The former member of the famous group CCM FFH, songwriter-performer and now solo guitarist Jonathan Firey, released his debut acoustic instrumental album titled Taste of the Valley, featuring a collection of nine original songs inspired by the iconic Santa Ynez Valley, a new place he and his family call home . The album is available in all digital platformstarts today.
Produced, performed and written by Firey, the native Oklahoman creates complex, soulful and textured musical styles, layering a sound that can be characterized across multiple genres. Sometimes described as BlueGrass, Folk or Country, Firey’s music is a blend of styles inspired by his greats like James Taylor, Dan Fogelberg and Led Zeppelin’s Jimmy Page.
“As a touring musician for 20 years, I have been fortunate to see many beautiful places around the world,” says Firey. “I never dreamed that I would one day live in one of them. I knew early on after moving my family to California’s Santa Ynez Valley that something was different and special about this incredible place and musical inspiration struck within days of moving here. So much music has been born in recent years and Taste of the Valley is a collection of some of my favorite compositions that this valley has given me.
With trails named after fascinating landmarks throughout the valley, from ‘San Marcos Pass’, ‘Cachuma Sunrise’ to ‘Fig’; all places are where Firey had memorable experiences and moments that helped him feel connected to the new city he calls home.
Firey moved to Santa Ynez in 2016, where he currently serves as music minister at Valley Christian Fellowship, after spending nearly 12 years in the “music capital of the world,” Nashville, Tenn. Firey’s career has included performing in FFH for over a decade, garnering 11 #1 hits on the CCM chart, over two million albums sold, composing a catalog of over 170 acoustic songs that listeners may recognize from national advertisements and campaigns for major brands like Target, Walmart, Hobby Lobby and Lifeway. He has performed at historic venues like the Grand Ole Opry, the Ryman Auditorium and the Blue Bird Cafe with bands such as Far from Home, The Henningsens, Junior Brown and world-renowned Grammy-winning electric guitarist Phil Keaggy Award. Plus, he’s performed alongside CCM favorites Point of Grace, 33 Miles, Aaron Shust, Wes King and more.
After much consideration, Firey decided to retire from life on the road and move his wife and two young daughters to the Santa Ynez Valley. It was here that he began a new journey in life and music. Shortly after, Taste of the Valley was born. A blend of passionate and fiery acoustic ballads, this new project demonstrates heart and admiration for a place that Firey describes as simple, rich and deep – one of the few places like this on earth.
“I hope this record will make people want to come and visit this magical place themselves,” shares Firey. “And if they can’t visit, I hope my music conveys the feeling of what it’s like to be surrounded by the beauty and artistic culture that thrives in this little hidden wonder on California’s central coast . I want to be the soundtrack to their day, so people can listen to this album and be transported to the Valley and it brings them joy.
Track listing:
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Author: Jessie Clarks
