Bryan Austin aka Austin Bryant: Press

Austin, you are more than just a fabulous singer, you truly are someone that I consider a friend; a wonderful, gracious gentleman every time we meet.


Your music is a supporting role for the show but when you sing, it seems as though it is the other way around. The Sonlight players can seemingly traverse time but your music traverses dimensions. It is so much more than just singing notes. You sing with a passion that leaves the audience feeling the music, not just hearing it. You are a gifted man who appropriately utilizes his talents to praise the Giver of the gift. In return, may the Lord bless you and keep you singing His praises.

Your friend,

Guy Randol



Guy Randol

President

Majestic Enterprises, Inc.

RadioIndy is pleased to present Bryan Austin with a GrIndie Award for the CD "Realizing the Dream"Thursday, January 22, 2009 10:55 PM

From: "RadioIndy Reviews" Dear Bryan Austin,
We sent a further notice announcing the GrIndie we awarded you for your excellent CD "Realizing the Dream" to all our local email listener and industry pro lists in your region. We are thrilled to continue to help you promote your excellent CD.
Sincerely,
Manny and GregCo-founders, RadioIndy.com

Brother Austin,

On behalf of the SonLight Players, we wanted to once again thank you for your willingness to share your wonderful ministry of music with us as part of our programs.
Your gift of song adds so much to our drama ministry, the impact of song, scripture, and bringing Gods word to life.
We especially wanted to tell you that unanimously we felt your "Silent Night" at Concord Baptist Church was so moving. We have never heard a more pure tone, as if the Angels themselves were sharing the sounds of Heaven with us. Our words can not compare to the feeling of being there and sensing the Hand of God Almighty moving through that Church.
Of the three programs we participated in this year, I believe the greatest compliment you could receive was the heartfelt tears of joy that were shared when you sang.
May God continue to bless you, and us, as your gift is shared. Looking forward to your next CD !

With Love from your Brothers,
The SonLight Players

Nov 13, 2008 4:23 PM
RADIOINDY REVIEWS: Just in time for the holidays, Bryan Austin has released a great collection of spiritual and holiday songs entitled "Chosen For The Dream." Bryan is a master of his craft and hails from the world of traditional gospel. His passionate vocals and enticing tracks make this compilation perfect for the upcoming holiday season. The vocal layers and performances are impressive to say the least. Whether A Capella or implanted in airy and ethereal arrangements, the voice stands on its own. The production value is also very good and you will feel great about putting this album on for a winter time gathering. One highlight is the opener "Jesus, I Love You", which not only expresses a powerful statement of faith, but gives you a convincing look at Austin's ability. He skillfully layers his vocals as the only instrument in the piece. Another great track is "Do You Hear What I Hear," which contains a standout vocal performance and will make you yearn for a snowy night by the fire. "Medley" wraps things up with one last taste of the great vocal harmonizing. If in need of some fresh Christmas music, look no further than “Chosen For The Dream.
CD Baby: BRYAN AUSTIN: Chosen For The Dream

Congratulations on GrIndie Award
author: RadioIndy.com
RadioIndy is proud to present BRYAN AUSTIN a GrIndie Award for his CD "REALIZING THE DREAM." A GrIndie Award is RadioIndy's stamp of approval that this CD is an excellent quality CD. Please join us in congratulating this artist on this accomplishment.

Bryan, Thanks again for sharing with the people of St. Paul's on Sunday. All accounts were that it was your best performance at St. Paul's yet. I look forward to hearing the recordings and sharing it with you. Thanks for making us Stand Up for Jesus and helping us feel the Spirit. I look forward to many opportunities in the future for you to share with the choir. Blessings, Stephen Rew

Austin,
Last evening I heard a vocal musical presentation that could not fail to
> move even a hard heart. Austin, there was a passion in your voice that
> I have never heard you exceed. Match, maybe, but not exceed.
When I listen to you or watch you present a song I see more than someone
simply putting words to music. You bring life to the words. Keep it up.
In Christ,
Mark

RadioIndy.com has named you a Gold Artist


Dear Bryan Austin ,

We screen thousands of songs by indie artists and name the best artists RadioIndy.com Gold Artists. We focus on musicianship, songwriting and recording quality when determining your Gold artist status. Congratulations - You are a Radioindy Gold Artist!



If there is ever anything we can do to improve your experience on RadioIndy.com, please let us know.

Congratulations,

Manny and Greg
Co-Founders, RadioIndy.com

MikVacch Enterprises, LLC (Radioindy.com)






support@radioindy.com • RadioIndy.com

RadioIndy Review of your ""Realizing the Dream"" CD


Bryan Austin’s "Realizing the Dream" is a traditional gospel album from a talented singer with a tremendous amount of faith. Bryan's journey is a passionate one. Austin approaches every song differently and puts everything he has into his performance. He has an impressive vocal range and belts it out with passion, raw emotion, and intimacy to the likes of Aaron Neville and Luther Vandross. Austin bares himself to his audience hoping the audience will, in turn, bear witness to the spiritual presence of the Lord. The arrangements are simple and could all be intimated inside a house of the Lord since Austin treats each track like a soulful gospel hymn. It’s all about good old fashioned praise. The recording quality of “Realizing the Dream” nicely matches the rawness of Austin’s vocal performance and doesn’t rely on any effects to be effective. Highlights include "The Anchor Holds," which gives you a first taste of Austin's talent as a vocalist and really kicks off the journey. "Stand Up, Stand Up For Jesus" features some nice harmony and layering in the vocals and plays on a familiar song of patriotism. "Were You There" wraps things up with a nice guitar progression and beautiful female backing vocals. If you enjoy good ol' fashioned, soulful gospel, give “Realizing the Dream” a listen. -William and the RadioIndy.com Reviewer Team
Check out Bryan Austin's music on RadioIndy.com with link to purchase and links to popular sites



support@radioindy.com • RadioIndy.com

BRYAN AUSTIN
You can dream of many things. You can dream of wealth and material things, but you can also dream of love and peace on earth. Our “master dreamer”, Mr. Bryan Austin, has dreamed up his fifth CD titled Realizing the Dream (Art-Tist Records), and considering that it’s his third inspirational album in a row you can assume that his dreams and aims are more lofty and spiritual than those of only winning in lottery. But I think he’s not against material things, either, especially in terms of selling this new CD. And this album deserves to be heard and purchased.

I talked to Bryan for the first time in 2000 right after the release of his Still Dreaming set, and if you wish to read about his early career and first recordings you can do it here. The nine-track Realizing the Dream was recorded in Bryan’s home city, Kansas City. Bryan: “I have a good friend by the name of Dan Smith, who owns a studio – excellent studio, excellent musician, excellent engineer. As a matter of fact, I recorded my last two albums with him.”

On the mid-tempo opener, Prayer of Realization, Bryan talks his way through a track created by his little cousin, Darryl “DAT” Taylor. “It’s just a prayer. On occasion, Darryl would record music for me and just allow me to write lyrics.” The Anchor Holds is a beautiful melody written and first recorded (in 1995) by Ray Boltz, and on this track the background with a big choir is skilfully built.

Battle Hymn of the Republic needs no introduction. “On my website – www.bryanakaaustin.com – there’s a video performance of the Battle Hymn of the Republic, which Nate Woodward arranged for what was called a Patriotic Sunday. He and I reunited and decided to record it. He’s playing all the instruments and I’m doing all the vocals, lead and background.”

On an old negro spiritual called There Is a Balm in Gilead Bryan is backed up only by a piano player and a choir. “The choir is from St. Paul United Methodist Church, out of Raymore, Missouri. I sing a lot at the church, and the choir collaborated on this. The piano player is Brenda Morris, and she plays for the choir. I wanted to do a cappella version, but when we were rehearsing it I said ‘let’s keep the piano in’.”

Wade in the Water IS pure a cappella. “Wade in the Water is one that is heavily requested, so I just decided to go in and record it. People just rave, when I sing it, and I also encourage people to clap.” Another traditional song that derives from the 19th century, Stand Up, Stand Up for Jesus, has only drums behind Bryan’s high tenor. “Dan Smith did the drums, and it’s my own arrangement.”

Lyrics by Bryan and music performed by Darryl “DAT” Taylor, a slow and atmospheric ballad titled Undeserving is set to an old school soul sound, whereas I Believe I Can Fly, one of Bryan’s show-stoppers, is a big ballad, not unlike The Anchor Holds. The final song, another big ballad named Were You There, would be a highlight on any Bryan’s CD, and actually it appeared already on his previous album, Chosen for the Dream. “The problem was that people would want to buy the song, but not being around Christmas time they wouldn’t want to buy a Christmas CD, so I put it on this one.”

On weekends Bryan usually performs in churches and similar venues. “Even my old school is wholesome, so on occasion I will still do an old school set.” Besides the Battle Hymn, you can watch videos of I Believe I Can Fly and Were You There, too, on Bryan’s website. “The Anchor Holds, Wade in the Water, I Believe I Can Fly, Undeserving and Were You There are the crowd favourites. The Anchor Holds and Were You There have them spellbound. Wade and Undeserving make them want to sing along.”

I bet there’s the word ‘dream’ on Bryan’s next CD, too. “I would like to thank all of those, who have supported my music. I hope they will enjoy the new CD, and just continue to share this dream.”

Bryan's music brought forth the touch of the spirit in a way only he can do.
Our service opened with him singing the Lord's Prayer...it created a sacred
holy space to worship that left my arms covered in goose bumps. The Anchor
Holds touched my heart and brought tears to my eyes. The power of the Lord
is present when Bryan opens his mouth to sing!

Cathy

Hey Austin,

Asking me to pick only my top three Austin songs if not fair either.

"Bridge Over Troubled Water"
"The Anchor Holds"
"His Eye Is On The Sparrow"
"The Lords Prayer"
To me these are your songs, you have made them yours.

"Thank You Lord"
Wonderful song, but again it may be your personal testimony that really
makes this so special.

"O Holy Night"
This has been my favorite Christmas song for a long time. And again,
having you perform it with our Christmas Drama is a precious memory for
me.

"Something About That Name"
You do not have this on a CD yet ?
This is what I mean about Hymnal songs, the passion in your voice with
this type of songs makes everyone want to sing with you (even if he
can't sing).

"Wade In The Water"
Love this one !
Like an Arena Anthem for John the Baptist.
Another Hymnal song that you mastered.

Take a chance on something like "How Great Thou Art" I believe it is
right in your power zone.

Dear Austin,

I have heard nothing but praise for your singing on Sunday. I don’t know if you watched the faces of the congregation, but they were filled with inspiration. We enjoyed it immensely, and as I had thought, the music was the “real sermon” on Sunday.

Thanks so much for your gift of music, God bless,

Rev. Sally DeMasters

Bryan:
I am proud of you. You have made your dream real for you and so many people that have been touched by your heart, soul and beautiful voice.
I know you will keep up the good work.
All my best.
always.
Bob Corff
www.corffvoice.com

Austin,

Thanks again so much for joining us in worship today at CrossRoads. Your voice is always a welcome addition to our choir, and your solos are looked forward to by the whole congregation. I am so glad you suggested "Thank You Lord" as your offering of music. I believe the text not only complemented our weekly scripture, it also articulated the feelings of many of our members. You have a beautiful way with words and melody. Keep sharing your gift!

Karen

Austin,
You are a blessing to many, beyond your singing too,
thanks for being a friend.

Randy

AUS,

LAST NITE I WAS ABLE TO GIVE A LISTEN TO YOUR LATEST RENDITION, I'M IMPRESSED. YOUR SONGBOOK SHOWS HOW YOUR VOICE AND SINCERITY TO THE WORD HAVE MATURED. SIMPLY PUT, YOUR VOICE IS SEASONED AND RIPE TO WARM THE HEARTS OF ALL WHO LISTEN. WE GREW UP LISTENING TO EACH OTHER,AND I CAN TRULY SAY, YOUR VOICE GETS "GOODER & GOODER" AS EACH DAY PASSES. KEEP IT GOING.

Your web site blew me away! After I read all of it, I thought, "Good heavens, and I asked this man if he sang in St. James Choir!! Why he's sung all over the world." It's a very impressive site, and I certainly will encourage those whom I meet to go there and read about you. Especially those who are looking for good, wholesome entertainment.
In Christ,

Joan

Bryan,

Thank you again for being with my church in worship this previous
Sunday.
All accounts were that you were amazing. You are a fantastic musician,

human and Christian. Thank you for sharing your talents with us at St.

Paul's. I look forward to hearing the recording. You have an open
invitation to our church to sing!

Blessings,

Stephen Rew
Music Director
St. Paul's United Methodist Church

Dearest Mr. Austin,

It was, once again, such a privilege to see you on Sunday. Your songs always find a new way to reach me, even the songs I’ve heard before from other performances or your CD. I sensed that other people felt moved as well. I hope that I always manage to find good things in this world that touch me and give me a peaceful reassurance that God is in control. I know your music always will. I look forward to the next opportunity to be blessed by your gracious presence.
May the good Lord bless you and keep you in his tender care.
Sincerely,
Your friend,
Guy Randol

Guy Randol
President
Majestic Enterprises, Inc.

samanpam/Leumas Musical Services wrote:
Bryan:

Great accolades for a much deserving person. Keep-up-the-good work and sing for those who love and appreciate your obvious gift from God...God's gifts for God's grace...

Bryan
I enjoyed visiting with you. Thank You for all you do in serving our Associates & Members.

God gave you a special gift of "finding joy" in everyday.
It is apparent to me that your positive attitude is contagious to all that come in contact with you.

"To take the first step in faith, you don't have to see the whole staircase; just take the first step." --Dr. Martin Luther King
You've taken that first step and beyond and are fulfilling the mission that Christ gave us all...to tell the story of Jesus and His love.

I wish you the best success in all you do.

David BingVice President
Wal-Mart / SAM'S CLUB Fuel

Randall Kelly"

Subject: Sunday on the way home from Bates City I told Austin that him singing "Wade in the Water"

Sunday on the way home from Bates City I told Austin that him singing
"Wade in the Water" before "John the Baptist" has become like "bread
and butter". Seeing Rex backstage getting amped to go and Michael and I
singing along with Austin was one of the coolest experiences I have had
in along time. So I wanted to say thanks to all of you for making this
a
memorable summer, and hopefully we aren't done yet.
We are blessed to have this experience that sticks with us and for each
other to share it with.
So, this morning when a co-worker came in and in a loud voice is
talking with other co-workers "blah, blah, blah" I am in my office
working, I hear him say after five or ten minutes "I guess I better get
to work." and I hear him head out of the office - out of nowhere he
starts singing "Wade in the Water" I almost shouted "Repent". Just the
thought brought a smile to my face and I had to share this with you
all.
So again, thank-you all for this journey, I feel truly blessed to have
been a part of it.

Randy

The Lord's Prayer is one of my favorite songs and Austin you touched our souls with your performance. You know I'm partial but it seems to me you get better each time we hear you. Your voice is awesome and the way you make everyone feel special is such a blessing. The songs you sang today were wonderful. It is inspiring to see how your music ministry compliments the ministry of the SonLight Players. And what a performance both were - WOW.
We are all so looking forward to next week. Being part of your ministry is such a blessing to Concord Baptist Church.
Love and blessings, Roberta

Nate Woodward Austin's unique vocal talent is only the beginning of what he brings to worship. He connects with his audience in a way that few performers can, all the while directing our attention to the God about which he sings so passionately. His genuine enthusiasm and love is infectious. It has been my great privilege to work with Austin making music. His musical instincts help him excel in bringing new pieces of music to life, and his can-do attitude make rehearsals fun. In short, his talent and personality have opened new windows for the music at our church. We're blessed by his voice and his heart.

Grace and Peace,
Nate