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A Grunge Rocker Changes Tune

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By SARAH ROTHWELL, The Tampa Tribune

Published: October 31, 2007

TEMPLE TERRACE - Brian Jones, 28, grew up rocking out to Nirvana and other grunge bands of the 1990s. As a teenager, he learned to play guitar and performed with garage bands. He spent weekends at dive bars, mimicking Kurt Cobain. Then, he accepted Jesus Christ.

Today, Jones is the worship leader at Centerpointe Community Church, a nondenominational, charismatic Christian church in Temple Terrace, and is an accomplished local Christian musician. He performs at churches throughout Florida and, in 2006, released a solo compact disc, 'Something More.'

Jesus makes music exciting, Jones said.

Were you raised in a Christian household?

I grew up in Brandon with my mother and stepfather, who were both Christians. They never forced anything on me, but they were always willing to share about Christianity if I asked. They always supported me in what I wanted to do.

When did you become interested in music?

I was 14 when I started playing guitar. Throughout high school, music had a huge impact on me. I was into anything MTV had on, which at the time was grunge music. I started writing music and performing in bands. I played bars and clubs almost every weekend.

What inspired you to make a change and start playing Christian music?

I became a Christian when I was 18, after I met my wife. We met when I was 17. Her dad was a pastor, and I went with her to church for about a year until I became a believer. Then, I changed my style of music and the places that I played.

Was it difficult to leave your old ways behind?

It was. On one hand, I wanted to keep my friends to be an influence on them, but, also, as a new believer, I wanted to be around people who would help me on my spiritual walk. It's hard.

Every year, even now, God will put someone in my life that I used to hang out with. I say: 'Is this a test? Am I strong enough to be at the place now where I can be an influence?'

When did you decide to pursue a career in the ministry?

Right away when I got saved. Once I made that decision, the lyrics and my music just had so much more meaning. Before, my music had been mostly about being depressed, sometimes because I really was and sometimes just because it was the trend. When I got saved, there was this excitement and joy because, for once, I was able to be happy. I almost immediately started calling churches, and I started playing at churches on a regular basis.

What brought you to Centerpointe Community Church?

I was a worship leader at First Church of South Brandon, and I met a woman named Cathy, who was a friend to my wife. She was from Centerpointe. Years later, because of that relationship, I got a call from Centerpointe. I started as the worship leader in January 2007.

What do you like about the church?

From the moment I stepped in the church, I felt an instant connection. They're the real-deal Christians. I like the history. The pastor has been here for 40 years. And then there's a 28 year-old rocker like me, who comes in, and that energy is there, too. The church is open to trying new things.

What's the difference in performing at church and performing at concerts?

Now that I'm a worship leader on a regular basis, I wrote a few songs specifically to include in worship. It's going really good. A lot of the stuff I write on my own that I perform at concerts or put on my solo CD is so much my own opinion that it might not connect with the wide church audience. I'll write specific stories about specific people with specific names. I try to stay outside of the box.

Describe your music style.

I like the singer-songwriter style. It's piano rock. I've been told it's Billy Joel meets Elvis Costello.

What musicians inspire you?

Keith Green. He's a piano man considered the godfather of Christian music. Elvis Costello.

Do you think secular music and Christian music can co-exist?

It's like with anything, you have to be selective. I sing all the time. If I'm listening to something I can't sing because I feel conflicted, like God wouldn't want me to sing it, I turn it off. It's like with television. There are a lot of channels. You have to be selective.

Musically, I get a lot from secular artists, the style and the chords. There's a lot more chords used in secular music than in Christian music. With a lot of Christian music out now, it's more predictable.

Lyrically, I'm inspired by artists like Keith Green.

Do you think there's room for a new and unpredictable sound in Christian music?

It's hard to be different. I think, in time, someone in Christian music will look for something new and different. The market will catch up with it. It's a matter of time.

What do you do when you aren't making music?

I have three children. I play soccer or video games with them. I can spend a few hours playing Super Mario Bros. with them. It takes me back.

Are your children interested in music?

My oldest likes a good beat. My middle child sings. My youngest absolutely loves music. Anytime she hears a beat, she goes to the piano and bangs on the keys.

Can you imagine your life without music?

No, I couldn't. Sitting at a piano or with a guitar and praying, to have that meditation time, I couldn't imagine my life without it. Music is how I'm able to bless others.

Brian Jones' CDs are available at www.brian-jones.net.

IF YOU GO

WHAT: Brian Jones at Centerpointe Community Church

WHEN: 10:30 and 11:30 a.m. and 6 p.m. Sundays

WHERE: Centerpointe Community Church, 8610 Temple Terrace Highway

INFORMATION: Call (813) 988-3557.

Sarah Rothwell can be reached at srothwell@tampatrib.com or (813) 865-4845.

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