A very personal project that allowed him to step back from his usual rock styling in favor of a musical exploration of Gospel. This deliberate departure features high profile collaborations with an extraordinary cast, including Vince Gill, Amy Grant, American Idol finalist Chris Sligh, Joanne Cash, Erica Campbell(of Mary Mary) and a reunion of dcTalk(Kevin Max, Michael Tait and TobyMac)!

"This album was something I have been wanting to accomplish as a singer for many years." says Max. "It is literally going back to my roots in search of the music that resonated with me as a young man, when I was searching for something bigger that myself."

Max is quick to point out that The Blood is not a worship record or classic Hymns cover project, but rather "a sensitive and stylized adaption of the music that was at the root of rock and roll, blues and popular culture."

"I remember listening to Elvis, Mahalia Jackson, The Imperials, Andrae Crouch, but it took me years to understand the impact it had on me as a singer and an artist," explains Max. "These songs that I picked specifically related to me that the singer was in need of The Gospel more than The Gospel needing to be sung."

The Blood was produced by fellow recording artist/songwriter/musician Will Owsley (Amy Grant, Shania Twain, Michael McDonald), and features some of Nashville's finest players including Phil Madeira (B3, Organ, National Guitar), John Painter (Horns, HipHop Bass) and Vince Gill on Guitar, plus BGV's by Ashley Cleveland, Judson Spence and Kim Keys.

Final track listing:
1. The Old Rugged Cross
2. The Cross (featuring dcTalk)
3. Run On For A Long Time (featuring Chris Sligh)
4. Trouble of the World
5. I Know His Blood Can Make Me whole
6. Up Above My Head I Hear Music In The Air (featuring Amy Grant & Vince Gill)
7. They Won't Go When I Go
8. The Blood Will Never Lose It's Power
9. People Get Ready (featuring Erica Campbell of Mary Mary)
10. One Way-One Blood (featuring Joanne Cash)

Infinity Music Distribution will release the album through a unique partnership with Max's Blind Thief Publishing. An aggressive promotional campaign will include various retail promotions, national television appearances, a radio promo tour and heavy concert touring including a church tour currently being scheduled. The first radio single, "Run On for a Long Time" (featuring Chris Sligh), is going for adds now.

"Elvis Presley sang gospel music because he needed it in his life, not for fame," reflects Max. "That is precisely the reason I decided to make The Blood. these are songs that I needed to sing, because they fill me with joy."

Without a doubt, this is one of the year's most unique releases, from one of Christian music's most recognizable voices. We are anxious to set up interviews, and would appreciate reviews. Photos and CD art are available by request, so be sure to let me know if you need anything!