth the wait.
I am so excited about a live recording from Jason Nelson! He's one of the most powerful and anointed psalmists/ministers I've heard. I had an opportunity to hear Jason minister several years ago at Abundant Life in NJ where he did a live version of "His Word Will Perform" (that at that time had not been releaed). It was anointed and prophetic - probably one of the most powerful and impactful moments of ministry I've participated in, and I've been trying to find him "live" ever since. I just hope the release of "Shifting The Atmosphere" won't take too long - need to get my hands on it. And thanks Troy - great write-up!
WOW...That was a really good recap!!!...I definitely wish I was there...Well i plan on going to Mali Music's live recording...so i will get my praise in...lol
@ Felicia...you were there? Great, so you can appreciate where I'm coming from @EaZY...Thanks man. i kow you're bringing big things as well... @KennyKnight... Man goosbumps and shivers...tears. Jason brings everything out of you. @TJM...according to Jason the project may be released by September, so it won't be long!
v4c was in the house! I was one of the um...hundreds...of people in the overflow area! LOL...(inside joke that Troy might get). I concur with the recap. I'd only emphasize how POWERFUL Don't Count Me Out, I'm Nothing Without You, and Shifting the Atmosphere were. MY MY MY! "It's breaking...it's moving...this worship is shifting the atmosphere!" Yes! And the fact that they were done back to back made the moment even more powerful! I can't WAIT to have those three (especially) on my iPod...
Wow Troy great recap! I've never heard Pastor Nelson but now I'm eager to purchase. Thanks Troy keep up the great work!
@V4c Yes...I got the joke. I ran into a bunch of friend who said they could see the floor shaking above them as we WENT IN! : "Don't Count Me Out" touches on the territory of "I Shall Live." Even when it looks like we're out for the count as another Maurette Brown Clark said..."God has the final say!" @Tami...Don't wait for his new cd...Pickup "I Shall Live" and "Place of Worship!"
I'm so upset that I couldn't attend the recording...I live in Indy and was trying to make it to the East coast. I know it was truly a blessing. I play his music nonstop..hopefully he will have a album release and I can attend that. He is truly annointed and I appreciate that. I wish the best to him with this next project.
I'm looking forward to the album release Mika! If there is one, GospelPundit will be in the house and fill you in as soon as we The Word.
Correction: We'll fill you in as soon as we GET the word. Lol
I am anxious for this, Jason is a anointed man of God.
I'm laughing at you kicking yourself with a "hard shoe." LOL! I'm also VERY excited and happy that such good music is coming from this area. Certainly will be purchasing it because we have to support this if we want it to continue. Thanks for the recap!
Great recap! That was the best live recording that I have ever been to so far. Jason Nelson's music ministry is AWESOME!
I just love this song and look forward to hearing it each time it is played on the radio. It is such an inspiration.