September 12, 2006 – Flow Records and Maranatha! Music present an extraordinary and enchanted night in Birmingham Alabama, when Classical, Jazz, and Gospel music came together to produce a sound that was nothing short of miraculous. Combine the pure anointed voice of gold recording artist Juanita Bynum, and the smooth sound of Jazz great Jonathan Butler, couple them with the 60-piece Gospel Goes Classical Symphony Orchestra and the seventy-five voice mass choir, and you have a live recording that transcends all musical genres - Gospel Goes Classical, an inspirational new double CD, that debuts September 26, 2006.

The orchestra and choir were led by renowned arranger/conductor, Dr Henry Panion, III, who has worked with legendary artists such as Stevie Wonder, Chaka Khan, Aretha Franklin, and the Winans. This talented visionary brought together singers from across the state to create a choir with the soulful sound of one great gospel singer, and merged them with the full resonance of a world-class symphony orchestra. This combination is the musical backdrop for Juanita Bynum and Jonathan Butler’s Gospel Goes Classical.

Live performances include favorites such as the new single “One Night With the King" performed by Bynum, and Butler’s popular “Falling In Love With Jesus” and “Don’t You Worry.” Both artists premiere new songs - Juanita introducing "To Be Kept By Jesus" and Jonathan performing the new single "We Need You Lord." The CD is capped off with a special duet featuring both artists, “I Don’t Mind Waiting,” an affirmation of love and trust in Jesus.

Bynum is a gifted vocalist, internationally acclaimed Bible teacher, prophetess and psalmist. She is fueled by a passion to fulfill God’s mandate for these turbulent times. Her thrust on character building by merging spirituality with everyday living provokes people to pursue a life of integrity. Wherever she goes, Bynum exhorts and encourages her listeners to deepen their intimacy with God and arise to their divine calling and destiny.

“The evening was spectacular,” said Bynum whose record company, Flow Records is partner in the project with Maranatha! Music. “This CD will truly usher listeners into the presence of the Lord. The fantastic orchestra and the various cultures and backgrounds of people who participated in this live recording truly speaks to music being universal, and I believe that this project will transcend to all music genres and will be appreciated by all humankind.”

Butler, multiple Grammy Award nominated, Gold-selling, international recording artist, has had successes over his twenty-five year recording career in pop, R&B, smooth jazz and adult formats. His canvas is even more expansive than the above mentioned genres, he masterfully dips his brush into vibrant hues of Africano, world music and gospel colorings. Butler, is a soulfully inspired man, who sees music as "the purpose and tool which God has used for my life." If we must label and define this individually gifted artist and his music, "Soul Jazz" seems to be the most fitting.

“Gospel Goes Classical was such an exciting project to be a part of. It is more than gospel; it brings together all forms of music and shows that you can bridge all genres. Not only is this an anointed project but also a message that transcends age, color and background,” said Butler.

Rarely does one find a musical collaboration that works on every level, but Gospel Goes Classical embraces the beautiful sound of the instruments and intertwines them with harmonious vocals producing an unforgettable evening of music, inspiration and praise.

About Gospel Goes Classical

On an ordinary night…an extraordinary event occurred. Recorded live at the Alys Stephens Performing Arts Center in Birmingham, Alabama, Juanita Bynum and Jonathan Butler bring fans Gospel Goes Classical. Backed by the Gospel Goes Classical Symphony Orchestra and Choir led by renowned arranger/conductor Dr. Henry Panion, III, the extraordinary live performances feature new songs and fan favorites in classical music splendor.

"Gospel Goes Classical started three years ago as an extraordinary one-of-kind event with dynamic performances by Byron Cage and Dorinda Clark Cole backed by the Alabama Symphony Orchestra," says Vernice Watson, founder and Executive Producer of the Live Concert series. "Gospel Goes Classical began as a dream and grew into the most sought after live event in the Gospel Music industry. It transformed an ordinary evening into an extraordinary event."