FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

New Release from

“A Man Like Wes Hampton”

Gaither Vocal Band Member Takes Solo Project to the Marketplace

NASHVILLE, Tenn.—September 8^th, 2011—Gaither Music Group is scheduled to release an all-new solo recording by Wes Hampton, member of the award-winning and legendary Gaither Vocal Band, on September 13th.  A Man Like Me, produced by Hampton along with producer/vocalist Michael English and producer/musician/vocalist Gordon Mote, showcases the depth of Hampton, who has been traveling with The Gaither Vocal Band for six years now.

A resident of Birmingham, Hampton came to Music City to create the new recording which he describes stylistically as “songs that he enjoys listening to.”

“Bill and the GVB have always been great at mixing sounds,” Hampton describes.  “And I feel like this release is somewhat along those lines--reflective of a variety of styles and of the influence the group has had on me when it comes to combining a variety of sounds.”

Those sounds include background vocals from soloist and former Gaither Vocal Band teammate Marshall Hall as well as a duet with the Christian contemporary music pioneer Steve Green.  When Green toured through Birmingham, he invited Hampton to sing “It Is Well” on stage with him that evening, and the duet is now re-captured on this new release.

A Man Like Me features songs from heralded writers such as Travis Cottrell, Cindy Morgan, Becky Isaacs Bowman, Sonya Isaacs Yeary, Sam Mizell and Jeff Pardo, among others.  Hampton covered the Cottrell hit “Jesus Saves”; and the title cut, penned by Jeff Pardo along with Stephen Gause, is a special tune for him.

“I loved this song immediately,” Hampton recalls.  “It kind of encapsulated what I wanted to say as a whole, which is why I made it the title of the project.  It says, ‘I believe there's hope for everyone, and Your arms still reach even for a man like me.’

"I relate to this,” Hampton continues.  “I am a fallen man trying to make the best decisions I can every day, and sometimes I don't succeed, but I get a fresh start every day.  You can't outstretch the love of God.  I think it’s important for people to hear that as much as possible as we tend to forget it.

"I hope this release encourages listeners.  We're not in this alone, so let’s stop trying to pretend we can do it on our own.  We need each other, and we need God through the journey.  There are times when I try to do things by my own strength, forgetting that God has promised to walk alongside me and get me through whatever I'm facing.  The songs on this release point to the fact that we're all in this together.”

In addition to a heavy touring schedule alongside The Gaither Vocal Band and the HOMECOMING tours, Hampton performs solo dates when time allows.  He and his wife, Andrea, have four children.

A Man Like Me will be distributed in stores and digitally exclusively through EMI CMG Distribution.  It will be available on iTunes as well as at www.gaither.com.  For further information, visit www.weshampton.com.  To schedule interviews, receive music or make further inquiries, please contact:

Celeste Winstead,  CWinstead@springhillmusic.com, 615-383-5535, ext. 138.

We have been so excited about having the new solo project added to the Gaither Music label! Because we now have distribution through EMI, A Man Like Me will be carried nationwide in stores wherever Gaither product is sold (with the exception of Cracker Barrel), starting Tuesday, September 13! Also, A Man Like Me will be available for download on iTunes. Everything is the same as far as the track listing goes. The only thing that has changed is the CD cover itself.

We need your help in getting the word out about this CD release. Not many people know that I actually even HAVE a solo CD. So, any help you could give would be appreciated so very much.  Twitter, Facebook, emails…whatever you can do to assist us in notifying folks about the release…we thank you in advance!

This summer has really flown by. It’s been filled with a little vacation time, some solo concerts, and catching up on DVR. Andrea just finished watching this season of Masterchef and The Next Food Network Star: two of my absolute favorite shows! We just finished up the Alaskan cruise a couple weeks ago. In two weeks the GVB really starts things back up with the fall tour. I’ve missed being with the guys and singing with them. I love it that the GVB reunion concert is coming up September 15 at NQC. What a great way to kick things off! If you haven’t made plans to attend, you don’t want to miss this concert!

Barrett and Hudson have both started back to school. Barrett is now in 2nd grade and Hudson is in kindergarten. Wow. I love it that they are going to the same school now. Carden and Sutton start back to their pre-school program in a couple weeks. Andrea and I are excited about having several hours a few days a week to do whatever we want! We’ll finally be able to knock out some “to do” items that have been on the list for quite a while. Oh, what will it be like to have a nicely organized garage?!

wes

Also, I’m currently in Cheyenne, WY, for a solo concert this evening at 7:00. The venue is First Baptist Church. If you’re anywhere close by, be sure to come see me. I would love to meet you after the concert!

wes

Let the Celebration Begin

http://weshampton.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2011/06/Celebration.mp3

Praise You

http://weshampton.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2011/06/Praiseyou.mp3

It’s that time of year again: Family Fest! I feel like we were just here. The weather is very nice right now. Upper 70′s and partly cloudy. I’m so used to it being sweltering here, so I’m gladly welcoming this change of weather! The babies are down for a nap and Andrea is lying down with them…oh, the sacrifices we make as parents.   I’ve already met several very nice people that are attending FF. All of them are first-timers and are so excited about this weekend. This is the GVB’s last weekend for the spring tour. After this, we’ll have a couple months off for the summer until the Alaskan cruise starts the last week in July.

I’m meeting up with Bill and the rest of the guys shortly to rehearse a little before this evening’s concert begins. We’re doing a song we’ve only done a couple of times. I’m all in for rehearsing this one. People ask all the time how much the GVB rehearses. The truth is, not very much. We’re taking a couple days in July for rehearsal’s sake. We’ll all meet up together (since it would be a little difficult to rehearse otherwise) and rehearse for several hours, mainly songs we’ve never done. We also “tighten up” on some songs we’ve known for a while.

Several solo dates have been added to this summer! If you would like to see if I’ll be in your area, just swing by my Tour page. Would love to meet you in person! I’m planning on doing a lot more solo work during the GVB off-time, mainly during the summer months. I’ve signed with Michael Davis with the Dominion Agency. Michael is a wonderful guy and will be booking me for all future solo events. If you are interested in having me at your church, please contact Michael via our Contact page. He will be with you shortly.

The GVB children’s album is now finished! We have been working on it for quite a while. This has been an interesting process because of our individual schedules. Most of my stuff was actually recorded using a portable studio that Ben Isaacs carries on the road. It’s been really nice because it’s allowed me to be at home more as opposed to making separate trips to Nashville just to record. This CD should release late summer/early fall. I think people are going to love it! It obviously features the GVB, but it strongly features children’s voices. I think grandparents especially will be getting this one for their little ones.

Our thoughts and prayers are with all of those affected by the recent tornadoes and flooding in the south. It’s heartbreaking to see the devastation, pain, and hopelessness these people are experiencing. All we can do for these folks besides giving of our time and resources is pray for strength to get through this unbelievably difficult time.

wes

The even bigger problem was that this glitch would not allow our musicians and crew to properly set up the sound equipment, instruments, and lighting in adequate time for the concert.  I know many are extremely disappointed with this news.  Please believe me when I say that we ALL are disappointed.  It is heartbreaking to think that 5,000-6,000 people that have been anticipating seeing and hearing the GVB for months will not get that chance tonight. Bill, as well as the GVB, feel horrible about this.  In his 48 years of ministry, Bill Gaither has NEVER canceled a concert. That’s astounding to me!  All we can say is that we are so sorry. This is truly out of our control. Please try to understand.

The concerts have all been amazing.  We’ve had an unbelievable time in Brazil.  We’ve been warmly accepted everywhere we’ve been through the years, but I have to say, this is the warmest and most enthusiastic welcome we’ve ever received.  The Brazilians are such warm, passionate, and gracious people.  It is our hope that we can come back soon so that the people of Brazil, especially those in Maringa, can hear the Gaither Vocal Band live in person.

Again, thank you for understanding.

wes

Como muitos de vocês já ouviu falar, devido a circunstâncias além de nosso controle, hoje à noite o Gaither Vocal Band show em Maringa (03 de abril), não terá lugar. Se você for como eu, você provavelmente está se perguntando: “Bem, o que no mundo que isso significa?!” Em suma, é isso que aconteceu: Primeiro, Bill está de excelente saúde. Tive dúvidas sobre o Twitter eo Facebook de pessoas perguntando se Bill está bem. Sim, ele é. Na verdade, eu não vejo como alguém de 75 anos pode ter mais energia do que Michael, David, Marcos, e eu juntos. No entanto, ele faz! A turnê GVB todo teve um grande problema com o transporte para Maringá. Nós tivemos quatro concertos esta semana. Ontem, tivemos dois shows duas horas em São Paulo. Nós não voltar ao hotel até às 11:00 da noite (23:00 h) passado. O modo de transporte para Maringá caiu ainda no início da semana, mas não fomos notificados da presente até ontem. Naquele momento, era tarde demais para nós para fazer arranjos alternativos de viagem para que pudéssemos chegar a Maringá, e muito menos o local, a tempo e estar descansado bastante em voz alta para realizar outro concerto de 2 horas.

O problema maior é que esta falha não permitir que os nossos músicos e equipe técnica para configurar adequadamente o equipamento de som, instrumentos e iluminação em tempo adequado para o concerto. Eu sei que muitos são extremamente decepcionado com essa notícia. Por favor, acredite em mim quando digo que todos nós estamos desapontados. É penoso pensar que 5.000-6.000 pessoas que têm vindo a antecipar vendo e ouvindo o GVB meses não vai ter chance esta noite. Bill, bem como os GVB, me sinto horrível sobre isso. Em seus 48 anos de ministério, Bill Gaither NUNCA cancelou um show. Isso é surpreendente para mim! Tudo que podemos dizer é que estamos muito. Este é verdadeiramente fora de nosso controle. Por favor, tente entender.

Os shows têm sido incríveis. Tivemos um tempo incrível no Brasil. Fomos recebidos calorosamente em todos os lugares que passamos os anos, mas eu tenho a dizer, este é o mais caloroso e entusiástico acolhimento que já recebi. Os brasileiros são pessoas tão quente, apaixonado, e gracioso. É nossa esperança que possamos voltar logo para que o povo do Brasil, especialmente aqueles em Maringá, pode ouvir o Gaither Vocal Band ao vivo em pessoa.

Novamente, obrigado pela compreensão.

wes

We’ve had a great time so far. We’ve sung in Belfast, Glasgow, and Apeldoorn. We just got to the hotel in Bucharest, Romania, after a long day of traveling. Our next concert is here tomorrow night. We had yesterday off in Amsterdam, which was much needed by everyone on this tour. Our voices got the chance to rest yesterday and today, so we should be ready to go tomorrow!

We’re meeting up for dinner this evening. Not sure where we’re going, but it’s sure to be an adventure. Yesterday Mark and I walked around the city and had lunch at a Chinese place. I know what you’re thinking: “Why would you eat Chinese food in AMSTERDAM of all places?” I don’t know. It was most definitely the absolute worst Chinese food I’ve ever eaten. Mark ordered Peking duck. I refused to eat any of it. It looked way more like a pigeon than a duck. Come to find out, I was right. Mark was a little naseous for a while. I’m kind of surprised I woke up this morning after having eaten that stuff.

I’m missing my family like crazy now. I’m hoping to Skype later tonight with Annie and the four stooges. My fingers are crossed that the internet connection is strong enough here.

Okay, going to grab a quick nap before meeting up with the guys. Thanks for the prayers!

Wes

I know I haven’t written anything since last year, but I DO have four children, you know. We’ve had a pretty sick house for a good month and a half now. Once one boy gets better, another gets sick. It seems like a never-ending cycle. I’ve had a chest cold twice in the last five weeks. I’m pretty sure the drastic temperature changes and the pollen both have contributed to this. The bad news for me is that I lose my voice once I get a chest cold. I feel like I’m almost over it. Just praying I (along with everyone else on this European tour) stay healthy.

For their big Christmas present this past year, we surprised Barrett and Hudson with Disney World. We went the end of January, which is the perfect time to go. Little to no waiting for almost all the rides. The boys had a blast! We won’t be taking Hudson on the Tower of Terror any more, though. That was my judgement call…not a good one. The last day there I lost my iPhone on the Thunder Mountain Railroad. Bye bye, phone. Fortunately most of my contacts were backed up on my computer.

The GVB had a couple of really great concerts in South Africa two weeks ago. Wow, that is a rough trip there and back, though. Poor David had trouble with his passport, so he didn’t make the first concert.

We are currently in Belfast, Ireland. The weather is nice but pretty darn cold and windy. Looking forward to tonight’s concert. We travel to Glasgow tomorrow and have a concert the next day. Even though I had some problems getting here, I AM here. I was able to get a good nap yesterday and had a great night’s sleep last night.

Please pray for safety and good health for everyone while we’re out of the country this week and next week. Also pray that God shows up at these concerts. I know He’s always there, but sometimes we miss Him. I surely don’t want to miss Him at any of these concerts.

Later!

After a great run of GVB/Homecoming concerts this past weekend, I was thrilled to get home on Sunday in time for trunk or treat at our church.  After that, I took Barrett and Hudson trick or treating in our neighborhood for about half an hour while Andrea got the babies settled and ready for bed.  We all  had such a wonderful time. Barrett is loving school, as is Hudson. Carden’s still not quite old enough to really know that he IS in school (mother’s day out program). He just likes playing and snack time…like his daddy. Sutty is staying home with us. We’re not quite ready to let go of the baby stage yet.

Speaking of concerts, we’ve had a really great fall tour thus far.  The crowds have been great and the GVB is singing more and more, which is always a great thing in my opinion. This coming spring tour, the GVB will be visiting South Africa, South America, and Europe! We always enjoy our time overseas.  We are especially excited about going to South America since the GVB has never been there before.  We are also in the process of getting together two new GVB recordings, one of which is a Vocal Band children’s album.  All songs will be songs that we’ve grown up singing, so I’m thinking parents and kids will enjoy listening to this together.

As you may have noticed, I haven’t blogged in quite a while. We’ve had sick kids, I’ve been traveling a lot, and, oh…we have FOUR boys.  We also recently learned that one of our best friends, Tracey, has been diagnosed with stage 3 breast cancer. This has come as quite a shock. Tracey and Steve, along with their two precious girls, Gabby and Bella, are truly like family to us. Tracey currently is undergoing chemo.  Once she finishes treatment, she will undergo a double mastectomy. The doctors are hopeful about her recovery, but this still doesn’t mean it isn’t a scary time for all of us. I sure wish having enough faith meant that sickness and pain would disappear altogether, but that’s not the way things work, is it? That would be a little too easy. That’s why God gave us one another…to hold each other up in times like these. All we can do is pray for healing, place our hope in the One who can overcome the cancer, and trust that He is working things together for His good. God, please take the cancer from her body.

I’ll be sure to keep you updated on how Tracey progresses. I know you’ve got enough things in your life to worry about, but if Tracey ever crosses your mind, could you whisper a prayer for her, please?

I hope you’re experiencing some of this beautiful fall weather wherever you are.  The only thing I dislike about it is that it’s over so quickly! Later.

Wes

One Day
Some days my hands are wide open
Some days I only think of me
Some days I offer words of blessing
Some days there’s anger when I speak
I don’t always do what I want to do, it tears my heart in two

But one day, in a perfect moment, failures are gonna fall away
Some day You’ll finish what You started
You promised I’ll be changed one day

This life is full of frustration when you want to walk by faith
Sometimes I’m doin’ alright, then suddenly I’m back down on my face
You’ve given me a hope that I’m holding to that You’ll make all things new

You give me strength to press on through the battle
Until the time will come to rescue me

A Man Like Me
A man like me
Says one thing and does another
A man like me
Holds a grudge against his brother
A man like me
Thinks a promise can be broken
Just as easy as a glass on the floor
A man like me
Seems to speak before he listens
A man like me
Seems to always have a reason
A man like me
Is only living for the moment
And forgets there is something more

But I believe there’s hope for everyone
No one’s on their own, no one’s too far gone
‘Cause love has made a way and your arms still reach
Even for a man, for a man like me

A man like you
Always loved without condition
A man like you
Showed us mercy and forgiveness
A man like you
Came to be a sacrifice
Gave your life, laid it down for us all

So I believe there’s hope for everyone
No one’s on their own, no one’s too far gone
‘Cause love has made a way and your arms still reach
Even for a man, for a man like me

So take my heart let it beat like yours today
Take my pride, take my selfishness away
I want to walk with you, I want everyone to see
That you can make a new man from a man like me

Find Me
Find me with a gentle heart, find me with an open door
Find me dancing with my wife across the kitchen floor
Find me speaking words of grace, find me in my lonely hour
Find me when I’m on my knees, desperate to feel your pow’r
Every struggle, every dream, every breath I breathe

Find me, find me, hold me close to Thee
Make me, make me who You knew that I could be

Find me in the little things, when life is turning upside down
Find me playing in the yard cheering on my boys’ touchdown
Find me when I want to run and I’m afraid to face the dark
Oh when I’m brave enough to think that I could light the world with just one spark
Oh, when I’m flying, when I’m down, when I’m losing ground

With a life to live and a song to give and a race that’s yet to run I come

Because of Love
You could have walked away
You could have left the world in shame to let us wander lost and all alone
And You could have easily said this is more than You could take
You could have turned around and walked a different road
But to our surprise You chose life against every odd
To show Your heart, to prove the truth that You alone are God

Because of love all of the world was changed
There is a brand new page and the story now forever was rewritten
Because of love I have eternity
When You gave to me the one thing that I don’t deserve
And I can’t believe the price that I was worth because of love

There is a ray of hope where only darkness used to be
And we can see the light that leads us home
Oh, we can have a life that even death can’t take away
‘Cause the power of Your love won’t let us go
So I have come to honor the One that gave this gift of grace
The only One worthy of my praise

Tomorrow is a place where heaven is a promise that awaits

Hands
Lord I can’t see any way through this situation
Every step to me feels like a wrong direction
Can’t stop this darkness from closing in on me
There’s nothing left for me to do
I’m on my knees, I cry to you

I need your strength
To take me through this moment
I need your peace
‘Cause I feel so desperate
Give me more faith
To trust in you
When the world falls down, help me to believe
That everything I see is in your hands

You see my days, they’re all laid out before you
And you’re there with me, in anything I may go through
Well I’m about to break, and I’ve never been more aware
Of everything that I can’t do
I know my only hope is you

With every trial I’ve faced you think I’d learned by now
But I keep going to back to the place where I’m falling down
Maybe that’s where you want me to be
Always face to face with what I need

If Sunday Had Not Come
Suppose the stone had never stirred
Death had had the final word
What if the forces of darkness there had won
What if Christ was not alive
And every hope had been denied
Where would we be if Sunday had not come

Oh what if Sunday had not come
What if the Son had never dawned
What if eternity was eternally gone
What if the One who came to save
Had never risen from the grave
Oh what if Sunday had not come

Imagine Christ had come in vain
No one there to cleanse our stain
Death was triumphant when all was said and done
What if prophets all were wrong
The cross had silenced Jesus’ song
Where would we be if Sunday had not come

Sweet Surrender
The hardest thing for me to say is “Not my will, but have Your way,”
When I want what You don’t
The pain I feel I made myself, and now I’m asking for Your help
Lord, mend me, don’t condemn me
Take me from this broken place, surround me with Your healing grace
Love away all my mistakes as I fall before You

In sweet surrender
When I relinquish full control, Your perfect peace can heal my soul
In sweet surrender
I’ve never needed You so much, I’m desperate, Lord, for just one touch from You

Your love restores broken things, so take this broken life I bring
You made it, Lord, please save it
Meld me in Your cleansing fire, make Your way my heart’s desire
I trust You, Oh Lord, I love You
Take me from this broken place, surround me with Your healing grace
Love away all my mistakes as I fall before You

New Day
I made mistakes
I was defeated
I ran away
From the love I always needed
Until I fell down
That’s when you found me
And in my brokenness
You changed everything

I am not looking back
Wasting time on the past
When I know that you have
Given me a new day
And by your love I am saved
All the old is washed away
And I’m living in a new day

You took my past
Up to the cross and
Down to the grave
But then you rose again
And it has no power, no
It has no place
I am new because of mercy
And I will stand and say

The old has gone, the new has come
And I’ll praise your name for everything you’ve done, Jesus

Heal the Wound
I used to wish that I could rewrite history
I used to dream that each mistake could be erased
Then I could just pretend I never knew the me back then
I used to pray that You would take this shame away
Hide all the evidence of who I’ve been
But it’s the memory of the place You brought me from
That keeps me on my knees and even though I’m free

Heal the wound but leave the scar
A reminder of how merciful You are
I am broken, torn apart
Take the pieces of this heart
Heal the wound but leave the scar

I have not lived a life that boasts of anything
I don’t take pride in what I bring
But I’ll build an altar with the rubble that You’ve found me in
And every stone will sing of what You can redeem

Don’t let me forget everything You’ve done for me
Don’t let me forget the beauty in the suffering

Jesus Saves
Hear the heart of Heaven beating, “Jesus saves, Jesus saves”
And the hush of mercy breathing, “Jesus saves, Jesus saves”
Hear the hosts of angels sing, “Glory to the newborn King”
And the sounding joy repeating, “Jesus saves”

See the humblest hearts adore Him, “Jesus saves, Jesus saves”
And the wisest bow before Him, “Jesus saves, Jesus saves”
See the sky alive with praise, melting darkness in its blaze
There is light forevermore when Jesus saves

He will live our sorrow sharing, “Jesus saves, Jesus saves”
He will die our burden bearing, “Jesus saves, Jesus saves”
“It is done!” will shout the cross, Christ has paid redemption’s cost!
While the empty tomb’s declaring, “Jesus saves!”

Freedom’s calling, chains are falling, hope is dawning bright and true!
Day is breaking, night is quaking, God is making all things new!

Oh to grace, how great a debtor, “Jesus saves, Jesus saves”
All the saints who shout together, “Jesus saves, Jesus saves”
Rising up so vast and strong, lifting up salvation’s song
The redeemed will sing forever, the redeemed will sing forever,
The redeemed will sing forever, “Jesus saves.”  “Jesus saves!”

It is Well With My Soul
(S)When peace like a river attendeth my way
(W)When sorrows like sea billows roll
Whatever my lot Thou hast taught me to say
It is well, it is well with my soul!

(S)It is well (Wes echo)
(S)With my soul (Wes echo)
It is well, it is well with my soul!

(S)My sin, oh the bliss of this glorious thought
(W)My sin not in part but the whole
Is nailed to the cross and I bear it no more
Praise the Lord, praise the Lord o my soul!

(W)It is well (Steve echo)
(W)With my soul (Steve echo)
It is well, it is well with my soul!

And Lord haste the day when my faith shall be sight
The clouds be rolled back as a scroll
The trump shall resound and the Lord shall descend
Even so it is well with my soul!

(S)It is well (Wes echo)
(S)With my soul (Wes echo)
It is well, it is well with my soul!