Leaping out of the speakers is a three dimensional Jesus whenever Ryan Seaton sings.  Though many songs may deliberate about Jesus underneath the veil of secular relationships where Jesus conveniently takes on a hyped-up glorified paramour, Seaton is not into Jesus in incognito.  Through many songs may re-tell the Biblical stories of Jesus as if there were myths that happened over two thousand years ago, Seaton is not Jesus merely confined within the pages of a history book.  Rather, when Seaton sings about Jesus, we get a flesh, skin and tendon covered Jesus coming alive ministering to us through these songs.  And one of the ways how Seaton does this is that he superimposes the stories about Jesus from Scripture with our own contemporary narratives.  He then shows us how Jesus still speaks to our struggles today.  Such a fleet not easily accomplished through a sonic form of Abode Photoshop. Rather, through a prayerful passionate abandonment to God's Spirit, Seaton's richly textured tenor resonates with a Spirited realism. 

Take the album open "Water Walking Jesus," as an example.  Instead of just squarely recounting the Biblical story, Seaton takes Jesus right out of Mark 6 into our bedroom when we are tossing and turning in our beds because of our pressing anxiety.  And when he sings about Jesus in such realism, it is as if Jesus were speaking to us.  Just as Jesus challenge Peter to get out of our boat, we too are called to walk with him on our waters of trials.  Fans of Southern Gospel music would not find Ryan Seaton a stranger.  Starting off as a member of the Melody Boys Quartet, Seaton was later invited by Ernie Haase to be part of his Signature Sound Quartet.  During his tenure with the Signature Sound, they have been awarded three Dove awards, one Grammy nomination and two Gold albums (of sales exceeding 500,000 copies each). After going solo in 2009, Seaton released the 50s-themed "The Stage is Bare" in 2010.  Three years down the road, we are greeted with "Prisoner of Hope."

Never too heavenly for any earthly good, the title track "Prisoner of Hope" gives us handles on how we can choose to be hostages of fear or be captured by the grace of Jesus.  And in a song that speaks of powerfully of Christ's presence and comfort, the multi-voiced harmony driven chorus reinforces the song's message that we are not alone in our struggles.  Benjamin Gaither who has penned or co-penned no less 60% of the record joins forces with co-writer Suzanne Jennings on the album's most adventurous cuts "Right Smack Dab in the Middle." A godly resolve not to dabble with sin, "Right Smack Dab in the Middle" is a rollicking ball of a tune with a touch of the country rock finesse of the Oak Ridge Boys.  And to demonstrate the diversity of his pensive strokes, Benjamin Gaither gets into the worship genre with a co-write with Marshall Hall and Jeff Silvery on the country flavoured "Praises."

Those who itch for a soaring ballad from Seaton would not be disappointed with the Bill and Gloria Gaither's "Then Came the Morning."  The delivery is spot-on where Seaton is tender yet passionate, measured yet emotionally expressive, Seaton's rendition of "Then Came the Morning" really brings out the complex emotions of that first resurrection morning.  Not also to be miss is "Room in My Heart," one of the most inviting ballads that beckon to rest in Jesus to be released this year.  As you listen to Seaton's "Prisoner of Hope," be prepared to encounter Jesus as he walks into our prisons of despair and lead us captive into his everlasting love. 

For more on Seaton or to purchase "Prisoner of Hope," please visit http://www.ryanseaton.com.