You only have to see them once to know that the Jason Ingram Band has something that sets them apart from the rest. After many years of playing music independently of each other, the coming together of these five musicians has created a sound that raises the standard of Christian music. Combining driving acoustic and tasteful electric guitars with vocal melodies that you can’t help but sing along to, JIB takes modern acoustic rock to the next level.
In 1994 Jason completed his first solo album, Somewhere In Heaven. This independent project sold over 2,000 copies in a years time in Northern California’s Bay Area alone, and continues to sell today. With the addition of Kevin Igarta (Bass), Ron Fugelseth (Percussion) and Matt West (Drums), they have created what is today, the Jason Ingram Band. JIB has played extensively throughout California, consistently drawing one of the largest crowds in Christian music.
In support of the release of their self-titled debut album, JIB has just recently returned from their first nationwide promotional tour. This first album on Audience Records was released August 11th, 1998 and has already entered the national Christian SoundScan charts at #48. Their debut single, “Closer Than a Whisper,” can be heard on radio stations all over the country and has also entered the national Christian Rock charts and is continuing to climb today. God’s hand was definitely in the bringing together of these musicians as their relatively short time of playing together has already allowed the band to create a unique sound with a professional and polished show. While being compared to bands like Jars of Clay, Matchbox 20 and the Dave Matthews Band, JIB has definitely made a niche of it’s own, both in their music and their message.
With song styles ranging from the Nashville-esque ballad “Mr. Blind Man” to the Spanish influenced rock song, “Sin,” JIB flexes their orative muscles without straying too far from their catchy pop rock roots. As with all of their songs, the message of their music precedes it’s style. From “Ask of Me,” to “What’s it Gonna Be Like,” to “Because of Your Love,” it’s clear that the lyrics are as strong as the music. When asked to comment on his songwriting, Jason states, “I try to offer spiritual insights that go beyond surface Christianity and really challenge listeners to pursue a relationship with Christ more fully in spirit and in truth.” He also adds, “Our desire is that people hear our music and that Christ is revealed. We want for people to see not who we are, but who Christ is in us.”
JIB’s ministry is not only in their music but their desire is that it be in the living out of their day to day lives. Matt comments, “We’ve committed to doing things differently...our families come first. Each one of us has been given a special relationship in our wives and children and we know that by making them a priority God will always bless our ministry.” Jason adds, “We try to make our daily relationship with Christ our priority and allow that to dictate the content and focus of our ministry.”
The music and ministry of JIB has already touched thousands of lives. Their prayer going forward is that as they grow day to day in their personal walk with Christ, and that He may continue to use their songs and their lives for His glory.
Discography
Go to Jason Ingram Band's Website
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