As You Wish / Star Song

Benjamin

An entire generation grew up to the inspirational sounds of Bill and Gloria Gaither. The legendary performers and hymn writers composed music that spiritually uplifted an entire population often referred to as the "Baby Boomers."

Now there is a voice that speaks the language of today's generation. While he continues the legacy set forth by his parents, he has a voice and a sound all his own and a message that is clear. His name is Benjamin Gaither and his band is called Benjamin.

Musically speaking, Benjamin's music can be defined as an exciting blend of rock and pop. Spiritually, Benjamin is committed to building bridges with the youth of today. Benjamin speaks directly to individuals who have grown up in the church, but are struggling to achieve a real relationship with Christ. Benjamin's music encourages young people to seek God personally, to make a commitment, and to live out their faith in everyday life.

Benjamin's self-titled debut gave listeners a glimpse at the depth of Benjamin Gaither's musical vision. The first single, "Rain Down A Fire," reached #7 on CCM Magazine and Christian Rock Report's "AC" charts. It reached #5 on both publications' "CHR" charts. Benjamin followed up with the single "Don't Tell Him You Love Him" which garnered a #5 and #7 slot on CCM and CRR's "CHR" charts, respectively.

As You Wish represents Benjamin's sophomore effort with Star Song Records. The 10-song collection ranges from the energetic pop of "The Narrow Road" to the laid-back groove and soulful harmonies of "Until We Turn" to the stripped down ballad "As You Wish." while diversity plays a major role in As You Wish, so does maturity and focus, according to Benjamin.

"The album is much more mature," Benjamin Gaither says. "With the first album I was still trying to figure out what I wanted to do as an artist. This album is more accessible and focused. We've definitely refined a sound."

While Benjamin's original sound is both esthetically pleasing and musically challenging, it exists merely as a vehicle for a much more profound message. This message is perhaps best stated by the song "Against The Grain." Benjamin Gaither is an individual who has personally experienced the same pressures, inner toil and search for identity that marks the spirit of his generation. This song serves as a glimpse of hope and words of encouragement to those overcoming the same struggles.

"Against The Grain" is my favorite lyric on the album," Gaither said. "It's a song about how things in your life can be really awful and make you say 'God why are you doing this?' and how they can end up being the greatest times in your life and you look back and say 'that's what formed my character, that's what made me me.' The greatest things are born against the Grain."

In overcoming personal obstacles Gaither is quick to credit the support and guidance from his family. Benjamin Gaither is the grandson of a Church of God minister. His parents, Bill and Gloria Gaither, encouraged their son by serving as strong role models of faith and ministry. Benjamin notes that while his father was a source of musical inspiration, he never used his position in the music community to promote his son. It's Benjamin's own walk of faith that can account for the profound musical ministry found on As You Wish.

"He was very supportive when I was growing up, but he knew when to step away," Gaither said of his father, noting that the struggles his father let him face on his own were some of the most important. "It's a fine line that a parent has to walk and he walked it very well."

While Bill Gaither has been walking the fine line of a proud and supportive parent, Benjamin, along with Beth Fox, Tiffany Arbuckle, Scott Harper and John Pisciotta, has been performing to enthusiastic audiences nationwide. The group is steadily making the jump from high school auditoriums to colleges and bigger venues. In reference to the band's increasingly successful touring, Benjamin notes enthusiastically that the live thing is a must-see to get a full feel for the band.

"It's very much a roller coaster ride," Benjamin says. "It's up and down and very entertaining, and challenging as well. Very energetic. There's lights and production. We do some acoustic things and the girls do some percussion. The drummer will come out and just play a snare drum. It's a blast."

Perhaps Benjamin's aforementioned words also sum up his message to his peers. Life can be a difficult and challenging roller coaster ride. But if you rise to the challenge of finding God, it can also be a blast.

It seems the Gaither heritage of being in touch with a generation lives on.

The Narrow Road

On The Inside

Until We Turn

As You Wish

Heart In Danger

You Can't Get To Heaven (will intro by Bill)

You're The Reason Why

As Long As There's A Heaven

Call/Cry For The Nation

Against The Grain