Christian Music Online

Christian fusion band Newworldson

November 3, 2008 – 2:29 pm

Three years ago Joel Parisien, a solo artist, needed a backup band for his act.

Now, Parisien and his former backup band make up the Christian fusion band Newworldson, which will perform Wednesday night at the McNease Convention Center.

Parisien said it is the band’s first headline tour in Texas.

“It’s our favorite state, and that’s where we’ve got the most positive response,” he said. “So it only makes sense that we are starting the tour in Texas.”

The band recently won the Canadian Gospel Music Association’s Folk/Roots Album of the Year for its debut album, “Salvation Station.”

The band also won the 2007 Covenant Award for Best New Artist and Roots/Folk Album of the Year for “Roots Revolution.”

“For all of us, it’s very encouraging to be recognized by the industry,” Parisien said. “We’ve just had overwhelming support from everyone.”

The four-member group, based in Niagara Falls, Ontario, is made up of Parisien on vocals and piano, Mark Rogers on drums, Josh Toal on electric guitar and vocals, and Rich Moore on upright bass and vocals.

Newworldson’s sound is gospel music fused with soul, rhythm and blues, funk and pop.

“We all grew up playing different types of music and have so many musical influences that just come out when we play,” Parisien said.

Atlantic Eyes Entertainment President Ed Kimbrell said Newworldson does not sound like the run-of-the-mill Christian group.

“They definitely have an unusual twist to their music,” Kimbrell said.

He said they wanted to make the concert as accessible as possible.

“We know it’s a Wednesday night, and we’re encouraging youth groups to come out to the show,” Kimbrell said.

Parisien said the group loves playing music and meeting new people.

“The goal of our music is for people to hear our music and leave the show feeling uplifted,” he said.

If you go

What: Newworldson in concert.
When: 7:30 p.m. Wednesday.
Where: McNease Convention Center, 500 Rio Concho Drive.

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