Brad Hooks Drops ‘Hymnastics’
Known for his worship-focused and culturally relevant style, Brad Hooks recently released Hymnastics, a reconstructed hymns project that combines both acoustic and digital sounds which integrates elements from many genres including alternative rock, folk, pop and even hip-hop. Hymnastics highlights traditional lyrics set to unexpected melodies, classic songs with new rhythms and textures, and many other surprises – from the orchestral to the simplistic. However, this is not your typical hymns remake record. This drastically fresh yet completely worshipful album is available now through Calvary Distribution (www.calvaryd.org) and www.bradhooks.com.
In addition, Hymnastics also highlights Hooks’ talents behind the scenes serving as the album’s producer, arranger, and mixer. Hooks did all of the sequencing and instrumentation on the album and called in additional musicians to play bass, electric guitar and background vocals.
“Hymnastics was inspired by a variety of events that have taken place in my life over the last two years,” shares Hooks. “First, my coming on as Calvary Chapel Montebello’s worship leader [in Montebello, CA] played an enormous role. I incorporated reconstructed hymns as a significant part of CCM’s worship repertoire, utilizing the theological poignancy of the lyrics and contrasting it with a modern musicality.” At the same time Hooks was encouraged to write a few songs for some friends who were having children. These songs were nostalgic, comforting and playful. Though this new record is certainly not a collection of lullabies, he knew that he wanted to incorporate the same feelings: nostalgia- reminding the listener of their first love in Jesus, comfort- leading the listener to a quiet place of worship before God, and playfulness- taking the listener along a joyful journey with their Savior and closest friend.
Though the majority of Hymnastics is a collection of reconstructed hymns, Hooks also wanted to include several original worship songs that have resonated positively with the congregation of his home church Calvary Chapel Montebello. Thus the tracks “All Blessing” and “Into the Quiet Place” sit on the periphery of the project conceptually; however, musically and worshipfully they have still managed to find a cozy home.
A classically trained pianist and worship leader of 15 years, 28-year-old Hooks was born in the southern-fried metropolis of Charlotte, NC. At age 12, his family moved to San Francisco where they founded a church and rehabilitation center in the city’s Tenderloin District, an area of town known mostly for drugs, prostitution and homelessness. Barely a teenager, Brad began leading worship for his family’s primarily homeless congregation, which soon became known as the Hot Dog Church due to its feeding program that served – you guessed it – hot dogs.
At age 15, with his baritone vocals and powerful piano, the wide-eyed, redheaded teenager initiated the award-winning band Caterfly, which toured during Brad’s high school and college years. A versatile group, Caterfly both performed original songs as well as led worship for youth groups, church conventions, and multi-denominational gatherings. It was during this time that their song “Learn” became a local radio hit on San Francisco’s The Bridge 100.7FM.
Brad married and moved to Santa Barbara, where he was featured in Santa Barbara Magazine as “One To Watch” and began playing keys for 3-time world champion surfer and singer/songwriter Tom Curren, with whom he has toured Australia, South America and Europe. The next year, he and his wife relocated to Los Angeles. There Brad once again partnered with his family in the starting of a new church and homeless foundation, both under the heading of West Coast Care. Brad continues expanding his music career – now composing and producing for other artists – while heralding worship as the forefront of his calling.
Brad Hooks is currently the music director for Calvary Chapel Montebello as well as a touring worship artist.
Tagged as: Brad Hooks, Hymnastics
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