"TRAVELING ON" IS THE DEBUT SINGLE FROM HUSBAND & WIFE DUO ALABASTER GRACE'S LATEST PROJECT, THE SAVIOR IS CALLING
In Upbeat Song Based on Philippians 3:12-14, Intricate Jazz Guitars Underscore a Timely Message About Trusting God from Award-Winning Former NASA Rocket Scientist & Educator
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NASHVILLE, TN. (August 29, 2023) - Husband and wife duo Alabaster Grace has released "Traveling On," the debut single from their latest project, The Savior is Calling, from Westar Media Group.
Brad Perry, a highly decorated former NASA rocket scientist, and his wife, Joanie Perry, a dedicated educator, are known professionally as Alabaster Grace.
“Alabaster Grace continues to deliver great music! ‘Traveling On’ is an upbeat song that delivers a strong message on trusting God,” says Kathryn Livingston, Westar Media Group Director of Client Services.
For the follow-up to their most recent single, “All Together for Good,” the couple called on producer Corey Pavlosky of PipeDream Studios.
“’Traveling On’ was a blast to work on!" says Pavlosky. "Balancing the delicate rhythm section with the drive needed to make the song pop, all while not crowding the vocals was a challenge, but I’m really happy with how it came together!”
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Husband and wife duo Alabaster Grace is composed of award-winning former NASA rocket scientist, Brad Perry and his wife, educator Joanie Perry. The two have released their new single, "Traveling On," from Westar Media Group. (Image courtesy of Alabaster Grace)
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The song is based on Philippians 3:12-14: Not that I have already obtained this or am already perfect, but I press on to make it my own, because Christ Jesus has made me his own. Brothers, I do not consider that I have made it my own. But one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and straining forward to what lies ahead, I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus (Philippians 3:12-14 ESV).
“As believers, we are called to look to God in making all our decisions, both big and small," says Brad. "We must be ready to do as He instructs us, and this can mean packing our bags to move on to a new station in life. This song is just that: packing our bags and traveling through life with God in command. When we look to God to lead us, we can rest assured that He will show us what we are to do.”
“Traveling On” was birthed over a decade ago with the lyrics and melody from Joanie, Alabaster Grace's primary songwriter. When the duo started working on the song, Brad immediately gave the song a unique interlude and ending with his acoustic guitar, almost with a bluegrass flair.
"Last year, when we went into the recording studio with Corey Pavlosky, our producer in Virginia, the song morphed into a cool jazz vibe," says Joanie. "Brad still used his great acoustic licks, but he added some very interesting electric riffs with his Les Paul electric guitar and the magic happened!"
We have been ending a lot of our presentations with this song for a number of years," says Brad. "The theme of this song is surrendering to the Lord and letting Him lead our lives on a continual basis. To do this, we must let go of the past and move ahead in the plans He has for our lives. This requires trust, leaving all fear and doubt behind."
Alabaster Grace’s new single, "Traveling On" can be streamed on Spotify or YouTube.
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About Alabaster Grace:
He was a rocket scientist. She was a teacher. Today, they are Alabaster Grace, creating eclectic, thoughtful worship music that is as diverse and intriguing as their life story.
Brad Perry grew up in a Christian home and was drawn to aeronautics and space from a young age. As a boy, Brad and his father constructed a full-scale model of the Apollo Command Module in their basement, in which Brad simulated an actual Apollo mission in real time. Local and national media outlets covered his feat, which led to his NASA career.
At age 18, while studying aerospace engineering at Georgia Tech, Brad became one of the youngest cooperative education students to ever start at NASA.
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Former NASA rocket scientist, Brad Perry (R) along with his wife, educator Joanie Perry (L), create emotive, thoughtful worship experiences as Alabaster Grace (Keoni Keur photo)
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After graduation, he was hired by NASA's Johnson Space Center. Except for a six-year stint flying as a U.S. Air Force pilot, he worked continuously for NASA until retiring in 2013.
During Brad’s NASA career, he was on the design team of the International Space Station, served as an astronaut instructor for the Space Shuttle, and eventually became the Director of NASA's Science Support Office.
His hard work earned two of NASA's highest honors—the Exceptional Service Medal and the Outstanding Leadership Medal.
While Brad had his eyes to the sky, Joanie was, and still is, a tour de force as a singer, songwriter, and educator. Throughout a challenging childhood and difficult marriage, which led to divorce, Joanie learned to trust God. When she and Brad met on Christian Mingle, she never once doubted God's divine plan for her life.
“Sometimes God will do miracles beyond what you can even think or imagine, just as the Bible says,” Joanie muses. “When Brad came along, God gave me a second chance to share my life with someone who truly loves me, cherishes me, and accepts me for who I am. And, as an added bonus, the Lord has allowed us to be partners in our music ministry.”
Long before this pair of licensed ministers met in 2012 and started their musical ministry as Alabaster Grace, Brad and Joanie each learned to cling to God’s promises. Especially dear to them is Romans 8:28 — We know that all things work together for good for those who love God, who are called according to His purpose (Romans 8:28 NRSV).
“We feel like we have lived Romans 8:28,” says Joanie, referring to the trying times both endured before they met. “Both of us have been through some very hard times in our lives, but every time we have been in a difficult situation, the Lord has worked everything out for our good.”
Their unique backgrounds have contributed to a diverse and eclectic approach to their music. Regardless of the style or topic of each individual song, Alabaster Grace hopes to be a beacon of light to music lovers, pointing them to Jesus.
The couple continues to have a steady stream of concerts, leading worship, and sharing sermons and inspirational presentations, including their performance at the state of Virginia’s 56th annual Commonwealth Prayer Breakfast before an audience that included Virginia Governor Glenn Youngkin. Be it a church, retreat, conference, or coffeehouse, an audience of one or a thousand, Brad and Joanie love meeting people exactly where they are on their faith journey.
“We want to be obedient servants,” adds Brad. “It’s not about us. It’s about drawing others closer to the heart of God through song and worship, and offering everyone hope and encouragement. With our song lyrics being Scripture-based, we pray that people will search out and read their Bible after hearing the music. We just want to be good and faithful servants with the talents and the gifts God has given us.”
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To schedule an interview, contact:
McCain & Co. Public Relations
Phone: 615-262-1727
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