Chris Tomlin celebrated the past, present and the future at Ocean Way Studios in Nashville, Tenn., this past Tuesday. CCM
was there for an exclusive look...The historic Ocean Way Studios were buzzing on Tuesday afternoon as family, friends and industry professionals gathered to celebrate the accomplishments of the reigning three-time "Male Vocalist of the Year," Chris Tomlin. The afternoon began with an intimate listening session where Tomlin shared stories behind the songs on the new record,
Hello Love (releasing Sept. 2). Guests were priviledged to hear several cuts on the larger-than-life speakers in the control room at Ocean Way (where all of
Hello Love was recorded). Tomlin seemed to have a newfound excitement as he shared the heart behind the songs, looking to producer Ed Cash every now and then to add his thoughts on different moments of the recording process, not the least of which included a divine encounter with Uganda's Watoto Children's Choir who sings on the album's title track (more on that next week!).
A reception in the main studio room followed the listening session. Ocean Way provided an appropriate setting given the now Belmont-owned studio was once a church (the stained glass windows are still there today). Before being recognized for his past achievements, Tomlin and his band performed a short set for the crowd. With respect to the past, present and future, Tomlin led a worshipful acoustic string of anthems--"How Great Is Our God," "Amazing Grace (My Chains Are Gone)" and the new No. 1 single "Jesus Messiah" from his forthcoming project.
Afterwards, sixsteps/Passion founder Louie Giglio spoke for a few minutes detailing Chris' journey and emphasizing his anticipation for the future. He also introduced Tomlin's family who had come all the way from Texas for the event--his mom and dad, grandad, two brothers (who are clones of Chris) and their wives, and a niece. Along with EMI CMG President Peter York and wife Shelley, Giglio presented Tomlin with plaques certifying his previous two albums platinum (
Arriving) and gold (
See The Morning). Afterwards, a grateful and emotional Tomlin presented his bandmates with their respective plaques.
Tomlin's dad was right up there with the media snapping pictures. ;) And while the guests of honor posed for photos, the crowd munched on sushi.
I left a little before 5pm, grateful for the priveldge of being a part of such a great afternoon celebrating the talents of one of America's most gifted songwriters. Louie's words still sweetly resonate with truth: "We are witnessing history in the making." No doubt. I've already been listening to my pre-release copy of
Hello Love for several months now, and I'm certain we'll be gathering again in another year or two to celebrate the release of another Tomlin record and the wild success of
Hello Love. And if Tomlin's unusual excitement and the palpable anticipation felt in the room on Tuesday is any indication, I'm keeping my eyes peeled for what's in store...
Hello Love releases next Tuesday, and we'll be doing some celebrating of our own! The "Tomlin Takeover" begins next Monday, Sept. 1. Come back all next week to read an exclusive interview with Chris as he talks about the new record, what God is doing in his life and maybe even the new church he's starting with Giglio in Atlanta. Plus, we'll have exclusive blogs, contests, videos, song streams and more... Don't miss your introduction to one of the biggest records of the year!
(l-r) Shelley Giglio, Louie Giglio, Chris Tomlin and Peter York 
(l-r) Louie Giglio, Matt Gilder, Daniel Carson, Chris Tomlin, Travis Nunn, Jesse Reeves, Shelley GiglioRead the full press release detailing the event.