| October 2005 Dear Greg, I just wanted to express our appreciation for Greg Walton and his ministry at our Catholic Charismatic Conference in Wildwood, New Jersey last weekend. He was excellent with our junior high age youth. It was great how he wove a teaching in between the songs. His songs are meaningful as well as fun, and he was so approachable with the youth. His lessons on the works of mercy, proofs of God's existence, and salvation history in the Bible, as well as his personal sharings, were so well presented. He did some great apologetics answering their questions, too. And, what a talented musician, guitarist, singer, song-writer he is. We are so blessed that he came and shared with us. Thank you for helping to make it possible. Sincerely in Christ, Cecilia and Mark LeChevallier Kay Sowa and the Junior Youth Track Team New Jersey Catholic Charismatic Renewal Catholic Parent Magazine May 2002 PowerSource Magazine Album Reviews Greg Walton: I Won’t Back Down Now I liked this album. I can understand why this is his third record.. Follow-ups to his debut “Stealing Moment” and his sophomore release “Spirit Of Fire,” Greg continues to have an edge in his music, and he lets you know right out of the box. Of the 11 tracks on this album, 9 are original cuts of Greg’s. The title track originally recorded by Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers “I Won’t Back Down” comes at you at 60 miles an hour, and you can imagine him performing this in a Praise and Worship Service, and I hope he does! The liner notes indicate that this CD is “aimed at encouraging youth to stand strong in the Christian Life.” Thank goodness! We need more of this thought process. Okay, I’m stepping down off my soapbox now! On top of everything else, he has a really user friendly website www.gregwalton.com. If you need more information on him, here’s a good place to start. The second track “Turn Me Around” continues the high speed journey down the road of life. Greg’s guitar playing ability is consistent here.... The hook he used reminds me a lot of something the great guitar player of the 70’s, Rick Derringer (himself a born again Christian), would use. Greg figures by the third track “Despite” that we need to calm down a bit. His vocals are just as strong as his guitar playing, very deep and layered.. The story line here is something that all of us that think we’re 10 feet tall and bullet proof could take the time and listen to it. Greg’s range begins to really warm up with “Blinded.” ...Greg I’m sure can get up in front of an audience and have them dancing in the aisles, and clapping their hands. I like his style. He continues on with “Dear Dorothy,” which takes a slightly different direction. Somewhat a cute conversation with Dorothy from the Wizard Of Oz, Greg sings with flavor, enhancing the breaks with his guitar licks. You’re definitely not in Kansas by the time you get to this song! “Give Me Some Love” continues to change direction musically. Not quite the edgy guitar style that you’ve experienced in the previous tracks, this song has a bit more of a Pop feel to it. Greg comes back with “Jesus Loves You.” What a great song for kids to listen to when they’re trying to make a decision about relationships. Things slow down quite a bit with “Lamb of God.” ...Greg takes it back up with the fast paced song “I Am.” ...Being that I’ve spent a lot of time myself on tour busses over the years, I could relate about being on a “Private Coach.” If you’ve spent any time on the road, you’ll get this one. The Catholic Register The Catholic News & Herald, Charlotte, NC Catholic Music Network As the youth minister at St. Francis de Sales Parish, I invited Greg Walton to do a concert worship experience for our teens at St. Francis de Sales Church in Lake Zurich, Illinois. I had seen Greg perform at a youth conference in 1999, and was thoroughly moved by his music and his love for God. Greg came to do a concert for us on January 21st of 2002, and I would have to say that it was a complete success. Although we have had many guest speakers and musicians minister to our teens at St. Francis, the teens have never reacted as positively as they did to Greg’s music and sharing. Greg has a way of combining music, scripture, sharing, and humor in a way that makes the teens extremely receptive to the gospel message. Greg ministers in a way that sets all at ease, but also challenges all present to embrace the heart of the gospel message. By the end of the concert at St. Francis, our teens were completely engaged and participating in the worship event. We plan on asking Greg back to our parish in the future, and I would HIGHLY RECOMMEND Greg Walton to any parish or youth ministry that is looking to set hearts on fire for Christ. Although our concert consisted primarily of teens, we also had parents and children who loved Greg’s ministry style and his music. I would not hesitate to recommend Greg for programs that minister to teens or the entire family. Elizabeth Kowalczyk Youth Minister St. Francis de Sales Parish Lake Zurich, IL (708) 438-9098 The Daily Herald - Columbia, TN October 2001 Maury Baptist Association is sponsoring a free concert entitled “Night with the Light” at 7:30 p.m., Wednesday, Oct. 31, at Shady Brook Mall. The featured performer will be Greg Walton & Band. Other special guests will also be performing. The event offers an alternative to Halloween trick-or-treating for children and Halloween parties where drugs and alcohol are available to young people. Night with the Light is designed to reach non-Christian youth in a public setting through the use of music, games, a devotion and skits. Of the 8,000 youth in Maury County, 2,333 attend church on a regular basis, but 5,333 have no ties to a church, according to Kenneth Purdom, event organizer. These statistics were taken from the 2000 census of Maury County. Members of the deaf community are also invited to take part in this time of praise. A signer will be on hand to provide interpretation for the event. Powersource Magazine August 2001 Gregory Elliott Walton made a decision in 1998 to leave his teaching position at Proviso West High School in the suburbs of Chicago and pursue a career in music. He made the move to Nashville after hooking up with music promoter Greg Menza, whose credits include work with many top names in rock and contemporary Christian music. Since then, Walton has performed before nearly a quarter-million people, traveling throughout the United States as well as in Germany and Canada. Walton's latest album, I Won't Back Down, is his third to date. The title track is his version of the Tom Petty hit and is particularly appropriate since that is the dominant theme of Walton's message to young and old alike. "It's fitting," he said, "as we have certainly had to stand up to a lot since going full-time with our music. It's also a message we share at our concerts, not to be afraid of what other people think but to be willing to stand up for what you believe in." I Won't Back Down is an alternative rock album. "It is meant for young people and all those who are into modern rock," said Walton. "The title track is a great song. It's inspiring and it carries a message of importance to young people and to all Christians. There are ten of my new songs on this album, most of which are rockers, and there is also an interesting piece by Keith Green, whose ministry really had a great influence on me." An additional CD is planned for release this summer, one called Second Collection. "It will be just that," Walton said. "It's a collection of remixes and songs we do in concert which most people seem to ask for at the table each night." Walton incorporates many different musical styles into his performance. "I like lots of different music and more importantly I like to be able to entertain and minister to as many different people as possible," he said. "Many of my audiences are made up of entire families: kids, teenagers, and even grandparents." Asked to sum up his ministry goals, Walton said, "First off, I believe a lot of Christian bands expect a record label to make them into a successful ministry. This is why we see so many bands rise and fall in Christian music. As a result, one of our goals is to have a ministry that is successful with or without a record label. In addition to having a professional, quality presentation, we hope to build a ministry that forms and ongoing partnership with people's spiritual lives. To do this, we're writing scripture studies that coincide with my albums. Also, my manager, Greg Menza, has written an awesome daily devotional called Kingdom Vision. Both of these are available at our shows. Another thing I've done is to equip my band with musicians who have a heart for worship as well as putting on a rock show. Each member is capable of leading devotionals and workshops if the event calls for it." Walton will perform more than 150 concerts in the coming year and many of these shows will be return appearances. "Greg is a great entertainer and a genuinely terrific guy," said Menza. "People seem to invite him back almost before he leaves the stage." Being bold about his faith and bold about his music makes for a great combination audiences enjoy. Catholic Parent Magazine May/June 2001 "Spirit Of Fire" segues into the most combustible of tracks, "Alive." This spicy Carlos Santana influenced praise chorus is stroked by flaring horns and electric guitar leads and background vocals that evoke the '80' dance club soulster Teena Marie. It's impossible to sit through this - you gotta stand! Walton delivers solid, confident vocals with all the called for heat. PJ'S OK: Lots of influences here musically and stylistically. Greg's vocals favorably recall Mark King of the talented '80s band Level 42 (especially on "Revelation 5"). "Spirit Of Fire" is exothermic P&W for the teen-plus church that's lookin' to cook something up for Jesus. - P.J. Littleton Explorer, Joliet, IL December 1, 2000 WESTMONT – Though he would readily admit his growing success is part of a broader underground movement involving Catholic musicians nationwide, pop artist Greg Walton never considered that label in a literal sense. But there he was on a chilly November evening, on a tiny stage in the basement below Holy Trinity Parish in Westmont, performing cuts from his second album before a packed house of more than 150 concert goers. Three years ago, the 30-year-old Downers Grove native emerged from subterraneous obscurity to share the limelight with some of the most popular Christian contemporary artists in the country. In 1996 he gave up his position as liturgist at Divine Savior Parish in Downers Grove, taught High School for two years and then moved to Tennessee to pursue his musical career full time. He now lives in Columbia, Tenn., less than an hour from the epicenter of Christian contemporary rock – Nashville. “It’s a nice homecoming for me,” said the graduate of the University of Illinois in Champaign, whose wife and three children had come along for the debut performance of “Spirit of Fire,” his second album. “This is my family of faith up here.” An essential member of that family of faith is Walton’s friend Mike Harrsion, whose musical expertise was responsible for the vocalist’s brief return to the Diocese of Joliet. A part-time writer of worship music, Harrison penned the lyrics and music to “Spirit of Fire.” In fact, it was Harrison’s idea that Walton take a break from his pop-rock rhythm and give worship music a shot. “Worship music is meant for people to sing along as part of a worship service,” noted Harrison. “It’s music that engages people to participate and helps them to worship God, versus music that is more performance-oriented.” According to the Wood Dale resident, writing and producing “Spirit of Fire” was a win-win situation for himself and Walton. The joint project was a way to get Harrison’s songs out to the public while giving Waton a chance to perform contemporary worship music, a deviation from his pop-rock debut album. A full-time computer programmer who has been writing music for five years, Harrison in 1997 had handpicked Walton along with several other artists to record a worship CD. When he got the idea for “Spirit of Fire,” Harrison chose Walton to sing the entire album. Although his songwriting ability could open some doors in the music industry, Harrison plans on keeping things simple. “My first goal is to share music that brings people closer to God. If in that process the songs become popular enough to make some money, so be it, but that’s not my first goal. God’s given me a good job and the means to write and record CDs. I’m just giving it back to him.” For Walton, on the other hand, the stage is where he feels he is at his best. After college Walton spent three years as worship coordinator at Divine Savior Parish, then took a job as choral director at Proviso West High School in Hillside. Still, he felt a calling to do something else with his life. So, he did what any aspiring Christian artist would do. He packed up and moved to Tennessee. There, he met music promoter Greg Menza, a Catholic himself who had worked with numerous big-name artists including Paul McCartney, Kansas and Lynyrd Skynyrd. The duo came up with recording label, “Back Door Records,” and before long Menza had Walton touring on the contemporary Christian music circuit. The boyish, blond-haired vocalist was performing alongside noted Christian rock bands called dc Talk and Newsboys.. Walton makes ends meet by selling T-shirts and CDs at coffeehouses, music festivals and church basements. In addition, he garners donations from his non-profit corporation, JesusGlue Ministries. “I’m a preacher first, and concert ministry is the arena for me,” he admitted. “Liturgy wasn’t quite the bull’s eye. It didn’t totally fit me.” Though the former high school teacher’s target audiences are teens and young adults, his message is universal. “I hope to encourage everybody in their faith,” noted the soon-to-be father of four. “In the Catholic Church, there are a lot of people who don’t completely surrender to the Lord. It’s a real burden on my heart to make them take that step.” Though he has shared the stage with dozens of bands at popular Christian music venues such as “Creation,” “Ichthus” and the “Kingdom Bound Festival,” the graduate of Downers Grove South High School has never forgotten his Catholic roots. “I believe my Christian faith is fulfilled by complete adherence to the teachings of the (Catholic) Church,” he noted. “I’m a Christian first, but I think any faithful Catholic is a Christian first.” Walton admitted that there are very few Catholic rock bands playing in the Christian music mainstream, perhaps only about 1 percent. Despite the fact that Protestant artists dominate the landscape of Christian music, a swarm of Catholic artists is poised to emerge, explained Brian Fife, a friend to both Harrison and Walton who played keyboard during the concert. A liturgical pianist who plays at weddings, funerals and liturgies in the Archdiocese of Chicago, Fife pointed out that there is a burgeoning movement of Catholic musicians who grew up on rock-and-roll and are looking to express their talents in the form of contemporary worship music. “It’s natural to use music as a medium for worship,” he said. “There are many other ways to worship besides Mass. What’s important is that we worship from our hearts. (Worship music) is a natural, joyful response that encourages people to praise God.” Just because contemporary Catholic musicians are not the center of attention now doesn’t mean they won’t be in the future, noted Fife. “The support isn’t quite there yet. But more and more people are finding out there’s a lot of great music within our church.” Testimonials I want to thank you and your band for coming to the Holston Association Youth Rally. As always, you were great to minister with. I want you to know that I thought you had done a fantastic job selecting appropriate songs for the focus of the event. I sense the Lord's hand upon your ministry and pray the he continues to use you in mighty ways. I also want to thank you for the godly musicians you brought with you. Their spirit of enthusiasm and servanthood were great to have along. I know that in your position finding quality musicians and godly musicians is not always the easiest accomplishment. For our event I thought that the combination was tremendous. Matt Warren Oak Grove Baptist Church Gray, TN 423-477-3141 We found Greg Walton to be a refreshing voice for the Lord. His music and testimony spoke volumes to our entire church family. We were fortunate to have Greg be with us for an entire week at our youth camp and the young people responded beyond my expectations to Greg, his music, and testimony. I was able to watch Greg from a distance and it was a joy to see him personally get involved in the youth activities of the camp and to take time to talk to the youth on a one on one setting as they would seek him out. Greg throws himself fully into the work of the Lord. I would without reservation recommend Greg and his ministry to any church wanting to have someone make a positive impact on their youth. Pastor "Ike" Cowell Grace Church Haltom City, TX 817-281-5833 I want to send you a letter of recommendation for anyone thinking of having Greg Walton come and minister. Greg and the guys did an excellent job at our "Friendship Fest" and truly ministered to our church the following day. Not only are they great musicians but they are great guys and men after God. We look forward to having Greg again and they have our highest recommendation. Pastor Mark Geselle Minnewaska Assembly of God Glenwood, MN 320-634-5443 Greg recently led the praise and worship and held devotions for our District Preteen Retreat. He was a great hit! His songs and words of encouragement spoke to the kids and adults alike! Greg is not just a guy standing on stage; he personally interacts with those to whom he ministers. He shares from his heart, and speaks to the hearts of his listeners. Greg truly has a heart for God and a desire to do His will. Tonya Marks Pastor of Families with Children Grace Church of the Nazarene Columbia, TN 931-388-4788 I found Greg to be genuine, honest, and extremely humble. As you may know, artists are not known for their flexibility. However, Greg refuses to fit the mold of those artists before him. Most importantly, Greg has a genuine heart to reach the lost and communicate clearly to the saved. I would recommend Greg without any hesitation. Mike Wilson Oak Street Baptist Church Elizabethton, TN 423-542-4022 I wanted to thank you for the great weekend of ministry. Your heart for middle schoolers came through loud and clear. You were flexible and ministry focused and I appreciate that so much. Bottom line, you were a blessing. Anthony Thomas Minister of Youth Shandon Baptist Church Columbia, SC 782-1300 I just wanted to let you know that we really enjoyed have Greg Walton and his band here for Friend Day and are looking forward to having them return for our youth concert next month. They did a great job for us last time and we are expecting more of the same when they return. I particularly liked Greg's choices of music and what he had to share with our Friend Day crowd. It complemented my message well and showed that Greg had really thought about what would best suit our needs for that day. Thanks again! Steve Gervasi Youth Pastor Thompson Station Church Thompson Station, TN 615-791-0905 This letter is to recommend the Greg Walton Band for use in your activities. Our local chapter of the Fellowship of Christian Athletes used Greg and his band for the first fifth quarter event we ever did, and they were GREAT! They spent time before and after the party with our students and kept them rocking throughout the event. We have since then had them back at our school for an after hours concert which the kids loved. Their ability to relate and entertain youth while presenting them with a Christian message is outstanding. We hope to have Greg and the band back again next school year, if their schedule will allow. So, if you're planning an event with teenagers you want them there! Kirk M. Shepard Huddle Coach of S.H.H.S. Fellowship of Christian Athletes Spring Hill High School Columbia, TN 931-486-2207 I want you to know how much we loved having Greg Walton again. Greg is such a genuine guy with a heart for God and a love for people. Greg related to our audience both young and old. I still have people talking about him. His service greatly supports our youth ministry, church and our community. This year was the best working line up of groups I have ever had for the Fest of Life. Greg and all the other groups were focused and ready for ministry. I thank God that Greg was willing to take a bold stand and minister in this county fair setting without holding anything back. Aaron McNeese Youth Pastor Director of Fest of Life Covenant Family Worship Center Greenville, TN 423-683-2799 Are you looking for someone to share the joy of the Lord with your church? I was. There was only one dilemma... I wanted someone that was real, someone who was just as on fire for God off stage as they "seemed" to be on stage. If you are anything like me you find yourself asking, "are they walking the walk or just talking the talk." I can say without doubt or exception, Greg Walton is such a man. I have been blessed with his friendship and amazed by his musical talents. I have seen the man he is at home when one of his children or his wife needs him, and I have seen him touch the hearts of my youth. The amazing reality is this... wherever he is, he is the same man of God. I believe that makes Greg unique. Whether you are looking for someone to lead a small group in praise and worship or you are looking for someone to uplift your whole church. Greg Walton can carry the Word in a powerful way. That is one reason we keep asking him to return again and again. Jason Beck Youth Pastor Highland Park Baptist Columbia, TN 931-388-6216 Well with this year, I have been booking groups for Priority Prom with you for about 4 years, and someone was booking with you before that. Once again this year you knew just what I was looking for. The Greg Walton/Robin Welty thing you put together for me was nothing short of "GREAT." Greg did just what I was looking for with the main part of the concert section of the evening. I am always looking for someone that will get the kids up on their feet and have a good time at Priority Prom; and Greg did just that. He did the perfect mix of "rockin' out," softer songs, and ministry. As far as I am concerned, he didn't leave anything out. But he also went one step farther, because while the kids were being served dinner he grabbed a bottle of soda and started serving the kids himself. Then after the concert was over and everything was packed up; instead of going back to their motel rooms; the entire band stayed around and fellowshipped with the kids. You don't see that very often!!!!!! Most performers just do their thing, get their money, and get out. What the Greg Walton Band did was real special, and I cannot say THANK YOU to them enough. Also, during the concert, Greg's band and Robin did several sets together. The two bands together on one program does nothing but complement each other. Each doing their own sets and then combining their talents really works!!!!! Randy Hildebrand Danny Rhoades Music Lebanon, MO 417-532-8380 I am glad to have this opportunity to let people know that Greg Walton has a heart for ministry that is supported by his excitement and great musical talent. Playing "the bridge" worship service meant that Greg was playing fewer songs to fewer people than he would in a concert. However, he would never have considered putting less effort into his performance. He shared from the heart with a genuineness that touched everyone in the room regardless of age. We can't wait to have him back! Stephanie H. Boaz Associate Pastor Eastminster Presbyterian Church Evansville, IN 812-476-3355 Just wanted to drop you a note and say how much we, the congregation and our visitors, enjoyed the music and ministry of Greg Walton. Everyone enjoyed the show, and received satisfaction from the spiritual formation Greg so professionally showed through his music and remarks made during the hour. Joe Meadows Diana United Methodist Columbia, TN 38401 We were so pleased with you and your group's performance at our
block party last fall. The songs were meaningful, the musicianship
was excellent, you communicated the Gospel effectively, and you
especially related well to the youth. Your gentle attitude and sweet
spirit were the icing on the cake. You are a fine young man, and
it was a pleasure to work with you. I know that God will use you
and your ministry through music in powerful ways in the years to
come! This is just a brief note to let you know that we really enjoyed Greg Walton's excellent concert presented here at Saint Catherine. I heard many favorable comments both at the concert and subsequent to it. Those who attended were particularly impressed by the professionalism both of Greg and the overall production of the concert. Thanks again for your support of the production and thank Greg for us once again. (Rev.) J. Patrick Conner St. Catherine's 3019 Cayce Lane Columbia, TN 38401 Thanks again for your performance here back in November! The students are still talking about how much they liked your band and your message. We need more... musicians like yourself to inspire our young people to do great things with their life. I pray that God gives you strength to keep pursuing your dream and making an impact on young people everywhere. If possible, please keep me informed of new projects, CD's or other concerts in our area. May God bless your ministry and make it fruitful in building up the kingdom. Dennis Brun Director of Campus Ministry Carroll High School 4525 Linden Avenue Dayton, Ohio 45432 I would highly recommend Greg Walton to any ministry that wants quality, authentic Christian music for any age group. Greg is the most sincere, faith-filled artist I have worked with. He brings an outstanding voice and music ability and combines it with a genuine desire to build the kingdom of God. Greg was the resident musician for our parish mission and was loved by all our parishioners. His music brought prayerfulness to the mission that enhanced the individual spiritual experience as well as the communal. One of our goals in bringing Greg in to assist with the mission was to appeal to the younger members of our parish. The last night of the mission the speaker called up to the sanctuary every person under the age of 18. There were nearly one hundred who came forward. I think Greg's music had a lot to do with their attendance. In March of 2000 we brought Greg and his band back to the church for a concert. Greg was able to showcase his diverse music styles and was a huge hit with the crowd that was mostly teens, but also many families and adults. Because of his presence at the mission, folks already felt like they had a relationship with Greg. And to Greg's credit, he acted as if he had come home to our parish. Greg is very accommodating and strives to fit into the parish's vision of an event. He was easy to work with and cared for the success of our events. Julie Butson Mickler Youth Director 5300 Old Howell Branch Road Winter Park, FL 32792 407-657-6114 Your music shouts of "Praise to God the Most High." Your wonderful talents combine together to make a "Holy Sound" to the Lord. Thank you for your witness of what we can become when we use our gifts for His Glory. I know God has great plans for all of you. Remain in His Grace and he will do the rest. Rhona Lenhof Junior High Consultant Diocese of Joliet 430 North Center Street Joliet, IL 60435 815-727-6411 |
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