The members of Narrow Way crossed paths at Florida College in Temple Terrace, FL. In the fall of 2003, an interest in secular acapella music gave Thayne Washburn and Brandon Trout the idea to gather a group of guys together and attempt performing a song that was never meant to be sung without instruments. The song “Insomniac” was performed at the Florida College fall talent show with Jesse Bartley, Jerry Tesch, Randy Goff, and Travis Burch. The song was a hit and the student organized acapella group known as “20+Sunshine” had begun. After the performance, a mutual college friend had asked the group to perform a small benefit concert at the University of South Florida. With the addition of Jady Copeland to the group other acapella songs were quickly added to the 20+ list. The 2003-04 school year ended with the groups first full concert in Puckett Auditorium at Florida College and a farewell to member, Randy Goff.
The 2004-05 school year kept 20+ busy as they performed at multiple school functions and performed a final concert in the fall of ‘04. Well, at least, that was the plan. In the spring of ‘05 Ralph Walker, Director of Public Relations, asked the group if they would like to fly to Bowling Green, KY and perform. The concert would turn out to be their best and final performance.
Although 20+Sunshine had finished, their was one final request from a friend. It was a request by Rachel Hamilton for the four guys who would later be known as “Narrow Way” to sing some hymns in her wedding. Well, being college students made it somewhat difficult to afford plane tickets so instead they turned to Aaron Clayton. Aaron had been working at the USF radio station and had free access to the recording facilities. So 13 songs were put on a CD and sent to the wedding. The following fall they would record a 14th.
It was this simple CD for a friends wedding that brought forth “Narrow Way.” Copies of the music had been dispersed and after many request from friends and family to do a professional recording the group began making efforts to make a small dream a reality. It was as Jesse began work on copyrights that he crossed paths with world renowned pianist, Jay Conner. Jay’s hymn “I Close My Eyes” was one of the songs that Narrow Way had recorded on the wedding disk and after hearing their sound Jay made a request to hear other music. It was late on a Sunday evening in the fall of 2006 that Jay heard one of the groups favorite songs, “Glory.” And only days later Jay spoke to Jesse and offered to produce Narrow Way’s first album.
That brings us to the present...when in 2009, the album “Narrow Way” was released for sale and the group will begin planning their next album which is projected to release in the fall of 2010!
It's me again. Just wanted to say, when you have your album finished, let me know. :) I would love to promote Narrow Way's first release...on Church of Christ Radio! It would be my pleasure...you've truly got an amazing gift. :)
Love in Christ, Joseph Sullivan Manager of COC Radio
I used your music as example for my boyfriend who attends the Assembly of God. He didn't understand how people could sing without the instruments, but you're helping. Thanks a million.
I am very excited about hearing your new CD...since your music is the best I have heard in Christian acappella.
The life you breath into the words you sing lifts my spirit up. May God Bless you for sharing your talented songs with us.
Thanks for the add. We’ve wrapped up the East Coast tour. Talking the holidays off to write and prepare for recording. Maybe a Summer album! Hope you enjoyed my songs. I'd appreciate it if you'd add one to your profile. You can even add my video if you want! It was exciting to win the 2006 Grammy showcase in Miami. Oh! My picture and a little blurb were in ROLLING STONE Magazine’s October 19th issue!
